CH2 MAGAZINE JUNE 2024

Where there are moms there are children

Sea Shack gives locals and visitors the comfort food that keeps reeling us back in.

GENIUSES AT WORK

Ambassador of Buzz

Maggie Marie Washo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Chief Chatter

Kim Conrad Crouch

Sales Rockstar “Just Kandace” Cunningham

Head of Schmoozing

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Wizard of Light Bulb Moments Jevon Daly

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

Comic Sans Annihilator

Catherine Davies

Digital Sorceress

Hunter Kostylo

Aspiring Novelists

Jesse Blanco

Tiger Bye

Courtney Hampson

Barry Kaufman

Amber Kuehn

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Larry Toomer

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Photography by M.Kat

Photography by Kelli Boyd

Photography by Gustavo Rattia

Find Us Here PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

EDITOR'S NOTE JUNE 2024

TIME FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT

Ever since I moved to Hilton Head Island on July 2, 1992, I’ve strongly disliked the summers here. As a former upstate New York resident, I found the heat and humidity absolutely unbearable. It wasn’t culture shock I experienced in the South; it was climate shock.

Lately, it occurs to me that as I approach the “July” of my life (presuming I’ll live to be 95, based on the fact that I have two grandmothers still living at over 90), that I need to stop wishing away four months of my life.

So, this year, I vow to celebrate the things I love about summer in the Lowcountry and build upon this list as the next four months progress.

1. I love that the sun is up by 6 a.m. in June. As an early riser, I enjoy those few extra hours in the morning to get in a workout, plan for the day, and cuddle my canine friends.

2. This may seem a strange one, but on those warm evenings that I’m leaving Sea Pines around 7 or 8 p.m., I’ve always loved the smell of the restaurants at Park Plaza and the Triangle as I drive by with the windows down. It’s a cacophony of aromas beckoning to hungry patrons.

3. The energy is just different in the summer – the island is alive with the sounds of strumming guitars and laughing voices as the vacation hubs of Shelter Cove, Coligny Plaza, and Harbour Town come to life. It makes me feel like I’m on vacation, so

Actual photographic evidence of me enjoying an outdoor activity last summer at Roy & Becky Prescott’s Annual Happy Birthday America Extravaganza. Jevon was also having a great time but sometimes his face forgets to smile.

even though I’m not, I revel in the feeling of excited vacationers, pumped for their upcoming adventures.

4. People-watching is more fun in the summer. I like heading to the beach with a frosty beverage (non-alcoholic, obviously) to observe. Kids playing with their dads in the surf, teenage girls trying to get that perfect social media shot, and boys tossing the football back and forth – it all plays out like a film I’ve seen before, with the characters changing ever so slightly from year to year. I hope you enjoy this, the first of our summer issues. We cover a bunch of summery things, including sea turtles, surf guys, and sea shacks.

Send me your list of things you love about summer in the Lowcountry and we’ll print them in the July issue. Email your list to maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com or shoot me a message on social. 

Fare thee well,

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Article by Amber Kuehn

THE NEXT GENERATION

WWHERE THERE ARE MOMS, THERE ARE CHILDREN

ith one month of sea turtle patrol complete, we have successfully accomplished the start to the sea turtle season. There are five months to go, keeping pace with nesting females and hatchlings. We expect around 300 nests this season.

This is the fun part! The hard work happens when the sea turtles have left our beaches. The grant applications and program management planning escalate. The funding that makes all of this happen is secured in the months when turtles are favoring warmer currents and the last hatchling has left the beach to embark on a 30year journey at sea.

There are 20 volunteers on Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, but that is not the extent of our helpers. There are 50 members of the newly formed Sea Turtle Patrol Auxiliary who participate in the many outreach programs that complete the mission of our nonprofit organization.

The Auxiliary teams include community presence, docents, sand management, administrative and fundraising, classroom, rental outreach, sea turtle friendly certified, and pocket beach walkers. The goal for this inaugural season with the Auxiliary is to keep a small group educated and passionate about the sea turtles. Each individual has their own talent to share.

Captions listed left to right, top to bottom: 1) Moms on the track helped get everyone excited about the race. 2) Success! Kids crossing the Loggerhead Loop finishing line with their trash can lid “turtle shells” on their back. 3) Loggerhead Loop finishers wear their medals with pride. 4) Jack crawling with the “hatchlings” on the obstacle course. 5) Stretching and getting focused for the Loggerhead Loop. 6) Sandie helps participants make their own bracelets. 7) Deb and Mary Jo set up their “tattoo” shop during the event. 8) It’s perfectly fine to “stroll” across the finish line!

Photography by Gustavo Rattia

We introduced the program in February and continue to meet monthly. The group has been very enthusiastic as they learn the scope of what the organization can accomplish. Our Auxiliary is more than just a motivated environmental outreach group; it is a support group that believes in the vision of the Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Marking nests and collecting data is very important, but it is also fulfilling to inspire individuals in this community to learn more about endangered sea turtles that nest on our beach every season.

Sea Turtle Patrol HHI Auxiliary members can be identified wearing a sky blue shirt, similar to the royal blue shirt worn by the Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, the nest-monitoring team that is permitted by state and federal regulations required, and who interact directly with sea turtle nests, eggs, and hatchlings. All beach operations are performed by volunteers.

The successful 2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kickoff event was held May 11 at Lowcountry Celebration Park in conjunction with the Mom’s Day 5K, a fundraiser for Sea Pines Montessori Academy, organized by Hilton Head Running Company.

We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing work of Sea Turtle

wish

All moms are winners! Medal ceremony after race.

The Sea Turtle Patrol theme for the 2024 sea turtle nesting season is Next Generation, so we thought it would be appropriate to incorporate the Loggerhead Loop with the Mom’s Day 5K race – because where there are moms, there are children.

Sea Pines Montessori’s art club and members of the Auxiliary in Port Royal painted trash can lids, donated by Shore Beach Services, to resemble the pattern on turtle shells. There were approximately 40 children, each outfitted with a unique turtle “shell” as they ran the Loop, the 250 meters of sidewalk surrounding Celebration Park.

The Loop was set up as an obstacle course, complete with dunes fashioned from brown paper, abandoned beach chairs, towels, beach toys, holes marked by black discs, and sandcastles made from cardboard boxes. The obstacles highlighted a hatchling’s treacherous journey to the ocean, represented by a blue kiddie pool on the opposite side of the lawn.

Beginning at a “nest” site, some kids ran the course, while others crawled with their painted trash can lid on their back. It was a fun activity with an important takehome message.

Patrol HHI team members.

Supportive kids

their mom luck on the Mom’s Day 5K.

Help Save Our Sea Turtles!

Remember to:

• Keep our beach clean, flat, and dark

• Use a red flashlight on your nighttime beach walks

• Fill holes dug in the sand

• Knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach

• Remove all personal belongings

• Place litter in the proper receptacles

For crossing the finish line, participants received a runner’s medallion shaped like a sea turtle with a lanyard commemorating the occasion.

To prepare for Mother’s Day, kids were given the opportunity to decorate a gift bag, color a wooden sea turtle ornament, and make a bracelet with sea turtle shaped beads as a gift for mom. Other activities such as face painting and temporary tattoos were enjoyed during the event. All these fun activities were led by Auxiliary members – whose dedication was apparent at 6 a.m. when set up began.

This new assembly of Auxiliary members is truly a support system for community outreach under the guidance of experienced members of the Sea Turtle Patrol. Equipped with the knowledge and practices to pass on to visitors and residents, Auxiliary teams will be spreading sea turtle conservation awareness and inspiring others.

The first nest of the season was laid on the north end of Hilton Head on May 9. Sea Turtle Patrol HHI dedicates this nest to the youth who are motivated by education, awareness, and their desire to be excellent caretakers of our beaches, our sea turtles, and the marine environment.

Visit SeaTurtlePatrolHHI.org to learn more about the program. 

Turn into a mermaid or a pirate at the new indoor beach during a magical photography session that will create lasting memories.

MERMAID OF HILTON HEAD

DIVES INTO A NEW CHAPTER

Mermaid of Hilton Head, a local business known for its enchanting Mermaid Encounter boat tours and Turn Into a Mermaid experiences, has opened a store in Tanger 2 Outlets in Bluffton. The new location will not only provide an expanded shopping experience but also serve as a hub for engaging community events, making a splash in the local scene.

The new Mermaid of Hilton Head store, located near the H&M store, boasts an array of offerings to captivate visitors of all ages. From clothing and toys to books and home goods inspired by the magical world of mermaids and the ocean, the store is a treasure trove for those seeking unique and whimsical items.

One of the highlights of the new store is an indoor play area and ocean educational exhibits, providing an immersive experience for children and families. Mermaid of Hilton Head aims to create a space where learning and play come together, fostering a sense of wonder and exploration for their customers.

With the expanded location, Mermaid of Hilton Head will host a series of exciting community events throughout the year, including movie nights, story time sessions, and craft events. These activities aim to bring the local

Dive into fun and imagination at the nautical-themed indoor play area, where every day is a

community together in a fun and engaging environment, creating lasting memories for families and friends.

One of the most anticipated features of the new store is the inclusion of a dedicated photography studio. Visitors can transform into mermaids through the Turn into a Mermaid Experience and participate in enchanting photoshoots, creating magical keepsakes to cherish.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new adventure with our larger store in Tanger 2 Outlets,” said Nina Leipold, cofounder of Mermaid of Hilton Head. “Our goal is not only

Mermaid of Hilton Head store front at Tanger 2 (next to H & M)

seaside adventure

Follow @mermaidofhiltonhead on social media to learn about events such as book signings, presentations, and crafting (for adults) as well as youth-focused events and crafts, movie nights, birthday parties, and more.

to offer a unique shopping experience but to become a vibrant hub for the community. We want our store to be a place where families – both locals and tourists – can come together, have fun, learn about the ocean, and create lasting memories.”

As this expansion takes place, this will be the final year of the Mermaid Encounter Boat Tours. Mermaid Nina is planning to retire to shift her focus onto bigger ocean conservation projects in the future. Be sure to book soon to save your spot so you can experience the magic of one final season of a wild mermaid encounter.

Mermaid of Hilton Head is a whimsical and magical company that focuses on fun and educational experiences. The company offers Mermaid Encounter Tours, Sunset and Dolphin Cruises, Turn into a Mermaid Experience and Photoshoot, unique merchandise, and community events for families and visitors. With a commitment to creating enchanting memories, Mermaid of Hilton Head invites all to dive into the magic of the underwater world. 

LAWYERS Lowcountry L L

Bannon Law Group, LLC  Butler & College, LLC

Hale and Hale, P.A.  Akins Law Firm, LLC

Liberty Oak Law Firm  Goodman Law, LLC

Bannon Law Group, LLC

When Jim and Meredith Bannon first came up with the idea of combining their two areas of expertise into a single law firm, they were the first to admit that it was hardly a natural fit.

“It doesn’t make sense that we’re together as a practice other than we’re married,” Jim said.

The Bannon Law Group makes more sense than simple convenience. With their focus on client satisfaction, Jim and Meredith have made an odd combination work.

With Jim focusing on criminal defense and Meredith serving the real estate community, there was no playbook for creating a law firm that handled two such wildly diverse client bases. And yet, like the first time some intrepid candymaker first brought together peanut butter and chocolate, the sum total of their brilliance wound up being worth more than the sum of their parts.

They were immediately embraced by the Lowcountry, particularly in Bluffton where their quirky sense of humor made them right at home. After serving the community as assistant solicitors for

years, Jim and Meredith realized a need in the Bluffton community for their unique brand of practicing law. This is, after all, the law firm that used such colorful slogans pointing out how they can cover you “from the big house to your dream house” and “From ROI to DUI.”

With much of Jim’s business coming from across the river, an expansion into Savannah was the natural next step. Running dual offices for the past several years, the Bannons have struck the right balance of service and legal knowledge. This success got the wheels turning on other local areas that needed the Bannon touch.

