Hilton Head Monthly December 2014

hilton head C O N N E C T I N G

T H E

L O W C O U N T R Y

YOU VOTED ONCE, SANTA CHECKED IT TWICE

DECEMBER 2014 HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM

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Thank You for voting us

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H A P P Y

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F A V O R I T E

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C O M P A N Y

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A G A I N .

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2012, 2013 & 2014

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Thank You for Voting Us Favorite Family & Cosmetic Dentist on Hilton Head Island!

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24 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

24 ■ GULLAH COUNTRY

14 ■ AT THE HELM

Museum director visits to learn more about local Gullah culture

28 ■ BAND OF BROTHERS Vietnam War helicopter pilots reunite after 44 years

5O ■ LOWCOUNTRY LIT UP

Look fabulous at all of your holiday functions and parties

34 ■ WHERE IN THE WORLD? 38 ■ BUSINESS 44 ■ ON THE MOVE 48 ■ HOLIDAYS

96 ■ ROBERTO COIN Q&A

90 ■ FASHION

Meet the man behind the iconic luxury jewelry brand

98 ■ CHARITY

98 ■ HEROES EVERYWHERE Local volunteers are the superpowers behind Hilton Head Heroes

105 ■ BRIDAL BEAUTY PREP There are a host of treatment options to consider leading up to the big day

112 ■ SOURCE OF INSPIRATION Local author inspired by her niece, who has a life-threatening heart condition

118 ■ THE FIRST TEE Program introduces kids to golf through educational activities

120 ■ MEET MIA HAMM Soccer star headlines group of former players coming for camp at USCB

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24 ■ VIBE

122 ■ HOW TO DECORATE Four companies create a Christmas room to inspire holiday decorating

194 ■ THE JAZZ CORNER

202 ■ TASTE OF CHRISTMAS The snuggly comforts of the holidays come from familiar smells

108 ■ HEALTH 114 ■ BOOKS 118 ■ GOLF 120 ■ SPORTS 122 ■ HOME 134 ■ REAL ESTATE 154 ■ ENVIRONMENT 160 ■ CALENDAR 190 ■ SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT 202 ■ DINING 222 ■ LAST CALL l hav op

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Bob Masteller’s lifelong dream now a world-class music and food venue

105 ■ BRIDAL

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DEC. CONTENTS 50

90 ■ HOLIDAY FASHION

20 ■ OPINION

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We’re not sure why Christmas lights are a thing, but they’re cool

16 ■ NEWS

Readers’ Choice winners revealed!

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AT THE HELM

address PO Box 5926, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 offices 843-842-6988 fax 843-842-5743 email editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com web hiltonheadmonthly.com /hiltonheadmonthly @HHMonthly

SUBSCRIPTIONS

One-year (12-issue) subscriptions are $12.

For mailing inquiries or to make address changes to your existing subscription, call 843-785-1889 or email subscriptions@hiltonheadmonthly.com CEO

Marc Frey marc@hiltonheadmonthly.com PUBLISHER Lori Goodridge-Cribb lori@hiltonheadmonthly.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lance Hanlin lance@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 230 ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Swartz jeremy@hiltonheadmonthly.com DESIGN Charles Grace charles@hiltonheadmonthly.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jack Davis, Arno Dimmling, Charles Grace, HHISportShots, Michael Hrizuk, Images by KelseyAnne.com, Rob Kaufman, Krisztian Lonyai, Amber VanLoh, W Photography

The Monthly team is front row, from left: Lori Goodridge-Cribb, Marc Frey, Anuska Frey (with Joya); Second row: Rebecca Kerns, Majka Yarbrough, Cathy Flory, Sasha Sweeney; Back row: Samantha Bradshaw, Jeremy Swartz, Charles Grace, Lance Hanlin.

T

he holiday season is a time to be thankful and to celebrate the blessings that we have received. We are lucky to live in and serve extraordinary communities full of intriguing and passionate people.

It’s gratifying for us to share your stories, tout your accomplishments, ask critical questions, give practical advice and highlight the many events that make our part of the world a vibrant and positive place to live.

From our family to yours, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa J. Allen, Jean Beck, Emily Campbell, Charlie Clark, Sherry Conohan, Barbara K. Clark, Ellis Harman, John Hudzinski, Justin Jarrett, Kim Kachmann-Geltz, Chris Katon, Sally Kerr-Dineen, Amber Kuehn, Megan Mattingly-Arthur, James McMahon, Libby O’Regan, Robyn Passante, Dean Rowland, Elihu Spencer, Tim Wood ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Rebecca V. Kerns rebecca@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 239 Cathy Flory cathy@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 228 Majka Yarbrough majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 231 Gordon Deal gordon@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-301-1132

ABOUT THE COVER: Our cover was done by photographer Arno Dimmling. Santa (Mick Ayres) is surrounded by Readers’ Choice winners Signe Gardo of Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery & Cafe, Clayton Rollison of Lucky Rooster Kitchen+Bar and Sue Yi of Flowers By Sue, Inc. Special thanks to The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa for hosting the photo shoot and everybody who voted in our 2014 Readers’ Choice awards. Come party with the winners on Dec. 11 at Sonesta Resort.

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NEWS

DOVE STREET FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS RETURNS TO HHI The Dove Street Festival of Lights, a Hilton Head Island Christmas tradition for 20 years, is coming back to life at Shelter Cove Towne Centre.

The quaint neighborhood festival simply outgrew its Dove Street location. Choosing to

end its annual holiday run on a high note, the neighborhood decided to pull the plug on the iconic crowd pleaser four years ago. The festival will run from Dec. 1 through Jan. 4 and will be open to the public nightly from 6-10 p.m.

Visitors will be able to gain entrance through both the Kroger and Belk sides of the Towne Centre. Programs for Exceptional People will join The Deep Well Project this year in accepting donations on site.

PALMETTO HALL SEES RARE TRIO OF HOLES-IN-ONE What are the odds that three holes-in-one happen on the same course, in the same day, on the same hole from the same tees? Pretty high, right? On Oct. 19, it happened at Palmetto Hall Plantation Club when three golfers made a hole-in-one from the blue tees on the No. 8 hole of the Robert Cupp Course. During The Amateur Golf Tour Championship, sponsored by Golfweek, Daren Green of the RaleighPinehurst Tour holed out from the blue tees on the Robert Cupp Course on hole number eight. In the foursome immediately following Green, Jose Talamantes of the Downeast Tour stepped up to swing at the same par-three hole and also hit an ace from 130 yards.

Later in the afternoon, JPGA player André Scopone also made a hole-in-one on the eighth hole.

HHI RANKED AMONG WORLD’S TOP ISLANDS

DL3 TO REDESIGN OCEAN COURSE Love Golf Design, the course architecture firm founded and headed by PGA Tour star Davis Love III and his brother Mark, will redesign the Ocean Course at Sea Pines Resort. Love is a five-time winner of the RBC Heritage, held on Hilton Head’s lauded Harbour Town Golf Links.

The Ocean Course is steeped in Hilton Head golf history as the first course built on the island in 1962 by architect George Cobb. Mark McCumber, a 10-time PGA

Tour winner, remodeled the original design in 1995. Love Golf Design will perform and oversee a total renovation of the entire layout. The course will close for play next Oct. and reopen in Sept., 2016.

“Sea Pines is one of my alltime favorite places to play so we’re excited to redesign the Ocean Course to be in line with the great golf offered by Harbour Town Golf Links and Heron Point,” Love said. “It’s an honor for us to work with one of the world’s premier golf destinations.”

Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with Hilton Head Island recognized as one of its “Top Islands in the World.” More than 76,600 dedicated readers cast votes for 7,721 hotels, 642 cities, 453 cruise ships, and 148 islands in an average survey time of 16.5 minutes.

The result? The 1,182 best travel experiences in the world.

Hilton Head Island was ranked #27 on the world’s best list.

Other top islands selected include Bora Bora, Santorini, Greece and Oahu.

With more than 2.5 million visitors a year, the island’s recent resort renaissance and its over $400 million investment in many island resorts offer travelers a myriad of renewed vacation options. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.”

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND IRON ARTISTS WINS $10K NATIONAL AWARD Chase Allen, resident artist of the Iron Fish Gallery on Daufuskie Island, is the winner of the prestigious 2014 “American Made Audience Choice Award” national competition sponsored by Martha Stewart Living. The annual com-

petition was established to honor American small businesses and entrepreneurs with awards given in a number of categories.

Allen was notified that he was the winner after garnering more than 55,000 votes and beating out

more than 1,000 other contestants.

Allen pledged to donate most of the $10,000 prize to help pay the medical bills of 6-year-old Holmes Desmelik, a Brevard, N.C., boy who is battling an inoperable brain tumor.

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NEWS

LETTERS OF INTENT

ORISCHAK SELECTS VIRGINIA Hilton Head Island High School sophomore golfer Andrew Orischak has verbally committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Virginia. Orischak, 15, is currently ranked No. 2 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings for the Class of 2015.

He also received offers from Texas, Georgia Tech, Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Wake Forest. He visited each of the aforementioned schools except

for Texas, North Carolina State and Wake Forest but decided to go with the Cavaliers for both academic and athletic reasons.

“Someone once told me that deciding where you want to go to school is like spotting a girl, once you see her you’ll know,” Orischak told Golfweek. “I knew Virginia was the place for me once I went up there.

It gives me a chance to be outstanding from an academic standpoint and from an athletic standpoint.”

PHOTO BY HHI SPORTSHOTS

1938 BUGATTI TYPE 57C WINS ‘BEST OF SHOW’ The top “Best of Show” honor at the 2014 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance was awarded to a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C owned by Richard Workman of Windmere, Fla. Considered by most automotive styling critics to be at the top of the Pre-War Classics list, the model is one of only 17 Type 57 coupes built from 1936-1940. Festival attendees selected a 1929 Chrysler Model 75 Dual Cowl Phaeton as the “People’s Choice” winner. The car is owned by Robert and Alice Jepson of Savannah. This year, a new award, the Paul Doerring Founders Award, was given to a 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk owned by Mark James of Lancaster, Penn.

HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN Trace Crowe, golf, Auburn Bryson Nimmer, golf, Clemson HILTON HEAD HIGH Americal Jenkins, basketball, Anderson University Andrew Orischak, golf, Virginia HILTON HEAD PREP Rowan Baltzley, volleyball, Martin Methodist Allie Burak, tennis, Bucknell J.D. Moore, golf, St. Peter’s Isi Rubio Nilsson, golf, South Carolina Sydnee Wheeler, tennis, Niagara Ellie Zimmerman, tennis, Villanova HERITAGE ACADEMY James Hammond, swimming, Indiana Min Yi Huang, golf, North Texas Will Miles, golf, South Carolina Chomchana Phuchanbanchob, golf, Cal St.-North Clementina Rodriguez, women’s golf, Washington Kennedy Shaffer, tennis, Georgia Keshav Sharma, golf, Erskine Aaron Terraza, golf, Oklahoma Derrick Villarreal, golf, Charleston Southern Kelly Whaley, golf, North Carolina Masato Yoshitsugu, golf, Hawaii Pacific Bunyaporn Zeng, golf, Wisconsin

BRIDGE WILL BE 6 TIMES LONGER THAN ORIGINAL

DISTRICT BREAKS GROUND FOR MAY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL The Beaufort County School District recently held ground-breaking ceremonies for the construction of May River High School, a ninth through twelfth-grade school in the New Riverside area of Bluffton. The future home of the May River Sharks – school colors of royal blue, black and silver – is planned to be open for the 2016-17 school year with a projected enrollment of 900 students.

The building’s capacity is 1,400 students. The new high school will be built with energy conservation features and a full suite of athletic facilities,

and it is designed to accommodate use by the general community. The high school’s academic offerings will include an array of Career and Technical Education courses for students in the Bluffton and Hilton Head areas. Construction is being completed by general contractor Thompson Turner Construction, which is also the contractor for River Ridge Academy, the new pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school being built in Bluffton. River Ridge will be open for the 2015-16 school year.

In an effort to lessen damage to the environment, the bridge replacing the Jarvis Creek bridge will be six times longer than the original aging structure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the 480-foot bridge will further reduce the impacts to the creek and marshlands by eliminating fill impacts on the southern section and by requiring excavation of the existing embankment on the southern side. The bridge deck will be about 43 feet wide and 480 feet long to make way for a pair of 12-foot travel lanes with 8-foot shoulders on either side. The entire bridge will stand about three feet taller than the original.

THE MONTHLY JOKE Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut up.

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OPINION

VOICES

of the

lowcountry

{ The word on the street, online & in print }

THE MONTHLY POLL In the Lowcountry, what is the most wonderful time of the year?  JANUARY  FEBRUARY  MARCH  APRIL  MAY  JUNE

 JULY  AUGUST  SEPTEMBER  OCTOBER  NOVEMBER  DECEMBER

Vote in our online poll at www.hiltonheadmonthly.com

LAST MONTH’S QUESTION What project are you most excited about?  COLIGNY PLAZA IMPROVEMENTS (72)  EXPANDING THE ISLAND REC CENTER (11)  OLD TOWN BLUFFTON EXPANSION (1)  OPENING A USCB CAMPUS (5)  PAVING UNPAVED ROADS (4)  PHASE I AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS (31)  PINELAND STATION REVITALIZATION (6)  SAILING AND ROWING CENTER COMPLETED (10)  SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE COMPLETED (21)  FIXING WATER AND SEWER ISSUES (12)  US 278 FLYOVERS COMPLETED (4)  NONE OF THE ABOVE (0)

WEBSITE FEEDBACK VISIT HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM On The Literacy Center: “This organization gets the job done in a highly efficient way. I know the people there. They have upwards of 200 volunteers that like the adult students, go over and beyond their grueling workday to pay it forward by helping our residents learn and improve on their English skills. This is vital to a growing community and makes ready a base of individuals ready to learn a new skill and an new job. Good for the individuals, good for businesses, and ultimately good for the community.”

— Jerome Hills

YOU ARE AS HAPPY AS YOU THINK YOU ARE “Just a note of thanks for publishing this inspiring article by Dr. Kachmann. People rely much too much on medications to “fix” what they are continuing to break. We do have choices to make. It is up to us to make them. At 74, I can participate in all the activities I love.

I choose to combine body, mind and spirit to enable me to be the best I can be. I am having a great time at my age. I have a saying “My age is none of my business.” I do intense Zumba classes many times a week. I play tennis. Do yoga, work out in the gym. I eat good food and keep a positive happy attitude. I am of the belief “You are as happy as you think you are.” I still belly dance and I danced on the stage in Atlantic City (belly danced) competing for the title of Miss Senior America. At 74 I could do it again even better this time. I have another saying “I am going out of this life kicking and screaming all the way.” Please keep doing what you are doing ‘cause you are making a huge difference. We can change so much of how our health goes by eating, exercise and mindful positive action and attitude.”

— Diamond Riegel, Miss South Carolina, 2011

MAJOR SHORTCOMINGS CANNOT BE IGNORED “Great article concerning the future of HHI. Sorry the out-of-state investors can’t vote despite carrying the bulk of the tax burden these days. Not sure there’s anyone in the field that meets the prerequisites for a visionary leader. As noted in previous emails, things are going in the wrong direction. Without change in the tax laws schools continue to suffer as out-of-state owners are leaving in waves due to the outrageous tax laws, cost of ownership and terrible ROI. This tax base is eroding quickly as property values remain stagnant (don’t believe the Realtors). This trend is unique to HHI compared to other southern coastal communities. The major shortcomings of HHI are well known and cannot be ignored. There’s still time but the current field doesn’t measure up. Guess we’ll continue celebrating traffic circles and planting along Mathews for a few more years.”

— Mark Lawlor

STOP TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SECOND-HOME OWNERS “Thumbs up to you for championing the cause of second-home owners. We introduce our family and friends to the island, who then generate considerable revenue to local businesses, only to be penalized by a tax law that is ill-conceived and an outrageous disregard for our rights. In a real estate environment just beginning to recover, the last thing Hilton Head needs is a reason for part-time owners to leave the island for more favorable tax treatment. Please continue to use your influence to change the system.”

— Carolyn Primavera

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merry christmas!

MAKE NO MISTAKE!

We know of only ONE local heating and air conditioning company that wishes you the happiest of the holiday season and that is…

LOCAL OWNERS:

Pat Epperson Martin Jones Patrick Epperson, Jr.

EAC Heating & Air is NOT in any way affiliated with any Service Experts companies. If you want to do business with our family-owned business, remember to look for the E.A.C. logo in our advertisements.

Thank you to all of our customers for your many years of support!

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Thank You for Voting Us Favorite Heating and Air Company in Bluffton!

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Holiday shopping can be daunting. Dealing with crowds and lines; searching ads for sales; seeking the right gift for the person who has everything — all of these can take some of the joy out of the season of giving.

Not Another FRUITCAKE...

Wouldn’t it be great to lessen some of the holiday shopping stress by finding a single outlet that carries the perfect gift for everyone?

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry offers a solution – a donor advised fund. A donor advised fund is a philanthropic mechanism which allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive a tax benefit in the year the contribution is made, and then recommend grants from the fund be made to support a variety of causes at times convenient or appropriate for the donor.

Wouldn’t it be great to lessen some of the holiday shopping stress by finding a single outlet that carries the perfect gift for everyone?

You can establish a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation within a day, at no cost and with as little as $2,500. While you need to keep $500 in the fund for it to remain viable, that still gives you $2,000 or more to use for your “charitable holiday shopping.”

How does it work? Once you establish the fund, simply select nonprofit organizations to which you’d like a grant to be made from the fund. These grants can be made in the name of one of your clients, employees, friends or family members. Does Sally like cats?

Recommend a gift in her name to a local animal shelter. Does your client enjoy the arts? Suggest a gift in his name to support visual or performing arts through a local arts organization. The culinary artist in the family might love a gift in their name to a food pantry. There is always an appropriate option in education, environment, healthcare, human services, community development and more—and you never have to worry about size or color or duplication—the gift is always just right. And Community Foundation will send the gift and notify the individual being honored. How easy is that?

P A R T N E R

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A donor advised fund simplifies your charitable giving and provides numerous benefits: • Flexibility. The timing of your gifts to the fund you establish reflects when you receive your tax deduction. And you can add to the fund at any time. The timing of the grants you recommend from the fund to other charitable organizations reflects when you want to respond to community needs, or when you want to honor someone with a gift in their name. And assets contributed are flexible as well: cash, stocks, real property, etc. can be used to sustain and grow the fund. Appreciated assets can be an especially attractive gift, since you can possibly avoid or reduce capital gains taxes.

• We are your back-office. The Community Foundation staff takes care of facilitating the grants you recommend and you have access on-line anytime to check the fund’s activity and recommend grants at your convenience. In addition, you no longer need to track receipts from a variety of charities for tax purposes. One-stop shopping means simplification at all levels.

• Grow your philanthropic dollars. The assets in the fund are invested and can grow tax-free, thereby generating more charitable dollars to support the charities you wish to support.

Imagine. Your holiday shopping solution at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry means: • One-stop, low-stress shopping.

• Your gift does far more good in the community than another necktie, tchotchke, or fruitcake. It is not fattening; it won’t need dusting; it won’t prompt exchange due to size or color or allergy or taste.

• Those on your gift list will be honored to be recognized in this way.

• And you also receive a couple of gifts in return: 1) a tax-deduction, and 2) that good feeling you get when the shopping is finished, and that the gift will truly make a difference.

If you are certain you know exactly what items those on your shopping list desire, buy local. And if you aren’t certain, then give local. It is just another way to LIVE GENEROUSLY, and to offer your friends, your community, and yourself a happier and less-stressed holiday season. Call Emmy Rooney at 843-681-9100 or by email at erooney@ cf-lowcountry.org if you want to learn more. And Happy Holidays to all from your Community Foundation!

Denise K. Spencer President and CEO Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

P R O M O T I O N

Denise K. Spencer President and CEO

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Road trip

ďƒŠto Gullah country

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the VIBE

BY SHERRY CONOHAN | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

MUSEUM DIRECTOR VISITS LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AREA’S CULTURE AND ITS PLACE IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

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onnie Bunch, executive director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, sat down for a conversation with Hilton Head Monthly during a recent visit to Beaufort County to learn more about the Gullah people and culture.

Bunch previously spent time in the ’90s studying the Gullah experience from Georgetown, S.C., to Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island in preparation for an exhibition at the Smithsonian that ran from about 1995 until two years ago.

A native of New Jersey, Bunch received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from American University in Washington, D.C., in African-American and American history. He has spent 30 years in the museum field. His work at the Smithsonian Institution began in 1978, when he served as an educational specialist and historian at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. He went on to become a supervising curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History from 1989-92, assistant director of the museum from 1992-94 and associate director from 1994-2000. He then served as president of the Chicago Historical Society until his appointment in July 2005 as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Hilton Head Monthly: What do you hope to take away from your visit to the Gullah community in Beaufort County?

Lonnie Bunch: I know as a historian, just how important this community is — its history, its culture — and what I want to make sure I do is learn the subtleties, the nuances of the culture so as I begin to reinterpret it at the Smithsonian, I’ll know how to do it. I’m already committed to making sure parts of the story are told at the museum. We have an exhibition, part of it looks at Gullah language and Gullah

culture, so I’m already committed to doing that. This is just helping me finetune how I think about it.

What we’ve done is we’ve created a series of exhibitions for when the museum opens in a year and a half, and one of them is called cultural expressions, which looks at a lot of things, one of which is looking at the Gullah language and culture.

But the Gullah community shows up in other places as well. We’ve collected a slave cabin from Edisto Island. We’re going to focus on that cabin and that plantation to talk about the institution of slavery. Obviously, it’s a group with many of its people Gullahs, so that’s part of the story as well. So I’m already committed to making this happen.

So this was a way for me to learn more and quite honestly to develop partnerships so we might do programs together or things that might help. So that’s the reason I’m here.

HHM: That’s wonderful.

LB: I hope so. I really want what I do in Washington to matter around the country, and one of the ways it matters is telling other people’s stories but also finding partnerships on what we can do together.

HHM: You have the cabin already, and what other type of Gullah displays might you have?

LB: I think if I recall correctly we’re looking at an exhibition that would actually talk about Gullah language and its connection to Africa, and I think that’s part of what we’re doing. I’ve also collected things that speak of Gullah creativity. I don’t remember if he’s a blacksmith or an ironworker, named Phillip Simmons. He’s from the Charleston area.

But he also was from the Gullah community and he worked with iron. That’ why we’re telling his story as a way to tell the story of the Gullah community as well.

HHM: When is the museum going to open?

LB: The museum will open anytime between the end of 2015 and the sum-

mer of 2016. If you’ve ever redone your kitchen, you know you don’t control the construction.

I promised President Barack Obama that he would be in office to cut the ribbon and that’s what I’m going to make sure happens.

HHM: Is this going to be a stand-alone building?

LB: Yes. HHM: And it’s along the National Mall?

LB: Yes. It’s being built now right next to the Washington Monument, so it’s in a prime location on the National Mall. It has some of the best views in Washington. My goodness. I can see the Capitol. I can see Lincoln Memorial. I can see Arlington Cemetery. Just beautiful.

HHM: What is the design going to be like? Is it going to be modern?

Traditional?

LB: It’s probably a combination of both. It’s got a bronze corona. It’s basically a bronze-clad building that will glisten and glean in the sun. And one of the things I did was, if you’re doing anything in bronze the architect said you’ve got to basically punch holes in it, you can’t have solid rock, so they were just going to punch holes in it and I said that’s silly, so what I did is I said, “Let’s look at the ironwork of the unknown enslaved crafts people of New Orleans,” so that became a filigree of pattern that’s on the entire building so that you’ll have this corona that will have these designs that are taken from the kind of work done 150 years ago. So in a way, what I was trying to do was say so much of our history is hidden in plain sight. So this building is an homage to all people who did work that nobody knows they did.

HHM: How does the Gullah experience fit in with other African-American history?

LB: In some ways some people could argue that the beginning of AfricanAmerican history can be tied to the origins of this, the fact that so many people in the 18th century came in through December 2014 25

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the VIBE Sullivan’s Island and Savannah and really were a part of this rice and indigo cultivation. So there are probably a lot of African-Americans who are descended from people in this area as they moved farther to Alabama, to South Carolina, to Georgia and Mississippi.

I think the Gullah experience reminds us that there’s not a single AfricanAmerican experience. You can’t say African-Americans were this or that.

What you can say that there were regional variations — that being AfricanAmerican in the Sea Islands was very different than being African-American in, let’s say, New Jersey in the 1950s.

So part of what we want to do is look at different regions. And one of the things I’ve done is we’re doing an exhibition called “The Power of Place.” And we’re looking at regionalism, and one of the regions we’re looking at is the rice area of Gullah. We’re actually going to do a huge piece just on rice culture and rice cultivation and talk about how place shapes the experience of the people who live there. And I really stole the idea from when I was the associate director at the Museum of American History for many years and they would call me and say, “How come I don’t see something about Michigan?” or “I don’t see something about California,” and I decided then that in building this museum that we would create our largest exhibitions that would look at how people lived in the rice culture and Gullah culture in the 19th century, we’re also looking at what is African-American culture in the Bronx in the 1970s, what is it in California in the 1890s.

So it’s really an attempt to give people the sense that there’s not a single experience. And we’re using technology so that people can come and if the stories are their own stories they can share or they can tell us, “You didn’t tell my story, I grew up in X.” And so we’re going to be able to make it a two-way street. So while we’re giving you this exhibition, we expect you to help us to continue to learn and evolve by sharing your stories.

HHM: That’s going to be great.

LB: I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. My staff says, “My God, how are we going to do it?” And I say, “I’ve got faith in you. You’ll figure it out.”

HHM: What has most impressed you so far about the Gullah institutions and life?

LB: I’ve been so taken by the passion

that people have to preserve the culture, to make sure both that it’s understood but also to make it accessible so that other people can understand how important it is. And I’ve met with a variety of organizations. I met with what I believe is the Beaufort Black Chamber of Commerce and I went to Penn Center, and I have been really struck how everybody I’ve talked to has been so committed to educating the public about this culture.

And the other thing that hit me about this was as I went around and met a lot of people, I was convinced if this area can find ways to bring these groups together to collaborate, I would think the Gullah culture, the Gullah history really is a way to push heritage tours. Even though people come here to play golf and to go to the beach, I also think a lot of people come for history.

And if there was a way to pull it together, whether its Mitchelville or other places, I think that could really be part of the economic engine here.

HHM: You’ve probably heard about the Gullah bus tour on Hilton Head Island.

LB: I’m about to go tomorrow, so I don’t know anything about it yet.

HHM: You’ve met a lot of Gullah people down here, how do you find them?

How do you describe them?

LB: It’s interesting — I met a lot of people who are middle-aged and older, so I don’t know how to comment on the younger generation, I only had a chance to chat with them briefly – but how I find them? I find people who are becoming more and more comfortable with their identity, who are sort of recognizing there should never have been a moment when one was ashamed of one’s culture.

And that the preservation of Gullah as a language and a culture is something that contributes to the richness of America.

So I came away with people feeling a real sense that they are part of a bigger story. And they just want to be recognized as such.

Then I was really struck by the creativity of the people I met. I met storytellers who have amazing stories and musicians who I wish I had heard of them before I got here. So I guess I was taken by the

creativity and the compassion and the commitment.

I was also struck — even though I’m a good historian and I’ve done work down here years ago — how much I still have to learn about the culture and the people here. So that was another thing that came across as I met a lot of people.

HHM: Are you coming back?

LB: I will be back and my staff will be back, that’s for sure.

HHM: What kind of future do you see for the Gullah culture?

LB: I asked that of almost everybody. I asked how the younger generation is. I think meeting people in their late 40s, 50s, 60s, they’re committed to keeping the culture alive. I think that no matter what happens the culture will stay alive. It’s that powerful.

I think the question becomes how do you help people get excited about it. If non-Gullah kids get excited about it, it also helps Gullah kids get excited about it. So that they begin to learn the language again and learn the traditions and the sayings that help guide people.

I guess like anything, it’s going to change and evolve, but my hope is there is enough of both commitment and collaboration that would allow to get this back in the schools and there would be more programs and more museum exhibitions so that people want to see how this culture, the rice culture, has shaped our economic prosperity of the United States in its early period. So I believe very strongly that the culture will stay alive, but it’s got to be made important to younger generations, both Gullah and non-Gullah.

This in a way is a small homecoming for me because I did a lot of work from Georgetown, S.C., to Mitchelville on Hilton Head in the mid ’90s, and I did an exhibition at the Smithsonian that talked about the Gullah culture, talked about Mitchelville, that talked about rice plantations, and that exhibit was at the Smithsonian from about 1995 until they just took it down two years ago, so it was up for a long time. So I did a lot of work here in 1989, 1990, ’91. It’s nice to come back and see some of the people I knew.

I haven’t been back regularly, but for a couple of little things. M

“EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE COME HERE TO PLAY GOLF AND TO GO TO THE BEACH, I ALSO THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE COME FOR HISTORY.”

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the VIBE

VIETNAM WAR HELICOPTER PILOTS REUNITE AFTER 44 YEARS

BY DEAN ROWLAND | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

It could have been any reunion anywhere in the country of seven longtime friends who hadn’t been together as a group in 44 years. They told stories about the old days, interrupted each other midsentence with different recollections of the memories being shared, laughed, shared a tear recalling certain decisive moments carved into memory, and told one another to speak up because they couldn’t hear very well anymore.

It

Pictured from left is Don Ericksen, Bob Buffington, Al Goodspeed, Dave Mitchell, Phil Lange, Joe Byrd and Bill Pond.

could have been any high school reunion, with old friends talking about life way back when Nixon was president and the “summer of love” had just ended and a man walked on the moon.

Except these friends were also members of a certain brotherhood. And their reunion at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort last month was to reflect on the time they shared as helicopter pilots in the Vietnam War from mid-1968 to mid-1970.

Past and present rolled into one emotional jumble of gratitude and bonding over the events that brought them together when they were 20 to 26 years old.

On the first day of the three-day gathering, seven pilots met in a conference room for several hours to tell their war stories — the day, the time, the weather conditions, the conflict, who they were with and their feelings about what they experienced.

All were members of the 7th of the 1st Air Cavalry squadron (three more pilots

would arrive at the reunion later that Friday afternoon), nicknamed the Black Hawks, who were based at an Army airfield at Vinh Long in southern Vietnam about an hour’s flight south of Saigon. All flew between 800-1,500 helicopter hours during their military time in Southeast Asia.

“We were 24/7 together, and no matter what happened the day before, you woke up at 5 and there’s a board on the hooch, where we lived, and it said where you’re going and who’s flying with who, and you’re going on the next mission,” said Al Goodspeed, an Atlanta resident and former first lieutenant and captain who was shot down three times and earned three Purple Hearts. “Whatever happened yesterday, if Dean got killed or Gary got shot in the head, that’s gone. You don’t have time to grieve over it, think over it. You’ve got your next mission and you go out there … and I think that’s why a lot of people have trouble when they get home.”

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the VIBE Each day began like the day before in the delta on the northern split of the Mekong River. The mission commander flew in a Huey helicopter with a copilot at 500 feet. At 1,500 feet, flying in a big, wide circle, two heavily armed Cobra attack helicopters watched and waited. About 10 feet above the rice paddies were a lead and a wing scout pilot aboard Loach copters, hunting and locating the enemy.

If the scout Loaches were shot at, which happened regularly, they would drop colored smoke to mark the Vietcong’s location, then fly off while the Cobra gunships fired rockets. Four other Hueys were on standby for each of the day’s three twohour missions, and would drop off South Vietnamese ground soldiers near the target site if necessary.

“The guns are hitting the tree line beside us as we drop in, and I was in this state of shock … and you could see these muzzle flashes over in the woods and I looked back, and in my trance, this ship in front of me started to burn off ammunition and apparently a round of cooked-off ammunition comes flying back and flicks against my windshield, ping, you know, like this, and that snapped me back to attention,” said Dave Mitchell of Bluffton, the reunion’s organizer and a warrant officer during the Vietnam War who was shot down once in his 18 months of action. “Off to my right, Bob (Towe, a warrant officer and later chief warrant officer who did not attend the reunion) is standing, walking like a peg-legged man in a circle like this and he has a cut over one eye and it’s like, he was like just a dummy.”

“He was a dummy,” Texan Joe Byrd, a military lifer and first lieutenant during the Vietnam War, joked to the group.

Mitchell and the rest of his crewman dragged Towe into the helicopter “and then we just lifted over the trees and got the hell away from there.”

One after another, story after story, the former pilots spoke in somber, almost monotone voices. Nothing but the facts for this group of Vietnam veterans.

“A week or so later I wake up, I was sleeping on a down day … I get up and they’re all talking, the major and the first sergeant have left in the middle of the night under armed guards and straight jackets and the two of them were both having nervous breakdowns,” Mitchell said, recalling one incident. “They were out in the middle of the night … on the main active runway, in their underwear, drunk as lords, on squadron frequency,

yelling, taunting and teasing each other so everybody is listening to this.”

The men all used words such as “fear,” “confusion,” “anxiety,” “shock,” “kill or be killed,” “comradery,” “brotherhood” and “boredom” to describe their time serving in the Vietnam War. They also agreed that, whether they knew it or not at the time, they had nightly therapy sessions in their hooch, sharing that day’s events, laughing as young guys do and letting out pent-up feelings, if only for an hour or two.

“A lot of (the skirmishes) I can’t remember anymore because we just got into it almost every day … but the one we call the 502nd North Vietnamese Army Battalion is one I still remember virtually every night because it comes back and haunts me,” said Bob Buffington from Georgia, a warrant officer who later became a police detective in Atlanta as a civilian.

“We started moving in closer and blowing some grass away and found some bloody bandages and even some weapons leaning up against the trees,” Buffington said. “A colonel got hit and they brought in a new command-in-control guy, and by this time they knew we were there and we knew they were there and so the shooting was pretty rampant and we had taken a couple of hits … so I moved out into a wide open field with some palm trees and some other stuff between them and the bunker line where the bad guys were and I popped smoke (to mark the enemy’s position). And we brought in a platoon, but they were on the wrong frequency (and couldn’t receive communication about the impending disaster that lay ahead). Their lead element was already within 20 or 30 yards of the bunker line and everything just opened up and they shot them to pieces … I mean they were just being ripped apart. They started putting those machine guns together … some kid had gotten a belly wound and they said he wasn’t going to make it. I went in to try to pick the kid up (in the copter) and they had him tied between two M16s and a poncho and just as soon as I got into position and started lowering down so they could put him in, the whole world opened up and they killed everybody and we were shot in pieces. That’s when you guys got overrun that night, and then the bad guys went into the jungle (in Cambodia).”

These pilots’ lifelong relationships have lasted longer than most of their marriages.

The men still experience sleepless nights

and adrenaline rushes when an unexpected noise startles them or certain smells trigger graphic memories. It took most of them years to come to terms with their war experiences, especially after they say most of the nation turned their backs on them upon their return home after the war.

The vets were angry and disillusioned and eventually went their separate ways.

But they have each other now, as they did 44 years ago.

“I just want to say that you couldn’t be with a greater bunch of professionals doing the things that we did. Most people would never believe some of the things we did. Everybody had their job to do: the helicopter pilots, the infantrymen, the Air Force guys,” said Don Erickson of Long Island, N.Y., who was a first lieutenant during the war. “The pilots I flew with were the best in the world at that time and congratulations to all you guys, including me.

It was great to be in a great unit; we really did our jobs the way it was supposed to be done.”

