Beaufort Lifestyle December January 2016-17 by JDelSUR Marketing Group

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

Jack Gannon Walking In

Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boots

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CONTRIBUTORS

Cindy Reid

Mary Ellen Thompson

Cindy Reid has been published in About Town, skirt!, Salon.com and The Coastal 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.

Mary Ellen Thompson has never met a train, boat or plane that she didn’t like ~ they represent travel and adventures, two of her most favorite things. Having started life on Philadelphia’s Main Line, she’s lived in houses and on boats on the Chesapeake Bay, New York, Florida, England, France, and now Beaufort. She finds the most secret locavore restaurants, the best dive bars, and the most charming little hotels. When Mary Ellen’s at home, she loves being with her friends, entertaining, listening to the marsh, and her silly cats. Best of all, she loves her son in Denver, her daughter in New York, and her great friend and editor, Meredith, in PA.

Susan Deloach 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.

John Wollwerth

John Wollwerth is a photographer raised in New York, now living in Beaufort. He specializes in wedding and commercial photography, with additional background in portrait and stock photography. His work has appeared in such publications as The Washington Post, the Minneapolis Tribune, Coastal Living and South Carolina Homes and Gardens. John is involved with the Photography Club of Beaufort and the Professional Photographer of South Carolina. He lives with his wife and three children.

Paul Nurnberg Paul Nurnberg, whose studio is in Beaufort, SC, specializes in architectural and lifestyle advertising photography. He photographs a variety of subjects including people, products, food, nature and travel for ad agencies, large corporations and magazines. Local clients include Beaufort Memorial Hospital, The Vegetable Kingdom and Swanky J Boutique. Other clients include JCB, (UK/Savannah), Johnson Matthey, Parker’s Markets and StertilKoni. Paul also teaches photography and camera classes and one on one lessons to individuals. He just finished a two-year term as president of the SC chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers

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 Phone numbers will not be published.

Kim Poovey Kim Poovey is an author and historic reenactress specializing in the Victorian era. Her novel, Truer Words, is a work of historic fiction set in the Lowcountry of SC during the 19th century. Her lifelong love of horses led to a BA degree from Virginia Intermont College where she was a winning member of the equestrian team. Kim lives with her husband, three dogs, and a cat in Beaufort.

Carol Lauvray

Carol Lauvray relocated from Ohio to Beaufort in 2011 to enjoy the pristine coastal beauty of the Lowcountry and this friendly, welcoming community. In Beaufort, Carol’s found more than a home--she’s found the ideal place to pursue her passions for history and writing. She became a docent for the Beaufort History Museum in 2013 and now serves as the President of the Museum’s Board of Directors. Carol has more than 20 years of experience in writing marketing communications and holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio University. Her daughter Cristin and son-in-law Kevin live near Columbus, Ohio.

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. 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.

www.beaufortlifestyle.com 04 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

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CONTENTS

December/January 2016-17

features

08 Jack Gannon Walking In Santa’s Boots 14 The Tina Gentry United Way

21 Serving The Reaves Family Others 27 Chrystie Turner Operation Holiday Heroes 31 2017 BMH Valentine Ball

departments

07 Publisher’s Thoughts 30 Dining Feature special sections

33 Shop Local Guide

27 06 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

P U B L I S H E R ’ S Thoughts

Thank you Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com Marsha Stewart account executive marsha@idpmagazines.com

Beaufort Lifestyle is proudly produced by:

One Beaufort Town Center 2015 Boundary Street, Suite 221 Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 379-8696

Another year is about to end. It’s hard to believe! This time of year always finds people thinking of what life has been like, what the year has meant to them...and, what plans they have for the upcoming year. As a business owner, not only do I think about this from a personal perspective, I also think about it in regards to my business. 2017 was a huge year for Independence Day Publishing. We celebrated our 10th year in business and 7 great years of bringing you Beaufort Lifestyle. What a blessing this has been to me. Ten years of being in business. Sometimes it seems unreal. When I left the corporate world ten years ago, I knew I was making the right decision. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted the opportunity to feature all things good... Julie Hales, PUBLISHER good people, good communities....the world is not made of bad news...I wanted to share the good things as well. Ten years later, I am still able to live this dream. I am able to be a part of one of the greatest communities in the United States. I am blessed to be able to give this community their own community magazine...one that features wonderful people, beautiful places and tons of great happenings. I want to personally thank the citizens of Beaufort and surrounding areas for the last 7 years. I want to thank the advertisers who believe in us and what we do. Without you guys, there would not be a Beaufort Lifestyle. I want to thank all of my staff and freelancers who have contributed to our success along the way. You guys are amazing and I am blessed to have you all as a part of my life. I have a lot to be thankful for through this holiday season. I hope each of you will stop and reflect on all the things you have to be thankful for as well. As the year end closes in, we are making plans for another great year of Beaufort Lifestyle. Remember, this magazine is for you! We welcome and appreciate any ideas you have for us...stories you would like to see, new sections you would like us to include...share your thoughts with us. Email me at julie@idpmagazines.com. We look forward to sharing the best of the best of Beaufort in 2017. See you in the new year!