“We’ve had such a positive response in Bluffton and Savannah, we thought we could bring our unique skills to Charleston,” Meredith said. “There is so much overlap with people moving into all three of our cities that this growth happened organically.”

Their new office opened earlier this year, boasting the same dual dedication to criminal defense and real estate law, with attorney Kimberly Glass helping Meredith serve residential and commercial real estate clients.

“People are moving to the Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Savannah areas every day,” Meredith said. “This market has been really good to us, and this summer is shaping up to be even better. I think everyone’s waiting for property values to slow down, but there’s nothing to indicate that’s happening. We live in the best area of the country and other people are taking notice.”

It’s a well-deserved expansion of a legal practice that shouldn’t work, yet somehow does. And as the Bannons have proven, it not only works, it thrives. Today, the Bannon empire stretches across two state lines. Who knows where this dynamic couple will set their sights on next?

“We still have our focus on Bluffton,” Meredith said. “That’s our home.”

Butler & College, LLC

At Butler & College, LLC, we focus our practice on helping businesses, individuals, and families with their real estate and estate planning needs in a manner that is honest, affordable, and customer oriented. Our firm has eight convenient locations stretching from Calabash, N.C. to Bluffton, S.C.

Owners Ryan Butler, Andrew College, Ashley Brown, and Frances Reindollar believe our team should be with you from contract to closing. Though many of our clients never see us except for the day they sign their closings documents, it is important to understand how much your real estate closing attorney is working for you behind the scenes. From

Hale & Hale P.A

1533 Fording Island Rd., Suite 294 Moss Creek Village Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 837-3000 www.haleandhalelaw.com

Hale & Hale P.A. is a multi-service law firm with strong Lowcountry roots, having served the area since 1991. Backed by a highly efficient team, this firm is spearheaded by Rebecca Hale, who grew up in Greenville, but has been in the Lowcountry almost 40 years.

One of the many things that sets Hale & Hale apart is their team approach. This is, to hear them tell it, a “firm family,” working in tandem to provide legal representation. As the newest member of the team, associate attorney Taylor Clary was welcomed into the family four months ago.

“I appreciate the power of the team approach. Together, we combine our unique skills, knowledge, and experiences to tackle challenges and serve our clients effectively,” Clary

researching your title and ensuring the closing documents have been executed, Ashley, Natalia, and the Bluffton team make sure things go smoothly on closing day.

In addition to handling real estate transactions, attorney Natalia Chandler is an experienced litigator. She can assist with minor criminal matters and family law related issues.

Tom McNutt is the estate planning attorney for the Bluffton location. He knows that no matter where you are in your life’s journey, you have undoubtedly worked hard to build your personal and financial legacies. You worry about what would happen to your family if you were to become disabled or pass away. When you create an estate plan with Tom, you can worry less. Butler & College offers free estate planning consultations so you will know your options and how much it will cost before you commit.

said. “Collaboration not only enhances our work but also fosters a supportive and dynamic office environment, which I so value.” As a Bluffton native, Clary understands the unique intricacies of local real estate and is committed to providing legal services tailored to meet their clients’ individual needs.

This tight-knit team covers a variety of practice areas including real estate, business, probate, and estate planning. At Hale & Hale, they strive to make your real estate transactions seamless as they assist you in navigating the process. They also endeavor to provide efficient estate planning and probate administration at a reasonable cost.

Additionally, Hale & Hale knows how to give back to the community by volunteering and providing pro bono services. Every month, money from each real estate closing is contributed to a different local charity.

Hale & Hale P.A. is conveniently located in Moss Creek and has a satellite office in Okatie near Sun City (by appointment only). To learn more, call (843) 837-3000.

Ashley Brown Tom McNutt

Natalia Chandler

Akins Law Firm,

In an age that has seen law firms balloon in size to nationwide proportions, there is a certain comfort in knowing your attorney is not just an employee of a massive corporation. There is a lot more comfort in knowing your attorney has been a valued member of the community for several decades, trusted not only by clients but by his peers in

the legal community.

When one calls Akins Law Firm, Dale Akins might be the one answering the phone. If you can trust an attorney to answer the phone, you can trust him to be there when you need him, and that is precisely what an attorney should do – be there.

Being there for clients is what drove Dale Akins to “put on the white hat” as

he calls it, moving to personal injury and employment law after starting his career under a much darker hat.

“I was an insurance defense lawyer for a brief period until I saw how messed up everything was,” he said. Realizing that he was part of a machine built to protect the powerful against their own negligence and carelessness, he turned his allegiance to the victims, not only focusing on personal injury and employment law but also civil rights and product liability.

Now, he does battle with insurance companies almost daily.

He has taken on high-profile cases and has successfully litigated against powerhouse defendants such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Walmart, and Home Depot.

“I tell people we are one step above the dentist or undertaker,” he said with a laugh. “Nobody goes to an attorney because they want to; they come to us because they must. And if I can give people hope or relief, it is all worthwhile. It is very rewarding to help people find some measure of compensation after serious injury or death.”

Dale Akins’ story is simply one about an attorney who saw the light and began helping people fight the system that wronged them, and it is one that is told with every client for whom he helps achieve results.

Liberty Oak Law Firm

71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 230 Hilton Head Island SC 29928 (843) 671-5550

www.libertyoaklaw.com

Agood attorney is able to help you in myriad ways, using their knowledge of the labyrinth that is the legal system to help you navigate your way to the best possible outcome. And that’s ultimately their job – not litigating, not arguing, but helping you.

“That’s the most important part of what we do, whether it be the real estate team supporting clients with purchasing or selling probably the largest asset they’ll ever own, or on the litigation side where our client is enduring an unpleasant experience they didn’t volunteer for,” said Kori Brett McKeithan.

As owner of Liberty Oak Law Firm, McKeithan focuses on the real estate side of this dynamic law firm, steering clients through transactions involving homes and condos to boats slips and equity lines of credit. Her

Goodman Law LLC

5796 Guilford Place Bluffton, SC 29910

843-277-3902 www.goodmanlawllc.com

What is your area of practice?

Family law and personal injury.

Tell us about your most memorable case.

Early in my career I was appointed to represent clients that were facing termination of parental rights, which I have since done many, many times. In this case there were significant language and culture barriers, but it was clear that the clients should not lose their children. At the end of trial, the clients were able to keep their children and I still see them from time to time, happy and healthy. I’m not a magician or superhero, and I didn’t do something others can’t, but it was a big win for justice and for me has always represented the impact I can have on families in my community, one case at a time.

husband, Joseph DuBois, leads the litigation side of the firm, representing clients who have been injured in automobile accidents, on the job, or due to medical malpractice, as well as those who have suffered from nursing home abuse.

It’s a varied practice built on a foundation of service and clear, honest communication.

“Good legal service, in my opinion, starts with good customer service. We answer all phone calls typically on the first ring,” McKeithan said. “If the paralegal doesn’t know the answer an attorney will pick up the line and discuss with the client. We also answer emails the same day they are received. We are dedicated to supporting clients through these momentous times by helping them traverse the legalities and land safely on the other side.”

Is there a person in your life that inspired you to practice law?

My parents have always told me I would be a lawyer, oftentimes if I was arguing with them. I’m certain that it was challenging to parent me at times, but they always encouraged me to lean into my strengths, and advocating zealously is in my DNA.

If you were to take on a second career, what would it be?

A party planner. I love to host parties and I believe it plays an important part in our lives with family and friends.

Give us some advice, based on your experience in the field. (Could be on anything!)

Always be true to yourself, fight for what you want, you can choose the lawyer you want to be and it’s okay if that changes over time.

When not at the office, we can find you… At my children’s sporting events, on the boat, in my garden, on the beach.

When you escape the Lowcountry for a vacation, where do you head?

To my favorite place, my family’s beach house.

A Day at the Beach Catching Waves near Jacana

Pictured from left to right: Nate Jr. and Nathan Skager, Palmer Pritchard, Brian Kinard, Jevon Daly, Byron Sewell, Cody and Chris Hughes

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography M.Kat

Surf Gods with Dad Bods

Come shred the gnar with the young beach bums who have matured into the island’s second wave of surfers.

Fatherhood and surfing have a lot in common. For one thing, neither is ever something you truly do on your own time. More than your own schedule, the waves decide when surf’s up. It’s their rhythm, crashing in an eternal cadence against the shore, and we are merely floating along on it as best we can.

Likewise, fatherhood never happens on your own time. From the beginning, whether a man is planning on it or not, it comes when the child decides it’s time. And when that child arrives, looking to its father for guidance, they rarely ask for help at the most convenient times. Usually, they wait until you’re in the bathroom, in the middle of fixing something, or until they hear the “hike” before a crucial third-down situation.

From there, in both surfing and fatherhood, it’s a matter of catching the wave when the time is right. You get one chance to drop in before that wave is gone forever, and you have only so long with children before they’re off living their own life. You catch your wave, or it’s gone forever.

Nate Skager and Byron Sewell, local surf instructors for the Island Rec Center and Palmetto Dunes, spend an afternoon at the beach helping our little models catch the waves.

That singular instant, a lifetime of memories created from the most transient of moments, is what truly defines both fatherhood and surfing.

But what they truly share, as these surfing dads will attest, is that they’re both incredibly fun.

“I’ve got photos of my son at two days old, fresh out of Hilton Head Hospital, and I stuck his toe in the ocean. It was his indoctrination into salt water,” said local surfer Jesse Cadman. Raised in Pacifica, California, Cadman started surfing at the age of 5.

Surf Gods with Dad Bods

When he moved to Hilton Head Island just before his freshman year of high school, Cadman found himself in the middle of a tight-knit surfing community. Naturally, it was something he wanted his son, JD, to experience for himself.

“He’s a typical island boy now. I swear the kid’s part fish,” Cadman said. “It’s really cool seeing him discovering all of this and seeing it through his eyes.”

Like so many of the island’s young surfers in those days, Cadman grew up in the orbit of the Sewell family. Hamp Sewell was already a surfing legend and East Coast champion when he and his wife, Sis, moved here in 1971. The couple started Kindred Spirits, a children’s multifaceted education program, which included surfing lessons. Like this latest generation of dads, Hamp’s greatest protégé was his own son, Byron.

“I started when I was 3 and my dad was one of the first surfers here,” said Byron. “It’s crazy to me to see the generations growing up. It’s such a wild gift.”

That legacy Hamp Sewell created lives on not only through Byron, who began teaching at Kindred Spirits in 1990, and through the countless island kids who grew up surfing thanks to Hamp, but through the islanders who are passing that love along to the next generation.

Nate Skager, who leads surf lessons for young students at Island Rec Center, said when he arrived on the island in 2004, he didn’t find surfing instruction available for locals. So he started giving lessons at Burke’s Beach.

“I would get 23 to 25 kids. It was crazy, and I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Skager said. “But we worked it out and it got better and better.”

Along with the kids he teaches to appreciate our waves, Skager is sharing his love of the sport with his kids Amelia, 12, and Nate Jr., 9.

“We started when they were 3 years old, boogey boarding a lot together,” Skager said. “I would just kind of sandwich the kid between board and my chest and we’d cruise down the waves together. Then, I’d put them on the nose of my longboard in their swimmies and stay on my belly. Now they’re paddling themselves out.”

Chris Hughes, who runs the Hilton Head Surf Report on Instagram, is one of those generations who grew up surfing on the island, looking up to guys like Byron Sewell and learning at their feet.

“We all looked up to Byron; he was the state champion,” Hughes said.

Like so many of his contemporaries, Hughes has introduced his own son to the island’s surfing scene. Born in 2005, young Cody was surfing by age 3. It

didn’t take long for this natural talent to hang ten over his own dad.

“He’s surpassed me in terms of waves he’ll surf,” Hughes said. Since Cody turned 11, he and his dad have been traveling the globe to find the best surfing spots, from Mexico to Montauk. It was on one of those trips this past November that Hughes realized the student had become the teacher. “There was this one wave where me and Byron didn’t paddle out, but he did. … It was definitely a point I realized he has less fear than I do.”

