Beaufort Lifestlye February/March 2015

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

Beaufort Film Society Celebrates 5 Years FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

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C O N T R I BU TO R S 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, SC.

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 tide, and is waiting to see where it takes her next.

Susan Deloach

Kim Poovey

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.

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 lead 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, SC.

John Wollwerth

Katherine Lang

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.

Katherine Lang has been an English teacher, a landlady, an art gallery director, and, most recently, instrumental in the renaissance of the Beaufort History Museum and its return to the Beaufort Arsenal. Originally from Tennessee, she spent most of her adult life in Washington, D.C. Katherine first saw Beaufort thirty years before she moved here fifteen years ago, but always knew it would someday be home.

Paul Nurnberg

Carol Lauvray

Located in Port Royal, SC, Paul Nurnberg’s national and local clients include Beaufort Memorial Hospital, JCB Inc., Spring Island, TCL, and The Telfair 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.

Carol Lauvray has called Beaufort home since 2011, when she relocated from Ohio. Her passion for the coastal beauty and history of the Lowcountry drew her to settle here and become a docent for the Beaufort History Museum. She has more than 20 years of experience 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.

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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.

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Beaufort Lifestyle | February/March 2015 05

CONTENTS

February/March 2015

features

08 Beaufort Film Society Celebrates 5 Years 14 ATopher Maraffi Man of Extensive Talents 20 ARobNatural Lewis Filmmaker 26 Dave Robles From Military To Movies

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30 International 9th Annual Beaufort Film Festival departments

07 Publisher’s Thoughts 33 Dining Guide 35 Let’s Do Business

14 26

specials

41 Health and Wellness 51 Wedding Section

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P U B L I S H E R ’ S Thoughts

Beaufort’s People Always Give Back Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com Peg Beekman account executive peg@idpmagazines.com

Beaufort Lifestyle is proudly produced by:

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

Circulation: Beaufort Lifestyle is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 15,000 copies and distributed to over 200 locations.

We are so proud to bring our readers this fantastic new issue, our annual Film Festival edition. Once again, Ron and Rebecca have a great event lined up. And I, for one, can’t wait for the opening night reception. I am looking forward to the entire festival.

Also, in this issue, we have a special Health and Wellness section. This section includes some great information for our readers.

When out in the community selling our Health and Wellness section, our account executive, Peg Beekman, stumbled upon a hidden jewel in our community. This jewel, the Good Neighbor Clinic, is located on Lady’s Island and serves people from all over our area, offering free health services.

Peg gave me a call as she was leaving their office, very excited about what she had learned. What a great story Julie Hales, PUBLISHER for us to include in this issue.

Our writer, Mary Ellen Thompson, was assigned the story. After going in and doing the interview, Mary Ellen also called me, excited about the clinic as well.

In the conversation between Mary Ellen and myself, she reminded me of how blessed we are to be in a community where the residents reach out to help their neighbors in need. There are so many non-profit organizations in our community, small and large.

How do these organizations get funding? How do they find their volunteers?

The amount of people who live in and around Beaufort that show their love and support in so many ways is astounding. Every where you turn, there is always someone ready, willing and able to lend a hand....whether it be financially or time and labor given.....they are always there to help in any way they can.

That, in itself, speaks volumes for this community. The people here are generous, hard working individuals that truly love their home and its people. We, at Beaufort Lifestyle, have always been a supporter to the organizations that have reached out to us. This is, for certain, one thing we will continue to do.

What a wonderful feeling to be able to give back, in some way, shape or form. So, the next time you hear of someone in need, lend your hand and your heart. I promise it will put a smile on your face.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

ABOUT THE COVER As the community gets ready for the 9th Annual Beaufort Film Festival, we should give thanks to Ron and Rebecca Tucker for the many hours they put in to make this festival happen! We appreciate your efforts!

Photo by Susan DeLoach

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

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Beaufort Film Society Celebrates 5 Years Story by Katherine lang Photography by SUSAN DELOACH

I

t’s a story that seems made for the silver screen, and its stars, Ron and Rebecca Tucker, cast to stereotype.

Ron is the former Marine, a tall strapping man with a deep voice, a military bearing, and a big smile.

Rebecca has the looks and gentle warmth of the pretty girl next door. And, together, they are making history in a classic American tale of self-reinvention. This story is about more than the two of them, though, because it is also about the reinvention of a good idea for their adopted town, and is potentially the revitalization of a once-healthy industry for their state of South Carolina.

The story begins for Ron with his retirement in 1992 from the Marines. He formed a production company called Sandbar Productions, LLC. Ron thought to combine his two passions: the Marine Corps and, as a long-time movie buff, film production. When he was in the Marine Corps, he had been a Human Resources, Protocol and Public Relations specialist. All of these specialties would serve him well as he planned a new career. With knowledge that there was a program at Parris Island to videotape recruit graduations, Ron set out to find out all of the particulars, then set his plan in motion. The contract was coming up for bid. The year was 1994 when he hired two recent graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design as videographers, then wrote a short script for the required 15 minute demo tape. A minidocumentary was the result.

His bid was not accepted (this is an American story, after all), but he did get the attention of Trident Productions, a company out of Charleston, whose bid was rejected also.

They got together, compared demos, then devised a plan to combine all the “bells and whistles” that Trident could offer with the expert knowledge of Marine Corps training that Ron possessed. They called their joint venture GoodTo-Go Video; they would specialize in documentaries about the Marine Corps. Ron would be the Producer and Writer, and Trident would provide their sophisticated technical knowledge. Ron says today that it was an inspired combination, “like the clashing of peanut butter and chocolate.”

The fledgling new company called its first effort The Making of a Marine. It was released in 1995. There were very few cable outlets producing documentaries at that time, and their production would become the first commercially available film about Marine Corps recruit training. They had a niche market, self-distributing the film largely through the Marine Corps Exchange System and through small distributors, “mom & pop” shops, and museums around the world. This first film was followed by other documentaries:

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A Few Good Women shot on location at Parris Island; The Evening Parade, shot at the Marine Corps Barracks at 8th and I Streets in Washington, D.C.; The Sunset Parade, shot at the War Memorial in Arlington, VA; Fierce Pride in Country and Corps, shot in various locations around the country; and The Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century, shot at Parris Island, South Carolina and at San Diego, California. In 1999, Good to Go Video travelled to Vietnam to work on a documentary about the Battle for Hue City in 1968. It was also in that year that the contract at Parris Island would come open for bid again. This time the bid was accepted and for the next 14 years, until November 2013, more than 600 graduation ceremonies were produced.

In 2001, Rebecca took over the duties of Sales and Marketing for Good-To-Go Video. Armed with an engaging personality and genuine desire to be of help to the visiting Marine families at the Parris Island Visitors Center, she soon was being referred to as the “Parris Island Good-Will Ambassador.”

In 2004, Ron and Rebecca discussed expanding their filmmaking interests to include the rekindling of the once flourishing film industry in the Beaufort area. After all, this was akin to what they were already doing, so they felt they had the expertise to explore opportunities to get the movies back. Beaufort had served as the backdrop for over 20 major motion pictures, but none had been shot in the area since Rules of Engagement in 1999. Soon a plan was developed to approach the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce (BRFC) about establishing a Regional Film Commission. The Chamber Board of Directors

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agreed that the time was right to revisit filmmaking efforts as an economic stimulator. Ron would serve as the Chairman of a sixteen member board that was comprised of representatives from Beaufort, Hampton, Colleton and Jasper counties. Also that year, Ron attended Film Commissioner training in Las Vegas that was sanctioned by the Association of Film Commissioners International. It was at this training that Ron got the idea of hosting a film festival to encourage filmmakers to visit the area.