CIRCULATION: Beaufort Lifestyle is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 15,000 copies and distributed to over 200 locations. Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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

ABOUT THE COVER

Jack Gannon Walking In

Santa’s Boots

Meet Jack Gannon, Beaufort’s own Santa Claus. Jack shares with us some of his most memorable times of donning his Santa suit and putting smiles on the faces of young and old Beaufort residents. Photo by John Wollwerth

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

Jack Gannon

Walking in Santa’s Boots story by mary ellen thompson photography by john wollwerth

o matter how old you are, what is Christmas without Santa Claus? Those who believe in him all have memories - of making your wish list, writing him letters, sitting on his lap, having your photo taken, leaving milk and cookies out, for him. Jack Gannon has been Beaufort’s very own Santa Claus for nearly a quarter of a century. With his ebullient personality, and true love of the character, Jack donned his costume, gathered his elves and Mrs. Claus, and embodied one of the most iconic people who never actually lived. Jack regales us with his story, “It all began in the most undramatic of ways, I answered an ad in the paper. Main Street Beaufort was looking for a new Santa Claus. It was 1993 and I was working at the Beaufort Gazette and thought a little extra money for Christmas would come in handy. So I turned in the application and a few months later they notified me that I had the job. I was Santa for Night on the Town, the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Christmas Parade, and on the other weekends I walked around town and talked to people. I had been in theater so it was easy to become a character. I became St. Nick, because the story of Santa Claus is derived from the Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and sailors, who helped those in need and became legendary for his gift giving.” After that first Christmas season was over, Jack returned his costume to Main Street Beaufort. The following fall, the director called and again asked Jack to be Santa. “1994 had a pivotal moment for me. I was walking down Bay Street in my costume

when an elderly lady approached me and asked my name. It was the first time someone had asked me the name of the person under the suit and I wanted to stay in character, so I said ‘Nick’. She told me that her husband had just died and now she didn’t know what to do for Christmas. I told her to contact her children and tell them how she felt, that everything would work out. It was the first time an adult had approached me as Santa. The next year she found me on Bay Street and told me that as a result of my advice her children had all gotten together with her; she thanked me. That was when I realized that there’s more to being Santa than talking to children about what they want for Christmas.” Also in 1994, Jack had an experience that led him to expand Santa’s coterie with his first elf. Walking down Bay Street, he leaned over to talk to children when two teenage boys ran past him and pulled his beard (which was attached around his head by an elastic band) down off his face. The children were shocked to see that Santa wasn’t really Santa. After that, Jack thought Santa needed a body guard so he added an elf whose job it was to keep an eye out for Santa and make sure all the children were seen because with the costume, the hat, hair and beard, it was sometimes difficult for Santa to see in all directions. The original beard was attached to the moustache, so you couldn’t see his mouth move when he laughed or talked. In the years to come, Jack acquired several Santa outfits and began glueing the beard and moustache directly to his face. Jack reminisces, “I remember the first year, we were having the photos with Santa taken in

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

Fordham’s Market. A couple in their early nineties walked in to get their photo taken. She was a southern belle, charming and gracious and beautifully dressed; he looked like an old grouch. He picked up a Rudolph doll from the set, sat down beside me and, with a straight face, said to the photographer, ‘Tell me when I’m happy.’ They were there because they wanted their grandchildren to know that they still believed in Santa Claus.” Jack’s purview expanded when he was asked to be Santa on Fripp Island; he added another elf, got married in 1996 and then had a Mrs. in the Claus family. He found that worked well on many levels, one of which was that some of his young visitors preferred having their photo taken with an elf or Mrs. Claus. Jack officially retired as Santa at the end of the 2015 season but will be Santa one more time, signing his book’s cover as “Santa” at Frampton Plantation in Yemassee on December 10 from 10 - 2 for Toys for Tots. “I was a physically active Santa, I would get on the floor with kids and pets for photos but after twenty three years I found I could no longer meet the physical demands I had set for myself.” “The main job of Santa is to always maintain the reality of the illusion. I always had a good time, no matter what. I did whatever it took to get that photo, even with the children who screamed and carried on; one year there was a photo in the newspaper of a little boy standing next in line with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face, the caption read ‘No, no, no, to ho, ho, ho!’ There were children in the military who would ask me to let their mommies or daddies come home safely, or to fly over them in foreign countries to make sure they were safe, instead of wanting a present for themselves.” Perhaps the most poignant Santa memory that Jack holds is the time his father got to see him be Santa. When Jack graduated from Winthrop University in 1983, his mother had recently had a stroke, so Jack came home to Beaufort to help his dad take care of her. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have been here to be Santa. Dad spent all his time at home with her, so after she passed on he was able to come to town and get his first, and only, photo taken with Santa. “Santa is here to remind us what Christmas is all about. I always say ‘Merry Christmas’ not ‘happy holidays’; you just can’t take the Christ out of Christmas. When people tell me they celebrate and open their gifts on Christmas Eve, I tell them to save one gift to open Christmas day because we all get one perfect gift on Christmas day.” Jack tells a charming story about how he met, and subsequently proposed to, Mrs. Claus, aka Mendy. They were both auditioning for roles in “M*A*S*H” at Beaufort Little Theater and met on stage in their respective roles, he as Trapper John and she as Nurse Bridget. One day when Mendy was coming home from teaching fifth grade, she sat with her mother and grandmother on the porch when they noticed a blue light flashing on a Sheriff’s deputy car accompanying Jack’s car down the street. Jack’s car had affixed to it a banner that read, “Mendy, will you marry me?” He smiles at the memory and explains, “I had told her that when I proposed I would not say a word. She couldn’t figure out how that was going to happen.” To ease the transition away from being Santa, Jack wrote “I Walked in Santa’s Boots” which was released this November. A compilation in scrapbook format with lots of photos and letters to Santa and other fun bits of memorabilia; Jack says it is his thank you to the community. He describes it as “a historical autobiography of a fictional character by a real person.” But this isn’t the first book Jack has authored. As a matter of fact, he and his writing partner, Cyndi Williams Barnier, have co-authored several books, with a few more to be released soon.

