CRESCENDO
POLO 4 HEROES
VICTORIA SMALLS
HILTON HEAD LEADING
Men 2021
tune into EDWIN MCCAIN
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MOnthLY
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2 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
IIOCTOBER ISSUEII
“must reads”
44
94
136
28 G ullah Geechee Leader Victoria Smalls takes role as executive director.
44 B eing a Kid Again
Memorabilia shop sells sports cards and nostalgia.
52 L eading Men
Spotlighting the most influential men in the Lowcountry.
80 Horse Play For a Cause Polo 4 Heroes honors veterans, first responders.
CRESCENDO
EDWIN MCCAIN
VICTORIA SMALLS
BLUFFTON LEADING
Men
94 R elaxed and Reverential Design a home in the perfect Lowcountry style.
136 Magic of Music
Edwin McCain performing in the Lowcountry.
2021
HILTON HE AD CRESCENDO
POLO 4 HEROE
S
VICTORIA SMALL
LEADING
Men 2021
polo
tune into ED
4 HEROES RETURNS
WIN M CCAIN
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 // $ 4. 9 5
OCTOBER
ABOUT THE COVERS:
2 0 2 1 // $ 4.
Our Bluffton cover heralds the return of Polo 4 Heroes after a one-year hiatus. Featured on our Hilton Head cover is singer and songwriter, Edwin McCain, and his return to the Lowcountry.
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S
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IIOCTOBER 2021II
contents
32
132
NEWS
18 : Luxury RV Hilton Head National resort ready to debut. 20 : Elections Primer Bluffton Town Council race, Beaufort County referendums.
COMMUNITY
32 : Creative Collaboration Jenn McEwen leads Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture.
MADE IN SC
40 : Preserving the Coast Toadfish looks out for the environment.
+ IN
EVERY ISSUE
8 : At The Helm 10 : Opinion 12 : Contributors 14 : News 16 : Pets to Adopt
6 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
SPORTING LIFE
88 : Football, Family and Fun A guide to tailgating in the South.
HOME
104 : Hanging Art Spotting the best places for your valued pieces.
HEALTH
146 PARENTING
132 : Get Spooked Learn about Ghosts and Myths on Hilton Head Island.
CONCOURS
146 : Automotive Action Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival returns with fun-filled weekend.
DINING
126 : Providing Comfort Helping patients navigate breast cancer diagnosis.
162 : Culinary Expertise Brooks Reitz bringing cooking insight to Palmetto Bluff.
GOOD DEEDS
164 : Tasty Cocktails Recipes to enjoy this fall.
130 : Giving Back Collins Group Realty awards nonprofits.
24 : Social Spotlight 26 : Photos of the Month 36 : Community Connection 38 : On the Move
110 : Real Estate News 150 : Calendar 168 : Dining Briefs 169 : Restaurant Listings 176 : Perspective
IIAT THE HELMII
dear reader...
Each year the cool autumn weather arrives and brings along with it some of our favorite things. Pumpkin spice is everywhere and football season is in full gear. One event that everyone looks forward to each October is Polo 4 Heroes. This event returns after a one-year hiatus to the polo grounds of Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton. The event’s foundations supporting Lowcountry service men and women, veterans, and their families for nearly 10 years. They are dedicated to helping provide special support for many of these brave heroes and their families. You won’t want to miss this event. Each October we also feature the Lowcountry’s Leading Men with stories that showcase the hard work and ingenuity that helps them and their businesses succeed. While 2021 is an off-election year, there are two Beaufort County referendums up for vote as well as three candidates vying for two seats on the Bluffton Town Council. Be sure to get out and have your vote counted. Along with football season comes tailgating season. Whether you are an expert or someone just starting out, be sure to read our tailgating feature to learn some new ideas on making your time before the big game into your favorite part of the day. We also have some great drink recipes to help you enjoy the cool autumn nights. Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture hosts events throughout the month. We sat down with its director, Jenn McEwen, to find out how the event manages to put on so many different events. Speaking of events, singer Edwin McCain will be back in the Lowcountry for a one-night performance. Many longtime residents may remember seeing him perform at Wild Wing Cafe before he made it nationally with his top-10 Billboard hit “I’ll Be.” Learn about his love for the Lowcountry and what’s been going on with him in his career. We wish you the best and thank you for inviting us into your lives.
MEREDITH DIMUZIO SASHA SWEENEY Co-Publishers
LEADING
Men 2021
PAGE 52
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IIOPINIONII
“letter ” PLAY A PART IN ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BY KRISTIN DUBROWSKI
Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In a year’s time, that is more than 10 million women and men. South Carolina ranks 11th in the nation in the rate of women murdered by men, according to the Violence Policy Center (VPC) study, When Men Murder Women, published in 2020. This was the first time in the 23-year history of the study that South Carolina has not been included among the 10 states with the highest rates of women killed by men. In 2020, Hopeful Horizons provided emergency shelter for 50 percent more women and their children who were fleeing domestic violence. That’s more people than we have served in a single year in our 30-plus-year history. Of the women who stayed at our emergency shelter in 2020, 69 percent said their abuser discouraged them from having relationships with friends and family, while 38 percent said their abuser threatened to take their children from them. These statistics are bleak, but there is hope. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which highlights the opportunity to talk about preventing and ending violence and abuse. Hopeful Horizons is the nonprofit children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape crisis organization working to create a safer community in Beaufort County and the four neighboring counties.
Kristin Dubrowski is Chief Executive Officer of Hopeful Horizons.
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We provide safety, hope and healing to survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault through evidence-based practices and lead in ending abuse through primary prevention and education. Ultimately, we strive to change the culture of violence and offer a path to healing for victims. Hopeful Horizons offers counseling and many other services at no cost to victims of domestic violence. Conversations about child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault can be difficult. Our staff are available to do free trainings and presentations (both in-person and virtual) for church groups, businesses, school groups and community clubs. Our prevention efforts reach into middle and high schools with clubs aimed at teaching healthy relationships and bystander intervention. We all play a part in ending domestic violence. Hopeful Horizons’ Support Line is available 24/7 at 843-770-1070. Refer a friend or sit with them while they make this courageous call to ask for help. Invite Hopeful Horizons to present at your next meeting. Check out our website and share what you learn with someone you care about. Domestic violence thrives on secrecy and shame, so start the conversation. Hopeful Horizons is here to listen and to help. We hope you’ll help raise awareness during October and year-round so that together we can build a community without abuse.
IIBEHIND THE SCENESII
Featured Writer
AMY BARTLETT
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE STUDENTS OF HISTORY
“My favorite part of contributing to Monthly is connecting with new personalities and blending them with the magazine’s distinctive brand and valued ‘Voice.’ ” Amy Bartlett relocated to South Carolina in early 2020 to return to her first love, writing. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Bartlett started as an editor with Guideposts in New York City before becoming a published author, Napster music editor, and 15-year marketing director for a San Diego church and Northern California university. Now settled in the Bluffton-Hilton Head area working for John Wiley & Sons, Bartlett continues to create as a freelancer and consultant, including as a contract writer for group46 Marketing Agency in downtown Bluffton. Since arriving in the area with her parents, Bartlett has established deep local roots, building a house in “B-town,” adopting her dog Rudy from Rogue Rescue, and opening her home as a Foster Resource Parent. Add music and a boat, and the “Bluffton State of Mind” will be complete. Pen in hand, and peace in heart, Bartlett is finding no shortage of inspiration, living in love with the Lowcountry. 12 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
Students and the public had a chance to view history with the presentation of the Anne Frank — A History for Today exhibit at Cross Schools in Bluffton. The Anne Frank Partnership was sponsored by The Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, and local partner, University of South Carolina’s College of Education Anne Frank Project. The Anne Frank Partnership has worked since 2015 to create globally and socially aware students in South Carolina classrooms. The international exhibit has traveled all over the world and is presented more than 300 times per year. It tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and the Second World War. Various versions of the exhibition were available and the exhibit at Cross Schools featured 31 story panels, detailing her life. The Anne Frank exhibition is primarily aimed at students from 11 to 18 years old. Prior to the opening of the exhibit, Cross Schools’ high schoolers and middle schoolers trained to act as guides to the exhibition. Fifteen students, members of the Cross Schools Archivists Club, spent two days with trainers learning about the background of the exhibition; how they can communicate its content to people of their own age and how they can introduce more general themes such as tolerance and discrimination. The event ran through the end of last month. “Experiences like this act as windows to the world for students, helping them develop empathetic responses to current events in their lives,” said Heather Brougham-Cook, teacher mentor for the Archivists Club.
CHECK IT OUT @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
IILOCAL NEWSII
“in the know ” A prominent Lowcountry attorney was involved in a shooting, a building was named for a Bluffton health advocate, and the community mourned the loss of a beloved middle school teacher. Here’s what made news during the previous month:
BLUFFTON BREEZE
BLUFFTON RENAMES BUILDING FOR LONGTIME HEALTH ADVOCATE The Town of Bluffton renamed its Watershed Management Building the Jennie Kitty Municipal Building. Kitty worked at the former Bluffton Health Clinic, which is now the Town’s Watershed Management Building. For three decades, Kitty advocated for health initiatives throughout Bluffton’s African American community and the Lowcountry, a news release said. Kitty was born in Port Royal and died this March. She was 90 years old.
LOWCOUNTRY ATTORNEY INVOLVED IN SHOOTING Alex Murdaugh, a well-known Lowcountry attorney who reported that his wife and youngest son were shot and killed in Colleton County in June, was shot Sept. 4 on a road in Hampton County, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Murdaugh was treated for
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PICKLEBALL COURTS
a wound to his head. Murdaugh later resigned from the Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick PA law firm after being accused of misappropriating funds, according to Bluffton Today. His license was suspended by the S.C. Supreme Court. SLED opened an investigation into the allegations that Murdaugh misappropriated funds. On Sept. 14, SLED arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting of Murdaugh. A news release said a Colleton County man, Curtis Smith, was charged with assisted suicide. The affidavit said the suspect was directed by Murdaugh to shoot him. Murdaugh admitted to giving Smith a firearm and told him to kill him so his life insurance policy would be paid out (valued at $10 million) to his other son, according to SLED. Murdaugh was arrested Sept. 16 and charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and filing a false police report.
PALMETTO BREEZE TRANSIT LAUNCHES “BLUFFTON BREEZE” TRANSIT SERVICE The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority, operators of Palmetto Breeze Transit and The Breeze Trolley, has launched a year-round fixed-route transit service with the launch of the new Bluffton Breeze. Bluffton Breeze will operate Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., serving much of the Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkway thoroughfares. The service is free through the end of 2021, with a $1 per-trip fare beginning in January 2022. The Bluffton Breeze features more than 50 published bus stops, including wheelchair lift-equipped buses, airconditioning, and two mobile apps to track buses and pre-pay.
FINALISTS NAMED FOR BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR The Beaufort County School District named five finalists for the 2021-22 teacher of
the year award. The finalists are Oana Bejan, special education teacher at Hilton Head Island High School; Ann Buckley, special education teacher at Hilton Head Island Middle School; Christopher Crabb, dance teacher at Mossy Oaks Elementary School; Lynne Sunday, media specialist at H.E. McCracken Middle School; and Aimee Whitesell, biology teacher at Battery Creek High School. The District Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall. Megan DeWeese is the current teacher of the year.
HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 SEASON The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra announced its 2021-2022 40th Anniversary Season, which will include nine Orchestra Series programs, two outdoor Pops concerts to launch the season, two Symphony Under The Stars concerts, and the 25th Hilton Head International Piano Competition. The season represents the 10th anniversary of John Morris Russell as music director. The season kicks off with two free outdoor Pops concerts. The first is Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park in Bluffton. On Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m., the HHSO will perform at Lowcountry Celebration Park at Coligny. For more information, visit hhso.org, or call the HHSO at 843-842-2055.
COUNTY DEBUTS PUBLIC PICKLEBALL COURTS New public pickleball courts are ready for play. The Sea Islands Pickleball Club hosted an event to mark the opening of the county’s newest public pickleball courts at Southside Park and Port Royal’s Shell Point. Beaufort County has added six outdoor pickleball courts in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Port Royal’s Shell Point. Beaufort County Parks and Recreation spent $75,000 to repair the courts, with each location now having one
tennis court and two pickleball courts, a news release said.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND WOMAN INJURED IN ALLIGATOR INCIDENT A Hilton Head Island woman was bitten by an eight-foot alligator in Hilton Head Plantation, according to the Town of Hilton Head. The woman was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. A news release said the woman was walking her dog around the lagoon near Rookery Way when the incident occurred. The dog was not harmed. According to Fire Rescue, a witness found the woman in the water with an alligator latched on to her lower legs. The witness’s husband helped pull the woman to safety.
FIRE ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND BURNS BUILDING Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at a seven-unit residential building on Caesar Place in Allenwood. An occupant was home at the time of the fire and was able to evacuate, along with their pets. There were no injuries reported. Four engine companies, the truck company, one medic unit, the Battalion Chief and additional Staff Officers responded to the fire.
USCB AWARDED GRANT TO INCREASE STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE USCB was selected for the French Embassy of the United States’ 2021 Transatlantic Mobility Program, which aims to double the number of students from France and the United States studying abroad in each country by 2025. The program awarded a $10,000 grant to support USCB students in French educational experiences. Next summer 15 USCB students will study in France for four weeks. The school invites sponsors to provide additional grants for
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 // 15
IILOCAL NEWSII students who need help to join this class. For more information, contact Dr. Juanita Babet Villena Alvarez, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, at 843-521-4152 or jivillen@uscb.edu.
“pets”
OF THE MONTH
LOWCOUNTRY MAN CHARGED IN GAS STATION SHOOTING A Hardeeville man was charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting at a gas station, according to the Hardeeville Police Department. The suspect, Marcus Gordon, 36, was arrested Sept. 8. The shooting left a man injured with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital and treated for his injuries.
“in memoriam” LADDIE Age: 4 years old Gender: Male Weight: 65 pounds Breed: Retriever Mix Temperament: Active, energetic, playful, boisterous.
KAT Age: 7 years old Gender: Female Weight: 7 pounds Breed: Domestic Short Hair Temperament: Laid back, affectionate, playful.
WISDOM
TERRY WISDOM Terry Wisdom, a teacher at Bluffton Middle School, died from COVID-19 complications, according to the school. The school said Wisdom, a CATE instructor, “was supportive, dependable, always willing to give of himself to others.” Wisdom was an advocate for his Project Lead the Way content, the Robotics team, and the football and track programs, the school said.
Adopt them at: Hilton Head Humane Association A10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island. Adoption by appointment only. (Please call to schedule an appointment. No drop-ins). For more information:
843-681-8686 OR VISIT HHHUMANE.ORG
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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 // 17
IILOCAL NEWSII
A Lowcountry
WONDERLAND BY KINGSTON RHODES | PHOTOS SUPPLIED
The Hilton Head National RV resort, located in Greater Bluffton just a mile from the flyover to Hilton Head Island, is drawing near to its grand opening. Kathy Chittenden, newly named general manager of the 97-acre facility, said “the finishing touches are being completed, and I’m so excited to showcase it to the public.” Bill Palmer, President of Scratch Golf LLC, which owns the RV resort as well as the adjacent 18-hole championship golf course, said he expects “our RV resort will soon be among the top-rated RV parks in the entire South because of the quality of our new facilities and amenities, coupled with the unique location between Hilton Head Island’s numerous attractions and the shopping opportunities and historic sites of Bluffton.”
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Located alongside Bluffton Parkway, the RV resort, which is expected to debut later this month or early November, has 301 rental-only, landscaped sites. It is intended to complement the awardwinning golf course which Scratch Golf originally built in 1989 and continues to operate. Chittenden said the large concrete motorcoach pads will have full hookups with 30/50 amp service. She said “every pad has WiFi, HD cable and a fire pit. The resort is open to all Class A, B and C motorhomes, 5th wheels plus all towable 18-feet or over that are less than 10 years old.” In addition to the 18-hole championship golf course guests at Hilton Head National will have the following features:
MULTI-PURPOSE CLUBHOUSE
BEACH ACCESS POOL AND LAZY RIVER
An expansive clubhouse includes an open-style casual bistro with indoor-outdoor seating and fullservice bar that looks out to a beach-access pool. There is a fireplace with TVs plus a retail store that’s part mini-mart and pantry. It also includes a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength machines, a deluxe arcade with skeet-ball, air hockey and the latest video games, private showers and a laundry facility. Outside there is a basketball court, bocce ball courts and pickleball courts.
The beach-access pool is 8,500 square feet and gradually increases from ankle deep to 5 ½ feet at its deepest point. There is a Tiki Bar at one end and a centerpiece island with colorful chaise lounges for sunning plus a dozen pool-side cabanas. A 400-foot Lazy River flows from the main pool and passes beneath a waterfall bridge. There are spray loops and wet-deck springs to delight small children.
WATER’S EDGE
Swings, slides, shoots and climbing apparatus appeal to youngsters while toddlers have their own ground-level merry-go-round, spring riders and a playground cottage to explore.
An exclusive adults-only section, this has panoramic views of the large lagoon and the golf course. It boasts an intimate pool with an oversized hot tub, sundeck, fire pit and privately plush cabanas for rent. Inside has a full-service bar, lounge with wide-screen TV, card room, private individual showers and laundry.
DOG PARK
A three-acre, all-grass park provides two completely fenced-in separate landscaped areas plus dog-agility apparatus, a water-misting system and sun shading for the dogs to relax. Additionally, there is a “state-of-the-art” dog washing station with elevated washing tubs so the dogs can be bathed at a comfortable height.
CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
WALKING TRAIL
The resort has a 2.1-mile pathway system. It winds in and around the 97 acres. Its pressed stone, concrete surface is four feet wide and easy on the feet. Bicycles can use the pathway system, but golf carts are not allowed. Paved roads run throughout the park; and as the park matures, Palmer said there will be generous landscaping, including live oaks and other large-specimen trees.
HILTON HEAD NATIONAL RV RESORT SET TO BE SHOWCASED
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IILOCAL NEWSII
THREE CANDIDATES FOR TWO BLUFFTON TOWN COUNCIL SEATS
TO THE POLLS FERRELL
HAMILTON
TOOMER
BY MARK E. LETT | PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Three candidates are competing for two seats on the Bluffton Town Council. Facing off Nov. 2 for two four-year terms are incumbents Fred Hamilton and Larry Toomer, and challenger Nathan Ferrell. Terms for council are staggered every two years and beginning January 2022, council members are paid $11,000 annually. Hamilton — the council’s current mayor pro-tempore — joined the council in 2005 when he was elected to complete the term of his late cousin, Oscar Frazier. For all but two years since, he has served on council. An Army veteran and lifelong Bluffton native, Hamilton, 62, is a graduate of the former H.E. McCracken High School. His career as a self-employed entrepreneur has included landscaping, a music store and a car dealership.
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In reviewing his council participation and leadership, Hamilton cites Old Town streetscaping and initiatives for the historic Garvin-Garvey House, affordable housing, May River protections and environmental preservation. “Managing growth smartly is the biggest challenge we have,” Hamilton said. “We are growing rapidly and we must have smart growth to preserve resources, culture and our quality of life. “This is my home for life. I want to be here and make sure we are not just Somewhere U.S.A.” Toomer has been a council member since 2012. A fou r th-generation f isher man and May R iver mariculture farmer, he is owner of the Bluffton Oyster Factory and the Bluffton Oyster Company restaurant in Old Town. Toomer, 63, said issues related to land and water
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environment, as well as quality of life in the Lowcountry, are “close and dear to my heart.” Among those: the ongoing campaign to replace septic systems with sewer connections. “I want my kids and my grandkids to have a future with the Godgiven things we have by living in this area,” Toomer said. “I love our town and the opportunity to serve it. I am a simple man trying to pass along what we have for future generations.” “I’ve learned a tremendous amount in eight years (as a council member). I’m not afraid to stand apart for the right reasons.” Ferrell, 35, is a former Marine Corps sergeant who was stationed in Beaufort County, served around the nation and was deployed to Afghanistan. An Indiana native, he made Bluffton his home and established Demon Performance a decade ago with his business partner, Sujal Patel. With the slogan “Unleash the Beast,” Demon Performance in Ridgeland, is a multi-purpose specialist in auto customizing, servicing and products for high-performance vehicles, auto racing and off-roading. Hotcars.com reported in 2019 that VanDrake Racing and Demon Performance teamed up to produce the world’s fastest Jeep Grand Cherokee – a customized beast that boasted more than 1,600 horsepower at the rear wheels. Ferrell said his fondness for the Lowcountry and a sense of duty acquired as a Marine contributed to his decision to run for town council. “I’ve come to love it here and I hope to spend the rest of my life here,” he said. “I’m not carrying any sort of big agenda. I want to be a listening ear to anybody who wants to see things improve, as well as those who want to keep some things the same. “I care about this community. I want to be a part of it and serve.”
