Beaufort December January 2012-13

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SH S De H OP ce O mb P er B LO / J EA C an U A ua F L. ry O ..

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B EAUFORT, P ORT R OYAL A ND T HE S EA I SLANDS

CONTENTS December/January 2011-12

features

10 Scott Mullen

Former Major Leaguer teaching the sport he loves as coach of Beaufort High’s baseball team.

16 New Harmonies

Amanda Brewer shares her excitement about the traveling Smithsonian’s exhibition, “New Harmonies - Celebrating American Roots Music”

20 Artist Spotlight

Local artist, Bill Mead, shows his raw talent.

26 Praise Houses of St. Helena Island Learn about some of the last remaining praise houses in our area.

departments

07 Publisher’s Thoughts 36 Beaufort Style 38 Dining Guide 43 Low Country Weddings

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47 Shop Local

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

On the Cover

Shop Local...Shop Beaufort

Beaufort local Scott Mullen

-Cover Photo by SUSAN DEKOACH

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already here….again! It seems like just yesterday that I sat around the table with my family and enjoyed our traditional Christmas meal together. Now, we will be doing that again soon.

I really look forward to the holidays. It’s a special time for me…..a time to slow down a little bit and enjoy special moments with the people I love…. a great time for family and friends. Just thinking about it makes me smile.

After publishing our 2 Year Anniversary Issue, I really thought I would get the joy of taking a break, perhaps a long weekend away to relax and rejuvenate. But, it seems like all good plans are made to be changed.

I was sitting in my office one morning just thinking about how nice that was going to be. Then the thought of our holiday issue came into mind.

I thought, “What can we do special this year for a good Christmas issue?”

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER Then “business mode” quickly replaced the thoughts of the relaxing long weekend. As a small business owner, I understand the economic downturn, and how it has affected some of our local merchants. Then, the wheels started spinning, and in a matter of a few minutes, my long weekend was nothing but a passing thought!

What better for a holiday issue than to promote local shopping? There is so much more available in the Beaufort area than ever before. And, what better way to boost our local economy than by spending our dollars in our own community!

Decisions had to be made, and quickly. In order to promote local shopping and help our local merchants, we would have to move fast and get this issue out in time for some serious holiday spending. So, deadlines were changed, stories were assigned and salespeople hit the streets…..and remember the long weekend I spoke about earlier, well, it was completely forgotten.

So, please take a look at our SHOP LOCAL….SHOP BEAUFORT section. These local merchants have an array of gift items right at your fingertips….right here at home. Make your shopping list now. Do your part to boost our local economy. Spend your dollars here…..shop local this holiday season.

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CONTRIBUTORS

An adventurous and inveterate traveler, Mary Ellen, originally from the Main Line of Philadelphia, is now equally at home on St Helena or on the road without reservations. Her best pieces of work ever are a daughter in New York and a son in Denver. Having lived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and later on the canals in France, she was drawn to Beaufort by the Mary Ellen Thompson tide, and is waiting to see where it takes her next.

John Wollwerth

Cindy Reid

Susan Deloach

Paul Nurnberg

John Wollwerth is a photographer raised in New York, now living in Beaufort. He specializes in wedding, advertising and architectural photography. John is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers. His work has appeared in such magazines as Coastal Living, South Carolina Homes and Gardens and Period Homes, to name a few. He comes highly recommended by numerous wedding planners, and he travels regularly throughout the region.

Cindy Reid has been published in About Town, skirt!, Salon.com and TheCoastal Mariner. A graduate of Mills College in Oakland, CA, she spent most of her career working with authors in the retail book business before becoming one herself. She has a daughter who lives in the state of Washington. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, she now makes her home on St. Helena Island, SC.

Susan Deloach was born Susan Bessinger in Beaufort, where she still resides with her husband Larry and sons Hudson and Tucker. Susan has a gift for capturing the personality and unique essence of her subject whether on location or in the studio.

Her portraits are as diverse as the personalities of the people she photographs - some are edgy, some joyful, but all have one thing in common: the sensitive, skilled and thoughtful approach of the artist behind the camera.

Located in Port Royal, SC, Paul Nurnberg’s national and local clients include Beaufort Memorial Hospital, JCB Inc., Spring Island, TCL, and The Tefair Museum of Art. In addition to work for dozens of trade and business publications, he also photographs for many consumer magazines including: People, Southern Accents, Coastal Living, Food Arts, and Elegant Bride. During the year Paul teaches photography classes at ArtWorks and through his studio and photographs select weddings and individual portraits Very involved in the photographic community, he was recently elected vice-president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and re-elected as president of the Photography Club of Beaufort.

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December/January 2011-12 Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lorrie Stroud account executive lorrie@idpmagazines.com Dawn Harris account executive dawn@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Write to us and tell us what you think. Beaufort Lifestyle welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to One Beaufort Town Center, 2015 Boundary Street, Suite 311 Beaufort, SC 29902.

Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

CALENDAR SECTION We’re looking for your information about clubs, organizations, events and meetings. For events in in February/March 2012, copy must be submitted by January 16, 2012. Please email all copy to julie@idpmagazines.com.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Beaufort Lifestyle welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com All articles and photos will be reviewed by the publisher, and if the articles and accompanying photos meet the criteria of Independence Day Publishing, Inc., the person submitting the material will be contacted. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Beaufort, Port Royal or the Sea Islands will be considered.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to Beaufort Lifestyle by submitting a check and subscription information form found in every issue.

You may also subscribe by calling (843) 379-8696 .

Beaufort Lifestyle is published bimonthly by Independence Day Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Beaufort Lifestyle One Beaufort Town Center 2015 Boundary Street, Suite 311 Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 379-8696

Beaufort’s7

MAJOR LEAGUER ...Now Giving Back Story by MARY ELLEN THOMPSON Photographs by SUSAN DELOACH

W ho of us, when we were growing up, didn’t collect baseball cards? We bought them in packs with slices of powdery, brittle bubble gum. We

traded those cards just like the teams traded players. We mostly kept them in old shoe or tobacco boxes, bound with rubber bands. It’s doubtful that many, if any of us, ever thought we’d actually know someone who was on a baseball card. But Beaufort’s own, Scott Mullen, has his own baseball cards. How cool is that?