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When Jack and Cyndi were best friends at Beaufort High, they thought they would write the next great American novel together after they graduated from college. Their plans got twisted by fate and they lost track of each other for thirty-two years until they found each other on Facebook. They got together for dinner with their respective spouses, found they were each retired, and finally started writing together. The same characters they had envisioned back in high school came to life. “Murder in Two’s and Three’s” debuted in 2011 and is the first of the action, adventure, murder and suspense “Task Force Series” novels. “Dawn of the Living Ghost,” the first of “The InSpectre Series” which are stories of fantasy, paranormal and supernatural, was published in 2015. “Cyndi and I weren’t meant to write after high school, it wasn’t our time yet even though we were often just a few feet apart. It took thirty-two years for us to come back together as writers. Was that coincidence, providence, destiny? Yes. And the timing coincided just as our other careers ended.” “Walking in Santa’s Boots” is their eighth collaboration to date.

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Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Running and More!

December 1 – 6, 2016 Festival of Trees at Tabby Place in Downtown Beaufort 913 Port Republic St., Beaufort, SC 29902 Thursday, Dec 1, 2016 Opening Reception & Gala 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets: $50.00 each

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12 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

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www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

The United Way Neighbors Helping Neighbors Recover From The Storm

story by carol lauvray

photography by paul nurnberg

eaufort is featured in just about every list of great places in the United States to retire and visit, thanks to its breathtaking coastal beauty and historic charm. Whether you were born here or moved to town just this year, you’d probably say there’s no place you’d rather live. So what sets Beaufort apart from many other charming historic towns? Many believe it’s the sense of community found in Beaufort. Evidence of Beaufort’s community spirit, concern and caring for neighbors has been demonstrated in the countless acts of kindness and instances of neighbors helping neighbors in the wake of Hurricane Matthew in October. The spirit of community within Beaufort is exemplified through the work of the United Way of the Lowcountry, which has rallied the community’s resources in response to Hurricane Matthew to assist hundreds of people whose lives have been impacted by the storm. “Most of the people who come to us for help are employed, hard-working people whose lives have been derailed as the result of one crisis, like Hurricane Matthew,” says Tina Lamb Gentry, President and CEO of the United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. “We work to meet people’s immediate needs when a crisis occurs by funding our partner agencies such as the Salvation Army, HELP of Beaufort, Bluffton Self-Help, and the HHI Deep Well Project. These agencies

14 October/November 2016 | Beaufort Lifestyle

are working on the front lines to provide people in our community with assistance for basic necessities like food, clothing, shelter and utility bills. Hurricane Disaster Relief Assistance Tina says that after Hurricane Matthew, Beaufort County’s Human Services Alliance and the United Way of the Lowcountry partnered to coordinate disaster relief for the County. In addition, the United Way of the Lowcountry has a memorandum of agreement with Beaufort County to be the agency responsible for collecting, administering and distributing funds for disaster relief services. People who wish to make donations to the Hurricane Matthew Recovery Relief Fund or volunteer their services can do so on the United Way of the Lowcountry’s website at uwlowcountry.org or call 843-982-3040. The agency also has posted an “Available Resources” link on its website to direct residents to resources for food assistance, tree removal and home damages. Through its HELPLINE, the United Way of the Lowcountry is taking calls for disaster relief assistance and providing referrals to residents with unmet needs. People who are looking for information on assistance as a result of the hurricane, can call the United Way of the Lowcountry’s HELPLINE at 843-524HELP (4357). “Before the hurricane, we received approximately 30 calls a week

on the 843-524-HELP phone line, but the number increased to an average of 107 calls a day in the weeks immediately following the disaster,” Tina emphasized. She said the call load increased 1,000 percent in the first weeks following the hurricane. Connecting Residents with the Disaster Relief Assistance They Need In the aftermath of the storm, the agency is employing a triage system to assess residents’ needs and refer them to various sources of assistance. “If they have damage to their homes, we refer

them to FEMA. If they need assistance with food we’ll refer them to agencies like the Salvation Army, HELP of Beaufort, Bluffton Self-Help, or the HHI Deep Well Project,” Tina said. The Board of Directors of the United Way of the Lowcountry recently voted to allocate $100,000 from its endowment fund to local front-line agencies like these so they can continue to assist individuals and families with disaster relief. “It will be at least a year before we’re finished with disaster relief here in Beaufort County,” Tina said.” “People have many different needs as a result of the hurricane,” she explained.