Bill Pond, a first lieutenant and later platoon leader who was shot down four times during the war, said “it was very, very emotional” seeing his brothers at the hotel after so many years apart. “It was just wonderful.” M

TOP: Scout Platoon in early 1969, standing outside the back door of their living quarters. From left, reunion attendees Joe Byrd, Bob Buffington, Al Goodspeed (fourth from left), Bill Pond (sixth from left) and Dave Mitchell (seventh from left). ABOVE: Buffington, left, standing beside a Loach helicopter.

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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

the VIBE

Submit photos from your trip by e-mailing editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com.

Where in the world is Monthly? u Frank Babel with Monthly in Vilnius, Lithuania, starting a bike ride across the country.

 The Czepil family took Monthly to Denali National Forest in Alaska.

p Judi and Ron Clifford took Monthly and the Team Clifford banner to the ALS walk in Indianapolis.

p Sandro Virag, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio Hilton Head Bluffton, took Monthly to Paris, France.

p Erich Schmid took time to visit the Brandenburg Gate while in Berlin speaking to the European Chapter of the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors.  Tom and Nancy Ridgway took Monthly to the harbor in Saint-Tropez.

 Dennis and Nancy Mahoney at Heroes Square in Budapest, Hungary.

p Kate Thorndike took Monthly to St. Davids in Wales, the smallest city in the country. t Jill Harrison  Mieke and Hendrik Smit took took this photo Monthly to the temples in Bagan, of her husMyanmar. band, Robin, and their two children, John and Elisabeth, with Monthly on the beaches of Club Med, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

t Will, Victoria and Pierce Libertoff with Mickey Mouse and Monthly at Disney World.

p Monthly took a ride on The London Eye with Jerri Witten and David Plitt.

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M BUSINESS

SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY BY

shopping local this holiday

BY MARC FREY

The Christmas countdown is on and small business need our help.

C

hristmas is the time of giving. We all could give back to our community by shopping locally instead of ordering something from a catalog or website.

Indeed, shopping more locally has a big affect on the area’s economy, and it makes you feel good on top of that.

Let’s consider a few of the top reasons to shop locally:

Local character and prosperity:

In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-ofa-kind businesses and distinctive characters have an economic advantage.

Community well-being: Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships and contributing to local causes.

Local decision-making: Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

Public benefits and costs: Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big-box stores and strip shopping malls.

Environmental sustainability: Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers, which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air and water pollution.

Competition: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long term.

Product diversity: A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan

but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

The human factor: Nothing can replace talking to a shop owner, a knowledgeable member of the sales team or an artisan. Learning from their experience, their passion for the product or service, where it came from, how it was made and what makes it special.

The person receiving the gift will feel that you put some thought into finding and choosing the item and it will have more meaning for them. M For more on the benefits of shopping locally, go to www.ilsr.org.

Keeping dollars in the local economy: Compared to chain stores,

locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenues back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

Job and wages: Locally owned businesses create more jobs in the community and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains.

Entrepreneurship: Business owners’ drive fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity and serves as a key means for families to move out of lowwage jobs and into the middle class.

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BUSINESS

SO WHAT SHOULD WE LEARN FROM THE

MIDTERM ELECTION?

BY ELIHU SPENCER

I thought it might be fun to take a good look at the midterm election results and think about how they might affect Hilton Head Island residents. In the words of President Barack Obama, “(he) wasn’t on the ballot but his policies were.”

So

how did election night feel, Mr. President?

The pundits and talking heads, even the ones on Fox News, didn’t see the magnitude of voter dissatisfaction with the White House or Congress. According to exit polls, the major driver of dissatisfaction was the state of our economy.

After nearly six years of recession and tepid recovery, American voters spoke, and the message is we want a more pro-growth set of policies coming out of Washington.

With the control of Congress squarely in Republican hands now that they control 52 seats in the Senate and 244 seats in the House of Representatives, the most seats held by Republicans since Herbert Hoover, they control the political agenda. But life in Washington is complex, and in the U.S. Senate, it is even more so. Remember, it takes 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and 67 votes to override a presidential veto. That is further confused by the fact that the 2016 presidential election cycle will kick off in approximately one year, and Washington is likely to shut down again until November 2016. Lawmakers’ window of opportunity will only be open for a short time and much needs to be done.

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BUSINESS

Lawmakers’ window of opportunity will only be open for a short time and much needs to be done.

So what will Congress go to work on that might directly impact us here on Hilton Head?

So what will Congress go to work on that might directly impact us here on Hilton Head? First, there’s the lowhanging fruit, which includes approving the Keystone XL pipeline, which will result in immediate job creation and eventually lower gas prices here on the island.

The Keystone XL pipeline has bipartisan support in the Senate that could override a presidential veto if it came to that. Second on the agenda is the prospect of actually passing a federal budget. While the direct impact of the passing of a budget will be difficult to localize here, the national confidence level in our system will increase and uncertainty diminish. The third area, which actually has some bipartisan support in the Senate, is tax reform.

While efforts will be limited at this point to corporate reform, this work will likely have a positive impact on equity markets and as such produce a wealth effect here on Hilton Head.

Other areas of finding some middle ground include immigration reform and granting new authority to negotiate trade agreements. Again, while these issues do not have any direct impact on our local economy, the more Congress and the

president can do to minimize uncertainty will calm the nerves of locals and put our national economy back on the road to normalcy.

Where we shouldn’t expect much to change is an area that has been the prime target for Republicans: the Affordable Care Act. Hopefully, both parties will see that this is a no-go issue for the Obama administration and not push this one too hard. There are certainly tweaks that can be made around medical devises, repealing the employer tax and a redefinition of full-time work to 40 hours. Based on the fact that the ACA has resulted in an additional 1 million Americans being insured and premium increases for 2015 being well under projections, this may be an issue for 2016 and beyond.

In closing, it is important to recognize that the new Republican-controlled Congress may have a short fuse on making its influence felt. In 2016, the election map favors Democrats in the Senate. All of these issues taken together represent a wonderful opportunity for the United States, South Carolina and Hilton Head to return to solid growth and a more “normal” economic environment. M Elihu Spencer is a local amateur economist with a long business history in global finance. His life work has been centered on understanding credit cycles and their impact on local economies. The information contained in this article has been obtained from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

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BUSINESS M

A view

from

above

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLUTION REACHES THE LOWCOUNTRY

BY CHRIS KATON | PHOTOS BY HAWKEYE PHOTOGRAPHY

T

hink back to the last concert or festival you attended. Did you spot a remote-control helicopter hovering above the treetops?

Did you wave and smile? There’s a good chance that you were on camera being filmed by someone embracing the new trend of drone photography. The new technology is an inexpensive way to capture stunning aerial images with a bird’seye view.

“Advances in modern electronics and digital technology allow the device to be lightweight, portable and relatively easy to use,” says professional photographer Jack Davis.

Like many photographers, Davis is experiencing the explosion in the digital photography revolution firsthand and has experimented with drone photography as an option for his clients.

Seeing him operate the device makes

it seem simple enough. He places the small helicopter in the middle of a field, flips a few switches on his handheld control panel and within a few minutes, the drone is up and flying.

During a test run, he launched his remote-control helicopter from the first tee of a golf course and recorded video, showing obstacles and strategic landing zones and approach points.

“The technology offers limitless possibili-

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The new technology of drone photography is an inexpensive way to capture stunning aerial images with a bird’s-eye view.

ties for flyovers and virtual tours,” he said.

Research shows the one-of-a-kind video is being embraced by everyone from Realtors to sportscasters and film production companies.

“Not so fast,” warns Sean Barth. “This is primitive technology that is completely self regulating right now. Yes, we are on the cutting edge of developing some really cool stuff, but it’s important to remember safety first.”

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The one-of-a-kind video captured by drones is being embraced by everyone from Realtors to sportscasters and film production companies.

Barth, an associate professor of hospitality management at the University of South Carolina, has partnered with computer engineer Juan Jordan with the goal of making the technology safer and even more user-friendly.

“We’re using global positioning satellites and writing algorithms that allow us to engage with our students on a whole new level,” Barth said. “What better way to teach hard-core math and science skills than engaging students in an activity that is technology based and is cutting edge?”

Barth is quick to remind would-be drone pilots that while on the surface everything looks cool, safety has got to be the first and last thing that you think about every time you fly.

“Right now, it can be like the Wild West out here,” said one local photographer who preferred to remain nameless. “I’ve been told that potential damages aren’t necessary covered under general liability insurance, and the technology is so new that no one really knows what’s going to happen if and when accidents occur.”

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration say the technology is so new that regulations regarding training and licensing will not be made public until fall 2015. Until then, no one really knows who would be liable if one of the remote control drones were to crash and cause serious injury.

Meanwhile, Barth isn’t taking any chances. “I’m studying for

my commercial pilot license so that I can become an expert in operating the drones and am working with my students and a business partner to develop algorithms that will make the new technology even safer,” he said.

Many advocates of the new technology view drones as the next step in the evolution of the art of photography, giving photographers the ability to capture nearly any event in a new and interesting way. Proponents warn of liability, risk, security and privacy concerns.

Other uses could be as varied as the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Chamber of Commerce conducting a flyover down Pope Avenue to get an accurate attendance count at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or for use during the annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, where hospitality tax revenue is based on population figures.

“With this technology, we would have real-time numbers with pictures to back it up,” Barth said. “Want to know how many people are on Coligny Beach on Fourth of July weekend? Just send up a drone.”

“I foresee a day when thermal imaging units on drones can be programmed to perform a coordinated grid search that the Coast Guard can use for search and rescue to save lives,” Barth said. “I just feel privileged to know that we’re helping to shape the future.” M

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BUSINESS

ON THE MOVE NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS

Fielden

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Hinman

Samhat

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Fueled by the agency’s growth, group46 Marketing announces a new team member, Jane Fielden, as account executive and graphic designer. Fielden, who joins group46 with a 10-year background in marketing, design and print production, will be charged with management of accounts and in-house creative. Her appointment comes on the heels of growth and new client accounts obtained by the agency. Fielden comes on board after working for the area’s largest local printer, Accurate Lithograph. During her tenure with Accurate she worked closely with clients to ensure strong print collateral to effectively market their business.

Family Promise of Beaufort County has named Judy Hinman the new executive director. Her previous experience includes serving as the executive director of The Seabrook on Hilton Head Island. She then moved to Atlanta to open a new community for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. George Village. From there she relocated to Charleston, where she served as an ombudsman for the State Office of Aging and volunteered at the Hope Lodge for the American Cancer Society and for Crisis Ministries.

Hinman has three adult children, three grandchildren and one on the way.

The Hilton Head Island Barbershoppers have selected Tom Ewald to become director of the group’s Lighthouse Chorus, according to Don Tartock, president of the local chapter of the International Barbershop Harmony Society. The

SPEX OPENS AT FRESH MARKET SHOPPES Spex, a destination for stylish eyewear and sunwear, is now open at 890 William Hilton Parkway at the Fresh Market Shoppes.

Doctors Daniel and Natalie Lieberman complete the team comprised of Billy Simmons, manager, and Jeanine Lundstrom, ABOC. Evening and weekend hours available. 843-681-2020.

Spexoptical.com. Pictured from left are Dr. Daniel Lieberman; Dr. Natalie Lieberman; Robert Rich; Jeanine Lundstrom; Billy Simmons and Boyce Moffitt.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NAMES NEW VP FOR MARKETING Jean Heyduck has joined the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as vice president for marketing and communications. She will conceptualize and implement marketing, communication and public relations initiatives that build and promote the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s brand, image and strategic goals. Heyduck has more than 20 years of experience in agency, healthcare, financial services and nonprofit marketing, communications and public relations in Illinois, Wisconsin and South Carolina.

She most recently served as executive director for The Literacy Center, located in Bluffton. Heyduck earned a master’s degree in communication from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University.

Hilton Head chapter is one of 27 chapters in the Carolinas District comprised of North and South Carolina and Savannah. For information regarding membership, appearances at homes or businesses, contact the local chapter at 843-290-9517, by e-mail at contact1@hhibarbershoppers.org or online at www.hhibarbershoppers.org.

Bank of America is pleased to announce that Elaine Honegger has joined its company as a mortgage loan officer. She has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage banking business, working in sales, management, recruiting, training and customer service. She relocated to Hilton Head Island a little over a year ago from Arizona.

NBSC, a division of Synovus Bank, announces the appointments of Dr. Nayef H. Samhat and Toya Hampton Green to its South Carolina board of directors. A native of Michigan, Dr. Samhat is president of Wofford College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University’s School of

International and Public Affairs, a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. Dr. Samhat joined Wofford after having served as provost and professor of political science and international studies at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Prior to his time at Kenyon, he was the Frank B. and Virginia B. Hower Associate Professor of Government and International Studies and an associate dean of the college at Centre College in Danville, Ky. Green is special counsel at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in the Charleston office. She works on the public finance team and focuses her practice on school district financing.

She also works with other Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd attorneys on behalf of counties, cities, special purpose districts and utility service systems.

The town of Bluffton has promoted Kim Jones, formerly director of the stormwater management division, to director of engineering and public works. In this position, Jones will supervise three town divisions: engineering, stormwater management and public works. Jeremy Ritchie, formerly assistant director of stormwater management, is now the director of the town’s stormwater division. His duties include overseeing the town’s monitoring, restoration and protection of the May River. Jones’ responsibilities include supervising all infrastructure projects, capital improvement projects, parks, facilities, asset management projects and buildings, as well

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as providing guidance for water resources management.

Gina Cavano has been promoted to consumer services operations manager for Atlantic Community Bank. Cavano moved to the Lowcountry in 2004 from Boston. She has more than 26 years of experience in the real estate mortgage and banking industry.

Cavano earned an associate’s degree in finance from Newbury College. She began her career as a mortgage loan closer and her most recent experience before joining the ACB team was as a mortgage underwriter.

Gina has experience in processing, quality control management, underwriting and mortgage loan servicing.

Bluffton Center for Dentistry welcomes Sarah Anne Blanchard, DDS, to its practice.

Blanchard recently relocated to Beaufort from the Chicago area with her husband, who is an active-duty officer for the Navy Dental Corps.

She will be focusing her practice on children’s dentistry. She is now accepting new patients at the Beaufort location. She attended Indiana University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Dr. Blanchard continued her studies and graduated with a DDS from Indiana University School of Dentistry.

AWARDS/CERTIFICATES Hilton Head Hospital received the top grade in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2014 Safety Score, representing the hospital’s continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality health care services to the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Okatie communities. The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score is a rating system designed to give consumers information they can use to make healthcare decisions for themselves or a loved one. In other news, Hilton Head Hospital’s Breast Health Center has been granted a three-year full re-accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Hilton Head Hospital Breast Health Center was first accredited by NAPBC in September 2011. In addition, the Hilton Head Hospital Breast Health Center was identified as establishing a “best practice” for its work relating to its clinical trial information and its work will be included in the NAPBC Best Practice Repository. This repository provides documents and other tools that breast December 2014 45

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BUSINESS centers may find useful in meeting NAPBC Standards.

Jones

Ritchie

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The designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative has been conferred upon Jennifer Riedel, commercial account executive of BB&T Carswell Insurance Services in Bluffton, after successful completion of five one-day courses covering all areas of insurance risks and exposures, followed by extensive examinations. The CISR Program, available to insurance professionals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, is distinguished from other programs of its kind by an annual continuing education requirement, which ensures that designees stay current on the important policy changes and trends within the industry. The CISR designation is awarded by the Society of CISR, a notfor-profit organization and member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, the nation’s premier provider of insurance and risk management education.

C. Thomas DeWitt, CPA, of Robinson Grant & Co. recently attended the 2014 AICPA Peer Review Program Conference in Denver.

All South Carolina certified public accountants who perform attestation engagements are required to undergo a peer review once every three years. DeWitt is qualified to perform such peer reviews. DeWitt and Amy Graybill, CPA of Robinson Grant & Co., recently attended the 2014 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update education seminar.

Beach Properties of Hilton Head honored Gary and Tanya Young for their 14 years of dedicated service to their vacation rental owners and guests. The Youngs were presented with a plaque commemorating their time with Beach Properties at the company’s annual End of Season event Oct. 16. The event was held at

Jarvis Creek Park under the Beach Properties Fitness Pavilion, built in honor of the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Collins Group Realty, the 2011 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, has been named to a list of the “Top 200 Real Estate Agents in America 2014” by Real Estate Executive Magazine. Recognized for their annual yearly sales volume, the team at Collins Group Realty was celebrated by the magazine for the “service, dedication, and hard work that they put into serving their clients.”

Collins Group Realty is a leading real estate firm with offices on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton and Beaufort.

The firm specializes in residential real estate sales of homes, villas and home sites in the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, greater Beaufort and Daufuskie Island areas.

NEW BUSINESS When Lowcountry fauna get too close for comfort, property owners now have a professional, experienced wildlife and pest control option. K & K Wildlife Services opened for business in October and offers organic pest control, trapping and nuisance wildlife management services for commercial and residential properties in Beaufort County. K & K Wildlife Services, based in Bluffton, can remove bats, rats, mice, flying squirrels, gray squirrels, feral cats, fox, deer, alligators,

PLAYER’S WORLD OF SPORTS MOVES TO SHELTER COVE 36 "

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T. Young

The Greenery has hired Tim Drake as residential business developer and landscape enhancement designer. Drake will be working closely with The Greenery’s current residential clients on their design needs, as well as meeting the needs of any new clients. He has worked in the landscape and green industry his whole life and in the Lowcountry for more than 20 years. He most recently worked with ValleyCrest for 15 years.

Player’s World of Sports – locally owned and operated by the Jilly Family – is moving to the new Shelter Cove Towne Centre in December. The new store is located on the Towne Center Main Street, Suite 130, around the corner from Kroger. 843-842-5100.

Projecting sign to be 3” thick Copy routed- dimensional logo applied 1 ½” thick +

raccoons, opossums, armadillos, snakes, otters, hogs, birds, and other Lowcountry critters. K & K Wildlife will identify the problem, determine a solution, and design a custom plan to remove the animals, repair the entry points, and clean up the mess left behind. Owner and operator Matt Kraycar has been solving nuisance wildlife problems for Beaufort County property owners since 2003. He has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from West Virginia University.

BUSINESS NEWS ArtWare has moved from its Main Street Village location to Shelter Cove Towne Centre. The gift shop decided to make the move just in time for the holiday season. The new location has allowed the store to expand its inventory while still keeping the same pricing. When it’s cold out, you can warm your hands by the faux fire in front of the vintage camper display.

ArtWare celebrates all the assets of the Lowcountry. For more information, call 843-682-3400.

Rita Manley Agency an independent property and casualty agency, has purchased Louis A. Casolo & Associates, also an independent agency. The office has been moved to 4 Office Way, Suite C, Hilton Head Island, which is located on the second floor of the PNC Bank building. The phone number remains the same at 843-785-9002. The mailing address is 7 McIntosh Rd., Hilton Head Island, 29926.

Refreshment Services of the Low Country, headquartered in Hilton Head Island, has entered into an agreement with Savannah Coffee Roasters to become its exclusive distributor. Refreshment Services was founded in 2007 and provides office coffee service, bottled water,

1'-1 1/4"

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Green

THE GREENERY WELCOMES TIM DRAKE

Facade graphic to be 3” thick HDU painted flat black to match awning

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paper and break room supplies to hundreds of companies throughout Jasper, Hampton, Allendale, Beaufort and Colleton counties in South Carolina and Chatham, Bryan, Liberty and Bulloch counties in Georgia.

As food banks around the country begin collecting food for the holidays, Kroger is making it easy this year to “Can Hunger” in Hilton Head and Bluffton through donations to the Low Country Food Bank and other local Feeding America Food Banks. Through Dec. 24, Kroger customers can purchase $1, $3 or $5 icons to help provide food for area families in need. All donations collected in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas will benefit the Low Country Food Bank.

Amy Lee Hamilton, previous owner and operator of The Salon at Indigo Pines, has relocated to Tara’s at Moss Creek. Tara’s at Moss Creek is a full-service hair salon for men, women and children. With over 20 years experience in the industry, Hamilton is excited for this new opportunity to serve new and existing clients.

Coastal Properties, serving the Okatie and Sun City areas in addition to Jasper and Beaufort counties, has announced the addition of three services for its clients. Coastal Concierge is the Lowcountry’s first elite, allencompassing concierge service featuring a specially equipped team that is eager to help clients settle in to their new homes and rentals, providing a vast array of services focusing on seamlessly easing the client into their new residences. Coastal Rentals is a full-service property management offering that delivers distinction in home rentals.

On May 26, Run Hilton Head held the second annual Run for Rose 5K at Hilton Head Lakes in honor of Rose Schlosser, a longtime Hilton Head resident who has battled colorectal cancer for more than six years. In October, Schlosser presented a check for $4,500 to Dr. Michael Menefee of Mayo Clinic, a leading research hospital in developing strategies to detect, prevent and cure colorectal cancer.

Palmetto Animal League’s second annual Artisans Fur Animals event on Oct. 10 was a huge success thanks to the animal-loving community. About 250 attended the event held at the Hilton Head Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram showroom at the New River Auto Mall and raised more than $20,000 to support PAL’s No-Kill Adoption Center and Community Clinic located at Okaties’s Riverwalk Business Park.

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Headed to church?

DON’T FORGET YOUR SMART DEVICE It might surprise you to discover that the one spot you thought would be off limits for using your smartphone is fast becoming one of the biggest embracers of technology. BY CHARLIE CLARK

L

owCountry Community Church in Bluffton and the church it launched a few years ago, Hilton Head Island Community Church, are both utilizing technology on Sunday morning and throughout the week to reach out to new and existing churchgoers in a way they say makes perfect sense in today’s technology- driven world.

The theology hasn’t changed, but the method of delivery is staying current, relevant and relational, according to LowCountry’s lead pastor, Jeff Cranston. Using technology to deliver the church’s message seems to be working. LowCountry Community Church was recently named one of the fastest growing churches in North America.

This Christmas, the church

expects to see more than 3,000 people at its multiple Christmas Eve services.

How’s technology being used in church these days?

It’s not uncommon to hear LowCountry’s progressive pastors ask churchgoers to get out their Bibles or mobile devices to reference a verse in church.

Free Bible apps are readily available online and easily downloadable.

The traditional church bulletin is also becoming a thing of the past. At Hilton Head Community Church, you can follow along with the message using the church’s new app, which includes all the message notes and Bible references in real time. And on Sunday mornings, lead pastor Todd Cullen isn’t reading from a traditional Bible as he preaches; he’s using his iPad instead.

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HOLIDAY Want to sign up for a church event or check your child in at the children’s ministry program? It can all be done via smartphone, or via iPads that are available in the lobby at LowCountry Community Church.

With the vast majority of Americans glued to their cellphones, these pastors believe using technology helps them meet people where they are and how they communicate every day. Both say that the Christmas season is a particularly important time to reach out in a relevant way since for some, Christmas and Easter may be their only exposure to church for the year. “It’s the time of year when people are searching for something meaningful,” Cullen said. Both he and Cranston noted the holiday season is a time when people are tuned in to family and connecting, and that technology can make it easier. Both churches are also very active on Facebook and other social media in an effort to reach the community.

Out of town, or nursing a sick child at home on Sunday morning? Not a problem at LowCountry Community Church, where the three Sunday morning services are live-streamed via the church’s website and are available online throughout the week.

There’s virtually no area of church activity that’s untouched by technology these days, even when it comes to giving and missions work. Donations can be made via the churches’ websites and mobile apps, and Cullen notes

his church has even Skyped with missionaries on the other side of the world.

Both are quick to note that technology doesn’t change the message of Christ they’re called to convey, it merely changes the method by which it’s delivered.

These two churches are on the cutting edge of church technology in the Lowcountry, but both pastors agree churches in many larger metropolitan areas have embraced technology, as can be seen in congregations in Atlanta or in Charleston, where megachurches like Seacoast Church or Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church live-stream Sunday morning messages onto realistic, life-size video screens at multiple campuses.

When asked whether he thinks church is getting “too convenient” with the ability to watch church live online from home, Cranston is quick to point out that live-streaming a service doesn’t take the place of a real connection with real people in a church community. “It’s a gateway for some people, and one that can make them more comfortable with church,” he said. “The goal is always to bring them into the church community and connecting with others through life groups and other activities.”

If you’re wondering where to head to church this Christmas season, the answer may be as close as your smartphone or tablet. Two devices you won’t have to leave behind on Sunday morning for these two progressive Lowcountry churches. M

For more information on Christmas services and other church information, check out LowCountry Community Church at www.lowcountrycc.org/ and Hilton Head Community Church at www.hiltonheadcc.org. You can also download their apps online or go to their Facebook and Twitter pages.

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HOLIDAY

Sultans of Sparkle: Each year, Jim and Carolyn Neely decorate their Port Royal Plantation home and property with nearly 40,000 lights.

Jim and Carolyn Neely’s house, Port Royal Plantation (seen from U.S. 278 across from Hilton Head Fire & Rescue Station 3) Lights on: Nov. 27-Jan. 3 How bright: Nearly 40,000 white and colored lights Why it’s cool: You can see the Neelys’ house, which is completely outlined in white lights, right from U.S. 278, which eliminates the hassle of trying to enter a gated community to get your holiday light fix. “Everyone thinks that the holiday season begins when the Neelys turn on their lights,” said Carolyn Neely.

Special feature: When Jim and Carolyn Neely moved to Hilton Head Island 18 years ago, their son, James, was 3 years old. That first Lowcountry Christmas, Jim outlined the house in white lights and decorate three trees in the backyard in honor of James.

They’ve added one tree each year, which means this holiday season 21 trees around the Neelys’ Port Royal Plantation backyard will be illuminated. “This year, we’ve got a big oak tree close to the house that we’re going to do red, white and blue,” Neely said.

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Holiday Lights Contribute to Your Cool Yule

BY ROBYN PASSANTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HRIZUK e’re not sure why Christmas lights are a thing, but it doesn’t really matter because they’re cool, and things that are cool don’t need an explanation.

They just are.

Anyone who has lived on Hilton Head Island for a while still remembers the magic of Dove Street lighting up the holidays. The Dove Street lights went dim several years ago, but they are back this year in a new location.

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Founders of the original festival collaborated with Shelter Cove Towne Center to recreate the cherished holiday event. There are also a few other great spots around the Lowcountry where the same kind of twinkling magic can be seen all through the month of December.

So grab a Thermos of hot chocolate, pile the kids in the car, cue up some holiday tunes and head to these makeshift winter wonderlands. Trust us — it’s cool.

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HOLIDAY

Town of Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue Station 3 (534 William Hilton Parkway) Lights on: Nov. 28 until just after New Year’s Day How bright: 900 bundles of lights and animated light displays

Dove Street Festival of Lights, Shelter Cove Towne Centre Lights on: Dec. 1 until Jan. 4 How bright: Park your car and gather under the canopy of thousands of lights.

Why it’s cool: What started as a quaint neighborhood festival transformed into one of the community’s most loved, attended and supported holiday events. The neighborhood decided to pull the plug on the event four years ago after it outgrew its Dove Street location. Now, the tradition is back. Store fronts will represent Dove Street homes.

Special feature: Visitors will be able to gain entrance to the festival through both the Kroger and Belk sides of Towne Centre. The Deep Well Project and Programs for Exceptional People will be accepting donations onsite.

Why it’s cool: You can drive through the fire station’s wonderland of lights in a loop around the station itself. “It is over the top. We have a little ice skating rink scene, a manger scene, Christmas trees, several wreaths,” said Cinda Seamon, fire and life safety educator for Hilton Head Fire & Rescue. “Kids love it and grown-ups love it. That’s why we keep doing it.”

Special feature: Keep The Wreath Green, an 8-foot wreath loaded with green lights greets visitors who enter the light display loop. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, every time there is a preventable fire on Hilton Head — accidents due to candles, cooking and space heaters are more common this time of year — one of the green lights will be switched to white. “It’s really just to remind people about fire safety,” Seamon said. “A success story would be if the wreath remains green the whole season.”

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Harbour Town

The Brendlens’ Lowcountry Christmas

Lights on: Nov. 28-Jan. 1

(1570 Driggers Lane in Ridgeland)

How bright: 30-foot Christmas tree and two dozen animated light displays Why it’s cool: Stroll along the harbor and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, with the centerpiece of the display being a towering 30-foot Christmas tree. Harbour Town has live holidaycentric entertainment and activities scheduled throughout the month, so go to www.seapines.com/events or contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979 so you can schedule your holiday light viewing at the same time as a Santa visit or an outdoor Christmas movie.

Special feature: Bring a canned good or two, or a new unwrapped child’s toy, and drop them in the well by the Liberty Oak stage to donate to The Deep Well Project. Since 1973, the nonprofit, volunteer-based Deep Well has been serving the basic needs of the less fortunate on Hilton Head.

Lights on: Nov. 30-Jan. 2 How bright: 80,000-100,000 lights and other displays Why it’s cool: Chelsea Brendlen and her husband, Barry, have been lighting up their home in Ridgeland for more than 15 years. They add more displays every year, and this year is no exception. “This year, we’re adding a Santa and three reindeer, an animated snowman bowling penguins, a fire truck and a big arch that goes over the driveway with Santa, a snowman and a reindeer waving at you as you come in,” said Chelsea Brendlen. There is even a virtual Santa in one of the windows that looks like he’s talking to the cars as they pass by, with a speaker set up outside so children can hear St. Nick greet them. And speaking of greeting, the Brendlens have a beeper that goes off every time a car enters their driveway, and typically one of their children will run out to greet the visitors with hellos and candy canes. That’s Southern hospitality at its finest.

Special feature: An angel tree light display includes a mailbox in the backyard where visitors can leave donations. This year, donations will benefit Jessie Webster, a 15-year-old from Thomas Heyward Academy who is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma. M

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Holiday SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S H O P P I N G

The holidays are here. Prepare yourself and your shopping list with our gift guide!

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1 Thymes Frasier Candle Gifted Hilton Head 843.842.8787 2 Eminence Organics Starter Sets and one-month’s supply of targeted organic products to treat specific skin types FACES DaySpa and Beauty Boutique 843.785.3075 www.facesdayspa.com

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3 Gold branch encased mercury glass vase Plantation Interiors, Inc 843.785.5261 4 Bracelets by Barbara Creations and Monica’s Bag Affordables Apparel 843.321.4200 www.affordablesapparel.com 5 Yeti Ramblers 20 oz. Yeti Rambler 30 oz. Yeti Rambler Palmetto Moon 843.837.1117 www.palmettomoononline.com 6 One of a kind 16” serving tray

by Sticks Smith Galleries, Inc. 843.842.2280 www.smithgallery.com 7 2015 Babolat Pure Drive Player’s World of Sports 843.842.5100 www.playersworld.com 8 Aveda Baths of Beauty Fringe 843.785.7400 www.fringehiltonhead.com

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GIFT GUIDE M

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9 Lightweight, flexible cuffs of 14k gold, adorned with diamonds The Goldsmith Shop 843.785.2538 www.thegoldsmithshop.com 10 Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf Heirluminare Fu Dog Vessel Pretty Papers and Gifts 843.341.5116 www.prettypapershhi.com

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11 Rubies and Emeralds set in 14k gold Heritage Fine Jewelry 843.689.2900 www.heritagejewelershhi.com 12 Large selection of the exquisite Michael Aram collection Truffles Café Market 843.671.6136 www.trufflescafe.com

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13 The Hobo International “Blaze” bag Radiance 843.363.5176

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14 Sleeps with Dogs Pillowcases & Gifts Planet Hilton Head 843.363.5177

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15 BOGA Todos Stand Up Paddleboard Soul SUP Paddleboard at Jiva Yoga Center 843.247.4549 www.jivayogacenter.com 16 3G Newport 7 Speed Cruiser Hilton Head Bicycle Company 843.686.6888 www.hiltonheadbicycle.com 17 Seamus Golf head covers and draw string pouch in tartan Plantation Golf Club or Harbour Town Golf Links pro shop 843.363.8385 18 14k Gold Filled Initial Bar Necklaces Coastal Bliss 843.802.4050 www.shop.coastalblisshilton head.com December 2014 55

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M GIFT GUIDE

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19 Pevonia International Skin Care and Facial Services Arum Spa Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island 843.341.2786 www.sonesta.com 20 Eufora Hair Products – Beautifying Elixirs Le Spa 843.363.6000 www.lespahiltonhead.com 21 Now Foods Ultrasonic Faux Wooden Diffuser Good Health Unlimited 843.681.7701 www.goodhealthunlimited.com 22 Salty Dog unisex pajamas make a comfy, cozy ensemble Salty Dog Café 843.842.6331 www.saltydog.com 23 Titleist 915 Series Drivers Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop 843.686.9137 www.palmettodunes.com/golfpro-shops

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24 Vitamix S30 Personal Blender Le Cookery 843.785.7171 www.lecookeryusa.com 25 Pure Barre Essential Tank, Sticky Socks & Tervis Tumbler Pure Barre Hilton Head 843.785.7888 www.purebarre.com/sc-hiltonheadisland 26 Roberto Coin Pois Moi Single Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds Forsythe Jewelers 843.671.7070 www.ForsytheJewelers.biz

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GIFT GUIDE M

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27 Waxing Poetic Jewelry Collection Island Girl 843.686.6000 www.islandgirlhhi.com

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28 Elisabetta Ricciardi Necklace Pyramids 843.689.9060 www.pyramidshiltonhead.com 29 Gas Pride/Castelle Firepit available in 42”-48” widths Casual Living, Fireside & Grillin’, Inc. 843.815.8008 www.CasualLivingHilton Head.com

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30 Hori Hori Garden Tool The Greenery, Inc. 843.785.3848 www.thegreeneryinc.com 31 Whitley V Quartz with Geode Pendant 22” necklace $182 hand crafted in Charleston Copper Penny 843.505.6252 www.shopcopperpenny.com

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32 Henley Brands horseshoe set J Banks Design Group 843.681.5122 www.jbanksdesign.com 33 Little Journeys, Berkshire Hat and Scarf Outside Hilton Head 843.686.6996 www.outsidehiltonhead.com

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34 Decorative, Inspirational Wooden Signs Watusi Cafe 843.686.5200 www.hiltonheadcoffeeand yogurt.com December 2014 57

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monthly

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READERS’ CHOICE

e Readers’Choic 2014

and the Readers’ Choice Winners are...

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READERS’ CHOICE

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Readers’Choice 20 14

Monthly celebrates local businesses and communities with the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards, the “best of the best” places to shop, dine and live, as voted by you, our readers. We received 7,528 electronic ballots in our eight-week Readers’ Choice promotional campaign, intended to identify the top businesses in a wide range of categories. Want to find the best of the Lowcountry? You will find it here. The list of categories and winners is extensive. As you read over the list, we’re sure you will recognize your favorites among the many categories. We also expect you will find some unexpected and unknown venues. We encourage you to peruse the list and visit these reader-selected winners to judge for yourself. And, if you don’t see a business or community listed here you think is deserving, be sure to vote in the 2015 Readers’ Choice campaign. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

SPECIAL THANKS

PHOTOGRAPHY ARNO DIMMLING SANTA MICK AYRES DECORATION FLOWERS BY SUE LOCATION THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA

MOST OF ALL, THANKS TO ALL WHO VOTED!

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BBQ

The most popular holidays for barbecuing are Fourth of July (71%), Memorial Day (57%) and Labor Day (55%). The most popular foods for cooking on the grill are burgers (85%), steak (80%), hot dogs (79%) and chicken (73%).

HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION

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READERS’ CHOICE

FAVORITE FOODS  FAVORITE BARBECUE HILTON HEAD ISLAND: One Hot Mama’s: Authentic pitto-plate barbecue pork, beef and chicken.

BLUFFTON Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BarB-Q: Smoke, meat and time — perfect low and slow since 1985.  FAVORITE BURGER HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Charbar Co.: Award-winning gourmet burgers. Bring an appetite.

BLUFFTON: Five Guys Burgers and Fries: There are more than 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at this popular chain.  FAVORITE BURRITO HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Java Burrito Company: A familyowned Mexican grill and coffee bar that sources organic and local food when in season.

BLUFFTON: Mi Tierra: You can get nine gourmet burritos at this authentic Mexican restaurant.  FAVORITE FRIED CHICKEN HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Publix: Perfect fried chicken, doublehand breaded and cooked to perfection.

BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: The famous Chicken Kitchen serves up scrumptious Southern-style bird.  FAVORITE PIZZA HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Fat Baby’s Pizza & Subs: Sweet Pete Bernstein’s baby continues to be an island staple for pie. The new location makes it even better.

BLUFFTON: Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: The pizza dough is made in-house over two days at this family-owned Sicilian restaurant.

 FAVORITE FRENCH FRIES HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Five Guys Burgers and Fries: Enjoy Five Guys style or Cajun style, hand-cut and cooked in pure peanut oil.  FAVORITE STEAK HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Alexander’s: These handtrimmed steaks have been an island tradition since 1977.

BLUFFTON: Pour Richard’s: This blue-walled wonder has developed a strong following around the Lowcountry.

 FAVORITE TACO HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: Influenced by the Jalisco region of Mexico, this fast-casual Mexican restaurant is extremely popular with the lunch crowd. The salsa bar rocks.  FAVORITE CRAB LEGS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Crazy Crab: Two locations in Jarvis Creek and Harbour Town.

BLUFFTON: Bluffton Oyster Company: A family-run operation since 1899.

 FAVORITE SUSHI HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Hinoki Japanese Restaurant: This restaurant has been an island staple for nearly 12 years.

BLUFFTON: Fujiyama: What is the Japanese word for phenomenal? It should be “Fujiyama.”

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p47 | Sushi

2013

FAVORITE

EATINGWELL.COM

VEGGIES

Frozen vegetables can be more nutritious than fresh vegetables. They are usually processed and packaged on the same day they were picked; therefore they maintain the maximum amount of nutrients.

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FAVORITE FOODS  FAVORITE VEGETARIAN HILTON HEAD ISLAND: DelisheeYo: Build your own fresh, healthy bowl or go with a sure-fire hit such as the Buddahh Bowl.

BLUFFTON: NEO: Fresh spinach, heirloom tomatoes, local shitake and portabellas. This place proves that healthy food can taste good.  FAVORITE WINGS HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Wild Wing Cafe: Offering wings with 33 sauces ranging from virgin to fireball.

Blue cheese or ranch? We’ll take both.

 FAVORITE CANDY HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Chocolate Canopy: This spot has been and area favorite since 1982.

BLUFFTON: Kilwins: Pecan brittle, true Southern pralines, Mackinac Island fudge, chocolates and more.  FAVORITE SUB HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Subway: There are over 2 million sandwich varieties.

BLUFFTON: Jersey Mike’s: This popular sandwich chain offers up Northeast-style sub sandwiches on freshly baked bread.

 FAVORITE ICE CREAM/GELATO HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Pino Gelato: Thanks to an authentic Italian recipe, the cold treats here can’t be beat.

BLUFFTON: Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe: This Europeanstyle coffeehouse also serves fresh salads, crepes and wine.  FAVORITE FROZEN YOGURT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Sweet Frog: Create your own frozen yogurt combination at the Park Plaza store.

BLUFFTON: Lovin’ Spoons: Offering 12 flavors of delicious and healthy frozen yogurt.

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RANDOMFACTS.COM

JAVA

Coffee was originally regarded as a wonder drug in Yemen and Arabia and was taken only at the advice of a doctor. Many saw coffee as a brain tonic or as a way to stimulate religious visions.

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FAVORITE DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE  FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Starbucks: Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you’ve probably heard of this place.

BLUFFTON: The Corner Perk Cafe: Gourmet, organic, locally roasted coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and delicious dessert bar.  FAVORITE WINE SELECTION HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Red Fish: An extensive wine list is complemented with a wine shop offering more than 1,000 wines, including half bottles.

BLUFFTON: Corks Wine Co.: Bluffton’s original neighborhood wine bar. Samplings of any wine served by the glass are offered in wine flights.

 FAVORITE BAR/HOTEL HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Bayley’s Bar, Sonesta Resort: It is the place for a quick morning coffee, afternoon sweets and refreshments, and sophisticated evening cocktails.

BLUFFTON: River House, Palmetto Bluff: An extensive choice of fine wines, craft beers and unforgettable cocktails.

 FAVORITE BAR/LATE NIGHT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: The Boardroom: Rocking the “Barmuda Triangle” until 2 a.m., seven nights a week.

BLUFFTON: Old Town Dispensary: Cold beer and stiff drinks in the heart of the historic district.

 FAVORITE BAR/SPORTS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Casey’s Sports Bar & Grill: More than 30 TVs complemented by tasty burgers and spicy wings.

BLUFFTON: Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill: The mainland expansion of the island sports watching destination has been a huge hit with the Bluffton crowd.

 FAVORITE BEER SELECTION HILTON HEAD ISLAND: The Lodge: 36 rotating taps and an extensive bar. All draft beer is available in half-gallon growlers to go.

BLUFFTON: The Brick Chicken: This spot is quickly becoming Bluffton’s craft beer destination thanks to a wide selection of local, regional and national brews.

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monthly

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ok e sp

l hav p o

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2 0 14 James’ phenomenal real estate career began on Hilton Head back in 1981 and is a proud co-founder of Charter One Realty – the #1 real estate company in the Lowcountry.

James has been a #1 Realtor since 1990 and recognized as an Award Winning Top 100 agent in the USA. James brings expert real estate experience with over 30 years in this market, with exceptional credentials and a positive professional attitude and attention to details in negotiations and marketing.

So whether it is buying or selling residential properties, I look forward to building a relationship with you!

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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS BLUFFTON: The Bluffton Room: Avery Early: Simple American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients available.

 FAVORITE CHEF HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Michael Cirafesi, Ombra: His classical regional Italian cuisine has drawn national praise.

BLUFFTON: Russell Keane, NEO: Known for his adventurous neoclassic style and passion for fresh, premium ingredients.  FAVORITE NEW CHEF HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Clayton Rollison, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar: Diners appreciate his small, focused and adventurist dishes.

 FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar: An American bistro with a southern soul. The menu changes with seasons, weather, tides and inspiration.

BLUFFTON: The Bluffton Room: The intimate and vibrant atmosphere has been a big hit in Old Town.  FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: OKKO: The sleek decor is only upstaged by the authentic Asian cuisine.

BLUFFTON: Fujiyama: Contemporary Japanese dining on Burnt Church Road.

 FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Michael Anthony’s: Tony and Becky Fazzini have been serving up a taste of Italy since 2002.

BLUFFTON: Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: This family-owned Sicillian restaurant proves you CAN have pasta with every meal.

 FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Mi Tierra: An authentic Mexican restaurant known for its carnitas.

 FAVORITE SOUTHERN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Annie O’s Southern Eats: Traditional favorites made from scratch with plenty of TLC. BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: True Southern comfort food served in a relaxed country atmosphere.  FAVORITE LUNCH HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Red Fish: Amazing food at reasonable prices makes this a favorite for business lunches.

BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: Johnny Cahill’s Meat & Three will make lunch the highlight of your day.

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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS  FAVORITE BRUNCH HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: Breakfast served all day at this popular place on Broad Creek.

BLUFFTON: Walnuts Cafe: Highlights include thick omlettes and fantastic French toast.  FAVORITE BREAKFAST HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: Great location and great food make this the island’s favorite early morning stop.

BLUFFTON: The Cottage: Located in Old Town Bluffton, this unique restaurant exemplifies both old-world charm and the warm hospitality of the South.  FAVORITE KIDFRIENDLY RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Salty

Dog Cafe: Your young ones will find plenty to do at South Beach Marina Village.

BLUFFTON: Captain Woody’s: Super kid friendly with plenty of awesome sunsets on the rooftop bar.  FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Skull Creek Boathouse: Take in amazing views of Skull Creek at this popular north end establishment.

BLUFFTON: The Cottage: A great place to soak in the hustle and bustle of Calhoun Street.  FAVORITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Old Oyster Factory: If you are fishing for healthy choices, all fish here can be prepared naked.

BLUFFTON: May River Grill: Serving the latest catch from local rivers and farms.  FAVORITE WATER VIEWS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Old Oyster Factory: Overlooking Broad Creek, OOF offers one of the island’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape.

BLUFFTON: Backwater Bill’s, Hampton Lake: The lake views at this down-home Lowcountry restaurant can’t be beat.  FAVORITE DELI HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Gruby’s New York Deli: Brothers Barry and Steven Gruber offer a taste of “Da Bronx.”

BLUFFTON: The Downtown Deli: A Bluffton favorite for years.

 FAVORITE DESSERT MENU HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Frankie Bones: Make s’mores right at your table or choose the homemade carrot cake.

BLUFFTON: Claude and Uli’s Signature Bistro: The raspberry and mango mousse cake won over the Bluffton crowd.  FAVORITE BAKERY HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe: An island tradition for more than 36 years.

BLUFFTON: The Sugaree: They make bagels, donughts and muffins, all from scratch.  FAVORITE CATERING/CATERER HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Two Tomatoes Catering: Owner Susan Lykins knows her way around a kitchen.

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M

FESTIVE

FASHION

PHOTOGRAPHY KRISZTIAN LONYAI HAIR DANIELLE KEASLING AND EVE CAPECELATRO OF SALON KARMA MAKE-UP EVE CAPECELATRO OF SALON KARMA AND TIGI COSMETICS MODELS SAVANNA STEPHENS AND CRISTINA GRAPILA MINTZ

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Outfit and accessories available at THE BACK DOOR

Outfit and accessories available at COPPER PENNY

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Outfit and accessories available at GIGI'S BOUTIQUE

Outfit and accessories available at AFFORDABLES APPAREL

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Outfit and accessories available at RADIANCE

Outfit and accessories available at OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD

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Outfit and accessories available at ISLAND GIRL

Outfit and accessories available at THE PORCUPINE

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FASHION M

get the

Find out what the island has in store for fashion, accessories and looking fabulous.

 The

Back Door Sondra Roberts crossbody or clutch 843.671.3677

 Affordables Apparel Shira Leah clutch 843.321.4200 www.affordablesapparel.com

T he Porcupine Sondra Roberts Jewels cross body clutch 843.785.2779 | www.porcupinestyle.com

 Gigi's Boutique Golden Stella cross body clutch 843.815.4450 | www.gigisbluffton.com

 Gifted Hilton Head Spartina Boutique cross body clutch 843.842.8787

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Italian luxury jewelry designer Roberto Coin poses with Forsythe Jewelers owners Debbie Berling (left) and Andrea Bragg.

A PASSION FOR FASHION

BY LANCE HANLIN | PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE ICONIC ROBERTO COIN BRAND

W

orking as a young servant at a posh Swiss hotel, Venetianborn Roberto Coin was constantly surrounded by affluent people.

Determined to become one of them, he climbed the hospitality industry’s ranks, eventually purchasing a 4-star luxury inn and restaurant. At the age of 33, he sold his successful businesses to pursue his true passion — jewelry design. He started his company in 1977 in Vicenza, Italy, the gold and jewelry center of Europe. He began producing collections on behalf of some of the most prestigious brands of international fine jewelry.

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FASHION M After years of dreaming of his own brand, he made it a reality in 1996. Eighteen years later, the Roberto Coin brand ranks at the very top of the fine jewelry world. His collections are celebrated around the world and are synonymous with luxury, style and elegance. From unique $1 million pieces to more practical jewelry in the $300 range, Coin strives to make his collections accessible to every woman.

On Oct. 23, the iconic designer made a special appearance at Forsythe Jewelers on Hilton Head Island. To celebrate the occasion, the Forsythe team transformed its showroom at The Shops at Sea Pines Center into a Roberto Coin boutique, with many of his collections and some one-of-a-kind pieces on display. Coin arrived at the store 30 minutes before his four-hour meet-and-greet wearing a slick navy suit and fashionable blue-rimmed glasses.

After greeting owner Debbie Berling and the Forsythe staff, he sat down with an espresso and Hilton Head Monthly to talk about his passion for fashion and other interests.

Hilton Head Monthly: Is this your first time visiting Hilton Head Island?

Roberto Coin: First time.

HHM: What are your plans here, other than meeting and greeting all of the customers who have come to see you here today?

RC: Nothing else.

Unfortunately, this is a very short trip. I’m leaving tomorrow morning.

That is the story of my life. I’ve visited 107 countries all over the world, but I don’t really know the world. I meet a lot of people but I don’t have the time to take in the beauty of places. From the plane, it looks very similar to Venice. You have a magnificent lagoon here.

HHM: You are here to promote your latest jewelry collections, including the Pois Moi Collection. What does Pois Moi even mean?

RC: Pois means dot. Moi means myself.

HHM: That would explain all the little dots on all of the Pois Moi pieces.

RC: In the olden days, it seemed every fashion designer — Versace, Valentino —

used to do a lot of Pois and had their own dots. I wanted my own dots. It is a very simple collection that is very well made. This style has never been introduced in the jewelry world before. Young, old — everybody is liking it.

HHM: I know Oprah Winfrey is a big fan.

You seem to be the brand of choice for the rich and famous. Do you have any good celebrity stories you can share?

RC: When you speak in a private setting, sometimes you say things you wouldn’t want to share with the rest of the world. I keep those conversations very, very private (smiles).

HHM: Your brand sits at the very top of the jewelry world. What do you attribute that to?

RC: There are many, many things that have made us successful. I created this brand in a different manner. Most people launch a brand and follow a system, a system to dress everybody the same. We want to dress everybody differently. Nobody has done it my way before. I’ve been lucky because I never went to school for design or anything like that. I didn’t get started manufacturing until I was in my 30s. I knew two things — I wanted to make beautiful design and I wanted it to be a good quality product. I didn’t have anything else in mind.

HHM: You only do a handful of store appearances each year. Why did you choose this location?

RC: I’ve known Debbie for many years. She has been asking me to come for five or six years. I’ve wanted to come but it’s very difficult. This year, we were able to come. She has a very nice store here. Everybody knows me because I go to even the smallest stores to try and help them out. Unfortunately, I’m also one of the few (founding designers) that is still alive.

HHM: How involved are you in the creative process these days?

RC: Ninety percent. I’m involved in everything. I don’t design, but I sketch.

HHM: You come from the epicenter of style and creativity. As far as fashion goes,

I FALL IN LOVE WITH ALL OF OUR DESIGNS, ESPECIALLY FUTURE DESIGNS. I FEEL OUR BEST DESIGN IS YET TO COME.

how far behind are we here in the United States?

RC: We don’t like to judge. Americans are traveling more and more and are being exposed to more. All of the top international brands can now be found in the United States. I think you want to be different. You had the choice to be similar to the Europeans. The fact that you are not similar is not because you don’t understand it. You probably don’t want to do it. That is a much different topic (laughs).

HHM: Is there a collection you are most proud of?

RC: Appassionata will go down in the history books because we invented a new way of manufacturing with it. Like Pois Moi, it is extremely simple and elegant. I fall in love with all of our designs, especially future designs. I feel our best design is yet to come.

HHM: Do you live a luxurious life?

RC: Everyone interprets luxury in a different manner. My manner is to do whatever I want to with whoever I want to, family and friends. I don’t live a luxurious life. I live an extremely happy life.

HHM: What kind of car do you drive?

RC: I have an Audi A8 but I don’t really drive it. I’ve had all of the cars I’ve ever wanted but now they are not important to me. I’m very much into planes, YouTube, Facebook and all sorts of rubbish.

HHM: What other hobbies do you have?

RC: I love interior design. My house has been in Architectural Digest. I also love to create fashion (shows a photo of Alicia Keys wearing a dress he made for her). I love good food, good wine and I love watching all sports, even American football.

HHM: What music do you listen to?

RC: Opera, of course.

HHM: Every designer has his or her own style. Your signature is a small ruby hidden inside of each piece touching the skin. What is the story behind that?

RC: It is a secret gift of good wishes to the woman wearing it. According to an ancient belief, wearing a ruby close to your skin promotes long life, health and happiness.

HHM: You said you have traveled all over the world. Of all the places you’ve been, where is your favorite location?

RC: Back home in Italy. You fall in love with different places at different ages for different reasons. At this point in my life, there is no place I would rather be than Italy. M December 2014 97

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CHARITY

HILTON HEAD HEROES

Heroes EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

Gregg and Lindy Russell are shown with the Tillotson Family earlier this year. The Tillotsons have twin girls, both with Down’s syndrome. Both are being treated for leukemia.



Local volunteers are the superpowers behind Hilton Head Heroes, a nonprofit that gives families with critically ill children a week’s vacation from hospitals and heartbreak. BY LISA J. ALLEN

I

t’s no surprise caring about children is central to the lives of Gregg and Lindy Russell.

For decades, Gregg has entertained families under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town with his original songs.

Lindy, a retired Delta flight attendant, home-schooled their two daughters so they could travel with Gregg around the country. After Gregg’s performances, the family often spent evenings visiting children’s hospitals for kids who couldn’t come to his shows.

But a visit 15 years ago changed everything. As the Russell family visited children

at Arnold Palmer’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, one ill little boy named Michael told Gregg, “I want to see your tree in Harbour Town.”

It stuck with the Russells.

When they returned to Hilton Head Island, Gregg and Lindy started asking people if they could help pull together a week-long vacation so Michael and his family could enjoy time together on the beach and away from doctors and hospitals.

Immediately, the community rallied. Someone offered a house.

Someone else donated grocery money for the family. Local businesses tossed in gift certificates

for meals, boat rides and movies.

From that one week sprung Hilton Head Heroes, an entirely local nonprofit organization that creates happy vacation memories for families with children suffering from life-limiting illnesses.

Without Hilton Head Heroes, the families wouldn’t be able to afford a vacation.

Today, Hilton Head Heroes is housed in a roomy three-bedroom Sea Pines home retrofitted to accommodate wheelchairs, hospital beds, other medical equipment and large families. If needed, there is even room for a nurse.

Much of the work on the house and most of the furniture and appliances were donated by local businesses, most recently a new poolside grill.

The organization’s primary mission is to get the child’s immediate family together for a beach vacation and the chance to enjoy each other.

“We had a Mormon family with nine children. Some people had to sleep on the floor, but big families are used to sleeping on the floor,” Lindy said. But they were all together.

Lindy, the president of the organization and its only paid staff member, said referrals

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OES

own this rls, th are

CHARITY come from social workers at 48 hospitals from the Southeast to the Midwest, and even one in Washington state. Those referrals keep the house occupied 50 weeks of the year.

“We give them a personalized vacation,” Lindy said, thanks to frequent phone calls with the family and an application form that requests the child’s “favorites,” from colors to activities to games to foods.

“By the time they arrive, I’ve talked to them for 10 months,” Lindy said. “I know all about them. I even know the name of their dog.”

In turn, the families know a lot about Hilton Head Island and have received copies of Gregg’s music and books and his movies, “Come Away Home” and “Camp Tanglefoot.”

As the families’ visit approach, the legion of Hilton Head Heroes volunteers goes to work

to customize the week for them.

A host family greets each family and leaves behind a basket of maps, gifts, T-shirts and games.

A booklet of coupons covers activities specific to each family, from boat rides to kayaking to horseback riding at Lawton Stables. All dinners are covered, as well as five lunches and a couple of breakfasts. In addition, each family receives a $100 grocery certificate and $100 of spending money. ”Illnesses like these are financially devastating to families,” Lindy said. ”Often, one or even both parents have to quit their jobs to take care of their families. On this vacation, we don’t want them to have to worry about a thing.”

Also part of the package is a family portrait so everyone will remember the trip to Hilton Head. There are other memories, too, Lindy said.

For example, bike rental companies deliver whatever bikes the families need, be it child seats or three-wheelers.

“One girl had been sick so long she had never learned to ride a bike, so we had one with training wheels,” Lindy said. “By the end of the week, she was able to take them off. It was great!”

Not only do the families benefit, but so do the many Hilton Head Island volunteers.

“We have 120 host families,” Lindy said. “This is a very giving community. This program helps all of us realize what we have and appreciate where we live and our own families.”

Although requests outnumber available slots, Lindy rebuffs suggestions to add another house.

“I want to keep this local, and I don’t want to overextend our resources.”

As it is, she spends most of her time seeking donations to cover the Hero House mortgage and guest families’ expenses.

After 15 years, the Russells show no sign of letting up on their efforts with Hilton Head Heroes.

As Lindy said, “I can’t imagine not doing this. This is my life.” M

ANNUAL HILTON HEAD HERO VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION OPEN HOUSE 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 The Hilton Head Hero House 1 Spanish Moss Road, Hilton Head Island Guests are asked to bring a gift card to a local grocery store to share with Hilton Head Heroes families. www.hhheroes.com

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DEEP WELL Deep Well Project staff members are (from left) Betsy Doughtie, Rita Jones, Chris Wilcox and Sherry Pritchard.

OFFERS A HAND UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON STORY BY ELLIS HARMAN PHOTOS BY AMBER VANLOH

Imagine your car suddenly breaks down and you’ve got to spend $800 on repairs so you can get back on the road. Or you’re sidelined by a medical emergency, such as cancer or a heart attack, and you can’t work for months.

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“ People are surprised when they open their eyes. They’re surprised that there’s poverty on Hilton Head.”

F

or many Hilton Head Island residents, an unexpected emergency could ruin them financially, leaving them unable to make rent payments, pay their bills or put food on the table.

That’s where Betsy Doughtie and The Deep Well Project come in.

Deep Well, a nonprofit organization that got its start on Hilton Head in 1973, offers Lowcountry residents a “hand up, not a hand out,” as Doughtie, the organization’s executive director, likes to say.

“Your life is going along just fine and then there’s a glitch that prevents you from paying a bill. Like that car repair, or an illness,” Doughtie said. “We are there for emergency assistance.”

And there are more people in our area who need assistance than many people might think, Doughtie said.

“People need to get off Highway 278 and drive around a little bit,” she said.

“People are surprised when they open their eyes. They’re surprised that there’s poverty on Hilton Head. But think about all the people who work in the hotels, who clean the rooms and bus tables and are prep cooks in the kitchens. Those are the people who aren’t paid a large amount of money, and most of them live hand to mouth. All it takes is not a great tragedy, but those little daily disasters when there’s not enough money.”

Deep Well helps people cope with those disasters, such as by making a rent payment or covering a utility bill.

The group also provides food, diapers and school supplies and uniforms for children. And while there are many area organizations that help Lowcountry residents in need, Deep Well is one of only

Lending an ear: Executive director Betsy Doughtie fields a call at Deep Well Project headquarters on Beach City Road.

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CHARITY

Deep Well, a nonprofit organization that got its start on Hilton Head in 1973, offers Lowcountry residents a hand up, not a hand out.

Sherry Pritchard (left) is the operations manager for The Deep Well Project. Chris Wilcox (right) is the staff assistant.

a few that offers assistance when Hilton Head Islanders find their homes in need of major repairs.

“Some agencies, the government, for example, won’t work on mobile homes,” Doughtie said. “Well, that’s primarily what our guys work on.”

Program coordinator Rita Jones scavenges supplies and construction materials from teardown sites, a truck collects furniture donations from around the Lowcountry and Deep Well participates in a Home Depot program that supplies it with leftover items from the store. The warehouse at Deep Well’s Beach City Road office is filled with doors, cabinets, furniture and construction supplies used to help repair homes and, in some cases, modify them to accommodate people in wheelchairs or with other special needs.

“Because Rita goes to teardowns and gets all this free material, and we get so much from Home Depot, with the free volunteer labor she does an amazing amount of work for very little money,” Doughtie said.

The home repair team is just one part of Deep Well’s army of volunteers. The organization is run by a small staff and a volunteer board of directors, and the

rest of its workforce comes from volunteers who help sort donations and supplies, screen applicants and follow up on requests for aid. And the nonprofit does it all without accepting government funds. Instead, it relies on donations from the community, including grants from United Way and area organizations such as The Bargain Box, the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Long Cove Club Community Endowment Fund and the Berkeley Hall Charitable Fund.

“It’s really individuals who make Deep Well work,” Doughtie said.

This time of year, Deep Well’s volunteers are busy organizing the Santa Shop, a storage room that every holiday season is converted to a toy store. Deep Well’s clients can pick out toys so their children have gifts to open on Christmas morning.

“The holidays can’t come at a worse time for people,” Doughtie said. “If you can’t afford to pay your rent, how can you afford a Thanksgiving meal? If you can’t afford to pay your electric bill, how can you afford to buy toys for the kids at Christmas?”

As part of Deep Well’s efforts to make the holidays merry and bright for every-

one, another group of volunteers is at work in the organization’s well-stocked pantry, packing up Christmas dinners.

“Our biggest need this time of year is turkeys,” Doughtie said with a laugh. The last three or four years, the requests for Christmas dinners have just been huge.

For years and years and years, we’d do maybe 100 to 150 dinners, but now it’s at least 250. That’s a lot of turkeys.” M

DONATIONS

If you would like to donate to The Deep Well Project or if you’d like to become a volunteer, please call 843-785-2849 or go to www.deepwellproject.org.

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The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, 2 Grasslawn Ave, HHI For more info, e-mail Samantha at marketing@freymedia.com

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BRIDAL

Beauty P rep

WEDDING DAY

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

Brides: This is it. The day you have been waiting for and dreaming about for months, years or maybe your whole life. It’s your wedding day!

On

this much anticipated day, all eyes are on you.

Hundreds (if not thousands) of photographs will be taken, capturing you and this epic day forever.

Your photos will hang on the walls in your families’ homes; they’ll be passed down for generations. It is only natural that you want to look your best and feel beautiful. There’s nothing vain or selfabsorbed about it, so feel free to indulge in a little wedding beauty prep.

In the months leading up to your wedding, be sure to take good care of yourself. (Shouldn’t this advice apply always?

Perhaps easier said than done. Let this be your reminder.) Eat healthy, get plenty of exercise and sleep, and drink a lot of water. In the days before your wedding, make sure you stay hydrated. Not only will you feel better, but your skin will look naturally radiant and glowing.

There are a host of beauty treatment options to consider at different times leading up to your wedding day. And timing is everything. Make sure to follow this helpful guide.

consider before your big day is a highenergy laser treatment for resurfacing the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and increasing collagen production, giving birth to new skin. Or consider a light chemical peel and microdermabrasion for brightening the skin or Botox and fillers to smooth away unwanted lines.

Brides may also be interested in Zerona laser treatments, Endermologie and Dr. Fuji Cyber Body Slimmers for their effectiveness on tummies, hips and thighs.

These are increasingly popular choices,

PRO TIP #1 3-6 weeks prior If you are considering medical spa options, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of time for these treatments to take full effect. One option to

SERENDIPITY MEDICAL SPA: Serendipity’s bridal recommendations include Fraxel Laser Resurfacing to “Brighten, Lighten and Tighten,” Botox/Filler to smooth away unwanted lines and finishing touches that include Latisse for gorgeous lashes and the Liquid Smile teeth whitening gel pen! SerendipityMedSpa.com December 2014 105

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BRIDAL even with younger brides, but be sure you always go to a trained professional, and make sure you still look like yourself afterward!

PRO TIP #2

ARUM SPA, SONESTA RESORT: Remember that flawless make-up begins with healthy skin! We recommend a series of facials based on a proper skin analysis prior to your big day! Begin your treatments about eight weeks in advance and continue based on your professional esthetician’s advice. sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland During this time period, you will also want to visit your hair stylist for a trial run of your wedding hairdo. (Note: Some stylists may request appointments at least three weeks before your wedding day.) Search on Pinterest or in bridal magazines for ideas. Clip them out or store them on your phone for handy reference. Make sure your stylist understands exactly the look you are going for and you walk out of your trial feeling confident about your hairstyle. Popular looks for 2015 are natural, wavy long styles and classic chignons. Whatever you choose, make sure you love it.

Also during this time, you should make an appointment with a professional makeup artist. Similar to your hair, you should search magazines or Pinterest for the makeup look you are trying to achieve. Give your makeup artist details of your wedding day such as your color scheme, your venue’s décor and the look and style of your wedding dress and accessories.

THE UP-DO Photo courtesy of Salon 5200

1-2 weeks prior If you highlight or color your hair, you will want to get this done one to two weeks before your wedding. Do not wait until only a few days before your wedding in case you aren’t satisfied with the color and need to have adjustments made. Also, keep in mind that color and highlights tend to look best after a few washings.

If you are considering semi-permanent eye lash extensions, book your appointment during this window. These products are a great value for your money.

You can ditch those eyelash curlers and even your mascara on your honeymoon and for weeks afterwards!

ite local spa. Many brides choose this as an opportunity for “me” time and much needed down time before the wedding weekend frenzy.

Day of your wedding

2 days prior Get a professional manicure and pedicure. Most brides tend to stick to neutral nail shades such as a light pink, a French manicure or even just clear nails as to not distract from the gown and overall look. (Darker shades can really pop out of pictures, looking glaring or distracting in photos.)

If you feel like you need a little color before your wedding day, consider spray tanning, which has come a long way from those orange, Oompa Loopa days. There are a variety of alternatives to traditional chemical spray tan booths.

Several places use all-natural, organic spray tan solutions that are free from orange and leave you streak-free. Check to see if your bridal package includes a consultation spray tan. Then you’ll feel confident you’ll get the most naturallooking glow for your wedding day.

If taking care of your eyelashes, nails and tan sounds like a lot of work to get ready for your wedding day, consider a relaxing massage or facial at your favor-

On the day of your wedding, many brides do things differently to get ready and feel beautiful. Some choose sunrise yoga, a heart-pumping spin class, or a long walk on the beach to clear their minds and mentally prep for their days.

Others choose a leisurely breakfast in their hotel suites with their bridesmaids.

Whatever you choose, make sure you have some down time and a few hours to relax.

When it’s finally time to get ready, get your makeup professionally done by your makeup artist. Depending on your schedule, you’ll get your hair done after your makeup or vice versa.

Whatever you do, be sure you keep things natural and true to yourself and your own style. No amount of medical spa treatments, eyelashes, makeup, hair, spray tanning or other primping will ever compare to the natural beauty your fiancé sees in you and fell in love with.

Remembering that will make you feel the most beautiful of all, so feel confident on your big day — and enjoy some of the pampering prep, too. M

PRO TIP #3

FACES DAYSPA & BEAUTY BOUTIQUE: If you are oily and/ or red and irritated, keep your skincare products in the refrigerator. The cold helps to slow oil production and reduce irritation. If you are a more dry or mature skin type, warm your products before putting on to help boost natural and healthy oil production and improve circulation. facesdayspa.com

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DEPRESSION:

UNTANGLING A

STRANGLEHOLD

THE SUICIDE OF ACTOR ROBIN WILLIAMS IN AUGUST OPENED A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ABOUT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE. BY KIM KACHMANN-GELTZ

M

ore than 70 percent of the people who commit suicide in the U.S. are white men, and most of them are middle age or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say untreated depression is the No. 1 cause of suicide.

Writer Andrew Solomon describes his own experience with depression as a “massive vine strangling an oak; a sucking thing that wrapped itself around me, ugly and grotesque and more alive than I. It had a life of its own that bit by bit asphyxiated all of my life out of me.”

When depression hits men late in life, it may be triggered by certain stressors: financial loss, professional setbacks or serious illnesses such as alcoholism, cancer or heart disease. The end of a successful career and the loss of self-esteem and control that often follow are common problems for older men.

Winston Churchill, who also suffered bouts of depression, once said, “In this world, there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”

Physical Correlations Brain research showing 3-D images of healthy brains compared to brains suffering from depression is revealing: The healthy brain

is active and functional in all areas, but the depressed brain has many gaps in blood flow and activity.

This research makes experts say depression is a physical disease.

The lack of blood flow NORMAL DEPRESSION and dullness of activity in the brain could be central to the symptoms of the disorder: sluggishness, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, decreased libido and lack of interest in normal activities.

Experts say depressed people exhibit all of the cardinal features of inflammation, the body’s response to infection or injury, including elevations in pro-inflammatory proteins. Depression raises the risk for insulin resistance or pre-diabetes, dementia and even sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias.

According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, early identification and treatment of a mental illness is vital because recovery is faster.

“Two-thirds of people suffering from depression choose not to seek help. If they did seek help, 80 percent would experience an

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alleviation of symptoms,” said local therapist Jocelyn Evans.

Over the past 40 years, new generations of antidepressant drugs have become available. But depression is more than a chemical imbalance. Millions, even billions, of chemical reactions in the brain make up the dynamic system that is responsible for mood, perceptions and how we experience life.

Researchers believe that nerve cell connections, nerve cell growth and the functioning of nerve circuits have a major impact on depression. These factors could be even more important than levels of specific brain chemicals in battling depression. The cure must be new brain therapies based on research such as the BRAIN mapping initiative.

Suicide, a Downward Spiral Thoughts such as “I’m a burden and the world is better off without me” perpetuate depression and increase the risk of suicide.

Suicide is a downward spiral.

But suicide is like handing your loved ones a hot coal they have to carry against their chests for the rest of their lives. And suicide robs family, friends and community and one’s future self, who may overcome insurmountable pain or obstacles.

Suicides are the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and CDC data shows a dramatic spike in suicides among baby boomers over the past 10 years. Researchers don’t know the cause of the increase, but speculate that the recent economic downturn, a higher divorce rate, prevalent alcohol or drug abuse, or a decline in church attendance may have something to do with it.

Faith, hope and meaningful relationships have a powerful effect on the heart and mind.

Shame, humiliation and disgrace can all factor into suicide ideation. In these days of social media, that can be a big factor, especially among teens.

Several notable teen suicides were the result of constant bulManifestations lying and public harassment of Depression and humiliation that seemed • Fatigue insurmountable.

• Sleep disturbance A recent U.S. Army study • Appetite changes found that the suicide rate for • Diminished sex drive soldiers returning from Iraq • Moodiness and Afghanistan more than • Sadness • Emptiness doubled between 2004 and • Hopelessness 2009. Reducing the stigma • Slower or disorganized thinking that keeps soldiers from seek• Impaired concentration ing help requires military lead• Increased irritability ers willing to share stories of • Overreaction • Temper their own struggles with com• Personalize everything bat stress, PTSD or depression.

• Feel worthless Some of the best models for • Isolation thinking through the idea of • Distorted thoughts suicide are philosophers, writ• Lower self-esteem Source: Jocelyn Evans, therapist ers and artists. Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau December 2014 109

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M HEALTH asked, “Have you not learned that you could not take a step on earth without finding some duty to fulfill, and that every man is useful to humanity, by the very fact that he exists?”

Although the underlying hardware of depression lies with neural synapses, neurotransmitters and receptors, if psychologists, therapists and physicians also provide a holistic way to heal those wounds, depression might resolve earlier.

The ancient Egyptians believed that feelings and thoughts originated in the heart and recognized multiple diseases of the “heart-mind.” Depression was considered “fever in the heart.”

Healing methods usually involved medicine, religion and magic intertwined with faith.