The logic was simple. Get the filmmakers here, then they’ll fall in love with the place and want to make a movie here.

The plan was set in motion and, under the guidance and financial auspices of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the first Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) was held in March 2007. About 500 people showed up to see what it was all about. Not knowing what to expect, the planners were pleased with the turnout. In 2008 and 2009 the festival continued to grow, reaching about 2500 in attendance.

From the beginning, Ron was adamant that the scope be international, because this would attract the most attention and the most competition among filmmakers. Beaufort, a town that cares about art and music, was clearly thirsty for this kind of artistic endeavor as well.

In 2009, the Chamber decided to refocus its efforts on supporting small businesses, and, to that end, to get out of the festival planning business. Rather than a blow, this turned out to be a boon for BIFF. With approved board recommendation, the authority and responsibilities of BIFF were transferred to Sandbar Productions. Soon after, Ron and Rebecca realized that, to be successful, the festival was going to need to be operated as a nonprofit organization, so the Beaufort Film Society (BFS) was established as a 501(c)(3) organization, and assumed the responsibilities for the production of BIFF. The BFS is a memberdriven organization and offers the community the opportunity to be a part of the effort to enliven, enrich and entertain through the art of filmmaking.

Their first year as an independent entity, they set the bar high with celebrity appearances by Academy Award nominee and best selling author Pat Conroy, as well as Blythe Danner and Michael O’Keefe, stars of the movie The Great Santini. Not only did their presence attract audiences, it also attracted more budding filmmakers. With names like these, the BIFF had to be taken seriously. Other celebrities appearing at BIFF have included actor Tom Berenger, Academy Award winning film editor Arthur Schmidt, Oscar nominee film editor Craig McKay, Oscar winning Sound Designer Eugene Gearty, Producer/Director Mike Tollin and Emmy winning character actor Powers Boothe. In 2013 BIFF was named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World

by MovieMaker Magazine. Year nine offers to be possibly the best year yet, with Actress/Model Andie MacDowell to receive the inaugural Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award and more filmmakers than ever before coming to experience the red carpet treatment at what many have called the fastest growing film festival in the southeast.

The ability to attract big stars and the up and coming filmmakers of tomorrow is not a full measure of the BIFF’s success, though. The real secret is the involvement of the community, as both Ron and Rebecca are quick to point out.

This Festival has been taken to Beaufort’s heart and the100 plus volunteers who help each year are a major part of it. From the 500 attending the first festival to the nearly 8000 attending this small gem of a festival last year, there seems to be no limit to how much this major international event in a town of less than 13,000 can grow. With Ron and Rebecca Tucker at the helm, we best just grab the side rails and hang on for the ride.

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14 February/March 2015 | Beaufort Lifestyle

Topher Maraffi

A Ma n o f E x ten s i v e Tal ents Story by MARY ELLEN THOMPSON • Photography by JOHN WOLLWERTH

“Leonardo Da Vinci is a role model of mine because he was the original Renaissance man who was both intuitive and technical, and became a successful painter, engineer, and performer. ”

A

man of extensive talents, and a Renaissance man himself, Christopher (known as Topher) Maraffi, hit the ground running when he came to Beaufort in August of 2014 to teach at USCB. Having grown up in Charlotte NC, Topher vacationed in Hilton Head as a child so when he heard that USCB was looking for an instructor in Digital Art and New Media, he already knew he loved this part of the country.

“My family vacationed in Hilton Head throughout my high school years, and several relatives were married there since then.

After living all over the country in big cities, I wanted to be closer to the family I still have living in Rock Hill SC, so it was like coming home again to move back to this region.”

Educator, fine arts painter, author, animator, performer, mime, and dance teacher are just some of the metaphorical hats that Topher wears. As Assistant Professor of Media Arts at USCB, he has a vision and a game plan that is sure to set the University on fire. A digital animation instructor, one of his many goals is to introduce digital filmmaking as part of a new Media Arts track he is developing for the Studio Arts program. “When I came to interview with USCB last February, I was charmed by the Southern hospitality, and the relaxed small town atmosphere of historic Beaufort. I also saw how much potential there is for growth here; the Studio Arts department is small and the faculty and administrators are open to new ideas. During my visit, I was able to have lengthy talks about how a Media Arts curriculum would be the best thing for growing the program and for student career opportunities. It became apparent that I would have a greater impact here than at some of the other larger universities I interviewed with. So when they made me an offer, I jumped on it.

“My first semester I was able to teach a new 3D animation class, and this semester I am teaching a new video game design class, in addition to graphic design classes already in the curriculum. As a bonus, I’m also getting to teach outreach classes that feature painting, drawing and collage, so I get to return to my fine art roots a bit.” The beauty of studying 3D animation and video game design is, “The interactive entertainment industry is exploding, so teaching USCB students how to apply their art skills to popular media is going to give them many more job opportunities.”

When he came to Beaufort to interview for the position at USCB during the 2014 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), Topher saw a good fit for the Media Arts at USCB. He and Ron Tucker have discussed the possibility of an intern program with Beaufort Film Society. “Part of my plan was to get myself and my students involved.” And get involved he did, he is this years BIFF judge for the animation film category. Topher also debuted on the USCB Center for the Arts (CFA) stage in Miracle in Bedford Falls this past December, playing the part of Mr. Carter,

the bank examiner. “I was asked to fill in for the part, and I was hooked. The cast and crew were great; although mine wasn’t a big part, I had fun doing some pantomime and spoke my first acting lines since I was in drama back in high school. I plan to get more involved in future productions at CFA, both on and off the stage.”

Topher graduated from UNC in Charlotte in the mid-90’s with a Bachelors of Creative Arts degree in fine arts painting. In his last semester, he took a course in computer graphics and it opened his eyes to how he could use his fine arts skills in the real world. He started working for NBC Newschannel in Charlotte and transferred to CNBC in New York, then to NBC in Rockefeller Center. There, he worked on show titles and motion graphics, and got to do visual effects on the Woody Allen film Everyone Says I Love You, and the title animation for the movie First Wives Club. Freelance work followed along with becoming an adjunct teacher and certified 3-D Animation trainer at Parsons School of Design, School of Visual Arts, New York University and New York Institute of Technology.

After he stopped working in production, Topher continued teaching in New York until he moved to San Francisco, where he taught at Mesmer Animation Labs and the Academy of Art. From San Francisco, Topher moved to Winter Park Florida in 2000, where he was the Course Director of the technical animation classes at Full Sail University until 2007. “Full Sail was a very production oriented school like Savannah College of Art and Design. I taught upwards of 90 students in my character modeling and rigging classes, which were the most technically challenging classes in the 3D animation program. One of the things I like about USCB is how small our classes in the Studio Arts program are, so we can give our students more personal attention in class.” During that time, Topher also wrote three technical books: Softimage/XSI Character Animation f/x & Design, Maya Character Creation - Modeling and Animation Controls, and MEL Scripting a Character Rig in Maya. All three books were on Walt Disney Animation Studios suggested reading list.