“They may need rental assistance or money to pay a mortgage because they spent the money intended for those monthly expenses to stay in a motel and eat in restaurants during the evacuation. Many folks lost wages due to the evacuation when they could not work, while others are now out of work because the business where they were employed was damaged in the storm. Nearly everyone lost refrigerated food due to the extended period of time the power was out. Others have extensive damage to their homes as the result of flooding, wind or falling trees. And, if people did not have insurance,

they cannot afford to pay for the necessary repairs to their damaged homes. In some cases they cannot live in their homes due to damage and must find temporary housing.” Tina says the United Way of the Lowcountry can assist residents by connecting them with the resources needed to help them. That could mean directing residents to FEMA for help with home repairs or to people within the community who will volunteer to do minor repairs. The agency also helps by locating sources of funds to help people make needed repairs, and to pay rent or make

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

The United Way of the Lowcountry HELPING THE COMMUNITY With its roots in Beaufort County planted more than 50 years ago in 1958, the United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. has evolved to serve both Beaufort and Jasper Counties by mobilizing financial resources within the community to support individuals and families and to improve their lives. Now in its new location at 1277 Ribaut Road in Beaufort, the agency is focused on: • Working to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families through its Community Impact Investment Process and its HELPLINE. The United Way addresses health and human service issues in a variety of ways, one of which is by providing operational funding to local nonprofit agencies that are aligned with its priority areas. The majority of the calls made to the HELPLINE are for the most basic of needs: rent, utilities, food, shelter and home repairs. • Working to alleviate future needs through its: Beaufort and Jasper County Early Grade Reading Initiative by: • Increasing the on-time graduation rate. • Focusing initially on Early Grade Reading. • Ensuring students are reading on grade level when they enter the 4th grade. • Engaging local volunteers to help. • Recruiting 300 new volunteer mentors, tutors and readers. • Community Impact Process through identifying root causes of issues and working toward community-wide goals to change the trajectory of those root causes in areas such as: • Education • Health • Family/Financial Stability • Basic Needs The United Way of the Lowcountry’s Value in the Community:

mortgage payments. “We’re seeing clients we’ve never seen before—people who work every day, but who are now facing a crisis as a result of the hurricane’s impact on their lives. It was so humbling to be in contact with a man who has donated for years to the United Way of the Lowcountry, but who now needs help from our agency. We want to reassure people in our community that there’s no need to be embarrassed because you need these services. We are here to help you when you need it!” Tina emphasized. Beaufort’s Community Spirit of Helping Others Tina Lamb Gentry has close ties to Beaufort. She spent much of her youth here and graduated from Beaufort High School before heading to college at USC and later moving to Asheville, N.C. Her roots are here in the Lowcountry, where she now lives with her family since returning in 2013 to assume the position of President and CEO of the United Way of the Lowcountry. That’s why Tina knows all about Beaufort’s community spirit, and its concern and caring for neighbors. Her work at the United Way of the Lowcountry helps make a positive difference within the entire community every day by working to meet residents’ immediate needs and to improve their lives through lasting change. Tina says, “At the United Way of the Lowcountry, we couldn’t accomplish what we do every day without the overwhelming commitment and support that the caring people of this community give us!”

16 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

• • • • • • •

Addressing the complexity of the challenge in communities. There are no magic bullets. Community issues are integrated issues. Getting people, organizations and systems to work together better. Unique ability to drive collaboration across sectors Local depth Solutions are designed and led by local leaders who know the community.

To learn how you can volunteer to help or donate to the United Way of the Lowcountry, visit the agency’s website at www.uwlowcountry.org or call 843-982-3040. Locations and contact information for the agencies in Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper County are posted on the website. Donations can be mailed to: The United Way of the Lowcountry P.O. Box 202 Beaufort, S.C. 29901

Creations and Libations Art Studio and Gallery:

ARTS, CRAFTS AND BEYOND

arissa Doig and her husband John have lived in Beaufort for about three years. Carissa is a native of Connecticut. Moreover, the couple has babies, “fur babies”, that is, as they are avid humanitarians when it comes to rescuing animals. In fact, they have several of their own that came from local rescue shelters. “We have a bunch of fur babies. I cannot say no to a rescue,” Carissa states. Carissa has a noteworthy professional background. Prior to moving to the local area, she acquired a remarkable amount of career experience in the cosmetics industry, along with the digital marketing industry. This has enabled her to be successful in her present business endeavors as well. Earlier in her career, Carissa held positions as a manager, trainer, and area director for renowned national cosmetics corporations based in Canada, New York City, and California, which gave her priceless opportunities to showcase her talents in a variety of notable fashion shows all over the country. She was also involved in special FX makeup artistry on a number of B horror films. “I loved it, and I learned so much” Carissa states. Unfortunately, at only 24 years of age, Carissa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), after experiencing several plaguing symptoms of the disease. Over time, Carissa had several bouts with flareups of MS symptoms. She was unable to continue her travels all over the country and so she attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting with aspirations to be hired at a local TV station and become a professional make-up artist for anchors. Things took a swift turn when she unexpectedly “fell in love with radio.” Consequently, she was offered a rare career opportunity as the Digital Marketing Director at the well-known radio station, The Rock 106.9 WCCC. The radio station was a staple in the Rock N Roll industry, and made several appearances in the movie Private Parts. Carissa laughs and says, “That was like working in a frat house every day, you never knew what was going to happen.” Interestingly enough, the station was sold some time later, and Carissa sought even more promising opportunities.