Experts say cultivating mental stimulation and spiritual and social connections can help prevent or ease depression. Reading, writing, traveling, being in a club or religious group, taking classes or playing a sport or musical instrument are just some of the ways to keep all cylinders of the brain firing. Doctors say physical exercise is arguably the most potent antidepressant. The problem with all of these activities is that they require a level of energy and motivation that is often lacking in the severely depressed.

Norman Cousins, who wrote about the healing influence of humor on suffering in his classic “Anatomy of an Illness,” told a story in his book about meeting Spanish musician Pablo Casals, a

virtuoso cello player and conductor.

Casals suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis and emphysema — his back was stooped, his hands were swollen and his fingers clenched. But Cousins observed a miracle when Casals, despite his disabilities and pain, began to play the piano: His fingers would start to unlock.

Soon Casals would sit upright and pound away at Bach on the keyboard. Afterward, Cousins and Casals would go for vigorous walks. Cousins noted that the musician’s posture and breathing were normal during the exercise. But by late afternoon, Casals’ legs stiffened and his bent posture returned.

Casals was able to cast off his afflictions through his own creative drive and exercise.

Therapeutically, curing depression requires that scientists unlock the neural code that underlies the brain disorder. With more knowledge, researchers can develop better treatments, including non-pharmaceutical methods to help heal the human mind. In the meantime, many people will continue to suffer in silence, often unwilling to reveal their burdens. M Crisis Lines for National Suicide Prevention Lifelines are: 800784-2433 and 800-273-8255. For local mental health resources, go to NAMI Beaufort County: namibeaufortcounty.org.

Mary A. Scovel’s children’s book “Roy’s Roar” is a resource to help families and children broach the difficult subject of suicide.

Scovel is an author, entrepreneur and musician. She and her husband, the Rev. Ward Scovel, the chaplain for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, experienced the deterioration and eventual suicides of their two sons, who were both diagnosed with schizophrenia.

PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

TRAGEDY LEADS TO HELPING OTHERS WITH

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1 2 3 4

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.

Plan ahead. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend.

Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.

PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

5

Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

SOURCE: MAYO CLINIC

Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.

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American Heart Association 18th Annual 2015 Hilton Head Heart Ball LIVING LIFE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 6-11:30 p.m.

VIP Reception: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa For details: Contact Carla Raines at (843) 540-6338 or Carla.raines@heart.org

HEROES BORN EVERY DAY LOCAL AUTHOR AND PEDIATRICIAN INSPIRED BY HER NIECE, WHO CONTENDS WITH A LIFE-THREATENING HEART CONDITION

BY KIM KACHMANN-GELTZ | PHOTO BY CHARLES GRACE

L

ocal resident and bestselling author and pediatrician CJ Lyons visited Hilton Head Monthly to discuss her latest novels and personal involvement with the American Heart Association.

Lyons has written 26 “thrillers with heart,” including two new young adult books, “Broken” and “Watched.” Writing for the young adult genre is different than what one might think, she said.

“I can be darker, edgier and less mechanical about the plot.

It’s all about the emotional honesty. Kids expect that,” Lyons said.

“Broken” is the story of Scarlett, a coming-of-age teenager learning how to navigate the real world with a heart condition that could kill her at any second. Fifteen years old and attending school for the first time, Scarlett becomes the vic-

tim of bullying but finds friends and even uncovers a core family secret that would make anyone’s heart beat faster.

“Scarlett’s greatest weakness in the beginning of the novel is that she didn’t believe in herself, she had no confidence in her future,” Lyons said. “She’s not self-pitying, but she’s resigned.

She had to change that view of reality, make decisions about her own life, and find the courage to become a hero.”

Lyons said she dedicated “Broken” to her niece and personal hero, Abby, who contends with a life-threatening heart condition but doesn’t let it stop her from excelling or leading a full life. Lyons also is an American Heart Association donor and part of the executive team for the 2015 Hilton Head Heart Ball.

And 15-year-old Abby is the Heart Hero for the 2015 gala, to be held Feb. 7.

Lyons was the one who diagnosed her niece with an incurable heart condition when Abby was a tiny infant. But Lyons said the heart condition is where Abby’s similarities to the fictional Scarlett end.

“Abby bears no resemblance to my character, Scarlett. Abby is brilliant and fierce. She’s confident and self-possessed,” Lyons said.

Abby’s heart-stopping condition requires her to carry a portable defibrillator that she nicknamed “Phil” around the clock.

She also has to be careful about her surroundings. She can’t risk being startled, which means no alarm clocks, scary movies, fire drills at school, roller coasters or jumping into the water for a swim.

“But my sister from day one refused to allow Abby to use her heart condition as an excuse. As a result, Abby’s fearless. We tried

to empower her to take hold of her life,” Lyons said.

Empowerment is a recurrent theme in Lyons’ novels, especially as it relates to women and children. She said she believes the dark side of coercion, manipulation and bullying is more pervasive than recognized by parents, teachers and the community. She often dealt with its aftermath in the pediatric ER. In the afterword of “Watched,” Lyons writes that the inspiration for the young adult cyber thriller came from 15-year-old Canadian girl Amanda Todd, who posted a YouTube video about the bullying she was enduring before she committed suicide. Lyons’ niece, Abby, shared the video with her.

“Amanda was a victim of a capper and cyberstalker who succeeded in ruining her life … We lose a piece of our own humanity every time someone like Amanda takes their own life,”

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HEALTH M Lyons wrote. “We can stop the predators with the one weapon they have no power over, the truth.”

Lyons notes that her stories are less about car chases and explosions and more about people, exploring the gray areas between good and evil.

“Hard Fall,” the latest adult thriller in her popular Lucy Guardino FBI series, delves into the web of child pornography, whose unsung heroes are the law enforcement officers searching for clues to find the children in explicit photos and catch the perpetrators creating, selling and trading material that exploits society’s most vulnerable citizens.

When talking about how she crafted Lucy, the female protagonist in the series, Lyons said she wanted to depict a normal working mother who just happens to carry a loaded Glock in her purse, and she’s not afraid to use it on the bad guys.

“But balancing work and family is a universal conflict that working women or any working parent can relate to,” Lyons said about the popularity of the series.

Uncovering the Truth How are medicine and storytelling similar? CJ said being a storyteller made her a better pediatrician. Young children often can’t tell you what’s wrong when they are sick or injured.

“You have to look for the clues and find the patterns that lead to a cohesive diagnosis … the truth. I’m a very intuitive person.

And being a doctor made me a much better storyteller because I got to see such a spectrum of society — people at their worst and people at their best.”

CJ said she took a leap of faith when she gave up her medical practice of 17 years and moved to Hilton Head Island more than eight years ago to write full time. She had two books under contract and said she realized she couldn’t give both her patients and her writing 100 percent.

“And just having the sunlight in the winter compared to Pennsylvania — it changed my life.

My productivity doubled. After that first winter on Hilton Head, I said I don’t care what I have to do, I’m not moving,” Lyons said.

As it turned out, the publisher canceled her debut novel 90 days before the publication date because of problems with the cover art. Lyons was devastated, but that didn’t stop her.

“I write when things get chaotic, so I wrote FBI thriller ‘Blind Faith,’ which hit No. 2 on The New York Times best-sellers list, sold over 250,000 copies in two months, and won tons of awards.

I also learned about the business behind publishing and bought the rights to the book that my first publisher didn’t publish and have made 10, 20 times the money self-publishing,” Lyons said with a grin.

Lyons said she realized after her first published book and the arrival of fan mail that while in medicine, she touched one life at a time, but with her books, she can touch hundreds of thousands of lives. She said she wants to reach readers to “empower them to realize that heroes are born every day, and that we can all be heroes of our own lives. And I think that’s especially something that women don’t hear enough of.” M

The CJ Lyons Buy A Book, Make A Difference Fund is a charity established in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to support organizations such as the American Heart Association, Doctors Without Borders and the Jeffrey Farkas Memorial Scholarship, which funds forensic training for law enforcement officers in underserved populations.

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BOOKS

Rosemary Wells, author behind Max and Ruby series, visits local bookstore

R

BY LIBBY O’REGAN | PHOTOS BY IMAGESBYKELSEYANNE.COM

osemary Wells, the creator and author of the hugely popular children’s book series about siblings Max and Ruby, appeared at The Storybook Shoppe in Bluffton on Nov. 14. It was a crowd beyond even Wells’ expectations. “Wow,” said Wells, “look at all these people. What a wonderful town!” She later told the store’s owner, Nancy Beaupre, that the turnout was larger than what she had seen in a big bookstore in California for a recent signing.

Eager fans, from young chil-

dren to grandparents, waited patiently in line to have their book signed by Wells. Adoring readers took photos with the author and asked questions, and The Storybook Shoppe gave out cookies in the shape of Wells’ famous characters, Max and Ruby. One little girl even got a sketch of Ruby on

her hand by the author.

“What an exciting event for our small town,” said frequent The Storybook Shoppe patron and event attendee Jessica Smith. “My daughter, Frankie, just loves these little bunnies and their adventures, and it is really special to be able to tell her she is meeting the person who created them!”

Wells was in the area to attend the Savannah Children’s Book Festival but made a short trip into Bluffton to hold the book signing. The author heard about The Storybook Shoppe in March

after the store tweeted to her about a blog post it had written on one of her books. Shortly after a series of tweets, Beaupre received a call with the name “Rosemary Wells” displayed on her caller ID. She jokingly answered the phone, “Is this THE Rosemary Wells?” Turned out it was. After a few logistics were worked out, Wells agreed to come to the store for a book signing and to showcase her latest book, “Max and Ruby at the Warthogs’ Wedding.”

Wells answered many questions from young readers, includ-

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Eager fans, from young children to grandparents, waited patiently in line to have their book signed by author Rosemary Wells.

ing some puzzling both children and parents. A 5-year-old boy, Griffin Spencer, asked Wells, “Where are Max & Ruby’s parents?” Wells says that’s the most popular question from little ones and parents alike. But, she says, her stories are not about Max and Ruby’s parents. The siblings have parents, but they are just upstairs watching and observing. Wells says her series is one of few to explore the relationship between a brother and a sister exclusively, and she was interested in that sibling bond after having her own children.

Wells sold the TV rights to the Max and Ruby characters 10 years ago. When she was asked how she feels about the TV series and the relationship to her books, she said the TV series helps sells the books, but the two are different. The TV series is produced in Canada and the characters are animated for TV and the writers write the characters for TV. “Max and Ruby are best in their books,” Wells said.

Though many people who met Wells to have their books signed remarked on the TV series, Wells frequently encouraged parents to read to their children. “Seat belts, inoculation and reading books,” Wells said. “Those are the big three.”

At the Savannah Children’s Book Festival the day after the signing, Wells talked to a crowd of more than 100 children and

their parents about the importance of reading. She urged everyone to stay away from screens such as computers, iPads, Kindles and other electronic devices, arguing that those don’t offer children a sense of accomplishment.

Wells was born in New York City and grew up on the New Jersey shore. She lived in a house that was filled with books, dogs and classical music, and took special trips with her grandmother to museums and the theater in New York City. She spent much of her time playing outdoors and also reading books. She knew early on she wanted to be an illustrator, then an author.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Rosemary Wells came to join us at our little store,” said Beaupre. “It’s a real honor and treat that she would come to us.

We are just thrilled.”

The Storybook Shoppe is located at 41A Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. The small shop has thousands of books, which are read by the staff. Personal recommendations and attention to young readers’ interests is what makes this independent bookshop different. The store also sells a carefully curated selection of educational toys, games and puzzles, most of which cannot be found in the Bluffton or Hilton Head areas. For more information on the store, go to www. thestorybookshoppe.com. M December 2014 115

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Latest local reads

It’s that time of year again. Christmas. Hanukkah. The holidays. That means one thing: The mad scramble for gifts. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones, office mates or friends, finding that perfect something for everyone can be a nerve-wracking task. If you have a book lover on your list, why not consider something written by a local author? Here are a few local reads worth checking out.

Hey! It’s O.K. to Grow Old: A Loving Look at Life in a Modern Retirement Community Sherry Conohan Modern retirement communities are nothing like the “home” of old.

Author Sherry Conohan made a very happy move into a modern retirement community and reports on the experience in this book to offer some insight for those folks who might be considering doing the same. Amenities the modern version might offer include long walking paths, a short golf course, a swimming pool certainly and a fitness room to work out in. Available through Amazon.com or on order at Barnes & Noble.

Stories from the Heart: Revelations from a Cardiologist | Walter H. Roehll How does a cardiologist share 84 years of his life? Renowned cardiologist Walter Roehll, the father of Hilton Head Monthly publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb, decided his first book was going to be about what he once believed, what he learned and what he now knows about the human heart and body. Just in his lifetime, the study of the heart has brought about unbelievable progress and understanding. The book also offers an overview and personal exploration of how he grew as a doctor and a man. The book is available at www. amazon.com.

The Pullman Hilton: A Christmas Mystery Charlie Ryan This winter story follows the escapades of seven youngsters as they seek adventure and encounter mysteries during a Depression-era Christmas. The seven children, who call themselves “The Maple Avenue Gang,” seek to divert their attentions from the prospect of few presents under the tree on Christmas morning 1938. The novel is written for young adults but appeals to an audience of all ages, especially at Christmas and the holidays.

Welcome to Your Mind Body: Mind Your Body, Mend Your Health | Dr. Rudy Kachmann and Kim Kachmann-Geltz Polls consistently show that addressing problems in our health care system remains a top concern for most Americans. Yet despite these findings, health care spending is out of control, with little relief is in sight. Even more alarming is the fact that 60 percent of patients have stress-related symptoms — ailments that could be prevented with less expensive and less invasive alternative therapies that reconnect the mind to the body for whole body wellness. This book is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

Attitude Therapy: Attitude Is How You Respond to What Happens | Deb Copeland This book follows the life of a young woman who down on her luck but makes a fateful decision to turn her life around. A broken family, a dying mother, drug addiction and personal health problems are just a few of her hurdles, but she manages to turn her life around, build a successful business, family and life. Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

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GOLF

BY JAMES MCMAHON | PHOTO BY JACK DAVIS

G

Teaching, one swing at a time

First Tee of the Lowcountry introduces kids to golf through educational programs

olf needs an influx of new participants who could provide positive forward momentum for the sport.

Children need a safe and welcoming environment to play, exposure to positive social and life skills and time spent exercising outside instead of playing online inside.

While it seems like a perfect match of needs and benefits, for a number of reasons golf and juniors haven’t connected the way one might think they should. Chief among those reasons has been a lack of exposure and affordable access to the game for middleclass and less-advantaged children, who have tended to flock more to traditional team sports such as football and soccer that are easier to play and pay for.

It’s an issue that is even prevalent here in Beaufort County, despite its golf-rich history and population of world-class golf courses. Yet a national program geared toward alleviating golf’s exposure problem among young kids has taken up shop in the region, providing hope that thousands of Beaufort and Jasper county kids will become involved in a game that delivers so many redeeming qualities for a generation sorely in need of them.

The First Tee of the Lowcountry recently received its official charter from the national First Tee organization, which is geared toward introducing kids to golf through educational programs.

For the time being, the First Tee of the Lowcountry is operating out of both Spanish Wells Golf Club on Hilton Head Island and Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club in Bluffton, but next fall it expects to open its own facility on Hilton Head. The program has received $1 million in support toward its $1.5 million capital funding goal.

“It’s all about getting kids exposed to golf in a fun and engaging atmosphere,” said Mike Davis, director of First Tee of the Lowcountry. “First Tee has been growing all across the country from year to year, and we’re pleased to now have a charter for Beaufort and Jasper counties.”

In addition to teaching the fundamentals of the game, the First Tee program focuses on nine core values and proper eating habits, and places a significant emphasis on making the right decisions both in the game and in life.

The Lowcountry program held fall classes during September and October at both Spanish Wells and Eagle’s Pointe, introducing kids to the game, its rules and life lessons such as honesty, sportsmanship and integrity.

Currently, First Tee of the Lowcountry classes cost $65, but there are multiple scholarship opportunities available to families that can’t afford the expense.

The First Tee, which is sponsored by the top associations and companies in golf, has similar charters in almost of every corner of the country. With its Lowcountry launch, the local branch will expose thousands of kids to the sport that is such an important fabric of this region.

“We live in such a wonderful place for golf, and it’s a real shame to think that so many children in this area don’t have access to the game,” Davis said. “There is great opportunity to get more kids playing golf in this region and to expose them to the nine core values of the First Tee.”

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GOLF

Further amplifying that opportunity is the pending launch of the First Tee National Schools Program, which will be run by the Lowcountry organization and will operate in several elementary schools on both sides of the Broad River.

Since 2004, the National Schools Program has activated 6,000 elementary schools across the country, providing physical education teachers with professional development training, junior golf lesson plans and the necessary equipment for effective implementation into their existing physical education programs.

Davis said the National Schools initiative will launch first at Mossy Oaks Elementary School in Beaufort, Red Cedar Elementary School in Bluffton and through the Right Choice program at the school district office. Hilton Head Christian Academy has also chosen to include the program at its elementary school level.

“We’re hoping that through the First Tee and the National Schools Program, we will soon be reaching 10,000 children a year,” Davis said.

“Without the First Tee, many of those kids would never have been exposed to the game and the core values and life lessons it provides.”

These two Lowcountry programs will help grow golf’s influence among juniors locally and nationally, which is a critical component of what the First Tee is trying to accomplish at the grassroots level of the sport.

The timing and the opportunity couldn’t be better. According to the National Golf Foundation, there are roughly 3 million golfers under

the age of 17, but there are millions more who have shown interest in the sport but are not currently active in it for one reason or another.

Moreover, another recent National Golf Foundation study suggests there is ample opportunity for golf to attract children to the game through their parents, who are looking for affordable opportunities such as the First Tee to get their kids involved in the game. A 2014 Physical Activity Council study fielded by the foundation revealed there are literally millions of parents who are supportive of their kids becoming involved with golf.

Concerns about sports-related injuries, the amount of time kids spend online instead of outside and the lack of computer-free socialization has those parents seeking new activities for their children. Golf answers every one of those concerns, but parents and children need exposure to the game and affordable opportunities to learn it, which is where the First Tee can play such a vital role.

“There’s no question that golf has lost players over the past several years,” Davis said. “But the First Tee is growing and we have the opportunity to bring new players to a game that will teach them so many valuable lessons about the right way to live their lives.”

Given that promise and potential, it’s safe to say that the recently chartered First Tee of the Lowcountry is a win-win-win opportunity for kids, parents and a golf industry starved for an influx of new players.

For more information on the First Tee or to donate your time or money to the organization, email Mike Davis at hhidavis@aol.com. M

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SPORTS

SPORTS

Soccer Stars HOSTING CAMP AT USCB

Mia Hamm headlines group of former U.S. Women’s National Team members coming to the Lowcountry

BY JUSTIN JARRETT | PHOTO BY BRAD MOORE

N

early a decade has passed since Mia Hamm retired from competitive soccer, hanging up the cleats that carried arguably the most famous American soccer player of all time to a 17-year career with the U.S. Women's National Team that included two Women's World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals.

But retirement for Hamm does not mean slowing down.

Just last month, she made headlines around the world by announcing within a span of a few days her role in the ownership group for Los Angeles

FC — the newest Major League Soccer franchise — and her appointment to the board of directors for iconic Italian club AS Roma. She also used the opportunity to advocate for the use of natural grass playing surfaces for the upcoming Women's World Cup in Canada, as she's always eager to fight for equal footing for women in sports.

Hamm still spends a fair amount of time on the pitch, too, using her iconic status and world-class knowledge to teach a new generation of American soccer hopefuls through Team First Soccer

Academy, the brainchild of Hamm and fellow University of North Carolina and U.S. Women's National Team alumnae Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini Hoch. The trio will bring their Team First curriculum to the Lowcountry from Dec. 12-14, holding a camp for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 at the University of South Carolina Beaufort's Hilton Head Gateway Campus in Bluffton.

The genesis of Team First came after the three had retired and wanted to pass along the knowledge and experiences compiled through-

out their careers to young players who had a desire to follow in their footsteps.

"The thing that kind of sets us apart — aside from the fact that you're getting three players who competed and won on every level — is that we don't just show up and sign autographs. We're on the field for pretty much every minute of every session. We're invested," Hamm said. "It's not just our names on the camp.

We want to make sure that the curriculum and the voice sharing the knowledge and curriculum is ours."

Young players certainly

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SPORTS

EVENT INFORMATION What: Team First Soccer Academy When: Dec. 12-14 Where: University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Hilton Head Gateway Campus Who: Boys and girls ages 8-18 Cost: $400 Info & registration: teamfirstsocceracademy.com

would be hard-pressed to find a better group of teachers. Hamm, Lilly and Hoch have combined for five Women's World Cup titles, five Olympic gold medals and 12 NCAA titles. Hamm is widely considered the greatest women's soccer player in history, and Lilly is the mostcapped woman of all time, with 352 appearances for the national team.

Hamm is largely credited with sparking the growth of the women's game internationally, and certainly it has come a long way since she and her peers had to play on co-ed teams because of a lack of girls club teams when they were growing up.

Her appeal reaches far beyond her gender, though.

She and her husband, former baseball star Nomar Garciaparra, are among a large and distinguished group of owners of LAFC, and she was tabbed for Roma's board because her name and image still carry considerable cachet with the American soccer aficionados the club covets.

Garciaparra actually took the lead with the LAFC affiliation, tying together his Los Angeles roots and his love of soccer as a child, and the

couple viewed it as an opportunity to put down roots, so to speak, as they raise their three children.

The appointment to Roma's board, however, came as a surprise. When Hamm got the call, she thought it simply would be an invitation to attend a game. Instead, she became an ambassador for a club to which she holds a personal connection.

Hamm's parents lived in Rome for a time while her Air Force father was stationed at the U.S. embassy there. She spent Christmas and summer vacations there while playing at UNC and developed an affinity for the club.

Hamm's goals with both of her latest ventures align with the reason she and her colleagues started Team First.

They're repaying their debt to the game that made them famous.

"In the end, I love this game and it's given me so much," Hamm said. "Any opportunity to help it continue to grow in this country and use my insights and advantages that I have to help in any way possible is what I'm committed to doing."

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REAL ESTATE M

Local housing market FACES SLUGGISH END TO 2014

AS THE YEAR WINDS DOWN, THE NATIONAL HOUSING MARKET HAS HAD ITS HIGHS AND LOWS FOR 2014. BY JEAN BECK

T

he year started slow, gained momentum and is ending slower than expected. Our local market has felt the same wave. We will report on the final number for the year in January.

Today’s buyer should be prepared when shopping in today’s market.

With lower inventory, multiple offers are not uncommon. If you require a mortgage, the first order of business is to start the application and qualification process with a lender before you begin to search for a property.

Since the Dodd-Frank Act was passed in 2010, lending regulations have become more stringent and you may be surprised by something on your credit report that may need attention before a loan would be approved.

Be proactive, not reactive, to the lending process. Once you are assured of a mortgage, you can leverage your ability to make an offer to purchase by being prequalified. Your Realtor will work directly with your lender to assure a successful closing.

Despite the year’s sluggish ending, the Hilton Head region continues to be discovered as the ideal place to live, work and play.

If you are selling or buying a home, remember to ask if your agent is a Realtor and a member of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.

MORTGAGE RATES STILL NEAR YEARLY LOWS The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is hovering around 4 percent.

This has been keeping borrowing costs low for refinancers and homebuyers.

Freddie Mac reported the following national averages for mortgage rates: • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.01%, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 4.02%. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 4.35%.

• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.2%, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 3.21% average. At this time last year, 15-year rates averaged 3.35%.

• Five-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 3.02%, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 2.97% average. A year ago, five-year ARMs averaged 3.01%.

• One-year ARMs averaged 2.43%, with an average 0.4 point, dropping from last week’s 2.45% average. At this time last year, one-year ARMs averaged 2.61%. M Jean Beck is the executive vice president of the Hilton Head Island Association of Realtors.

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Give Charles, Frances, or Angela a Call!

(843) 384-7300 or (800) 267-3285

81 Main Street, Suite 202 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

Charles Sampson Home - (843) 681-3000 Mobile - (843) 384 -7300

Frances Sampson (843) 681-3307 x 236 Mobile - (843) 384-1002

Angela Mullis (843) 681-3307 x 223 Mobile - (843) 384-7301

Charles@CharlesSampson.com

Frances@FrancesSampson.com

Angela@AngelaMullis.com

www.CharlesSampson.com www.CSampson.com Island Resident Since 1972.

HiltonHeadIslandSouthCarolina

Hilton Head Plantation Collection 31 OLD FORT DRIVE

15 BEAR ISLAND

OUTSTANDING ESTATE HOME AND PROPERTY – Miles of Water View and across the Port Royal Sound and out to the Atlantic. Breathtaking sun and moon rises. Along the bluff which was first sighted by Capt. William Hilton in 1663. 4 BR, Hobby Room, 2nd floor Sunroom, formal LR & DR, expansive Kitchen/Family Room. 3 car Garage, a to-die-for office and expansive rear Deck and courtyard pool. The vacant lot to the front could also be purchased. $1,595,000

SUNSET/WATERWAY VIEWS. Magnificent moss draped oaks and vistas up Skull Creek and the Port Royal Sound to the Broad River Bridge. 3 or 4 bedroom, library, 2 offices, 2nd floor family room, tons of storage and a hobby room. Open floor plan flows to the pool deck, covered terrace and two lower decks.

Views abound from almost every room. Homesite is an oversized patio with a private open space. $1,250,000

HILTON HEAD ISLAND MARSHVIEW AT ITS FINEST – with expansive Elliott Creek and Marsh views, stately moss draped oaks and palmettos and at high tide you may even be able to kayak from your back yard. This Italian villa style home features 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, formal Living and Dining rooms, 1st floor office or Den, Bonus room with burnished cherry paneling plus an expansive eat-in Kitchen/Family Room. Adjacent lot available. $799,000

37 OLD FORT DRIVE

11 SUNSET PLACE

34 OLD FORT DRIVE

ENJOY THE SUNSETS over Skull Creek and the sail boats leisurely traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway.

This Hilton Head Plantation home has it all. 4 BR home features an elevator which allows for the master suite to be on the 2nd floor with its outstanding views. Other features include formal LR & DR, 1st floor Office plus and eat-in Kitchen and Family Room.The rear deck is expansive and has room under for Kayak storage. Short distance to the Country Club of Hilton Head clubhouse with its indoor/outdoor pools, tennis, dining, health club and golf course. $795,000

CONVENIENT LOCATION, CONVENIENT LIFESTYLE - Unique understated courtyard home with its private courtyard pool. Just a short distance to the boat docks along Skull Creek and fantastic sunsets over the water. Also very close to the Country Club of Hilton Head.This 3 BR, 2.5 BA Hilton Head Plantation home has a split bedroom floorplan with a 1st floor master and two up, formal LR & DR, Den, 2 car Garage, high smooth ceilings and wood floors.This home is a “10!” $563,000

OUTSTANDING GOLF AND LAGOON VIEW. Cool breezes off Shell Creek make this Hilton Head Plantation home pretty neat. Located behind the 11th tee of the Country Club of Hilton Head, a par 3, with views of the entire hole, stately moss draped oaks and a lagoon. 3 Bedroom, 1st Floor Master with bedrooms upstairs, 2.5 Bath, Formal Living Room & Dining Room plus updated Kitchen and Family Room. High smooth ceilings, 2-car garage and 2nd row waterway.

View, Convenient Location, andValue. $495,000

16 TOWHEE ROAD

12 WATER THRUSH PLACE

15 SEABROOK LANDING DR.

OYSTER REEF GOLF CLUB’S 4TH FAIRWAY and lagoon view, short distance to the Port Royal Sound and located in the heart of Hilton Head Plantation on a cul de sac street.

This 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath home offers views and values. There is a formal Living Room & Dining Room, an open Kitchen/Family Room, 2 car side entry Garage, cathedral and tray ceilings. Great curb appeal and mature landscaping. $435,000

PRISTINE is the best way to describe this one owner Hilton Head Plantation home. Private, well landscaped homesite in the popular Rookery Neighborhood with its private fishing lagoons and neighborhood pool complex. Offers a great opportunity to own a 3 Bedroom home. Mature landscaping, formal Living and Dining Rooms, side entry 2 car Garage with a coated floor, expansive Carolina Room which had been a screened porch.

Bright and Open floorplan. $348,500

40

LI N S EW

13 ANGEL WING

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION’S Oyster Reef 18th fairway view, close to the Port Royal Sound. Mature landscaped full sized homesite.

Updated light and bright 3 BR, 3.5 BA home with high ceilings, 2 fireplaces, 2 car garage, living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen/family room. New roof and recently painted in and out.This is one of those homes which will be a joy to call home. Plantation shutters, palladium window, jetted tub and granite tops in Kitchen and Master Bath. $475,000

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61

K

LI N ST EW IN G

C U O N N D T E R R A C T

61 OYSTER REEF DRIVE

WIND worksho garage. T tures – tion, ver tion. Sm pumps. J be purc mentally Lowcou

OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD your dream home in the exclusive Seabrook Landing neighborhood of Hilton Head Plantation. This marsh front homesite will allow for views to the 13th fairway of the Country Club of Hilton Head and across the marsh to the sunsets over Skull Creek. In addition, residents of Seabrook Landing can enjoy all the benefits of living in Hilton Head Plantation.$425,000

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NEAR Island h and rest ter at In only con nis, wor loft floo marsh v ing, fire extra st

Give Charles, Frances, or Angela a Call!

(843) 384-7300 or (800) 267-3285

is 223 7301

Charles Sampson Home - (843) 681-3000 Mobile - (843) 384 -7300

Frances Sampson (843) 681-3307 x 236 Mobile - (843) 384-1002

Angela Mullis (843) 681-3307 x 223 Mobile - (843) 384-7301

s.com

Charles@CharlesSampson.com

Frances@FrancesSampson.com

Angela@AngelaMullis.com

r dream g neighs marsh he 13th n Head er Skull k Landn Hilton

www.CharlesSampson.com www.CSampson.com Island Resident Since 1972.

HiltonHeadIslandSouthCarolina

6 FANTAIL LANE

6 MASTERS COURT

6 SUMMERS LANE

WINDMILL HARBOUR. Heated and cooled workshop, hobby room, storage room and 3+ car garage. This Lowcountry style home has many features – 5 BR, 5 BA, 5000+ sq ft, 15’ ground elevation, very energy efficient in structure and operation. Smooth ceilings, teak floors, geothermal heat pumps. Just steps from the harbor. A 60’ slip could be purchased. Comfort, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, low maintenance, and outstanding Lowcountry design.

WINDMILL HARBOUR - This private residential community is only 172 acres and is located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Full sized homesite. Wood and tile floors, high smooth ceilings, granite tops, S/S appliances, formal Living & Dining rooms, plus a bright Carolina Room with 5 Bedrooms or 4 plus Den. Newer roof and remodeled in 2010. this is an outstanding home in a great boaters community. $567,777

A SHORT DISTANCE from The Leamington Beach Club. Quiet cul de sac under hardwood trees on a private full sized homesite. Minutes from dining and shopping. Newer 4 BR or 3 plus a Bonus Room, 3 BA, high smooth ceiling with crown molding, wood floors, updated baths with granite and limestone floors. Dining Room, Split Bedroom plan, Office with bright and open Great Room floorplan. Expansive back private patio and yard.

WONDERFUL private end of a cul de sac with a large wooded backyard and setting.There is open space to the front and back of the property - Great Location for a tree fort or a kids touch football game. This Palmetto Hall Lowcountry home features an updated granite kitchen/family room, 3 BR plus a large Bonus Room/Hobby Room, 3.5 baths, high smooth ceilings, wood floors, two-car garage, screened porch, fireplace and more. $438,750

618 SPANISH WELLS

33 WEXFORD CLUB DRIVE

18 WELLINGTON DRIVE

17 SAPELO LANE

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to own an acreage on Hilton Head Island overlooking marsh to deep water. There is a possibility to subdivide the 5 acres into multiple homesites with two of those being marshfront. Drive by and scout out this great Bank Owned property. $399,900

WEXFORD PLANTATION. One of Hilton Head Island’s finest communities. For boaters the Wexford Harbor is just off Broad Creek and easy access to the ICW. Golf Course has recently been redesigned. Tennis at Wexford is first class. This 4 Bedroom 4.5 Bath home has been totally redone with travertine and hand scraped wood floors, high smooth ceilings with exposed beams, a chef’s kitchen with granite. Beautiful view of the 8th fairway.

Close to beach, shopping and dining. $1,050,000

SPECTACULAR SETTING with this 2 story home located towards the end of a cul-desac in Woodbridge. Updated Kitchen with granite counters, wood floors, finished Bonus Room and large fenced in back yard. Eat-in Kitchen, formal Dining Room, Laundry Room, Pantry, and Foyer.

Woodbridge is located in the Okatie school district and features a community pool and park.

This home is near shopping, dining, family entertainment center, and theater. $229,000

FEATURES A LARGE FENCED IN BACK YARD overlooking the 4th green of the Island West golf course. Other features of this home include a first floor master, formal dining room, eat in kitchen with granite counters and fireplace in the great room. This home is a quick walk to the Island West amenities including pool, playground, and fitness center. Island West is located in the award winning Okatie school district. $329,000

K-18 MARSH SIDE

107 THE BREAKERS VILLA

12 STRATFORD VILLAGE WAY

LOWCOUNTRY HOMESITES

LI N ST EW IN G

40 SPARWHEEL LANE

LI N ST EW IN G

HVIEW tt Creek aks and be able illa style mal Living n, Bonus s an excent lot

81 Main Street, Suite 202 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION 7 ANGLERS POND CT. LAGOON VIEW $186,900 18 CHINA COCKLE LANE 2ND ROW SOUND $242,000 13 BEAR ISLAND RD MARSHFRONT $247,500 HAMPTON HALL 280 FARNSLEIGH AVE $179,000 11 HAMPSTEAD AVE $114,500

NEAR THE SCHOOLS and all Hilton Head Island has to offer. Quick bike ride to the shops and restaurants of Main Street and Festival Center at Indigo Run.The Marsh Side complex is not only conveniently located, it has it all - pool, tennis, workout room. K-18 is one of the popular loft floor plans, but this one also has a tranquil marsh view. Newer HVAC, appliances, high ceiling, fireplace, full sized washer and dryer and extra storage outside. $94,500

Ch1_Sampson_1214.indd 137

A GREAT WAY TO OWN a get-a-way at the Hilton Head Island Beach. Just steps from the ocean and in Coligny Plaza with its dining, shopping, night life and music. The oceanfront pool complex is outstanding. There is covered parking. This 1st floor one bedroom villas which can sleep 6 is turnkey ready. All you need to do is bring your toothbrush, bathing suit and some suntan lotion. $178,500

SUN CITY. Lovely Dogwood model overlooking the golf course. This home features hardwood floors throughout, hard surface counters in the kitchen and a covered porch. The large Master bedroom includes a bay window and a large walk-in closet. The bath has double vanities, a separate shower and soaking tub. Sun City has three golf courses, tennis courts, expansive community center and is close to shopping and dining. COMING SOON TO THE MARKET.

BLUFFTON 38 BARTONS RUN DR $185,000 COMMERCIAL 44 PERSIMMON ST. $$215,000 170 PEARLSTINE DRIVE $90,000 BOATSLIP 139 VILLAGE OF SKULL CREEK DOCK UP TO A ’44 BOAT $29,500

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www.RickSaba.com 79 Village of Skull Creek W

Great opportunity to purchase a fantastic home w/ so much character and stunning golf fairway, green and lagoon views. Open Kitchen to family room area, huge spacious living area complete w/wood burning fireplace and vaulted ceilings w/beautiful wood beams. Well cared for and used very little as a true second home. All for $475,000.