In 2008, the University of California Santa Cruz beckoned to him and in June of 2010 he completed a Digital Arts and New Media MFA at UCSC and a Masters degree in Computer Science.

“I went back to school to create a holistic balance between my artistic and technical interests, which culminated in my performatology research that combines dance, animation, and interactive media.” If you go to his website, www.chrismaraffi. com, you can watch clips of two performances, The Magic Mirror Game and The Avatar Dance, from his thesis, Mimesis and Mocap, which he describes as “ a cross-disciplinary performance study in creating expressive and improvisational interaction between human performers and 3D characters, using motion capture technology, in a shared performance space.” While working on his Computer Science degree at UCSC, he started www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

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teaching video game design to gifted high school students in their COSMOS summer school program. “I have been working with USCB instructor Joanna Angel to develop plans for a similar program here, so that we can start recruiting high school students in the region to come learn media arts at USCB.” One of the concepts to which Topher refers is the word performatology: “Computational aesthetic studies on artistic gesture data to formalize figure composition procedures that will enhance interactive media.” Or, as he explained it more simply, “All the rules and techniques of the visual and performing arts boil down to one thing... catching and holding people’s attention for long enough to send them a message. My performatology research uses computer science to try and understand how artists do that, so that we can formalize that process. One of the new classes we are currently developing is called Performative Media, where students will use video game technology to apply performatology research to live theater that we stage here at USCB. We hope to cross-list classes like this with the Computational Science department, so that we can bring art and science students together to collaborate on interactive media projects.”

Now, if all this genius bundled into one brain isn’t enough, let me assure you - there is more. In addition to teaching computer graphics, Topher has taught martial arts and social dance. He became interested in the martial arts at eight years old after watching the TV show Kung Fu in the 1970s. His mother took him to the local YMCA where he learned Kung Fu and Jeet Kune Do. He later was certified as an instructor of Filipino and Indonesian martial arts, and taught in New York and Orlando. He followed

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Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do philosophy of taking whatever style is useful and fusing them into your own personal style. Eventually, he explains, he gave up teaching martial arts and channeled his energy into dance. He says, “Social dancing works a lot of the same attributes as the martial arts, but you get hurt a lot less when practicing. And you get the added bonus of playing with the ladies, which is a big plus. I met my fiancée at a Swing dance where we later became teaching partners.” Topher and his fiancée, Gina Taramasso, have more in common than dance; they are also both graduates of Computer Science at UCSC, and love to ride bikes on Spanish Moss Trail.

In Florida, Topher got serious about dancing after taking a Lindy Hop dance class. “Lindy Hop is the original granddaddy of all other Swing dances, emerging from Harlem in the 1930s, and sometimes called Jitterbug. I started learning right at the end of the 1990s Swing revival that started with the Gap commercial that was popular at the time. In Orlando, we had world-class swing bands coming to City Jazz in Universal Studios every week.” He had studied theater arts as a child and in high school, and had enjoyed break dancing, pantomime, and juggling; all of which he has incorporated into performances since. He began teaching Lindy Hop and Argentine Tango in a downtown Orlando club, and later in the Santa Cruz Palomar Ballroom, although he is quick to point out, neither Lindy Hop nor Argentine Tango are ballroom dances, but instead are vernacular, or street, dances.

“The ballroom versions of these dances are very different than the original versions, because they were simplified to make them easier to learn. But the street dances are quite complex, and take years to master. They have dedicated clubs and competitions all

over the country that are completely separate from the ballroom circuit, just like Carolina Shag here in the Low Country.”

Topher applied the same effort to dance as he did to martial arts training, and eventually fused his two favorite dances Swing and Tango into Swango. With his sense of creativity running full speed ahead, Topher became a principal developer of the Swango fusion style of dance as well as a founder of the Orlando Blues dance fusion scene from 2003 - 2008. “When I was developing Swango back in 2003, fusion dancing was new. Now there are fusion events and competitions all over the country.” He and his former partner, Jessica Helmer, made a popular YouTube video - Swango Blues Fundamentals. And when Topher moved back to California, he and his former partner, Lynne Carol, taught Argentine Tango and Swango in downtown Santa Cruz and as well as making several videos.

Serious, studious, and with mathematical precision, Topher still teaches Swing, Argentine Tango, and Swango in the Revolution Ballroom here in Beaufort with studio owner, Marcia Mitchell. In addition to teaching dance, he’s also learning the Carolina Shag. “I recently joined the Carolina Shag Club, and when my fiancée Gina visits in February, I’m going to take her shagging.” Speaking of his fiancée, he gave us an exclusive that BIFF is not the only big event he will be attending the second week of February. “We plan on getting married in Beaufort on Valentines Day, which also happens to coincide with the BIFF awards ceremony this year. It’s going to be an exciting day!”

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www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

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Rob Lewis

a nat u r al f i l mmak er “I love the concept of introducing kids to filmmaking.”

Story by Kim Poovey • Photography by PAUL NURNBERG

M

any children know their life’s ambition at an early age, but for Rob Lewis the answer would not be apparent until college. Born and raised in the sultry city of Charleston, South Carolina, Rob had no idea the scenery of his childhood would someday set the stage for his future career. However, one of the catalysts for his occupational pursuits would be the 1984 film, Amadeus directed by Milos Forman. “It was a great movie and got me interested in classical music as well as movies.”

His collegiate aspirations began at the College of Charleston where he would eventually earn his degree in the field of Communication. Although enjoying his studies, Rob still felt something was missing.

Enrolling in a film class at Trident Technical College, also located in Charleston, his occupational role came into focus. Gaining most of his technical experience from classes at Trident Tech, his transition to film production was natural. “It was wonderful. I learned so much about animation, lighting, and cinematography. You would swipe your student ID card and have access to all kinds of high tech equipment.” It was at this point Rob started making movies with friends. “We’d take a weekend and make a short movie. It was fun working with people who held similar interests.” Guided by John Barnhardt, Rob’s abilities flourished. “He was my professional mentor. He shared techniques and helped me when I was starting in the field.”

Shortly after graduating from college, Rob was hired as a news photographer at WCIV-ABC Channel 4 News in Charleston. From there he would go on to work at ETV station WRET in Spartanburg before transferring to an affiliate station in Beaufort, SC. Returning to the coastal roots of his childhood, Rob’s twelve years’ of experience landed him the job of Broadcast Specialist/Producer/Director at The County Channel, Hargray channel 9.

The County Channel, a branch of Beaufort County Government, televises local government sessions providing access to those unable to attend in person.

But the station offers more than just governmental meetings. “The County Channel provides TV programming worth watching, it’s educational and serves a purpose.” Broadcast Manager Scott Grooms

20 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

is very supportive allowing the station to “extend its purpose to entertainment with a benefit.”

Rob’s love of nature would take the spotlight in his main project, Coastal Kingdom. “It’s a great opportunity to do what I love. I grew up watching Nature Scene with Rudy Mancke. I actually got to meet him when I was younger and he had a great impact on me. I always wanted to do a nature show.”

When Rob presented the idea to The County Channel the response was favorable, planting the seed for success. “And it’s grown from there.”

Tony Mills and Dr. Chris Marsh, Naturalists for the Lowcountry Institute on Spring Island, partner with Rob in the production of the show.

They provide support in obtaining grants, assisting with information, supplying equipment, and Tony hosts each episode. Rob takes part in all aspects of production such as editing, filming, and shooting.