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IILOCAL NEWSII
BEAUFORT COUNTY REFERENDUMS The Nov. 2 ballot also will ask Beaufort County voters to decide two proposals. One proposal would create a countywide local-option sales tax. The other would clear a path for changing the county’s form of government. The local option sales tax (LOST) proposed for Beaufort County is modeled after similar tax plans in effect in 32 of South Carolina’s 46 counties. Proponents say LOST initiatives can lessen the property tax burden on residents, especially in communities where visitors and tourists share heavily in the sales tax. Revenue from local sales taxes would be allocated to separate county and municipal funds, helping to offset some county and town property taxes, backers said. The state Department of Revenue estimates that a 1 percent sales tax would generate more than $48 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year. If voters approve the measure, it could be implemented in May 2022. LOST initiatives in South Carolina generally include a list of exemptions, ranging from pharmaceutical drugs to non-prepared foods. Separately, voters will decide whether to give the county council authority to change the form of government to council-manager from counciladministrator. Essentially, approval of the measure would empower the council to make the county treasurer and auditor appointed positions. Currently, those positions are elected by residents. Polls open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. More information: beaufortcountysc.gov/vote
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 // 23
IIIN THE SPOTLIGHTII
GET SOCIAL!
1
2
1. Participants at the 2021 OluKai Lowcountry Boil Paddle Battle that was held at Hudson’s Seafood on the Dock. 2. Chronic Golf celebrates a ribbon cutting with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
TO SUBMIT A PHOTO OF YOUR EVENT, EMAI L EDITOR @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
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IILOCAL NEWSII
PHOTOS MONTH OF THE
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1. Bill Obermeier captured this beautiful sunset at “boneyard beach” at Hunting Island State Park. 2. A duck enjoys a dip at the pond in Beach City Place as photographed by Carol Wagar. 3. A black-bellied whistling duck family enjoys an afternoon in the water at Palmetto Hall as photographed by Priscilla Loeben. 4. Marc Schwitters photographed an osprey enjoying a view of the marsh at Baynard Cove in Sea Pines. H AV E A N I N C R E D I B LE P H OTO TO S H A R E? W E’D LOV E TO S E E IT. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO EDITOR @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
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IICOMMUNITYII
VICTORIA SMALLS LEADS GULLAH GEECHEE CULTURAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR COMMISSION
STORY BY VICKIE MCINTYRE | PHOTOS SUPPLIED
“I’m so proud to be Gullah Geechee,” beams Victoria Smalls, newly appointed executive director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. Established as a National Heritage Area in 2006 by the U.S. Congress, the Corridor recognizes and preserves the cultural treasures of the Gullah Geechee people, direct descendants of enslaved individuals brought to work on plantations. Smalls’ enthusiasm and ambitions have deep roots. Growing up on St. Helena Island during the 1960s, Smalls was one of 14 siblings in a blended,
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bi-racial family. Her white mother, a widow from Michigan with four children, married a Gullah widower with six children. Together, they had four more children, including Victoria. Embraced by the island community, Smalls’ family learned to, as she says, “work da land” and “lib off da wada.” Harvesting okra and sweet potatoes, as well as cleaning fish and speaking Gullah were as natural as breathing. At 9, though, while walking in Beaufort, Smalls heard laughter when she spoke. “I was made to feel ashamed,” she says.
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IICOMMUNITYII
Smalls stopped speaking in public and started listening to Barbara Walters and Walter Cronkite, mimicking their speech. She perfected her English but also developed a stutter for a period. “I want youth not to be that ashamed little girl that I was about my language. I want them to live and celebrate who they are,” she asserts. Generating interest and respect for the Gullah language is just one of her goals. So, too, is educating about the knowledge of rice cultivation brought here from West Africa, preserving traditional art forms, and supporting Gullah businesses. “At 10, when our family moved to Hilton Head Island, you’d see Gullah homes and Gullah businesses — craft stores, seafood shops, restaurants,” she recalls. “Now I don’t see that.” The challenges before her are many. Although her official office is on Johns Island, Smalls supervises a National Heritage Area that stretches from the coast to about 30 miles inland from Wilmington, North Carolina to St. Augustine, Florida. A typical work week might entail fielding concerns from Gullah residents on Hilton Head Island about the possible loss of family lands related to the reconfiguration of U.S. 278 to visiting small towns in Georgia, where Gullah artists want to attract a larger audience. Museums might call for advice or schools for enrichment programs. No request is ignored. “It’s important to go out into the com munities to know what their needs are and how we can support them,” says Smalls, who lives on St. Helena Island. “Thankfully, I have great support.”
I WANT YOUTH NOT TO BE THAT ASHAMED LITTLE GIRL THAT I WAS ABOUT MY LANGUAGE. I WANT THEM TO LIVE AND CELEBRATE WHO THEY ARE.
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To help facilitate the goals of the Corridor, Congress in 2007 established a 15-member Gullah Geechee Commission that works closely with Smalls. “You cannot do anything alone,” she says, grateful for all the “tools” she has gathered on her way to becoming executive director. “I work for the ancestors,” she adds, acknowledging that her parents as well as all the ancestors collectively have guided her path. Starting out as an early childhood educator, Smalls taught at Lady’s Island Elementary, an arts-infused school, where she saw firsthand the benefits of incorporating arts and culture in schools. Significant time at the Red Piano Too, an art gallery on St. Helena Island, connected her with Gullah creatives and what compels them to make art — something that resonates with Smalls, an artist herself, who works in pastels and oils. Her iconic portraits — all peaceful faces with eyes closed — hang in collectors’ homes across the country. But it was working at Penn Center, formerly the first school for enslaved individuals and now a significant historical institution, that taught her how to be a strategic planner and cultural preservationist. Becoming a National Parks Ranger for 10 months was simply icing on her resume. “I was an interpretive ranger,” she says, admitting that she loved telling the story of her people through walking tours and school programs and had no intentions of leaving. But when asked to lead the Corridor, she suddenly blurted, “Yes.” “I really want to bring success and upliftment to the Corridor and its people,” she smiles. No doubt the ancestors are smiling, too.
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CRESCENDO CELEBRATION OF ARTS & CULTURE DIRECTOR JENN MCEWEN
STORY BY NINA GREENPLATE | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN
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The fifth annual Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture, presented by Hilton Head’s Office of Cultural Affairs, runs from Oct. 10 through Nov. 13. It’s the Lowcountry’s month-long showcase of talent, including musicians, storytellers and open art galleries. Crescendo will feature Grammy award-winning vocalists, Broadway performers, Latin American jazz masters, violin concertos, and local beloved talent in pop, blues, swing and the American songbook. Local Gullah history will be recounted through storytelling. With more than 100 scheduled events there’s plenty to do and to organize. Enter director Jenn McEwen. “The community is the best part of bringing Crescendo to the Lowcountry,” says McEwen, who joined the Cultural Affairs office in 2017. “How fun is it that my job is making sure there is more art, in more places?” Ensuring this creative initiative is successful requires a tenacious work ethic. First-hand experience in performance art is also valuable, and McEwen knows well what it takes to usher in a crowd. She holds an undergraduate degree in music and classical voice from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a master’s in arts administration from the University of New Orleans. Earning the rightful reputation for “selling out a house,” McEwen worked more than nine years with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater Company in Atlanta, promoting, educating and providing a strong financial bottom line. Today, 11 dedicated artists representing various organizations, volunteer year-round with McEwen to make Crescendo a success. This council of artistic peers, community activists and diverse citizens meet at the start of each month, immediately following the close of the previous year’s celebration to begin again. Three months prior to the kickoff of the upcoming season, the committee moves to biweekly sessions. She is complimentary of the collaborative dedication to assisting committee members to work together to recruit sponsorships, plan programming, and craft a marketing plan.
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“These individuals’ mission is rooted in performances and exhibits approximately 18 to gathering people,” she says. “Our community 24 months in advance, according to McEwen. IT’S GETTING is so generous with their time, especially when Musicians and artists for the Lantern parade TO PUT they’re also passionate about the arts.” are typically reserved in the same time-frame. WORTHY The year of planning it requires to present “It’s getting to put worthy organizations on ORGANIZATIONS a strong event schedule is comprised of display and up on a pedestal to show all their ON DISPLAY identifying signature events and setting dates, good work,” says McEwen. AND UP ON A followed by determining production logistics McEwen stresses collaboration across the arts PEDESTAL TO and marketing initiatives. and cultural community is imperative to SHOW ALL “This year both the National Endowment successfully present Crescendo and similar THEIR GOOD for the Arts and South Arts provided grants creative endeavors throughout the region. Under WORK. supporting production costs of the Hilton Head her guided ingenuity, she can put worthy Lantern Parade,” says McEwen. organizations on display to show their good work. T-Mobile’s grant will back the closing night’s “We are being as responsible as possible, Lantern Parade. Community members construct so we can still create and bring the community lanterns in advance to be part of the town’s together,” says McEwen of recognizing largest and most enchanting temporary public art displays COVID risks, with many events being held outdoors. on the island. Volunteer support is always appreciated. “The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce “We could not make these events happen without many, is also a great partner,” says McEwen. many volunteers,” she says. “Volunteers make the cultural The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Coastal Discovery world go ‘round.” Museum and Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra plan their For more on Crescendo, visit culturehhi.org.
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“community connection ”
HILTON HEAD HEALTH
KAPPA DELTAS
HHI ROTARIAN LEADS RELIEF EFFORT FOR NEW ORLEANS RESIDENTS Ron Farsetti, Bruce Pitkin and six vehicles from Hilton Head Island and Pensacola Clubs arrived in New Orleans to deliver emergency provisions to those who needed help after Hurricane Ida. Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue donated 24 tarps, while members of First Presbyterian Church of HHI and Hilton Head NextDoor donated diapers, baby wipes and formula. Curry Printing donated signage for the vehicles that delivered the supplies to New Orleans. In total, $79,000 worth of items were contributed. Ron and Sharon Farsetti spent $23,000 of their own money to gather the needed supplies, a news release said. Earlier this year, Farsetti was recognized by the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island as the recipient of the annual Four-Way Test Award, which honors those who go above and beyond Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” UNITED WAY RECEIVES DONATION FROM FOOD LION FEEDS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION United Way of the Lowcountry received $2,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help feed local neighbors. UWLC will use the gift to purchase non-perishable food items and water to include in backpacks for people experiencing homelessness in Beaufort and Jasper counties, a news release said. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants. LOW COUNTRY KAPPA DELTAS WIN NATIONAL AWARDS The Low Country Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter earned the top award for Programming Excellence at the KD National Convention. The local Kappa Deltas also were recognized for participating in “Shamrock Projects,” raising funds for Child Abuse Prevention of Beaufort. They were one of eight chapters in the United States to win the Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award.
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HILTON HEAD HEALTH NAMED BEST IN THE COUNTRY Hilton Head Health’s Indigo Spa has been named the best hotel spa in America and Hilton Head Health was named second-best wellness retreat in USA Today’s 10Best lists. Hilton Head Health has been in the top 3 since 2017. According to 10Best, a panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to select the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF S.C. HONORS HILTON HEAD ISLAND WITH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Town of Hilton Head Island received a Municipal Achievement Award for its rehabilitation of storm water pump stations. The city won in the public works category. Twenty-seven cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives for consideration in the annual awards. “Hilton Head Island solved current problems in its stormwater system, but also planned for the future to protect residents, businesses and visitors,” said Todd Glover, executive director for the Municipal Association. HILTON HEAD NAMED TOP ISLAND IN U.S. Hilton Head Island was named the No. 1 island in the Continental U.S. in the Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. This is the fifth time that Hilton Head Island has been chosen for this award. In 2020, Hilton Head Island tourism accounted for a $1.37 billion economic impact for the area, a Town of Hilton Head news re l e a s e s a i d . S ava n n a h / H i l to n He a d International Airport was ranked the No. 2 domestic airport in the U.S. Among the Top 10 South Carolina hotels and resorts, the Lowcountry was represented by: Montage Palmetto Bluff (No. 2), The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (No. 5), Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (No. 6), Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa (No. 7), The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa (No. 9), and the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (No. 10).
SOLICITOR’S OFFICE AND HOPEFUL HORIZONS HOST NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXPERT Officers and victim advocates from around South Carolina trained in domestic violence risk assessment last month, hosted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Hopeful Horizons. Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell of Johns Hopkins University’s training was live-streamed by the Solicitor’s Office to a statewide audience. In the 1980s, Campbell developed a danger assessment to help victims understand the threats they face. She has spent the decades since refining the tool and teaching officers and advocates how to use it, a news release said. Nationally, about half of all female homicide victims are killed by a husband, boyfriend or former intimate partner, according to Campbell. Attorneys, service providers and victim advocates from several agencies were among the participants. Representatives from the Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton County sheriff’s departments; Beaufort, Hardeeville and Bluffton police departments; and the University of South Carolina Beaufort police also attended. ROTARY CLUB OF BLUFFTON ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS The Rotary Club of Bluffton is accepting applications from local 501(c)(3) organizations for grants awarded through their charitablegiving program. The Club offers grants up to $5,000 to qualified nonprofits. To qualify, organizations must serve individuals or families that live or work in or near Bluffton. Grants are awarded for projects that align with one of Rotary’s six focus areas: promote peace; fight disease; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education; or grow local economies. The deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 15. For more information, visit blufftonrotary.org.
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“on the move ” 1. HILTON HEAD REGIONAL HEALTHCARE NAMES NEW MARKET CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Joel Taylor has been named Market Chief Executive Officer at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare. He assumed his role effective Sept. 30. Taylor will be responsible for overseeing all strategic, operational and clinical activities for the system. Taylor joined Hilton Head Regional Healthcare in 2016 and has been with the system’s parent company, Tenet Healthcare, for 10 years. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Birmingham-Southern College and master’s degrees in business and health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He replaces Jeremy Clark, who will assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer, Alabama and Chief Executive Officer, Brookwood Medical Center. 2. SECOND HELPINGS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Lili Coleman plans to retire from her position as executive director of Second Helpings on Nov. 15. She has led Second Helpings for four years. In 2018 Second Helpings was named the PGA Charity of the Year. In 2019 Coleman established the first K-12 school food rescue program on Hilton Head Island, in which students rescue cafeteria food to benefit after-school and senior programs. “I have enjoyed a unique opportunity to grow Second Helpings with the help of over 300 volunteers, a dedicated group of food donors and agency partners, and an amazing board of directors,” said Coleman. “I am very proud of our mission and the number of families who receive food as a result of the efforts of all those involved.” 3. ROC DENTAL GROUP WELCOMES HYGIENIST Hernan Olvera-Guerrero, RDH, has joined ROC Dental Group as its newest hygienist. Olvera-Guerrero is bilingual, which helps the practice to better serve its Spanish-speaking patients.
tenure begins Oct. 25. Itzkowitz serves as the chief member advancement officer at Goodwill Industries International (GII), a network of 156 local nonprofit Goodwill organizations across the United States and Canada. Itzkowitz has earned the GII Advocacy Leader Award and been named the Arkansas Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in international finance and marketing. 1. TAYLOR
2. COLEMAN
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4. THE GREENERY NAMES BRANCH MANAGER The Greenery Inc. promoted Darren Davis to branch manager of the Hilton Head Island residential branch. Davis has been with The Greenery for more than 12 years. Davis started his career with The Greenery in chemical services. 5. PALMETTO GOODWILL NAMES NEW CEO Brian Itzkowitz was named new chief executive officer of Palmetto Goodwill and its affiliate, Palmetto Goodwill Services. His
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7. MIZEUR
6. NAMI LOWCOUNTRY WELCOMES NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN John DuPont III has been named new chairman of the board at nonprofit NAMI Lowcountry. DuPont has 20 years of experience in the U.S. Army and 17 years in the Special Forces community. He served more than a decade in Central and South America, with extensive participation in the Counter-Terror, Counter-Narcotics, and Combat Operations in Afghanistan and Colombia. DuPont is the director of operations at Strauss Global. 7. BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD NAMES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Michael Mizeur has been named president and chief operating officer of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. In his role in the newly created position, Mizeur will be responsible for all operating areas including the BlueCross BlueShield Commercial Health Division, the Government Contracting Division, and all other corporate subsidiaries. Mizeur has a BBA from Western Michigan University and an MBA from Duke University. 8. OMEGA CONSTRUCTION WELCOMES PROJECT MANAGER Jason Hampton has joined Omega Construction’s GA Division as a project manager. His responsibilities include preconstruction, estimating, subcontractor solicitation, purchasing, scheduling and contract administration. Hampton is a graduate of Georgia Southern University. 9. LOWCOUNTRY MANUFACTURING PLANT EXPECTS TO CREATE 78 JOBS Evanesce, a sustainable technology innovator, announced new operations in Hampton County. The $17 million investment will create 78 new jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster. Founded in 2016, Evanesce “designs, develops and manufactures sustainable
12.FLORY
packaging solutions” like trays, cups and bowls that are certified compostable, affordable and American made, a news release said. The facility in Early Branch can produce “millions of PLA certified compostable straws per day.” “South Carolina’s strong business climate and highly skilled workforce continue to attract new investment and jobs,” McMaster said. 10. VINEYARD BLUFFTON HIRES COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR Janaya Price has been named community relations director at Vineyard Bluffton, an assisted living and specialized memory care community. Price has more than 14 years of experience in senior healthcare. 11. SC BIZ NEWS HONORS PARKER’S Parker’s has been named one of 20 highgrowth companies in South Carolina for 2021 by SC Biz News in the Roaring Twenties large company category. The Roaring Twenties honor recognizes high-growth companies in South Carolina based on both dollar and percentage increases in revenue from 2018 to 2020. 12. MONTHLY MAGAZINE HIRES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy Flory has been hired as an Account Executive at Monthy magazine. Flory was with Monthly for 8 years before she retired but realized she missed the excitement of working in sales. Flory has more than 16 years of sales experience, including commercial and residential real estate, sales for a premier local builder and at Monthly.
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$500,000+ GIVEN TO 8 STATES FOR THE RESTORATION OF OYSTER BEDS
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TOADFISH MARRIES A PASSION FOR WATER SPORTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY JAMES A. MALLORY
Growing up in Beaufort along the coastal waters, Casey Davidson has always been a passionate fisherman who appreciated his environment. Today, the 34-year-old has married his love for the waterways and his dedication to conservation to form a business dedicated to preserving the coastal environment. Davidson is the founder and CEO of Toadfish, a Charleston-based company that designs and manufactures fishing equipment, kitchen products and drink ware. “Toadfish was the perfect way to combine my two loves,” says the product designer, who graduated from the College of Charleston. “I was able to be outside and design for something I like.” But Davidson wanted Toadfish to be more than a manufacturer and retailer. A percentage of sales go to the restoration of oyster beds in coastal states. Davidson said his company has donated over a half-million dollars to eight states, adding, “We’ve built enough oyster beds to filter 82 million gallons of water a day.” One adult oyster filters up to 2.5 gallons of water per hour or up to 50 gallons per day, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Oyster populations are declining around the world for many reasons, including over-harvesting, lack of care and cultivation, declining water quality, disappearing habitat, run-off and erosion, according to the SCDNR. Tens of thousands of bushels are harvested annually for recreation and commercial purposes, the state said. The state purchases much of its recycled oyster shells for bed restoration from out of state,
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according to SCDNR. It has a campaign to recycle shells locally for large-scale and community-based oyster restoration.ba Oyster beds are the “coral reefs of the Lowcountry,” Davidson said. They provide a habitat for more than 100 different marine species, according to the state. That is where you will find the Toadfish, for which Davidson named his company. Oyster beds are also a key preventer of erosion along the coast, Davidson said. The state calls them “natural breakwaters that absorb wave energy and protect marsh shorelines from erosion.” “It is the most important part of salt-water ecosystems,” Davidson said, “and that is why I’ve dedicated my life to trying to protect and preserve them.” Davidson started Toadfish in 2016, selling a self-designed oyster knife out of the trunk
of his car. He drove to farmer’s markets on weekends and shucked oysters with his knife. He found a market, and the company took off. Toadfish is now a global brand with 25 employees and products sold online and through local stores. The product line, which includes the original oyster knife, helps fishing and boating enthusiasts enjoy the waterways without leaving behind waste. Products include filet knives, non-tip tumblers and fishing and casting rods. A nontipping can cooler is the most popular item, Davidson said. Davidson, who stills finds time to enjoy the coastal waters with his wife and two daughters, said long term he wants the company to be successful enough to replant oyster beds in every state. “For South Carolina, I want to create a statewide oyster shell recycling program,” he said. “I love the state, and I love the Lowcountry.”