P L

85 Club Course Drive

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Stunning golf views as you enter the front door!

Total renovation on this one level 3 bedroom/3 full bath home. Custom kitchen w/stainless apps, granite counter tops, gorgeous hard wood/stone flooring.

Master bathroom w/walk in tile shower. Open kitchen to family and living areas w/dual sided fireplace and tremendous ceiling height w/floor to ceiling windows.

New A/C & Heat Pump units. New water heater.

Offered for sale for $619,000.

N T A

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION SPANISH POINTE

6 Newhall Road

S T I

28 Woodbine Place

O

One level fully furnished home located on private street. Fantastic golf view lot with a pool and spa, you really won’t want to leave your seat. Renovated open floor plan kitchen, updated bathrooms, large open living/family room area with fireplace, vaulted ceilings, screened in porch and awesome views! Unbelievable rental numbers. All for $699,900.

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BROAD CREEK LANDING

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Fantastic renovation on this top floor 2 bedroom villa w/ screened in porch located on the South End of the Island.

Custom kitchen w/granite counter tops, smooth ceilings, upgraded appliances, a lot of new windows, you name it!

This villa has been priced below the market and is in super condition! Updated master bath, glass replaced in sliders and more make this a great value. Broad Creek Landing has pool, tennis courts, playground and grill area. Just $149,000.

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45 Three Mast Lane

Fantastic opportunity to purchase a well cared for one level home w/such a great layout! Amazing curb appeal. Large open living area w/vaulted ceilings opening up to the screened in porch and huge back deck! Light and bright w/a super eat in kitchen, natural light too. This really is a special house. Steal of a deal for $289,000.

I

Deep Water 2 acre estate sized lot located in the gated community of Spanish Pointe. Beautifully treed with endless views of the Intracoastal Waterway to the May River complete with gorgeous trees. Surrounded by multi-million dollar homes, now is a great time to purchase a super lot then build your future dream home.

Need a place for a boat, this is a great lot to add a private dock. Offered for sale for $975,000.

6 Fawn Lane

P

27 Spanish Pointe Drive

A

On well over an acre lot nearly surrounded by water w/views of the PR Sound to Pinckney Island. Old-World glazing stucco ext.w/solid arched Mahogany doors w/glass throughout, solid Mahogany French doors in the back. Open eat in kitchen w/ top of the line everything: 6 burner range w/griddle/3 ovens.

Media-bonus or 4th BDR w/back bar, walnut floors, walk in closet. Study w/distressed custom cherry cabinetry, ceiling beams & gas fireplace, wet bar w/direct water views, a butler’s pantry w/cherry cabinetry. Stunning outdoor living w/pool, screened in, Kayak dock & deck. Offered for sale for $3,150,000.

Superb value on this one level home in Sea Pines Plantation on such a great cul-de-sac street. Want a home at the price of a villa . . . $279,000? Then you have found it! Nice layout w/large kitchen, fireplace, gorgeous screened in porch and more. Located in the Club Course section of Sea Pines, close proximity to the bike paths and shopping.

E

37 Seabrook Landing Drive

4 Possum Lane

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The BEST LOCATION in Skull Creek, nearly a 360 degree of the water from this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom villa. The views are absolutely breathtaking from the huge screened in porch, making you feel like you are on the water. Superb quality with custom kitchen w/top of the line Kitchen Aid appliances, granite counter tops, built in bar w/cooper sink, completely renovated guest bathroom and just an AWESOME master bathroom w/expanded walk in shower. Complete w/ two large storage areas. Offered for $449,000.

Rick, We’ve been so busy fixing up our new place and enjoying the holidays that we forgot to send you a “thank you” for two more successful real estate deals.

Your ability to look at the long term value of developing good clients rather than the short term value of a quick sale has served you well in our case as well as many others. Just as you did when you sold us our first house in Sea Pines, you actually talked us out of buying places that you knew were not the best deals for us and waited until that perfect fit appeared. Obviously we would never think of dealing with another agent. —John Dreier NC and Hilton Head Island

Rick Saba

Carolina Realty Group (843) 683-4701 • Rick@TheBestAddressinTown.com www.RickSaba.com 2009 Realtor® of the Year Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors® 2005 President Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors®

Want an easy way to search for all of the properties in the Lowcountry? Just visit

Follow me on the web and on Facebook & Twitter.

www.SearchRealEstateHiltonHead.com

Would you like to get AUTO ALERTS on ANY COMMUNITY OR VILLA COMPLEX? Please call (843) 683-4701 or email me today: Rick@TheBestAddressinTown.com

Life is Short!

Live where you want to live!

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

11/20/14 4:10 PM

Ingrid Low

(o) 843-686-6460 (c) 843-384-7095 www.ingridlow.com ingrid@ingridlow.com

Selling Island-wide for Over 29 Years with Over $245 Million Sold!

Ann Webster

(o) 843-686-2523 (c) 843-384-5338 www.annwebster.com ann@annwebster.com

Selling Island-wide for Over 29 Years with Over $225 Million Sold!

Betty Hemphill (c) 843-384-2919 www.bettyhemphill.com betty@bettyhemphill.com

Selling Island-wide for Over 24 Years with Over $224 Million Sold!

23 TABBY ROAD – Port Royal. Incredible marsh views with creek running thru it from this 3BR/2B home. Hardwood floors, master with FP. 3 decks, elevator, new eat-in kitchen. $599,000

28 BAYNARD COVE – A fabulous,new (2007) quality -built home with 5 bedrooms, stone floors, gourmet kitchen, heated pool/spa and 5 min walk to beach. Over $100k in rental projections. $1,699,000

SOUTH BEACH LANE – SEA PINES – Distinctive home on .576 acres viewing Audubon Pond 6th row ocean. Five bed/6 bath plus office, huge screened outdoor entertainment area heated pool/spa/waterfall. Over 5000 heated sq ft. $2,100,000

6 PRINCETON CIRCLE – PORT ROYAL – Light & bright 3BR, 3BA home just steps away from the beach! First floor master, living room w/ vaulted ceilings & fireplace, large eat-in kitchen, charming patio and 2- car garage. $549,000

16 DUCK HAWK – 4th row walkway. 4BR /3BA heated pool and spa. Original owner. $1,195,000

66 DUNE LANE – FOREST BEACH – Southern styles newer 5 BR/5 BA home with wide verandas taking advantage of ocean views and breezes.

Enclosed pool, billard room tiki bar area. Fun vacation home or rental property with over $100,000 in rental income. $1,790,000 fully furn.

Charming Low Country style home in popular “Rookery”. 1 min. walk to “Rookery” pool. 3BR/3BA,Carolina room, FP w. brick chimney. 1-car garage. $309,000

42 PURPLE MARTIN LANE – HILTON HEAD PLANTATION –

7 SEASIDE SPARROW — A charming 3rd row beach house with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, private heated pool, screened porch and views of Sprunt Pond. Excellent rental history and fully furnished for $1,245,000.

SEA PINES – Four bedroom home in South Beach with long views down Braddock Cove to Calibogue Sound. Screen porch, vaulted ceiling, open floor plan, 2 car carport, deeded boat slip. Great remodel opportunity in prime location at this price. $949,000 Furn.

33 SOUTH SEA PINES DRIVE – 3BR/3BA plus den, lg. pool, lagoon view, FP, walk to SP best beach and SB village.

Selling “as is.” Great price. $564,000

CALIBOGUE CLUB – 3bed/3bath plus loft, totally renovated with 2200 sq ft and beautiful lagoon view for $539,000 furnished.

SEA PINES – RED MAPLE – Charming 3 br/3 bath cottage with terrific views of wide lagoon and Heron Point golf. Bike trail to beach at end of this cul de sac road. Pool, carport. Vaulted ceilings remodeled. Good rental history. $849,000 Furn.

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LET US SHOW YOU HOW WE CAN HELP TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. REMAX agents sell more real estate than any other US brand.

BRAND NEW OFFICE LOCATION COMING SOON TO THE SOUTH END OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND. ©2014 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office independently owned and operated. Data is full-year or as of year-end 2013, as applicable. Except as noted, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, Sotheby’s and Better Homes and Gardens data is as reported by Realogy Corporation on SEC 10-K, Annual Report for 2013; Keller Williams, Weichert, Real Living and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices data is from company websites and industry reports. 1RE/MAX residential transaction sides may include some leases, estimated to be less than 1%. Keller Williams reports all transaction sides and does not itemize U.S. residential transactions.

2MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness.

3U.S. national media ad spend, as a percentage of spend of all national real estate franchises, as reported

by Nielsen Ad Views. Others: 9.7%. 4Based on lists of countries claimed at each franchisor’s website, excluding claimed locations that are not independent countries (e.g. territories, etc.). 140331

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For more information call Maria Skrip or Fred Newton at 843.785.5252.

99 Main Street, Hilton Head Island, SC

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cell 843.384.8797 | office 843.681.3307 | toll free 800.267.3285 | email Richard@RMacDonald.com INDIGO RUN

INDIGO RUN

INDIGO RUN

INDIGO RUN

ELEGANT HOME. Ultimate outdoor living space.

18th, 17th and Lagoon in the Golf Club. 4 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths. $739,000

RIVER CLUB. Used only as a 2nd home.

BEAUTIFUL LAGOON/GOLF VIEW. 4 bedroom and 4.5 bathroom. Large Study/Den. $689,000

BEAUTIFUL HOME overlooking the 18th Fairway of Golden Bear. 4 Bedrooms and 4.5 Baths. $679,900

INDIGO RUN

PALMETTO HALL

INDIGO RUN

INDIGO RUN

BEAUTIFUL Home overlooking free form pool with

Kentucky fieldstone decking with a lagoon and fairway view. 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths + a Study. $679,000

CUSTOM BUILT CLASSIC LowCountry home. 4 Bedrooms + Bonus Room and 3.5 Baths.

Lagoon view. $629,000

BRAND NEW HOME overlooking Otter Creek.

COASTAL COTTAGE HOME overlooking the 11th Green. Designers dream home. 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths. $549,000

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

RAINTREE MODEL. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

Panoramic lagoon view. 4 Bedrooms or 3 Bedrooms + Bonus Room, 3 Full Baths. $695,000

4 Bedrooms and 4 Full Baths. $589,900

FABULOUS TOWNHOMES across from the PANORAMIC VIEW of Bear Lake. Beautiful

CLOSE TO THE PORT ROYAL SOUND.

CCHH. 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths. Prices starting at $479,000

updated home overlooking free form pool. 3 Bedrooms and 3 Full Baths. $459,000

THE CRESCENT

SEA PINES

SHIPYARD

LAKE LINDEN

SOUGHT AFTER CHARTWELL MODEL. 4 Bedrooms and 3 Baths. Seller will consider leaseback. $359,000

STONEY CREEK TOWNHOME overlooking tidal marsh and near Harbourtown. 1 Bedroom and 1.5 Bath. $275,000

HAMILTON VILLA. Great permanent or 2nd home. 2 Bedrooms and 2 Baths + Deck. $239,000

BEAUTIFUL LAGOON VIEW. 4 Bedrooms

and a large Screened Lanai overlooking a lagoon. $519,000

FOLLY FIELD

CONTACT RICHARD MACDONALD FOR INCREDIBLE HOMESITES IN HILTON HEAD PLANTATION • INDIGO RUN • HAMPTON HALL

Used only as a 2nd Home. 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths. $449,000

or 3 Bedrooms +huge Bonus Room and 2.5 Baths.

Screened Porch. $197,500

THE OAKS

MerryChristmas from my family to yours!

1ST FLOOR FIDDLERS COVE VILLA. Walk to the beach. 2 Bedrooms and 2 Baths. $126,000

RENOVATED 2 Bedroom Townhouse on the north end. Great Permanent home or long term rental. $65,000

Visit my website: www.RMacDonald.com

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Enhance the Experience A D I V I S I O N O F YA D K I N B A N K

If you’re buying, building, refinancing, renovating or a first time homebuyer, Yadkin can make it possible for you!

Branch Manager NMLS# 239964 cell 843.384.3097

Ed Brown

Reverse Mortgage Specialist NMLS# 900952 cell 843.368.5535

NMLS# 243073 cell 843.247.7655

Karen Hall

Joan Sherwood

Jacqueline Alcock

Bob Cummins

Sam McGowan, III

Shawn D. Crouch

NMLS# 246640 843.368.3404

Don Davis

NMLS# 339838 843.524.2004

NMLS# 264178 843.524.5240

NMLS# 659256 cell 843.384.1385

NMLS# 313712 cell 843.415.8316

Yadkin Bank offers a full array of financial services.

• Conventional (Fannie and Freddie Loans) • PORTFOLIO LOANS (Both conforming and jumbo loan amounts) • USDA Rural Housing Loans (100% loan amounts) • Piggy Back Loans (1st and 2nd mortgages) • Construction/Perm Loans Keeping it simple, Making it personal • Home Equity Loans • Lot Loans • FHA and VA financing • Commercial Loans NMLS#522448 • Reverse Mortgages www.yadkinbank.com A D I V I S I O N O F YA D K I N B A N K

905 Charles Street The Old Commons Beaufort, SC 29902

1040 William Hilton Parkway Suite 104 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

1302 Calhoun Street The Promenade Bluffton, SC 29910

843.785.2880

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SHELTER COVE

Happy Holida

ys!

231 Captains Quarters – One of a kind Waterfront Penthouse overlooking Shelter Cove Harbour & Broad Creek! Soaring ceilings to magnify your views as you watch yachts and sailboats glide by. Features unique upstairs sitting area, wood floor, smooth ceilings, spacious family room, updated kitchen cabinets and granite. Walk to restaurants, shopping, and more! $369,000

PALMETTO HALL

29 Madison Lane – Fabulous custom designed ranch home with 3,780 s/f of living space! Features huge open floor plan, soaring ceilings, beautiful kitchen, enormous master suite, plus 2 additional guest rooms/ hobby room, 3.5 baths, screened-in lanai…and so much more! Don’t miss seeing this home! $569,000

LEAMINGTON

708 Barrington Park – Darling 1 Bedroom/1.5 Bath villa overlooking tranquil lagoon and just steps to the beach! Enjoy all of Palmetto Dunes Resort amenities, golf, biking, kayaking, restaurants, tennis, and more! You’ll never need a car once in your villa...it’s all within walking or biking distance. Brand new A/C. Turnkey rental ready. A must see villa! $289,000

PALMETTO DUNES

1753 St. Andrews Commons – Best Buy! Relaxing golf course views await you from this award winning design. True 2 bedroom/2 bath all on one level.

Desirable split bedroom floor plan, breakfast den, wet bar, greenhouse windows, wrap around patio.

Fabulous pool and just a bike ride to the beach and all of Palmetto Dunes world class amenities. $289,900

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road trip

Grab your gear, it’s time for a

BY CHRIS KATON

W

SAVANNAH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE A 29,175 acre National Wildlife Refuge established to provide a nature and forest preserve for aesthetic and conservation purposes.

e’re topping off the gas tank for a road trip to six of the best outdoor vacation destinations in the United States, all an easy drive from the Lowcountry.

We begin our journey in south Georgia, where Sea Island’s new Broadfield Sporting Club & Lodge has added hunting to its roster of world-class outdoor activities.

The Forbes five-star resort off the southeastern coast of Georgia has added a 5,800-acre property as a sporting club destination that includes amenities

such as a rifle and pistol range, freshwater fishing, extensive hunting grounds and a multitude of game including quail, deer, wild turkey and doves.

The property’s main attraction is its abundant hunting grounds, perfect for plantation-style quail hunting with guides and dogs and action-packed continental pheasant shoots.

Jon Kent, director of outdoor pursuits at Broadfield, said the club offers a one-of-a-kind falconry program with some of the nation’s top falconers.

“You’re just not going to see anything like this anywhere else

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ENVIRONMENT

6

AMAZING OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS ARE JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY

in the world,” he said.

Kent said the falconry hunting package includes a threepart hunt utilizing specially trained Harris’s hawks to catch squirrels, goshawks to flush and hunt quail, and peregrine falcon to hunt pheasant.

“The bird handler will release the bird, which will climb and begin to circle, then we release the dogs to flush the game and the hunting begins. At that point, you just sit back and watch,” Kent said.

“The grand finale is the peregrine falcon, which dives at more than 200 miles per hour,”

he said. “It sounds like a jet coming down out of the sky.” ”After your hunt, we follow it up with as good a farm-to-table luncheon that you’ve ever had,” Kent said.

Closer to home, there are wildlife-dependent recreational activities offered year-round at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, including wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, bicycling, fishing and hunting.

The 29,000-acre property is an important link in the chain of wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds annually. The refuge also provides nesting habitat for wood ducks, purple gallinules, bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites, among others.

Waterfowl are most abundant from November through February, while alligators and other reptiles are frequently seen from March through October. Bird watching opportunities are good all year, but are best from October through April when temperatures are mild and many species of waterfowl and other wintering birds are present.

Just a 90-minute drive due west of Bluffton on U.S. 278 is Groton Plantation in Allendale, S.C. The plantation covers nearly 25,000 acres and was established as a hunting retreat in 1906 by Robert Dudley Winthrop of New York.

Part of the land is rented to tenant farmers, but much is kept as a hunting and vacation preserve. The estate has been in the family since the turn of the century.

The Winthrops are one of America’s founding families and 11th generation descendants of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

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HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK A 5,000-acre secluded semitropical barrier island located 15 miles east of Beaufort.

Rob Winthrop donated home movie footage to the University of Georgia that document Winthrop’s parents, family and friends during the early to mid-20th century and include footage of Groton Plantation during various hunts.

Another short drive up the coast in Beaufort is Hunting Island State Park, where naturalists and residents alike gather for camping excursions and other adventures.

Hunting Island features a campground, which has spaces for RVs and tent campers, as well as a primitive campsite for established groups and very easy access to the beach.

The pristine sandy beach attracts more than 1 million visitors each year, and its natural setting and the warm Atlantic Ocean make a perfect getaway.

The Hunting Island historic lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the state open to the public. From the top platform, one can get a breathtaking view of the ocean, beach and the marshland.

Fishing is popular in the lagoon, surf and the fishing pier, which reaches 1,120 feet into the Fripp Inlet. Located at the pier entrance is the nature center, which features exhibits of the local wildlife and marine life.

If water sports are what you’re after, then a visit to Santee State Park north of Charleston is not to be missed.

The lake system provides 15,000 acres of federally managed land and water at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, and an additional 18,250 acres are managed as Wildlife Management Areas by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The area offers 450 miles of shoreline and is home to Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake, and Lake Moultri, the state’s third largest.

Nature can take full credit for the region’s

intrinsic beauty, but man also deserves credit for the efforts to protect and preserve the lakes’ environment and maintain these areas as natural habitats.

In the mountains of North Carolina, there is a farm on a hill where blueberries grow.

The Brushy Mountain Berry Farm is a youpick treasure trove of farm-fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and seasonal produce.

Plump, juicy and sweet, with vibrant color ranging from deep purple-blue to blueblack and highlighted by a silvery sheen called a bloom, blueberries are one of nature’s greatest treasures.

The farm is located just off Route 16 in the northwest corner of the state and is home to Austin and Cody Brodfuhrer, brothers and best friends who share a passion for sustainable farming.

“Cody and I share a passion for environmental sustainability and for as long as I can remember we shared the dream of owning a farm,” Austin Brodfuhrer said.

A small store on the property features products from local merchants, including a blueberry facial scrub, jams, jellies, seasonal produce and assorted canned goods.

Visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which run from the southwest to the northeast and dominate the western and northern horizons. M

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN BERRY FARM A 40-acre berry farm nestled along the Western slope of the Brushy Mountain range, a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Palmetto Bluff Conservancy expands community outreach with

Buffalo Trail Run

BY CHRIS KATON

The shotgun blast that marked the start of the inaugural Buffalo Trail Run was still ringing in my ears when I jumped on the back of an ATV driven by Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Director Jay Walea.

As

Walea set off to monitor the runners, I held on for an up close and personal tour of the 10-kilometer race course that weaved its way through some of the most isolated stretches of the property.

The idea for the 10k, 30k and 50k Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Buffalo Trail Run was part his idea. Initial plans for the race were hatched after the success of the Palmetto Bluff Half Marathon. But this time, instead of paying a visit to Wilson Village, runners would trek through the most remote heart of the 20,000-acre plantation.

“It’s the part of the plantation that’s farthest from the road and therefore the

least travelled,” Walea said. “Some of these places the runners are going are completely closed to the public, so this is really the only chance most people will have to see these areas.”

As if on cue, three white-tailed deer bound across the road in front of us.

From my vantage point, it was difficult to say whether the wind had masked our scent or if the animals were summoned

by Walea. Then, minutes later, my suspicions were heightened when two wild turkeys arrived.

Walea pressed the pedal to the floor and we ripped across a dirt access road adjacent to the course. He knew from his 26 years in these woods that the maneuver would get us out ahead of all

but the fastest runners. We arrived at the checkpoint in time for Walea to cheer on some of the Palmetto Bluff staff running in the race.

He pointed out the spot in the woods where the pine uplands gave way to the ancient maritime forest at the edge of New River Marsh. “Other than people who come on my nature tours, these woods haven’t been visited in a long, long time,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to work in what might be the best office in the world,” Walea said. His charge of maintaining the massive swath of conservation space is all encompassing, but he makes it work with a laugh and a smile.

“The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is

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ENVIRONMENT

all about educating our Palmetto Bluff owners and residents of the Lowcountry about what a special place we live in and what we need to do to protect it,” Walea said. “Our charge is to promote responsibility so that development and nature can coexist in harmony.”

According to the conservancy website, “Palmetto Bluff is one of the largest remaining undeveloped coastal areas in the Southeastern United States. The bluff has been managed for timber, agriculture and wildlife for hundreds of years.

Traditional land and wildlife management techniques such as hunting, prescribed burning, wildlife food plots and timber stand improvement have all been employed to maximize the diversity of the landscape.”

Palmetto Bluff marketing maven Courtney Hampson said a visit to the plantation is a highly experiential experience.

“We’re surrounded by 32 miles of riverfront, so obviously water is a huge part of the Palmetto Bluff experience,” she said.

She said guests regularly enjoy the outpost for Outside Palmetto Bluff, located on the May River where owners, visitors and guests can participate in standup paddle boarding, kayak tours and fishing expeditions.

“Palmetto Bluff was founded on the principle that the land would be managed by the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy,” Hampson said. “It’s our goal to provide programs for residents, guests and visitors to experience the property.”

At the finish line of the race, I met up with Palmetto Bluff archaeologist Mary Socci and conservancy board member Patty Kennedy.

“Access to the wilderness at Palmetto Bluff was an early core value,” Kennedy said. “It’s important for us to have an

authentic and meaningful preservation strategy.”

“We have 10,000 years of history here at Palmetto Bluff,” Socci said. The scientist has co-written a history of the property and regularly leads research efforts to study the history of the property.

She and other land management staff are available as a community resource at the Interactive History Center, where plantation artifacts, tobacco pipes, ceramics and gun flints are on permanent display. M

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DECEMBER CALENDAR

DEC. 1-JAN. 4: “12” ... DEC. 7: LOWCOUNTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH ARTS ALIVE WINTER

ART DEC. 1-JAN. 4 Dec. 1 | p179

Dec. 12 | p186

Dec. 3-28 | p189

“12”: The Society of Bluffton Artists presents “12,” a new and exciting collection of 12 x 12 inch paintings and photographs by over 100 local artists, each selling for $125. This event was so successful the past two years that the society decided to do it again. The show will be displayed Dec. 1-Jan. 4 with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. The public is invited for refreshments and to meet many of the artists at the SOBA Gallery, located at the corner of Church and Calhoun Streets in Old Town Bluffton. 843-757-6586 or sobagallery.com.

DEC. 7

DEC. 12

Morris & Whiteside Walter Greer Artist Reception: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Morris Whiteside Gallieries, 220 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Closely associated by his oil painting with Hilton Head Island, Walter Greer is the first artist to have made the island his permanent residence.

He has lived here since 1960 and spends much of his time in the woods, beaches and marshes, which he depicts in his signature pond series. He has exhibited widely throughout the Southeast. In 1996, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head named its art exhibition hall the Walter Greer Gallery in his honor. His commissioned works include paintings in the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion and a boardroom portrait of the president of Emory University.

843-842-4433, www.morris-whiteside.com.

LowCountry Community Church, “Arts Alive” Winter Art Show: 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Opening reception will include performances with the Bluffton School of Dance, author Mindi Jo Furby, meet the artist reception and activities for children. No entry fee. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday. Located at 801 Buckwalter Parkway, across from Bluffton High School. 843-836-1101 or lowcountrycc.org.

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To submit a Big Picture please e-mail a high-res photo to jeremy@hiltonheadmonthly.com

bigPICTURE DAUFUSKIE SUNSET | by W Photography

IVE WINTER ART SHOW ... DEC. 12: MORRIS &

DEC. 9-JAN. 3

2014 Fine Art Craft Hilton Head juried exhibition: Dec. 9-Jan. 3 at Art League of Hilton Head’s Walter Greer Gallery located in Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

The event is sponsored by the Fine Art Craft Guild of Hilton Head Art League, first established in 2011 to promote and support 3D art. A number of national artists will display works that include sculpture, basketry, glass, fiber, metal, clay, jewelry, woodworking and assemblage.Entries were selected by a jury using the criteria of artistic excellence, innovation and originality. Cash prizes in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded by exhibit judge Wally Smith, owner of Smith Galleries in Hilton Head. An opening reception and awards ceremony will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Walter Greer Gallery. artleaguehhi.com December 2014 161

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DEC. 5-7: Restorative Yoga Cl

PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

WHAT TO DO

ONGOING

Fuel After School Skate Camp: 4-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The cost is $100 for the week and includes up to 30 percent discounts at Fuel Station Ride Shop. The camp is for kids and young teenagers of all skill levels wanting to learn how to skateboard. They teach basic stretching, pad safety and skateboard maintenance to riding ramps. Team riders are Brandon Atkinson (Black Magic) and Ron Cofall (Grandfather of the Grind, pictured above). They want to bring more attention to the the Hilton Head Skate Park and the pure joy of skateboarding.

843-842-3835 or Brandon@fuelclothing.com.

ATHLETIC EVENTS DEC. 5-7

Restorative yoga class and weekend workshop: Winter is nature’s season to relax, turn inward and surrender into supported postures using bolsters, blankets, hand towels, blocks, straps and eye pillows. This is one of the best times to do a restorative yoga practice.

Full weekend or individual sessions are open to students, teachers, bodyworkers, nurses and physical and occupational therapists. Dec. 5-7 at Jiva Yoga Center. The full weekend is $240. 843247-4549 or www.jivayogacenter.com.

DEC. 7

Shark Bait 5K: Have you ever wanted to catch a fish with your bare hands?

How about a shark? You can now! How, you ask? On Sunday, Dec. 7, USCB will hold the annual Shark Bait 5K along Coligny Beach. Volunteers will be dressed up as sharks and hiding in the sand dunes during the race. “Catch” or tag one of these lurking sharks and win a restaurant gift card. kmfoley12@ yahoo.com.

DEC. 12

TeamFirst Soccer Academy: Dec. 12-14 at USCB. The TeamFirst Soccer Academy seeks to provide young girls

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ve Yoga Class and Weekend Workshop ... DEC and women a first-class opportunity to develop as individual players within the context of playing a sport that requires a disciplined unit to perform unselfishly. TeamFirst’s goal is to encourage players to respect the integrity of the game while nurturing their love for soccer. Open to all players regardless of club affiliation for ages 8- 18. For more information contact Justin Jarrett at 843-208-8074 or info@teamfirstsocceracademy.com

DEC. 20

23rd annual Hilton Head Hospital Jingle Jingle 5K Run and Health Walk: 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20. The 5K Run & Health Walk through the Hilton Head Hospital campus and Main Street features a colorful seasonal theme and provides participants a chance to burn off those extra holiday calories.

The first 400 participants will receive a long-sleeve event t-shirt, jingle bells and a candy cane. Participants are encouraged to run in Santa, reindeer, elf or other holiday costumes. An award ceremony featuring a visit from Santa, refreshments, hot cider, music and door prizes will be held following the race. Holiday prizes will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, plus the top three in each age category will also receive unique holiday awards. The event benefits the Zoe

Project & CODA. Participants are asked to bring gift cards or phone cards for donations to benefit CODA. People who donate gift or phone cards will qualify to win a Publix holiday gift package. bearfootsports.com or 843-757-8520.

EDUCATIONAL DEC. 3

Whales of South Carolina: 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, Honey Horn. Several species of whales visit South Carolina waters either in search of food or to give birth. This program will cover the natural history of the whales that visit our waters and their current status, along with threats and challenges. Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required. 843-6896767, ext. 223.

DEC. 17

“Tabby, Pise and Cob”: At 3 p.m.

Dec. 17, the Coastal Discovery Museum will host “Tabby, Pise and Cob: Investigations, Discoveries and Interpretation of Form-Built Structures” with Colin Brooker. Brooker is an internationally known expert on tabby and similar building methods and materials. Cost is $7 per person; reservations required by calling 843-689-6767, ext.

223.

DEC. 2

May River History and Science Expedition: The May River History and Science Expedition will start Dec. 2 and run Tuesdays and Thursdays through February. This two-hour Bluffton cruise will allow you to discover the small town, its historical relevance and ecological importance to the area. Your guide is a local marine biologist and fourth-generation Bluffton resident, Capt. Amber Kuehn. This tour is a lecture on the water amidst environmental beauty and the historic May River, which was the site of the Bluffton Expedition during the Civil War. You can expect to be entertained and enlightened on your journey through timeless marshland. Cost is $35 for adult, $25 for children (12 and under) and reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767, ext. 223.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 29-30: Lowcountry Critters with Joe Maffo ... DEC. 5; Lowcountr

PHOTO BY LANCE HANLIN

EXHIBITS DEC. 5

DEC. 29-30

Lowcountry Critters with Joe Maffo: The Coastal Discovery Museum will host “Lowcountry Critters with Joe Maffo” during the holidays on Dec. 29 and 30 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This casual meet and greet will help participants learn more about the alligators, snakes, turtles and other critters that share Hilton Head Island with us. Joe Maffo with Critter Management will bring along some of his “friends” to share with everyone. Participants will have a chance to get an up-close view of the various animals, learn more about them and take lots of photos. There will be no formal presentation; visitors can stop by various stations to meet the different types of animals on site. The cost is $10 for and $5 for children (12 and under); children younger than 5 are free. No reservations, just drop in and see the animals he brings.

Lowcountry Up Close: The Coastal Discovery Museum will open a new exhibit in the Hilton Head Regional Healthcare Temporary Exhibit Gallery on Dec. 5 with a theme of close-up views of animals and plants in the Lowcountry. The combination of location and weather make the Lowcountry a place with great diversity in flora and fauna. This exhibit will show the beauty of many small details in nature all around us. The exhibit encompasses either small animals and plants or parts of them that cannot fully be appreciated by the naked eye. Most of the photos featured in the exhibit were taken with the aid of a macro lens, others were taken as close up views with regular lens. The exhibit will run through Feb. 8.

FAIRS DEC. 7

Artisan Village Arts & Crafts Fair: Daufuskie Island residents invite others to visit the community they hold so dear.

On Dec. 7, the Daufuskie Community Farm will present the second annual Artisan Village Arts & Crafts Fair from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature Daufuskie artisans with their “Made on Daufuskie” items. It will be held in the Dairy Barn on the farm. It is located on Haig Point Road just past the fire station and adjoining the Hargray tower yard. Artisans will be from Daufuskie and will be displaying oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen & ink artwork, photography, solar printing, knitting, spinning, weaving, hooking, sewing, quilting, blacksmith, pewter jewelry, other jewelry, soap, pyrographic art, pottery, metal work, wood crafts, stained glass and glass art, basket weaving, shell art, indigo creations and natural dyed goods. All local artisans are welcome to participate by emailing Pat Beichler at bowwow@hargray.com.

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Lowcountry Up Close ... DEC. 7: Artisan Village Arts & Crafts Fair ... DEC. 7: Jazz Brun

FUNDRAISERS DEC. 11

Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Party: 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 11 at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. You voted for your favorite local people, places and restaurants. Celebrate this year’s winners with food and drinks from your favorite restaurants and live music from Cranford Hollow, The Jazz Corner Quartet and The Lavon Stevens Quartet featuring Louise Spencer. Proceeds help support Hospice of the Lowcountry. $15 (free for ages 12 and younger). For more information, call Samantha Bradshaw at 843-842-6988, ext. 265. www. hiltonheadmonthly.com.

PHOTO BY KEITH VANDER SCHAFF

DEC. 7

Jazz brunch for the Literacy Center: Make plans now to join the Literacy Center for an exceptionally special jazz brunch to benefit adult literacy needs in our area. The brunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Hilton Head Island’s acclaimed Jazz Corner.

Guests will be treated to a gourmet brunch with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys while listening to the sounds of the renowned Jazz Corner Quartet. Tickets are $65. For 40 years, the Literacy Center has equipped adults in Beaufort County with the reading, writing, math and speaking skills they need to build self-reliance and success at home, in the workplace and in our community. The Literacy Center is Beaufort County’s only nonprofit adult literacy organization, serving 600 students a year. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.theliteracycenter.org. You may also order tickets by calling Wendy Jones at the Bluffton Learning Center at 843-815-6616.

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WHAT TO DO

FEB. 8: Hilton Head Bridal Show by Hilton Head Monthly ... FEB. 20: Coo

SAVE THE DATES FEB. 8

Hilton Head Bridal Show by Hilton Head Monthly: Noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. More than 50 fabulous vendors showcasing sample menus, floral displays, bridal fashions and more. Live music from Target The Band. Make it a weekend stay. Special bridal show rates at the Westin are $109 per night.

For more information, call Samantha Bradshaw at 843-842-6988, ext. 265. www.hiltonheadmonthly. com.

FEB. 20, MARCH 1

Cooks & Books: Plan now to chase away your mid-winter blues by attending the Literacy Center’s Cooks & Books fundraiser. Enjoy an elegant evening featuring a lavish dinner buffet, decadent desserts, unique silent auction and open bar at the Cooks & Books Preview Party from 6- 9 p.m. on Feb. 20 at TidePointe, A Vi Community. Tickets are $95 per person ($90 online before Feb. 6). Space is limited.

The following weekend, sample amazing gourmet food prepared by the top restaurants in our area while mingling with your favorite Lowcountry authors and watching a heated chef’s competition during the main event. The ninth annual Cooks & Books festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 1 at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The ticket includes unlimited tastings, access to the authors and the chef’s competition, and the opportunity to vote for a favorite tasting in “The Peoples’ Choice.” Be sure to visit www.theliteracycenter. org often for more information and to learn how to buy tickets to both events. Interested in volunteering or donating an auction item? Contact Wendy Jones at 843-815-6616 to learn how you can support the event.

FEB. 7

2015 Hilton Head Heart Ball: 6-11:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. The American Heart Association invites you celebrate achievements in cardiovascular research, science and medicine with the annual Hilton Head Heart Ball.