Born in Texas in 1975, Scott Mullen “Loved all sports, anything I could do to get outside. It helped that my younger brother, Adam, played with me.” Scott was twelve when his family moved to Japan where his father, a warrant officer in the USMC, was transferred. “I got invited to try out for the Far East Military All Stars. The tryouts were in Korea for kids from all bases, if you made it then you represented the USA at a tournament in Hawaii. I was chosen. It was a pretty cool experience and my first realization that I was a little better than what I thought I was in baseball.”

The Mullen family moved to Beaufort in 1989 when Scott was fourteen and he attended Beaufort High School. “When I came to Beaufort, I made the varsity baseball team as a freshman, but it was kind of weird because I didn’t pitch, I was a left-handed catcher. You never see a left-handed throwing catcher. It happened because I had a good arm. I could throw out anybody.”

After Scott’s sophomore year, a teammate was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. “That brought a lot of scouts to our games. It’s rare to have so many scouts at a game but nine out of ten times that’s how you get noticed.”

Scott started pitching for the Beaufort Eagles in his junior year and was offered a scholarship at The Citadel in Charleston. In his senior year, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves but he turned them down to attend The Citadel. “At The Citadel, I could pitch in my freshman year, not be redshirted.” After his sophomore year at The Citadel, Scott was invited to attend The Cape Cod League, a wooden bat league in Massachusetts. His roommate there played for Dallas Baptist University and Scott decided to transfer there. He has some regrets about leaving The Citadel but says, “The road I took led me so many places. I played in six countries. If I’d stayed, things wouldn’t be the same and I’m happy where I am. Dallas Baptist University was a big baseball school. I got drafted in the seventh round by the Kansas City Royals - that was a big day for me!”

From 1996 - 2003, Scott played for the Kansas City Royals. He spent

10 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

five seasons in the Royal’s minor league before “I made it to the big leagues in 2000. I was more of a journeyman.” In 2003, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. When asked what it was like to be traded, Scott responded “Getting traded to a big market team was exciting, but I had some mixed feelings because I had grown up with Kansas City Royals guys for the last eight years. 2003 was a good year, but the Dodgers turned me back into a starting pitcher.” After a year with the Dodgers, Scott was granted Free Agency and chose to go to Japan where he played with the Yokohama Bay Stars in 2004, and then the Tokyo Giants in 2005.

Former neighbor, Mike Hudson, remembers a day when he and a friend were out on the river fishing and listening to a ball game on the radio. Scott was pitching for the Dodgers and struck out Javier Lopez who was the star catcher for the Atlanta Braves at the time. Mike said, “We were so happy that Scott struck out Lopez. The Dodgers lost the game, and we didn’t catch any fish but just hearing about that strike out made our day!”

The average age of a professional baseball player is approximately 28.7.

Currently both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals have players that range in age from 21 to 38 and 34 respectively. So, statistically, Scott’s retirement in 2006 at age 30 came a bit early. He explains, “My decision to leave baseball then was not only injury prone, but more so because I was tired of being away from my wife and kids.

People think pro-ball is glamorous. No one thinks about all the nights spent in hotel rooms, being away from your family, living in a country where they speak a foreign language.”

Scott came back to Beaufort, where he and his wife, Jennifer, had been highschool sweethearts. “It was a classic storybook romance. I was captain of the football team and she was captain of the cheerleading squad.”

A year behind him at Beaufort High, Jennifer went to the College of Charleston while Scott was still at The Citadel. They were married in 1997.

Jennifer is a preschool teacher at Sea Island Presbyterian Church and the couple have four children; daughters Madison age 14, Savannah, 13, Macy, 9, and son, Hudson Scott, 5. All of the children are athletic - Madison’s interests are cheerleading, dancing and school. Savannah’s sports are softball, cheerleading and soccer. Macy likes dancing and soccer. Hudson likes all things boy, particularly sports and fishing.

During the years that Scott was away playing ball, Jennifer held down the home fort; “My wife’s support over the years has helped us through

Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 11

some tough times. It’s hard being alone with four kids while your husband is off playing baseball. Her parents were paramount in helping her get through that.” Scott is also very grateful to his parents, Bob and Gail Mullen, “who were always there for me growing up. My mom and dad have helped me make a lot of difficult decisions.”

Scott and Jennifer had considered the possibility of Charleston, SC as home for “life after baseball” but chose Beaufort because their friends and families are here as well as the fact that “Beaufort is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived,” Scott explains. “People are attracted to Beaufort - military people come, like it and retire here. Others come on vacation and stay. One of my buddies came to visit and after he drove over the roads and bridges on his way here he said to me ‘This is one of the most majestic places I’ve ever seen.’ I love the history of Beaufort, the structures that are hundreds of years old. My favorite bridge is the downtown bridge, it’s the oldest. I like hunting for sharks teeth and arrowheads. I love that I can walk anywhere and see people I know. While I was away, I missed the Water Festival; it’s one of the things that defines Beaufort for me. People who have never left don’t have the same appreciation as those who leave and come back. I feel very fortunate.”

“When I left baseball in 2006, I had no aspirations of coaching. But baseball kept pulling at me.” Scott coached Beaufort’s American Legion team, the Ospreys, for three seasons until this past summer when he was hired to coach the Beaufort High School Eagles. He says, “Beaufort High has always had great baseball talent.” After a moment and a sigh, Scott reflects on being the coach versus being the student; “It kinda makes you feel old. My life has gone by so fast. It seems surreal that twenty years have just flown by. I can’t get away from baseball, it’s hard to do something for so long, to get to where I’ve been and walk away from it.”

In another moment of nostalgia, Scott fondly remembers the summer when he had just finished his senior year at Beaufort High and Tom

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Berenger was preparing for the film Major League II. “I worked out with Tom for two weeks at Pigeon Point. I was eighteen years old - I pitched to him and we had batting practice. It was a very cool experience!”

For the past two years, Scott has worked for ServPro in sales and estimating, “They’ve been flexible and great about my coaching. I have a good job, and coaching filled a void. Since I couldn’t get away from baseball, I felt a sense of obligation to teach and give back as Beaufort’s only major league player. Coaching sports is important, it lets kids have stability. I preach attitude and discipline; but my advice, and I give advice all the time, is education, education, education. Get that college education!”

A fanatical reader, especially of mysteries, drama, and crime, Scott says he gets hooked on an author or a character. Some favorites are Stuart Woods, Clive Cussler, John Grisham, James Patterson, and he says with a grin, “I’m a Harry Potter nerd!”