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ELSEWHERE’S IN OLD TOWN SELLS SPORTS CARDS & NOSTALGIA BY ANTHONY GARZILLI | PHOTOS BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT
There’s a certain thrill that still remains. Steven Krzyzyk is 51 years old. A Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, Krzyzyk owns Elsewhere’s in Old Town, a Bluffton-based sports memorabilia and gift shop. He’s seen the industry of sports cards boom nationwide. A Mike Trout rookie card sold last year for nearly $4 million. This summer a Patrick Mahomes rookie card sold for $4.3 million, and a rare T206 Honus Wagner card was bought in an online auction for $6.6 million. Big money. But the business of sports cards isn’t only about who is awarded the highest bid. Krzyzyk said he can still feel a childlike rush of excitement when he opens a pack of cards. “It’s still invigorating,” he said. Recently Krzyzyk bought a box of 1997 Topps Stadium Club basketball cards. These were purchased not for him to sell, but for his personal enjoyment. Krzyzyk was looking for Tim Duncan or Kobe Bryant or Steve Nash. He tore open the first pack and was rewarded with an “immaculate” Kobe Bryant card. A few moments and open packs later, he had pulled each card he was looking for. “I felt like a kid again,” he said. “Those were great.” The hint of nostalgia permeates through Elsewhere’s in Old Town,
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ELSEWHERE’S IN OLD TOWN SELLS SPORTS CARDS, MEMORABILIA AND COLLECTIBLES FOR ALL AGES from a vast collection of quality sports cards to packets of Big League Chew and a working NBA Jam arcade set up in the back. You may find vintage cards of Joe Namath or Mark McGwire. There are photos and artwork of Michael Jordan and Mickey Mantle. The shop includes the popular Dugout Mugs, commemorative plates and caps, books for children, and selections from popular businesses such as Savannah Bee Company and Terrapin Ridge Farms. Essentially, Elsewhere’s in Old Town offers something for everyone. But cards are the appeal. Collectors look for classic names such as Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, but also newer stars like rookie Wander Franco, two-way sensation Shohei Ohanti and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Football and basketball cards are popular, but baseball is still in most demand. “Baseball is America’s pastime sport, no one can deny it,” Krzyzyk said. “What’s driving the market? Baseball is.” Krzyzyk moved from Wisconsin to Bluffton with his wife last year. After visiting the Lowcountry on prior trips and spending countless hours at Reminisce, a collectible shop formerly owned by Jerry Glenn, Krzyzyk took over the space on 30A Promenade Street from the retiring Glenn and officially opened his own shop this spring. He’s collected cards as a hobby since he was 10 years old — ever since admiring a 1981 Topps Joe Montana card — but it wasn’t until about 15 years later that he realized some sports cards had significant value. He continued to fill binders with cards, but it was upon the move to Bluffton when Krzyzyk decided to turn his investment in cards into his own business. “I thought about it and saw the value,” Krzyzyk said. “I thought, ‘Hey, it’s a hobby,
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I’m enjoying it, and I can get paid for doing it as well.’ ” Krzyzyk says he sees a variety of customers, from high-end collectors to teenagers looking to quickly flip cards for more valuable ones, to kids just looking for their favorite players. Men and women in their mid-40s and older come to his shop looking for pre-1980s cards. Younger kids seek NBA star Luka Doncic or baseball phenom Fernando Tatis Jr. “It’s all over the board,” Krzyzyk said. The COVID pandemic has helped lead to a spike
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nationally in sales. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for $5.2 million in January. EBay said in a February report that sales of trading cards in the United States grew 142% from 2019 to 2020. It also sold 4 million more cards than the prior year. This year’s National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago was the second-most attended event in its history, according to the event’s website. As a small, locally owned business, Krzyzyk does his best to compete with large dealers such as Target and Walmart.
Packs of cards in Elsewhere’s can range from $8 and above, with popular boxes ranging from $40-$1,000, depending on the brand and year, Krzyzyk said. “It’s a business now,” he said. “It’s a hobby, yes, but it’s really turned into a business.” Yes, some cards are highly valued, but opening a pack of cards still offers a moment of tense anticipation, a giddy sense of wonder and possibility. “What’s cool is when a kid will open a box, and he pulls a really expensive rookie card. It’s like, ‘Wow, good for you,’ ” Krzyzyk said.
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IISPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONII
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This month, Monthly puts a spotlight on local men who make a difference. From business, medicine, real estate, dining and development, these profiles showcase their success stories. The men discuss their background, motivation, and the distinct approaches they’ve taken to thrive. Their influence is valued and has made a positive impact in our communities. They are the leading men of the Lowcountry.
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
BRIAN DECHIRICO & JOHN HARRIS HILTON HEAD EXTERMINATORS By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Ruthe Ritterbeck
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Throughout the modern history of Hilton Head Island, we’ve witnessed plenty of changes. The small, sleepy resort town at the edge of the map has blossomed into a fully-fledged hometown with a thriving sense of community and a booming population. There have been plenty of changes, but there has been one constant: Hilton Head Exterminators. “We were there from the beginning. They were building Sea Pines and the only termite company in the area was in Charleston,” said John Harris, who runs Hilton Head Exterminators’ Bluffton operations. “We did pre-construction soil treatment for the development of Hilton Head Island, and it just grew and grew and grew.” From those early days, the company expanded to the premier brand across the Lowcountry for eliminating anything that crawls, bites or stings. And leading the way are Harris and Brian DeChirico, who runs the show on Hilton Head Island. “There were definitely some big shoes to fill,” said DeChirico, of having to step in after Bill Robertson retired after 30 years of managing operations at Hilton Head Exterminators. “But we shared a lot of the same passion for taking care of the customer. I think staying centered on that and true to that has really made for a seamless transition.” A native of the Lowcountry, DeChirico was most recently in sales for BASF before coming to Hilton Head Exterminators. His previous career has seen him move three times in 14 years, which became less desirable as his young children began to grow. The time was right for
a homecoming, and with the relationship and mutual respect he’d built with the company through his dealings with them at BASF, it was a natural fit. “The timing was right. It’s been a great situation,” he said. “The owners were very intentional about affording someone the time to make sure they were able to be successful. While there were big shoes to fill, we planned appropriately and because of that we’ve had a seamless and successful transition. We’re picking up right where Bill left off.” Across the bridge in Bluffton, Harris has deftly handled mainland operations after years spent under Robertson’s mentorship. Initially working in sales, he was named manager of the Bluffton office in 2008 and has overseen its steady growth ever since. “Early on we ingrained ourselves into the community,” he said. “We were not just a business in the community, we have always felt like we were part of the community. As Bluffton has grown, we have had the privilege to grow right along with it.” Fostering that sense of community is a huge part of what Harris enjoys about his job. “I have customers who go all the way back with us to the 60s and 70s. That part has been fun,” he said. “I hope that I have helped to keep that going and still be part of it as we get larger.” Whether on Hilton Head Island or in Bluffton, Hilton Head Exterminators’ leading men are continuing a legacy of quality care that stretches back to the foundations of the Lowcountry’s modern day.
37 HUNTER RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926 // 843.681.2590 // HILTONHEADEXTERMINATORS.COM
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
Chip
COLLINS COLLINS GROUP REALTY
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Ruthe Ritterbeck
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In the crowded world of Lowcountry real estate, it takes a little bit more to be a leading man. It’s more than just knowing the market, knowing the inventory and making the deals that land clients in the property of their dreams and help homeowners get the most for the investment. True leadership means being a part of the community, helping those who need it, as well as serving as a pillar and guiding force. And in that sense, Chip Collins of Collins Group Realty embodies what it means to be a leading man. Nearly 20 years ago, he set out with a business partner to create an entirely different type of real estate group. The new venture represented what was then a radical leading-edge concept in the real estate industry. Pairing licensed agents with talented staff members who specialize in one function of the real estate process was an unheard-of concept at the time. But the service provided to clients by the firm’s unprecedented staff-to-agent ratio helped set a new standard in real estate. “While everyone else in the industry stuck with traditional organization, we wanted to break through and create something new,” said Collins. The new vision for real estate proved highly effective, leading to ever-higher levels of success. Fast forward nearly two decades, and it’s a model that has weathered the many ups and downs of the industry.
Through the housing crash of 2008, the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, and the uncertainty of the global pandemic, Collins Group Realty has never wavered in its commitment to its concerned clients and the community. In 2021, the Group was named No. 1 Large Real Estate Team in South Carolina by REAL Trends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, after having their best year in business amid a low-inventory market, selling $214 million in real estate and closing 409 transactions in 2020. But again, it’s not just about the sales numbers and the accolades. True leadership comes from giving back, and Collins Group Realty has consistently pursued that aim with vigor and dedication. This year, the group founded a charitable fund called Collins Group Realty Community Results Project, a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Built with a singular goal of giving back, their 2021 project aims to raise funds for Deep Well Project’s Livable Housing Program. Collins Group Realty’s way of celebrating the holiday season centers on food and toy drives for the less fortunate as well as a “Pie Day” for their Clients-For-Life at Thanksgiving. “It’s always been important for us to set an example,” said Collins. “As a company, we’ve done that through constant innovation and a willingness to take things to the next level. As members of the community, our aim has been to show that there are many ways to give back.”
852 WILLIAM HILTON PARKWAY #2B, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 14 WESTBURY PARK WAY, #101, BLUFFTON 843.341.6300 // COLLINSGROUPREALTY.COM
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
LARRY Sr. & LARRY Jr.
SETOLA
JUST CUSHIONS & HILTON HEAD FURNITURE CO. By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography
Toward the back of Just Cushions, within the stunning new furniture showroom marking the Hilton Head Furniture Co., you’ll find one item that is conspicuously out of place. Arrayed throughout, the furniture on display reflects the elegance and style of contemporary Lowcountry design. It’s a delightfully refined modern motif, which makes the antique sewing machine on the back wall stand out even more. It’s an odd bit of yesteryear among the sophisticated furniture of today. But it may be the single most important object in the room because of what it represents: four generations of a family who has made fabrication of furniture their passion. “This was my great-grandmother’s sewing machine, originally,” said Larry Setola Jr. “She then gave it to my grandfather, Carmine, when he opened his first shop. Years later he taught my father how to sew on this machine.” It was Larry Setola Sr. who took the past generations of amassed knowledge and opened Just Cushions in 1994, establishing the business as the island’s premiere source for cushions and upholstery. You’ll still find Larry Sr. in the back, working his craft as a true artisan when it comes to cushions and fabrication. But out front, the younger Setola (Larry Jr.) has taken the business to the next level. “You look at a company like Sears, they didn’t innovate with the everchanging times,” said Setola Jr. “Every business has to innovate in order to stay relevant.” Innovation meant creating one-stop-shopping for home interiors with expert consultation. Larry Jr. started small, adding to the line of fabrics in the front showroom with window treatments, lighting options and a slew of catalog
options for furniture. Given that the company was already known for its expertise, adding an adjoining furniture showroom just seemed to make sense. “The difference with us, we know what a piece of furniture looks like when it’s stripped down. We also know what to look for to really set apart a quality piece of furniture,” said Setola Jr. “That’s why it took so long to find the exclusive lines I wanted to represent. My objective was to find companies that construct furniture the way we would do it when building from scratch.” Once he did find furniture that met his standards, he found a huge customer base and an opportunity to truly innovate and expand on the family business. Choosing the name Hilton Head Furniture Co., he got to work transforming an underutilized part of the rear workroom into a showcase for furniture that meets the exacting standards of four generations. This blend of old-school knowledge juxtaposed with new-school expansion and innovation has created something entirely unique to our area. Along with the dizzying selection of lines represented at Hilton Head Furniture Co., the in-depth knowledge the family brings to the table provides nearly infinite possibility. “There are thousands of options with millions of combinations,” said Setola Jr. “You can change the leg style and wood finish, choose from the array cushion insert options, and select any fabric that we supply from our many vendors.” From this family legacy, the youngest Setola has boldly chosen to take the firm in a pioneering direction while still embracing the roots that made it strong. “My dad is very old school, and he taught me a lot of the old school ways of approaching business,” he said. “Show up on time, do what you say you’re going to do, and be the best at what you do.”
45 NEW ORLEANS ROAD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC | 843-681-9995 | HHIFURNITURE.COM
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Coligny Plaza
EATERIES COLIGNY PLAZA
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Rob Kaufman
1 N FOREST BEACH DR, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 COLIGNYPLAZA.COM
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For more than 65 years, Coligny Plaza has been Hilton Head’s downtown. That’s more than just a marketing slogan — it’s a reflection of a place that has attracted locals and visitors to its beachside locale with a dizzying array of attractions and shops. But of course, what is a downtown without the opportunity to sample the local flavors and immerse yourself in the culinary culture? It may be the shops and the attractions that draw people in, but it’s the rich variety of restaurants that keeps them coming back time and time again. Whether it’s a seafood dish bursting with Lowcountry flavor, mouth-watering pub fare with a side of frozen drinks, tantalizing craft beer and wine, or decadently dreamy ice cream, there are no shortage of ways to tantalize your taste buds. As one of the Leading Men of Coligny bringing you these flavors, Jason Fackler of Carolina Tasting Room knows better than most the drawing power of a place like Coligny. Before he and his wife Kristin opened their boutique shop dedicated to the regional craft beers and wines of the Southeast, they owned several kiosks in Coligny as well as Coastal Sunglasses.
“We’ve always loved Coligny,” said Jason. “We pretty much raised our kids in Coligny. It’s a great location with a fun family atmosphere and there’s just a ton to do.” As the Leading Man of the Frosty Frog, Rusty Jaquiss has been a part of the popular hangout spot as it has grown from serving frosty drinks exclusively to a full-fledged culinary experience. “When I first started, we weren’t really big enough to do food. But we were always known for our burger,” he said. “With the expansion, we were able to expand the menu and do some fun things, like fish tacos, hand-shaved prime rib and the fried bologna sandwich. It’s kind of taken off.” Pete Savarese is another Leading Man with a long history at Coligny. He’s owned the Ice Cream Cone for the last three years, but he’s been with the shop slinging sweet treats like the signature Sea Turtle salted caramel ice cream since he was 18. “I just walked in and loved the theme, loved the energy and loved the customers,”
he said. “And Coligny is a tremendous place to be. Any customer who walks in is spending their whole day here. The plaza does a great job of giving them things to do.” Leading Man Lee Lucier needs no introduction to anyone who’s been paying attention to Hilton Head Island’s culinary scene. As one of the area’s most celebrated restaurateurs, with a slew of TV appearances as well as acclaim from his work at South Carolina Yacht Club and Local Pie, he knew exactly where his next concept, FISH should live. A celebration of Lowcountry seafood traditions, FISH tantalizes tastebuds and draws scores of diners thanks to its expansive outdoor dining. “So many locals and visitors alike want to be outside and still be part of the action,” he said. “There are 13 different restaurant venues in Coligny, and they all enjoy this great outdoor space. It’s a win-win for all of us.” Of course, the real winner is anyone who heads to Coligny and brings their appetite.
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Sam Bauer ‘84, Brian Berrigan ‘88 Robert Hattler ‘91 & John Long ‘80
ALUMNI
HILTON HEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Guido Flueck
For Hilton Head Prep, building young people into leaders is what they do best. And in the Leading Men of Hilton Head Prep we find gentlemen who have not only seen their lives and successes honed by the quality education and dedication to character that are Hilton Head Prep’s hallmarks, they have chosen to give back. Legal titan Sam Bauer, class of ’84, followed his time at Prep with a successful career as an attorney, where he is now managing partner of Bauer & Metro, PC. “I don’t think I’d be where I am today without the foundation that Prep provided,” he said. “It was more than a school, it felt like home. So when my daughter began her education at Prep I wanted to give back the same why Prep gave me so much.” Bauer was the first alumnus of the school to serve on the board and the first elected Chairman this past spring. Brian Berrigan, class of ’88, spent 12 years attending Sea Pines Academy and Hilton Head Prep. He now lives in Mount Pleasant and owns Isle of Palms Marina. Like his fellow leading men, he has returned to Prep to serve as a board member, something that came as a bit of a surprise. “The idea of being able to give back to an institution that did so much for me was my primary inspiration,” he said, “but the opportunity to potentially help the kids at Prep was too much for me to refuse. I still quote my Prep coaches and teachers when I’m trying to teach my kids positive lessons. Things like how to be humble, kind, compassionate, endearing and empathetic; all characteristics that
Prep teaches its students on a daily basis.” John Long started in the second grade, graduating from Hilton Head Prep’s predecessor school, Sea Pines Academy, in 1980. While he now lives in Atlanta where he is Director and Principal of South City Partners, a real estate development firm, he is happy to make the trip back to serve on the board at a school that he says had a profound impact on his life. “About a year ago I reconnected to Hilton Head Prep and asked if there was anything I could do to give back,” he said. “It has been rewarding to come back and do something with a place that had such a positive impact on who I am.” Robert Hattler, class of ’91, also a real estate developer locally, is the latest member of his family carrying on a legacy of service to Hilton Head Prep. “My mother was a board member during my early years,” he said. “When I was asked, I considered it a tremendous honor to give back to the school that had given so much to me… from feeling remarkably prepared for college by teachers such as Mrs. McGee and Mrs. Whitman to taking the lessons I learned from mentors like Coach Basirico and Coach Sprouse; Prep gave me a full tool chest that I could utilize during the next phase of my life and beyond.” Prep helps students achieve their potential, yes. But what makes this storied institution different is the leadership it instills in every student. These leading men are just four of many, many stories of how Hilton Head Prep changes lives.
8 FOX GRAPE RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 843.671.2286 // HHPREP.ORG
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
Sam Bauer ‘84
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THE STUDENTS OF HERITAGE ACADEMY HERITAGE ACADEMY
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Ruthe Ritterbeck
Here we’d like to flip the script on our special Leading Men section. Rather than show men who are leading the way in local industry, here we see an island institution that embodies what leadership means. Heritage Academy is leading men, as in leading young men and women toward brighter futures through a student-focused learning environment and a dedication to education. These young men are perfect examples of that dedication. Lucas O’Nan, junior, sees in Heritage Academy a chance to truly flourish due to the smaller class sizes and the extra attention that enables. As tennis standouts, sophomores Kenko and Paul Vician-Flechler point to the flexible schedules, designed to work around their lives, as key factors in the Heritage Academy difference. Junior A.J. Boatwright echoes this sentiment, saying,
“I struggled with long hours at a traditional school. Heritage Academy worked better for me because it’s a lot easier to focus in a smaller group and with a more flexible schedule.” For C.J. Olivolo, junior, he points to the dedication of teachers like Ms. Asmuth, English, who have gone the extra mile to improve his academics. Dedicated teachers like her have had an extraordinary impact on their students’ lives, an impact that senior Cameron Kuplinsky knows all too well. As a 4.0 student he was chosen by the teaching staff at Heritage Academy to receive the Judy Jones Award and Scholarship, something he considers the biggest point of pride in his academic career. These are just a few of the success stories you’ll find at Heritage Academy, but they embody what makes this iconic learning institution unique.
11 NEW ORLEANS RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 843.842.8600 // HERITAGEACADEMY.ORG
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
THOMAS M. DOWLING CFA, CFP , CIMA ®
®
ALLIANCE GLOBAL PARTNERS By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Ruthe Ritterbeck
For the extremely affluent business owner and their family, preserving assets means forming a team. These private family offices encompass everything from accountants to investment managers and estate planners, all working for the sole benefit of the family’s interests. Under Alliance Global Planning, this same service once reserved for the global elite is available to successful entrepreneurs and affluent families. “We’ve taken that concept of a private family office and created a virtual family office, working with experts in every field,” said Thomas M. Dowling, Head of Wealth Management for Alliance Global Partners. Locally run and operated but affiliated with a larger Alliance Global Partners office in New York City, under Alliance Global Planning, concierge-level service and vast resources are brought to the
Low Country. Leading the way, Dowling has put his 25+ years of financial planning experience to use creating new opportunities for those who call the Lowcountry home. And that is important to Dowling, as he calls it home as well. Heavily involved with local organizations such as the Hilton Head Baseball Association, Hilton Head Boys and Girls Club and the Town of Hilton Head Parks and Recreation Commission, he has contributed tremendously to our local community. On a national level, he is highly recognized for his expertise as a Wealth Manger having served at an executive level at several investment firms as well as having founded his own. This expertise has made him a highly sought-after speaker and mentor within the field. And under Alliance Global Planning, he’s putting that expertise to work for you.