Themed in 2015 as “Ignite Your Passion,” this year’s event is co-chaired by Robert and Eileen Hutton and John and Mary Kate Boyle. An estimated 450 social, business, medical and community leaders are expected to attend the event. Attendees will enjoy gourmet dining, dancing, a live auction, a silent auction, live entertainment from Flashback and an opportunity to meet the Open Your Heart honoree. Each year, the Heart Ball helps to raise money essential to research and education that aids in the fight against heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of people in this country, respectively. Nationally, every 33 seconds someone dies from heart disease, and each year just under 1 million people die from cardiovascular diseases. Through the fundraising work of the American Heart Association and its generous donors, research has yielded such groundbreaking discoveries as cardiac catheterization, open-heart surgery, angioplasty, pacemakers and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Tickets are $200. For more information on the 2015 Heart Ball, contact Carla Raines, Heart Ball director, at 843-5406338 or email carla.raines@heart.org.

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FEB. 20: Cooks & Books Preview Party ... MARCH 1: Cooks & Books festival ... FEB. 7: 2015

DRESS FOR SUCCESS LOWCOUNTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH PROVIDES SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR STUDENTS IN NEED

E

ver hear a sad story and think, “Something must be done about this!” Well, that’s what happened in the fall of 2013 among a group of friends from LowCountry Community Church.

THE SAD (BUT UNFORTUNATELY TRUE) STORY Kids were attending local schools in uniforms that were too tattered, too dirty or too ill-fitting to ever feel successful in the classroom or welcomed by their peers. Parents were contacting the schools because they didn’t have the means to provide their children

with the mandatory clothing.

WHAT THE GROUP OF FRIENDS DID ABOUT IT They dove into their own pockets and reached out to their community to dive into their pockets, too, so that children in need could have brand new uniforms to wear to school. They called it Dress for Success.

SO WHAT HAPPENED? The community delivered!

Through a two-week long drive in the spring of 2014, funds were donated to Dress for Success to

purchase 244 polo shirts, 170 pairs of shorts and 50 packs of underwear.

You want to know what a happy social worker looks like? Drop brand new, paid-for uniforms in their office and say, “Here ya go.”

From there, the helpful and hardworking social workers supply the children in need with the uniforms.

NOW WHAT? Dress for Success is a registered nonprofit and charity organization in the state of South Carolina.

Donate at www.lowcountrydressforsuccess.com. M

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WHAT TO DO

NOV. 29: Hilton Head Island Community Tree Lighting ... DEC. 4: Shop fo

HOLIDAY EVENTS NOV. 29

PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

Hilton Head Island Community Tree Lighting: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their trusty reindeer Rudolph will help kick off the holiday season at the town’s official Christmas Tree Lighting, an old-fashioned Yuletide celebration complete with Christmas carols, holiday crafts, yummy treats and a musical performance from the cast of “Singin’ In the Rain.” Activities for children include face painting, holiday crafts and photo opportunities with Santa. Hot chocolate, coffee, BBQ and other treats will be available to help keep patrons warm. This family friendly community festival is an island tradition. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Free. www.artshhi.com.

DEC. 4

Shop For Good event: Shop For Good at Outside Hilton Head’s in-store party

and benefit for Volunteers in Medicine of Hilton Head on Dec. 4. Enjoy food, drinks, music, a trunk show, book signing, great holiday shopping for men and women as well as gift wrapping and personal shoppers. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for Volunteers in Medicine. Twenty percent of all sales will benefit the organization. 5-7 p.m. at The Plaza at Shelter Cove, 32 Shelter Cove Lane. 800- 686-6996 or outsidehiltonhead.com.

DEC. 4-6

“A Christmas Carol”: The classic holiday production takes place three nights this month at the ARTworks Community Art Center in Beaufort. The role of Scrooge will be played by the talented Alan Lathan. www.beaufortcountyarts.com or 843-379-ARTS.

THROUGH DEC. 5

Hilton Head Prep’s annual Festival of Trees: Through Dec. 5 at Sonesta Resort in Shipyard Plantation. This event is free and open to the public. View and purchase beautiful and creative trees on display. Over 70 trees, artfully imagined

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4: Shop for Good event ... DEC. 4-6: A christmas Carol ... DEC. 5: Taste of the season ... by local businesses and talented local crafters, designers and decorators. All trees are available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Hilton Head Preparatory School Scholarship program.

843-715-8508.

DEC. 5

Taste of the Season: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Hilton Head Marriott Beach Resort. Get holiday inspiration and experience the innovative cuisine of top area chefs as they share their culinary fare from more than 35 of your favorite restaurants at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of the Season.

Here’s your chance to explore all the new restaurants on your list, plus some of the Lowcountry’s landmark favorites. From haute cuisine to Lowcountry classics, there’s something to please every palate at the popular holiday event. Featuring well-known favorites to newcomers and island icons, the event offers a mouth-watering tour of the Lowcountry’s culinary landscape. Get a head start on holiday shopping with fabulous silent auction items featuring great getaways and gift items just in time for the season.

This is one holiday event you won’t want to miss. For more information, contact Dorothy Guscio at 843-341-8379.

DEC. 5-8

Winter Wonder Festival: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Shelter Cove Community Park.

The Winter Wonder Festival provides a safe environment parents can take their children to start their holiday celebration. The target age for the event is 3-12, but everyone is welcome. There will be hayrides, carnival games, petting zoo, children’s parade and much more.

Admission is $10 for children (2-15).

DEC. 5

Blizzard at Blue Heron Nature Trail: This cold spell will continue as the weather reports say a rare blizzard is coming to Jasper County. According to CNN, the Christmas News Network, the seventh annual Blizzard at Blue Heron Nature Trail will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Blue Heron Trail, located at 321 Bailey Lane in Ridgeland. The community is invited to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the fun and festive event, which benefits the Boys & Girls

DEC. 5

The Westin’s Swingin’ Holiday Celebration: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 5, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Enjoy a concert and dancing in the festive Westin Grand Ballroom. The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will perform its great American songbook with an extra dose of holiday cheer.

Take the elevator home and spend the night luxuriating in The Westin’s signature comfort elements, including the acclaimed Heavenly Bed and RainShower. Guest rooms are available for $99 per night. Complete your rejuvenating experience at The Heavenly Spa. Concert guest will receive 20 percent off spa treatments. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To purchase tickets, call 843-681-0809.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 5-7: Old Town Bluffton

DEC. 5-7

Old Town Bluffton Christmas Parade and Festivities: The Town of Bluffton has several Christmas events planned for the weekend of Dec. 5-7. The festivities begin with the Town Hall Christmas tree lighting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Town Hall, 20 Bridge St. The event will include a musical performance by M.C. Riley Elementary School students and an appearance by Santa Claus. The Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society also will host “Light Up the Night” from 3 to 8 p.m. that day, which includes free holiday trolley rides beginning at 5 p.m. The Christmas parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 6. The parade runs through Old Town Bluffton on a nearly three-mile route that starts at Pritchard and Bridge streets and ends at Red Cedar Road. The parade typically lasts two-and-a-half to three hours and will take place rain or shine. Finally, there will be a second Christmas tree lighting beginning at 3:45 p.m. Dec. 7 at Buckwalter Place. Santa will arrive in a fire truck, parade awards will be presented and the Red Cedar Elementary School choir will sing. Cookies, cupcakes and hot cocoa will be served at the event, which is a joint celebration with Station 300, Buckwalter Place and the town of Bluffton. 843-7064500 or www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.

Club of Jasper County. Where can kids make snowballs and go sledding this December in the Lowcountry? Only at the Blizzard at the Blue Heron Nature Trail. Other activities include bouncy houses, cake walk, local arts and crafts as well as hot dogs, s’mores and hot chocolate for sale. As a special treat, Santa Claus has just confirmed he will be there to help kick off the holiday season. He said the elves can manage the workshop while he poses for pictures with good little boys and girls. Bring the whole family for a night of snowy fun in the Lowcountry and experience the magic of the season together. Costs include $5 to play in the snow and $5 to have child’s picture taken with Santa.

Other activities will be offered at no charge. For more information, call the

Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County at 843-717-1615 or Liz Vallino with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry at 843379-5430, ext. 233.

DEC. 5-6, 12-13

The Southern Living Idea House Christmas Tour: Are you looking for ways to decorate your house this holiday season? The Southern Living Idea House will be decorated for Christmas with extended hours starting Nov. 28.

The house will be open until 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 to showcase the home’s beautiful Southern Christmas décor. Tickets are $15 each and the proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help and the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton. Be sure to stop by and tour the home before it closes Dec. 14.

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n Bluffton Christmas Parade and Festivities ... DEC. 5-6: The Southern Living Idea House

DEC. 7

Buckwalter Place Christmas Tree Lighting: The fifth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Buckwalter Place will take place on Dec. 7. The event will feature free hot cocoa and snacks for the community, Santa’s arrival and photos with Santa, the singing of Christmas carols, a performance by the Bluffton School of Dance and the spectacular Christmas tree lighting in the roundabout. The celebration will kick off at Station 300 at 3:45 p.m. and will feature holiday songs, activities, visits with Santa and presentation/awards for the winners of the 2014 Christmas Parade at 4:45 p.m. It will conclude with the official tree lighting ceremony, taking place at 5:30 p.m. www.station300bluffton.com or email/call Lisa at info@station300.com or 843-815-2695, ext. 3.

DEC. 7

Sanctuary Choir to present Christmas cantata: The First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir will present “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by Ralph Vaughan

Williams at worship services on Dec. 7, directed by Dr. S. Russell Floyd, minister of music. For information call the church at 843-681-3696. First Presbyterian Church is located at 540 William Hilton Parkway.

DEC. 7

Hilton Head Humane Association Christmas Party: Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Hilton Head Human Association Shelter. Free pictures with Santa, refreshments and live music.

843-681-8686.

DEC. 12

“A Christmas Story” screening at Palmetto Bluff: On Friday, Dec. 12, Palmetto Bluff will again turn the Wilson Village Green into your own private movie theater and show the Christmas classic “A Christmas Story.”

You bring a blanket and your family and friends, and Palmetto Bluff will provide the movie snacks and hot cocoa. $20 will be collected per car at the front gate and the proceeds will benefit the Honor Our Heroes Foundation, a Hilton Head-

DEC. 13

Wreaths Across America: Historic Six Oaks Cemetery is supporting veterans this Christmas by participating in Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit organization with the goal of laying a wreath on each of Arlington’s 230,000 grave sites this year. More than 900 cemeteries nationwide will participate in an annual wreath laying ceremony at the local level to support this effort. The general public is invited to attend the fifth annual Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony at Six Oaks Cemetery. Volunteers from the Military Officers Association, Veterans Coalition, Jr. Naval ROTC from Hilton Head School and Six Oaks staff will gather at noon Dec. 13 for the official ceremony. The cost to sponsor a wreath in honor of our fallen heroes or a family loved one is just $15. For every two wreaths purchased, Wreaths Across America will donate an additional wreath for free. 843-384-3796 or www.sixoakscemetery.com.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 13: Gingerbread House decorating Party ... DEC. 14: Handel’s Mess based charity that provides life assistance to local service members, veterans and their families through direct support and referral services.

DEC. 14

Handel’s “Messiah” presentation: The Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented at First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island on Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. with soloists and the community choir, accompanied by chamber orchestra, directed by Dr. S. Russell Floyd. Soloists are Laura Sutton Floyd, soprano; Sarah Hancock, alto; Daniel C. Stein, tenor; and Kyle Hancock, bass. The performance is free. Call the church office at 843-681-3696 for information.

THROUGH DEC. 21 DEC. 13

Gingerbread house decorating party: A gingerbread house decorating party will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island. Music and refreshments are provided. There will be a charge of $10 per gingerbread house. Visit the church website at www.fpchhi. org or call the church office at 681-3696 for more information.

Free pictures with Santa Claus: Noon to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21 at the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory in Bluffton and 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays at the South Beach Inn at South Beach Marina. Bring the family and well-behaved pets.

DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Services at First Presbyterian Church: First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island will hold three services on Christmas Eve. There will be a family candlelight service at 5 p.m. and traditional candlelight services at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Visit the church website at www.fpchhi.org or call the church office at 843-681-3696 for more information.

DEC. 25

12th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 25 at First Presbyterian Church. A traditional turkey buffet, free of charge.

Dine with other friendly faces and sing along with the carolers. Diners’ donations will be given to the local “Meals on Wheels” and “Second Helpings” charities.

Mail any monetary support to “Christmas Day Dinner” P.O. Box 541, Bluffton S.C. 29910. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 843-304-1086 or 843-705-5725.

THROUGH DEC. 30

A Holiday Boutique: The Society of Bluffton Artists presents “A Holiday

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del’s Messiah ... DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Services at First Presbyterian Church ... DEc. 2 Boutique,” a collection of handmade treasures, arts crafts, cards and small paintings on display and available through Dec. 30. Look for holiday decorations, perfect hostess gifts and extra special presents for extra special people. The boutique is located in SOBA’s Center for Creative Arts building, next to the SOBA Gallery. In addition to the boutique, the space is used to provide art classes for local school students during the school year and the society’s outreach programs, which schedule speakers and workshops specializing in a wide range of art forms.

843-757-6586 or sobagallery.com.

THROUGH DEC. 31

THROUGH JAN. 1

Harbour Town Lights: Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures and the towering 30-foot Christmas tree. Harbour Town is the perfect place for families to be this holiday season, with live entertainment and activities. 843-842-1979, seapines.com/events

South Beach Christmas Village: Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and decorations through Dec. 31at South Beach Marina, home of the Salty Dog Cafe. Free pictures with Santa from 3-7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. Bring the whole family, including well-behaved pets. Salty Dog Cafe will also be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. saltydog.com.

MEETINGS DEC. 4

American Revolution Round Table Quarterly Luncheon with Guest Speaker: 11:30 a.m. registration at Palmetto Hall. Our luncheon speaker, Roy Vitters, a Revolutionary War re-enactor, will talk about “A Soldier’s Life: The Uniforms, equipment, Accouterments and Military Tactics of a Soldier During the American Revolution.” As a re-enactor, he will be in uniform and will display his extensive collection of artifacts. The cost of the luncheon, including tax and gratuities, is $25 for members and $33 for guests. For additional information, contact Anne Hamilton at 843-705-7575.

DEC. 10

The League of Women Voters’ Holiday Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at Hampton Lake’s Lakeview Room, 202 Hampton Lake Crossing in Bluffton.

Guest speaker will be League of Women Voters South Carolina Vice President Lynn Teague. The topic will be “Change is Coming: The General Assembly 2015.”

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WHAT TO DO The public is invited. Cost is $27.

Reservations required. Make check payable to League of Women Voters and mail to Beth Krise 151 Birdsong Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. 843681-5783 or www.lwvhhi.org.

DEC. 10

The Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection December luncheon: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse. The feature will be a tour of selected Hampton Hall homes that have been beautifully decorated for the holidays, to begin after the completion of the program. Guest speaker will be Susan Frisina from Elgin. In her presentation, titled “Fairy Tales Can Come True — It Can Happen to You,” she shares how she blossomed from a life of rejection and abuse to become a career mom and author. Cost of the lunch and tour is $34; $24 for lunch only. Prepaid reservations are due by Dec. 3. For additional information, call 843-290-5925.

DEC. 12

Hilton Head Island Ski Club: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 12. All are welcome to enjoy a Holiday TGIF with live music at the Kingfisher in Shelter Cove.

Reservations not required. hiltonheadskiclub.com or lgp.hhisc@earthlink.net.

DEC. 10: The Lowcountry Chri

ON STAGE DEC. 1-2

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 at First Presbyterian Church. “Holiday Pops!” includes John Morris Russell, conductor; Katherine Woo, Violin 2014 HHSO Youth Concerto Competition winner; Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus; Tim Reynolds, chorus master maestro; Russell’s holiday classics and the Lowcountry’s favorite new holiday tradition. $25-$50. 843-842-2055 or mrebish@hhso.org.

DEC. 3-28

“Singin’ in the Rain”: Set in glamorous 1920s Hollywood, this romantic comedy focuses on two silent movie stars, Don and Lina, in their transition to the early days of “talkies.” Ambition, comedy, jealousy and romance fuel the fire for this delightful musical. “Singin’ in the Rain” captured two Tony Awards when it was on Broadway and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. $57 adult, $39 children (save $10 on previews). Box office: 843-842-ARTS or artshhi.com.

DEC. 5

Amy Andrews concert: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry presents nationally known folk singer and songwriter Amy Andrews in concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. The concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road in Bluffton. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and children under 12. Tickets are available at the door. www. amyandrewsmusic.com.

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untry Christian Women’s Connection Decemb

DEC. 23

Gregg Russell Christmas Concert: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 23. Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town. Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children and adults. Following the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus! Free.

SEA PINES EVENTS NOV. 28-JAN. 1

Harbour Town Lights: Nov. 28–Jan. 1. Enjoy the lights! Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, with the centerpiece of the display being a towering 30-foot Christmas tree. Harbour Town is the perfect place for families to be this holiday season, with live entertainment and activities. The official tree lighting will take place just prior to the Gregg Russell concert on Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

While you’re enjoying the holiday season, you can help The Deep Well Project make a difference in someone else’s life. Bring a canned good or two, or a new, unwrapped child’s toy, and drop it in the well by the Liberty Oak stage.

Since 1973, the nonprofit, volunteerbased Deep Well has been serving the basic needs of the less fortunate on Hilton Head Island. For a complete schedule of entertainment and activities, visit seapines.com/events or contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

DEC. 6

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Visit with Santa and have your picture taken with a donation to Deep Well. Dogs are also welcome. In addition to Santa, there will be a showing of the classic movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, as well as fire pits for roasting marshmallows. Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned food item for Deep Well.

For additional information, please contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

DEC. 13

Musical Performances: 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 13. Join us for a festive evening in Harbour Town while enjoying local talent as they perform holiday music on the Liberty Oak stage. For additional information, please contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

DEC. 14

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 20: Outdoor Movie, Pola

DEC. 31

14th Annual Polar Bear Swim: 10 a.m. Dec. 31. Show your adventurous side with the other “polar bears” by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town pool on a chilly winter day. Warm up after your plunge with hot chocolate and refreshments. For additional information, please contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. Free. on Dec. 14 as it works with communities across America, including Sea Pines, to conduct its annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Please contact Charlotte White at 843-8374597 to register.

DEC. 20

Outdoor Movie – “Polar Express”: 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Get into the holiday spirit by watching this magical movie under the Liberty Oak. Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned good for The Deep Well Project. A fire pit and s’mores will also be available. For additional information, please contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

DEC. 22-23

Christmas Stocking Deliveries: Dec. 22-23. Surprise your children with a personalized Christmas stocking delivered to your home or villa courtesy of Albert the Alligator, our very own Santa’s helper! A photo with Albert is included.

Reservations are required and may be made by contacting The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843842-1979. $30 for the first and $25 for each additional stocking delivered to the same address.

DEC. 26

Caroling Wagon Ride: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Join in for an afternoon of caroling

while experiencing the abundant plant and wildlife in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 & younger).

DEC. 27-30

Holiday Fun in Harbour Town: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 27-30. Join in around the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town to watch classic holiday movies, roast marshmallows over a fire pit, and enjoy festive games and activities for the whole family. Games and activities start at 4 p.m. and the movie and fire pit start at 6 p.m. This is a complimentary activity; however, donations for The Deep Well Project are appreciated. For additional information, please call 843-842-1979.

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration: 7 p.m. and midnight Dec. 31. Join in for a festive New Year’s Eve ball drop from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse!

Enjoy food and fun at the Quarterdeck and Topside Waterfront Restaurant, then count down the ball drop as we welcome the new year! We will have two drops: One at 7 p.m. and one at midnight. For additional information, please contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. For dinner reservations, call 843-842-1999.

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Movie, Polar Express ... DEC. 22: Christmas Stocking deliveries ... DEC. 26: Caroling Wag

LIBRARY EVENTS BLUFFTON BRANCH

contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-255-6512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary. org.

DEC. 1, 8, 15, 22

DEC. 4

DEC. 1, 15

THURSDAY

Affordable Care Act Advising: Do you have enrollment questions or what to know what the latest changes are to the Affordable Care Act? Visit the Bluffton Library to learn more about the Affordable Care Act and you. Advising will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Liz Sherbert, 843-9877456, lsherbert@bjhchs.org, or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

Foreign Film Series: Take a break from all the holiday hustle and bustle and join us for a fresh cinematic experience at 1 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of December at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner, 843-255-6512, areasoner@bcgov.net, or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 13

Rug Hooking: Come and learn or become more proficient at rug hooking at 1 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details,

“House of Cards�: A weekly viewing and discussion of season two of the acclaimed TV series starring Kevin Spacey as a ruthless South Carolina politician determined to do whatever it takes to ascend to the presidency of the United States of America. 3 p.m.

Dec. 4 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way, Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843255-6512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

Bluffton Genealogy Group: Debbie Dubucq leads a weekly collaborative effort on family genealogical research using the library edition of ancestry. com and other resources at 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. Free.

For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-2556512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 18

African-American Film Club: Join this viewing and discussion group for the acclaimed Western

WED., SAT.

Yoga: Relax and focus your mind and body under the direction of Martha Pike, and please bring your own yoga mat. Yoga will be held at 10 a.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-255-6512 or areasoner@ bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 1: Hilton Head Symphony

DEC. 1, 15

Tech Drop-In: Bring your tablet, device or laptop, or use one of our computers and have your computer questions or issues addressed by a seasoned IT pro at 10 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of December at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Bratton DeLoach at 843-255-6511 or bdeloach@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

film “Buck and the Preacher” and explore the key themes in the AfricanAmerican experience that are vital parts of American history. 5 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Linda Tallant at 843-255-6507 or ltallant@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 11

Learn About Your iPhone and iPhone Apps: An iPhone guru will provide the latest regarding iPhones and answer your iPhone and iPhone app questions at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Bratton Deloach at 843255-6511 or bdeloach@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

ONGOING

Career Services 101: Spend time with our career services experts, who will help you develop fantastic resumes, cover letters and job seeking strategies.

By appointment at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-2556512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 8

Lowcountry Holiday Flute Recital: Join us for some delightful holiday flute music performed by Lowcoutry Flutes in the foyer of the library at 3

p.m. Dec. 8 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-255-6512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

Holiday Harp Music: Join us for some heavenly holiday harp music performed

by Carolyn Christy in the foyer of the library at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Bluffton library, 120 Palmetto Way. Free. For details, contact Armistead Reasoner at 843-255-6512 or areasoner@bcgov.net or go to beaufortcountylibrary.org.

HILTON HEAD BRANCH

DEC. 2

The Pleasures of Classic Novels Book Club: A book club where you can gather to discuss some of the finest books ever written, The Pleasures of Classic Novels Book Club meets the first Tuesday in alternate months at 2 p.m. This month, we will be discussing “Song of Solomon”

by Toni Morrison at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Hilton Head library, 11 Beach City Road.

If you are interested in learning more about this free book club, please contact Gordon Simmons at 843-255-6525 or gsimmons@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

ONGOING

Computer Classes: The Hilton Head library offers a variety of free computer

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Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pop

HOLIDAY POPS T he Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor John Morris Russell will continue the orchestra’s 33rd season, “Music of Dreams and Drama,” with Holiday Pops! a program of traditional holiday classics and the Lowcountry’s favorite new holiday tradition.

Performances will be on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 pm (matinee) and that same evening at 8 pm in Hilton Head’s First Presbyterian Church.

From enduring classics to stunning orchestral showpieces, the HHSO’s Holiday Pops has become the region’s premier musical celebration of the season, including many of the area’s most beloved performers and guest artists.

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the esteemed direction of Tim Reynolds, will be featured in selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, the Berlioz L’enfance du Christ as well as the film score to Home Alone by John Williams, while the sparkling young dancers of Hilton Head Dance Theatre recreate the charming “Enchanted Toy Shop” by Ottorino Respighi.

The concert includes the world premiere of new musical arrangements by our own Keyboardist Michael Braz, and Trumpeter Robin Beauchamp.

The Hilton Head Youth Concerto Competition winner Katherine

PHOENIX FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents

Woo will make her eagerly awaited professional debut performing the finale of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, and a touching narration of Frank Church’s editorial “Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus” set to Elgar’s “Nimrod” is the emotional heart of the program. Yes Virginia, there will also be a surprise appearance of Kris Kringle, direct from Honolulu, no less!

Virginia Dale Sammons Copeland, age 7, of the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy in Savannah will play “Virginia”. She is daughter of Tania Sammons, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Historic Sites at the Telfair Museums, and Rich Copeland.

Concert tickets are $25, $40, and $50. Reduced matinee prices are available for teachers, and children with their accompanying parent. Subscription packages are available for three and six concerts. For further information visit www.hhso.org or call 843842-2055. M

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1 at First Presbyterian Church Tickets: $25, $40, $50 843-842-2005, www.hhso.org

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 1: Hilton Hea

classes, including Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Introduction to Microsoft Excel and more. Please contact the Hilton Head branch for days and times during December. Registration is required. For details, contact Halle Eisenman at 843-255-6525 or heisenman@ bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 3, 10

Computer Drop-In Sessions: Bring any computer questions or practice what you’ve learned in class!

Practice Word, Excel, Mousercise, Facebook, email, Google and more on our lab computers and receive one-on-one help from experienced “techies.” No registration necessary. 11 a.m. Dec. 3 and 10 at the Hilton Head library, 11 Beach City Road. Free. For details, contact Halle Eisenman at 843-255-6525 or heisenman@ bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 4

Learn about your iPhone: Have questions about how to use your iPhone? The Hilton Head library will have someone on hand to answer them from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Free. For details, contact Halle Eisenman at 843-255-6525 or heisenman@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 5

Walt Disney’s Birthday: Enjoy a selection of pioneering animated shorts in honor of the cultural icon.

Refreshments will be served. 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Hilton Head library. Free. For details, contact Lauren Read at 843-255-6531 or lread@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 13

Saturday Matinee: We present a recent movie about bringing a beloved book to life on screen in the ’60s … and the hidden backstory we never knew. Call or visit our website to reveal the title. Refreshments provided.

1-3:15 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Hilton Head library. Free.

For details, contact Lauren Read at 843-255-6531 or lread@bcgov.net or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

DEC. 1-7

Free Gong Meditation: Also known as Gong Bath or Sonic Massage. Held at The Energy Center. 35 Bill Fries Drive, Island Medical Plaza, Building C, Hilton Head Island. 7-8 p.m. Dec. 1; 1-7 p.m. Dec. 7. 843-422-7697 or www.alicetobin.com 180 hiltonheadmonthly.com

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Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pop

Early Sea Pines wives to recount making a home in the wilderness

M

any stories have been told about the men who developed Sea Pines, but much of the fabric that still binds Hilton Head Island was woven by their wives.

From schools to churches to baby-sitting services and ballet classes, it was the wives who volunteered, organized and led.

Four of those women will tell their stories at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Coligny Theatre. The talk is part of a series organized by the Heritage Library and the Coastal Discovery Museum called “Hilton Head in the Modern Era.” The talk, “Stories of the Sea Pines Wives,” will feature Nelle Smith, Mary Coleman, Susan Woods and Lois Masteller.

Smith was one of the first wives to bring her young family to Hilton Head in 1963.

“My sister had been to William Hilton Inn (now the Marriott Grand Ocean Resort).

John (Geddes Smith) and I came to look at it. The island just had one paved road and we couldn’t find the inn, but stayed at Seacrest Motel. We walked out on beach and we were just blown away,” Smith said.

“The trees came right to the beach. It was

paradise. John said, ‘If I get that job, we’re moving here.’ ” The couple soon found out what they would be in for when Charles Fraser asked them both down for interviews.

“I expected some Southern chit-chat since we were from South Carolina and Charles Fraser was from Georgia, but with the first bite, he said, ‘Well, John Geddes Smith, if you got the job, what would be the first thing you would want to do?’ I was amazed,” Smith said. “(Fraser) was consumed with ideas. It would be 11 at night and he’d knock on the door, saying, ‘I knew you were up, I saw the light on in the bedroom.’ John had to give up golf because Charles talked so much on the course he couldn’t concentrate. John took up tennis instead.”

As beautiful as the island was, it lacked many necessities, especially for a family with three children under age 6. The closest doctor was in Beaufort or Savannah, and the only library was a bookmobile that came twice a month for only 30 minutes. There wasn’t a bank, so if her husband had to travel on business, he would call the liquor December 2014 181

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 12-13: Christmas at Colig

store to keep some cash aside from the regular deposit. “There wasn’t a bank, but there was a whiskey store,” Smith said.

“If you thought of something that you thought the island needed, you worked to get it.”

Smith also helped start St. Luke’s school, now Hilton Head Preparatory School.

“It was the happiest place to live in the whole world. The friends that came in the 1960s and 70s, we were family,” Smith said.

One warning she gave new arrivals was about the prevalence of snakes, especially since a doctor was nearby only if one happened to be staying at the William Hilton Inn. Fortunately, Smith can‘t remember a single person getting bitten.

“I kid that Nelle Smith greeted me with a pecan pie and a snakebite kit,” said Coleman, who arrived — reluctantly — in 1973.

“We had just moved into what to this day was my dream house in Atlanta,” Coleman said.

“I was devastated when my husband, Jim, said we had to move.

I didn’t want to leave my pediatrician. I was the only one with young children and there were no baby sitters on the island.”

But making a home is what Coleman loves most.

“I helped start the ballet school here. We’re getting ready for our 29th “The Nutcracker.” I also taught etiquette here because I saw a need. For the Christian Women’s Club, I said, ‘I think I should be in charge of the nursery since I had so many children,’ ” she said, laughing.

She recalls living on the beach. One day her son, still in diapers, climbed out of his crib and toddled toward the beach. She knew where he went only when she called their Irish setter, who watched over her

STORIES OF THE SEA PINES WIVES Dec. 9 at Coligny Theatre Wine reception at 5:30 p.m., presentation at 6 p.m.

children.

“I told Jim, ‘That’s it. We have to move as far back from the beach as we can,’ ” she said.

Despite the scare, the family spent a lot of time at the beach.

“It was so different having to get in the car to go somewhere.

I remember I had to put little notes on the dashboard to get places because it kept changing. There would be a new road that hadn’t been there the day before,” Coleman said.

But explore they did.

An employee of her husband took the family under his wing.

“Mike Williams took me and my little ducklings and taught us about the Lowcountry,” Coleman said. “We explored in canoes and on walks. That was just gold. It was wonderful place to bring up a family.”

To hear more stories about the early days of Sea Pines from the wives’ point of view, attend the talk Dec. 9 at Coligny Theatre. M

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as at Coligny ... DEC. 12: Sing We Now of Chris

Youth theatre hosting

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

A

cast of more than 30 local talents will take the Main Street Youth Theatre stage this month for a performance highlighting the magic and beauty of the holiday season.

Beautiful stage pictures, classic hymns, original compositions and thoughtful stories will set the mood for the happiest and most communal time of the year.

A cast of local performers will bring their best offerings for audiences to bring the holiday season to life.

From ages 7 through 90, this talented and eager cast takes the stage to bring the season’s best to you, while giving the ultimate gift of their time to this tireless theater, as this performance serves as a critical fundraiser to ensure a prosperous season of new musicals and educational opportunities for the Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort communities.

Director Libby Ricardo and musical director Anna Schaffer have taken some of the most beautiful and well-known songs of the season and woven them into a two-act show that highlights the best part of the year: stories of old, timeless songs and magical choreography that reminds us of the simplicity and beauty that chilled air and busy shops bring to communities across America each year.

‘Holiday on Main Street’ is a show tailored for the company

at Main Street Youth Theatre and it is a holiday event you will not want to miss. Performances begin Dec. 3 and continue through the matinee performance on Dec. 7, which will be held at 2 p.m. All other showings will begin at 7 p.m. As part of the Dec. 5 performance, the theater will present a gala to help boost its fundraising efforts.

Patrons are invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for food, desserts and refreshments.

Tickets for the gala are $30 for adults and $20 for students; for all other performances, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Group ticket sales are encouraged; contact the theater to make arrangements for groups of 10 or more.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the area’s youngest talents paired with experienced members of the arts community in the greatest holiday offering around.

The theater looks forward to having community members at its home for this holiday season to share in spirits, sounds and shared love for this important local fixture promoting the education and talents of our local performers.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.msyt.org, or by calling the box office at 843-6896246. M

HOLIDAY ON MAIN STREET

7 p.m., Dec. 3-6 at Main Street Youth Theatre 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7 at Main Street Youth Theatre Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 children Gala: 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 (tickets $30 adults, $20 students) 843-689-6246, www.msyt.org

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 12-13: Christmas at Colig

Coligny Plaza

hosting 2-day holiday event

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dmit it: Christmas shopping by mouse click is drab, cold and depressing.

There is no Santa Claus’ deep “ho, ho, ho!” in the background.

No bells ringing. No laughter. No lights. Certainly no singing.

Coligny Plaza has a better way.

A much, much better way.

Skate on over for the community gathering Christmas at Coligny.

The two-day holiday extravaganza, to be held Dec. 12 and 13, will feature open-air holiday movies, carols and gift-wrapping for those selections a store owner helped you find. Plus, there will be hot chocolate, treats and family activities. Check Coligny’s Facebook page (www.facebook. com/ColignyPlaza) to find out when your favorite holiday movie will be shown.

“To feel the warmth of Christmas, you have to walk into some of our 60 shops and feel the merchandise. Then you find the gift that someone on your list will love to receive. That’s how you Christmas shop,” said Leslie Richardson, part of Coligny Plaza’s founding family.

After a nice, warm and relaxing shopping excursion, enjoy lunch or dinner with friends at a Coligny Plaza restaurant. Revel in the Christmas carols in the background, twinkling lights overhead and the sound of a faint “ho, ho, ho!” floating in from the deck.

And in typical Coligny Plaza tradition, not only does the event draw together families, friends and neighbors, it sends some of that warmth out into the community via charitable donations.

For example, all proceeds from gift wrapping will go the Boys

and Girls Club and the Island Recreation Center.

“We’re trying to create something for Hilton Head Islanders to give them something to come home to. Keep that song, Perry Como’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ in your head as you think about this event. That’s what we’re going for,” Richardson said.

Not only will Christmas at Coligny brighten the holidays for you and your family, it can launch your New Year, too, thanks to the chance at a $1,000 prize to be drawn Dec. 29. Pick up entry forms at Coligny Plaza shops and restaurants. After Dec. 29, check Coligny Plaza’s Facebook page to find out who won.

“This is everyone’s holiday,” Richardson said. “We want to give Hilton Head a holiday tradition right in the heart of the island.

This is the time where people can feel the warmth of their community holiday. We want to give people a reason to come home for the holidays.”

As Perry Como sang: “Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays, ‘Cause no matter how far away you roam, When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze, For the holidays, you can’t beat home, sweet home.”

No more lonely cyber shopping for you.

Christmas at Coligny will put the happy back into your holidays. It’s a far cry from trying to find your Christmas spirit online.

Online, there is no one to help you choose the perfect gift, and no way to know how that fabric feels or what that color looks like

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as at Coligny ... DEC. 12: Sing We Now of Chris

in real life.

If you decide to take your chances picking out the perfect gift sight unseen, you still have to click, type, click, click, type, then click some more to place the order. All you get for your trouble is an email confirming your purchase.

Then days or even weeks later, the item arrives, again unceremoniously. It’s tossed on your porch by a delivery person whose holiday spirit shriveled up only days after Halloween.

You hold your breath and open the box.

It isn’t quite right, but it’s too much of a hassle to return it.

You’re stuck.

But your gift giving isn’t over

yet. Now you have to extract that gift from its impenetrable plastic shield, find a gift box that is the size you need, smooth out the wrapping paper that always gets crushed in the back of the closet and hope you cut a big enough piece to cover the box. Then you mangle one corner trying to get those crisp folds and you still have to create a fancy ribbon.