Local surfer Brian Kinard grew up roping steer in Texas until he traded in his boots for flip flops when he moved to Key West in the 1990s. He got bit by the surfing bug during a three-week trip to Costa Rica and has been riding the

Palmer Pritchard catches a wave with the help of Nate Skager and rides it in; Jevon Daly makes it look easy on a windy day at the beach.

waves ever since. These days, he’s taking his children, Clementine, 6, and Cash, 4, along for the ride.

“They have little soft-top boards I bought last summer for them to learn on. I was pushing them into waves last year, and they’re already asking to go back this year,” Kinard said. “I don’t know that I have the next Kelly Slater on my hands, but they’re enjoying the water and the camaraderie of friends on the beach. It’s all about having fun, making connections with mother nature and their friends.”

And that environment, one where the community helps each other

Surf Gods with Dad Bods

Brian Kinard kitesurfing; Jesse Cadman and his son Jesse Dakota head out for a sunset surfing adventure, Harry smiles for the camera.

Nate helps his son catch a ride into shore.

out through the choppy waters of surfing and fatherhood, is what truly sets Hilton Head Island apart.

“We have a really cool surf scene. Some areas can be very aggro,” Hughes said. “The environment and the vibe and the water around here is the complete opposite of that. It’s Southern hospitality on the water. Everyone’s pushing each other on. And Byron is the total stoke guy.”

As the stoke guy, Sewell carries on the tradition started by his father.

“I never had my own kids,” he said, “but I always felt like I had hundreds.” 

Jevon Daly clowns around with Clementine and Cash Kinard; Byron jumps off of his board into the surf.

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat

Ready, Set, exploRe

Fusion of two dynamic adventure businesses broadens land and sea experiences

Hilton Head Island’s success as a vacation destination comes down to one thing – the richly dynamic experience it offers.

Sure, we might have a reputation as a “golf destination,” and we come by it honestly. But let’s not forget the allure of our maritime forests and marshes, and the miles of cycling pathways that traverse them. Let’s remember the draw of our endless waterways, the wildlife they nurture, and the secrets their tides reveal.

The point is, we are so much more than just golf and tennis. We are a destination that begs to be explored. In bringing together two aspects of his business portfolio, Jeremy Gonsalves has given visitors – and residents – an entirely new way to begin their exploration.

Gonsalves, owner of Island Life Bike Rentals, purchased revered charter outfit Island Explorer this past February from Jim Harkins, one of the pioneering charter captains on the island. Both businesses represent a range of ways to discover the island’s many treasures.

In bringing them together, Gonsalves envisions a new way to bring people that island life they can discover only through exploration.

“I purchased Island Explorer this past February with a personal goal to combine the businesses into an outfitter that creates an experience and builds lasting vacation memories,” he said.

Merging the two entities into Island Life Bike Rentals and Dolphin Tours, Gonsalves is doing more than simply

Dakota Staff heads out with a group of island visitors in early May. Island Explorer departs from the dock in front of the Old Oyster Factory on Marshland Rd.

combining the offerings of two experiential businesses. He’s infusing the entire operation with a renewed sense of hospitality, born of his extensive experience in the industry.

“I went to school for hospitality management with a focus on outdoor recreation. When I came here, I saw an opportunity to use that knowledge and skillset to bring hospitality to the bike rental market,” Gonsalves said.

That opportunity came in the form of a few smaller rental businesses that were looking to sell. Scattered across the south end, these shops gave Island Life Bike Rentals a solid foundation upon which to build. Scaling up carefully to ensure the level of service never faltered, Gonsalves grew that business from a few shops to a fleet of thousands of bicycles.

Meet the Team:

Andrew Evans, Jeremy Gonsalves, Dakota Staff, Thaddeus Clark, Angela Mullis and John Minter,

Adventure Awaits:

From dolphin tours to sunset cruises and excursions to Daufuskie, Island Explorer combines the best of land and sea discoveries.

And when the opportunity came up to expand beyond two-wheeled adventure by adding the celebrated Island Explorer to the mix, it was a natural next step.

“Growing up in Marshfield, Massachusetts, all of my friends had boats and we’d always be out fishing,” Gonsalves said. “And I worked at a boat yard when I was younger, so this has always been something I love doing. What I want to do is bring a little bit of that hospitality background to it and really focus on what the customer wants.”

Fortunately, his purchase didn’t net him just Island Explorer’s fleet of three skiffs, two 12-passenger boats and one 14-passenger boat. It also brought him an experienced crew whose dedication to creating great experiences matches his own.

“Everybody that was employed by Jim Harkins stayed on,” Gonsalves said. “It is such an experienced, knowledgeable group. We’re not that run-of-the-mill operation piling 50 people on a boat. We’re a little bit different.”

Launching from the Old Oyster Factory on Broad Creek, Island Explorer enjoys one of the best berths on the island.

“It’s nice and quiet back there, and with the Old Oyster Factory right there, it makes for a great spot for people to have lunch before their trip or enjoy a sunset dinner afterwards,” Gonsalves said.

While their launch provides a spectacular prologue or epilogue to an exploration, it’s the destinations that have made Island Explorer such a perfect match for Gonsalves’ vision of elevated exploration.

“The Vanishing Island is by far our most popular outing,” Gonsalves said. This three-hour trip heads up Broad Creek, spying dolphins, birds, the occasional manatee, and beautiful scenery along the way, until it arrives at a geological marvel of the island’s tides.

“When you get out to the sound, there’s an island that exposes itself only for about an hour at low tide,” Gonsalves said. “We let everyone off the boat and they just get to explore and comb the sand for starfish, sand dollars, crabs, shells … and it’s such an experience doing all of this in the middle of Calibogue Sound.”

That’s just one of the myriad experiences on offer, from dolphin tours to sunset cruises and excursions to Daufuskie Island. In bringing together Island Life Bike Rentals and Island Explorer, Gonsalves combines the best of land and sea discoveries.

And that exploration is just beginning.

“I think about what’s next daily,” Gonsalves said. “We’ll probably grow the fleet, but not by much. We want to keep that intimate experience. We may jump into kayak tours or stand-up paddleboarding next … but I don’t know where we’re going yet.”

Rest assured the next step will take visitors on another unforgettable journey. 

Special thanks to the team at

Point for their Southern hospitality!

Summer is the best time to hop on a boat and explore the little historic island just a few minutes away by water. We spent the day with Lauren Hunt and the Haig Point team, who hosted our shoot and ferried us around by golf cart to some of the island’s most scenic spots.

Photography by M.Kat • Styled by Kaila Jeffcoat

Modeled by Gioia DiBartolomeo + Julia Rockett

Haig

The Haig Point Ferries shuttle residents of Haig Point and their guests from Daufuskie to Hilton Head Island every hour from 6:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.. Julia is photographed in an ensemble from Coastal Bliss.

Julia is photographed at the Oyster Union Society Hall in an ensemble by Outside Hilton Head.

Sunglasses available at Eyeland Optique

Gioia is photographed in a look from Gigi’s Boutique at the driftwood beach.

It looks like Savannah, but it’s really Haig Point. Julia is photographed amongst the live oaks and a beautiful fountain in an ensemble by The Haven. Q

Gioia strikes a pose in a beach-ready look from Kelly Caron Curated at Freeport Marina. This busy port plays host to Daufuskie Island visitors with a waterfront view at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Belly up to the bar and enjoy the house cocktail (A Scrap Iron) while you listen to local entertainment.

A day at Haig Point most likely includes a round of golf and lunch at the clubhouse to celebrate your score. Gioia is photographed at the Haig Point Clubhouse in a dress by Southern Tide.

Ensemble available at Collage. Stop by Common Grounds for an espresso and a sweet treat as you explore the island.

RJulia is photographed near the Haig Point Golf Club in an ensemble available at Southern Tide.

The Haig Point Lighthouse overlooks the Caliboque Sound and is a guest house for those looking to explore Haig Point as a potential residence. Gioia is wearing an ensemble from Birdie James.

Julia enjoys a beverage in a suit from Haskins & Co. at the Haig Point Beach Club, which offers a private beach experience and views of the Harbour Town lighthouse across the water.

Gioia is photographed in an ensemble by Palmettoes at a new special event location next to Freeport Marina.

Gioia is photographed in a bathing suit and cover-up by Haskins & Co. at the Haig Point Beach Club Pool.

Julia strikes a pose at the Silver Dew Winery in a look by Maggie & Me

Article by Cheryl Ricer

Photography by Kelli Boyd & courtesy of Nicole Harrington

A Moss Creek Celebration

Clubhouse renovation reflects the best life has to offer

Moss Creek has always been a place where families have come together to enjoy the best life has to offer. This sentiment has never been truer than right now.

Fifty years ago this month, on June 20, 1974, Moss Creek was established with the goal of becoming one of the premier communities of the Lowcountry. That year, many families began living out their dreams.

Today, those families’ dreams and more have come to fruition and Moss Creek has become exactly what those original visionaries intended: a beautiful community to call home.

The community of Moss Creek has been celebrating their milestone in a variety of ways, not the least of which is the recent renovation of their clubhouse.

Casual member dining room with cozy, corner banquette seating. A custom bar and lounge seating make the perfect gathering place for Moss Creek members and guests. R

“The previous update was a minor one – new paint, new flooring, etc.,” said Suzanna Johnston, assistant general manager at Moss Creek. “Now, with the help of Woods Dendy Architects, Fraser Construction, and Kelly Caron Designs, we’ve completely renovated about 90% of the clubhouse so that it reflects a fresh Lowcountry aesthetic and an air of celebration.”

Fraser Construction, led by CEO Joseph B. Fraser III, has built more new clubhouses in the Lowcountry than any other contractor, and the Moss Creek clubhouse is their seventh clubhouse renovation.

“The Moss Creek Clubhouse was due a major facelift, so we went to work,” Fraser said.

They not only installed a new roof over the veranda where there was previously an awning, but also raised it, which makes dining outdoors more inviting. They also removed some walls between dining spaces to create a more open and casual experience where members can easily mix and mingle.

The kitchen was completely redone.

“We removed all the kitchen equipment, then expanded and rearranged it,” Fraser said. “We also renovated many of the mechanical systems, including a new fire sprinkler system, new electrical, and a lot of new air conditioning.”

RThe card room is the perfect spot for some friendly competition and camaraderie between several member card groups. The card room may also be used for small meetings or gatherings.

VOne of the first big events at the newly renovated clubhouse was a wedding reception for Sean and Nicole Harrington.

TThe main Clubhouse lobby anchored by a twisted driftwood foyer table.

Other improvements include new flooring, new doors, a new bar, new ceilings, and improved acoustical treatments.

“For the interiors, we wanted an updated casual look,” Johnston said. “Formerly, the color palette was dark browns and yellows, so we wanted a bright, airy aesthetic, which would bring the outdoors inside, incorporating whites, blues, and greens.”

To accomplish the interior goals, Moss Creek called on Kelly Caron Designs, who teamed up with Grady Woods Architects. With a goal to make the space more approachable and comfortable for a variety of ages and demographics, and to make the aesthetic relevant to the exterior surroundings and beautiful view of the marsh, they began to work out a design.

The previous design felt too formal and heavy in texture, which wasn’t in line with the changing face of the membership. With the mix of longtime residents and new young families in the community, the space needed to have ease, comfort, and a purposeful flow from inside to outside, all while giving the guest a unique experience.

“The clubhouse didn’t fully reflect the membership, and there was really no extension from indoor to outdoor. We knew they wanted a timeless Lowcountry, relaxed feel, so the color palette, textures, materials, all those details are

how we conceptualized everything and started the project. And then we listened to what their needs were,” said Sara Boyles of Kelly Caron Designs.

The designers talked to the staff to see how they could be better accommodated and their spaces more functional for hosting bigger events. Creative use of commercial grade materials and fabrics were selected to ensure pieces would stand the test of time. The designers mixed softer materials and textures with durable finishes that were well-received by the staff.

A Moss Creek Celebration

2023.

The designers even discussed the updates with members to confirm they, too, were also satisfied, including groups who use the smaller rooms, the locker rooms, the lounges, and dining areas.