Another thing he enjoys in his free time is speaking at venues such as the Rotary Club, “I’ll do anything that anyone asks me to do!” A Dallas Cowboys fan, Scott says ”I was a big football player.” Scott comments on the Southern tradition of preferring college ball to pro ball, “I have no allegiance to a college team, which is completely different than everyone else around.”

The baseball players at Beaufort High School are fortunate to have a coach who has not only the experience of “having been there,” but also one who has his own baseball card! But the bottom line for Scott is, “I coach for the love of the game. Watching a young man grow into a quality ball player right before your eyes, and knowing you had something to do with that, is special and completely different from when I was the player.”

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See it! Hear it!

New Harmonies

Celebrating American Roots Music

Story by CINDY REID Photographs by JOHN WOLLWERTH

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Beaufort is about to get a wonderful holiday gift. Starting December 17th, the Beaufort Branch Library will be host to the travelling Smithsonian Institution exhibition “New HarmoniesCelebrating American Roots Music”. In conjunction, the entire community is coming together to present an abundance of musical events that the public can enjoy while exploring the musical heritage of our region and country.

Amanda Brewer, the Beaufort Branch Library reference librarian, says “About two years ago, the Humanities Council of South Carolina put out a grant opportunity to be one of six cultural community centers to host this exhibit. They had the greatest response they ever had to any proposal, so they increased the number to twelve. We put together a proposal. One of the requirements was that the town had to have fewer than 20,000 residents, which we met. The Smithsonian‘s program is called “Museum on Main Street” and is designed especially to make exhibits available to people all over the country, not just the big cities. We were notified that we got it in December 2009, and in April 2010, the dates were set and the real planning began. ” “Allowing all of our state’s residents to have access to the cultural resources of our nation’s premier museum is a priority of the Humanities Council,” says Randy Akers, the Council’s Executive Director. As stated on www.museumonmainstreet.org, “Museum on Main Street” combines the prestige of Smithsonian exhibitions, the program expertise of state humanities councils and the remarkable volunteerism and unique histories of small rural towns.”

“When the proposal came across my desk I could see that this project put together my personal and professional interests,” says Amanda, “It has been a dream project!” Involved with music throughout her life, she says, “I grew up singing in church in my hometown of Lynchburg South Carolina, a small farming town in Lee County.” She played guitar while at Charleston Southern University. After college, she taught music for a year before attending USC in Columbia for her Masters in Library Science.

Amanda has been the Beaufort Branch Library reference librarian since 2007 and she currently has her own band, The Brewer Band. “I’m known as the ‘rock and roll librarian’” she laughs.

The exhibit did not require any additional funding from the town or library. The Humanities Council provided $2500 and the grant stipulated that the library match that amount. The “Friends of the Library” was able to provide that amount and the Public Library Foundation has also helped with promotional and marketing costs. The community events are also free of charge and open to all, a remarkable feat in this economy.

Amanda says, “I spent the last year talking to the community and researching local music. Coordinating among the many other

organizers has been wonderful, right from the start everyone jumped on board.”

The New Harmonies Sections The exhibition is divided into five main sections and each section contains interactive and audio components in addition to the visual display. They are stand alone sections that enable the visitor to explore at their own pace.

The first section, “Sacred Song,” is devoted to the lineage of sacred music from Native American drums to the different styles of Gospel music in America. “Shape Note” singing is highlighted. Singers in this tradition sing without accompaniment and sit arranged by vocal part in a “hollow square,” facing one another across the square and taking turns at leading from the middle of the square.

“Country Music” is the second section and explores the roots of American country music from the songs of the Old World European settlers to its current form. This is the music called old time, mountain, and hillbilly music. The Grand Ole Opry, singing cowboys and bluegrass music are all featured in this section.

The third section highlights the “Blues,” the music that gave rise to jazz, R&B, rock and roll, soul and rap. Starting at the Mississippi delta of the 1890’s, this section highlights blues performers from Blind Lemon Jefferson to Gertrude “Ma “Rainey. Instruments essential to the Blues, such as the diddley bow, the guitar and the harmonica are part of this section.

“Other Sounds, Other Songs”, the fourth section, is about the influence every immigrant group has had in the creation of American music. From Cajun to Polka, from tejano to klezmer, the rich diversity of music in America is explored.

“Roots Revival” is the final main section of the exhibition and it features 1960’s music of Burl Ives, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan that sparked the revival of roots music. The section also covers the music celebrations of the Newport Folk festival, the Chicago Blues Festival and the thousands of powwows held across the country.

In addition, there are two smaller sections, “Stand Up and Sign Out” and “Reviving Roots Music.” They aim to education and inform the visitor about the lives of artists such as Woody Guthrie and how folk songs were used to rally people to “stand up.” In the other, the work of music collectors of the 1930’s and 40’s is highlighted.

All Around the Town The “New Harmonies” grand opening will be held on December 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library. In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, local performers Vic Varner, Beek Webb, Kirk Dempsey, Queen Quet and Cross Tuned will be on hand to provide live music. And that is just the beginning of events being held at a variety of venues such as University of South Carolina (Beaufort campus), Penn Center the Technical College of the Lowcountry (Beaufort campus), ArtWorks, the Red Piano Too Art Gallery and at the Beaufort Branch Library.

From documentaries, lectures, live performances of individual performers and bands, there is something on the agenda for everyone. If you are a fan of a particular musical genre, great, and if you want to learn about something new, even better.

Just a few of the offerings include: “Sea Island Spirituals” featuring the Jones Family of St. Helena, the “History of Hand Drumming and Drum Circle,” with Sam Jones, a documentary screening: “Awake My Soul: The story of The Sacred Harp”, OLLI Lecture: “Music as Totem”

by Bill House, Blue Mudd in concert, Drink Small, South Carolina’s legendary bluesman in concert, “Livin’ Music: A Gullah/Geechee Journey of Harmony” featuring Queen Quet and finally the closing celebration with Aunt Pearlie Sue.

Enjoy!

Amanda says, “I want the community to receive this gift, which is a celebration of community involvement and the diversity of music. The oldest amongst us can reminisce and the youngest can be inspired. And all of us can get a better grasp of the music that is our story, the music that is America.” She pauses and then smiles, “Like our motto says, ‘For learning, for leisure, for life’!”

Information The New Harmonies exhibition will be on display on the first floor of the Beaufort Branch Library December 17 through February 4, 2012. It is free of charge.

Operating Hours of the Library: Monday 10-5, Tuesday 1-8, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday, 1-8, Friday 10-5, and Saturday 9-5. The library is located at 311 Scott Street, Beaufort.