1000 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY UNIT C5, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 843.420.1993 // ALLIANCEGLOBALPLANNING.COM
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DR. MATTHEW MASTROROCCO ROC DENTAL GROUP
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Brooke Simons
For Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco, renaming his practice ROC Dental Group in 2019 was initially just a matter of branding. After 19 years practicing under his own name, he wanted to branch out and “make it less about me.” ROC Dental Group has placed itself on the vanguard of dentistry, marrying the high technology of new innovations with the patient-centered focus of old-school dentistry. It has allowed ROC Dental Group to become a force for positive change, giving back to local schools and communities with intentionality. And, as a side benefit, it’s allowed Dr. Mastrorocco to step into a mentorship position. Or, as he puts it with selfdeprecating humor, “I became the old man overnight.” Joined by Drs. Jordan Haire and Sydney Caskey, Dr. Mastrorocco has created a collaborative, team-centered environment for his doctors and team. “I haven’t always thought of myself as much of a mentor but having a team of extremely talented dentists to discuss cases with is fantastic,” he said. “Ultimately our patients benefit the most since there are now three highly skilled dentists collaborating onsite.” The addition of this team has also been crucial in helping Dr. Mastrorocco achieve ROC Dental Group’s goal: offering the best quality of life to its team, patients and Lowcountry neighbors.
4101 MAIN ST D, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926 843.682.4601 // ROCDENTALGROUP.COM
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
JAMES CARMANY AQUATIC SPAS OF HILTON HEAD By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Guido Flueck
Being a leading man takes determination and grit, but above all, it takes ambition. James Carmany is a perfect example of the tireless hustle it takes to be a leading man, balancing a successful 22-year
“I started buying used hot tubs, fixing them up, and reselling them,” he said. After that proved successful, he opened a retail store that he was
career in law enforcement with taking Aquatic Spas of Hilton Head to the next level.
only able to open around his law enforcement schedule. “My third customer, Ken Bergman, told me, ‘I want to see you suc-
Since he was young, hustle has been his hallmark. While working full time with the Akron (Ohio) Police Department, he ran a successful
ceed, you need to be open normal business hours to increase sales and I can help you.’ ”
commercial pressure washing business on his off time. After making his way to Bluffton, he continued his law enforcement career, while
Working with Bergman, Carmany grew his side business into a standalone success in its own right!
opening a new pressure washing business and a golf ball outlet store. But it was his uncle Doug Davidson who got him into the hot tub
“I want to thank my wife, Nicole. We would not be where we are today without her. She has supported me in everything and has
business. Davidson, the family entrepreneur, owned and operated a pool route and hot tub business in Florida and gave Carmany an old
pushed me to the person I am today,” “Success is Never Owned, Only Rented. Rent is due, Everyday!”
trailer for moving hot tubs. Aquatic Spas was born.
he said.
2050 OLD BAILEY RD, RIDGELAND, SC 29936 // 843.929.9229 // AQUATICSPASHHI.COM
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BOB CLARKSON THE ALLIANCE GROUP REALTY By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo supplied
With the recent real estate frenzy, many Realtors have been operating at full speed. Few people know this as well as Bob Clarkson of The Alliance Group Realty. “We are focused on systems and hands-on support to help our agents get things done efficiently,” he said. “Realtors should be out selling, not struggling with entering a property in the MLS or trying to figure out how the copy machine works.” The Alliance Group Realty, under Clarkson’s leadership, has grown into one of the top-ranked companies in the area with over 85 Realtors in offices in Bluffton and Hilton Head. “I don’t sell real estate myself, I’m in the real estate agent business. We treat our agents as clients, so buyers and sellers get better service, because our entire support staff stands behind them,” said Clarkson. “Our agents can call me anytime day or night and I’m always available for them.”
Clarkson says the key to any business is to reinvest profits to take it to the next level. “When you’re green you grow and when you’re ripe you rot. We constantly focus on improving lead generation, office equipment, marketing, technology, and most importantly, quality support staff to keep us growing and thriving.” In 2016, Clarkson purchased and renovated a landmark building in Old Town, Bluffton. Recently he purchased another landmark location in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island which is undergoing renovations and will be ready in mid-November. “This gives The Alliance Group prime locations on the island and the mainland without worrying about an unpredictable landlord. We build our facility’s the way we want them and having ownership provides us with long-term stability,” said Clarkson.
890 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY #33, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 45 CALHOUN STREET, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 843.785.5200 // THEALLIANCEGROUPREALTY.COM 68 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
BEN AND BRUCE ZAIDMAN & JOE GUTOWSKI AMERICAN WOOD REFACE By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Lloyd Wainscott
If you don’t know Ben or Bruce Zaidman of American Wood Reface, odds are good you know someone who does. “We’ve been in the Lowcountry since 2009, and have done thousands of homes there,” said Bruce. “In areas like Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation and Sun City, you can’t walk down the street without passing a home whose kitchen we’ve redone.” As the face of the largest cabinet refacing company in the Lowcountry for the last twelve years, their team has transformed these homes’ kitchens through a dedication to sourcing the finest materials and an adherence to the strictest quality standards. “You can’t buy a better cabinet door than we offer, and we have such a depth of capabilities when it comes to custom cabinetry as well as refacing,” he said.
But the one thing they take most pride in the team they’ve built, like Joe Gutowski in charge of installations and his team of master craftsmen. Along with building better kitchens, they’re building up the careers of those around them. Each of the professionals at American Wood Reface is extensively trained by a member of the team to ensure the company is represented by the best of the best. “We’re still continuing to grow, and we always want to find new people to join us,” said Ben. “A person can come to us and build their skills, study our techniques and become a skilled carpenter. With no student debt, by the way. And they’ll have a skill they can use the rest of their life.” So, if your kitchen needs a new look without the hassle of a full renovation, or you’re ready to get started building your career, talk to American Wood Reface.
246-E MEAD RD, HARDEEVILLE, SC, 29927 // 843.815.6700 // WOODREFACE.COM
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JEFF KURTZ JOHN BAYLEY CLOTHIER By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Rob Kaufman
On August 16, 1698, an Irish noble, John Bayley, was granted a barony in the colonies of the new world, a portion of land off the Carolina Coast, which became known as Hilton Head Island. A piece of him lives on among the inspired fashions at the Village at Wexford shop that bears his name. “I thought it was an intriguing name to help us start a new tradition as he was essentially the original landlord of Hilton Head Island,” said Jeff Kurtz, owner of John Bayley Clothier. Kurtz is in his 15th year as an islander, having moved with his wife Sara and two daughters from Atlanta where he worked in media advertising and business development. A self-professed clothes hound and fashion plate (“An overflowing closet is another way to describe it,” he quipped), he soon set about creating the kind of men’s store he could see himself patronizing. “There was a store in this location for a long time,” he said. After it
closed, “I felt that the island really needed a contemporary store for men’s clothes and accessories. And that’s what we’ve been hearing from people who’ve come in.” Starting out with a core group of well-known brands, including Peter Millar and johnnie-O, he continues to expand the John Bayley look along with feedback from customers. “Many guys who come into JB have commented on how much their closet has changed from suits and sport coats to a more casual look. As this trend continues we will evolve with it and introduce additional brands,” he said. “I’m always on the lookout… Our goal is to offer a worthy variety of distinguishing lines.” For the well-dressed islander, it represents a chance to help curate the new style of Hilton Head Island and carry on the memory of an island pioneer.
1000 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY #J4B, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 843.715.0713
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
MARIO MARTINEZ INNOVA
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Lloyd Wainscott
Every small business owner knows that the key to success is following the right advice. Whether just starting out or seeking avenues to scale upward, it’s crucial to seek out guidance from those who have been there before and know what needs to be done to ensure your business booms. No matter what business you’re in, Mario Martinez might just be that steady guiding hand your business needs to thrive. “What I do is advise people on opening a business and helping it to grow,” he said. That sage advice is part of the suite of offerings that have made his firm, Innova, such a vital part of the community. Beyond bookkeeping, taxes and payroll, Innova is there to guide small businesses. “A lot of people see me as the tax guy, but it’s more than that. The taxes help me to analyze a business, then we use that data to help them grow.” Augmenting that seasoned experience with your businesses financial picture is Martinez’s own limitless ambition as an entrepreneur. In addition to founding Innova, he owns two construction companies and is in the process of building out his own brand of mescal, Saca Palabras. “We’re building the brand right now, and we’re starting to expand into Asia and the States.” There’s advice, and then there’s the right advice. That’s what Mario offers, based on keen insight into your business’ finances and a wealth of experience in business. “I love to diversify; I can’t be in one place doing one thing,” he said. “That’s why I like to advise people on their business. That’s my real passion.”
3 GODFREY PL UNIT 2, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 843.951.9555 // INNOVASBC.COM
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DR. BEN PARKER COASTAL VETERINARY CLINIC By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Ruthe Ritterbeck
Before he became Dr. Ben Parker, one of the Lowcountry’s Leading Men and a dear friend to anyone who loves animals, he was just a kid from Louisville, Kentucky. Graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Animal Science and Biochemistry, he would go on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1989. He has raised three great kids in the Lowcountry and enjoys the outdoors and fishing when not working on your pets. Dr. Parker has practiced in the Bluffton/Hilton Head area for more than 33 years now, providing the utmost care to countless animals. He continues to practice small animal medicine and surgery and routinely takes care of the indigenous wildlife which become injured, orphaned, and require rehabilitation for release back to the wild. While some might look at a 33-year career and start thinking retirement, Dr. Parker is just getting started. Instead, Dr. Parker has taken the next step by partnering with Dr. Matt Tenwolde to create the first 24/7 veterinary emergency service in our area. “We opened January 1, 2021, and have received tremendous support from our community,” said Parker. “Not to mention from the other practicing veterinarians who have confidently referred their patients to Carolina Veterinary Critical Care for after hour and holiday emergencies.” Dr. Parker and Tenwolde plan to open a new stateof-the-art veterinary emergency hospital in Bluffton in the near future.
21 BUCK ISLAND RD, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 843.757.1112 // PARKER-BEN-DVM.BUSINESS.SITE
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
THE MEN OF VACASA VACASA
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Rob Kaufman
Behind every great Vacasa getaway, you’ll find a dedication
hand in hand with central support, they have access to state-
that extends to both the guest and the homeowner. Each care-
of-the-art technology and many other management resources.
fully curated vacation property is maintained to the highest stan-
But, essentially, they have to be customer service-oriented. The
dards, ensuring that homeowners enjoy peace of mind along with
goal is to make sure that the guest is getting a great vacation
the highest possible rental revenue, while helping Vacasa guests
experience and at the same time making sure that properties are
create memories to last a lifetime.
getting the best of care.”
And behind that dedication, you’ll find the Leading Men of
For guests, these leading men are the people ready at a mo-
Vacasa. Pictured here, members of the operations team oversee
ment’s notice to resolve any issue, backed by the support of one
property management staff and provide the backbone for a busi-
of the country’s most trusted vacation rental names with a sub-
ness built on unforgettable experiences.
stantial support staff.
“The operations team represents our core strengths,” said principal broker and longtime local fixture Bill Haley. “Working
For owners, they are trusted experts in ensuring everything is handled with professionalism, courtesy and a drive to do more.
21 EXECUTIVE PARK RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 855.861.5757 // VACASA.COM
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JOHN ANTUNES, TONY OLIVEIRA & RANDELL MCGILTON DISTINCTIVE GRANITE & MARBLE By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Madison Elrod
At Distinctive Granite & Marble, being a Leading Man means being a part of a company that has played an enormous part in Lowcountry history, beautifying homes and garnering rave reviews from satisfied customers along the way. As the Leading Man among leading men, John Antunes (pictured center) founded the company after emigrating to America from Portugal at 15. Invited to the island by his cousin Phil Schembra, Antunes quickly fell in love with Hilton Head Island and saw in it the perfect place to grow his business. Starting from the ground up, he has seen Distinctive Granite & Marble expand to the area’s premier source for beautiful stone. And along the way, he invited a few more leading men to join him.
Tony Oliveira (pictured left) joined the company at just 16 years old, and has since become the resident “Mr. Know it All.” Inside the fabrication shop or out in the field on an installation, he knows it all because he’s done it all. His extensive knowledge and experience now plays an enormous role in the company’s continued success. Every company needs a technical wizard, and Distinctive Granite & Marble found a true master of his craft in Randell McGilton (pictured right). Blessed with the mind of an engineer and the eye of an artist, he is the company’s “fabrication master,” ensuring each slab that leaves the shop is nothing short of perfect and keeping every aspect of this well-oiled machine running smoothly.
33 HUNTER RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926 // 843.689.3237 // DISTINCTIVEGRANITEANDMARBLE.COM 516 BROWNS COVE RD STE A, RIDGELAND, SC 29936 // 843.379.3237 // DISTINCTIVEGRANITEANDMARBLE.COM 74 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
TOM METZGER, MARK TEED & JAMES SWIFT SEA PINES COUNTRY CLUB By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Guido Flueck
In recognition of the upcoming Nov. 1 unveiling of Sea Pines Country Club’s new golf experience, meet the leading men making the new project come to life. PGA Professional James Swift (pictured right), the club’s new director of golf, joined the team in 2021 and dived head-first into the planning and implementation of the golf course transformation, including the addition of The Barn, a clubhouse equipped with a Trackman simulator and an open bay for year-round practice and club fitting. James brings 25 years of experience at some of the country’s finest golf courses, bringing with him a fresh new vision for the club’s overall golf experience. Mark Teed (pictured center), SPCC Assistant Golf Professional since 2014, will be the club’s new teaching professional when the new golf experience is unveiled. Mark’s teaching background
includes a stint with renowned teaching professional Jim McLean, as well as Leadbetter Golf. Mark garnered PGA Professional status in May 2010 and is active in the PGA Hilton Head chapter and plays in many sectional and local tournaments. He’s “just married,” tying the knot with wife Meghan in a Bluffton ceremony on June 19, 2021. Course Superintendent Tom Metzger (pictured left) has been with the club the longest, having joined 23 years ago. An agronomy expert with decades of experience including at Long Cove Club, Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head National and Palmetto Hall, Tom has overseen the expert re-grassing of the course’s tees, fairways and greens, as well as the re-shaping of the bunkers and trimming of the tree canopy, which has created extraordinary playing conditions. Tom was involved with the original Clyde Johnston re-design of the club’s golf course in 2000.
30 GOVERNORS RD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 // 843. 671.2345 // SEAPINESCOUNTRYCLUB.COM
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
CHARLIE STONE BEAUFORT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Guido Flueck
On paper, Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation’s (BCEDC) success is measured in numbers. The number and quality of new jobs created by each business that chooses to do business here and the amount of money they put back into our community through taxes, revenue or charitable giving. The BCEDC is ever mindful of the environment as they work to build and diversify Beaufort County’s economy. For Charlie Stone, senior project manager, the numbers only tell part of the story. “The most rewarding part for me is seeing some of these projects come to fruition and seeing how they impact people’s lives,” he said. He points to success stories like Lowcountry Fresh Market, which not only creates jobs but also helps area farmers create a comfortable living and put their land to work.
“When you go into that market, you see people thriving. Everyone likes to talk about job numbers, but that’s just a number. When you see someone benefiting from what we’ve done, that’s pretty special.” Stone added, “Similarly, I get satisfaction knowing lives are being transformed through meaningful work at companies all across the County, Mira International Foods, L3/Harris, Burnt Church Distillery, Stoneworks and GlassWRX SC.” These are just a few of the nearly 40 projects Stone has worked with. A native of the Lowcountry and graduate of USCB, Stone started his career with BCEDC after seeing the world for a bit, hanging his hat in the D.C. area and Dallas, Texas. “Part of my decision in coming home and pursuing this work was knowing how much I loved the area. I’ve always been community minded. This role allows me to do just that.”
PO BOX 7017, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29938 // 843.226.3462 // THRIVEBEAUFORT.ORG
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
MICHAEL RAY SNS TECHNOLOGIES By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo supplied
If there’s one thing that has defined Michael Ray and the company he helms, SNS Technologies, it’s the notion that innovation never stops. New challenges constantly arise, new opportunities present themselves, and having the right technology to meet them makes all the difference. As a perfect example, there’s the rise of the mobile workforce, with employees at home and in the field operating as one. With SNS Connect, businesses of any size have an all-in-one communications solution that offers powerful security and efficiency. “With the right phone system, you can literally be anywhere in the world and it’s as if you’re all in the same office,” he said. Using SNS Connect, employees can field calls from a central number at home or through an app on their mobile device, or place calls to customers that show up as originating from one central office. Plus, it offers a full suite of communications tools that run the gamut from file collaboration and video calling to screen sharing and virtual assistants. And behind this new technology is a pillar of SNS Technology that has never changed: a dedication to security. “Cyber security is more important than ever, and we go to extraordinary lengths to protect our clients from ransomware, malware, viruses and other threats,” added Ray. Allowing you to be productive from anywhere, while keeping you safe from online threats. It’s all part of what makes SNS Technologies, with offices from here to Charleston more than just your IT company.
49 PENNINGTON DR SUITE A, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 843.757.7873 // SNSTECHNOLOGIES.NET
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JOE GANCIO JOE’S CLASSIC CUTS
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Lloyd Wainscott
It might be tempting to say that Joe Gancio is the leading man at Joe’s Classic Cuts – after all, it’s his name on the sign. But to hear him tell it, the real leading men are the thousands of locals who have made his shop their own over the last two years, helping Joe’s Classic Cuts earn back-to-back Best of Bluffton awards. “Without our customers, there would be no Classic Cuts barbershop, period,” said Gancio. It’s not just the guys in the chair. To hear Gancio tell it, the real leading men (and ladies) are the staff he has built as the shop has grown. From a group of three to a corps of ten professional barbers and stylists, he credits his crew with the shop’s success. “You’re nothing without a strong team,” said Gancio.
23 JOHNSTON WAY UNIT B, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 843.757.5637 // JOESCLASSICCUTS.COM
THE TRAINERS LAVA 24 FITNESS
Story submitted by LAVA 24 Fitness ~ Photo by Rob Kaufman
“Since early 2020, when the COVID pandemic began, we have all be under an extraordinary amount of stress - not knowing the truth about the risks from COVID, government shut-down of our small-businesses, parks, and beaches, along with a complete lack of leadership at every single government institution.” Dr. Nate Dixon said. So where do we turn… Let’s start with getting our bodies in shape and eating healthy! An anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet has been proven to reduce symptoms of COVID. Staying lean and exercising continues to be a healthy way to combat this virus (and all other viruses). The Leading Men from LAVA, pictured here: (from left to right) Ronny Gomes, Jake Wittmer, Dr. Nate Dixon (owner), Keith Smith, and AJ Staley. Nate is launching a website: Nate.TV featuring Nate’s philosophy of incorporating healthy, plant-based diet plans, exercise programs, and education from the FLCCC Alliance.
811 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY., HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 29928 843.842.3225 // LAVA24.COM
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LEADING MEN ~of the~ LOWCOUNTRY
Marc & Creighton
STUCKART
ATLANTIC INVESTMENTS
By Barry Kaufman ~ Photo by Lloyd Wainscott
It’s been a long American tradition – when you need something done right, you send in the Marines. And Marc and Creighton Stuckart, the father-son duo at Atlantic Investments, bring that same gung-ho attitude that made them successful captains of Marines to your portfolio. “Having a well thought out plan is crucial,” said Marc. “But that plan is not a one-anddone. As your life changes, so too should your plan.” A cornerstone of their wealth management philosophy is flexibility – checking in on clients on a monthly basis to ensure their ever-changing needs are being met. “I do believe that proactive approach is what makes us different from other advisors,” added Marc. Making a plan, sticking to the plan, but allowing it to evolve and change as you do. That’s the Atlantic Investments difference. They are Financial Advisors offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity
2 PARK LN SUITE 203, HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 29928 843.341.3300 // ATLANTICINVESTORSHHI.COM
ROB KAUFMAN KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Story and Photo by Bob Williamson
Photographer Rob Kaufman has been leading his life in the Lowcountry since 1992, but his career takes him around the U.S. shooting architecture, food, artwork and events. Locally, pickup most any publication and you’re likely to see his work. From mouth watering food shots and elegant home interiors, to images of iconic island events like Winefest and the Concours d’Elegance, Rob’s photos have been used in hundreds of articles, websites and advertisements. “I like mixing it up,” says Rob when asked about having multiple photographic specialties. “One day I can be shooting a historic hotel in Memphis and later that week I can be back on Hilton Head crafting a tasty food shot for an ad and then snap away at a sunset beach wedding that weekend. It keeps life interesting and my work fresh.”