After visiting the Low Country with her husband, Carissa knew where she wanted to call home. She remarks, “We came here, and I fell in love.” Carissa resumed her career in digital marketing, but her illness continued to progress. Even so she still maintained her passion for life and she decided that she really wanted to “go back to her art roots.” She wanted to do something truly meaningful--she wanted “people to have fun and enjoy themselves while creating something beautiful.” She is a proud supporter of the National MS Society, and wants those who struggle with the chronic illness to know that you should “never give up, never quit, keep moving, keep fighting. If plan ‘A’ doesn’t work out, move on to plan ‘B’, but keep going. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do something.” Carissa knew exactly what she wanted to do with her plan B. She explained her decision; “I woke up one morning and I couldn’t see. I had a flare up and lost vision in both of my eyes for about 3 months. Then I couldn’t move my right hand or arm. I couldn’t get my limbs to listen to my brain for months and I thought to myself, what if I can never paint or do makeup ever again?” She decided that she wanted to use her former experience and expertise to provide a one-of-a –kind experience for her customers. Creations and Libations is an art studio, “not an art school.” Carissa offers customers “a place to let loose and just have fun.” Whether painting, candle making, glass painting, or making melted crayon art, there are numerous activities to enjoy. “Black Light Paint Nights” are new and thrilling! All the lights are turned off, the music is turned up and the paint glows on your canvas. The studio is an all-in-one entertainment venue. Whether customers would like to get involved with any of the activities going on during the week or just relax and take a load off, Carissa prides herself in providing an establishment with a variety of value-added things on the menu. Adult customers are able to partake in wine & paint occasions, which is often done with friends. However, individuals are required to bring their own alcohol for consumption. Carissa wants all individuals to enjoy

the art sessions that are offered each week. Sessions will run six times per week: once on Thursdays, twice on Fridays and three times on Saturdays. The information is posted on their website and Facebook page. Carissa welcomes the public to visit Creations and Libations for their various entertainment endeavors. She assures them that they will have a memorable time. Creations and Libations hosts an array of events including: birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, couple’s night out and much more. Basically, if it’s sought after, Carissa will try to make it happen. “I love to see all the different things people create. We like to say that there are no mistakes in art, only discoveries,” Carissa says. Creations and Libations offers its customers a truly unique experience. With her creativity and innovation, Carissa is looking forward to all that is in store for the future.

CREATIONS AND LIBATIONS 3B Market #1, Habersham Market Place Beaufort, South Carolina 29906 (843)-644-6434 www.creationslibations.com FB: creationsandlibationsofthelowcountry

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

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20 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

The Reaves Family Serving the Beaufort Community in the Wake of Hurricane Matthew story by carol lauvray

photography by john wollwerth

veryone living along the southeastern shore was on high alert as Hurricane Matthew devastated Haiti and then stormed up the coast in early October, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Once a Category 4 hurricane, thankfully the storm weakened to a Category 2 before hitting Beaufort at high tide in the early hours of Saturday, October 8. The resulting damage to property here was significant, especially on the Sea Islands, and thousands of lives were disrupted. Beaufort County, under a mandatory evacuation order since Wednesday that week, experienced extensive flooding and thousands here were left without power. Stores, restaurants, groceries, hospitals and gas stations closed their doors for days. Giant fallen trees obstructed many roads, making them impassable, and homes and cars were crushed. In the aftermath of the storm, social media served as the platform to rally relief efforts within our community. It was a lifeline for first responders and residents, sharing photos of the damage and flooding and providing critical information about people and property in need of disaster assistance. The Reaves family, owners of Sea Eagle Market in Beaufort, used social media to organize their efforts to supply

hot meals for first responders—the police, sheriff’s department, firefighters and linemen—who were working night and day to put Beaufort back together after the havoc wreaked by the storm. This is the story of how the Reaves family weathered the storm and helped their community in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Hunkering Down for the Storm: Wednesday, October 5 – Friday, October 7 After spending two days preparing their dock for the coming hurricane, brothers Craig and Cameron Reaves and their father Laten weathered the storm on the Reaves’ two shrimp trawlers, Gracie Belle and Palmetto Pride, along with first mate David King. Local commercial fisherman John Payne was aboard his boat, Buddy Roe. All three trawlers were docked on Village Creek off the Morgan River. The men spent Friday night as the hurricane approached, Saturday (the day that Matthew hit), and Sunday night on the fishing trawlers. Craig’s wife Jana, his family, and his mother Alice all evacuated on Friday, the day before Matthew hit Beaufort. Craig and Cameron’s sister Becky (Woods) and her family hunkered down at their home on Lady’s Island during the storm.