The library asks that large groups wishing to view the exhibit call ahead to schedule an appointment so that they can fully accommodate their visit. Please call 843.255.6458 For further information and a full list of events: www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/ newharmonies

Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 17

New Harmonies Events December - January 2011-12 Fri. Dec. 2nd Photography Club of Beaufort exhibit opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street Sat. Dec. 3rd Red Piano Too Art Exhibit Opening Noon to 5 p.m. at Red Piano Too Gallery, 870 Sea Island Pkwy Sat. Dec. 17th New Harmonies Grand Opening 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street Sun. Dec. 18th The Nativity Scene 6:30 p.m. at Frissell House at Penn Center, St. Helena Island Tues. Dec. 20th Dancin’ Wid We: Music & Dance of the Gullah/ Geechee 6 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library Wed. Jan. 4th Lunch & Listen “Sea Island Spirituals” featuring the Jones Family of St. Helena Noon to 1 p.m. at Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus Thurs. Jan. 5th Documentary Screening: Al Otro Lado 3 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library

Sun. Jan. 8th FolkUs and The Hungry Monks in concert 3 p.m. at ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary Street Tues. Jan. 10th Acoustic Jam 7- 9 p.m. at Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy (weather permitting) Wed. Jan. 11th Lunch & Listen : “Girls with Guitar: Women in Country Music”

by Amanda Brewer Noon to 1 p.m. at Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus Thurs. Jan. 12th Documentary Screening: Awake my Soul: The story of The Sacred Harp 3 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library Sat. Jan. 14th Shape Note Singing with Lowcountry Sacred Harp 2 p.m. at Grand Army Hall, 706 Newcastle Street Sun. Jan. 15th Community Sing Local choirs will sing traditional spirituals in a community singalong.

6:30 p.m. at Frissell House at Penn Center, St. Helena Island

Sat. Jan. 7th History of Hand Drumming and Drum Circle with Sam Jones 2 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street

Tues. Jan 17th OLLI Lecture: “African American Contributions to Music” by Dan Huff 1- 3 p.m. at University of South Caorlina, Auditorium, 801 Carteret Street

Wed. Jan. 25th Lunch & Listen: “Sounds of Barbershop” featuring Tidal Force Noon to 1 p.m. at Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus

Tues. Jan 17th Acoustic Jam 7- 9 p.m. at Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy (weather permitting)

Thurs. Jan. 26th Documentary Screening: Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music 3 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library

Wed. Jan 18th OLLI Lecture: “The History of Jazz” by Bob Mastellar 1- 3 p.m. at University of South Carolina, Auditorium, 801 Carteret Street Thurs. Jan 19th OLLI Lecture: “Music as Totem” by Bill House 10 a.m.- Noon at University of South Caorlina, Sandstone Bldg Rm. 124, 801 Carteret Street William House Fri. Jan 20th OLLI Lecture: “Advanced Guitar Performance and Technology” by Chris Jones 1- 3 p.m. at University of South Caorlina, Auditorium, 801 Carteret Street Sat. Jan 21st Appalachian stories and songs” with John Fowler 2 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library Sun. Jan. 22nd Blue Mudd in Concert 3 p.m. at ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary Street Tues. Jan. 24th Acoustic Jam 7- 9 p.m. at Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy (weather permitting)

Sat. Jan. 28th Tunes and Tales with Irene Goodnight and Bob Guinn 2 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library Sun. Jan. 29th Drink Small, South Carolina’s legendary bluesman in concert 3 p.m. at ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary Street Tues. Jan 31st Acoustic Jam 7- 9 p.m. at Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy (weather permitting) Wed. Feb. 1st Lunch & Listen: Livin’ Music: A Gullah/ Geechee Journey of Harmony featuring Queen Quet Noon to 1 p.m. at Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus Thurs. Feb 2nd Documentary Screening: Through Many Dangers: the Story of Gospel Music 3 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library Sat. Feb 4th Closing Celebration with Aunt Pearlie Sue 2 p.m. at Beaufort Branch Library

For further information and a full list of events: www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/newharmonies

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artist profile

BILL MEAD

RAW talent of a low country artist the

“One day I was sitting in a field painting and I realized I was engaged in a visual conversation with nature. I had an amazing feeling of being one with the painting.”

Story by MARY ELLEN THOMPSON Photographs by SUSAN DELOACH As a young man, Bill remembers “When I began painting, my work was dark, Gothic. I was typical of young artists who wanted to be seen dwelling on the negative, the skull and crossbones, the neurotic side of life and despair. My work was erotic surrealism, it was all about that dark side. That lasted a long time, then I jumped forward, and at fifty I realized that I was heading down a dark alley that only got darker. That wasn’t life, as I had perceived it to be, it was my attitude. We create our own reality.”

Reality changed in Bill’s art when “One day a friend, Charlie May, who owned a vegetable stand in Lobeco, asked me to babysit the stand while he went to market. No one stopped at the stand. I found some plywood, paint and brushes and painted signs advertising the watermelons. They were just plain so I painted a landscape behind them. An antique dealer from Yemassee stopped and bought them for $10; he didn’t buy any watermelons though. So I started painting every day for about a year, by the roadside. I was having trouble finding plywood so I painted on anything and those paintings were gone before the paint was dry. It was all happenchance, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone.”

“It was fun, exciting and spontaneous - I was painting on a whim. I used any paint I could find and sold the paintings for $20, $30, $50. I started making money with the paintings. I went to the Saint Helena Market and offered to give them 25% of the price and in 2005 I quit my day job. I sold 1,000 paintings in the first year! I was just happy to do it; I didn’t take it too seriously.”

His job as a construction worker abandoned in favor of painting, Bill enjoyed his new found passion. “There was good subject matter at the Saint Helena Market. I could do a painting in five hours, I brought the produce home. They were selling as fast as I was painting them, I just loved it. There were quiet quaint landscapes all over. I’ve always liked painting landscapes - they are a counterbalance to psychological art. There are inadvertent consequences when you don’t try too hard; you lose the benefit of raw talent when you do try too hard.”

“I was skipping along having a good time when someone said to me ‘You shouldn’t be giving those paintings away!’ I’m like the kid in the candy store - all that glitters is gold. When you assign value, it takes away the spontaneity and fun. Somewhere we realize we have to make a living, so we compromise. I

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don’t have the courage to try to escape the system. Talent is an emotional event. Raw talent is painting from the shoulder - not an intellectual thing; you just go so fast it’s exhausting. I think the older we get, the less we care about making money versus what’s important in life. Being creative is such a wonderful thing - we’re doing something that takes us back to us. Our heads can get so full of useless knowledge.”