33 OFFICE PARK RD., A-252, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 843.290.8883 // KAUFMANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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POLO RETURNS TO ROSE HILL TO HONOR VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS
Supporting
LOWCOUNTRY HEROES BY TIM WOOD
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Polo returns to the Rose Hill Polo Field in October, and while it may look like the sport you’ve watched for more than 20 years, this year’s event will be unlike any Rose Hill match to date. The Okatie-Bluffton Rotary has officially handed the reins of the event over to the Savannah Harbor Foundation, Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes and the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire after staging more than 25 matches throughout the past two decades. 82 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
LFWMH has raised more than $1.5 million to support the needs of veterans assimilating back into the civilian population. The 200 Club provides services to surviving spouses and dependents of fallen first responders. The event was renamed Polo 4 Heroes in 2019, and after a year off due to the COVID pandemic, the three foundations are excited to get polo back out to Rose Hill on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. “This is such an exciting event, a way to honor our
Polo 4 Heroes returns to Rose Hil in October. The event helps support veterans and first responders.
veterans and first responders, have a lot of fun and raise money to help the folks that help us so much,” said David Moses, event director for Polo 4 Heroes. “We feel like we can do so much good here, make this a staple event on the level of the Heritage and the Concours d’Elegance while raising awareness and funds for those in need.” The Oct.17 polo match will feature military veterans squaring off against each other on the field, but that is just the culmination of a full weekend of events.
A VIP sponsor kickoff will take place at the Mighty Eighth Museum in Pooler to begin the festivities on Thursday, Oct. 14. On Saturday, Oct. 16, the action shifts over the border with the Galloping with the Ponies 5K at the Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base in Ridgeland. The OPFOB is a sprawling 268-acre property that gives veterans with emotional and physical setbacks a place to enjoy the outdoors and think of anything other than their everyday struggles. O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 // 83
IISPORTSII “It is a tremendous facility Operation Patriots has built and this is a way to draw attention to this worthwhile cause, and for runners to meet the veterans who will be playing in the polo match,” Moses said. It will be the second high-profile OPFOB event of the month following the Oct. 8 concert featuring country star Mark Chesnutt at the Lakeview Drive facility. Elevating the polo match to a tentpole event on the level of the RBC Heritage and Concours is a lofty goal, but Moses and his team have a history of creating buzzworthy charity events with the Savannah Harbor Foundation, including the Boat Parade of Lights and Gourmet Seafood and Spirits Festival in Savannah. “We can’t thank Joe Grimm and the Okatie-Bluffton Rotary for the work they’ve put in to establish this event and for trusting us to take it to the next level,” said Moses, who has a five-year plan to continuing growing the event. Fans will see noticeable differences as they attend this year. The event is no longer a “bring-your-own-cooler” outing. There will be full food and beverage concessions available this year powered by SERG Catering. Tickets begin at $25, which includes general admission, socially distanced bleacher seating. Enthusiasts looking for a more exclusive experience can buy an eight-seat private tent starting at $400. All sponsors who purchase bronze sponsorships ($750) and above will still be allowed to self-cater. “We have had dream-level support from the Rose Hill Homeowners Association as we work to build up the presentation of the event,” Moses said. “We’re looking to properly spotlight polo, highlight the veterans who are playing and to shine a light on the equestrian community here in the Lowcountry.”
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LET THE POLO GAMES BEGIN! ROSE HILL OCT. 17 2 P.M.
While previous eventgoers may have seen the polo matches as a social event with equestrian elements, Moses and his team look to make Polo 4 Heroes an event that helps build the equestrian community with an event to hang its hat on. “You have the stables at Moss Creek, the Rose Hill Equestrian Center, and many others — we’re looking to connect that community and enhance the notoriety of all these groups,” Moses said. The Pegasus Riding Academy and Over the Moon Ponies will provide interactive equestrian activities at the Oct. 17 event. Moses said his team is looking for all levels of volunteers, including event operations and marketing, in the final weeks leading up to the event. There will be an Oct. 15 “thank you” barbecue at Rose Hill to honor the group’s volunteers. To learn about volunteering, visit polo4heroes.com.
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IISPORTSII October 14th-17th, 2021
Rose Hill Plantation Polo Field | Bluffton, SC
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The Lowcountry Charity Event Supporting Local Military & First Responders PRESENTED BY:
THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Thursday, October 14th
VIP Strolling Reception @ Mighty Eighth Museum: Honoring World War 2 Veterans and featuring music from the Fabulous Equinox All Stars with a plethora of celebrities from the Polo universe and beyond.
Saturday, October 16th
Galloping With The Ponies 5k @ Operation Patriots FOB: This spectacular 5k run will culminate with a meet & greet with polo players and a special surprise.
Sunday, October 17th
Champagne Brunch @ Rose Hill Polo Field: Featuring the Lowcountry Parade of Breeds and Police Color Guard. Patton Sports Legacy Polo Match: Featuring US Military Veteran Players. This year’s Polo Contest will feature veterans from various branches facing off head-to-head to claim the title! Halftime To Include: · Red Carpet Hat/Fashion Show · Stomping of divots · Champagne Salut Closing Awards Ceremony with Concert: Close the evening and celebrate the days events by hydrating and a safe departure.
For more information and tickets please visit Polo4Heroes.com
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HERE’S A PRIMER ON TAILGATING IN THE SOUTH
BY TIM WOOD
Historians have somehow traced the modern tailgate to a college football matchup between Rutgers and Princeton in the College Field parking lot in 1869. And while we won’t argue with historians, I can tell you from growing up in New England that true tailgating begins once you hit the Carolinas. “It’s a cookout, a family reunion, a sports bar and a fashion show all in one,” said Bluffton resident Erik Bridges, a recent Lowcountry import who has been tailgating at Clemson University games for 22 years. “I’m from New York, but my true baptism as a football fan happened at my first Tigers tailgate. It’s a fall ritual. Our social calendar year begins on September 1.” The post-World War II rise of the station wagon gave fans the perfect vehicle to haul their gear. Tailgating is a multi-generational art. Oldtimers perk up in voicing a combined disdain and envy of their hightech tailgating young’uns. “I hate being that ‘back in the day’ guy, but we were lugging 34-inch tube TVs that were easily 100 pounds,” said 73-year-old Hilton Head Island University of South Carolina tailgater Stu Blevins. “The grills weren’t portable, the coolers didn’t have wheels, we didn’t have mobile satellite dishes and you needed four extra car batteries just to get through a day of tailgating.” Tailgating truly became an industry in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and today, industry experts estimate that fans spend $20 billion per year on football alone. You’re late to the party? Hogwash. It’s never too late.
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HERE ARE SOME TAILGATING TIPS:
To truly belong in the tailgating world, you need to be early. “If you don’t have season tickets, you better be hitting the road by 4 or 5 a.m. to get ahead of the traffic and the folks jockeying for the space not taken by the season ticket holders and (Clemson) IPTAY crowd,” Bridges said. Blevins said it’s similar for the trek to Columbia and accessibility of space to set up a tailgate. “You want to prep all your food Thursday and Friday, so you’re loaded up and ready to hit the road before dawn,” he said. One pro tip that both experts mentioned: Make sure you have a separate cooler for food and beverages. Mixing the two in one cooler is the quickest way to stand out as a newbie. “It’s a party, folks are there to have a good time, but there’s an awful lot of whispers and gossip about who has the newest toy or which noobs aren’t legit,” Bridges said. “There is a hierarchy in terms of the fandom. It’s a combination of not trying too hard to outdo others, laying low but looking like you belong.” There are basics of what ‘looking like you belong’ entails nowadays. If you’re there just to cook out and socialize, a solid portable grill is a must. Weber 90 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
makes a few portable grills but “they look a bit too cute,” according to Blevins. Traeger makes a portable wood pellet grill that looks like a mini smoker but costs under $500 and you will look the part. If you want to take the next step up, bring the 55-inch flat screen with a 3,000-watt generator (can’t be louder than 70 dBs). You will need a satellite TV subscription. The vast majority of tailgaters we talked to prefer DISH to DirecTV. Their PlayMaker portable dish is a bit more expensive ($300 to $60-100 for a DirecTV dish), but the signal is, in our unofficial panel’s opinion, far more reliable. And bring some games to pass the time like cornhole, ladder golf, KanJam or MashBall. Of course, if you’re coming with an RV, you’re already big-time. The Clemson RV Park at The Grove is truly a weekend getaway. It’s four miles from the stadium, but you can get catered meals there, Friday night bands and karaoke, and shuttles to the game. If you’re trying to get one-off parking, the lots at Clemson open at 6 a.m. on normal game days, but up to 15,000 parking spots are already reserved for seasonticket holders. Try Tillman Hill, Cemetery Hill and Lot PBX to start.
At USC, the Carolina Fair Park fairgrounds are mainly reserved for season-ticket holders but do sell some singlegame permits. The parking lot near the Armory is firstcome, first-served. The spots near Gamecock Park open six hours before kickoff. If you want to see how tailgating is truly done, stop by USC’s Ultimate Tailgaters. Aiken’s Chris and Kathy Fulmer have Lowcountry ties (Kathy’s sister Carol lives here) and they have missed one game since 1970 and none, home and away, since 1984. Their group has grown since the early days, but a staple at every game is Chris’ Jut’s Ribs, named after his dad’s Jutson grocery store chain. In terms of food, barbeque, brisket and burgers is the norm of what’s cooking on site, but pimento cheese sandwiches, fried chicken, beer and Bloody Marys are great things to bring if you’re visiting a tailgate. Bridges and Blevins both say to just ‘do you’ when it comes to dressing up. “That’s really true for every part of tailgating. Just be yourself. Everyone is accepted,” Blevins said. “We’re all football fans. We’re all just there to relax and have fun. The minute you start trying to keep up with the Joneses, you’ve lost the spirit of it all.”
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SIMPLICITY +
QUALITY BY DEAN ROWLAND Lowcountry style means different things to different people, from the traditional origins in the late 18th century (think Savannah) to the modern day that has incorporated traditional elements into 21st century splendor. Homes were built for comfort, practicality and for keeping the interior cool to provide an escape from the hot, humid southern weather. This included double-hung windows, porches to capture the afternoon breezes, transoms, pilings to raise the first floor to allow cooler air to circulate beneath the home and protect against high water tides, wraparound porches with awnings, and shutters for bringing the outside light and ventilation in. Now shutters are merely decorative, as is much of the hardware that graced homes in the past, and they lend themself now to striking curb appeal.
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DESIGNING HOMES THAT EMBODY THE LOWCOUNTRY STYLE
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“In my opinion, the Lowcountry style is all about casual living, resort-type living, how we entertain and live our lives in this beautiful tropical environment,” said Sharon Cleland, interior designer with J. Banks Design Group on Hilton Head. Woven materials like rattan and seagrass and “casual finishes mixed with more polished finishes” are popular, as are greenery, neutral grays and colors (corals, bright blues and greens) that are making a “big comeback,” she said. Millwork with textures and shutters, floors and trim details also are no longer drab or an afterthought to today’s design process. “Practicality and comfort still apply, but we want to make it fun,” Cleland said she says to her clients. “I want to inject your soul into 96 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
your home. It’s more than what we have on the walls, floors and the furniture. It should be a reflection of your personality and who you are. “We have a lot more freedom in design that was not permitted in days gone by.” Much of that means outdoor living with backyard patios and decks, screened-in porches, firepits and outdoor kitchens, and glorious views of marshes, rivers and towering oak trees with Spanish moss clinging to its branches. “Why fix what’s not broken?” Cleland said. “I always want to keep things fresh so there may be elements I’ll introduce that will accomplish the same old thing,” said Mikaelah Seifrit, owner and design principal of Southern Grace Interiors in Bluffton. For example, color with new patterns, fresh
THERE’S A HINT OF UNDERSTATED LUXURY IN A QUIET WAY. IT’S NOT OVERLY FLASHY OR OVERLY POLISHED OR OVERLY MODERN
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textures, lighting, haint blue ceilings, solid wood, cracked trim, and shiplap here and there for tall ceilings. There’s a down-to-earth rustic quality throughout the home. “It’s a feeling,” she said. “And there’s a hint of understated luxury in a quiet way. It’s not overly flashy or overly polished or overly modern. “It’s approachable, southern luxury,” Seifrit said. “For me Lowcountry style is about simplicity and quality and having a come-together that feels friendly and southern.” What’s outside in nature’s environment takes front seat in what’s inside. “Color is very important for bringing the outside in,” she said. “The more we bring the outside in, the more we relate to the environment around us.
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IT’S A GOOD LIFE LIVING IN LOWCOUNTRY STYLE.
Xxxxxx
“Texture and materials, tabby, rustic wood, driftwood tones, navy blues and bright greens, for instance. “It’s very important to have continuity between the textures and materials and the things we find outside and what we find inside,” she added. On the design horizon she said she sees moody and dark interiors resurging, deep dark walls like black or navy blue or dark brown, textiles and dark, rich, caramel leather. People want to feel comfortable and cozy after the past few years of uncertainty, which means the super bright all white interiors will have crested in popularity. “Harmony” throughout the home is this designer’s mantra. It’s a good life living in Lowcountry style.
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FINDING THE
PERFECT
PLACE FOR YOUR PRIZED PIECES
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GETTING THE HANG OF ART BY DEAN ROWLAND If a company has Fine Art Installation in its name, it better be good or it’s overstating its reputation. Axis, based in Atlanta with clients and an office on Hilton Head, is good and its portfolio of visually striking art hanging here and there proves it. “It might be a two-story foyer, vaulted ceiling and a great room or if the art hangs on a stacked stone wall over a fireplace or marble tile, anything like that,” Derek Smith said. “And a lot of people hire us for convenience too. “Because we work with all the best interior designers, art galleries and collectors, we get to see all the best work of the placing and designing and layout,” said Smith, who founded his company in 1996 and opened his local office in 2006. “All of our guys have a keen sense of what is right. But we’re happy to work at the direction of the designer or the artist or the collector. Quite often they’re asking our opinion.” As for hanging art in the home, “There are no rules. What’s most important is what looks best.” Smith considers the adage to hang the center of
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THE AVERAGE PERSON’S LINE OF SIGHT IS ABOUT 60 INCHES OFF THE GROUND. BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF VARIABLES. THERE’S NO SET-IN-STONE, RIGHT OR WRONG. A LOT OF TIMES IT’S JUST HOW IT FEELS IN THE SPACE.
the frame 60 inches from eye level to be “old convention.” The same applies to symmetrical vs. asymmetrical hangings in relation to the style of furnishings and the room’s layout. “Most of the time you hang a picture at eye level,” said Adrianne Lively, owner of Camellia Art on Hilton Head that she founded in 1985. “The average person’s line of sight is about 60 inches off the ground. But there are a lot of variables. There’s no set-in-stone, right or wrong. A lot of
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times it’s just how it feels in the space.” Everything should be hung at an average height for an average room. Art hung at eye level on a vaulted ceiling wall would look disproportional. Before each of the professionals begin their work, they each do a walk-through of the space. “The most important thing is to determine where you
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want your artwork to live,” she said. “Whether it’s above a sofa, a bed, a console and whether it’s a grouping or a single picture. Then I start putting things in place where they visually fit the space, and the composition fits the space. “Typically, there’s one piece that will anchor the space as the focal point,” she said. Wherever they decide to position the art, they both use two points of attachment to keep it secure, spaced about two-thirds the width of the art and attached to wire with hooks. “Everything we hang is from two points of attachment spaced 2/3 width of art and attach the wire with hooks to keep it straight,” Smith said.
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IIREAL ESTATE NEWSII
DOCHERTY
GRANT
STEADMAN
DOLLENBERGS
SIMIS
ROBERTS
WEICHERT REALTORS HIRES FOUR AGENTS Judy Grant, Shannon Docherty, Bob Steadman and Alexandra Simis have joined the Weichert Realtors real estate team. Grant, who will work out of the Hilton Head Island office, began her real estate career in Wisconsin. After their children finished college, Judy and her husband decided to move to Hilton Head. Before joining Weichert Realtors, Grant started her own “boutique’’ real estate agency. Docherty, who will work out of the Hilton Head Island office, was raised around Hilton Head at her family-owned property for more than 40 years in Sea Pines. Her family has been members of Wexford, Sea Pines Country Club, Long Cove, Oldfield, and Melrose. Docherty’s love of interior design, architecture and meeting new people motivated her choice of career in real estate. Steadman has been a Realtor with Weichert for 17 years, most recently in Bethesda, Md. He lives year-round in Sea Pines Plantation. Steadman has had experience in sales and marketing roles throughout his business career in information technology, telecommunications and real estate. He will work out of the Hilton Head Island office. Simis, who will work out of the Savannah office, moved to Savannah in 2020 from Miami. She is a veteran of the hospitality industry and a daughter of small business owners. KELLER WILLIAMS LUXURY LAUNCHES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND Hillary and Eric Dollenberg of Dollenberg Properties joined Keller Williams to launch Keller
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Williams Luxury, Hilton Head. The Dollenbergs will serve as Directors of Luxury for KW Luxury HHI and have signed space in the Village of Wexford for their offices. The luxury brokerage will be exclusively for top agents who serve a distinct clientele and property category, a news release said. CENTURY 21 DIAMOND REALTY WELCOMES AGENT Dillon Roberts has joined Century 21 Diamond Realty as a real estate agent. A native of Hilton Head Island, Roberts has worked in the food and beverage industry for more than 10 years. His local upbringing has helped create an in-depth knowledge of the area, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort. He is committed to following his passion to work for and find the perfect house for his clients. WEICHERT REALTORS ESTABLISHES FUND TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES The Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties Giving Fund was created through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The fund’s mission is to provide support for charitable programs and projects that improve the quality of life for all residents of Beaufort and Chatham counties, a news release said. Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties has raised nearly $250,000 for local charities in the past two decades. For more information, visit cflowcountry.civicore. com/Weichert-Realtors-Coastal-PropertiesGiving-Fund.
HILTON HEAD AREA SEES HOME SALES BUMP According to the August Housing Supply Overview from the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors, from September 2020 to August 2021, pending sales in the Hilton Head region were up 29.0 percent. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $650, 001 and above range, which increased 66.5 percent. The overall median sales price was up 14.5 percent to $395,000. The property type with the largest price gain was the condos/villas segment, where prices increased 24 percent to $310,000. Marketwide, inventory levels were down 54.6 percent. The property type that lost the least inventory was the condo segment, which decreased 35.1 percent. HOTTEST REAL ESTATE MARKETS WalletHub released its report on 2021’s Best Real-Estate Markets. South Carolina is included with North Charleston and ranked No. 33 among small cities (fewer than 150,000 residents) and 90th overall among the best places to buy a house. Charleston is ranked No. 124 overall and 54th among small cities. To determine the most attractive real-estate markets in the U.S., WalletHub compared 300 cities across 18 key indicators of housing-market attractiveness and economic strength. Frisco, Texas, ranked as the No. 1 market. The worst real estate market, according to WalletHub, is Hartford, Conn.
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I I H E A LT H I I
ANGIE GILLESPIE HELPS PATIENTS NAVIGATE BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS
EMPATHY~SYMPATHY
Compassion BY BECCA EDWARDS
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No one wants an abnormal mammogram. Not only can it mean one may be facing the dreaded “C” word, but you feel like you are standing on the precipice of the unknown. But thanks to Angie Gillespie, a certified breast imaging navigator and market lead mammography technologist at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, those diagnosed with breast cancer are not alone.
“I talk people off the ledge,” said Gillespie, a Bluffton resident who has worked for the health care system for 10 years. “I believe it’s important to show empathy, compassion and sympathy. If a person has an abnormal mammogram, or we have told them we have a high suspicion of a malignancy, there are so many variables. It’s so stressful. If I was in the same situation, I would hope I would have someone on my side.”
OCTOBERBREASTCANCER AWARENESSMONTH
GILLESPIE’S ROLE INCLUDES:
GUIDANCE THROUGH SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTIC EXAMS: The Society of Breast Imaging recommends women age 40 and older annually get a mammogram screening. Women who have been diagnosed or have had a problem relating to the breast, such as a lump, nipple discharge, dimpling or pain, are guided through a necessary diagnostic exam, Gillespie said. OVERSEEING ALL PATIENTS IN ALL FACILITIES: “My main objective is that no one falls through the cracks. All patients should be told during their appointment, or get a phone call, or receive a letter with their results in a timely manner,” Gillespie said. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH IN THE COMMUNITY: “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we give Hilton Head, Bluffton and the Lowcountry information about breast cancer and inform the community about the importance of a mammography.”