“Since the members are using the space, we wanted and gained valuable feedback from them to successfully create the areas that they would use for dining, events, games, and casual lounging,” Boyles said.

Some of the outstanding interior details include a natural quartzite on the bar called Illusion Blue. Caron

Harrington Wedding Reception, October

R

and Boyles selected the bar quartzite very early on in the project, and it set the tone for the color palette throughout the renovation. They also worked with Lowcountry Originals to customize some unique fixtures made of quartz crystals and oyster shells.

A twisted driftwood table in the main entry sets the tone for some of the textural elements, and warm oak tones and textures, such as driftwood finishes and driftwood chandeliers, punctuate the aesthetic. The ballroom and banquet spaces include a stunning chair fabric that sets a luxurious tone with blues and bluegreen tones. A variety of beautiful wall coverings add interest.

Everyone involved in the updates – from staff, employees, and members – is happy, proud, and inspired by the finished product. In fact, the head chef was inspired to create an all new, updated menu.

One of first big events at the newly renovated clubhouse was a wedding reception for Sean and Nicole Harrington.

“Nicole grew up in Moss Creek, so she wanted a Moss Creek wedding reception,” Johnston said. “She wanted the rehearsal dinner at our pavilion, and she also wanted her bridal luncheon here. They waited and rescheduled their wedding date to have their events in the new clubhouse.”

The Harringtons met in 2016 while they were both working for Ironman Triathlon Company. In 2018, the couple moved to Seattle, and he proposed to her in 2021 during a hike in the mountains on a bridge overlooking a waterfall.

Because Nicole is a planner, she immediately began putting together the details for their wedding. She knew it was going to be in her hometown, and she was 100% certain that she wanted the reception at the Moss Creek Clubhouse. They secured the venue right off the bat for an October 22, 2022, wedding reception.

Months later after Clubhouse renovation details were finalized, management made the couple aware there was a chance construction would interfere with their reserved date. Since the sentimental significance of the clubhouse was a priority for the couple, they ended up pushing their wedding date out a year to ensure completion of the project and to keep their celebration in October. They agreed to make the best of it and decided that since they would be fiancés only once in their lives, that it would be great to enjoy the distinction a little longer.

“It was so worth it,” Nicole said. “The clubhouse is stunning. It was beautiful before, but it did need a little bit of an upgrade. They knocked it out of the park with such a sophisticated Lowcountry vibe – the blue hues and the oyster shells and the new light fixtures. The outdoor veranda is so much larger and, with the heaters and the fans, it’s truly a year-round space, especially with the stunning view. Having the veranda for our cocktail hour with the grassy yard for people to mingle was such a win. I highly recommend the clubhouse to anyone who is seeking either a formal or informal event space. It’s a classy venue that truly elevates any event.”

Today, Moss Creek isn’t just a place; it’s where celebrations resonate, where life unfolds in all its splendor. And now, there is a wonderful gathering place – the new clubhouse – that reflects the beauty of those celebrations and all the best that life has to offer. 

ARTICLE BY TIGER BYE

Better Your Golf Game with Breathing Exercises

If you’re a golfer, you know it’s a mental game. With so many forces outside of our control – weather, course conditions, playing partners, equipment malfunctions, just to name a few. How we handle our own minds and emotions is key to performing at our best.

Long associated with Eastern mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong, breathing practices are now gaining recognition in the sporting world for their profound benefits. Breathing is often described as a bridge between the body and the mind. This is because how the body is breathing determines one’s mental state. Through an interconnection of biochemistry, biomechanics, and neurological signaling, the brain alters our moods based on the speed, depth, and volume of breath.

The good news is you don’t have to be a professional athlete to receive the benefits of breathing practices. The following practices will help you stay in the zone no matter your level or what uncontrollable circumstances arise.

Pre-shot routine: Anticipating the start of the round is the perfect time to start down-regulating your nervous system to prepare mental state. Revered by Navy Seals and yogis alike, try box breathing to maintain composure and focus.

Instructions:

1. Relax your jaw and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

2. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.

3. Hold full for 4 seconds.

4. Exhale through your nose for 4 seconds.

5. Pause empty for 4 seconds.

Repeat for 3-5 minutes.

During the swing: The exhalation has the dual effect of calming the body-mind as well as recruiting your core

muscles to improve your golf swing. Knowing when to breathe in and out during your swing is important.

Instructions:

1. Start inhaling through your nose as you prepare to swing and continue in the inhalation as your move your club up and back.

2. As you drive the club forward and through and make contact with the ball, exhale through your nose.

Walking the greens: Traveling between holes is an excellent opportunity to utilize breathing techniques. Practicing small breath holds while walking will help deliver more oxygen to your brain and muscles.

Instructions:

1. While walking, take a regular breath in and out through your nose.

2. After your exhalation, hold your breath as you count 5-10 paces.

3. Continue walking and breathe in calmly through the nose (if you must gasp for air, you held your breath too long).

4. Exhale, and continue to breathe normally for 20-30 seconds.

Repeat up to 10 rounds.

Homework: How you breathe off the greens determines how you breathe during your game. Maintaining nasal breathing throughout the day and night will enhance your mental performance as you improve the functionality of your baseline breathing.

Suggestions:

1. Breathe through your nose during the day. Mouth breathing provides zero benefits, and indeed has many negative health consequences.

2. Try taping your mouth at night. Ensuring nasal breathing during sleep is crucial for getting a good night’s

rest. When we breathe through our mouths, our bodies send stress signals to the brain. You can find several safe tapes that will help. I like using the brand Myotape.

3. Try to maintain nasal breathing during exercise. This will be hard at first. But, if you can learn to exercise with nasal breathing, you can improve oxygen delivery and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), a predictor of longevity. 

About the Author

Tiger Bye is an Oxygen Advantage master instructor and international yoga professional who holds an M.S. in Health and the Public Interest from Georgetown University. As the cofounder of Better Yoga (betteryoga. net), she leads an online studio where expertise in breath training, yoga, and Ayurveda converge, offering a transformative space for individuals seeking to move, breathe, and feel better. Tiger specializes in enhancing breathing for fitness, yoga, focus, stress, sleep, and corporate performance. Her impact extends to groups and companies, reshaping postural and breathing habits for elevated performance and genuine well-being. You can find her around the Lowcountry teaching breathing workshops and breath instructor certification trainings.

Tiger Bye

FATHER’S DAY COLIGNY

PLAZA GIFT GUIDE

Don’t forget dad on Sunday, June 16th. Whether your pop appreciates a fine cigar, a brand new pair of crazy socks, or just wants to spend time eating ice cream with the family; Coligny Plaza has you covered with a variety of creative gift ideas.

Photography by M.Kat

1. Stretch Woven Belt $29.95, available at Bennali’s; 2. Treat dad to a haircut at the Cutting Room! Call 843.785.HAIR to make an appointment.; 3. World’s Best Dad Pocket Knife $29.99, available at Mingles; 4. Cream Fedora $59.95, available at Bennali’s; 5. Assorted Cigars, Price Varies by Brand, available at Bennali’s; 6. Gift your Dad a cool new look with shades from Coastal Sunglasses. Hundreds of styles to choose from. 7. Harley Davidson Art $129, available at Fire and Pine; 8. Dad Bod Tee $17.99, available at Mingles; 9. Give Your dad the gift of HEAT and SPICE with a mix and match hot sauces from Hot Daddy’s! Assorted Prices.; 10. Flasks for DAD $14.99 each, available at Mingles; 11. Make your eye into a piece of art your dad will truly treasure at EyeMazy. Price varies based on product ordered.; 12. Old Fashioned Wall Art $199, available at Fire and Pine; 13. Quicksilver Fish Shirt $92, available at Quiet Storm; 14. Give Your dad the gift of HEAT and SPICE with a mix and match hot sauces from Hot Daddy’s! Assorted Prices.; 15. Golf Cart Tee $34, Hold Fast Ball Cap $26, Skillets Gift Card – any amount!, Insulated Drink Holder $40, available at Skillets Café & Grill; 16. Gift your Dad a cool new look with shades from Coastal Sunglasses. Hundreds of styles to choose from.; 17. TP Roll Wall Art $59, available at Fire and Pine; 18. Swimming Shorts $55, available at Quiet Storm; 19. Retired Tee $29.50, Socks $15, Frisbee $16, avaiable at Life Is Good Store

11.

Article by Sheila Tucker . Photography by M.Kat

ONE MAN, ONE MISSION:

The Journey of Single Dads and Their Kids

It was a sticky and humid fall night. It felt like I’d taken a shower fully clothed and left the house without changing into something dry. Everything was sticking to me, even the hair from my ponytail on the back of my neck. Thankfully, there was an occasional cool breeze. It sent shivers through my body and blew loose strands of hair into my face. Just what I needed, something else sticking to my body.

Friday night football in Georgia. The stands were packed. I looked out into the crowd, recognizing some familiar faces – occasionally waving if I caught someone’s eye. But mostly, I was adjusting and readjusting my ill-fitting uniform. A hand-me-down from a girl close enough to my size – or so they say. And wiping my hair out of my face.

Staring at the stands again, a different movement caught my eye. There he was, cross-legged in the stands, waving at me as I adjusted my skirt again while trying to figure out the moves for the next cheer.

It was my senior year of high school, and I was cheering in the first game of the season. My dad surprised me by

traveling round trip from Charlotte to Augusta to watch me tumble and get tossed around in stunts. I’d say he was also watching the game and listening to the band. But, honestly, our team needed help connecting footballs to hands and rarely took a step in the end zone. Meanwhile, our band did the musical version of lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks. Go team!

My parents divorced when I was 5 years old. Like so many children of divorce, we spent weekends with my dad. For us, this meant traveling the highway, stopping at McDonald’s for fries and a vanilla milkshake, and making our case for front-seat privileges.

It’s challenging for a child to not have full access to a parent, spending weekends on the road like a trucker, and splitting time between houses – usually forgetting something at the other house.

My dad continued to make that drive every single home game. He always sat in about the same spot, waving, and then spent a few moments with me after the game before heading home.

This was just the start of his magical appearances. My dad has always been quick to show up for functions, experiences, and emergencies, no matter how small or large.

Spotting my dad in the crowd was more than just a visual recognition. It was a warm embrace, a surge of love and support that enveloped me. His presence was a beacon of reassurance that I was not alone.

It’s like one of the videos that keep popping up on my social media feeds. The one where the little kid is up on the stage with their classmates. Their eyes are wide with apprehension. They play with their fingers to give them something to do – a distraction to calm their nerves. All the while, you can see their eyes feverishly scanning the audience.

You can tell the instant they recognize their parents by the look on their faces. It’s as though the whole of them lights up. Their body noticeably relaxes. They begin to smile and are more present and engaged with the actions on the stage. It’s as though they’re thinking, “Whew, they showed up. I’m not alone.”

Even as a high school senior, I felt that, too. I looked forward to Friday nights with my dad. Honestly, so did the other girls on my squad. They, too, were invested in “Where’s Waldo,” trying to be the first to locate my dad in the stands, then hanging around to chat with him after the game. He was our own personal mascot, always there to cheer us on and offer his support.

These are the moments that create the heartfelt and impactful experiences that are forever etched in my memory. Historically, moms are pegged as the primary caregivers. At the same time, dads are thought of as playmates or providers who are seen for a few moments around dinner time. However, during break-ups, divorces, or deaths, many dads are catapulted to a more active role, caring for their children solo for a weekend or a week. My dad faced these challenges head-on, making sure to be present and involved in our lives despite the distance.

If you are in one of these situations (like my dad), here are a few tips to build a better connection with your child.

(Side note: This information comes from my unique experiences and perspectives as a child of divorce, working with men navigating co-parenting, and help from my “friends,” the Gottmans, renowned relationship experts. You’ll find their resource at the end of this article.)

Create experiences. One way my dad creates experiences is by showing up for us. He will drive anywhere, anytime for us, wholly unprompted. This could mean attending school events, taking us on special outings, or spending quality time with us. The key is to be present and actively engage with your child. It’s these small moments that nurture oh-so-much togetherness.