Influenced by surrealist Rene Magritte, Bill’s paintings have that element of surprise and unexpected juxtapositions - such as a sock monkey sitting in a western saddle on a cucumber set against a Lowcountry background. Or a huge luscious, ripe tomato towering over a field which could be right next to where it was locally picked. Perhaps the entire cloud filled sky is reflected in a martini glass; or a family of pomegranates which bear no resemblance to each other join together for the sake of a painting.

One way to describe Bill’s art is: delightful! It is imaginative and clever and fun; and because it is just so very enjoyable, it takes a minute to realize how expert Bill’s technique is. On the cusp of that instant of realization, you are tricked into thinking that it’s a happy light hearted painting that makes you feel good just standing in front of it. But the paintings are incredibly well crafted in every sense. His partner, fellow artist Shelly Kohli, says “Bill combines his talent with a joke. But it’s not a joke that’s at anyone’s expense - people like that because they get it. Through his art, Bill makes them feel good. The fact that I get it makes me feel clever.” Bill responds with, “It’s nice to do a painting that people can look at and relax, something that doesn’t manipulate their mind, one that they can enjoy.” But Bill’s talent isn’t limited to the art that is seen in galleries; he has an extensive collection of erotic drawings he has been working on and adding to for years, as well as paintings of beautifully detailed and true portraits and still-lifes.

All the light heartedness and tongue in cheek humor found in his paintings aside, Bills connection to his paintings is rooted in a deeper place. “One day I was sitting in a field painting and I realized I was engaged in a visual conversation with nature. I had an amazing feeling of being one with the painting. It felt like epiphany in the form of a dialog with Mother Earth. She, Mother Earth, gives man all the information he could want. It’s where we all come from, where I came from, and where I’ll wind up. I had the overwhelming feeling of being in harmony, that I was in my proper place. The earth is where we can die in peace, happily ever

Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 21

< MARY MACK at her home designed to give the feel of a warm cottage.

after, from dirt to dirt, like ashes and dust. It happens every time I paint a landscape, that feeling of being in touch with the earth which is our home, where we belong.”

Taking the cognitive process a step further, Bill believes that “In visual art, you can create your own reality and it can seem real in the painting; a reality that is independent of the mind.

There is truth that’s beyond our perception. Most people just use their eyes to get around the room so they don’t bump into anything. When you start to see with your senses, that’s when it starts talking to you. Many artists paint what they think, not what they see; actually they usually paint what they think they see.

People rarely look beyond what’s in front of them; when you look long enough, you begin to form a relationship. Painting should circumvent the cognitive process by using the eye, not the brain.”

Meredith Mead, Bill’s father, was a dentist in the Navy who had been stationed here in the 1940s where he met and married Marian McSweeney. Bill and his sister and three brothers traveled with their parents following Dr. Mead’s career until 1969 when they came to roost in Beaufort. After graduating from Beaufort High School, Bill attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and the Atlanta College of Art where he learned his artistic skills. There is an interesting note in his family history that seems to have brought him full circle. His grandmother was an artist who taught at the Boston School of Fine Art, and his other grandmother was in the produce business in Florida. So it seems he has taken bits of both of their histories and woven them into his art.

At the end of the day, Bill’s artistic goals are simple. “I just want to make enough money to paint the next painting. I don’t have anything to say that people don’t already know. When you do basically the same thing day in and day out, you get better. I see how my paintings have evolved in the past five years. As an

22 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

artist, I want to grow naturally. One thing that is important to me now is to go through a whole day without hurting anyone.”

To see more, go to Bill Mead Artwork on Facebook, or contact him at: billmeadart@yahoo.com.

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24 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

EXPLORINGThe

Sea Islands

Low Country REAL ESTATE

The

Praise Houses of St. Helena Island

Story by CINDY REID Photographs by SUSAN DELOACH

H

idden in plain sight are three remarkable buildings that bear witness to a history of faith and self reliance. Originally built during the pre Civil War era by plantation owners for the enslaved African Americans as a place of segregated worship, the praise houses became central points in the community in the ensuing years, as places of worship, but also as meeting places and even as self governing “court houses” for the self reliant African American community on St. Helena Island.

History One school of thought has it that the name “Praise House” is really a latter day version of the Gullah phrase “pray’s house”. Certainly the original intent was a house of prayer, as the planters would send a travelling preacher around to the praises houses on a regular basis.

But their use evolved into something equally important to the isolated community.

Mary Rivers LeGree, President of the Coffin Point Community Association, says “The Coffin Point Praise House is something close to my heart because its presence is one of the few remaining examples of Gullah life and culture. The praise house was a key element to our heritage. It was one of the very few places we were allowed to congregate. As enslaved people, we were allowed to take a few hours a week and this was a central place to meet. It was where we could learn of the news in our community, who had been born, who had died, who had been sold away.”

Many plantations had at least one praise house. If the plantation was very large and spread out there may have been more than one.

Built from wood, no more than 20 feet by 20 feet, the small frame houses were simple structures. The interior usually consisted of wooden benches along the walls and several in the middle with a podium or stand at the front of the room.

They weren’t built to last forever and many times they were rebuilt over the years. According to Black Heritage Sites: an African American Odyssey and Finder’s Guide by Nancy C. Curtis, ALA Editions 1996, “They (the African American sea islanders) often built similar structures on or near the old plantations to serve the same people as before…In 1932 there were seven churches on St. Helena Island and twenty five praise houses.” As most relied on walking or riding to get anywhere on the island, having a community meeting place close to home was important. From the South Carolina Department of Archives and History,“Although the extant praise houses date from ca. 1900, their function has persisted since before emancipation and the basic architectural form has been retained.” The only three known remaining praise houses on the island today are the Mary Jenkins and the Croft Plantation praise houses, both on Eddings Point Road, and the Coffin Point praise house on Coffin Point Road.

Songs of Hope Traditionally, services were held three times a week, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. A typical service would consist of singing, prayer, a testimony of a religious experience and then the service almost

always ended with a “shout.” Some aspects of the ring shout are thought to be related to the communal dances found in many West African traditions.

The word “shout” is thought to be derived from “saut”, a West African word of Arabic origin (from the “New Georgia Encyclopedia”).