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Within 30 days of getting a mammogram, Gillespie’s office sends out a riskassessment letter to patients to clearly explain their risk for developing breast cancer based on their exam, family history, age when they started their menstrual cycle and/or became post-menopausal, family history, BRCA (Breast Cancer Gene) positive and hormone replacement therapies. Gillespie oversees 10 technologists and four radiologists and works closely with Dr. Rochelle Ringer. The hospital’s main radiologist is Dr. Jason Snyder, who earned a fellowship in breast imagining at MUSC and is a trained breast cancer surgeon at the Breast Health Center. She also schedules Savi Scout localization, a procedure that targets the tumor in the breast to facilitate the lumpectomy. “I could go on and on about my duties,” said Gillespie, who also sees patients and performs as a diagnostic technologist every Wednesday because she “likes to stay involved with patient care,” as well as go the extra mile. “As soon as I have to say biopsy to a patient, I give them my card with my work number and my personal cell for after-hours just in case they have issues or the spouse or family have questions,” Gillespie said. “I do not want anyone worrying themselves sick.” Gillespie noted the importance of other navigators in the medical field, such as the nurse navigator, imaging navigator, managing navigator and oncology navigator. “Different navigators do different things, but all are advocates for the patient,” she said. Studies have found that these navigators improve cancer outcomes by reducing barriers and facilitating timely access to cancer care, timeliness of treatment initiation, adherence to cancer treatment, and adherence to posttreatment surveillance mammography. The most important steps when it comes to breast cancer are prevention strategies. “Women need to be very vigilant about getting their mammogram and do monthly self-examinations. Early detection is key,” said Gillespie. Remembering a patient, Gillespie said: “We had a young lady with a strong family history of breast cancer who also had issues with her breasts, so we decided to watch closer. The MRI radiologist found two abnormal areas and did the biopsy. We detected the cancer early and she got a bilateral mastectomy. I still see the patient from time to time. She gives us lots of hugs and thanks us for being vigilant and saving her life.”
WOMEN NEED TO BE VERY VIGILANT ABOUT GETTING THEIR MAMMOGRAM AND DO MONTHLY SELF-EXAMINATIONS. EARLY DETECTION IS KEY. ANGIE GILLESPIE
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Angie Gillespie is a breast imaging navigator at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.
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GIVING BACK
C O L L I N S G R O U P R E A LT Y D O N AT E S T O N O N P R O F I T O R G A N I Z AT I O N S BY ANTHONY GARZILLI | PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Volunteers in Medicine earned $5,000 as winners of the Collins Group Realty 200th Home Sale for Charity
Collins Group Realty continues to give back to the community. Its philanthropy program, 200th Home Sale for Charity, recently rewarded five nonprofit organizations, with Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island earning the grand prize of $5,000. This community competition began in January with a nomination round, followed by a final voting round for the top-10 nominated charities during the summer. Once the real estate group closed its 200th home sale of the calendar year, the winners were announced and received a share of $10,000 in cash donations, a news release said. “Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is incredibly proud to be recognized as the Grand Prize recipient of the Collins Group Realty 200th Home Sale,” said Dr. John Newman, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. “Thanks to Collins Group for adding fuel to the fire to care for the medically under-served patients and families who live or work on Hilton Head and Daufuskie. Special thanks to creating the awareness to the awesome not-for-profit work going on in our community and special kudos for making it fun.” Founded in 1993 by Dr. Jack McConnell, Volunteers in Medicine now has 22 full-time equivalent employees who operate the clinic with the help of more than 650 retired and professional volunteers. As a team, the clinic staff and volunteers see more than 10,000 patients annually over 27,000 patient visits, a news release said. Pledge the Pink was awarded second place. The local charity race, which was founded in 2011, is aimed at fighting breast cancer in South Carolina. In the nonprofit’s first 10 years it donated over $1 million to help provide gap funding for nonprofit service providers 130 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
Pledge the Pink placed second in the 200th Home Sale for Charity
across the nation. The next event on Hilton Head Island is Oct 14-17. Ridgeland-based Lovable Paws Rescue, which earned the grand prize last year, placed third. Lovable Paws Rescue’s mission is to provide temporary or long-term comprehensive care, safety, and shelter to lost and at-risk companion animals. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, the only nonprofit hospice care in the Lowcountry, placed fourth. It offers comfort and dignity for endof-life patients and their families. Placing fifth was Turtle Trackers of Hilton Head. The group of volunteers assists with the preservation efforts for endangered sea turtles nesting on Hilton Head Island and educates the public for the protection of our sea turtle hatchlings heading to the ocean. “We’re really excited for this second year of the 200th Home Sale,” said Chip Collins, owner and broker-in-charge of Collins Group Realty. “We’ve been blessed with good business, so each year when we hit the 200th closing milestone, it’s nice to reward the community.” Overall, 113 nonprofits were nominated and participated in the program sponsored by Collins Group Realty’s Community Results Project, a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. “We are honored by the participation of so many through nominations, spreading the word, and finally voting, and so pleased to visit with and present donations to the top five winners,” Collins said. In addition to giving back to the community, one of the goals of the 200th Home Sale for Charity is to spread awareness and educate the community about the nonprofits in the Lowcountry. Collins Group Realty will launch the third annual 200th Home Sale for Charity at the start of 2022. For updates, follow Collins Group Realty’s Facebook page.
“where to worship” Grace Coastal Church Come. Experience Grace.
Saturday Night “Come As You Are” Service Online at 7pm Sunday Morning Schedule Worship Services 9am and 11am 15 WILLIAMS DRIVE OKATIE SC 29909
843 379 5520 GCCOFFICE16 GMAIL.COM
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
We at Lord of Life Lutheran Church seek to serve in the name of Christ.
Sunday Worship Service at 8:30am & 10:30am in the Sanctuary Virtual Worship on YouTube at 10am Lord Of Life Lutheran Church Virtual Worship on Facebook Lord of Life, Bluffton 351 BUCKWALTER PARKWAY BLUFFTON, SC 29910
LORDOFLIFE BLUFFTON.ORG 843 757 4774
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LEARN ABOUT THE GHOSTS AND MYTHS OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND
BY NICOLE SCHULTZ
Spooky Season is upon us again. Have you heard the tales of Hilton Head Island’s haunted historic past? Learn more during the Heritage Library Foundation’s annual Ghosts & Myths of Hilton Head Island event. Experience the paranormal past of our island’s most mysterious real-life characters at one of five spine-tingling performances. A suspenseful night awaits in the cemetery at Zion Chapel as Heritage Library volunteers bring the characters of Hilton Head Island’s past to life.
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TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 1ST
The Heritage Library Foundation will host its Ghost & Myths event in October.
Ghosts & Myths began in 2016. “Our Ghosts & Myths event started out when we asked, ‘How can we make history more fun?’ ” said Barbara Catenaci, Executive Director of the Heritage Library Foundation. “Through the years, we’ve gotten to know these characters even better. Extensive research has gone into their lives, so we’re able to share new story developments as our team of volunteers unearths them.” Guests will be introduced to new characters and story lines; if you’ve been to this event before, just know each year is different. The performance touches on the real lives of 18th and 19th century Hilton Head Island residents. Meet Colonial-era characters like Lydia Davant, Mark Kirk and William Baynard, who have been researched by the team of volunteers at the Heritage Library Foundation. Experience the chills of firsthand tales of The Baynard Funeral Procession and legendary myths like the Blue of Lady of Hilton Head Island. Zion Chapel Cemetery is the perfect location because it’s the island’s well-known Colonial-era cemetery. There are four grave markings for American Revolutionary soldiers on the premises. Ghosts & Myths will spread over three nights with five total performances: 7 p.m. Oct. 21, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22, and 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
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While this is a family-friendly performance, the Heritage Library does not recommend the event for children under 10 years old. “We like to say that this is not a scary event, but a spooky one, so parents can be the judge on what their child can handle,” said Catenaci. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 1. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 cases in Beaufort County, event organizers said they will make decisions about safety protocols when the tickets go on sale. The 2020 performance included mask recommendations, a limited number of available tickets, and social distancing was encouraged. The event is held entirely outdoors. This event is hosted by the Heritage Library Foundation, a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry. The mission is to promote and preserve local history and the study of genealogy. The Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum Outdoor Learning Center are located at 574 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, better known as the corner of Highway 278 and Mathews Drive. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at heritagelib.org. Call 843-686-6560 for more information.
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CHART-TOPPING EDWIN MCCAIN WILL PERFORM IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
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BY AMY BARTLETT
When you ask Edwin McCain about his career, he doesn’t talk about himself. He tells of “the glory days of music on Hilton Head.” It takes effort to pull him from the memory and awe of the scene and singers/songwriters who lit his still-burning fire and, eventually, handed him a mic. “There was never a moment when I wasn’t going to do this,” says McCain, 51, honored by the New York Times as “the great American romantic” and now star of Animal Planet’s Flipping Ships. “I was an academic albatross.”
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EDWIN MCCAIN WILL PERFORM AT JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL NOV. 6.
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Dyslexic and struggling with reading, he excelled in the choir at school in Greenville and realized, “the adults seemed to like it when you sing, but not when you do anything scholastic. Music in regular intervals showed up and rescued me. That’s never been lost on me at all.” At the College of Charleston, he describes hearing someone on the quad word-for-word parroting what the professor said in class an hour before and realizing, “this isn’t teaching anyone to be an independent critical thinker.” “So, I started busking on the streets during Spoleto (Festival) and picked up a gig in a Mexican restaurant,” he said. On vacation in Colorado he met prolific Hilton Head Island songster and side-pirate Shannon Tanner. “I was so enamored of what he was doing. My father invited him to dinner to talk me out of ‘doing this music thing,’ but the more he talked, I knew I was all the way in.” On-island, Tanner booked McCain into the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort which led to the Tiki Hut and his longtime heart-home, Wild Wing Café. Diane and Cecil Crowley took him in, and he started playing on their deck at the Duck Pond. “I had stars in my eyes. It was the beginning of the journey,” McCain recalls, “where the rubber hit the road.” Detailing his coast-touring start and later label years, McCain admits, “I couldn’t get back to being independent fast enough. That’s when I was gifted a gold recurrent song — a golden ticket to go back to being independent and still be viable.” McCain, a Greenville native, is most known as the artist behind “two of the biggest pop love songs” including the iconic “I’ll Be,” a broad-audience ballad still topping playlists and wedding gigs more than 20 years after its release. “That song is a miracle,” he said. “Every time I sing it, I think, ‘There’s somebody here who’s never heard this, and I want to sing it like that first time in my little apartment in Atlanta when I got all snotty nosed and emotional and had a feeling I was on to something.’ Taking credit, though, is like giving credit to the lightning rod for the lightning. Sometimes you’re just under the right stormy cloud.” McCain, who will perform a concert open to the public Nov. 6 at John Paul II Catholic School benefiting its JPII Scholarship Fund, continues to learn lessons from music.
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DAVID WILCOX SAYS SONGS ARE LIKE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATING THE ROAD AHEAD. THAT’S OCCURRED SO MANY TIMES WHERE I THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT A SONG WAS AND 20 YEARS LATER THE LESSON HAS CHANGED.
W H E N : 5 p.m. Nov. 6 Paul II Catholic School, W H E R E : John 4211 N. Okatie Hwy., Ridgeland.
DETAILS:
CONCERTFOREDUCATION Tickets are on sale. Outdoors. Open to the public. Featuring Twin Roots (with JPII performing arts teacher Ava Nixon as lead singer) and The Nice Guys. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Grounds open at 4 p.m.
“David Wilcox says songs are like headlights illuminating the road ahead. That’s occurred so many times where I thought I knew what a song was, and 20 years later the lesson has changed,” he said. “When we were is as important as what we were. The true currency of the whole thing is friendship; the relationships I made over the 31 years of doing this matter most.”
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Calendar of Highlighted Events
Scan the QR code or visit CultureHHI.org/events to view the full calendar of events.
October S
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Concert & Food Trucks @ Island Rec
Sketch Crawl @ Honey Horn
Latin Music Fest
Julie Oliver Exhibit @ Art League
Crescendo Kick-Off Party @ Shelter Cove
Lavon Stevens Trio @ Jazz Corner
Tour Fort Mitchel with Heritage Library
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23 Italian Heritage Festival
Off the Wall Exhibit @ Coastal Discovery
Open Painting Class @ Art League Academy
The Art of Cooking @ Art League
Family Fun Globe Lantern Making @ Arts Center
Indigo Tie Dyeing @ Coastal Discovery
Pops in the Park w/ Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
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Thanksgiving Play @ Lean Ensemble
Martin Lesch A Journey Through Jazz @ Jazz Corner
Hilton Head Farmers Market
Arturo Sandoval @ Jazz Fest
Deas Guyz Orchestra @ Jazz Fest
Marsh Tacky Horse Tour
Gullah Food Festival
31 Closing Performance of Kinky Boots @ Arts Center
November S
M 1 Volumes of Light Exhibit @ Coastal Carolina
7 Concours d’Elegance
8 Sheri Farbstein Exhibit @ Art League
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Glass Fusion Making @ Art League Academy
Bobby Ryder Swings @ Jazz Corner
E. Ethelbert Miller Book Launch
9 A Swingin’ Celebration of New Orleans @ Jazz Corner
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World Affairs Council Presents John Tierney
Clicquot A Revolutionary Musical Concert
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Turtle Lantern Workshop @ Coastal Discovery
Candice Glover in Concert @ Arts Center
Nutcracker
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS FALL
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The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival returns this fall with events throughout an actionpacked November weekend. In its 19th year, the Nov. 5-7 festival will include events at Hilton Head Island Airport and the Port Royal Golf Club, where the Concours d’Elegance will be the main attraction.
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The Sunday Concours will feature more than 200 cars and motorcycles that will enter the first and 18th fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Planter’s Row Golf Course on Nov. 7. Nearly 90 judges from throughout North America will pick one winner from each class, of which the Best of Show will be selected.
This year’s Concours will also feature never-before-seen classes on Hilton Head Island, including a Homologation Special (a road-legal car, produced in limited series by a manufacturer, to meet a race sanctioning body requirement) and “Future Classics.” The festival includes the Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala
at the Hilton Head Island Airport Nov. 5. The event features vintage aircraft that are flown in from across the country and are showcased alongside Concours cars. The Car Club Showcase, one of the festival’s main events, is Nov. 6 at Port Royal Golf Club. It’s unique because invited clubs select the members to showcase their club.
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Nearly 200 cars will compete for top awards. This year’s event will have everything from a selection of local area clubs to Italian marques in the Auto Italia display and a celebration of American Power and Ingenuity. Another highlight is the Aero Expo, Nov. 6 at Hilton Head Airport, which features vintage aircraft from the past as well as new and advanced aircraft. Classic automobile examples and new and advanced automobiles will be displayed. “I think it’s safe to say that the excitement level has never been as high as it is this year for the event,” said Lindsey Harrell, Concours d’Elegance president. “After having to skip the event in 2020, it gave us time to put together a pretty spectacular event to mark our return to the Port Royal Golf Club. We’ve got more cars (and aircraft and boats and motorcycles) scheduled to participate than ever before, and we cannot wait to celebrate with everyone this fall.” The Savannah Speed Classic is canceled this year because of changes to the track in preparation for work on Hutchinson Island. Organizers cited safety concerns for spectators and staff as a reason to cancel.
OTHER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
• Legends of the Autobahn: The first-ever Legends of the Autobahn, a celebration of German automotive engineering on the East Coast, will be held in conjunction with the Car Club Showcase on Nov. 6 at the Port Royal Golf Club. • Design Among the Stars: The Nov. 6 event at Harbour Town Clubhouse at the Sea Pines Resort features some of the world’s most notable automotive designers sketching live to benefit the Driving Young America charitable fund. • Satisfy Your Thirst After Party presented by Hagerty: Live music at the Nov. 6 event at the Port Royal Golf Club following the announcement of the Car Club Showcase’s Best of Show. Tastings will be offered from a selection of South Carolina-based distilleries and breweries from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and access is included with admission to the Car Club Showcase.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT HHICONCOURS.COM.
The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is a weekend of action-packed events.
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FUN EVENTS FOR
OCT. 6 OPENING RECEPTION: “COME SEA ME” 5-7 p.m., Coligny Beach, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-6815060 or artleaguehhi.org
EVERYONE!
CALENDAR OCT. 1 CUSTOM DESIGN EVENT AT FORSYTHE JEWELERS: Repurpose your beloved jewelry and create something new. Work directly with trusted professional jewelry designer Paula Dawkins to select a setting or stones to reimagine a new custom-designed piece. Free. Appointment required. Forsythe Jewelers, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 311, Hilton Head Island. 843-6717070 or forsythejewelers.biz. JOHN BOLTON AT THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL: Ambassador John Bolton will review the national-security challenges and opportunities facing the Biden Administration. Free for members, $20 for guests. 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
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OCT. 1, 15, 22 PALMETTO DUNES LOWCOUNTRY BOIL: A new family-friendly tradition at Palmetto Dunes, featuring a Lowcountry Boil dinner, live music, yard games and more. Cost is $40 for adults, $25 for children. 6-9 p.m., Centre Court Pavilion, 20 Carnoustie Road, Hilton Head Island. palmettodunes.com. OCT. 1-2 BEAUFORT SHRIMP FESTIVAL: This fun two-day event will feature a free concert by Atlanta vocal group The Tams, a Run Forrest Run 5K, live entertainment and plenty of shrimp. Free admission. Times vary. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay Street, Beaufort. beaufortshrimpfestival.com. JAMISON ROSS AT THE JAZZ CORNER: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620 or thejazzcorner.com.
OCT. 2 SANDALWOOD RUN FOR HUNGER: A 5K and 10K run or walk through the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park to benefit our neighbors in need. Dogs welcome and encouraged to participate in the Fastest Dog Division race. Cost is $30 for 5K, $40 for 10K. 8-10 a.m., Mitchelville Freedom Park, 226 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-815-1718 or palmettorunningcompany.com. OCT. 3 BLUFFTON ARTISAN MARKET: An open-air market, featuring local makers with live music and food trucks. Free entry. 12-4 p.m., Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. lcmade.com. FIRE PREVENTION PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Spend your morning enjoying breakfast with the local fire station and learn important information about fire prevention. Free. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Fire Station Four, 40 Summit Drive, Hilton Head Island.
MINDFUL TRIATHLON: A fun 5K run or walk followed by yoga and guided meditation on the beach. This event will be a challenging experience for your mind, body and spirit. Open to all ages and skill levels. Cost is $35. 9-11 a.m., Coligny Beach, 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island. 843-247-4549 or jivayogacenter.com. OCT. 5 LATINX IN THE LOWCOUNTRY: “SEE ME NOW”: Moderated by Imelda Golden, this discussion will explore the multifaceted experiences of Latinx panelists who call this region home. Free. 5 p.m., Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org. OCT. 5-7 HHP FALL SPECTACULAR: Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Artistic Director, Patti Maurer, will produce and direct “Fall Spectacular! A Musical Cabaret” Oct. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre. $10 per adult, $5 per student. On sale at hhprep.org and at the door.
OCT. 6 EXHIBIT: “COME SEA ME”: An opening reception for native Hilton Head Islander Julie Jones’ exhibit. Her exuberant and colorful paintings of Lowcountry wildlife and scenery will be on display Oct. 5-30. Please RSVP. Free. 5-7 p.m., Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi. org.
Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 866-661-3822 or sheltercovehiltonhead.com. OCT. 7, 14, 21, 28 SCORE OCTOBER WORKSHOPS: The S.C. SCORE Chapter presents a series of Zoom workshops for nonprofits throughout the month of
OCT. 7 FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET: Meet over two dozen local artists as they present their work on the first Thursday of the month. Stroll the plaza, see the exhibits, talk with artists and enjoy live music, complimentary wine samples and more. Free entry. 4-7 p.m., The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com. OCT. 7, 14, 21 MUSIC AND TASTE ON THE HARBOUR: Dance the night away with live music, casual waterfront dining, shopping and beautiful sunsets. Limited seating, bring your own chairs. Free. 6-9 p.m., Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, 1 Shelter
MINDFUL TRIATHLON
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BILINGUAL TOURS
October. Topics include volunteer management, grant writing, board management and a roundtable. Free. 12 p.m. Register for Zoom link. sclowcountry.score.org. OCT. 8-9 SHARON CLARK AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Featuring the Chris Grasso Trio. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com. OCT. 9 BILINGUAL TOURS: Learn about the history, art and culture of the Lowcountry during these guided tours in Spanish and English. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org. CAMP LEO CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: A charity golf tournament to benefit Camp Leo, a week-long residential camp experience for legally blind campers ages 7 to 17 from across South Carolina. Registration required. 7 a.m.-12 p.m., Crescent Pointe Golf Club, 1 Crescent Pointe, Bluffton. 843-707-9004.
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HERITAGE BRASS COMMUNITY CONCERT: AThe Hilton Head Prep Art Guild and the Island School Council for the Arts present Heritage Brass, a pioneering symphonic brass ensemble by The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Free. 7 p.m., Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. “Like” the event on Facebook. JEEP ISLAND AND KIWANIS CHILI COOK-OFF: Enjoy live music and Jeeps from all over the Southeast. This year, the Saturday main event is combined with the Kiwanis Chili Cook-off so bring your Jeep, a bunch of friends and your appetite for chili, football on the big screen and live entertainment. Entry fee is $10. Free parking. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. jeepisland.org.