With fifteen episodes already created he looks forward to future productions. Although pleased with each one, his favorite was a recent segment, Backyard Wildlife. “I like it because it’s got lots of macro stuff like snails, snakes, butterflies, and other things that make nature work.” Coastal Kingdom airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM on channel 9 and has been syndicated, airing on ETV every Friday at 7:30 PM. The show’s aim is not only entertainment but education as well. Clips from the show are available online, providing pertinent information for classroom Science lessons.

Rob’s introduction to Tony Mills was serendipitous.

Years ago, Rob and his wife donated an aquarium to a school science teacher, Kathryn (now Tony’s wife). Tony helped Rob situate the aquarium in the classroom when they struck up a conversation about their personal ideas for a local nature program and thus Coastal Kingdom was born. “I admire Tony. He is an amazing naturalist with a wealth of knowledge, and a natural on camera.”

The abundant wildlife and ecological treasures of the Lowcountry allow the entire show to be filmed and produced locally. “All of the work is done here, from the Ace Basin to Savannah.” Thus far Coastal Kingdom has been nominated for two Emmys and has won several Telly awards.

But not everything behind the scenes goes as smoothly as the finished product appears. “I was

filming a night episode of Coastal Kingdom with Tony. The segment was about snakes so we drove up and down a dirt road looking for them. Once a snake was spotted, the plan was for Tony to hop out of the truck, I would toss him the flashlight so he could illuminate the snake, and then I’d begin filming. It was all supposed to happen in one smooth motion. When a snake finally appeared, he jumped from the truck and I tossed the light, which hurled end over end. Unfortunately he didn’t catch it and it smacked him right in the face. We had to stop everything to tend to his bloody nose before resuming filming.”

Another production employing Rob’s talents is the web series, Night Skies Over Beaufort County. An Interstitial (small clips shown between programming in place of commercials), which can also be viewed online, the series presents sessions on all aspects of astronomy. Every detail was meticulously addressed, right down to the music. “I always remembered a tune that my band director in high school had composed. When I needed music for the series I contacted him and got permission to use it. It provided the perfect background music for the show.”

Each year, Rob takes part in the ‘48 Hour Film Project’ in Savannah. “You participate in groups and start by drawing a genre from a hat. Everyone gets the same elements to work with.

We have forty-eight hours to write, film and edit. The first year we drew Fantasy and last year was Creature Feature. It’s hard work but a lot of fun.” The event inspired Rob to develop a similar formula for a kid’s summer camp hosted last summer by the Sea Island School for Arts and Academics. The weeklong camp began much like the 48 Hour Film Project. Students drew a genre from a hat and had a set of elements with which to work. They developed

22 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

a script and filmed it. At the end of the week, the finished project was shared with fellow attendees and their families. “I love the concept of introducing kids to filmmaking. It’s wonderful when they put it all together and learn why we do things in a particular order. They don’t understand the reasons behind the methods or the order in which scenes are shot until they view the finished product and you see the ‘aha’ moment as it clicks with them.”

Sitting upon a shelf in Rob’s office is his favorite book Camera Man’s Journey; Julian Dimock’s South. The pictorial tome hosts an array of early twentieth century photographs taken at a time when photographic equipment was in its fledgling state. “I often look through the book for inspiration.” When asked about his favorite movies, he smiled and pointed to a series of movie posters on his office wall. “I enjoy movies directed by Wes Anderson, my favorite is Rushmore (1998). Another favorite of mine is There Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (2007).”

Rob lives with his wife of six years, Beth, and their son, Benjamin, and have another child on the way. On the rare occasion when Rob is not trudging through the Lowcountry landscape in search of nature’s treasures or mentoring kids in film production, he enjoys reading a favorite book, The Very Clumsy Clickbeetle by Eric Carle, to his son. Rob’s passion for filmmaking is evident in his work as well as his community involvement as he shares his film expertise with burgeoning film protégés. Without a doubt, Rob Lewis is a natural filmmaker whose cinematic talents will be an inspiration for generations to come.

For more information or to view episodes of Coastal Kingdom and Night Skies Over Beaufort, visit coastalkingdom.com or http://www.bcgov.net/County-Projects/night-skies/index.php

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dave robles:

From military to movies Story by Kim Poovey • Photography by JOHN WOLLWERTH

“If you do it, do it right. You gotta like what you’re doing.”

Dave Robles, USMC retired

R

ippling waves caressing sparkling white sand, dolphins frolicking beneath the glow of a setting sun, Spanish moss billowing from ancient oaks; these scenes make the Lowcountry special as well as a haven for film production. The picturesque landscape not only attracts filmmakers but people from across the country, and around the world, especially military retirees. After serving in the United States Marine Corps for thirty plus years, Dave Robles retired to Beaufort. On the other side of the Parris Island Bridge, not far from where his military career began, Dave greets customers of all ages who enter his shop, Der Teufelhund, German for Devil Dog. The name was given to the Marines during WWI by the Germans after the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 due to the ferocity of their fighting. Dealing in military uniforms and paraphernalia for twenty-one years, Dave not only has a rich military service but a dramatic side as well.

Growing up in the small town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, one of twelve siblings, Dave’s enlistment in the Marine Corps was purely happenstance. “It was a fluke. I was standing on the street corner with three of my friends, it’s what you did in New Jersey, when we noticed a sign for free coffee and donuts at the recruiting station. We walked the few blocks and went in. Each of my friends joined the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which left the Marine Corps for me.”

Dave graduated from the Marine Corps Training Depot at Parris Island in 1958. From there, he served in the Cuban Crisis in 1962, followed by two tours in Vietnam. After retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1988, Dave was recalled, one of five people in the state of South Carolina, to serve in Desert Storm in 1991.

Little did he know the real life drama he lived as a Marine would someday morph into on-screen and reenactment drama in his civilian life.

Engrossed in Marine Corps history, Dave began

26 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

collecting vintage Marine uniforms and memorabilia.

Forty years later he has amassed an extensive collection of vintage and antique artifacts, beginning with “an old model 37 barracks cap emblem.” His favorite piece in the collection is a circa 1900 dress blue uniform. “I used to fit into it but not now,” he chuckles. Much of the collection was obtained from military and collector shows around the country, although his preferred venue was the ‘The Great Western’ in California.

Years later his treasure trove of Marine Corps history would bring Hollywood and documentary directors to Dave’s door in search of vintage uniforms for on-screen footage. Pieces of his collection have been seen in such films as The General’s Daughter (1999) with John Travolta. “They needed hundreds of uniforms and boots.” Other movies utilizing items include, Forrest Gump (1994), GI Jane (1997) starring Demi Moore, and Rules of Engagement (2000).

However, the Hollywood connection did not end there. Dave was an extra in two locally filmed movies.

The first of his cinematic experiences was the 1989 TV movie, Night Walk, starring Robert Urich and LeslieAnn Downes filmed in downtown Beaufort. Dave also appeared as an extra in the major motion picture, Rules of Engagement, co-starring Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson. When asked about his favorite aspect of working on-set, he responded with a broad smile, “the food.” Dave’s most recent encounter with film was an interview for an upcoming documentary commemorating the centennial celebration of the Marine Corps Training Depot at Parris Island.