Regarding the ring dance or “shout,” much has been written and this serves as a good description of the practice . “(They took place)In simply constructed “praise houses” or “hush harbors” or sometimes out in the open air, around a fire. There they would raise up the song and move in an easy, slightly weighted step in a counterclockwise ring, starting with a slow tempo and gradually building to a cadence that featured the syncopation of handclaps, feet stomping and percussive sticks to keep and vary the rhythm. And in the repetition of the sung lines and the movement of the circling bodies, the spirit was called and answered. From Sweet Chariot: the Story of the Spirituals, “ Music has always played an important role in the praise house service and they have been called the “incubator of spirituals”. Songs important to the African American religious tradition can be traced to the praise house community. The lyrics to the song “New Jerusalem” , often called the Gullah anthem, were recorded in the 1860’s as this: De talles’ tree in Paradise De Christian call de tree of life And I hope dat trump might blow me home To the new Jerusalem Blow your trumpet, Gabriel Blow louder, louder And I hope dat trump might blow me home To the new Jerusalem Paul and Silas, bound in jail, Sing God’s praise both night and day And I hope dat trump might blow me home To the new Jerusalem

a place in history where the most down trodden of us were able to find hope through their faith, and each other.

Ongoing Efforts It takes dedicated people who give generously of their time to preserve these buildings and they often need to appeal to the community for donations of labor and funds . The Coffin Point praise house is in need of few items and LeGree says she would “Love to get the word out about our “wish list,” which is really important for the survival of the building.”

They need holes in the drywall repaired, the windows reglazed and the interior repainted. “All the repairs together would add up to under a thousand dollars “ she says. “We have a lot of visitors and tourists who are drawn to this special place and we want to remain able to share our history.” Contact Mary Rivers LeGree, President of the non-profit Coffin Point Community Association at 843-838-4655 or at mlegree@ embarqmail.com if you are able to help.

From the book, Africanisms in American Culture edited by Joseph E. Holloway, Indiana University Press 2005, “This song was triumphant, not tragic, and was a favorite Gullah shout song. Thus it was not sung with a “heby heart” or “troubled speerit.” LeGree says, “The people learned songs by memory and many songs related to the afterlife because it was something to give the people hope, going to see King Jesus, going to see their families.” She continues, “And the black ministers back then also memorized parts of the Bible in order to preach to the people, the Our Father Prayer and the 23rd Psalm were very important. When you read it, you can see how it would be comforting to people who had so very little in this life.”

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (KJV) Watch Night Coming Up An important night in many African American churches is New Year’s eve, or “Watch Night,” when services are conducted from 10 PM to midnight. Although several religions have end of the year “Watch Night” services, this is an evening with special significance for the African American community, as the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, went into effect on January 1, 1863.The Emancipation Proclamation is often read aloud at midnight in many churches, and the Coffin Point praise house will be holding a service at 11PM, as will other churches in the area.

Watch Night at Coffin Point praise house is an increasingly rare opportunity for a glimpse into a spiritual practice that stretches back to

Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 27

Discover a great shopping experience...

Downtown Beaufort, SC

has a beautiful downtown shopping area nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway.

With many unique shops, galleries and eateries, you will have much to explore.

Take in the beauty and history of this Low Country landmark.

28 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

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FISHING REPORT Tim Deckard If you’re a local or visiting Beaufort this time of year, you’re in luck. The upcoming winter months offer some of the best inshore fishing in the Low Country.

Redfish are feeding heavily on shrimp in preparation for the winter months ahead, making them a hands down favorite of the live baits.

Mud minnows work equally well, fished under a popping cork.

As the water clears and the live bait leaves the creeks, I’ll throw more of the artificials. The scented Gulp baits seem to work well with the 3 inch new penny shrimp, producing the best results along with the molting crab.

Schooling redfish can be found pushing water on the flats during the lower tide stages. That is where I like to use the Carolina rig for thc greater casting distance, throwing baits in front of the school and letting the fish find it. You may need to slow down your presentation or “dead stick it”. Remember, the fish this time of the year, especially during the lower tides, are going to “spook” easily so stealth is key here.

As the water begins to flood the oyster beds and the grass, you can move with them, fishing along the edges and into the flooded grass.

Trout can be caught in the cleaner water by fishing with shrimp, Gulp, or DOA’s and other plastics, two to four feet under a popping cork, over structure.

Good numbers of flounder have also been caught this year in the same areas on the falling tide close to the oyster beds.

Sheephead are being taken at the bridges during lower tide stages on Fiddler Crabs, using a one or two drop rig.

Good luck and I’ll see you on the water!

Captain Tim Cast Away Charters

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Think Unique, off the Beaten Path. Think Sense of Time

History • Shopping • Dining • Nature

Fo r m o re i n fo r m at i o n v i s i t w w w. p o r t roya

and Place. Experience Small Town Charm.

Old Village ofPort Royal

a l . o rg a n d w w w. o l d v i l l a g e p o r t roya l . co m

Visit Port Royal

34 October/November 2011 | Beaufort Lifestyle

www.PortRoyal.org

Beaufort Lifestyle | October/November 2011 35

Beaufort Style

By Beekman Webb

THE JOHN MARK VERDIER HOUSE: The historic houses and churches of the old town of Beaufort bring tourists from all over the world. The buildings are the most visible representations of a unique and fascinating history. But whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so special about these survivors from another age?

Well the very fact that they are here and in such intact condition is an amazing story in itself, but how are the structures unique?

On the following pages, photographer Paul Nurnbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos show one of the most unique buildings in the Beaufort area.

The John Mark Verdier House,

have spoken to the citizens of Beaufort from the portico. The house became located at 801 Bay Street, is a beautiful known popularly as “The Lafayette example of Federal-period architecture Building,” a name still retained by and has been a Beaufort landmark for many Beaufort natives. As Bay Street over 200 years. Verdier, a Hilton Head became more and more commercial in Island cotton planter, built his lavish the late 19th and early 20th centuries, town house circa 1803. In 1824, the the house was utilized as shops Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of and offices. For years the Lafayette the American Revolution, is reputed to Tavern occupied the cellar. By the mid-twentieth century, the Verdier House was in a deteriorated state and threatened with demolition. The group that was formed specifically to save it became today’s Historic Beaufort Foundation, which still owns and maintains it as Beaufort’s only house museum. Total restoration in the 1970’s returned the upper floors of the house to their original configuration.