It just isn’t very cheery.

“Get off the computer and join your friends and neighbors at Coligny Plaza,” Richardson said.

“There is a lot of heart and passion in this event. At the plaza, you are living the holiday. There are people to greet you. We can help make your holiday personal and warm.” M

CHRISTMAS AT COLIGNY

Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 at Coligny Plaza Open-air holiday movies, carols, gift-wrapping, holiday treats www.facebook.com/ColignyPlaza

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 12: Sing We Now of Christ

SING ALONG TO THE

SOUNDS of

the SEASON

BY EMILY CAMPBELL

W

hat takes you back to the holidays of yesteryear? Is it the Christmas lights adorning the houses that creates a magical glow? Or the smell of fresh-baked holiday treats just out of the oven? For many, it happens each year upon hearing the first few chimes of the quintessential sound of the season — classical Christmas songs. These melodies take you back to memories of hanging stockings by the fire, decorating the Christmas tree with family or caroling with childhood friends. It’s then, and only then, that you know Christmas has truly arrived.

So what better way to welcome the season than to enjoy an evening of these yuletide favorites brilliantly performed by the Hilton Head Island Choral Society at its annual Sounds of Christmas concert, “Sing We Now of Christmas,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at First Presbyterian Church, 540

William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Get your tickets now for this island holiday tradition before they sell out.

In 1975, an upbeat group of vocalists on Hilton Head Island formed to sing the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” They never imagined 39 years later that the group, which became the Hilton Head Choral Society, would continue to carry on the holiday celebration by performing a broad program of seasonal music selections. As the Hilton Head Choral Society has evolved over the years, its passion for bringing the joy of song and the joy of the season to locals and visitors alike has remained the same.

From traditional carols like “Little Drummer Boy” and “The First Noel” to seasonal favorites like “Winter Wonderland” and “Home for the Holidays,” this year’s concert is guaranteed to stir up fond memories of

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w of Christmas ... DEC. 3-28: Singin’ in the rai

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12 at First Presbyterian Church Tickets: $15-$105 843-341-3818, www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

holidays past. Musical director Tim Reynolds has created a unique repertoire of music, blending international classics from France, England and Italy, including holiday hits from the stage and screen.

“The HHCS Christmas concert has become a staple of the island’s holiday musical scene,” Reynolds said. “This concert is filled with lots of traditional Christmas carols and holiday songs performed in classic and perhaps not-so-classic arrangements. We have everything from ‘White Christmas’ and ‘We Need a Little Christmas’ to the expressive ‘Ave Maria’ of Italian composer Giulio Caccini and made famous by Andrea Bocelli to the very traditional British carol suite ‘Christmas Day.’

There is something for everyone in the family at this concert.”

Complementing the chorus, the choral society’s orchestra will provide added richness and breadth to the music selections.

With more than 100 singers, the challenging arrangements and blend of voices will make this a powerful performance that is guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Concert tickets are $30 for reserved seating (available online only), $25 for general admission and $10 for children ages 12 and younger.

Tickets may be ordered online at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or purchased at the door the night of the concert, if available. For more details, call 843-341-3818. M

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 3-28: Singin’ in the rain .

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ comes to Arts Center

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ith all the tinseltown glamour of old Hollywood, “Singin’ in the Rain” opens in the waning days of the silent screen era and follows the dashingly handsome Don Lockwood (Alex Puette), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Blake Spellacy), aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Sarah Claire Smith) and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont (Oakley Boycott), whose less than dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures.

Paparazzi bulbs ablaze and fans atwitter, the curtain rises on 1927 outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

It’s the opening night of silver screen stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont’s new silent swashbuckler movie, “The Royal Rascal.”

It turns out the movie is a huge hit, but it is after the movie’s premier that we learn why Don would not let his leading lady say a few words to the movie theater’s audience: Lina has a voice as harmonious and pleasing as nails on a chalkboard.

Impatient to escape from Lina, who is beginning to believe the romance the studio concocted between them to generate publicity, Don sends his friend and ex-dancing partner Cosmo to attend the studio party with Lina.

Meanwhile, Don goes for a walk, and to escape from fans he pretends to be with a girl who is sitting on a bench.

The girl, Kathy, wants to be a serious actress and is wholly unimpressed by the screen idol that is Don Lockwood. Don,

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

Dec. 5-28 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Tickets $75 for adults, $39 children Preview performances Dec. 3-4 Tickets $47 for adults, $33 children 843-842- 2787, www.artshhi.com

however, is smitten. It just so happens this woman is the one who will provide the voice for Lina’s new film.

Needless to say, jealousy — and hilarity — ensue!

Directed by BroadwayWorldaward winning director Casey Colgan, this spectacular musical is packed full of the charm, romance and comedy of one the world’s best-loved movies and features all the songs from the celebrated MGM score, including “Good Morning,” “Make ’Em Laugh,” “Moses Supposes” and the classic “Singin’ in the Rain.”

With high-energy choreography by Jill Gorrie and sumptuous set design by Terry Cermak, including 600 gallons of water, “Rain” showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit musical this holiday season.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is onstage Dec. 3 to 28.

This is an evening that simply soars — it’s perfect for you and your out-of-town company visiting for the holidays!

Preview performances, which will be held Dec. 3 and 4, are $47 for adults and $33 for children ages 4 to 15. Regular ticket prices for shows Dec. 5 to 28 are $57 for adults and $39 for children.

For tickets, call the box office at 843-842- 2787 or go to www. artshhi.com. M

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PHOTO BY JORDAN STURM PHOTOGRAPHY

n the rain ... JAN. 12: Mary Wilson: Lena Home

Oakley Boycott (as Lina Lamott) and Alex Puette (as Don Lockwood).

UPCOMING ARTS CENTER EVENTS

JAN. 12

Mary Wilson: Lena Horne Tribute Monday, Jan. 12, 8 p.m.

• One musical legend honors another! Movie star, jazz singer and civil rights pioneer, Lena Horne was one of the most glamorous and accomplished women in the world. Horne (1917-2010) is memorialized by musical icon Mary Wilson in Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project.

JAN. 16

Martha Graham Dance Company Friday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m.

• Expect a night of magnificent dance from one of the country’s most influential and inspirational dance companies. The the Martha Graham Dance Company showcases both iconic masterpieces by Graham, her peers and their successors.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

T

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

he 2014 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance drew a record crowd Nov. 1-2 at Port Royal Golf Club.

M PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

ost of the Monthly team took off early one Friday to fly through the trees at ZipLine Hilton Head. (Note to guys: wear dark shorts or pants).

Jeremy gave us free tickets to the gun show.

Guide Bee Jean (yellow helmet) used to train tigers but was unable to tame the Monthly squad.

As expected, Lance dominated Charles at the end to win a $5 bet. Cheaters always win.

Charles, wearing his lucky Chucks.

Lori only cried three times!

T

he Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island hosted its Regatta Weekend, featuring the 45th annual Harbour Town Cup and the 44th annual Calibogue Cup. Randy Brooks and his Alerion 38 won the big trophies.

Rotary Club of Bluffton members Gwynn Baker (back left), Sarah Reed (left), Danielle Breidung and Justin Rice helped plant more than 100 plants throughout Old Town Bluffton.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

T

he South Carolina Congressional Cup brought a U.S. congressional delegation together with other state agency leaders for informative discussions, fellowship and golf.

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

Sen. Lindsey Graham addresses the invited guests at the Sonesta Resort.

From left: Sam Bennett, Ryan Scott, Jeff Ruble, Charlie Brown, Jeff Penland, Ben Fleming and Rep. Congressman Jim Clyburn.

The Heritage Library has spent years compiling hospital rolls, cemetery records, Town of Mitchelville citizens lists, Union soldiers and U.S. black troops files to identify almost 3,000 people who lived and died on Hilton Head Island during the Civil War years. On Oct. 22, the information was made public and a presentation at Town Hall occurred with almost 200 people in attendance.

Doug Smith fields questions.

PHOTO BY GLENN D. BRIDGES

Steve Wilmot and guests ata the kickoff cocktail party.

Red Dam Baptist Church in Hardeeville hosted its annual Fall Festival on Nov. 8 with a rodeo theme.

Belfair couple Margaret and Alun Thomas volunteered at the Tower of London planting of commemorative ceramic poppies in memory of soldiers who left England to fight in the First World war 100 years ago and did not return.

THE MONTHLY PET: Garnett was born with a congenital heart malformation, which was corrected at UGA. This youngster is a super dog who walks well on a leash, loves to play with toys and is really lovable. For more information on Garnett or any of the animals at the Hilton Head Humane Association, call 843681-8686 or visit www.hhhumane.org.

Cheryl Eitzen on a paddleboard.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Berl Davis, president and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative; Buddy Hiers, chairman, Palmetto Electric Trust Board; Dr. Richard J. Gough, president, Technical College of the Lowcountry; Tom Upshaw, retired president and CEO Palmetto Electric; Jeremiah E. Vaigneur, chairman of Palmetto Electric Cooperative Board; Dr. Vicky Leitz, chairman, Technical College of the Lowcountry Foundation and general manager Art Brown, Technical College of the Lowcountry Commission chairman, got together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Operation Round Up program.

The 2014-2015 Board of Directors of Hilton Head Heroes are (standing) Steve Wilson, Mike Sanz, Elizabeth Millen, Lindy Russell, Rob Bender and Gregg Russell; (Seated) Delane Marynowski, Nancy Conder, Marilyn Healy, Nancy Kelly, Jan Raisch and Lynn King.

The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island named its teachers of the year: Karen Sandlin, Michele Quigley, Justin Vaughn, Steven Moe, Annette Lee, Parker Collins, Tori Safe, Stephen Powell, Chris Harris, Marianne Frederick, Dan Sheehan and Jan Dowell.

The Rev. Joey McDonald (fourth from left) and district superintendent Rev. Thomas Pearson, Jr. (fifth from left) participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for the $1.4 million expansion at Bluffton United Methodist Church. Also pictured are Ella Davis and members of Cogun, Inc.

The Bluffton Chamber of Commerce celebrated with Robyn Meglin and her staff at the ribbon cutting of The Joint, the Chiropractic Place.

The Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence Media Technology class visited WTOC News 11. Students met the station’s personalities and saw in action the work that goes into creating the daily news broadcast.

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GET IN THE SPOTLIGHT To submit photos from your event or party e-mail editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com or you can share them directly from your Facebook page by liking us on Facebook. All photos courtesy those pictured unless otherwise noted.

Memory Matters hosted a commemorative candle lighting as part of a national initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at Jarvis Creek Park. All 70 people came up the microphone and said the name of the person they were representing.

The Seven Seals Award was presented to Rear Adm. admiral Phil and Diane Anselmo for their continued support of the military. The award was presented

by Roger Sandler and Kay Lyons-Mitchell.

In attendance were Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, Shellie West and Rich and Debbie Kulak.

Bluffton Rotary Club member Becki Hale offers a peek at a new pair of shoes to a student at Payless ShoeSource in the Target shopping center. More than 250 children from Bluffton Elementary, M.C. Riley Elementary and Red Cedar Elementary selected shoes or boots through the Bluffton Rotary Club’s Happy Feet program.

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HITTING high notes M MUSIC

THE

BY TIM WOOD | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

How did a world-class jazz venue come to exist on Hilton Head Island?

IT’S

a fair question, until you actually get to spend five minutes with The Jazz Corner owner and founder Bob Masteller.

The love of sharing jazz as a fine art form has always been in Bob Masteller’s blood. He just got sidetracked with being a Hilton Head Island pioneer for a while.

Masteller and his wife Lois came to Hilton Head in 1973, as Bob was hired to serve as vice president under Charles Fraser in his Sea Pines Development Corporation. Masteller spent years working with Fraser to carve a resort destination out of a wildlife-filled forest on the water. So the visionary part of his resume was already full before he ever dreamed of launching a jazz club here.

It’s a passion that percolated from birth, a genetic gift from his father Harold, a frontman for a hot music band at the pinnacle of the Jazz Age, a master of the hot fiddle violin and one of the first vibraphone players in America.

While many thought Masteller crazy for wanting to sink money into a jazz club on the island, it was simply a matter of marrying two passions and living up to his own vision.

“The believers were in short supply in the early going, but I knew what it could be,” Masteller said. “Sharing jazz, fostering the passion for the music, it was so important to me. I wanted to do it the right way. I believed and Lois believed and that’s all that I needed.”

“I was fortunate enough to have an early partner, Charles Swift, who shared my vision and provided invaluable financial and logistical advice from 1999 to 2005 after which I purchased the majority ownership position from him,” he said. “In addition, we both hired Leslie Rohland to be our first general manager who established a standard of excellence which Kelli and the staff have carried on and they have continued to raise the bar in our search for excellence” When Masteller talks about the right way, it involves an unrelenting attention to detail in two all-important areas – the design of the room and the cuisine.

Thanks to his dad, Masteller had seen many a jazz club and had an eye and an ear for what worked and what didn’t. He created a small space with pitchperfect acoustics that was just as intimate a dining room – going so far as to bring in sound engineer consultants to make sure sound traveled the room exactly

the same from any angle. The stage was raised 45 degrees, using elevation to push toward the listener instead of toward the ceiling.

Masteller and Swift hired top chefs from day one to create a menu as succulent and captivating as the sounds he was hoping to present on stage.

“Lois and I wanted to create that perfect meal at your friend’s house, create a setting where the meal is beautiful and readies you for the music,” he said. The trick was making sure the music wasn’t drowned out. For that, the Mastellers put a subtle yet firm reminder on each table, asking for minimal conversation once the music began.

The mix worked instantly for musicians, as world quickly got out almost from the moment jazz piano legend George Shearing – a dream “get” for Masteller – took the stage to open the club on March 30, 1999.

“The meticulous approach to what he created, it was a gift for musicians,” said pianist and island musical favorite Martin Lesch. “There’s an appreciation in that room, a respect for the artist. You feel it the minute you’re there. The piano is perfectly tuned, the acoustics

are amazing. That’s the kind of room that any legit musician wants to play.”

Getting the word out to the public took a bit more time, but the Mastellers – and later, the Leschs, with Martin’s wife Kelli now serving as the club’s general manager – were unwavering in their dream.

The crowds steadily started to catch up to the buzz and 15 years later, the club has established itself as one of the most respected jazz venues in the world.

“It’s a joy to play that room,” said Lynn Roberts, a Lowcountry resident, worldrenown vocalist and Jazz Corner regular. “It’s magic every time I’m on that stage and you can’t say that about too many venues. That’s what Bob and Lois have created in that space. Magic.”

Masteller has been just as active in spreading the gospel of jazz outside the club. He and Lois created the Junior Jazz Foundation in 2004, with a focus on identifying kids passion about music and making sure no roadblock obstructs that passion. The Foundation distributes instruments for kids in schools, pays for music lessons and for scholarships to the summer jazz camp started

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MUSIC M at Hilton Head Christian Academy in 2011 with director James Berry. Instruction is provided by Berry along with professional musicians recruited by Masteller to teach.

A successful March concert at USC Beaufort raised funds for the foundation while celebrating the club’s 15th anniversary.

“It’s so important what he’s doing. Jazz is the first art form that we created in America and it truly pushes musicians beyond their limits,” Lesch said of the Foundation’s work.

“I was so fortunate to have Bob take me under his wing and he does that with every kid. He instills that passion, that precision and dedication to the craft.”

Even those outside the jazz genre marvel and pause to praise when Masteller’s name comes up.

“What he’s doing to keep jazz alive and thriving with the youth, exposing kids to legends while being just as

vigilant in promoting the next group of stars, it’s pretty impressive,” said Cranford Hollow guitarist and vocalist John Cranford. “Martin has been such an influence on me as a musician, so to see he and Kelli dedicated there, I know the place is in good hands.”

The torch isn’t being passed just yet. Now 76, Masteller is still working 12-hour days right beside his wife, according to Lesch.

“Bob and Lois have set the club up well to keep thriving.

Nobody’s gotten rich here. Bob has put everything back into the club and the foundation and it shows,” Lesch said. “To keep this alive, we’ll need the community to keep supporting us. We’ll keep the standards higher than ever. Bob has had a lot of juice in this town, he’s a tough act to follow. But it’s our duty to live up to his standards and to keep jazz thriving here.” M

MUSICIAN BOB MASTELLER IS LIVING HIS

LIFELONG DREAM EVERY NIGHT AT THE JAZZ CORNER

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FROM THE HHSO MARY M. BRIGGS President & CEO www.hhso.org

ENJOY A WONDERFUL

Holiday Season WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Be sure to join us in the new year for the remainder of our season of the Music of Dreams and Drama!

Happy Holidays!

Mary M. Briggs President & CEO

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MUSIC M

Jazz Corner Quartet, Lavon Stevens Quartet, Cranford Hollow to play Readers’ Choice party

A

BY TIM WOOD

fter providing the musical entertainment at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa last year, Bob Masteller and his Jazz Corner crew will provide the backdrop for the annual Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Awards celebration from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11.

Not surprisingly, The Jazz Corner won the title of Monthly’s Best Live Music Venue. It’s a designation that both Monthly readers and area musicians agree wholeheartedly on.

“I’ve played rooms from the Northeast to the West Coast and clear across to Shanghai, China, and I’ve never played a better room than here,” said musician Martin Lesch, who will be part of the Jazz Corner Quartet taking the stage Dec. 11.

The musician has been a part of the Lowcountry music scene for decades, but has most recently devoted his full attention to the craft of jazz under the tutelage of Masteller.

“It has been such an honor to learn under the wing of a legend. We live in this beautiful place and it’s easy to take folks like Bob and places like The Jazz Corner for granted, but we are so blessed to have this venue in our own backyard,” Lesch said. “It’s still a thrill to represent the club on stage each and every night.”

Partygoers will also be treated to another regular at The Jazz Corner: The Lavon Stevens Quartet featuring Louise Spencer.

Stevens has made his mark around the Southeast since he first began singing and playing piano at age 7.

The Savannah native has become a Lowcountry legend and has made Hilton Head his musical base for more than three decades.

The jazz, blues and gospel piano

man has been an active force alongside Masteller with the Junior Jazz Foundation, as a board member for the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and as one of the musical producers of the Native Island Gullah Festival.

“The greatest power in the world is love, the second greatest power in the world is music,” Stevens has often said. “I use the power of the music to translate love.”

From her first performance as a quacking duck in a musical production of “Noah’s Flood” at age 8, Spencer has stolen the stage.

Her range, power and style of delivery have amazed both patrons and musicians alike as the vocalist behind Stevens’ music.

“We all want to be like Louise. Her voice is just magical,” said Target The Band leader Brian Raehm of Spencer.

Wrapping up the night will be Cranford Hollow, winner of the Best Band category for the third straight year.

The name has changed – from Cranford & Sons, so as not to be confused with British folk band Mumford & Sons – but the signature “Lowcountry stomp” sound of bluegrass and roots rock has resonated with audiences from Hilton Head to California.

Guitarist John Cranford said that even with the constant touring and the tireless effort to build the band’s fan base regionally and nationally, he and his band mates thrive thanks to the support of island fans.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our fans, family and friends here in the Lowcountry,” Cranford said. “The people in the crowd are the reason we do what we do every night, and without so many locals in front of us, Cranford Hollow would be a lost cause.” M December 2014 197

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M MUSIC

Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton unveils hi-tech

RECORDING

STUDIO

American Idol.

The Voice.

America’s Got Talent. These popular future star discovery shows need to move over.

BY JOHN HUDZINSKI PHOTOS BY JACK DAVIS

B

luffton has its own stage for promising recording artists of the future at the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton, which recently unveiled its new hi-tech recording studio.

The studio features two sections, one a large green and orange room loaded with Apple Macs and a keyboard synthesizer.

The adjacent room, about 5-by-8 feet, is fully soundproofed and features overhead microphones and equipment for professionalquality vocal recordings.

“A lot of the kids are selftaught,” said Keisha Glover, assistant club director who heads the “tweens” program at the club.

“On a weekly basis we have 30 to 40 kids using the studio.”

The Boys & Girls Club held the grand opening of its studio earlier this year at the club’s teen center.

The event began with a “Bluffton’s Got Talent” contest, which was judged by two local musicians and an active club parent.

The club started development of the audio studio in 2012.

Unit director Molly Smith and

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teen director Jaala Smith knew the teens they served shared a love of music and presented the idea to the club’s board of directors.

In May, the club received donations from the Sam Ginn Family Foundation, Calhoun Station and Berkeley Hall that enabled it to begin transforming a storage closet into a hightech audio studio for its teen members.

The studio has a soundproof recording room and computer equipment for recording, mixing and editing music.

One of the popular recording units is a large keyboard and synthesizer, complete with a huge flat screen monitor.

The installation of the unit was finished in August and since then the teens have received training on the equipment.

“This studio is a nice setup and gives kids a chance to show a lot of talent, ‘’ said OJ Driessen, aka, DJ Oj, a volunteer who

helps the teens with recording engineering. “It’s nice for them to come here and start early to learn about recording.

“Hopefully they’ll put together a project for the whole club,” said Driessen, who has nearly 15 years experience as a DJ in Atlanta.

One of the regulars at the recording studio is Alexandria Golden, 17.

“I really have fun here,” said Golden, a Bluffton High School student. ”I sing all the time and love to play rhythm and blues.’’

In addition to working in the Boys & Girls Club recording studio, Golden also sings in her church choir.

She said she really enjoys working in the studio.

“It really gives me an opportunity to use hightech equipment, ‘’ she said.

“I’m working with a friend on a special recording and hope to develop something we can get on the air to be widely heard.’’ M December 2014 199

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K R A D R p E U AFT

M MUSIC

LENDAR LIVE MUSIC CA

SUNDAY

The Boardroom: TBD Bomboras: 6 p.m., Glenn Jacobs The Jazz Corner: Deas Guys Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns The Dispensary: 7-10 p.m. Harden & Crenshaw Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m. Jordan Ross Ruby Lee’s: TBD Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross ELA’S Blue Water Grille: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bill Peterson; 7-11 Tim Malchak Salty Dog Cafe: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Todd Cowart

MONDAY

pe

rty,

s’ Choice pa rocks our Reader Cranford Hollow Sonesta Resort Thursday, Dec. 11,

monthly

l hav op

’

2 0 14

TUESDAY ok e sp

DEC. 11

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: Groove Town Assault Charbar: 6:30 p.m., Mike Wilson, Dave Wingo The Jazz Corner: The Martin Lesch Band Liberty Oak: 8-9:30 p.m., Gregg Russell Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Mike Kavanaugh Ruby Lee’s: Sterling and Shuvette Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: Souls Harbor Charbar: 6:30 p.m., Reid Richmond Ela’s Grille: 6-9 p.m. TBD The Jazz Corner: Jazz Corner Quintet featuring Gina Rene (Dec. 9, 23, 30) Liberty Oak: 8-9:30 p.m., Gregg Russell Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns

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MUSIC M Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Chris Jones Ruby Lee’s: Candace Woodson, Domino Theory Band Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross Vintage Prime: 6:30-9:30, Cheryl Christine

WEDNESDAY

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: Reggae Nite Charbar: 7 p.m., Whitley Deputy The Jazz Corner: The Earl Williams Band (Dec. 10), The Bobby Ryder Quartet (Dec. 3, 17), The Noel Freidline Quintet (Dec. 31) Kingfisher: 6:30 p.m., Pete Carroll Liberty Oak: 8-9:30 p.m., Gregg Russell Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Mike Kavanaugh Red Fish: 7:30 p.m., Live jazz Ruby Lee’s: Reggie Deas and Lavon Stevens Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross Vintage Prime: 7-10 p.m., Cheryl Christine

THURSDAY

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: Sous Harbor, Open mike night Bomboras: 6 p.m., Glenn Jacobs Charbar: 7 p.m., Mike Bagentose ELA’s Grille: 7 – 11 p.m., Reid Richmond; The Jazz Corner: Lavon & Louise (Dec. 4, 11, 18) Kingfisher: 6:30 p.m., David Wingo Liberty Oak: 8-9:30 p.m., Gregg Russell

Lowcountry Produce and Market Cafe: Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Mike Kavanaugh Ruby Lee’s: Target the Band Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross Wild Wing Cafe: TBD Salty Dog Cafe: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Dave Kemmerly

FRIDAY

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: 6:30 p.m., The Beagles The Dispensary: 7-10 p.m., Tommy Crenshaw Bomboras: 6 p.m., Reid Richmond Charbar: 7 p.m., Tommy Dargan Sims Chow Daddy’s: ELA’S Blue Water Grille: 7-11, John Wasem Jamaica Joe’z: The Jazz Corner: Deas Guyz Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 5), The Bobby Ryder Quintet (Dec. 12), Equinox Jazz Quintet Creole Christmas (Dec. 19), Dixieland Jazz Band (Dec. 26), Old Oyster Factory: 6-9 p.m., Sara Burns The Dispensary: 7-10 p.m. Harden & Crenshaw Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Mike Kavanaugh Ruby Lee’s: TBD Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross Vintage Prime: 8-11 p.m., TBD Wild Wing Cafe: TBD Salty Dog Cafe: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Dave Kemmerly

SATURDAY

The Boardroom: TBD Big Bamboo: Souls Harbor Bomboras: 6 p.m., Reid Richmond Charbar: 6:30 p.m., Derrick and Sammy ELA’s Grille: 7 – 11 p.m., John Wasem Harbourside Burgers & Brews: 5-7:30 p.m. The Jazz Corner: Deas Guyz Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 6), The Bobby Ryder Quintet (Dec. 13), Equinox Jazz Quintet Creole Christmas (Dec. 20), Dixieland Jazz Band (Dec. 27), Quarterdeck: 5-9 p.m., Chris Jones Ruby Lee’s: TBD Salty Dog Cafe: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Todd Cowart Sea Pines Beach Club: 5:30-9:30, Jordan Ross

DEC. 6 r, Deas Guyz Holiday Spectacula ner Cor Jazz The Saturday, Dec. 6 at

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No. 1

“It’s Not Christmas Without Recipe”

BIG TA S T E S

S A L LY K E R R - D I N E E N | P H O T O S B Y R O B K A U F M A N

It’s NOT

without...

The snuggly comforts of the holidays come from familiar smells that waft through the kitchen and the anticipation of special dishes that only come around once a year. In this house, it’s not Christmas without these 202 hiltonheadmonthly.com

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DINING M

No. 1

Buche de Noel This sponge cake is from Betty Crocker circa 1986. It’s the only recipe I’ve used and it’s never, ever failed me. This cake is really basic, so it’s easy to tweak it any way you like to suit your own tastes. For instance, instead of Chantilly cream, you could make a peppermint whipped cream, or add Chambord instead of vanilla to the cake. The variations are endless, just not in this house.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SPONGE CAKE • 4 eggs • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1/3 cup water • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ¾ cup all-purpose flour • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • Powdered sugar Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 15-by10 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Beat eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high until thick and lemony in color (this could take up to 5 minutes). Gradually beat in sugar on low speed, then beat in water and vanilla.

Gradually add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Do not over beat. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading to corners using a spatula.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the center springs back when pressed with a finger.

Sprinkle a clean tea towel with powdered sugar. Loosen edges of cake from the parchment paper and turn upside down onto a tea towel. Peel away paper and trim any stiff edges from the cake. While it’s hot, roll the cake and towel up from the narrow end. Let cool on a rack for 30 minutes.

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING • ½ cup butter, softened • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 4-4 ½ cups powdered sugar • 1 tablespoon vanilla • ¼ cup milk Whisk powdered sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Gradually beat in sugar mixture on low speed until blended.

Gradually beat in vanilla and enough milk until the frosting is smooth. If the frosting becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a consistency you like.

No. 2

Panettone This Cuisinart recipe for Panettone is another one that doesn’t fail. I let the bread machine do all the hard work, and when it’s done kneading and rising, I’ll remove the dough from the machine, reshape it in a loaf pan and bake in the oven at 375 degrees until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.

This fruity bread is lovely toasted with butter and makes a fabulous French toast.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes one 2-pound loaf) • 2/3 cup milk, room temperature • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 2 large eggs, room temperature • 1 tablespoon orange zest • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 3 1/3 cups bread flour • 1 1/4 teaspoons anise seed • ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (use active dry, instant or bread machine yeast) • ½ cup candied orange peel • ½ cup raisins, soaked in Masala wine then drained Place the first 10 ingredients, in order, in the bread pan fitted with the kneading paddle.

Make sure the yeast doesn’t touch any wet ingredients. Place pan in the bread machine and secure. Select “Sweet” program, loaf size and desired crust color. Start the program and when the mix-in tone beeps, add the orange peel and drained raisins. When the cycle finishes, either remove dough and kneading paddle, reshape and return to machine bread pan to finish baking, or bake in preheated 375-degree oven.

You can find another good recipe for panettone here: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ mario-batali/panettone-recipe.html

No. 2

“It’s Not Christmas Without Recipe”

FOR THE CHANTILLY CREAM FILLING • ½ cup heavy cream • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Beat cream, vanilla and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat until stiff peaks form, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

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M DINING

No. 3

Panforte I think this is one of the most Christmas-y desserts ever. Just look at the colors, for one thing. It’s a cross between nougat and fruitcake. I wouldn’t say it’s tricky to make; it’s just a bit sticky to make. The honey syrup hardens really quickly, so you have to move fast from mixing to getting it in the pan. What’s nice is that this Italian spiced “bread” keeps for ages, easily a month in an airtight container at room temperature.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups toasted almonds, coarsely chopped • 2 cups candied citron mixture • Grated zest from one lemon • ¾ cup flour • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 cup sugar • ¾ cup honey Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Spay paper and sides of pan with cooking spray.

Mix the almonds, candied citron, zest, flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

Heat the sugar and honey in a small pan on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth, bubbles slightly and reads 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Pour honey syrup into nut mixture and stir well. The batter stiffens quickly, so work fast. Scrape into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula or your fingers when it’s cool enough to handle. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center feels like soft custard and your finger comes away clean. Do not over bake. The panforte will firm up as it cools. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the pan, remove it and cool completely.

Remove the bottom and parchment paper and sprinkle the panforte heavily with powdered sugar.

Note: This recipe is based on ones by David Lebovitz and “The Essential New York Times Cookbook.”

No. 3

“It’s Not Christmas Without Recipe”

No. 4

“It’s Not Christmas Without Recipe”

No. 4

Honey Jack & Vanilla Eggnog Make it by the glass or the pitcher. Either way, just make it. Not a whole lot more needs to be said. The title says it all.

Maybe just have a Merry Christmas!

INGREDIENTS

(makes one serving) • 1 ½ shots Honey Jack Daniels bourbon • ½ shot vanilla simple syrup • 10 oz. eggnog Combine ingredients, chill and serve garnished with grated nutmeg. M

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DINING M

Other holiday & event recipes POTATO LATKES

10 to 12 latkes, prep 20 min., cook 35 min.

APPLE WALNUT STUFFED PORK ROAST 8 servings, prep 25 min., cook 1 hr.

Ingredients • 5 tablespoons butter • 1 apple - peeled, cored, and chopped • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 celery stalk, diced • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce • 1 1/2 cups water • 5 cups dry bread crumbs • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 (3 pound) boneless rolled pork loin roast Directions • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Stir in the apple, onion, celery, and walnuts, and cook 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Mix in the applesauce, water, and breadcrumbs. Cook and stir until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the liquid. Season with cinnamon, kosher salt, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Unroll the pork roast, and place in a baking dish. Spoon the stuffing mixture over the roast. Arrange any excess stuffing around the roast. Roll the roast so that the fatty side is on top, and tie with kitchen twine.

• Bake 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, to an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Ingredients • 2 pounds russet potatoes • 1 small yellow onion • 3 tablespoons matzo meal • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 2 teaspoons kosher salt • Vegetable oil, for frying • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for garnish • Sour cream, for serving • Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce, for serving Directions • Peel the potatoes and shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade; transfer the potatoes to a large bowl as the food processor fills up. Repeat with the onion. Transfer the onion to the bowl with the potatoes and stir in the matzo meal, egg, baking powder and salt.

• Fill a large skillet with 1/2 inch oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if the potato sizzles steadily, the oil is ready.

Spiced Apple Pear Sauce • 3 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2inch pieces • 3 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 6 cinnamon sticks • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

• Working in batches, scoop the potato mixture by 1/4-cupfuls and add them carefully to the skillet, flattening each latke slightly with a spatula. Fry, turning the latkes once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.

Drain on paper towels. Remove any loose bits of potato mixture between batches with a slotted spoon.

Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce: • Combine the apples, pears, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the apples and pears are very soft but still a bit chunky, 15 to 20 minutes. Taste the mixture and add the remaining tablespoon of sugar if desired.

• Serve the latkes immediately, or keep them warm in a 200 degree oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with sour cream and Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce.

• Remove the sauce from the heat and stir a few times until the sauce is well combined with small chunks. Cool to room temperature. Remove the cinnamon sticks and serve. (For a smoother sauce, remove from heat, remove the cinnamon sticks and then whisk the mixture until smooth before cooling.)

• Cook’s Note: If you need to fry a lot of latkes, it’s best to make multiple batches rather than one double batch. The longer the mixture sits, the wetter it becomes, which makes the latkes fall apart more easily as they cook.

GRANDMA’S CORN PUDDING 8 servings, prep 10 min., cook 1 hr.

Ingredients • 5 eggs • 1/3 cup butter, melted • 1/4 cup white sugar • 1/2 cup milk • 4 tablespoons cornstarch • 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn • 2 (14.75 ounce) cans cream-style corn Directions • Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish • In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add melted butter, sugar, and milk. Whisk in cornstarch. Stir in corn and creamed corn. Blend well. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.

• Bake for 1 hour

• Cook’s Note: This recipe can be prepared several days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Let it stand at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

BACON-WRAPPED DATES WITH STUFFED BLUE CHEESE 32 appetizers, prep 20 min, cook 40 min.

Ingredients • 1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half • 1 pound pitted dates • 4 ounces blue cheese Directions • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

the halves of the dates, and wrap a halfslice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.

• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the pre• Slice dates in half, and open them up. heated oven, or until the bacon is crisp.

Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes them into the center of the dates. Close for even cooking.

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FEATURED RESTAURANT

Red Fish

Upscale dining at its finest. Head chef Chaun Bescos takes advantage of his close relationship with local growers and farmers markets, tailoring Red Fish’s menu around which foods are in season.

8 Archer Road, Hilton Head Island, 686-3388 32 Bruin Road, Bluffton, 837-8888 www.redfishofhiltonhead.com PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

HILTON HEAD

Dye’s Gullah Fixin’s: 840 William Hilton Parkway. 681-8106. 

WANT TO BE LISTED?

Atlanta Bread Company: 45 Pembroke Drive 342-2253. 

Fancy Q Sushi Bar & Grill: 435 William Hilton Parkway. 342-6626. 

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Open Late Sunday Brunch

Bella Italia Bistro and Pizza: 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza.

689-5560. 

Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill (north): 95 Mathews Drive. 342-8808. 

north end

Carolina Café: The Westin Resort, Port Royal Plantation. 681-4000, ext.

7045.  Chart House: 2 Hudson Road. 3429066.  Crazy Crab (north): The menu is derived from Lowcountry recipes, and each entree is individually prepared to order. The Crazy Crab uses the largest fresh seafood supplier on the East Coast -- the Atlantic Ocean. Relax, loosen your belt and enjoy. Free hush puppies with any dinner entree.

TRY THIS: Lowcountry shrimp boil; served with red potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob. Half pound $16.95, full pound $26.95. 104 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, 843-6815021, www.thecrazycrab.com. 