Dave’s dramatic endeavors extend beyond the movie screen. “I participated in a play with the Beaufort Little Theater in the early 1990s when I was working on my degree in Anthropology at USCB. The professor said he would give an ‘A’ to anyone who took part in the theater production. Although I acted in

Beaufort Lifestyle | February/March 2015 27

the play I didn’t receive an ‘A’ which upset me. When I asked the professor why I didn’t get an ‘A’ he said he didn’t like my acting!”

Years ago, while working part-time at the Parris Island museum, Dave and three other gentlemen accepted an invitation to participate in a weekend of WWII reenacting in Reading, Pennsylvania. The “Living History Detachment,” partially funded by the Parris Island Historical and Museum Society of which Dave was founding President, journeys north annually. “We participate in a weekend long event that transports us back in time to 1945.”

Vintage and reproduction pieces are used to recreate an accurate portrayal and presentation. “It’s an amazing experience with period correct vehicles, bicycles, uniforms, camping equipment, weapons, music, food, even the soda cans are authentic. Last year there were 10,000 spectators with thousands of reenactors presenting one of the WWII battles.” Of course, Dave’s portrayal is that of a Marine.

“For anyone interested in joining the hobby you need to save your money. Period correct attire and equipment can be very expensive. If you do it, do it right. You gotta like what you’re doing. I enjoy meeting people, it’s all worth it.” Dave’s eyes sparkled as he described camping with the Pacific Theater group in 1945 style. “The battle is followed by the flag raising of Mt. Suribachi. It’s a moving experience.” Some of the young reenactors have been inspired to join the Marine Corps after speaking with Dave. “I encourage them and then I attend their graduations at Parris Island.”

Another avenue of historic reenacting is his portrayal of a Vietnam Marine for recruits on Parris Island as part of the

28 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

Crucible training. The recitation enacts the various eras of USMC battle history. “It brings the pride of our history to life for the recruits and touches them deeply, bringing some to tears.”

When not working in his shop, or participating in film or reenacting activities, Dave enjoys reading the classics, such as A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or Grapes of Wrath. His favorite film, not surprisingly, is the 1949 movie starring John Wayne, Sands of Iwo Jima. He reveres the acting talents of Robert Duvall and, in addition to military movies, enjoys suspense and detective genres.

Dave lives with his wife and their dog, a well-loved Australian Shepard mix. Of his seven children, his eldest daughter served in the Navy and his oldest grandson recently graduated from USMC boot camp in San Diego. Dave’s younger brother also served in the Marine Corps, attending boot camp at Parris Island when Dave was a Drill Instructor there. “He followed in my footsteps, I challenged him.”

Dave’s work ethic, ambition to learn new things, and community presence is evident. “I would like more experience with film as I consider it a challenge.” He continues to serve the community by sharing displays and his love of military history with students at area schools. Dave’s motto is a simple, but powerful sentiment, speaking to his strong sense of duty to country and community. “Semper Paratus, Semper Fidelis.

Always ready, always faithful.”

Dave welcomes anyone interested in WWII reenacting to contact him at his shop, Der Teufelhund, at 843-521-9017 for more information.

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29

C

Story by CAROL LAUVRAY

elebrities and filmmakers walking the red carpet surrounded by flashing cameras; awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress being presented to elated winners in a packed theater; gala parties with crowds mingling and enjoying scrumptious food and champagne—is this Hollywood or Cannes? Guess again—this is Beaufort!

Between Charleston and Savannah along South Carolina’s coast, the small town of Beaufort may seem like an unlikely venue for an international film festival, but Beaufort is fertile ground for cinema and the arts. Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Great Santini, The Prince of Tides, and Forces of Nature are just a few of the many major motion pictures filmed in and around Beaufort in recent years. Since 2007, the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), the brainchild and passion of founders Ron and Rebecca Tucker, has recognized aspiring filmmakers in all categories of cinematography.

This year, the 9th annual BIFF will be held February 11 - 15 at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort (USCB) Center for the Arts. Considered one of the fastest growing film festivals in the southeast, it was named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World in 2013 by MovieMaker Magazine. The 2015 festival will showcase 32 independent films and seven screenplays chosen from a field of international entries—coming from places as far-flung as Rome, London, Toronto, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and as nearby as Savannah, Columbia, Greenville, Charleston and St. Helena Island.

Among this year’s selections are some films that will be South Carolina premiers. “We’ve had a film premier and win here, then go on to screen at the Cannes Film Festival!” exclaims Ron. The 32 films to be screened at this year’s festival represent diverse storylines; here’s just a sampling: • The Lengths, a feature film — “… It’s a love triangle turned emotional horror story.”

• Cotton Road, a documentary — “… Cotton Road follows the commodity of cotton from South Carolina farms to Chinese factories, to illuminate the work and processes in a global supply chain.”

• In an Ideal World, a documentary — “Follow three men over seven years inside a California prison as they struggle to survive and change, themselves as well as their brutal environment…”

• Grounded, an animation — “The story of a baby elephant who wants to jump like the other animals—the only problem is elephants are the only mammals who cannot (jump).”

Visit the Beaufort International Film Festival website (www. beaufortfilmfestival.com) to view the 2015 film screening schedule, read synopses of the films, and watch trailers for many of this year’s selections.

BIFF Festivitie An opening-night reception at the Old Bay Marketplace Rooftop on Wednesday, February 11 will welcome filmmakers who attend the 2015 festival. The event will be a great opportunity for festivalgoers to meet the featured filmmakers and to socialize, amidst the backdrop of a garden party in the Old South, complete with hanging moss, benches and rockers.

On Thursday, February 12, a wine and cheese reception will be held at 7 p.m. at the USCB Center for the Arts before a Screenwriters Workshop and Table Read begins at 7:30 p.m.

Those who attend will hear local actors read selected passages from several screenplays featured at the film festival.

On Saturday, February 14, the final evening of the festival, a

30 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

star-studded cocktail hour at the USCB Center for the Arts will precede the much anticipated awards ceremony. Guests will enjoy champagne and delicious food by local chef Debbi Covington, while mingling with filmmakers, celebrities, and stars including Andie MacDowell and Pat Conroy. If history repeats itself, you may even see Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler at the soiree!

This year, award categories include Features, Documentaries, Short Films, Student Films, Screenplays, Animation, and Audience Choice. And for the first time, an award will be presented for Best Comedy. “Seven comedies will be screened at this year’s festival and everyone—including Rebecca and I—will be waiting to learn which film wins the award. That’s because the Best Comedy will be determined by the votes of audience members who attend the comedy screenings,” says Ron. At the awards ceremony, winners also will be named for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director, and two special awards will be presented—the Spirit & Pride of South Carolina and Behind the Scenes awards.

Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award “We are thrilled and honored to announce that movie and television star, model and native South Carolinian Andie MacDowell will be the first recipient of the newly established Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award at the 9th annual Beaufort International Film Festival,” beams Ron. Ms. MacDowell, originally from Gaffney, S.C., will receive the award from internationally recognized best-selling author and Beaufort resident Pat Conroy. This new award recognizes a person who is native to, or who is a current resident of South Carolina and whose career achievements in the industries of film, television or music reflect positively on themselves and the state of South Carolina. Among Ms. MacDowell’s film credits are: Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Short Cuts, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Ground Hog Day. Behind the Scenes Award This year’s Behind the Scenes Award in Location Management will be presented to Steve Rhea, a native of Charleston, S.C. who earned a B.A. in History and a Master of Media Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. His career as a location professional spans four decades and includes more than twodozen feature films and television movies, along with hundreds of national and international commercials and photo shoots. “Steve Rhea is best known as a feature location scout and manager whose artistic vision and intimate knowledge of the historic locales of Charleston have earned him international accolades.