Provide structure. Structure is like a roadmap. It creates familiarity, which leads to routines. Routines help children

From toddler snuggles to graduation day, Sheila’s dad was always there.

Sheila Tucker

understand the expectations of your home. This will be helpful during transitions like moving from one home to the next, and protocols for meals or bedtime. For instance, you can establish a regular bedtime routine, a schedule for meals and homework, or a system for chores and responsibilities.

Consistency. If you keep the same routines or structure, children will know what to expect. Think about how much you appreciate being in the know – even if you don’t like it. Yes, there is a sense of safety and security in the known.

Anyone with a child in sports or theatre knows that schedules change. When this happens, consistently explaining to your children what will happen (before it does) will help minimize upset for everyone.

Dads, you provide a different but equally valuable experience for your children. You are influential in your child’s life. What you do, how you show up, what you say – it all matters. But most importantly, the effort you put into your relationship with your children matters. Despite the distance, my dad’s consistent presence and active involvement in my life made a significant impact on me.

These shared experiences, these moments of connection, are not fleeting. They are the threads that weave the fabric of your memories, the stories you will tell and retell for years to come. They are the “remember when ...” stories that will echo through the generations.

Wishing all of you dads a very Happy Father’s Day. 

(Here’s the resource I mentioned: John Gottman, “The Heart of Parenting: How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child,” Simon & Schuster, 1998.)

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Meals on Wheels takes care of our neighbors

Becky’s parents are in their 80s and both are in the early stages of dementia. They are also housebound and unable to prepare their own food. While Becky (not her real name) gets them dinner in the evenings, she relies on Meals On Wheels (MOW) to drop off a healthy lunch and check that they are doing OK. As a result, Becky gets a little peace of mind. Harold (not his real name) has both legs amputated and lives alone with his dog. Formerly, friends would occasionally take him to the grocery store, but that’s no longer an option. The one meal he receives daily from MOW is in his words “a godsend.”

The mission of MOW is to provide a hot nutritious meal and a reassuring knock on the door to the Lowcountry homebound, elderly, and others in need five days a week, plus a frozen meal for the weekend. Senior Citizens Incorporated (SCI), an organization based in Savannah, delivers about 200 meals a day every Monday through Friday to MOW Bluffton-Hilton Head.

An SCI staff nutritionist ensures that all the meals are medically tailored, nutritional, and diabetic-friendly. The hot meal consists of a protein, a starch, and a vegetable or fruit, a drink, and a dessert. For the frozen weekend meals, MOW has partnered with SERG Signature

Catering, which provides the clients four options, plus a vegetarian option.

MOW doesn’t simply nourish the body, but the mind and the soul as well.

“Providing a meaningful social connection to our clients is as important as the food we deliver to them,” said Dorian Alan, operations manager for MOW Bluffton-Hilton Head. “And we serve our clients on Christmas Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving … all the major holidays, because we want that connection.”

Many times, Meals On Wheels drivers are the only people that homebound folks interact with all day, and so it gives family members who are not local a higher level of comfort to know that someone else who cares is putting eyes on and having conversations with their loved ones every day. The MOW staff also has relationships with many of those family members.

“Another story involves a gentleman in Sun City who was calling us and saying that he wasn’t getting his meals delivered,” Alan said. “When we followed up with the drivers, we found out that he was, in fact, having his meals delivered every day. As well, we found that the drivers were having 10to 15-minute conversations with him. We realized that he had actually received the meal, eaten the meal, and forgotten about it. When we reached out

Photos captioned clockwise from top left: Jen Copeland packs hot meals in coolers for volunteers to deliver; Mike Caporel is ready to deliver to his route; Carol Magruder has been volunteering for almost 15 years; William Small and Judy Foskey unload the van at the Meals on Wheels headquarters on Capital Drive; Lindsey and Jerry Van de Rydt volunteer because they enjoy giving back to their community and it’s something they can do together.

to his daughter to explain, she was so grateful for the information, which served to confirm her suspicions of his cognitive decline. Fast forward to now, where we’ve helped connect him with the folks in Sun City who are now checking on him more regularly.”

Many people move to the Lowcountry to retire. Unfortunately, often one of the spouses passes and the rest of the family lives someplace else, which leaves that surviving spouse by themselves. The National Institute on Aging reports that one in four adults aged 65 or older suffers from social isolation, meaning that they don’t interact with anyone regularly. The effects of this isolation can be as damaging to their health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a study reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

NUTRITION DELIVERED

Meet the Team:

Dorian Alan,Operations Manager, Lili Coleman, Executive Director, Celeste Crago, Client Services; Paula Slevin, Bluffton Site Coordinator and Jen Copeland, Volunteer Coordinator

At Meals On Wheels, we are working with Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour to do a Fun Friday once a month. Our clients and their clients get together to play games, have lunch, and enjoy a dessert, which they love.

“We are learning more and more about how damaging it can be for folks without social connection,” Alan said. “At Meals On Wheels, we are working with Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour to do a Fun Friday once a month. Our clients and their clients get together to play games, have lunch, and enjoy a dessert, which they love. They got so excited when we made a homemade cake for them because it’s such a treat.”

The client stories you just read represent the hundreds of recipients that MOW serve every day – some of them your neighbors. This “godsend” of a charity has needs of its own, now more than ever. The meals that MOW provide run right about $40,000 a month or $7.50 a meal. Because more and more people need their services, the financial burden is becoming a real challenge.

“We’ve grown 30% from last year,” Alan said. “The lion’s share of our money comes in at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year through grants. Obviously, we budget that money, but with us growing so quickly, our concern is being able meet our client needs. We don’t want to even consider putting people on a wait list. Right now, some of the calls we get are for urgent need for people coming out of the hospital or who’ve had a fall, and they need to start right away.”

MOW relies solely on individual donors and grants; none of their money comes from the government. With two programs for sponsorship, anyone can sponsor a route or a client. For instance, if an organization wants to help, $1,500 a year could sponsor one route, one day of the week. And, with that sponsorship, MOW will put a sticker with the organization’s logo on the meals that says, “This meal is proudly sponsored by (Your Organization).” When the client opens their meal, they know that someone cared that they got fed that day. One can also sponsor an individual client. While MOW doesn’t give out individual donor names, the client knows that someone has sponsored them for an extended period and is seeing to it that they get their meals.

“We also need 20 more drivers on the island,” Alan said. “We’ve currently got five routes and are in desperate need of a sixth route on the island and a seventh route in Bluffton.”

Drivers typically have 24 clients per route, and they drive one day a week, every week, every other month (so one month on, one month off). They use their own automobiles and provide coolers to keep meals warm and beverages cool. They’ll arrive at 9:30 a.m. at the MOW facility to pack up their coolers and then leave for their route at around 10 a.m. and are usually done by noon or 12:30 p.m.

Phil Kiser (driver scheduler and recipient of the 2024 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Award for Community Leader) and his wife, Robyn, have been volunteering at MOW for more than 23 years – 11 years in the Lowcountry and before that for 12 years in Columbus, Ohio, where they previously lived. Last year, the Kisers drove 93 times.

“It’s kind of something was in our blood when we moved down here, so we decided to continue it,” Kiser said. “It’s rewarding because we see the struggles that some of the people go through in life and even through the slight help that we can offer, the clients appreciate it so much.”

Alan said, “Whether you become a donor, a driver, or find another way to volunteer your time and talents, you are having a lasting impact in our community every single day.”

To become a driver or a sponsor or to learn more, visit MOWBlufftonHiltonHead.org or call 843-802-0919. 

Amber Morgan is photographed on a boat in Point Comfort.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

To be better in business, Amber Morgan simply dreams bigger

Real estate is a business of dreams.

When you walk through an open house, you daydream about what it would be like to live there. You imagine yourself sitting on that porch with a cup of coffee, embracing the new day’s sunrise. You see yourself in the gourmet kitchen, entertaining your friends as you welcome them to your new home. You envision unwinding among the spa-like serenity of the en suite bath.

When you find yourself living that lifestyle, it’s not just in an “ideal property.” It’s in your dream home.

Amber Morgan knows a thing or two about pursuing that dream. It’s the same pursuit that has found her at the head of a talented real estate team.

“I was a buyer’s agent for four years. I loved it,

but I was ready to grow, not only for myself but to be a better role model to my daughters,” Morgan said. For her, building a team isn’t just about expanding her business; it’s about fostering a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the art of client satisfaction.

This next step began in 2023, as Morgan began looking to the future and seeing how best to apply her real estate skills in charting her course. She brought on Dianna Pollina as closing coordinator and Diana Janura as director of operations, and their skills have been instrumental in moving the team forward.

“You can’t play all the roles as a single agent. With multiple people looking out for our clients, the whole process can be seamless and less stressful,” Morgan said. “As a client, you always

have someone to connect with if you have a question. If I’m out at a showing and there is an issue, I can call Diana and she’ll have it handled. That way, I can put my focus on the client.”

That focus on the client is something that helped Morgan excel as a buyer’s agent, and it was a skill she

To be better in business, Amber Morgan simply dreams bigger

honed in the classroom as an educator for several years before getting into real estate.

“When you’re a teacher, you’re passionate about helping others. That’s the personality – wanting to help. It overlaps because I’m so lucky to find another career in my life that also centers on helping people,” Morgan said.

Amber Morgan and Diana Janura, Director of Operations.

“And really, you’re educating people the whole time. You’re just educating them about the process, the market, the best way to negotiate and about making the right offer.”

This passion for helping others and expanding their knowledge is something she brought to her career in real estate, and something she has found as she has expanded her team.

“It’s important to pick the right person, because you want your clients to be just as happy with them as they are with you,” Morgan said. “My goal is to have a business that is run seamlessly and makes our clients happy.”

As a real estate professional and mom, building her team has also given Morgan a chance to bring together her two callings.

“I also have the time to have a more balanced life,” she said. “My goal is to answer the question, ‘How can I do all of it?’ How can I be a successful, present happy mom but also thrive in the real estate market and grow my company?”

With help from a team that shares her dedication to real estate that focuses on the client, she is answering that question. “I just have the best job. Everyone loves it here,” Morgan said. Of course, she means that both in the sense that her team operates with joy for what they do, and that they serve a client base that is enamored with the Lowcountry as they are. “They want to live here and I’m selling people’s dreams to move here full time, retire, or get their first investment property,” she said.

Morgan is living her own dream even as she’s helping clients live theirs. Because real estate is a business of dreams. And with the right team around her, she is proving that the dream business is booming. 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Stepping Up

PART-TIME RESIDENTS MAKE FULL-TIME COMMITMENT TO FIRST TEE – THE LOWCOUNTRY

Since its inception 10 years ago, First Tee – The Lowcountry has been a symbol of our community’s willingness to give back. Before this organization could pursue its mission of teaching area youth the finer points of golf while instilling in them life skills and values that go beyond the course, it was simply an idea. That idea became reality thanks to the selflessness of an army of volunteers and advocates.

In those early days, it was the folks who were willing to will First Tee into existence, working with town and community partners to drum up support and individual donors to establish funding. Today, that largesse continues through the generosity of community members who have seen firsthand the difference First Tee has made.

In fact, that generosity not only continues, it has grown. And much of that continued generosity and support can be tied to two individuals who live in Palmetto Bluff.

Many communities in the area have supported First Tee – The Lowcountry, said First Tee board member Joe Dattilo. Recently, that took a huge new turn.

“Late last year we were contacted by First Tee St. Augustine, and they told us they had someone in Palmetto Bluff who was nearly committed to becoming a national trustee for First Tee,” Dattilo said. “However, they wanted to learn more about the local First Tee chapter and asked if I’d engage with him, provide some background, and allow him to tour our facility on Hilton Head Island.”

That someone was Rick Van Benschoten, a longtime part-time resident from New York City whose commitment to serve as a national trustee for First Tee meant he’d have the ability to direct as much as half of his overall commitment to the local chapter.