Open for tours on a daily basis, the Verdier House displays beautiful Adam-style interior decoration and a stunning, freestanding rail on the sweeping neoclassical stair. There are currently two very interesting special exhibits on display at the house: a retrospective of the historic Beaufort Volunteer Artillery and a grouping of papers and artifacts telling the story of local African-American Civil War hero and congressman Robert Smalls.

The best foods in Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands

Quick

bites

Pizza from The Upper Crust. *Check out all the great places to eat on Pages 38 through 41

Story by CINDY REID Photos by PAUL NURNBERG

The Upper Crust Where do you go for authentic pizza? Or homemade spaghetti and meatballs? Or a roasted red pepper wrap?

Where do you go where the warmth of the room is only matched by the server’s smiles and friendly greetings? Why you go to The Upper Crust of course! After twenty years on Lady’s Island, The Upper Crust is a beloved low country institution, a perpetual favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What is the secret to their success? Owner David Blake says, “It’s all about the food.” Located at the Hamilton Village on Lady’s Island, a few short miles from either bridge, The Upper Crust is the go-to place for pizza lovers of all ages. From a simple cheese slice to the Frogmore (Italian sweet sausage, shrimp and onions), there is something for every taste on the menu. Dave says, “We are not a national chain selling cheap pizza. We use the best cheese on the market, which is Grande Cheese from Wisconsin, and the best sauce you can get. All our meat is Boars Head, and you can taste the difference. All of our

38 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

shrimp is local shrimp too. We are not a conveyer belt operation, we prepare every dish individually.”

All the pizza is baked in a traditional brick oven and is available by the slice (slices are served from 11 AM to 5 PM) and in a variety of sizes. There is the medium 12 inch, the large 16 inch, the Upper Crust 14 inch (which has thin crust on the top and bottom), the Fat Boy 14 inch (thick hand tossed crust) and the new 28 inch size. Dave says “The new size is great for a football party or an office event.”

The best foods in Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands Toppings include the traditional pepperoni, peppers and mushrooms but there is also a special toppings selection that includes such goodies as homemade meatballs and artichoke hearts.

But The Upper Crust is not just fabulous pizza; there is a huge menu of other offerings. The Grilled Chicken Salad is a very popular choice, because as Dave says, “It’s a unique western Pennsylvania style dish served with seasoned french fries in the salad.” That’s right- the french fries are in the salad! There are also eight other salads on the menu, from the Low Country’s Best shrimp Salad to Chicken Teriyaki Salad. All the dressings are wonderful and the homemade honey mustard is a real customer favorite. Bring your appetite or ask for a take home box because these are very generous meal sized salads!

The pasta menu is extensive. From the jumbo sized shells stuffed with spinach, ricotta and Italian herbs to the chicken parmesan smothered with provolone cheese, all pasta dishes include small tossed or caesar salad and garlic bread.

Customers can choose between meat sauce, marina, pesto or alfredo sauce.

Dishes are made from scratch, so as Dave says, “You can order it your way. It takes a little longer to make food the way we do, but it’s worth the wait. And you can always call ahead, we’re happy to prepare anything you’d like ahead of your arrival.”

“Our wraps are standout because we use our pizza dough for the wrap. It makes a soft and chewy wrap that complements the ingredients.” Try the Pizza Wrap (pepperoni, sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, pizza sauce and mozzarella) or the Super Veggie (sautéed mushrooms, onions,black olives, green peppers, tomato, spinach, broccoli, artichokes and mozzarella) or any of the other great offerings.

The Hot Grinder selection includes the very popular Cheese Steak Supreme, the Grilled Italian and many others.

Community Matters Because they are located across the road from Beaufort High School, The Upper Crust is a popular after school stop for many students. To accommodate their budget Dave designed the student “After School $1 Menu /Meal Deals”. For just one dollar high school students (with ID) can get a giant slice of pizza, an order of fries, a drink .“I wanted the students to have a warm and safe place to go after school. Parents have expressed their thanks to me, and as a parent, I understand that.” says Dave.

Dave and his wife Marianne (a school teacher at St. Helena Elementary) make their home on Lady’s Island with their two daughters. Actively involved in with local schools, Dave delivers pizza to the Beaufort Academy twice a week and to St. Peter’s school once a week. They host many field trips where “The children can make their own pizza, fold a box, pour a drink. They really have a great time” says Dave.

Dave works everyday but is “able to take a step back and trust my staff. General Manager Joe Lapp has been here for over ten years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him become a family man and just get better and better. It makes me proud to be a part of his life and continuing success.”

“We really are a family style pizzeria. Bring the kids, if they drop food on the floor, we’re okay with that- we want to make life easier for you and your family. I can recall a few families where the kids were young enough to sit at the counter but now they are sitting at a table while their kids are now sitting

Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 39

Food

&

Drink

at the counter!” That is what comes with owning a family restaurant for twenty years. Beaufort is hoping that Dave and his dedicated crew continue making pizza and all the delicious food at The Upper Crust for another twenty years!

“Pizza Tossing Hours” Monday through Thursday - 11 AM to 9 PM Friday & Saturday - 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday - 5 PM to 9 PM

Delivery is available on Lady’s Island The Upper Crust is located at 97 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 201 at the Hamilton Village, Lady’s Island.

843.521.1999

Athenian Gardens 950 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)379-9222

Marketplace News Sandwich & Ice Cream Cafe 917 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902

Bella Luna Cafe 859 Sea Island Parkway St. Helena, SC 29920 (843)838-3188 bellaluna@embarqmail.com

www.themarketplacenews.com

The Upper Crust (7 Sea Island Pkwy.

Suite 201 Beaufort, SC 29907 (843) 521-1999

Moondoggie’s 930 9th Street Port Royal, SC 29935 (843)522-1222

Yes Thai Indeed 911 Boundary Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 986-1185

Brusters Real Ice Cream 304 Robert Smalls Parkway Beaufort, SC 29906 (843)982-6277 beaufortbrusters@gmail. com Luther’s Rare And Well Done 910 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)521-1888 www.lowcountrydining.com

To Advertise in the dining guide, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call Lorrie at (804)824-9546 or Dawn at (843) 290-1102

Moe’s Southwest Grill 2015 Boundary Street, Ste 1A Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)379-4334 Palm & Moon Bagel Co. 221 Scott Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)379-9300 Panini’s Cafe’ 926 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)379-0300 Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Sports Bar & Grill 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 3 Beaufort, SC 29902 (843)379-7676 Sand Bar & Grill 41 B Robert Smalls Pkwy.