His lasting legacy, though, could well be his contributions to establishing a dynamic film industry in South Carolina and helping to make the state a film production center with an international reputation for excellence. He’s worked to achieve this by drawing attention to South Carolina’s talented crew base and emerging vendors, while actively recruiting and producing commercials, music videos, documentaries and catalogs,” says Ron.

A Winning Formula The success of BIFF is not due to glitz and glamor. Ron attributes the popularity and growth of the festival to its reputation among the filmmaking community and fans.

“Filmmakers and movie fans tell us they really like the format of our festival because all of the films are screened under one roof at the USCB Center for the Arts—not at several venues like many other festivals,” Ron says. “That gives filmmakers and audiences the opportunity to see every film being presented at the festival— there’s no conflict among the various screenings. Being in one place also allows filmmakers to network with each other and audiences, and to see their competitors’ films.”

“Our film festival offers other advantages that the filmmakers and audiences appreciate. For instance, we begin screenings of films exactly when the printed schedule says they will begin and after each screening, the filmmaker is allotted 15 minutes to interact with the audience during a question and answer session,” explains Ron. While the number of films submitted for consideration each year has remained fairly constant at between 130 and 200, Ron says due to the growing popularity of the festival, the quality of films submitted has continually gotten higher. At the Beaufort International Film Festival, you’ll experience a diverse array of well made, thought provoking, and entertaining films and you’ll meet some filmmakers that you might not have heard about yet—but you will be hearing about them in the years to come!

2015 Beaufort International Film Festival Schedule of Events • Wednesday, February 11: Filmmakers Opening Night Reception, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Old Bay Marketplace Rooftop.

• Thursday, February 12: Film screenings take place between 9 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., when the last film will begin. Wine and Cheese Reception at the USCB Center for the Arts at 7 p.m., followed by a Screenwriters Workshop and Table Read at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, February 13: Film screenings begin at 9 a.m., with the final film starting at 9 p.m.

• Saturday, February 14: Film screenings begin at 9 a.m., with the final film starting at 2:10 p.m. Awards Ceremony Cocktail Hour at 7 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts (Champagne included; catered

by Debbi Covington). Awards Presentation at 8 p.m. Film Festival Tickets and Beaufort Film Society Membership You have several choices to purchase your 2015 film festival tickets (all event passes, day passes, and single film tickets, as well as special event tickets): • Online at the BIFF website (www.beaufortfilmfestival.com) • At Beaufort Film Society’s office located at 308 Charles St., Beaufort, S.C., • At the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, 713 Craven St., Beaufort, S.C. • At the door Joining the Beaufort Film Society (www.beaufortfilmsociety. org) has several benefits—you’ll be supporting the Beaufort International Film Festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; you’ll receive discounts on your film festival tickets; and you’ll enjoy discounted ticket prices to movies at the Plaza Stadium Theater in Beaufort. www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

31

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In BEAUFORT Beaufort Lifestyle | February/March 2015 35

A

re you suffering with neck pain, back pain, weakness or numbness? Then you may benefit from chiropractic treatment!

Wondering ‘what is chiropractic?’ It’s been around since 1895 when a deaf person’s hearing was restored by simply moving a vertebra in the spine back into alignment. Dr. Ben Cotter of New Spring Chiropractic explains, “Nerves exit from the main spinal cord at every vertebral segment and run to every organ and system in your body from there. The purpose of chiropractic is to realign the spine so the nerves can flow freely and your body can perform like it should.

When your spine is out of alignment, there’s interference (also known as subluxation) with the function of the nerves in your body. The symptoms of this nerve interference usually progress from a reduction in range of motion, to weakness in the area served by the affected nerves, to numbness and tingling, and finally to pain.”

Dr. Cotter says that chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae in your spine, giving your body the best opportunity to heal itself. Potential benefits of chiropractic adjustment include: • Migraine and tension headache relief • Pain management • Recovery from a back or neck injury • Increased vitality • Improved nervous system function • Increased mobility • Boosted immune system Who can benefit from chiropractic adjustment? Dr. Cotter says most of his patients come to him because they’ve suffered some kind of trauma—a car accident, a fall or a sports-related injury— and they are in pain. “Just playing in a single high school football game can be the equivalent of being in 60 car accidents for your spine!” Dr. Cotter exclaims. “After chiropractic treatment relieves their pain, many patients say they continue to come for maintenance care because they feel so good.”

Do You Have a

Pain in the Neck?

Story by CAROL LAUVRAY • Photography by SUSAN DELOACH

36 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

The New Spring Chiropractic Team • Dr. Ben Cotter, Chiropractor Ben earned his undergraduate degree in Pre-Chiropractic in upstate New York and then attended Sherman Chiropractic College in Boiling Springs, S.C. near Spartanburg. He graduated after four years of study and training at Sherman

with his Doctorate in Chiropractic (DC).

His interest in chiropractic goes back to childhood when he was injured trying to catch a baseball and then could not get up.

His father carried Ben to a chiropractor, who realigned his spine. Afterward, Ben was able to walk out of the doctor’s office without pain.

• Kirstin Cotter, Office Manager Kirstin and Dr. Ben run New Spring Chiropractic as a husband and wife team.

They met in a small town in upstate New York and were high school and college sweethearts. Her interest in chiropractic care began after she slipped and fell on sand-covered rocks in her mid-20s. She will be forever grateful, as chiropractic care helped her regain range of motion from that fall, as well as from an injury in a childhood sledding accident.

• Camp Arnold, Neuromuscular Massage Therapist Camp is a native of Jacksonville, Florida whose chronic low back pain in his early 20s prompted him to seek relief from neuromuscular massage.

After three sessions, postural changes, and follow-up visits, his symptoms and pain were gone. His experience planted the seed for his career in neuromuscular massage therapy. After he graduated from Southeastern School of Massage with an emphasis on Neuromuscular Treatment, Camp attended a 100-hour course to earn his Neuromuscular Certificate. He is also a personal trainer who focuses on rehabilitation, stretching and developing strength, through therapeutic exercise using resistance-band training (rather than weight training, which is detrimental to the joints). He strives to provide a high level of client care and to correct muscular imbalances through massage therapy and functional exercise.

• Reanna Fontenot, Receptionist Reanna, a native of Beaufort, began working at New Spring Chiropractic in early August of 2014. She says, “It feels like so much longer, but Dr. Ben and Kirstin are just the kind of people who welcome you and make you feel like they’ve known you your whole life. I’m blessed to have such a rewarding job and great people to work for and with.”

What’s the New Spring Chiropractic Difference?

It begins with learning about New Spring Chiropractic and the services we provide through our user-friendly website

at www.newspringchiropractic.com. New patients and clients can complete all of the necessary interactive forms online from the comfort of home before coming to see us.

During your first visit, Dr. Ben will assess your problem through an exam and a series of neurological and orthopedic tests. If the test results indicate a need, digital X-rays (using a lower level of radiation than traditional X-rays) will be taken to assist with the diagnosis.

Dr. Ben will discuss all of the test findings and explain the treatment he prescribes to address your problem.

All patients begin their treatment with a 10-minute session on the HydroMassage machine that uses heated water rolling like waves underneath its padded tabletop to massage and relax muscles before a chiropractic adjustment.