OCT. 10 LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: La Isla Magazine presents a festival featuring the best of Latin flavor and atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to see and experience the Hispanic Heritage. $7. 12-9:30 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Park, Hilton Head Island. 843681-2393 or laislamagazine.com. OCT. 10-NOV. 13 CRESCENDO CELEBRATION OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Featuring over 100 arts and cultural events, the 2021 Crescendo Celebration has a plethora of unique programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences and
PRC GROUP RUN: Join this sunrise beach run to kick off your morning. 7 a.m., Carolina Coffee, 111 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. 843-815-1718 or palmettorunningcompany.com. CRESCENDO CELEBRATION
educational offerings. Event times, ticket prices and locations vary. culturehhi.org. OCT. 12 FIRE POWER OF THE CIVIL WAR: Author and U.S. Veteran McKendree Long will discuss guns of the Civil War with Sharps, Spencer, Burnside, Colt and Smith & Wesson. Attendees are able to handle some models. Free. 5 p.m., Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org. OCT. 13 LECTURE: “FROM DATA TO DECISIONS”: Kim Jones, Division Manager of the Bluffton Watershed Management team, will present how different types of data are collected and how it reflects the health of the May River watershed. Reservations required. Cost is $7. 2-3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767 ext. 223. coastaldiscovery.org.
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ZIN WINE TASTING EVENT: A premier wine-tasting event with Italian flair. Hosted by Italian American Club of Hilton Head. New zinfandels and an array of Italian varietals to taste and purchase. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Omni Omni Oceanfront Resort ShoreHouse. $25. 843-785-2277. OCT. 13-17 THE APP HILTON HEAD OPEN: Join the first-ever Hilton Head Pickleball Open, a qualifier tournament for amateurs and professionals. Ages 10 and older. Registration is $65. Times vary. Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center, 6 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island. usapickleball.org. OCT. 14 TRAVIS TRITT CONCERT: Enjoy a performance by CMA and Grammy award-winning country artist Travis Tritt. Tickets are $39$89. 10 a.m., Johnny Mercer Theatre, 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah. 770-679-4764 or sixstringsouthern.com.
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OCT. 14-17 PLEDGE THE PINK: Join in on this 10-mile-per-day walk throughout Hilton Head Island. Run, walk, push a stroller, or stop for food along the way as you challenge yourself to the finish line. Complete 30 miles in three days to raise awareness for breast cancer. Registration is $399. Times and locations vary. pledgethepink.com. OCT. 15 ANNUAL WOMEN’S SUMMIT OF THE LOWCOUNTRY: An all-day conference featuring expert speakers on a variety of topics including innovation, marketing, mental wellness, physical strength, entrepreneurship and leadership. Catered lunch included. Cost is $99. 9 a.m., Country Club of Hilton Head, 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. winnovationagency.com.
TRUCKS SQUARED: A fun, family-friendly evening featuring music by the award-wining Concert Truck group and delicious eats by local food truck favorites. Stop by for a bite and a song before the Hilton Head High School vs. Bluffton football game. Free entry. 4-7 p.m., Island Rec Center, 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org. OCT. 15-16 HARDEEVILLE FESTIVAL ON MAIN: A fun festival for the whole family, featuring carnival rides, food trucks, craft vendors, rides, games and live entertainment. Free entry. 5-9 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday. Richard Gray Recreation Complex Park, 205 Main Street, Hardeeville. hardeevillesc.gov. NOEL FREIDLINE AND MARIA HOWELL AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Presenting “Catching Some Rays,” a celebration of Ray Charles. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com. OCT. 16 ART OF INDIGO DYEING WORKSHOP: Leanne Coulter and Rhonda Davis, owners of the Daufuskie Blues, will teach participants how to dye a cotton silk scarf in a natural indigo vat. Cost is $35. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-2849227 or morrisheritagecenter.org. IRISH OPEN CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) will host the fifth annual golf tournament with proceeds benefiting Catholic education and various charities in the Lowcountry. Registration is $90. 8 a.m., Okatie Creek Golf Club, 60 Sun City Club Lane, Bluffton. bplaoh.org.
OCT. 16-24 BLUFFTON ARTS AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: A weeklong event offering myriad activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, rich history, culture and art found only in Bluffton. Street Fest is Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24. Event ticket costs, times and locations vary. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival. org. OCT. 17 THE BIG TEN TAILGATE: Large gathering of local Big Ten supporters with guest speaker Kevin Warren, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. All Big Ten alumni, supporters, fans and friends are invited to attend, wear their school colors. 4-6 p.m., Pavilion at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-384-2594 or email big10onhh@gmail.com. THROUGH OCT. 17 “OFF THE WALL” EXHIBIT: A three-dimensional artwork exhibit showcasing sculpture, pottery and functional forms. The exhibit is on display through Oct. 17. Free. 5-7 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum,
70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
Thursdays 12-5pm
OCT. 20 LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: Create one-of-a-kind paper lanterns that celebrate life on Hilton Head Island. Participants can get creative as they craft their own illuminated lantern sculpture for the Hilton Head Lantern Parade on Nov. 13. Ages 5 and up. Cost is $35. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2787 or artshhi.org. OCT. 21 MARTINIS AT THE MANSION: The Mansion on Forsyth Park’s charity networking series will take place on the third Thursday of every month to benefit a different local nonprofit. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. 5:30-7 p.m., Mansion on Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Street, Savannah. 912-2385158 or kesslercollection.com. OCT. 21-23 GHOSTS & MYTHS OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND: A Halloween adventure that
Fun for the whole family! farm fresh local produce
flowers • meats • dairy • seafood
honey • baked goods • pastas • sweets specialty foods • prepared food to enjoy at the market or take home PLUS Educational lectures,
community outreach, kids activities, yoga & more !
Live music & seating at the Heyward House! Old Town Bluffton 68 Boundary Street FarmersMarketBluffton.org • 843.415.2447
MAKERS MONTH
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brings to life the myths of Zion Cemetery and other sites on our Island. This event will be suspenseful, spooky and fun. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $15. 7 p.m., Thursday; 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. OCT. 21-31 THE THANKSGIVING PLAY: Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. Ticket prices vary. 7:30-9 p.m., Hilton Head Preparatory Main Street Theater, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. 843-7156676 or leanensemble.org. OCT. 22 FOURTH FRIDAY ARTISTS MARKET: Coligny Plaza and Art League of Hilton Head have partnered to create a monthly outdoor showcase of Lowcountry art and artists. Items for sale include paintings and illustrations, mixed media art, sculptures and more. Free entry. 4-7 p.m., Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.com. PUMPKIN PATCH: A fun Halloween pumpkin patch sponsored by Maginnis Orthodontics. Free. 4-7 p.m., Shelter Cove Town Centre, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org. RED APRON SIPS & SEAFOOD: Join Bluffton Self Help for their annual fundraiser with an evening celebration of our community’s generosity. In-person tickets have
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sold out, but you can still experience this exciting event benefiting our neighbors in need. Virtual access tickets are $100. 6-10 p.m. Register online for at-home tickets. sipsandseafood.com. OCT. 22-23 THE CHRISTIAN TAMBURR QUARTET AT THE JAZZ CORNER: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com. OCT. 23 ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL: A festival featuring the robust celebration of Italian culture with food and live entertainment. Includes a grape stomping contest, pizza eating contest, booths dedicated to traditional Italian foods, and more. Tickets are $6. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. iachh.org. BLUFFTON OYSTER RUN: Compete in a fast-paced 10K or complete the 5K with the entire family. The race winds through Bluffton Oyster Factory and Historic Old Town Bluffton. Cost is $25 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K. 8-10 a.m., Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton. 843-8151718 or palmettorunningcompany. com. OCT. 24-25 SIBELIUS VIOLIN CONCERTO: A performance by violinist Will Hagen, with Conductor John Morris Russell. Tickets are $25-$65. 4 p.m., Sunday; 7:30 p.m., Monday. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org. OCT. 25 BE A SAINT FORE LIFE GOLF
TOURNAMENT: Play golf on an award-winning championship golf course and support the Pregnancy Center & Clinic of the Lowcountry’s mission. Includes a $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity, prizes, lunch and refreshments. Online silent auction begins mid-October and ends Oct. 29. Cost is $185 per player, $740 per foursome. Tee times vary. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-422-2861 or pregnancycenterhhi. org. OCT. 27-28 JAZZ FOR ALL AGES MUSIC FESTIVAL: This year’s festival features Deas Guys and Grammy Award Winner Arturo Sandoval. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $100 for VIP. 6:30 p.m., Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island. jazzforallages.com.
PUMPKIN PATCH
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THROUGH OCT. 28 MAKERS MONTH: Four Corners Fine Art and Framing host Makers Month, featuring nine artists and demonstrations of their craft. Nancy Dwight, Jill McGannon, Nancy Waterhouse and more. Free. Dates and times vary. Four Corners, 1263-B May River Road, Bluffton. 843-757-8185 or fourcornersgallerybluffton.com.
THE SALTY DOG CAFE 232 SOUTH SEA PINES DRIVE HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 843.671.2233 | saltydog.com Keep up with us on social media /saltydog and @thesaltydogcafe D A Y
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OCTOBER HIGH A.M. 4:43 5:37 6:29 7:18 8:05 8:50 9:36 10:23 11:14 ... 12:31 1:33 2:37 3:40 4:42 5:45 6:37 7:26 8:10 8:51 9:29 10:06 10:43 11:21 ... 12:32 1:21 2:15 3:10 4:05 5:00
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10:45 11:42 12:18 1:06 1:53 2:38 3:24 4:10 4:57 5:45 6:38 7:36 8:41 9:52 10:59 11:59 12:33 1:19 2:02 2:42 3:20 3:57 4:32 5:08 5:44 6:24 7:09 8:03 9:04 10:08 11:10
11:28 ... 12:36 1:27 2:18 3:08 3:58 4:48 5:39 6:32 7:30 8:34 9:41 10:45 11:42 ... 12:53 1:42 2:28 3:10 3:50 4:27 5:04 5:40 6:18 7:01 7:50 8:47 9:48 10:46 11:40
TIDE PREDICTIONS FOR CALIBOGUE CAY, SC
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OCT. 29 SPOOKY SOIREE: Celebrate the season with a frightfully fun night, featuring wine and cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, prizes, photo ops, dancing and more. Ages 21 and over. $75. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hewitt Oaks, 205 Stillwell Road, Bluffton. 843-757-4600 or hewittoaks.com. OCT. 29-30 CLEVELAND P. JONES AND THE KEVIN BALES TRIO AT THE JAZZ CORNER: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.
ROBERTO COIN TRUNK SHOW: Explore the newly coined Fall Collections from Roberto Coin, including Love in Verona, Medallions, Navarra and more. Enjoy a complimentary gift with your Roberto Coin purchase. Reservation recommended. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Forsythe Jewelers, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 311, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-7070 or forsythejewelers.biz. OCT. 30 HARDEEVILLE TRUNK OR TREAT: Kick off your Halloween festivities with a Trunk or Treat next to City Hall. Free. 5:30-7 p.m., 205 Main Street, Hardeeville. hardeevillesc.gov. PEP 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA: Celebrate 25 years, featuring dancing, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Organization promotes “independence, social interaction, and employment opportunities for adults who live with intellectual disabilities.” $100 per ticket. 6-10:30 p.m., Sea Pines Country Club, 30 Governors Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-8021 or pephhi.org. WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S: Walk together to end Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free. 9 a.m., The Promenade, Downtown Bluffton. act.alz.org/blufftonwalk. THROUGH OCT. 31 KINKY BOOTS: Experience the musical story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s shoe factory and forms an unlikely partnership with a cabaret performer and drag queen. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $61 for adults. Masks required, regardless of vaccination status. Times vary. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HH Island. 843-842-2787 or artshhi.org.
NOV. 4 LOWCOUNTRY SPEAKER SERIES: The Lowcountry Speaker Series returns to a | face-to-face format with a presentation by Robert O’Neill, one of the most highly-decorated combat veterans of our time. Tickets are $85-$150. 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Harbour Town Clubhouse, 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-823-4111 or lowcountryspeakerseries.com.
MONDAYS INDIGO TIE DYE: Learn how indigo dye is made from a plant and use it to create a tie dye T-shirt to take home. All supplies are provided. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3-4 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org. MONDAYS VIRTUAL KID’S STORY TIME: Listen to Rebecca read family favorites about the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural history on the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Facebook page. 10:30 a.m. Watch on Facebook Live at @ coastaldiscoverymuseum. 843- 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
NOV. 13-14 MEET THE AUTHOR BRUNCH: Michael Almond, author of “The Tannery,” will speak and sign books. His historical fiction book explores the turbulent times of Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1900. Free. 3 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m., Sunday. Lowcountry Produce and Market Cafe, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 510, Hilton Head Island. 843686-3003 or michaelalmondbooks.com. COSTUMED CEMETERY TOUR
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS MEMORY MATTERS: “VIRTUAL COMPASS CLASSES”: An online program designed for adults experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Compass
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provides curriculum-based activities, physical exercise, relaxation techniques, life-long learning, small group discussions and socialization. Cost is $400 per month. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. 843-842-6688 or mymemorymatters.org.
featuring maps and historic photos of this time on Hilton Head from 1861-1865. Reservations required. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223. or coastaldiscovery.org.
TUESDAYS FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET: The Market will present more fresh, local produce, seafood, breads and cheeses, crafts and artisans than ever before. Enjoy the colorful displays that grow and change each week throughout the season. Free entry. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island.
THURSDAYS DUELING PIANOS SHOW: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night on the Rooftop Bar. 8-11 p.m., Rooftop Bar at Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com.
TUESDAYS HILTON HEAD ISLAND FARMERS MARKET: Support our local farmers and producers and take home fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, free range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, sausage, cookies, bread, she crab soup and more. Entrance and parking are free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-473-5231 or hhifarmersmarket.com. TUESDAYS OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CORKS: Show up and show off your talent during this open mic night, every Tuesday night at Corks Bluffton. 7-10 p.m., Corks Wine Bar and Restaurant, 14 Promenade Street, Bluffton. 843-815-5168 or corkswinecobluffton.com. TUESDAYS PARTY IN THE PARK: Enjoy the beautiful new Lowcountry Celebration Park with a family happy hour, including live music, bounce houses and beverages. Free entry. 5:30-8 p.m., Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island. 843681-7273 or islandreccenter.org. TUESDAYS ZION CEMETERY AND BAYNARD MAUSOLEUM COSTUMED CEMETERY TOUR: Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and learn about the blood skirmish fought just a few steps away. $15 Adult/$10 Child, 10:30 a.m., Corner of U.S. 278 & Matthews Dr, Hilton Head Island. Reservations required- 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. THURSDAYS CIVIL WAR ERA: Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Join this presentation
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THURSDAYS FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Boundary Street. Buy a fresh assortment of strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. Also, hear local, live entertainment and educational lectures. Noon-5 p.m., Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. 843-415-2447 or farmersmarketbluffton.org. THURSDAYS HISTORIC FORT MITCHEL TOURS: Immerse yourself in the fascinating Civil War history of Hilton Head Island with a visit to Fort Mitchel. Costumed characters and an expert tour guide will demonstrate the vital historic importance of this place and the role the fort and its namesake, General Mitchel, played in shaping Hilton Head history, including historic Mitchelville. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hilton Head Plantation, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS SIT AND STITCH: Enjoy knitting, crochet, needlepoint, rug hook practice as Needlepoint Junction stays open late. All levels welcome. Outside food and drink permitted. Free. Virtual Thursdays 3 p.m.; In-person Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Needlepoint Junction, Suite J-7-E, Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or needlepointjunctionhhi.com. FRIDAYS SIT AND STITCH: Practice needlepoint every Friday during this casual sit and stitch event. All levels welcome. Free. 10 a.m., Needlepoint Junction, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 6134, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or shopneedlepointjunction.com.
SATURDAYS MARINA MORNINGS: OUTDOOR YOGA: Practice yoga on the pavilion at Shelter Cove, with draft kombucha to follow. All levels welcome. Cost is $20. 8 a.m., Pure Salt Studios, 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-707-7027 or puresaltstudios.com.
ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required, 843-671-4386 or h2osports.com. CURBSIDE CRAFTS TO-GO Children and adults can order a variety of craft activities pre-assembled and ready to enjoy at your home or villa. Book online. Cost is $12-$20. Sea Pines Resort Fitness and Recreation Department, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com. TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE WITH LAWTON STABLES Trail Rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables. Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 lawtonstables.com. PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES Learn how to play Pickleball with daily clinics and round robins at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Courts and equipment are available to rent. Reservations recommended. palmettodunes.com THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $4.25/ person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com.
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BROOKS REITZ BRINGS CULINARY EXPERTISE TO PALMETTO BLUFF
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BY JESSICA FARTHING | PHOTO BY SQUIRE FOX By his own definition Brooks Reitz is an entrepreneur, but that general term lacks the true scope of his successful career. In the competitive and highly regarded culinary scene of Charleston, S.C., he co-owns three restaurants with partners Tim Mink and Kelly Dougherty, his own cocktail mixer brand, the Jack Rudy Cocktail Company and has a massive following on Instagram for his short, fun cooking videos. He’s also coming to Palmetto Bluff as the October Artist of the Month, visiting Oct. 4-8. Ticket holders will be able to learn from Reitz as he hosts classes Oct. 7-8 aimed at making the home cook’s life easier with weeknight meal solutions and effortless entertaining. Growing up in Western Kentucky, Reitz started in restaurants early as a bus boy, and continued serving and bartending in college. Hooked on the restaurant business, he moved to Louisville to become a part of the team at 21C Museum Hotel and rose through the ranks to general manager. He transitioned to Charleston, branching out to other restaurants in the area and working as the general manager of the Ordinary, a James Beard Award Winner for Best New Restaurant. At the same time, he began to thoughtfully develop Jack Rudy Cocktail Company, selling non-alcoholic artisan drink mixers and bar accessories around the world. Reitz had always desired his own restaurant and realized this dream with Charleston institution Leon’s Oyster Shop. “My long-term goal was to own my own restaurant,” he said. “I didn’t want to just work with someone else. We went to New Orleans and did research to get inspiration and had a sort of zany idea. We thought, ‘Why don’t we serve oysters and fried chicken together?’ ” It was a concept that hadn’t been done, and in fact, the business partners had noticed a surprising lack of fried chicken joints in Charleston. They opened to accolades, voted one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America and Bon Appetit’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America. Their chef was a semifinalist for James Beard’s Rising Star Chef. The next business venture was Little Jack’s Tavern,
famous for its “Best Burger in America,” a title earned from Bon Appetit recognition and a win at the South Beach Food & Wine Burger Bash. The partners also opened Melfi’s, an Italian hot spot for fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza. All these accolades won the restaurants great press, but the important part for Reitz was pleasing his clientele. “The awards are great and good for one’s ego, but it doesn’t mean anything if there aren’t customers,” he said. Palmetto Bluff is hosting Reitz for two classes: Family Style Meals Made Easy and Southern Pantry and Freezer Meals. He started developing videos during the COVID pandemic on his Instagram that were approachable and quick. Reitz says: “There’s a lot of cooking content out there, but some of it’s just too complicated. I’m the cook in the house, so I use my wife as the barometer. She wants to cook more and if she can replicate the recipes, they work.” He expanded this simple approach into the development of these two classes. “The majority of people want to cook but are too busy,” he said. “They need simple, healthy recipes that they can cook for their family.” Family Style Meals Made Easy will teach guests to prepare party food before the event to allow everyone to participate. “I hate cooking when people are over. I want to be finished with that and the kitchen clean,” says Reitz. The concept of preparing food ahead of time and serving it room temperature was inspired by a friend of his parents that plated her dishes well ahead of guest’s arrival. “Even if it was a steak, you ate it two hours after it was cooked,” he said. “It seemed a very European way of eating and it just struck me as a young kid.” Southern Pantry and Freezer Meals will teach guests strategies to conquer weeknight cooking and introduce them to some of Reitz’ favorite southern pantry staples. For both events, he’ll be highlighting his famous Jack Rudy Bloody Mary Mix and hand-crafted margaritas. There will be a pop-up shop celebrating 10 years of the brand, with options to stock the bar well ahead of the holidays. For more information, visit palmettobluff.com.
THERE’S A LOT OF COOKING CONTENT OUT THERE, BUT SOME OF IT’S JUST TOO COMPLICATED.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KAUFMAN
LUCKY ROOSTER IS AN AMERICAN BISTRO WITH “SOUTHERN SOUL.” THE HILTON HEAD-BASED EATERY, WHICH SERVES LUNCH, BRUNCH AND DINNER, ALSO OFFERS A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF COCKTAILS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR FALL. LUCKY ROOSTER SHARED SOME OF ITS FAVORITE RECIPES WITH MONTHLY.