Beaufort, SC 29906 (843) 524-3663 Sweetgrass Rest. & Bar 100 Marina Dr. St. Helena Island, SC 29920 (843) 838-2151

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42 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

LOW COUNTRY WEDDINGS Photo By SUSAN DELOACH

Ann & Chris

Harris Photography by Susan DeLoach

H

Bride and Groom: Ann Winn and Chris Harris Wedding Venue: Beaufort Baptist Church Reception Venue: Dataw Island DJ: Coastal Ramblin DJ - Steve Curless Flowers: Bittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flower Shop

48 2011 | B|eaufort Lifestyle 44 October/November December/January 2011-12 Beaufort Lifestyle

LOW COUNTRY WEDDINGS

H H Beaufort Lifestyle | December/January 2011-12 45

46 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

SHOP LOCAL SHOPBeaufort

New South Shirts Sea Eagle Market Nuances Joli Home Accents Where’d You Get That?

The Front Porch

Habitat Restore The Chocolate Tree Beaufort Day Spa The Jeweler’s Bench Beaufort Massage Bitty’s Flower Shop Photo By Susan DeLoach Photography

‘Tis

Always

the Season Story by Clark Byron

Everyone knows that the traditional Christmas colors are green, white and red.

For merchants, however, black is perhaps the most important color of the season.

It means enough silver and gold could come their way to get their bottom line out of the red.

Black Friday, the Friday following Thanksgiving, is called “Black” because it is the official start of the Christmas shopping season. The season is what puts retailers in the black. Unless you are in retail, you’re probably not aware of how expensive it is to succeed in that field and how slim margins can be. Most retailers operate at a loss throughout the year.

They stay afloat because of the year-end frenzy of consumer spending.

It is generally believed that Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, but that’s not necessarily the case.

According to the website, Misconception Junction, Black Friday usually doesn’t even make it into the top five. Typically, busiest shopping day honors goes to the Saturday before Christmas or, if Christmas falls on a weekend, the Thursday and Friday before.

But Black Friday is well worth

48 December/January 2011-12 | Beaufort Lifestyle

celebrating, since it begins the season that makes a retailer’s year. Very few people get all of their Christmas shopping done in any single day during the season. It is the entire month (give or take) leading up to Christmas that makes the merchants merry.

The whole thing conjures up images of ravenous shoppers barreling mindlessly through stores, trampling everyone in their way, grabbing at everything in sight, and contending with one another over the last great bargain.

But that’s not the true holiday spirit.

That spirit can be found when shoppers are truly thoughtful about what they buy and where they buy it. That’s why the small business organizations of Beaufort and the surrounding area hold annual campaigns to encourage residents to spend their money in local businesses.

“With a national focus on shopping during the upcoming holiday season, the Chamber raises awareness in our community by promoting a Shop & Dine Local campaign,” said Blakely Williams, President of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. Dollars spent in locally owned businesses have

a tremendous impact on a community, according to Williams. “When shopping locally, the dollars stay in the community, creating jobs, funding more city services, and providing more money for community development,” she said.

Buying locally also means dining locally. Beaufort is legendary for its cuisine, from traditional fine dining to the most amazing, authentic Lowcountry cooking. Tourists come from all over the world to eat right here, but these restaurants are cherished possessions of the local landscape. They’re not just for tourists.

LaNelle Fabian is the executive director of Downtown Beaufort’s Main Street Beaufort USA. Main Street focuses on Beaufort’s Historic Downtown District.

“Small businesses form the backbone of our local economy, generating jobs and improving the quality of life for citizens,” said Fabian. “Statistics show that for every $100 spent at small businesses, $68 remains in the community. For chains stores, only about $43 remains local.”

Fabian said that one of the best ways to buy local is to buy services. “Give a gift card for a massage,” she said. Personal

services such as hair salons, nail salons and spas are vital to the local business mix, and provide thoughtful gift options.

Main Street Beaufort USA is adding to the excitement with their events. From Thanksgiving to the New Year, the first two hours of downtown parking are free.

The first weekend in December brings plenty of holiday magic.

Friday evening, December 2 from 6–8 p.m., is the 26th Annual Night on the Town. Main Street will be closed to traffic and all shops stay open late. The evening will feature live entertainment from local choirs and dance troops. There will also be the Lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree. Amidst it all will be a roving barbershop quartet.

The grand finale is a performance by the Paris Island Marine Corps Band.

On Saturday evening December 3, the Light Up The Night Boat Parade illuminates the waterfront. The flotilla runs from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Fabian said the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is a great place to watch it. It all wraps up on Sunday, December 4 with the Traditional Christmas Parade downtown, beginning at 3 p.m.

It’s important to note that on Saturday, November 26, Main Street Beaufort USA held its second annual Small Business Saturday event.

Small Business Saturday is a national campaign of Independent We Stand, an organization that advocates for small businesses.

The celebration included a proclamation presented by Mayor Billy Keyserling to Main Street Beaufort USA, the Beaufort Regional Chamber, and the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce.

The proclamation was received on behalf of all by Larry Holman, President of the Beaufort County Black Chamber. “With us, the ‘buy local’ message is pretty much all the time,” said Holman. “We’re very passionate about keeping money in the community. There’s really no need to go outside the community for anything.”

Holman said the Black Chamber has made special efforts all year to bring outside dollars into the community this season. “We have

put a lot of emphasis on people coming in from the outside,” he said. “This time of year, we have planned a lot of buses coming in to support our local businesses.” Holman said eight busloads of out-oftown guests are expected. “Most of these people will be staying in the area hotels,” he said. “They will be going downtown. We’ll be taking them on tours. They’re going to spend some money.”

Merchants offer hundreds of products and services from local artists, artisans, farmers, and other producers of celebrated goods.

Buying local means more than just supporting merchants–it supports local producers as well. “Over half of all Americans either own or work for a small business,” said Fabian. “Buying local is what supports our neighbors’ jobs.”

It’s also important to note that if you’re one who has grown accustomed to shopping online, you can shop online locally, too.

Virtually all local merchants have websites. If a merchant doesn’t have purchasing capabilities on its site, simply call them. You can get the best of both worlds: on line convenience and personal service from people you know. You can even save on shipping by picking up your purchases at your convenience.

“Our beautiful region is unlike any other place in the world,” said Blakely Williams.” By choosing to support locally owned businesses, you help maintain our diversity and distinctive flavor.”

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