When Dr. Ben has determined that a bone in the spine is out of place, he’ll adjust your spine with the appropriate technique. He utilizes Thompson Drop, Diversified, Pierce and Activator to realign patients’ spines on the table. He may opt to use the state-of-the-art Decompression machine to relieve pain and to nonsurgically treat degenerative, herniated and bulging discs, if appropriate.

In addition to adjustments and decompression, Camp Arnold can provide massage and exercise techniques specific to each patient’s condition, facilitating faster recovery and increased function.

Visit New Spring Chiropractic’s website to learn more about the many treatments offered.

Take a look at New Spring Chiropractic

and call today for an appointment! Its team of professionals is ready to provide the chiropractic and neuromuscular massage therapies you need to alleviate your pain and improve your life!

Beaufort Town Center 2121 Boundary St. Suite 205 (Located above the Mongolian Grill)

www.newspringchiropractic.com

843.252.0540

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HEALTH and WELLNESS

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort Story and Photos by MARY ELLEN THOMPSON

N

estled in the Professional Village on Lady’s Island, Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort is where adults who are without health insurance can find medical help. Established in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by local church members and health care professionals, the Clinic opened it’s doors in 2009. Part of a Christian outreach program, pastoral counseling is offered as well.

Health care and health insurance seem more difficult to understand these days, but the basic concept here is that the State of South Carolina opted out of Medicaid expansion under

42 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

the “Affordable Care Act.” As a result of that decision, there are still many residents of the Lowcountry who do not have access to health insurance or affordable care.

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic is fortunate to have two wonderfully efficient women with strong leadership skills in charge - Westley Byrne, DrPH, Executive Director, and Carol McConn, MBA RN, Clinical Director. Westley came to Beaufort in the mid-1990‘s from Philadelphia. A specialist in pediatrics, she went back to school to become a public health doctor and went to work in the public health system here. In 2010, she accepted a seat on the Clinic’s Board of Directors and in 2013 accepted

the position of Executive Director. Carol came to the Clinic last summer as a volunteer RN. Originally from Cincinnati OH, she found her way to Callawassie via Naples FL where she had been Chief Nursing Executive at the Cleveland Clinic/Physician’s Regional Healthcare System. Carol accepted the position of Clinical Director in October 2014.

Staffed by volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses who offer primary medical care, prescription assistance, health education, and specialty referrals, the Clinic also has non-surgical cardiology, non-surgical orthopedic, and mental health care.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital generously helps patients receive laboratory and other diagnostic services.

The mission of this faith based clinic includes caring about the spirit as well as the body, so prayer support and ecumenical pastoral care appointments can be availed in person or by telephone, and a pastor is in the building at least once week. A prayer box sits on a table nearby and provides a source of comfort for many.

As with any non-profit organization, the Clinic is dependent upon volunteers in all aspects of its function. Not only primary care providers - physicians, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants - but also registered nurses, pharmacists, administrative volunteers and access to specialists, are all on their wish list for anyone who would like to pitch in and take part. If anyone is interested, the minimum commitment is only 3 hours once or twice a month, and for the health care professionals malpractice insurance is covered by the Clinic. One of the volunteers summed up his experience succinctly, “I come in, I have a good time, and I’ve done a good thing for the community.”

Of course, monetary donations are always welcome, and one

way of doing this is will be on May 5, 2015 when the Coastal Community Foundation will hold its second Lowcountry Giving Day when there will be a 24 hour period to donate online to favorite charities, including the Clinic. For more information, http://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/news/2014/10/coastalcommunity-foundation-announces-plans-for-second-lowcountrygiving-day/. Transportation of patients is another area where assistance would be welcome.

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort is the only free clinic serving all of Beaufort County, and also the only one north of the Broad River. Hilton Head supports Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Hilton Head Island but is only available to residents of Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands and employees who work there. Bluffton-Jasper Volunteers in Medicine serves residents of Bluffton, and Jasper County.

With approximately one thousand patients, Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort had about 1735 medical visits in 2014, not counting visits for medication assistance, education, pastoral care and health care support. And although the majority of the patients are from Beaufort County, the Clinic also accepts patients from surrounding areas of the Lowcountry who meet their criteria.

The concept of “good neighbor” works two ways - being and having. Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort is the good neighbor to all of those in Beaufort County who avail themselves of the services offered, and the Clinic has good neighbors in all those who donate their time and skills to such a valuable enterprise. For more information, go to their website: www. gnfmcbeaufort.org

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort 30 Professional Village Circle, Beaufort, SC 29907

843-470-9088

Carol McConn, MBA RN, Clinical Director

Westley Byrne, DrPH, Executive Director

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

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Karen Wyman

Meet Your Professional

R

in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty?

The Blood Alliance is the only community Blood Bank in the Lowcountry. We are the sole provider of blood and blood services to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center, East Cooper Medical Center and Effingham Health.

What services do you offer the community?

Our Regional Office at 1001 Boundary Street in Beaufort, SC offers a number of services to the residents and patients in the Lowcountry. All of our mobile operations for the region are deployed from this location. We are equipped to host mobile blood drives seven days a week, either via our Bloodmobile or as a portable set-up for large scale drives. Our Depot, blood storage and distribution center, is also based at this location. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to and deliver blood to any of the hospitals that we serve. Although all of our hospitals keep a stock amount of blood in their own blood banks, emergencies do occur and we are here to respond to the needs of our hospitals and their patients. Of course, this location is also a donor center. We are open to the public four days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

How do you think your donors would characterize you?

I would think that we would be characterized as warm and friendly, offering a comfortable and compassionate setting, with a staff that is dedicated to the highest level of customer service. In addition to collecting blood that is used to help save lives of recipient patients, we are dedicated to the care and safety of all our donors.

We place an enormous emphasis on donor satisfaction with the intention of creating and nurturing lifelong donors!

Why did you choose to serve the Beaufort area?

The Blood Alliance has had a twelve year relationship with Beaufort Memorial Hospital. We are proud to serve the Lowcountry community and strive to create long term relationships with our donors, our host accounts, and other non-profits in Beaufort and Jasper County. In February, we return to sponsor the Beaufort International Film Festival; this is just one of the many ways that we can give back to our community and our 44 February/March 2015 | Beaufort Lifestyle donors.

1001 Boundary Street, #A Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 522-0409

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Beaufort Lifestyle | February/March 2015

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Mitzi Wagner:

Executive Director of Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs

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Story by KATHERINE LANG

Photos by MARY ELLEN THOMPSON

hen you walk into Mitzi Wagner’s office, the first thing you notice is the light from the window by her desk, which floods the office. Then you notice the starfish that are neatly lined up along the window. Starfish? She tells the story of a little boy on the beach, and hundreds of starfish that have washed up there. Carefully, he picks them up, one by one, and tosses them back into the waves. A man comes by and asks him why.

“There are so many, and they will just continue to be washed up.”

The boy replies, “Yes, but I can save some.” For Mitzi Wagner, this is her mantra. As Executive Director of Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs (BCDSN), she is responsible for overseeing all of their operations to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities. It’s a huge job.

It’s a job for which she is well suited. Originally from Macon, Mitzi began her career during the late 70s and early 80s as a social worker with Child Protective Services for the Atlanta Metro Area. At that time, too many children were dying while in foster care, and Mitzi became one of three advisors working for the state to find out what was wrong. She became concerned that too many young people were being hired out of school without enough life experience to properly assess foster homes. Another concern was that there simply were not enough caseworkers.