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~WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS~
~EMPRESS LOST HER CLOTHES~
1.75 oz house-infused blueberry/basil vodka. .5 oz blended Family Blueberry Liqueur. Splash of house-made lemon and lime syrup.
2 oz Empress Gin. .5 oz infused juniper honey. .5 oz fresh lemon juice.
Shake all ingredients, pour into a highball glass. Garnish with fresh blueberries. Recipe by Monica Collins, Bar Manager, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass. The gin will change colors to lavender. Garnish with flamed lemon peel. Recipe by Monica Collins, Bar Manager, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
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~THE ROOSTER ~ 2 oz Chicken Cock Rye. 1 oz Cocchi de Torino vermouth. 2/3 drops cranberry bitters. Stir, strain over a large rock. Garnish with Luxardo cherry. Recipe by Monica Collins, Bar Manager, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
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IIHAPPENINGSII
RESTAURANT
NEWS
TAP TRUCK
THE SMOKEHOUSE REOPENS
Hilton Head eatery The Smokehouse recently reopened. An island staple since 1999, The Smokehouse at Palmetto Bay Road burned in a fire in 2019. The Smokehouse’s menu includes barbecue, ribs, wings, and chili.
MOBILE BEVERAGE SERVICE DEBUTS
Tap Truck Hilton Head, a mobile beverage service, launched in September. Serving from a classic 1964 Chevy Panel five-tap truck, it offers beer, wine, cider, lemonade, sweet tea and other drinks. For more information, visit its Facebook page.
FINE WINES IN BLUFFTON
Bill’s Liquors & Fine Wine at May River Crossing in Bluffton has opened its doors. The new locale (there are also spots in Port Royal and Beaufort) is open Monday to Saturday.
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THE SMOKEHOUSE
BLUFFTON BREWERY WINS BRONZE MEDAL
Lot 9 brewing co., a Bluffton-based nano-brewery, won a bronze medal for its Blonde Ale in the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship, a news release said. The U.S. Open Beer Championship judges more beer styles than any other competition in the world. This year, more than 8,000 beers representing over 140 different styles were judged from breweries from all over the country.
HUDSON’S SEAFOOD PLANS COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks said it plans to host a free community Thanksgiving dinner 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25. The event is sponsored by St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church and Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, located off Squire Pope Road on Skull Creek. The dinner will include turkey, dressing and all the trimmings served family style. Donations will benefit Deep Well (deepwellproject.org), Bluffton Self Help (blufftonselfhelp.org) and Second Helpings (secondhelpingslc.org/) For more information, call 843-505-1370.
OUR FAVORITE
restaurants BROUGHT TO YOU BY MONTHLY, FORK & FUN AND VACATION GUIDE
HILTON HEAD // NORTH END:
Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek
Hwy. 278 | 843.681.5021 thecrazycrab.com A Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years, enjoy genuine service and fresh seafood. Menu feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” fresh local shrimp.
Healthy Habit
Il Carpaccio
33 Office Park Road 843.686.5600 healthyhabithhi.com A quick service restaurant with a focus on chopped salads and other plant based items utilizing the freshest ingredients possible with hand crafted dressings.
200A Museum St. 843.342.9949 ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com Authentic Italian cuisine, ranging from cuisine of Northern Italy to crispy, thin-crust, Italian-style pizza. A genuine brick pizza oven (imported from Italy).
Street Meet: The American Tavern
Port Royal Plaza | 843.842.2570 streetmeethhi.com Street Meet specializes in homemade versions of regional American bar food. Best Wings, Fish & Chips, Homemade Soups, Salads, Vegetarian Menu, Seafood.
HILTON HEAD // MID-ISLAND:
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Giuseppi's Pizza & Pasta
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza
Gruby's New York Deli
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Island Bagel & Deli
76 Queens Folly Rd. 843.785.4999 alexandersrestaurant.com Menu uses seasonal ingredients with a strong emphasis on seafood while paying homage to Alexander’s original favorites. Dinner from 5–10pm daily.
7 Trent Jones Ln. | 855.878.1966 palmettodunes.com/big-jims Big Jim’s offers signature Southern dishes, gourmet burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, seafood, steaks and ribs. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
11 Simmons Road 843.842.2267 fishcamphhi.com Fishcamp’s menu consists of seafood and American cuisine, including steak and lobster. They have an outdoor bar and open patio. Family friendly.
The French Bakery & Courtyard Café
28 Shelter Cove Ln. 843.342.5420 frenchbakeryhiltonhead.com Breakfast or lunch inside or out in this bakery/café. Enjoy crepes, breads, baguette & paninis, salads, soups, quiches & pastries. Traditional French recipes.
50 Shelter Cove Lane 843.785.4144 giuseppispizza.com Serving excellent, award-winning pizza (since 1984), plus a broad variety of well-prepared pastas, sandwiches, wings, garden fresh salads and more. 890 William Hilton Parkway 843.842.9111 grubysnydeli.com A New York-style deli offering classic sandwiches, soups & breakfast dishes in a casual setting offering breakfast and lunch. S. Island Square | 843.686.3353 The island's only New York style boiled bagels made daily. 16 flavors of bagels and 12 homemade cream cheeses. Specialty hoagies, sandwiches & salads.
Jane Bistro & Bar
28 Shelter Cove Lane 843.686.5696 | janehhi.com Bistro fare with Lowcountry influences. Enjoy jumbo lump crab cakes, pecan cranberry chicken salad, crispy flounder and petit filet mignon. Open daily.
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IIDINE OUTII
Old Oyster Factory
Big Bamboo
Santa Fe Cafe
British Open Pub
101 Marshland Rd. 843.681.6040 OldOysterFactory.com Panoramic marsh & water views. Fresh seafood and some of the best steaks on Hilton Head. Featured in The Wall Street Journal's “Off the Beaten Track.” 807 Wllm Hilton Pkwy 843.785.3838 santafecafeofhiltonhead.com Casually elegant dining that captures the spirit of New Mexico. Try their parmesan chipotle grouper, bone-in ribeye steak, fajitas, & Painted Desert soup.
Sea Grass Grille
807 William Hilton Pkwy 843.785.9990 seagrassgrille.com American, Lowcountry and Continental cuisine. Chef Chad brings 38 years of culinary expertise. Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
18 Simmons Road 843-681-3625 upthecreekpubandgrill.com Casual waterfront dining. Menu offers shrimp appetizers, burgers, crab cake sandwiches, seafood baskets and homemade brownies.
HILTON HEAD //SOUTH END:
Amigos Cafe y Cantina
70 Pope Ave. | 843-785-8226 amigoscafehhi.com Quick, Casual, Healthy. Authentic Mexican Food. Food is prepared fresh daily using the finest ingredients possible and served by friendly, helpful people.
Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café
69 Pope Avenue 843.785.7700 auntchiladashhi.com Excellent Tex-Mex and American fare. Enjoy crab legs, sizzling fajitas, & margaritas. Reservations & large parties welcome.
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1 N. Forest Beach Dr. 843.686.3443 bigbamboocafe.com The South Pacific meets the Carolina Coast just steps from the beach. A casual hangout serving burgers, seafood and festive libations. Village at Wexford 843.686.6736 thebritishopenpub.com Family-friendly pub with authentic English food with American favorites. Try the signature fish & chips, shepherd’s pie and certified Angus beef.
Captain Woody's
6 Target Rd | 843.785.2400 captainwoodys.com Grab a seat at the outside deck, inside, or just belly up to the bar. Offering a full lunch and dinner menu, happy hour daily, live music seasonally, and Sunday brunch.
Carolina Crab Company
86 Helmsman Way 843.842.2016 carolinacrabco.com Enjoy water views and fresh seafood at an affordable price in a family-friendly atmosphere. Pet-friendly outside bar & patio.
Catch 22
37 New Orleans Rd. 843.785.6261 catch22hhi.com Locally owned. Dinner is served nightly from 5 p.m. Early Dining Menu. All beef is aged 28 days, U.S.D.A prime, hand selected and cut in house.
Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte
8 New Orleans Road 843.785.9277 charliesgreenstar.com Since 1982, Charlie’s writes its menu daily based on the freshest seafood available. Dinner offers 14 fresh fish, rack of lamb, filet mignon and more. An extensive wine list.
Chez Georges
ChowDaddy’s
37 New Orleans Rd 843-785-3200 chezgeorgeshhi.com Chez Georges serves traditional bistro staples such as steak frites and mussels mariniere, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 14b Executive Park Rd. 843.757.CHOW chowdaddys.com Offering a wide variety of menu items focusing on buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Lunch & dinner daily.
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
1000 Wlm Hilton Pkwy 843.715.3565 cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com All-you-can eat “Churrascaria.” 30 item salad bar, 6 Brazilian hot dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork carved tableside.
CQ’s Restaurant
140 Lighthouse Rd. | 843.671.2779 CQsRestaurant.com Fine dining, an intimate atmosphere and a bit of Hilton Head history. Signature dishes include fresh seafood, beef & game.“Bistro” menu offers smaller portions.
Crane’s Tavern Steakhouse & Seafood
26 New Orleans Rd. 843.341.2333 | cranestavern.com Perfect for steak and seafood lovers, serving cuts of only USDA Prime grade beef, their Famous Prime Rib. Excellent selection of fresh fish, seafood & pasta dishes.
Crazy Crab Harbour Town
Harbour Town 843.363.2722 thecrazycrab.com Genuine service and fresh seafood; a Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years! Menus feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” local shrimp and more.
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Delisheeyo
Healthy Habit
32 Palmetto Bay Road 843.785.3633 | delisheeeyo.com Vegetarian. Smoothies, Buddha Bowls and more. They provide meals that you can trust, that are real, and healthy. 33 Office Park Rd. 843-686-5600 healthyhabithhi.com Quick service restaurant serving chopped salads, superfood bowls, fresh bottled juices, smoothies, breakfast and organic coffee & teas and plant based items.
Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill
70 Pope Avenue 843.686.5959 | hincheys.com A sports bar and a casual restaurant famous for their grouper sandwich. Stop by for lunch, or for drinks or dinner. Dine inside or out.
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Hinoki Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Michael Anthony’s
It’s Greek To Me
Nick’s Steak & Seafood
Kenny B’s Cajun/Creole Seafood
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
37 New Orleans Rd. 843.785.9800 | hinokihhi.com Traditional Japanese dishes including grilled fish, chicken and steak, sukiyaki, noodle dishes, tempura, daily specials, sushi & sashimi. Reservations recommended.
11 Lagoon Rd. | 843.842.4033 | itsgreektomehhi.com Genuine Greek cuisine, from gyros to fried calamari to souvlaki to baklava for dessert. Authentic Greek recipes. The Isand's only gyro machines.
70-A Pope Ave. | 843.785.3315 eatatkennybs.com New Orleans fare including jambalaya, red beans & rice, and gumbos. The Island’s best po’ boys & fried seafood. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.
37 New Orleans Rd. 843.785.6272 michael-anthonys.com Upscale classic Italian fine dining featuring innovative preparations and farm fresh ingredients. One of Open Table's Top 50 Italian Restaurants in the country. 9 Park Lane | 843.686.2920 | nickssteakandseafood.com Offering steaks, seafood, BBQ, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, soups, burgers, pasta and a kids’s menu. Reservations accepted. Large parties welcome. 18 New Orleans Road 843.715.2172 | nunziohhi.com Specializes in fresh seafood and homemade pasta. Beautiful 1,300-sq-ft restaurant with a large bar area and two outdoor seating areas.
Ombra Cucina Italiana
1000 William Hilton Pkwy 843.842.5505 | ombrahhi.com Chef Michael Cirafesi promotes the foods & wines of Italy. He prepares all pastas, homemade gnocchi, desserts and breads daily. A European-style bar & lounge with Italian cocktails.
Phillys Cafe & Deli
55 New Orleans Rd. 843.785.9966 | phillyscafe.com Phillys’ motto is “Best sandwiches on the island...Period!” Custom sandwiches with bread baked fresh daily. The pita wraps and salads are both imaginative and health-conscious.
One Hot Mama's
Red Fish
Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Café
Reilley’s Grill & Bar
Reilleys Plaza | 843.682.6262 onehotmamas.com Family-friendly. Meat & 3 combo platters, BBQ platters, hand-cut steaks, burgers, char-grilled chicken and “the world’s best” wings. Palmetto Bay Marina 843.686.3232 palmettobaysunrisecafe.com Breakfast starting from 6 a.m. Breakfast and lunch items are available continuously. Cafe offers to-go lunches for boats, beach or office. Open 7 days.
8 Archer Rd. | 843-686-3388 redfishofhiltonhead.com Red Fish specializes in beautifully prepared seafood and steaks. Choose from a 1,000-plus bottle selection of wines from around the world. Private dining available. 7D Greenwood Dr. 843.842.4414 reilleyshiltonhead.com Serving up steaks, seafood, pasta & sandwiches for more than 35 years. Lunch & dinner daily, & Sunday brunch. The bar is open late.
Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras
5 Lagoon Road | 843.689.2662 rockfishhhi.com A family seafood restaurant & bar near the beach. Offering fresh and local lowcounty ingredients and craft beers and wines. Kids menu. Lunches to Go for the beach.
Salty Dog Cafe
Sea Shack
South Beach Marina Village 843.671.7327 | saltydog.com One of Hilton Head’s favorite outdoor cafes for more than 20 years. Fresh seafood. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Live music & children’s entertainment nightly seasonally. 6 Executive Park Rd. 843.785.2464 | seashackhhi.com One of the island’s most extensive menus of seafood & more. Voted one of "South Carolina’s best seafood spots" by Coastal Living and Southern Living.
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Slapfish
1024 William Hilton Pwy 843.521.5830 Slapfishrestaurant.com The nation’s fastest growing seafood restaurant is locally owned & operated by the Lomasney family. Serving honest flippin’ seafood infused with lots of flavor!
Stack’s Pancakes & More
Stellini
The Studio
TôRō
Truffles
BLUFFTON:
Amigos, Bluffton
133 Belfair Town Village 843.815.8226 amigosbelfair.com Authentic Mexican taqueria, serving delicious food “inspired by Mexican cuisine from Baja, Mexico, to Santa Barbara, California.” Home of their famous BBQ Chicken Salad.
2 Regency Pkwy. & Hwy. 278 843.341.3347 | stackshh.com Pancakes, waffles, house-made fruit sauces, crepes, crème brûlée French toast, shrimp & grits, crab benedict, shrimp omelet with lobster cream sauce. Gluten free avail.
British Open Pub
15 Executive Park Rd. 843.785.7006 | stellinihhi.com Family owned & operated since 1989! Italian appetizers & entrees from NY & Northern NJ. Delicious pasta, poultry, veal, seafood, beef & lamb expertly prepared.
Captain Woody's
20 Executive Park Road 843.785.6000 studiodining.com Dine while enjoying watching artists paint. The menu uses the finest regional, natural & organic ingredients. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menu avail. 2 N Forest Beach Drive, Unit 107 843.931.8676 | torohhi.com Latin and Asian inspired fare delivering a blend of culinary creativity and culture to a vibrant, yet casual and innovative atmosphere. Sea Pines Center 843.671.6136 | trufflescafe.com Local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, soups, sandwiches, and salads. Specialties include glazed grouper, mango salmon, crab cakes, meatloaf and fried shrimp.
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Sheridan Park | 843.815.6736 britishopenpub.net Family-friendly pub with authentic English food with American favorites. Try the signature fish & chips, shepherd’s pie and certified Angus beef. 17 State Of Mind St 843.757.6222 captainwoodys.com Grab a seat at the outside deck, inside, or just belly up to the bar. Offering a full lunch and dinner menu, happy hour daily, live music seasonally, and Sunday brunch.
ChowDaddy’s
15 Towne Dr. 843.757.CHOW(2469) chowdaddys.com Buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Enjoy salads, sliders, a house ground rib eye burger, or their famous smoked fried chicken. Serving lunch & dinner daily.
Cinco Mexican Grill
102 Buckwalter Pkwy 843.815.2233 | cincomexgrill.com Authentic cuisine made from scratch using traditional & modern recipes. Dishes include Cinco Bowl, Piña Fajitas, Carnitas, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Flautas & flan.
Corner Perk Brunch Cafe & Coffee Roasters
1297 May River Road 843.816.5674 | cornerperk.com Locally-owned Brunch Cafe and coffeehouse with house-roasted coffee, homemade syrups, breakfast wraps, sandwiches, lunch wraps, and salads.
Giuseppi's Pizza & Pasta
25 Bluffton Rd | 843.815.9200 | giuseppispizza.com Serving excellent, award-winning pizza (since 1984), plus a variety of well-prepared pastas, sandwiches, wings, garden fresh salads and more.
Island Bagel & Deli
17 Sherington Dr. 843.815.5300 New York style boiled bagels made from scratch daily. 16 flavors of bagels and 12 homemade cream cheeses. Specialty hoagies, sandwiches & salads.
Olive & Fig
Truffles
1533 Fording Island Road 843.707.1934 | olivefig.net Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features Lebanese and Greek dishes alongside traditional Mediterranean fare, and gluten free and vegetarian options. Belfair Towne Village 843.815.5551 | trufflescafe.com Cafe featuring the “freshest and finest of everything!” Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups and garden salads. Covered patio. Lunch, dinner daily. Full cocktail bar.
SAVANNAH:
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
700 Drayton Street | 912-238-5158 kesslercollection.com/mansion Featuring 700 Drayton, which offers world-class cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast, brunch and dinner daily.
Plant Riverside District
400 West River Street | 912-373-9100 | plantriverside.com Offers food and drink with a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges. Features an all-day café, a high-end chophouse, a pizza restaurant, and a riverside bar. Two rooftop bars offer cocktails and live entertainment.
Learn more about specific restaurants by scanning the QR code next to their listing to visit that restaurant's website. IPHONE USERS:
1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone. 2. Point your iPhone at the QR code to scan it. 3. Tap the pop-up notification at the top of your screen to go to the website.
ANDROID USERS:
1. Press and hold the home button. 2. Then tap Lens. 3. Point your camera at the QR code. 4. Tap the magnifying glass icon to scan the QR code. 5. Tap the pop-up notification to go to the website.
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IIMY PERSPECTIVEII
FILLING A NEWS VOID With more than 200,000 residents and a couple million tourists each year, Beaufort and Jasper counties are no longer the sleepy paradise of years past. But with growth comes issues: Development in both counties; the Hilton Head bridge replacement; Hardeeville’s rapid growth; school crowding and quality; business development; traffic; workforce housing; beach preservation; and others. What’s more, local and county governments sometimes appear to make decisions behind closed doors, sometimes giving short shrift to residents’ views. To understand the issues and to push for progress, residents need a common source of credible information. Yet throughout the Lowcountry that information can be fragmented, conflicting, incomplete, dated, or just plain wrong. Nationally, cities and towns suffer from a lack of credible and comprehensive local news coverage that can educate and unite people, empower them to successfully address challenges and take full advantage of all that their communities have to offer. There are less than half as many journalists working in American newsrooms today as there were in 2008. Typically, local newsrooms are managed from afar as small cogs in big corporate operations. Fewer resources mean fewer stories covered and less time for reporters to produce in-depth and investigative reports. Don’t blame local journalists. They do their best but are victims of changing economics, digital competition and audience fragmentation that results in people gravitating to narrow sources that support their personal views, often without facts. Meanwhile, hearsay and rumor masquerade as facts on social media and are repeated until people believe them more than they believe real journalism. The result: Misinformed and under-informed
residents are ill-equipped to participate in government and community initiatives. And there’s less information about community events and passions. Rather than pulling together, people drift apart. That’s why a timely, broad and objective local news source is important for all communities. Good local news organizations can unite audiences with a common understanding of issues and opportunities and help readers make their voices heard. They can force officials to do the people’s business in public and in that way restore trust in government and other institutions. They can help businesses connect with customers and drive the local economy. They can show residents how to make the most of what their towns offer. Information leads to participation and participation leads to progress. Good local news coverage can drive communities forward and enhance the quality of life. Can the decline in local news coverage be reversed? Across America a new and promising economic model is gaining a foothold. There are more than 1,100 nonprofit local news organizations across the country. Founded and run by residents rather than by the national companies that own legacy newsrooms, they are fueled by professional journalists who live in the communities they serve. Residents support them through donations, grants and other means. They are beholden to their neighbors, not to Wall Street. And they produce journalism of consequence — timely, objective and relevant. They understand the promise and limits of life in their communities, from bridge projects to housing. They care about their towns. As communities band together to support their own news source, they can fill the news and information gap so common across America.
GOOD LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE CAN DRIVE COMMUNITIES FORWARD AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE.
Mark Silverman is a retired newspaper editor and Gannett corporate executive. To give feedback or get involved, contact him at Mark@lowcountrydaily.org. LowcountryDaily.org is a local nonprofit foundation committed to preserving the integrity of local journalism. 176 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