22 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

In the Light of Day: Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9 Hurricane Matthew hit Beaufort and the Sea Islands in the darkness of the early morning hours on Saturday, October 8. Later that day, the Reaves learned through postings on social media that local first responders were without hot food while doing their disaster response work, and were instead living on packaged MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). The Reaves had a large amount of perishable seafood stored at their Sea Eagle Market on Boundary Street and the food had to be used before it spoiled. They decided preparing meals for first responders would be a winning solution that would use the perishable seafood and also help those who were helping the community. However, to implement their plan and get their seafood to first responders, the Reaves had to navigate their way through debris-scattered roads from Saint Helena Island to reach Beaufort. Downed trees obstructed every road on Saint Helena. “As we made our way from Saint Helena Island to Beaufort, we encountered many residents working to clear the roadway on Highway 21” Craig said. “It was amazing. Everyone was working together to help each other after the storm.” By Sunday, the Reaves were ready

to host first responders for dinner in the parking lot of Sea Eagle Market on Boundary Street. Craig had been in contact with Jordan Roundtree, daughter of the chief of the Burton Fire Department, to invite the department’s crew of 60 firefighters to eat on Sunday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Due to a mandatory curfew in force in Beaufort from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., they needed to serve the meals and be finished before 7 p.m.) The Reaves also contacted Chief Reece Bertholf to invite Beaufort and Port Royal Firefighters for dinner that evening, as well as other first responders. The Reaves set up tables and chairs in Sea Eagle Market’s parking lot to accommodate the crowd. In addition, volunteers delivered plates of food to those staffing the Beaufort County Detention Center and more than 35 meals to the Port Royal Police and Fire Departments. “On that Sunday, with the assistance of volunteers from the community, we served more than 200 meals of fried shrimp, fish and french fries to first responders,” Craig explained. Expanding First Responder Meal Service: Monday, October 10 – Saturday, October 15 On Monday morning, Craig Reaves and Shannon Erickson, S. C. State

Representative from Beaufort, had a conversation about extending the Reaves’ food service to the linemen who came to restore power to the area. As a result, the Reaves family resumed their meal service on Tuesday that week at their Sea Eagle Market from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., while volunteers also delivered to-go meals to linemen around the Beaufort area as they worked. Representative Erickson and Nan Sutton, local businesswoman and candidate for Beaufort City Council, along with other community volunteers, took 10 to 15 to-go meals at a time, drove throughout Beaufort and the Sea Islands looking for linemen at work, and delivered the meals to them. That Tuesday evening, the Reaves family again served more than 200 meals to first responders at their Boundary Street business location. On Tuesday night, a representative of SCE&G, the local power company, hired the Reaves family to cook dinner for local and out-of-state linemen working to restore power in Beaufort. Craig said that the Reaves moved their meal-service operation to Beaufort High School on Lady’s Island for dinner on Wednesday evening, so they could accommodate more people. “Wednesday night, we served 300 people dinner, with the assistance of many community volunteers who ran the buffet line and who personally thanked the

linemen for their work to restore power in Beaufort. Beginning on Wednesday we were working 20 hours-a-day to feed those who were restoring Beaufort’s services,” Craig said. “We served the linemen a buffet breakfast from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the morning and gave them a bag lunch to take with them. Then we served them dinner from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the week following Hurricane Matthew, we served more than 4,300 meals to Beaufort’s first responders and the linemen who restored power here!” People Helping People Disasters tend to bring out the best in people—something witnessed time and again in Beaufort in the days after Hurricane Matthew struck our town. As for the dedicated efforts made by the Reaves family after the storm, Craig said, “I don’t feel like we’re heroes. The way our community came together after the hurricane was great. The linemen who came here from six or seven other states to restore power all told us they’d never been treated like our community treated them.” His brother Cameron added, “It was a blessing to be a part of it. It was amazing to see everybody here in Beaufort trying to help each other!”

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

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Call 877-770-0764 or visit us at www.FrippIslandResort.com 24 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

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26 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

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Chrystie Turner

Operation Holiday Heroes

story by mary ellen thompson

photography by sussan deloach

ast year, 3200 children in 1488 families in Beaufort County would not have had Christmas if it were not for the gifts from Operation Holiday Heroes and its participating partner agencies. Operation Holiday Heroes is a county wide collaborative program that makes sure all children and families in need in Beaufort and Jasper County have food and gifts under the tree on Christmas. United Way of the Lowcountry partners with the Toys for Tots Foundation, The Beaufort Gazette/ Island Packet, Deep Well Project, Bluffton Self Help, The Salvation Army of the Lowcountry and Love House Ministries to accomplish this mission. Chrystie Turner, Director of Allocations and Community Engagement for United Way of the Lowcountry, who is the coordinator for this massive effort, believes that children should enjoy a time of innocence in their lives; “Children should be able to believe in Santa regardless of their family’s income level. Throughout the year these children face day to day hardships and we want them to have the opportunity to experience the magic of the season.” 3200 is an amazing number of children, who would not have had anything for Christmas otherwise. And that number only represents the number of people who knew ahead of time they wouldn’t be able to provide Christmas for their family. Chrystie fears that the numbers this year may be much higher