“A friend of mine was starting the Puerto Rico chapter, so I had allocated some there, but then I recognized that I’d like to be involved, to be onsite and meet the kids,” Van Benschoten said. “And that’s when this Hilton Head opportunity came up.”

He also proved to be the gift that keeps on giving by bringing in his fellow Palmetto Bluff part-time resident and longtime friend John Bankhead. Bankhead had also been named a national trustee, and he needed little convincing to put his funds toward our local chapter.

Bankhead spent a morning at First Tee – The Lowcountry headquarters, toured the facility, and met the team; that’s all it took.

“I’ve been coming down here from Boston for 30 years to come to the Heritage and I’ve had a home in Palmetto Bluff for 15 years,” Bankhead said. “In a major city like Boston,

there are plenty of donors to support those programs. I felt like I could reach more kids down here.”

The first priority for Bankhead was setting up a college scholarship fund for First Tee students.

“That’s one of the things that drew me to it – working with youth and setting up scholarships,” Bankhead said. In fact, at the First Tee Gala on April 16, Bankhead awarded the inaugural First Tee – The Lowcountry Secondary Education scholarship to a deserving First Tee student. “It seems like we all came together at the right time,” he said.

After attending the gala and seeing firsthand the organization’s impact on the community, Van Benschoten joined Bankhead in directing a portion of his financial commitment to First Tee – The Lowcountry.

“You’re giving money, and that’s all they ask of trustees. But I feel like you’re kind of cheating if you don’t give your time and get involved,” Van Benschoten said. “When you see these kids speak at a trustee event, it blows your mind how mature they are and how the First Tee has helped them position themselves. It’s really inspiring.” 

Joe Datillo, First Tee-The Lowcountry Board Member

Joshua Smith accepts the inaugural First Tee- The Lowcountry Secondary Education Scholarship

John Bankhead

Rick and Patti Van Benschoten

A LINE IN THE SAND

To regret or not to regret, that is the question.

COURTNEY’S OPINION:

Live life, regret what you did, not what you didn’t do!

Ihave a note in my phone titled, “All My Bad Decisions.”

So yes, regrets, I’ve had a few … a few dozen. But of all those decisions that have affected the trajectory of my life, one far outweighs the cumulative effects of the others.

And that one is something I didn’t do. I didn’t say the thing I should have said and then he was gone and now I will never have the chance. And that is my greatest regret.

He has been on my mind daily since I heard the news last May. I knew him best as a professor and my “boss” at USCB, where I am an adjunct instructor in the communications department. He had a profound impact on me, his students, and all his colleagues.

He was a mentor. A therapist. A coach.

He was a constant and consistent voice of reason with a killer wit, a playful smirk, and a side eye that just made everything palatable and possible. The self-doubt as a college instructor can be overwhelming, but he put every situation in perspective – whether I was right or wrong. Every time we talked, we said, “Let’s grab a drink” so we could say all the things we probably shouldn’t say

on campus (or at least that was my plan). We never had that drink.

If we had ever had that drink, I would have finally been able to tell him about our connection that, unbeknownst to him, went back three decades. I suspect we would have cried together, and our lives would have been more entwined. I’ll never know.

Allow me to back up just a bit. Years ago, when I met my firefighter husband, we were doing the obligatory getting to know you question and answer. I asked him to tell me about the worst thing he’d experienced as a first responder. He told me the story of arriving at a house on Hilton Head Island in 1993 where a little girl had been in a terrible accident. He described the moment the family

It takes just one regret of something you didn’t do to teach you a lesson for a lifetime.

realized her injuries were fatal. His eyes welled up with tears as he told me that all the firefighters on scene broke down that day. He told me that he attended that sweet little girl’s funeral and that he thinks about her and her family all the time. In fact, he still had the newspaper clipping and a letter from her family’s pastor in his top dresser drawer. (He still does to this day.)

That little girl was the daughter of my mentor, my therapist, my coach. Ironically, as a writer and a communications instructor, I could never quite find the words to tell him.

And then he was gone. And it was too late.

Instead, I had to write those words in a note to his amazing wife. And now, here I sit with those words again. Still just as raw as they were on May 30, 2023, when I heard the news of his death and the regret set in.

There is a gift here. He is still coaching me. It takes just one regret of something you didn’t do to teach you a lesson for a lifetime.

Leave no words unsaid. 

3RD OPINION:

LUCILLE BALL

“I’d rather regret the things i’ve done than regret the things i haven’t done.”

-Lucille Ball

BARRY’S OPINION:

BARRY’S OPINION: I stand with Butthole Surfers #iykyk

It’s been said that it’s better to regret something you did than something you didn’t do. Of course, the people who said that were psychedelic punk band the Butthole Surfers in their 1987 song “Sweat Loaf.” But don’t let that detract from the fact that there’s some wisdom to it.

I’m sure Courtney would agree with the Butthole Surfers on this one (most of the time, it’s hard not to). I’ve heard the story she’s planning on sharing with you in her half of this column, and it does raise a pretty compelling point. There are things in this life that you will always look back on and wonder “what if?”

And when Courtney first proposed that we argue over whether doing something or doing nothing is harder to regret, I really had to do a lot of navel gazing. Once I got all the lint out, I really started to think about what my biggest regrets might be. And I gotta tell you, I got nothing. I don’t really have a lot of regrets – not because I’m perfect, and certainly not because I’m that confident in myself. It’s because I just can’t bring myself to look at it that way.

It’s not that I haven’t done things that I look back on and feel bad about. On any given day, my idiot brain will drag up something patently idiotic that I said out loud to other people just so it can watch me wince with embarrassment. And yes, writing this column using words that never got around to forming that novel does give me pause. But that’s not really regret, is it?

“Daddy?

Yes, son.

What does regret mean?

Well son, the funny thing about regret is that it’s better to regret something you have done than to Regret something that you haven’t done.”

Butthole Surfers Sweat Loaf Lyrics

Regret is when you did something (or didn’t do something) that you not only feel shame or embarrassment about, but that you wish you could go back and do differently. And that’s where I struggle with finding something I regret. Because I’d said and done some very idiotic and selfdestructive things. Listing them all would require the single largest issue of this magazine ever published. It would be delivered to your mailbox via forklift.

But I can’t change any of it. And in a universe of infinite chaos, who knows if those dumb things I said or did kept something worse from happening. They may have even made life better for other people, using me as a cautionary example to improve themselves.

I’ll give you one example of something I did that comes closest to filling me with actual regret. When I was a young pre-teen scumbag, my friend and I had season passes to a nearby waterpark. One day while we were there, we overheard this girl a few years younger than us telling one of the employees that her parents had dropped her off for the day to have fun on her own, giving her $20 in spending money that she kept in a water bottle. (Keep in mind, this was $20 in 1991 money, which is a small fortune at that age).

She told the employee this, set down the bottle containing all the money she possessed to have fun that day, then walked away. You can guess what two pre-teen scumbags did next.

To this day, when I think about that poor girl walking back to find that money missing, I can almost feel the blood freeze in my veins. It’s a physical revulsion beyond shame.

But all I can do now is remember how that feeling has guided me in the years since.

I feel that knot in my gut and it reminds me to be a better person, because being an awful person sucks. And I hope that somehow, in an infinitely chaotic universe, that little girl managed to still have a fun day despite what we did. I hope she was still able to trust people, knowing that preteen scumbags will always be there to take advantage of people. I hope, in some small way, that it made her stronger. Since I can’t hope for her forgiveness, I can only hope whatever pain I caused her didn’t linger too long.

That sense of shame that regret engenders is important, but it’s really just the first step. What you do to move beyond the things you did (or, again, didn’t do) – that’s what really matters.

Or to once again borrow a phrase from those legendary philosophers The Butthole Surfers, “A friend of mine had told me that there weren’t no point in mopin’. No, there weren’t no point at all.” 

Robert Banks and Ben Banks enjoy a late lunch at the Sea Shack.

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat

Not Fancy, Just Good

SEA SHACK GIVES LOCALS AND VISITORS THE COMFORT FOOD THAT KEEPS REELING US BACK IN.

The face of Hilton Head Island has undergone a dramatic change over the past couple of decades. Those of us who recall escaping the summer heat to The Mall at Shelter Cove’s air-conditioned confines can do so only in our memories now. In the spot where late-night munchies were once conquered at Huddle House, the beauty of Compass Rose Park now inspires visitors with island lore. And the haziest memories are all that remains of the legendary hedonism of Monkey Business.

That’s not a knock on progress. Each of these institutions has faded into the past, but in their stead has blossomed an island that will endure into the future.

As an institution of that bygone era, The Sea Shack isn’t going anywhere. While there might be a new look to the dining room, with fresh paint, flooring, and furniture that elevates the restaurant’s famed casual approach, it’s still The Sea Shack. It’s still an experience defined by the delectable aroma of seafood

when you enter, the smiling faces of a crew that have been there for the long haul, and hospitality that brings you back to a simpler time in Hilton Head’s history.

“We’ve seen it grow and evolve, but not change,” said Benjamin Banks.

His son Robert Banks, who cut his teeth working at the restaurant while studying at USCB, took over as manager two years ago.

Back Row: Michael Stapleton

Front Row: Sybil Pope, Sandra Jacques, Linda Staple, Sonya Brown, Ben T. Banks, Robert Banks, Celina Pelagio

It’s a broad menu of seafood favorites, cooked to order. It’s mouth-watering food that doesn’t particularly care if it becomes Instagram famous.

“I actually worked here in the very, very beginning, here and there for Gary and Kelly (Willams, who owned the restaurant until 2004),” Robert Banks said. “I was going to school across the street at USCB and sometimes I would come out to find a note on my windshield that said, ‘Hey, can you come work for a few hours?’ So I would ride over here and I would work.”

When general manager Gene Baldwin decided to take a step back after 19 years at the helm, it was Banks’ chance to step in. Having seen firsthand how The Sea Shack’s reputation was built, he knew that the first order of business would be to simply keep a hand on the wheel.

“The place really does work like a machine. Everybody has their own little part. And when everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing it, it works really, really well. You know, people go crazy for this place,” Banks said. “Just trying to sharpen it up is the best thing that you can do at this place; just trying to make it run as efficiently as possible. And, you know – don’t fix what isn’t broken.”

That means cleaving to the elements that made The Sea Shack an institution that has endured even with so much change around it. It’s still the same broad menu of seafood favorites, cooked to order. It’s still mouth-watering food that doesn’t particularly care if it becomes Instagram famous. And, if you’re a local, it’s still a matter of getting the timing right.

“They know when to be here,” Banks said. “If you come first thing when we open or late in the afternoon, you’re usually good. But between 12 and 2 p.m., it’s going to be crazy in here.”

“Crazy” might be a strong term. Yes, there will be a line stretching out into the parking lot. But that’s part of the experience. Not only for the diners, who use that wait as an opportunity to work up their appetite to a fever pitch, but also for the staff. For the past 19 years, those moments when it seems the entire island has lined

The Sea Shack is located at 6 Executive Park Road, off of Pope Avenue not far from the Sea Pines Circle.

The interior of The Sea Shack offers a few tables for dining in.

Not Fancy, Just Good

up at the door of The Sea Shack are the moments that have fueled Head Chef Sonya Brown.

“I don’t pay attention to the line. You can’t,” Brown said. “I just get into the zone. I’m just looking at tickets and cooking.”

When she’s in the zone, she’s creating the kind of seafood that has fueled the restaurant’s reputation as the island’s culinary standard. And when she’s not, her wide smile and easy humor create the experience that has kept that line long.

“Seeing the customers come back year after year after year, you remember their names,” Brown said. “You remember their faces and a lot of times you remember what they order.”

That rapport with the customers is something Brown has developed over the past 19 years, an indelible part of the restaurant’s famed reputation.

“The only reason you find people working in the same place for that span of time is that they do well, they’re treated well, and they’re just happy to be here,” Banks said. That applies not only to long-time employees like Sonya, but to the customers who find themselves drawn back time and again.