Under the direction of then Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard, Mitzi partnered with the Woodruff Foundation to create the Georgia Academy and ended up as its Manager.

They trained and certified 8000 new caseworkers, using an approach developed in Great Britain as a model. There, the model is used for training and assessment for all jobs – from receptionist or bartender to CEO. Here in America, it is used specifically for organizations that serve families and children.

The Georgia Academy training proved to be so successful that they took it all over the country, and that is how Mitzi first became exposed to organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities. Her husband, a landscape architect, already was working here on some of his projects, so she also came to know Beaufort. It seems fitting that Mitzi Wagner found her way to this role.

She has been Executive Director of BCDSN for fourteen years, during which time she has overseen great growth. When she first came here, in 2001, the agency was serving 40 people in its

Day Program; today, it serves 138. In addition, the agency also provides residential services throughout the county. In Port Royal, one residence provides eight double bedrooms (fifteen beds) and at least five staff members, 365 days a year. The agency also maintains seven community training homes (CTH2), with four people to a home. In these homes, there is one person on staff at all times, but the residents are responsible for helping cook their own meals and doing their own laundry. These homes are important not only because they provide community and shelter, but also because they provide important training in living as part of a bigger world. About 50% of these residents are employed – either individually or as part of an “enclave” with assistance by a staff person. The agency also provides support for six higher functioning “consumers” who are able to live on their own, with a staff person available to help with medications, doctors visits, grocery shopping, as required. Those employed work as cleaners for such entities as the St. Helena Library, Parks and Leisure Services, Parris Island, and Good Will, as well as in other roles in local grocery stores.

Other services the agency provides include training parents how to work with infants with developmental disabilities, which may or may not turn out to be permanent; running a summer camp for ages 6-21; and providing group respite care (Breakers) three afternoons a week.

Breakers operates somewhat like a college student center.

Participants in the program can play games, work puzzles, do crafts, play sports, or simply sit and socialize. They also sometimes do bigger things: attend plays, or concerts, or even wash cars, as they’ve done in the past, to finance their own trip to Carowinds.

BCDSN is one of the best such agencies in the state, rating 98% in compliance with State and Federal Guidelines, as compared with the state average of 70% compliance. But Mitzi is eager to reach more “consumers.” It takes time to gain eligibility and there are waiting lists, especially for those over eighteen. She urges parents to enroll their children years before they leave school, so there won’t be a gap in supervised care.

Mitzi’s eyes light up when she talks about the people they serve, and they light up as well when she talks about her staff. “I believe in group dynamics,” she says, “mostly we talk about how we can do more, and the synergy of the group usually makes that happen!” www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | February/March 2015

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of Beaufort

“You are not alone” For more than 30 years your local not for profit hospice provider To make a referral or for more information, call (843) 525-6257

Keeping the Legacy of Trust

www.friendsofcarolinehospice.org

Was your NeW year’s resolutioN to

KiCK your smoKiNg HaBit? If so, we would love for you to call and sign up for our class!

Omni Health and Fitness is proud to announce that with the help of Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Staff, we will be offering an American Lung Association Cessation Program entitled “Freedom From Smoking”. Omni is about more than just Fitness, we are concerned about the total individual.

“Freedom from Smoking”

is a 7 week (8 sessions) course that will provide you with a new outlook on quitting. Smoking is a learned behavior therefore we must Un-Learn it to be successful!

Cost of class: $30.00 (Cash or Check) Provided: Workbook/CD Incentives: Omni will give you free access to the gym while you are taking this course!

Dates: To be determined based on sign ups!

48 February/March 2015 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com

For more information call

(843) 379-2424

Chef Kent Klein

Meet Your Professional

R

in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty?

I grew up in Ohio, learning to cook with my mother and grandmother. My father was also an allied health and natural sciences teacher, so he had a major impact in teaching me the importance of healthy ingredients.

I enjoy cooking seafood (especially the seafood that I have caught). I have also explored authentic Chinese cuisine while traveling in China and consider that a specialty of mine as well.

What services do you offer your RESIDENTS? We make as much from scratch as possible, for fresh, flavorful, and naturally nutrient-rich meals. We listen to our residents’ personal requests and cater to those preferences to the best of our abilities. While it can be difficult to please 80 residents who each come from various backgrounds, we strive to meet their diverse tastes.

The resident who retired here from New York has a completely different palate than the resident who is from the Lowcountry. In efforts to please, we offer two vastly different entrees at lunch and at dinner. We also offer an all day dining menu for those who desire something different.

How do you think your RESIDENTS would characterize you?

Willing to please.

Why did you choose to practice in the Beaufort area?

Upon my parents’ retirement to South Carolina, I completed an college internship with the Mariners Inn on Hilton Head. During that experience, my passion for fishing deepened once I was introduced to the salt waters of Hilton Head and Beaufort. Upon graduation from Hocking College, I relocated to Beaufort.

1119 Pickpocket Plantation Dr. (843) 770-0105 www.summitplaceofbeaufort. com

Amber Reynolds

WELLNESS CENTER DIRECTOR, CELADON CLUB Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through NASM and ACE Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through NASM Senior Fitness Specialist (SFS) through NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS) through NASM Mat Pilates and Burn at the Barre through PSC

Meet Your Professional

R

in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty ?

The team at Celadon Club’s Wellness Center offers many specialties. I’m the fitness and weight loss guru. I’m certified in Fitness Nutrition, Personal Training, Corrective Exercise (for after an injury), and Senior Fitness (Baby Boomers on up). I’m also our lead for classes like mat Pilates, cardio kickboxing, interval training, barre classes, HIIT, and boot camp.

What services do you offer your CLients?

Celadon is creating a true “wellness community”. Through Celadon Club we are taking a comprehensive approach (social, physical, emotional, intellectual) and making it customized and fun for residents and members.

At the Wellness Center we offer fitness testing, personal training, group classes, a spa, a pool, lifestyle advice, and more. No other health facility in Beaufort offers so much in one convenient location.

How do you think your CLients would characterize you?

Definitely as “happy energy”! My clients make me happy and it shows. I’m singing, dancing, and moving constantly. I like to provide that extra positive energy, not only to help get the workout done, but so our clients leave smiling, too.

Why did you choose to practice in the beaufort area?

I love Beaufort for the weather and its small town charm. When the opportunity arose to be involved with the new Celadon community, and its Club, the concept of comprehensive wellness really spoke to me. I seek out healthy choices in all aspects of my life, and that’s Celadon’s philosophy too.

61 Celadon Drive Beaufort SC 29907 (843) 379-1088

LOW COUNTRY WEDDINGS

Beaufort Lifestyle | February/March 2015 51

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Gardner

Jayson & Brittany

Bride: Brittany Black Groom: Jayson Gardner Wedding Cake: Brown Sugar Custom Cakes DJ: Steve Curless Music: Beaufort Youth Orchestra String Quartet Tents: Amazing Event Rentals Caterer: Jimmy Fitts Catering Photography: John Wollwerth

LOW COUNTRY B L WEDDINGS | 53 eaufort

ifestyle February/March 2015

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Where events are fun, fabulous and elegant!

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56 February/March 2015 | Beaufort Lifestyle