28 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

due to the disaster of Hurricane Matthew. “So many people spent their savings on evacuating, paying for repairs, meeting insurance deductibles. Those may be the people who bought gifts and donated money last year, that actually have to come to us for assistance this year. It is largely the middle class who will go shopping for their own Christmas gifts and pick up that extra Barbie doll, or remote controlled car, and donate it to the program. I know many of them who just won’t be able to do that this year.” In order to receive gifts, or food, the family in need has to fill out an application asking for assistance. Each of the organizations has their own application and times for applying. Basic requirements to receive gifts are: SC picture ID or driver’s license, proof of residence (lease or electric bill) and birth certificate for all children. Proof of all current income and expenses are also required. Chrystie says the first step is getting the family to apply. “Many just won’t reach out for the help. They are working and they believe that the next paycheck is going to be the one that buys the presents, but when they get right down to it, that next paycheck probably has to pay the rent, or the electric bill, or school clothes, or an unexpected repair bill. No parent wants to believe they aren’t going to be able to provide for their children.” Through this program, each child receives two gifts and a stocking stuffer. Additionally, each organization is trying to

reinforce the importance of reading by providing a book for each child as well. The parents are actually able to shop for their children’s presents at a “Toy Shop,” housed at the different agencies. This empowers the parents and allows them to play an active role in the children’s Christmas. In some cases, parents are also given wrapping paper, bows and ribbons so they can wrap the gifts themselves. This may not seem like much, but being able to choose the gifts and wrap the presents brings a lot of joy to these parents. Every child in need is eligible for this program regardless of their religion or traditions. As families are applying for Christmas assistance, Toys for Tots boxes are up in businesses, office buildings and stores throughout our community to collect new, unwrapped toys. The Toys for Tots program is run by the Marine Corps Reservists who assist in the collection of the boxes and the distribution of the toys to partner agencies to stock their toy shops. Toys can also be taken directly to the Salvation Army, Love House Ministries, Bluffton Self Help, the Deep Well Project and any of the three United Way offices throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. For those who would like to make a monetary donation, cash and checks can be dropped off or mailed to United Way of the Lowcountry at P.O. Box 202 Beaufort, SC 29901. Check should be made payable to Operation Holiday Heroes. Those who give monetary donations will be listed in the Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet on Saturdays unless donors want to remain anonymous. There are many ways you can be a part of this holiday tradition. If you are having a Christmas party, you can ask your guests to bring a gift or cash for Operation Holiday Heroes. Businesses can request a Toys for Tots toy box or put a jar on their counter for monetary donations. You can also make a donation on behalf of your clients or employees as a way to honor them. Of course

anyone can put a new, unwrapped toy in one of the boxes. For a full list of drop off locations, visit www.toysfortots.org to find a location near you. Toys will be accepted in the boxes now until December 12th. Operation Holiday Heroes serves children 12 and under, except in special circumstances. There is always a great need for gifts for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Favorite gifts include books, board games, remote controlled cars, lip gloss and makeup sets, cologne/ perfume, movies, as well as craft projects, science kits, jewelry making sets and sports equipment. Each partner agency has their own toy shop dates and times. However, Chrystie at United Way of the Lowcountry will be available right up until the last minute for any emergency situations that occur. All the toys and donations stay right here in our community and benefit local children. Christie wants to remind all of those who donate that “Operation Holiday Heroes has an effective screening process that allows us to make the most of your generous gifts, while also ensuring accountability.” She also wants to ensure all of those who are struggling to make ends meet should reach out for assistance. “While it can be difficult for families who have not been in need of assistance before to reach out for the help, the last thing we want to happen is for a child to wake up on Christmas morning and not have a present under the tree.” Just think, if everyone who reads this story gives a toy or makes a donation of as little as $10, it will go a long way to bringing Christmas to children here in the Lowcountry. So, please, donate early and donate whatever you can. Learn more – www.uwlowcountry.org or call 843.982.3040.

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One Beaufort Town Center • 2015 Boundary St • Suite 330 • Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 379-8696 www.beaufortlifestyle.com www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

dining guide 1635 On The Avenue 1635 Paris Avenue Port Royal, SC (843) 379-0607 Breakwater Restaurant and Bar 102 Carteret Street, Suite 102, Beaufort SC 29902 (843) 379-0052 www.breakwatersc.com Lazy Susan’s Cafe & Creperie 31A Market Street Habersham, SC 29906 (843) 466-0735 www.lazysusanscafe.com

Luther’s Rare and Well Done 910 Bay Street Beaufort,SC 29902 843-521-1888 www.luthersrareandwelldone.com Sea Eagle Market 2242 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC. (843) 521-5090 www.seaeaglemarket.com SMOKIN’ PLANKS BBQ AND SMOKEHOUSE 914 Paris Avenue, Port Royal, SC (843) 522-0322 www.smokinplanks.com

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30 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

1635 Paris Avenue Port Royal, South Carolina (843) 379-0607 Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday Opening at 5