“There are two customers, Cindy and Larry, from Virginia. They come down twice a year and stay for two weeks at a time, and they will bring us food,” Banks said. “The cupboard, that table, and this side counter will all be covered in ham, cheese and crackers, pepper jelly. … Sometimes they’ll make soup or they’ll bake a whole turkey for us. I mean, it’s crazy. And they’ll eat here almost every day.”

You don’t get that kind of loyalty overnight. And when you have it, keeping it is just a matter of remembering what brought them there in the first place. The food. The people. And the atmosphere. If you nailed them all 26 years ago, why mess that up?

“I don’t think a whole lot has changed here in that time,” Banks said. “Which is another reason why people keep coming back.” 

Patrick Carr Managing Attorney

Article by Barry Kaufman

PATRICK CARR

CARR LEGAL GROUP

The law means many things to many people. For most of us, it exists as almost an abstract concept, the general guidelines around which we’ve structured our society. If we ever think about the law at all, it’s only to ensure that we’re not inadvertently breaking it.

As an attorney, Patrick Carr sees the law a little differently. In fact, it’s fair to say he sees the law a little differently than most of his fellow attorneys. To him, the greatest and most noble aim of the law is to ensure that people are kept safe. And when the laws protect us from harm are flouted, he is not the type of attorney to let that danger go unaddressed.

“The societal menace that is presented to us by drunk and distracted driving remains a pervasive threat to health and safety of our community,” Carr said. “We have too many reckless drivers and too many reckless servers.”

To that end, he has made combating drunk and distracted driving a cornerstone of not only his legal practice, but his own personal crusade.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022 (the last year for which data was available). That same year, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. Every one of these deaths were preventable. And while you may tell yourself you’re a safe driver

because you never drive drunk, can you honestly say you’ve never snuck a peak at your text messages while out on the road?

“Nobody wants to be hurt in any setting, but when you’re hurt by someone who chose to break the law, or chose to do something dangerous like driving while distracted, it’s especially traumatic,” Carr said. “And the distraction, more often than not, is a cell phone. At-fault drivers rarely admit what they were doing, but it’s obvious to us and our clients what happened.”

Given the broad scope of dangers we all face and the staggering injustices that need to be fought, dangerous driving might seem like a small thing to focus on. But to the clients Carr has helped make whole again after suffering at the hands of drunk and distracted drivers, that dedication is no small thing. It’s everything.

“We like to think that getting justice for our clients makes a difference,” Carr said. “We try to give every case and every client a personalized approach and individual attention. We don’t treat them like numbers on a spreadsheet, because that’s what the big TV lawyers do. They spend millions of dollars trying to increase market share, but I’m not sure the attention they give to clients is adequate.”

As a native South Carolinian, cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College, and Lowcountry resident for the past 15 years, Carr has lived his life among the people. Since leaving

the insurance world behind to start representing the little guy, he has fought for the people. And now, he’s looking to his next chapter as he starts taking the fight back to the big guys.

“What we’re currently facing, as an organization of trial lawyers, is this concept of tort reform,” Carr said. “When people say ‘tort reform,’ it’s almost a catchphrase. It sounds cool. But what they’re really saying is ‘we want to help wrongdoers evade responsibility and take away rights that injury victims have.’ … You can have a positive impact on public safety and community wellness by holding wrongdoers responsible, so they change their behavior. If you take that away, there’s no accountability, and public safety in our community is eroded.” 

Michael P. Bennett, Jared Shedd and Patrick Carr

Jack Ussery at the Island Rec Center

Article by Cheryl Ricer Photography by M.Kat

IN ATHLETICS AND ACADEMICS, USSERY HONORS GOD AS HE SUCCEEDS ‘IN THE POOL AND IN THE SCHOOL’

An upward trajectory is the only path that Jack Ussery has ever set his sights upon. Ussery, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA), is a swim champion, an honors student, an entrepreneur, a coach, a community leader, and a Christian committed to the cause of Christ, to whom he boldly gives credit for all his success, past, present, and future.

Ussery has been swimming since he was 5 years old. His parents enrolled him in lessons so that he could learn the basics. He was fortunate to have a great coach who plugged him in with Redfish, the club team in Bluffton. As he matured, swimming was a side sport, as he was also exploring basketball, baseball, and soccer. In sixth grade he decided to focus solely on swimming. He then transitioned to Hilton Head Aquatics (H2A), the Hilton Head club team.

“I just put my head down and worked at it,” Ussery said. “I was not the best swimmer growing up. I had a history of

FOR THE CROWN, NOT THE CROWD

burning out, taking breaks, and trying other sports. When I finally made up my mind, I found a real passion for the sport.”

Since he made the transition to swimming, Ussery has been named an H2A All-State Swimmer every year since seventh grade, and he’s also qualified for the USA Senior Nationals and the U.S. Open. At Nationals Competition, he has placed in the top 15 in multiple events. He’s a two-time MVP both for H2A and HHCA, and a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.

Ussery currently holds South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) records in four events (500 freestyle, 100 breaststroke,

200 individual medley, and 200 freestyle) and the South Carolina State Club Record (15-16-year-olds) for long course 100 breaststroke. He is a six-time Club Team South Carolina State Champion in the 100 breaststroke, 200 individual medley, 400 freestyle, and 200 breaststroke.

Conquering the pool has taught Ussery important life lessons. One of the most important is that growth is not always linear.

“My coach, Mike, who’s been with me since sixth grade, has taught me that growth is not just a straight line; there are lots of ups and downs,” Ussery said. “What is important is how I respond to those peaks and valleys, and that’s what

helped me become successful in the pool. Since ninth grade, I’ve made tremendous strides in my training and have had some pretty awesome experiences and accomplishments. I am very thankful for where I am today.”

Ussery is an academic champion as well. Recently, he received the 2023 Harvard Book Award and was named a Junior Marshal. He has been named multiple times to the Principal’s Honor Roll and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society.

His freshman year, he was a member of the inaugural HHCA Student Leadership Team (The Cage) and has been instrumental in creating a culture of positivity, school spirit, encouragement, and leadership throughout high school. As an Eagle Ambassador, a position selected by school leadership, Ussery completed leadership training and was charged with welcoming new families into the HHCA community, helping new students feel connected and known, and advocating for HHCA within the broader community.

Ussery believes that the discipline instilled in him through swimming has played a big part in his academic success. Swimming forced him to allocate his time in the sense that the intensity of his practice schedule demanded that he learn to time block.

“When I find myself procrastinating, I say, ‘hard now, easy later.’ So, I go ahead and get the work done that I need to get done, even though the due date could be a week away,” Ussery said. “I know that if I procrastinate, work will pile up, and the quality of my yield will not be what it should. Being able to time block is super helpful. If I hadn’t learned that in my swimming routine, I’d get caught up doing something that would take me away from homework or studying and ultimately lead me to have an apathetic attitude towards doing work.”

Ussery is also a successful entrepreneur, having established a mobile car detailing business in 2020 that has since grown to become profitable and now serves 60 clients. He manages all aspects of the business, such as managing costs and inventory, providing a quality customer experience, and marketing.

“I’m proud that I run my own little car detailing side business,” he said. “It’s called Southern Shine, and I started it back in ninth grade. It’s slowly grown over time. I’ll soon hand that off to one of my younger brothers, which is a personal accomplishment for me.”

Community service and a drive to volunteer his time and talents is another one of Ussery’s champion qualities. Much of his service has been through local charities he’s connected with at school, church, and through swimming. He assists with fundraising for Lowcountry Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides low-income students with uniforms for school. Through H2A, he serves as a Side Kick coach, helping young swimmers develop proper techniques. The younger swimmers, called “sidekicks,” are paired up with older swimmers.

“We spend about 30 minutes with them at each meeting going over strokes or simply talking,” Ussery explained. “The hard thing with swim is that it’s not super social. A lot of the times your head is in the water, so you’re not able to talk to people, so having that experience – especially for the younger kids because they look up to the older kids – to talk and ask for advice is super cool.”

Ussery honed his business acumen and gained some

professional experience as an intern with the locally owned, Christian-based consulting company Business On Purpose, whose focus is client processes. As an intern in the field, he interacted with different clients. For example, one day he spent time with a credit card company to help them build out an information sheet that would teach new employees how to file a credit or debit card reader. Another day he worked with a local contractor creating a process video showing new superintendents how to conduct a pre-walk for a house.

“It was great for me because not only am I learning completely different things,” he said, “but throughout the week, I also got to see how these local businesses run. Plus, they are usually all faith-based, so it’s just really cool to be in that community and in that bubble. I worked at Business On Purpose for two years. Many times, an intern can feel like they’re not doing much more than coffee runs and picking up lunch; however, what I did was fulfilling and brought value to the company, which was great.”

Jessie Barber, director of client connection at Business On Purpose, has nothing but praise for Ussery.

“Jack has been a source of consistent joy during his time with the team at Business On Purpose,” she said. “With whatever task was placed in front of him, he brought a servant’s heart and genuinely cared about the people surrounding him. Even with his incredibly full schedule, he made the time to build relationships and experience the inner workings of businesses in his local area.”

As a bold Christian, Ussery’s goals include not only

success in the pool and in the classroom, but to influence younger kids with his faith and accomplishments.

“As a Christian, any time spent in Young Life or with younger kids is extremely important to me,” Ussery said. “What that looks like for me is trying to pour into other kids and help them along the path. I think at the end of the day, a lot of these kids, especially in Bluffton and other small towns, they may think they can’t achieve their dreams. I always tell them, ‘You can do it! You just must set goals the right way and have someone that holds you accountable.’ Ultimately, people are going to remember not what you told them, but how you made them feel. I want to be a light, not only for others, but also be a light for God and spread His word to everyone I can.”

Ussery’s next stop is the U.S. Naval Academy beginning in late June, where he will major in quantitative economics and be on the swim team. His goal is to maximize his academic and athletic potential and answer to what he feels is his call to serve.

“No matter what I accomplish in my life, I want to give all the glory and credit to God,” Ussery said. “I believe that what I do in the pool and in the school is to glorify Him. I swim and compete for the crown and not for the crowd, if that makes sense. Credit does not go to me or to what I’ve done; it all goes to my Heavenly Father.”

One of Ussery’s favorite quotes is, “Every day when you wake up, you have the choice between one of two pains. You have the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”

He added, “Obviously, the pain of regret lasts much longer, while the pain of discipline is temporary, but behind the other side of the pain is purpose. So that’s about it for me.” 

IT’S HURRICANE SEASON: MAKE A PLAN, BUILD A KIT, STAY INFORMED

The Atlantic hurricane season, a period of heightened risk for our coastal communities, begins June 1 and ends November 30. This six-month window is when we urge the public to be prepared for any potential hurricane disaster.

Our message for disaster preparation is straightforward: Devise a plan, assemble an emergency kit, and stay informed. Adhering to these three steps is the most effective way to safeguard your family from the impact of a disaster.

South Carolina coastal communities like Hilton Head Island are vulnerable and face the most significant threat from these treacherous storms. As a coastal town, we stay vigilant throughout the season. But before the season begins, our Emergency Manager Tom Dunn leads our staff through training exercises and ensures the town is equipped to respond when the threat of hurricanes arises. He spends considerable time giving presentations to community groups on evacuations, hurricane zones, and town preparations. Likewise, we regularly encourage our community residents, visitors, and businesses to take the necessary precautions.

The town has developed comprehensive plans to respond effectively to disasters, including strategies to expedite and ease our recovery efforts, by establishing an emergency reserve account to fund these activities and facilitating rapid re-establishment of our community following a hurricane or other disaster.

In the event of a potential or actual storm strike, your preparedness is key to a successful pre- and post-disaster scenario. To assist you in this, the town has made available a range of resources on our website, including the Emergency Preparedness Field Guide and a more extensive Guide to Emergency Preparedness. These guides contain valuable information on understanding the impact of disasters and planning for them. You can access and download both resources from the town website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

A

Note from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer

RUN, WALK, STROLL

MAYOR

FOR SAFER STREETS IN BLUFFTON

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 30, for the Town of Bluffton’s Independence Day Celebration. This year, the Town will host a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. at Martin Family Park to kick off the day of events. The Stay Safe, Bluffton! scholarship fund will benefit from the proceeds. Since 2019, the town has awarded $1,000 scholarships to four students each year who are safe-driving ambassadors in their schools and peer groups.

The Town began this campaign due to people of all ages suffering the loss of their license, mobility, or even their lives as a result of distracted driving. In our small town, these tragic incidents frequently leave our community broken-hearted. The town designed this campaign to reach newer drivers in hopes they will start their driving careers being mindful and careful drivers.

We hope hundreds of residents will join us with this fun event and contribute to the collective mindset of being aware of how our driving affects ourselves and our neighbors. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to kickstart your Independence Day, this 5K race offers you a way to join your friends and neighbors for a cup of coffee and a healthy run, jog, walk or stroller to start this eventful day.

A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry

In your planning, you should assume that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, and telephones might not be available for some time. This is why it is critical for everyone to know what actions and precautions to take before, during, and after an emergency.

Additionally:

• Learn the threats that we face on Hilton Head Island.

• Use common sense, follow official instructions, and stay informed.

• Take a first aid and CPR course.

• Build an emergency kit.

• Use our field guide to make an emergency plan based on your needs or situation. It includes helpful checklists and sections for your individualized plan information.

• Follow official sources of information, including but not limited to the town, S.C. Emergency Management Division, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. During major storms, various individuals and organizations tend to flood social media with information that isn’t always accurate. We work very closely with emergency management agencies to ensure we have the latest information to provide to the public.

Finally, Emergency Manager Tom Dunn is available to give presentations about emergency preparedness to local businesses and organizations and at community meetings. It is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand about the town’s experiences with hurricanes and our efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from them.

To schedule a presentation, contact our Fire Rescue Emergency Management Office at (843) 682-5156. 

Dogs and strollers are welcome, and awards are given for each age category. There is even a canine award for the fastest dog-owner team. Starting this year, the top female and male winners will also be awarded space on the Mayor’s Cup, a new trophy that will reside in Town Hall. This year’s winners will begin this tradition.

If you are interested in signing up, please register online at palmettorunningcompany.com and click on Events. Scroll down to Bluffton’s Independence Day 5K.

In addition to participants, the town is also seeking sponsors for this race. If your business or organization is interested in supporting safe driving, please contact Lyndee Simoneaux, special events manager, at lsimoneaux@townofbluffton.com or (843) 540-1662. There are three categories for sponsors: Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250).

Following the 5K race, I hope you will come back to the Historic District at 5 p.m. for hours of festivities. The Independence Day celebration will begin at Martin and DuBois Parks with games, prizes, food trucks, rock wall, bounce houses, and more. For the second year, a brass band called Dirty Boots from Parris Island will wow the crowd as they play spirited jazz music, strolling through the two parks.

The party will last until 9 p.m. The fireworks display will begin shortly after 9 p.m. The fireworks are visible from Wright Family Park, Oyster Factory Park or by boat in the May River.

The Town is proud to host its third annual Independence Day celebration. I hope to see you at the starting line and throughout the day as we celebrate this holiday and declare our independence from distracted driving. 

A Note from Larry Toomer continued

A Note from Alan Perry continued

Article by Jesse Blanco . Photography by M.Kat

New Eats in the Lowcountry

It’s a running joke over here on my side of the Savannah River that any new restaurant that rolls into downtown Savannah every year sets their sights on being open by St. Patrick’s Day. That makes a lot of sense, of course, because it is the one week of the year where everyone in and around Savannah’s historic district sees the most green – literally and figuratively.

In and around Hilton Head Island, there’s also a “north star” that new businesses chase every year. They all want to be open “by Heritage,” the island’s annual PGA tournament that brings millions of dollars to the region every year.

There has been a flurry of new eats recently in the area, and some are incredibly popular already. One of them has yet to open but should be in full swing by the time the calendar officially switches to summer in mid-June.

Joelle, 132 Bluffton Road, Suite 100, Bluffton

Joelle is Bluffton’s latest entry into the Italian food scene. Robert and Breana DeLeo are the husband-wife team behind this goodlooking neighborhood spot. The vibe is a little more on the casual side than I expected, but that’s not a negative. There is a lot of energy in the room and a beautiful bar space holding it all together. They offer salads, sandwiches, and pizzas for lunch. At dinner time, pastas and entrees are added to the mix. First impressions have been good across the board, which is a good start because you don’t need me to tell you that practically every single resident of Beaufort County is required to have their favorite Italian restaurant on speed dial.

Madre and Mercado, 890 William Hilton Pkwy., #74 (Fresh Market Shops), Hilton Head Island

I had been told several good things about Madre and Mercado in recent weeks. The brand new Mexican concept in the Fresh Market Shops on the island are brought to you by the same folks behind the very popular Jane on the island, as well as Beaufort’s Wren, so I had to try it. Full disclosure, it took a minute to pin it down. They had been open a month and I couldn’t find a website or a Facebook page, which I found odd. Once I finally made it over there, I found a simply gorgeous restaurant. From my seat, it is one of the prettier spots on the island – simply beautiful. I stopped in for a quick lunch of some chips and dips with a promise to return another time. I suspect Madre will do well. This is a restaurant built out with locals in mind, from décor to menu. The cocktail menu was intriguing. I’m looking forward to a return visit once they get rolling.

Zunzi’s / Zunzibar, 8 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island

At one time, Zunzi’s was Savannah’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The South African-themed sandwich eatery and bar has since gone the corporate route with locations beginning to pop up across the region – Tybee Island, Atlanta, and now Hilton Head Island.

Work is ongoing at their new location off Pope Avenue. Zunzi’s offers a variety of sandwiches and salads, including their most popular sandwich, The Conquistador, which offers their roasted chicken, provolone, special sauce, plus lettuce and tomato. That sandwich has been named Best in Georgia more than once. It’s something you should try at least once if you haven’t already. 

Jicama Salad at Madre and Mercado

Photo courtesy of Joelle Interior of Madre and Mercado

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

CLARIFICATION!

This image, which ran in the May Issue of CH2 and CB2 magazine (in the MOMPreneurs special section), was not taken in Lauren Dembeck’s Brims on the Bluff store, which is set to open this summer in Bluffton.

Coastal Carolina Hospital has opened a new operating room – the hospital’s fourth – to increase surgical care options for the community. As part of the $9 million expansion project, the Hardeeville hospital also acquired a new da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, which arrived late last year. The new operating room and the da Vinci system will primarily be used by physicians specializing in general surgery, urology, and gynecology. As part of its surgical program expansion, Coastal Carolina has welcomed two physicians, Dr. Steven Thies, who specializes in general surgery, and Dr. Paul Milhoua, who specializes in urological surgery. In February, Coastal Carolina joined Novant Health, a not-for-profit health system, which is expanding in South Carolina.

the Second Helpings van will be at the Grayco Hardware and Home Store on Palmetto Bay Road. Just pull into the parking lot and a volunteer will gratefully accept your food.

Drop off in Coligny Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays outside Fish Coastal Restaurant, near Piggly Wiggly. There is also a drop off at Palmetto Dunes' pass office.

A new partner is joining Second Helpings as a drop-off location for food donated by vacationers this summer. Coligny Plaza is a new site for donations of unopened, nonperishable food. Post-Vacation Food Donation begins Saturday, June 1, with three sites on the Island. The goal is to collect food that Second Helpings will deliver to the food pantries and soup kitchens that serve those who are food insecure on Hilton Head Island. The program launched in 2023 with tremendous support from rental agencies, Grayco, and the community. Starting Saturday, June 1, food can be dropped off:

• In Coligny Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays, outside FISH Casual Coastal Seafood Restaurant, next to Piggly Wiggly and across from Skillets.

• At the Grayco Hardware and Home Store on Palmetto Bay Road on Saturday mornings from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Second Helpings volunteers will be on hand to collect food donations. Look for the Second Helpings van.

• At the Palmetto Dunes Pass Office throughout the week.

The program will run until Saturday, August 31.

Karen McDonnell, graduating Hilton Head High School senior, has won both the Art League of Hilton Head’s annual $2,000 scholarship, as well as the Barbara and Clayton Kittinger $1,000 scholarship. The decision was based on her outstanding photography portfolio, leadership skills, athletic achievements, and glowing teacher recommendations. McDonnell will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design this fall, where she plans to further explore her passion for photography and videography while being a member of the SCAD equestrian team. “I want to create films and interviews with people usually excluded from the limelight,” McDonnell said. “Everyone has a different story, which needs to be valued and told.” The Art League of Hilton Head scholarship program encourages students to develop their artistic skills and pursue a career in the visual arts. The funding of this scholarship is made possible through charitable donations made to Art League of Hilton Head. For more, email director@artleaguehhi.org or call (843) 681-5060.

TONY NOMINEE

JANE LANIER

BRINGS FOSSE MUSICAL TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute launches its 17th summer season with the classic Bob Fosse/Neil Simon musical comedy Sweet Charity. The musical, directed and choreographed by Fosse-Legacy dancer (and Tony Award nominee) Jane Lanier opens June 21 on the campus of Hilton Head High School. Lanier appeared in six Broadway shows, and was featured on Glee. This marks Lanier’s first directorial assignment with SSTI. The production runs weekends June 21-30 and tickets are available at HHISummerMusicals.com.

Untitled II by Karen McDonnell

COLIGNY PLAZA SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

COLIGNY CENTER STAGE - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Wednesday, Friday - Jevon’s Kids Show

Monday - John Cranford & Alice Gould

Tuesday - Kyle Wareham

Thursday - Nick Poulin

Saturday - Mike Kavanaugh

GREGG RUSSELL CONCERTS 47th season!

Monday-Thursday 8-9:30 p.m. Liberty Oak in Harbour Town

TURTLE TALKS

Lowcountry Celebration Park Every Monday-8pm SeaTurtlePatrolHHI.org

HARBOURFEST @ SHELTER COVE

6 p.m. Tuesdays, Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown. Fireworks at dusk ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com

HARBOURFEST @ SHELTER COVE

6 p.m. Tuesdays, Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown. Fireworks at dusk ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com

FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET

Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Shops at Sea Pines Center

HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET

Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Shelter Cove

Community Park

Local artists, makers, farmers

POST VACATION FOOD DROP OFF Fridays and Saturdays Outside FISH in Coligny

TURTLE TALKS

Lowcountry Celebration Park Every Monday-8pm SeaTurtlePatrolHHI.org

HARBOURFEST @ SHELTER COVE

6 p.m. Tuesdays, Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown. Fireworks at dusk ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com

TURTLE TALKS

Lowcountry Celebration Park Every Monday - 8pm SeaTurtlePatrolHHI.org

HARBOURFEST @ SHELTER COVE

SETHI COUTURE STYLING EVENT

June 13-14 BYOB – Bring Your Own Bands. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Forsythe Jewelers in The Shops at Sea Pines Center OUR BELOVED FLAG: A FLAG DAY HISTORY of the American Flag. 11 a.m. Hilton Head Library Free!

TURMERIC PRINTS CLASS 11 a.m. Hilton Head Library. Adults; bring flowers, leaves 843-255-6525 to sign up RICK HUBBARD’S KAZOOBIE KAZOO SHOW June 7 + June 21 Music, comedy, kazoos Liberty Oak in Harbour Town

6 p.m. Tuesdays, Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown. Fireworks at dusk ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com FUN IN THE SUN FOR EVERYONE! 9 a.m.-noonSpecial needs beach activities at Surf Watch pocketsfullofsun.org

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mitchelville Freedom Park

June 14. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Oyster Factory Park blufftonsunsetparty.com THE ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA PRESENTS: CHICAGO June 26 - August 18

Experience All the Razzle-Dazzle of This Hit Musical! www.artshhi.com for more information

COMING UP! JULY 5-28 “THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL”

Sea Glass Stage at Coligny 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat; 2 Sun sgstage.org

JUNE 2024 EVENTS