2017 Valentine Ball co-chairs Drs. Dan Ripley & Andrea Hucks, Amy & Chris Geier

2017 BMH Valentine Ball A New Venue and a New Event Will Add To The Excitement of Annual Gala

his February, there are going to be some exciting new changes to the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Valentine Ball. Not only is there a brandnew venue at Tabby Place, in the heart of downtown, but for the very first time, the Foundation is also offering a special cocktail party the night before. Attendees at the new Friday night “Cocktail Affair” will be able to get a first look at the always fabulous decorations and auction items while enjoying an open bar, plus a bourbon sampling and wine tasting, as well as elaborate hors d’oeuvres and live jazz from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The 2017 co-hosts of the Ball - Chris and Amy Geier, along with Dr. Andrea Hucks and Dr. Dan Ripley - all have a long history of supporting the event and the Foundation. They’re especially delighted to announce that all of the weekend’s proceeds will benefit cancer services at Beaufort Memorial. Now in its 28th year, the Foundation’s signature event

has raised a total of nearly $4.4 million for the hospital, and this year’s contribution will continue the phenomenal level of philanthropic support that has underwritten half of Keyserling Cancer Center’s capital and equipment. “We are a community-based hospital, and I don’t know if people really understand how rare or special that is these days,” says Andrea. “The fact that our hospital can deliver excellent medical care in this environment is amazing and ties directly into community support for the Foundation. It really does come down to neighbors taking care of neighbors.” Guests who purchase tickets to the Valentine Ball before the January 12 RSVP deadline will also be invited to attend one of the privately-hosted dinner parties just before the Ball. “The dinner parties are such a wonderful feature of the Ball,” says Amy. “They’re a great way to make new friends and see some really beautiful houses and venues, and the food is always fabulous.” www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

Andrea couldn’t agree more, as she and Dan have had the most wonderful fun hosting dinner parties for over 10 years now. “It’s so special to open our home to people who are supporting the hospital, and it’s a really great way to meet new people” she said. “Dan is a tremendous cook and we spend a year planning the menu and wine list around a theme so that it’s different every time. We couldn’t enjoy it more!” After dinner, guests will head to Tabby Place to dance the night away at the Valentine Ball, enjoying tiers of extravagant desserts and a fabulous silent auction, which will include mobile bidding for the first time ever.

“The new venue will set just the right tone for the pure grandeur of the Ball, but with a decidedly Lowcountry feel,” Andrea says. “It’s a wonderful time to come together as a community and have a fun night out.” Tickets to the Valentine Ball and private dinner parties start at $150 per person and include several levels of sponsorships. Tickets to the Cocktail Affair the night before start at $75 per person with a discount for those wishing to “make a weekend of it” by attending both events. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit valentineball.org or call the Foundation at (843) 522-5774.

Richard & Joyce Gray will serve as honorary chairs of the Friday night “Cocktail Affair.”

Richard & Joyce Gray To Chair New Valentine Ball Event

or the very first time, the Beaufort Memorial Foundation is also offering a special party the night before the Valentine Ball. Richard and Joyce Gray will serve as the Honorary Chairs for this premiere “Cocktail Affair,” delighted at the thought of the community coming together two nights in a row for such a meaningful cause. “Both night’s events are going to be just beautiful,” promises Joyce. Richard grew up in Beaufort and Joyce moved here after college to teach. All four of the Gray’s children and six of their grandchildren were born at Beaufort Memorial, so they appreciate how special it is to have a not-for-profit hospital serving the community.

32 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

“We are truly fortunate to have such a great hospital and staff,” says Richard. “I sometimes think people don’t realize just how much can be done right here, close to family and close to home. Our hospital also provides an incredible amount of charitable care for those who have nowhere else to turn, and everything they do helps to ensure the health of our entire community.” Richard and Joyce have been an integral part of the hospital’s support network. They were instrumental in helping to get the first Valentine Ball going 28 years ago and have since hosted many pre-Ball dinner parties in support of the Foundation. “We’ve always enjoyed the Ball and this year we’re especially excited about the new event the night before,” said Joyce. “We hope that everyone will come out for a wonderful time and really make a weekend of it!”

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DEC 3 5:30 – 8:00 PM

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A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION IN DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT!

Downtown Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend is produced by Main Street Beaufort, USA, and many fine sponsors within our wonderful community and includes A Night on the Town, Friday, December 2nd from 6 to 9pm, Holiday Festival Saturday, December 3rd from 11am – 8pm, Light Up the Night Boat Parade, Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30pm, and the traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 4th at 3pm. For more information, call 843-525-6644 34 December/January 2016-17 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | December/January 2016-17

FRIENDS of Caroline Hospice announces the 29th Annual Festival of Trees. The 29th Annual Festival of Trees, benefiting Friends of Caroline Hospice, continues a tradition of showcasing beautifully decorated trees that are judged for their originality and creativity. The Festival kicks off with an Opening Gala on Dec 1st featuring a silent auction, music, wine, beer and appetizers from local restaurants. Chaired by Dr. Gene W. and Beth Grace and Mr. John C. and Danielle Troutman Jr., and presented by title sponsor Southern Tree Services, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival will be held at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort December 1st through the 6th. The Opening Gala will be Thursday, December 1st from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $50 per person. The Festival will be open for general admission Friday, December 2nd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday, December 3rd from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, December 4th Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday, December 5th from 10:00 am to 7 pm, and Tuesday, December 6th from 10:00 am to 7 pm. General Admission includes opportunities to view the trees, visit with Santa and Elves as well as shop in the Festival Shoppes. Yoga in the Trees lead by Artizen Yoga, returns on Saturday, Dec 3rd at 11:00 am as well as Sunday, Dec 4th Snow Day from Noon to 2:30 pm. General admission is $2 per child, $5 per adult.