Frankie Bones: Frankie’s boasts big booths, soft lighting and crisp snappy service with Sinatra playing in the background. Reminiscent of the enduring restaurants of Chicago and New York during the ’50s and ’60s. The kitchen boasts a combination wood fired and charcoal grilled cuisine.

TRY THIS: Frankie’s Signature Ribeye; chargrilled 16 oz. coffee marinated ribeye. Served with twice-baked potato casserole. $25.95. 1301 Main Street.

682-4455.  French Bakery: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 3425420.  Hudson’s on the Docks: 1 Hudson Road. 681-2772. www.hudsonsonthedocks.com.  Il Carpaccio: If you’re hankering for

All area codes 843. Listings are fluid and heavily dependent on your help; to submit or update email editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com

some authentic Italian cuisine, this hidden gem tucked away in Pineland Station is worth finding. Pizza is cooked in a hardwood burning oven, imported from Italy.

TRY THIS: Vitella Piemonteste; veal scaloppine sauteed with mushrooms and Italian mild sausage in a light cream sauce, $16.95. 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 342-9949. www.ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com.  Le Bistro Mediterranean: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 681-8425. www.lebistromediterranean.com.  Main Street Café: 1411 Main Street Village. 689-3999.  Mangiamo!: 2000 Main Street. 6822444.  Munchies: 1407 Main Street. 7853354. 

New York City Pizza: 45 Pembroke Dr. 689-2222.  OKKO: 95 Mathews Dr. 341-3377.  Old Fort Pub: 65 Skull Creek Drive.

681-2386.  Outback Steakhouse: 20 Hatton Place. 681-4329.  Pan Fresco Ole: 55 Matthews Dr. 681-5989.  Plantation Café and Deli: 95 Mathews Drive. 342-4472.  Reilley’s Grill and Bar (north): Serving up delicious steaks, seafood, pasta and sandwiches on Hilton Head Island for over 30 years. With a sophisticated warm ambiance. Reilley’s is reminiscent of a true Boston pub.

TRY THIS: Reuben; A tradition since 1982. Thinly sliced corned beef served on grilled rye with fresh sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Thousand Island

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DINING dressing. $9.99. 95 Mathews Drive.

681-4153. LDSO

Alexander’s: 76 Queens Folly Road.

785-4999. LD

Relish Cafe: 430 William Hilton Parkway, Pineland Station. 342-4800.

Alfred’s: European-trained chef Alfred Kettering combines some of the most appealing elements of classic American and Continental cuisine in this tiny Plantation Center hideaway. Grab a seat at the chef’s counter to watch the master at work.

TRY THIS: Roast Rack of Spring Lamb with mashed potatoes and vegetables $34.95. 807 William Hilton Parkway, #1200, in Plantation Center, 341-3117, www.alfredsofhiltonhead.com D

Ruby Lee’s: Specializing in sports, blues and soul food, Ruby Lee’s is an experience to savor. Appetizers, entrees and tempting desserts. Full bar service and HDTVs featuring all premium sports packages. Entertainment featuring local and regional artists in blues, jazz and more.

TRY THIS: Ox Tail Stew; served over white rice and collard greens. $15.95.

46 Wild Horse Road. 681-7829.

LDS Skull Creek Boathouse: Squire Pope Road. 681-3663. DO Starbucks: 430 William Hilton Pkway in Pineland Station, 689-6823.

Street Meet: 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza. 842-2570. LDO Sunset Grille: 43 Jenkins Island Road. 689-6744. LDOS Tapas: 95 Mathews Drive, Suite B5, Hilton Head Island. 681-8590. D TJ’s Take and Bake Pizza: 35 Main Street. 681-2900. LD Turtles Beach Bar & Grill: 2 Grasslawn Avenue at the Westin Resort. 681-4000. LDO WiseGuys Restaurant and Lounge: WiseGuys has become a local see and be seen hot spot. Featuring small plates, signature entrees and steaks, they offers a comfortable contemporary full dining experience with an award winning wine list. WiseGuys’ serves the highest quality seafood and meats, the freshest ingredients, and when possible, local farm-to-table vegetables.

TRY THIS: Grouper Daufuskie; mushrooms, baby spinach, smoked Gouda grits and Daufuskie sauce. $27. 1513 Main Street. 842-8866. DO Yummy House: 2 Southwood Park Drive. 681-5888. LD

HILTON HEAD mid-island

843: 890 William Hilton Parkway, Fresh Market Shoppes. 681-8843.

LD

Arthur’s Grille: Arthur Hills course, Palmetto Dunes. 785-1191. LD Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza: Robert Trent Jones course, Palmetto Dunes. 785-1165. LD Bistro 17: 17 Harbourside Lane in Shelter Cove. 785-5517. www.bistro17hhi.com. LD Bonefish: 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3772. LD Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 14 Folly Field Drive. 785-5007. LD Café at the Marriott: Oceanside at Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, Palmetto Dunes. 686-8488. BL Carolina Seafood House: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0084. D Coco’s On The Beach: 663 William Hilton Parkway; also located at beach marker 94A. 842-2626. LD CocoNutz Sportz Bar: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0043 DO Conroy’s: Hilton Head Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, Palmetto Dunes. 6868499. DS ELA’s Blu Water Grille: Featured in Bon Appetit and the winner of numerous Open Table awards. Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. ELA’s is known for the best water views on the island. Serving lunch Monday - Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner nightly starting at 5 p.m., and now offering “Sunday Brunch on the Water” complete with live jazz music every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

TRY THIS: ELA’s Calamari; lightly battered long strips, served with wasabi December 2014 207

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DINING and red pepper remoulade. $10.

1 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove Harbour. 785-3030. www.elasgrille. com. LD

erseafood.com. DO

Flora’s Italian Cafe: 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square.

842-8200. D

Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar: An American Bistro with a southern soul.

They strive to serve the freshest ingredients sourced from local and regional farms and purveyors. The menu changes throughout the seasons based on ingredients, and the inspiration of the staff and chef Clayton Rollison. The menu is small and focused but offers a large variety of refined comfort foods and adventurist dishes.

TRY THIS: Ratatouille Farrotto; farro, tomato, zucchini, ,squash, red onions, baby eggplant and herbs. $18. 841 William Hilton Pkwy, Unit A, South Island Square. 681-3474. www.luckyroosterhhi.com. DO

Gator’z Pizza: HHI Beach & Tennis Resort. 842-0004. D Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta: 32 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove.

785-4144. LD Harold’s Diner: 641 William Hilton Parkway. 842-9292. BL HH Prime: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes.

842-8000. BLDS Island Bagel & Deli: South Island Square. 686-3353. BL Jamaica Joe’z Beach Bar: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0044.

Kingfisher Seafood, Pasta and Steakhouse: 18 Harbourside Lane in Shelter Cove. 785-4442. www.kingfish-

La Fontana Grill & Pizzeria: 13 Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove. 7853300. LDO

Mediterranean Harbour: 13 Harbourside Lane, Unit B, Shelter Cove Harbour. 842-9991, mediterraneanharbour.com. DO New York City Pizza: 45 Pembroke Dr., Ste. 105. 689-2229. LD

Old Oyster Factory: With panoramic views overlooking Broad Creek, this Hilton Head landmark was voted one of the country’s “Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants” by OpenTable. It was also recently recommended in the “Off the Beaten Track” column of The Wall Street Journal. Wine Spectator magazine bestowed its “Award of Excellence” for the restaurant’s wine list and knowledge of wine.

TRY THIS: Potato Crusted Black Grouper served with garlic Parmesan rice and julienned vegetables, finished with a horseradish cream, $24.99. 101 Marshland Road. 681-6040. www. oldoysterfactory.com DO Orange Leaf: Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is a self-serve, choose-your-own toppings frozen treat destination at the new Shelter Cove Towne Centre shopping complex. Sixteen rotating unique flavors are prepared fresh daily with fat free milk and mixed up in proprietary serving machines that make for a richer, creamier treat. Find a selection of at least 35 toppings, ranging from kidfriendly gummy bears to tree-hugging

granola. All fruit toppings are prepared fresh daily and rotate seasonally.

TRY THIS: Wedding Cake; You’ll love this Froyo so much, you just may marry it. $0.55 per ounce. 38 Shelter Cove Lane, 843-689-5323, orangeleafyogurt.com.

Pazzo: 807 William Hilton Parkway in Plantation Center. 842-9463. LD Roastfish & Cornbread: 70 Marshland Road. 342-2996. LD Ruan Thai Cuisine I: 81 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

785-8575. LD Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant and Bar: 17 Harbour Side Lane. 7857575. D San Miguel’s: Enjoy the island’s best selection of margaritas while taking in amazing views of the water from the outdoor bar overlooking Shelter Cove Marina. The menu features all the traditional items you would expect to find at a Mexican restaurant, plus several sophisticated dishes such as Enchiladas del Mar and Shrimp Veracruz. Did we mention the margaritas? The Cadillac

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DINING on the rocks must be tasted.

TRY THIS: Deluxe Burrito topped with enchilada sauce and scallions, served with Mexican rice, $10.95. 9 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove Harbour.

842-4555. www.sanmiguels.com.

LD

HILTON HEAD

Santa Fe Café: 807 William Hilton Parkway in Plantation Center. 7853838. LD

Signals Lounge: 130 Shipyard Drive Crowne Plaza Resort. 842-2400.

Annie O’s: A southern restaurant serving classics such as slow roasted pork shoulder, shrimp and grits and fried chicken.

TRY THIS: Buttermilk fried catfish; served over cheese grits with peach barbecue and a vinegar slaw. $11. 124 Arrow Road. 341-2664. LD

Starbucks: 32 Shelter Cove Lane.

842-4090

Asian Bistro: 51 New Orleans Road.

686-9888. LD

Up the Creek Pub & Grill: Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Road. 6813625. LDO

Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe: 69 Pope Avenue. 785-7700. LD

Sea Grass Grille: 807 William Hilton Parkway. 785-9990. LD

XO Lounge: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes.

341-8080.

YoAddiction!: 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3335

south end

Amigos Cafe y Cantina: 70 Pope Avenue. 785-8226. LD Angler’s Beach Market Grill: 2 North Forest Beach Dr., 785-3474. LD

Beach Break Grill: 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite F. 785-2466. LD Bess’ Delicatessen and Catering: Lunch specials include fresh homemade soups and assorted salads, and the only 100 percent freshly oven roasted turkey breast on the island.

Bess’ features Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, Hellmann’s mayonnaise and 28 years of experience.

TRY THIS: Soap’s Delight; freshly baked turkey breast, cranberry mayo, bacon, swiss and lettuce on wheat. $7.50. 55 New Orleans Road, Fountain Center.

785-5504. www.bessdeli.com. BL Big Bamboo Cafe: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 686-3443, www.bigbamboocafe.com.

Black Marlin Bayside Grill and Hurricane Bar: Attractive waterside restaurant in Palmetto Bay Marina.

Patrons may choose to dine or enjoy libations indoors or outdoors with a view of Broad Creek. The Black Marlin serves the island’s largest selection of fresh seafood, frozen drinks and delicious hand cut steaks in a casual relaxing atmosphere. The menu focuses on a variety of seafood, steaks and fresh fish daily. There are daily blackboard seafood selections, plus nightly specials that incorporate season items purchased locally whenever possible.

TRY THIS: Baja Lobster Tacos; battered and fried lobster tail, baja taco sauce,

shaved cabbage, pico de gallo and sour cream on a flour tortilla. $19.

86 Helmsman Way in Palmetto Bay Marina. 785-4950. LDS Bomboras Grille: An award winning restaurant and bar, located steps away from the beach. Offering fresh and local Lowcountry ingredients paired with craft beers and wine. Bomboras Grille is open for lunch and dinner. A kids menu is available. The locals call them the BOMB. TRY THIS: The “Bomb” Kobe Beef Sliders: Two Kobe beef burgers on Lowcountry-made Brioche buns with American cheese, South Carolina tomato and topped with cornichons. Served with three house dipping sauces. $10.

101 A/B Pope Avenue, Coligny Plaza.

689-2662 LDO Bayley’s: 130 Shipyard Drive. 8422400. BD British Open Pub: 1000 William Hilton Parkway D3 in the Village at Wexford. 686-6736. LDO Bullies BBQ: 3 Regents Pkwy. 6867427. LD

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DINING

Charlie’s L’etoile Verte A great place for a power lunch or a romantic dinner. Owner Charlie Golson and his son Palmer write their entire menu by hand each day, based on the freshest local seafood available.

The dinner menu offers an array of 14 fresh fish, rack of lamb, filet mignon and more.

TRY THIS Local cobia:Grilled with mango vinaigrette, $29.

8 New Orleans Road. 785-9277. www.charliesgreenstar.com

Callahan’s Sports Bar & Grill: 49 New Orleans Road. 686-7665.

LDO Captain Woody’s: Many restaurants claim to be a favorite of locals. Speaking as locals, one of our favorites is Captain Woody’s.

Owners Shannon and Russell Anderson made a good thing even better with their new location at 6 Target Road. Woody’s now offers more seating, an expanded menu and an attractive outdoor patio with an attached bar.

TRY THIS: Grouper Melt, fried and topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and melted cheese.

Served open faced on a kaiser roll with homemade chips, $13.99.

6 Target Road. 785-2400. www. captainwoodys.com. LDO Carolina Crab Company: 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina. LD Casey’s Sports Bar and Grille: One of the most (if not the most) popular sports bar on Hilton Head Island. With over 30 TVs, including two projector screens, it is the perfect spot to watch the big game.

Fresh crisp salads are popular for lunch, hand cut steaks are popular for dinner. Ice cold cocktails are

always popular.

TRY THIS: Irish Stew; sauteed beef browned to perfection and simmered in homemade beef stock, guinness, red wine and fresh spices. Served with carrots, potatoes and onions. $7.50. 37 New Orleans Road. 785-2255. LDO

ters and other snacks. The daily happy hour is 4-6 p.m.

TRY THIS: Pork tacos; sriracha aioli, arugula, avocado and peppadew pepper sauce. $8.50. 14B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-CHOW, chowdaddys.com.

Catch 22: 37 New Orleans Plaza.

785-6261. D

Coast: Sea Pines Beach Club. A beautifully-appointed beachside restaurant featuring a lunch and dinner menu and an oceanfront beach bar. The second floor bar, lounge, and event space allow guests to take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant Tybee Island.

TRY THIS: Lobster Rigatoni; sweet lobster, cherry tomatoes, yellow corn, bourisin-sherry sauce. $32.

842-1888 LD

Charbar Co.: Executive chef Charles Pejeau’s burger creations have made this a local favorite, serving award winning gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

TRY THIS: Champ Burger; Signature beef blend on toasted brioche with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon marmalade, dijon mustard and dill pickles. $10. 33 Office Park Rd., Suite 213. Park Plaza, 85-CHAR (2427).

Coligny Deli & Grill: Coligny Plaza. 785-4440. LD

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte: 8 New Orleans Road. 785-9277. www. charliesgreenstar.com.D

Corks Neighborhood Wine Bar: 11 Palmetto Bay Road. 6717783. LD

Chow Daddy’s: This new restaurant, located in the old Dry Dock building on Executive Park Road, is using local, organic ingredients with meals prepared to order. The menu will feature salad bowls, sandwiches, tacos, hot bowls, plat-

CQ’s: 140A Lighthouse Lane.

671-2779. LD Crane’s Tavern and Steakhouse: 26 New Orleans Road. 341-2333. D

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Crazy Crab (Harbour Town): The menu is derived from Lowcountry recipes, and each entree is individually prepared to order. The Crazy Crab uses the largest fresh seafood supplier on the East Coast -- the Atlantic Ocean.

Relax, loosen your belt and enjoy. Free hush puppies with any dinner entree.

TRY THIS: Lowcountry shrimp boil; served with red potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob. Half pound $16.95, full pound $26.95. 149 Lighthouse Road. 363-2722. LD DelisheeeYo: One of Hilton Head’s hottest spot for the coolest treats. This is a hip hangout for healthy locals and travelers of all ages. A colorful and refreshing art-filled oasis in a sea of fried fish. Dig into a custom combo fro yo Sunday, a super food smoothee, a big salad, a great green juice or a happy wrap. TRY THIS: Buddahh Bowl; organic golden quinoa and crimson lentils steamed in alkaline water with virgin coconut oil and Indian spice blend. $7.95. 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange. 785-3633. www. delisheeeyo.com.

Daniel’s Restaurant and Lounge: 2 North Forest Beach Drive. 341-9379. www.danielshhi.com. LD Dough Boys: 1-B New Orleans Road.

686-BOYS. doughboyshhi.com. LD DryDock: 21 Office Park Road. 8429775.LDO Earle of Sandwich Pub: 1 North Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza.

785-7767. LD

1 North Forest Beach Drive. 687-5471.

BL Frozen Moo: Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive. 842-3131 Frosty Frog Cafe: 1 North Forest Beach in Coligny Plaza. 686-3764.

LDO Gringo’s Diner: E-5, Coligny Plaza.

785-5400.

Gruby’s New York Deli: 890 William Hilton Parkway in the Fresh Market Shoppes. 842-9111. BL Harbourside Burgers and Brews: Relax and unwind in a casual outdoor setting with captivating views of Calibogue Sound. That’s the island vibe at Harbourside Burgers & Brews, a friendly open-air café, nestled beneath the shade of ancient oaks, including Harbour Town’s famed and majestic Liberty Oak. The inviting restaurant is open seasonally and overlooks the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.

TRY THIS: The Original Harbourside Burger; 1/3 pound certified Angus beef premium-cut patty, grilled to order and ready for you to personalize. Pick your bun, sauce and additional toppings. $8.95. Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort, 843-842-1444, www.seapines. com. LD Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe: Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 363-2021.

BL Heyward’s: 130 Shipyard Drive. 8422400. BD

Electric Piano: 33 Office Park Road.

785-5399. O

Hilton Head Diner: 6 Marina Side Drive. 686-2400. BLDO

Fat Baby’s: Family friendly restaurant regionally famous for its pizza and sub sandwiches.

TRY THIS: The Fat Baby sub; loaded with ham, cappicola, roast beef, Geno salami, turkey, swiss and provolone cheese. Finished off with lettuce, tomato, onion, banana pepper, oil and vinegar, salt and pepper and homemade horseradish sauce. $10. 1034 William Hilton Parkway. 842-4200. LD

Hilton Head Brewing Company: 7C Greenwood Drive (Reilley’s Plaza), Hilton Head Plaza. 785-3900. www. hhbrewingco.com.LD

Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: 51 New Orleans Road. 785-4788. LD FlatBread Grill: 2 North Forest Beach Drive, 341-2225, flatbreadgrillhhi.com.

French Kiss Bakery: Coligny Plaza,

Hilton Head Ice Cream: 55 New Orleans Road, #114. 852-6333.

Hinchey’s Chicago Bar and Grill: 36 South Forest Beach Drive. 6865959. LDO Hinoki of Kurama: 37 New Orleans Road. 785-9800. LD Holy Tequila: Holy Tequila offers a harmonizing blend of Mexican street food with new American flavors.

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DINING

Kingfisher Seafood, Pasta & Steak Voted one of the island’s best for 21 years. Casual, affordable waterfront dining featuring delicious local specialties. What are you hungry for?

Fresh seafood? Fried? Steaks? Pasta?

Shrimp? Crab legs? BBQ ribs? Prime rib? You’ll find it all here. Meals served on the spacious deck or indoors in an old-world Mediterranean setting with a view of the water. Free live musical entertainment.

TRY THIS Broiled Seafood Medley: Shrimp, scallops, deviled crab and tilapia, with rice pilaf and vegetables. $19.99.

18 Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove 785-4442, kingfisherseafood.com

kitchen, an indoor/outdoor open air seating area, a large tequila bar and a private tasting room. The menu features a wide variety of gourmet tacos, quesadillas, salads and smalls plates, all priced under $11; and a fully stocked bar with more than 40 premium tequilas, handcrafted specialty cocktails, Mexican beers and spanish inspired wines.

TRY THIS: Asian Shrimp Taco; Crispy shrimp topped with a house soy aioli, cotija cheese, pickled onions and cabbage, cilantro and sriracha on a fresh corn tortilla. $3.95. 33 Office Park Rd., Suite 228. 681-8226. LD Hugo’s Seafood & Steakhouse: 841 William Hilton Parkway. 785HUGO. LD It’s Greek To Me: 11 Lagoon Road in Coligny Plaza. 842-4033.

LDO Java Burrito Company: 1000 William Hilton Pkwy. 842-5282.

BLD Java Joe’s: 101 Pope Avenue in Coligny Plaza. 686- 5282.

BLDO

Jazz Corner: Village at Wexford.

842-8620. DO Jump and Phil’s Bar and Grill: 7 Greenwood Drive, Suite 3B. 7859070. LDO Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe: 70 Pope Avenue in Circle Center. 785-3315. BLDS Jersey Mike’s: 11 Palmetto Bay Rd., Island Crossing. 341-6800.

Kurama Japanese Steak and Seafood House: 9 Palmetto Bay Road. 785-4955. D La Hacienda: 11 Palmetto Bay Road. 842-4982. LD Land’s End Tavern: South Beach Marina, Sea Pines. 671-5456.

BLD Live Oak: 100 North Sea Pines Drive, 842-1441, liveoaklowcountrycuisine.com Lowcountry Backyard: 32 Palmetto Bay Road at The Village Exchange. 785-9273. BLD Lodge Beer and Growler Bar: The Southeast’s premier Craft Beer Bar. 36 rotating taps and an extensive bar. Burgers and gourmet grilled cheeses. Kick back and

relax in a ski mountain themed atmosphere.

TRY THIS: Juicy Lucy; American cheese stuffed into a juicy burger, topped iwth 1000 island dressing, stone smoked onions and pickles. $8.5. 7B Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Plaza. 842-8966. DO Mellow Mushroom: 33 Office Park Road in Park Plaza. 686-2474. www.mellowmushroom.com.

LDO Mi Tierra (Hilton Head): Authentic Mexican cuisine with daily food and drink specials.

TRY THIS: Pechuga De Pollo; A skinless chicken breast served on a hot skillet with rice, beans, a side salad corn or flour tortillas. $11.50.

130 Arrow Rd. 342-3409. LD Market Street Cafe: 12 Coligny Plaza. 686-4976. LD Marley’s Island Grille: Marleys serves up all sorts of delicious fare cooked on a wood-fired grill, using hickory wood to enhance flavor. Spacious, attractive tropical hideaway-style restaurant with open kitchen. Special steamers for shellfish. Ice Cream & Trading Company, immediately adjacent to

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the restaurant, features more than 20 ice creams handmade on the premises.

TRY THIS: Captain’s Seafood Trio; stuffed shrimp, scallops and flounder broiled in mojo de ajo, island rice, black beans and house vegetables. $23.99. 35 Office Park Road in Park Plaza. 686-5800.

DO Michael Anthony’s: Now celebrating its 12th year in business, Michael Anthony’s has been recognized by Open Table diners as one of the “Top 50 Italian Restaurants” in the United States.

TRY THIS: Bistecca alla Fiorentina; Tuscan-style herb encrusted bonein ribeye. $38. 37 New Orleans Road. 785-6272, michael-anthonys.com.

Nacho Baby’s: 120 Arrow Road.

842-4200. LD New York City Pizza: 81 Pope Avenue. 842-2227. LD Nick’s Steak & Seafood: 9 Park Lane. 686-2920. D Ombra Cucina Rustica: Village at Wexford. 842-5505. www. ombrahhi.com. D One Hot Mama’s: Mama serves meats, smoked low and slow, that are sure to please. Enjoy awardwinning wings and ribs, or steaks hand cut daily. All sides are homemade in small batches. Specialties include quality steaks, baby back ribs, pork, brisket, seafood, smoked and fried BBQ chicken.

TRY THIS: Winning Rib Sampler; Mama’s Perfect 10, Hot Asian and Chocolate BBQ. $21. 7 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Plaza. 6826262. LDSO Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café: A breakfast favorite for both visitors and locals. The long line is worth the wait. Breakfast is served all day with eggs benedict, all the expected offerings and many specials such as shrimp hash, Hamptons Brunch and Crab Wontons.

TRY THIS: Strata; it’s a layered egg, sausage, onion and cheese baked dish with a special chili sauce. Served with hash browns or grits. $9.99. 86 Helmsman Way in Palmetto Bay Marina. 686-3232.

BL Philly’s Café and Deli: 102 Fountain Center, New Orleans Road. 785-9966. L Pino Gelato: 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Village at Wexford. 8422822.

Plantation Café and Deli (south): 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza. 785-9020. BL Pomodori: 1 New Orleans Road.

686-3100. D The Porch: Beach House hotel.

One South Forest Beach Drive.

785-5126. BLD Quarterdeck: Located waterfront at the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the legendary Quarterdeck has been an island tradition for decades. There isn’t a more spectacular view on Hilton Head Island than at The Quarterdeck, where the sights of the moored yachts in Harbour Town Yacht Basin, the 18th green of famed Harbour Town Golf Links and sunsets over the sparkling waters of Calibogue Sound can all be enjoyed.

TRY THIS: Blackened Fish Wrap; black bean corn salsa, shredded lettuces and queso fresco. $13.

149 Lighthouse Road, Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 842-1999.

LDO Red Fish: Upscale dining at its finest. Head chef Chaun Bescos takes advantage of his close relationship with local growers and farmer’s markets, tailoring Red Fish’s menu around which foods are in season. The result is an eclectic blend of seafood, steaks, fresh fruit and local vegetables.

TRY THIS: Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits; served with Keegan Filion Farms chorizo gravy and fried okra over a bed of sauteed kale, $24.

8 Archer Road. 686-3388. www. redfishofhiltonhead.com. LD Reilley’s Grill and Bar (south): Serving up delicious steaks, seafood, pasta and sandwiches on Hilton Head Island for over 30 years. With a sophisticated warm ambiance. Reilley’s is reminiscent of a true Boston pub.

TRY THIS: Reuben; A tradition

since 1982. Thinly sliced corned beef served on grilled rye with fresh sauerkraut, swiss cheese and 1,000 island dressing. $9.99.

7D Greenwood Drive. 842-4414.

LDO Rita’s Italian Ice: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 6862596, ritasice.com.

Salty Dog Cafe: One of Hilton Head’s favorite outdoor cafes for more than 20 years. Fresh seafood. Located at South Beach Marina, overlooking Braddock Cove. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Live music and children’s entertainment nightly during the season.

TRY THIS: Crab Cake Dinner; two freshly prepared Chesapeake-style lump crab cakes with homemade remoulade sauce. Served with Captain’s Au Gratin potatoes and fresh vegetables, $22.99. South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines Resort. 671-7327. www.saltydog. com. LD Sage Room: 81 Pope Avenue, Heritage Plaza. 785-5352. D Sea Shack: 6 Executive Park Drive. 785-2464. LD Signe’s Bakery & Cafe: 93 Arrow Road. 785-9118. BLS Skillets Café: Coligny Plaza. 7853131. BLD The Smokehouse: 34 Palmetto Bay Road. 842-4227. BLDO Smuthiland: 11 Palmetto Bay Rd. in Island Crossing shopping center. 842-9808.

Southern Coney & Breakfast: 70 Pope Avenue in Circle Center.

689-2447. BL Spirit of Harbour Town: 843363-9026. www.vagabondcruise. com.

Stack’s Pancakes of Hilton Head: 2 Regency Parkway. 3413347. BLD Starbucks (south): 11 Palmetto Bay Road. 341-5477 Steamers: 28 Coligny Plaza. 7852070. LD Stellini:15 Executive Park Road.

785-7006. D December 2014 213

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DINING

OMBRA Cucina Rustica Popular local chef Michael Cirafesi and distinguished Philadelphia chef Nunzio Patruno have teamed up to open this upscale Italian restaurant in the Village at Wexford. Many dishes were created hundreds of years ago, passed down from generation to generation.

All deserts, pastas and breads are made daily using natural and fresh ingredients imported from Italy.

Village at Wexford, 842-5505 www.ombrahhi.com

TRY THIS Carpaccio di Manzo: Thinly sliced raw “Piemontese” beef, arugula, olive oil and shaved Parmigiano, $14.

Stu’s Surfside: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 686-7873. LD The Studio: 20 Executive Park Road.

785-6000. D Sweet Carolina Cupcakes: 1 N. Forest Beach Drive. 342-2611.

Tiki Hut: 1 South Forest Beach Drive at the Beach House. 785-5126. OLD Topside Waterfront Restaurant: Located next to The Sea Pines Resort’s iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and overlooking the sparkling waters of Calibogue Sound, Topside offers breathtaking sunsets and an enticing menu.

Specializing in the freshest seafood available, as well as great steaks and appetizers, Topside has dedicated an entire section of its menu to its fabulously successful “fresh fish market”

- with your choice of blackened or pan seared preparation.

TRY THIS: Amberjack; choose your preparation, choose your sauce and then choose two sides. $28. Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 842-1999. D Trattoria Divina: 33 Office Park Rd. 686-4442. D Truffles Cafe (Sea Pines): Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups and garden salads.

TRY THIS: Chicken Pot Pie; tender breast meat, carrots, mushrooms, sweet bell peppers and white wine cream sauce covered with a puff pastry. $12.95. 671-6136. 71 Lighthouse Road. Sea Pines Center. www.trufflescafe.com LD Urban Vegan: 86 Helmsman Way,

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Palmetto Bay Marina. 671-3474. LD

2921. LD

Vari Asian Seafood and Sushi Buffet: 840 William Hilton Pkwy. 7859000. LD

Captain Woody’s: Many restaurants claim to be a favorite of locals.

Speaking as locals, one of our favorites is Captain Woody’s.

TRY THIS: Grouper Melt, fried and topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and melted cheese. Served open faced on a kaiser roll with homemade chips, $13.99. 17 State of Mind Street in the Calhoun Street Promenade. 757-6222. www.captainwoodys.com. LDO

Vine: 1 North Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza. 686-3900. LD Vintage Prime: 55 New Orleans Road 802-4564. D Watusi: 71 Pope Avenue. 686-5200. www.islandwatusi.com. BL Wild Wing Café: 72 Pope Avenue.

785-9464. LDO Wine and Cheese If You Please: 24 Palmetto Bay Rd. Suit G. 842-1200.

Wreck of the Salty Dog: South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines. 6717327. D YoAddiction!: 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3335

Cheeburger Cheeburger: 108 Buckwalter Parkway. 837-2433. LD Choo Choo BBQ Xpress: 129 Burnt Church Rd. 815-7675. LDO Claude & Uli’s Bistro: 1533 Fording Island Road. 837-3336. LD Coconuts Bar & Grille: 39 Persimmon Street. 757-0602. DO

BLUFFTON

Corks Neighborhood Wine Bar: 1297 May River Road. 815-5168. DO

Amigos Belfair (Bluffton): 133 Towne Drive. 815-8226. LD

Corner Perk Cafe: A locally owned coffee shop and cafe in beautiful historic Old Town. No freeze dried coffee packets here. You will find a truly memorable hand crafted creation made on a manual machine. In addition to coffee, find smoothies, frappes, protein shakes, loose leaf hot tea and iced tea.

TRY THIS: Caramel Machiatto; vanilla latte topped with sweet caramel. 1297 May River Road, Downtown. 8165674, cornerperk.com. BL

Backwater Bill’s: 20 Hampton Lake Drive. 875-5253. LDO Bluffton BBQ: 11 State of Mind Street. 757-7427, blufftonbbq.com.

LD Bluffton Family Seafood House: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 757-4010.

LD The Bluffton Room: Old Town Bluffton’s newest fine dining establishment. They serve simple American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. Their well crafted cocktails, gracious service and table-side preparations evoke the feeling of the classic dinner party.

TRY THIS: Roasted Lemon Chicken; Joyce Farms organic chicken, served with peas and prosciutto. $19. 15 Promenade Street, 843-757-3525, www.theblufftonroom.com D The Brick Chicken: 1011 Fording Island Rd. in the Best Buy Shopping Center. 836-5040. LDO Buffalos Restaurant: 476 Mount Pelia Road inside Palmetto Bluff. 7066500. LD Cahill’s Market & Chicken Kitchen: 1055 May River Rd. 757-

The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room: 38 Calhoun Street. 757-0508. www.thecottagebluffton.com. BL Crescent City Cafe: 4490 Bluffton Park Crescent, 843-757-7771, crescentcitycafe.us. LD Downtown Deli: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 815-5005. BL El Super Internacional: 33 Sherington Dr. 815-8113. LD Fat Daddy’s: 198 Okatie Village Dr. 836-3288. LD Firehouse Subs: 32 Malphrus Rd., #109. 815-7827. LD Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: 876 Fording Island Road (Hwy. 278), Suite 1. 706-7280. LD Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta: 25 December 2014 215

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DINING Bluffton Road. 815-9200. LD Hana Sushi and Japanese Fusion: 1534 Fording Island Road. 837-3388. www.hanasushifusion.com LD Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill: 104 Buckwalter Place Suite 1A. 836-5909.

LD HogsHead Kitchen and Wine Bar: 1555 Fording Island Rd. 837-4647.

Honeybaked Ham: 1060 Fording Island Road. 815-7388. BLD The Infield: 9 Promenade St., Suite 1201-2, 757-2999. LD Island Bagel & Deli: Sheridan Park.

815-5300. BL Jack’s Old Town Bluffton: 1255 May River Road. 757-2522. LD Jameson’s Charhouse: 671 Cypress Hills Drive, Sun City. 705-8200. LD Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q: 872 Fording Island Road. 706-9741. LD Katie O’Donald’s: 1008 Fording Island Road (Kittie’s Crossing). 8155555. LDO Kelly’s Tavern: 11B Buckingham Plantation Drive. 837-3353. BLDO Kobe Japanese Restaurant: 30 Plantation Park Drive. 757-6688. LD Longhorn: Inside Tanger I. 705-7001.

LD Los Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill: The Bridge Center. 837-2333. LD Lowcountry Flower Girls: Berkeley Place. 837-2253.

May River Grill: 1263 May River Road. 757-5755. LD Mellow Mushroom: 878 Fording Island Rd. 706-0800. www.mellowmushroom.com. LDO Mi Tierra: Authentic Mexican cuisine with daily food and drink specials.

TRY THIS: Pechuga De Pollo; A skinless chicken breast served on a hot skillet with rice, beans, a side salad corn or flour tortillas. $11.50. 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 757-7200. LD

Mulberry Street Trattoria: 1476 Fording Island Road. 837-2426.

LDS NEO: 326 Moss Creek Village. 8375111. LD Old Town Dispensary: In the heart of historic downtown Bluffton, this is a popular spot for good friends, cold drinks and delicious food. Drink specials, Farmers Market Bluffton, live music, cornhole, firepits ... the list goes on.

TRY THIS: Southern Slammer; 8-oz. burger topped with smoked pork, coleslaw and pickles with barbecue mayo. $12. 15 Captains Cove. 837-1893.

LDO Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria is family owned and operated, and everyone from grandma to the kids is involved in some way. Pizza dough is made in house over two days.

TRY THIS: La Carne pizza; smoked ham, pepperoni, Capicola ham, bacon, sweet Italian sausage and crumbled meatballs, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce. $25. 103 Buckwalter Place, Unit 108. 837-5637, www.orobellosbluffton.com. LDO Outback Steakhouse: 100 Buckwalter Place. 757-9888. LD Panda Chinese Restaurant: 25 Bluffton Road. 815-6790. LD Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe: A European-style coffeehouse that offers freshly orated coffee and high-end treats. High-quality desserts, sandwiches, flatbreads and more. No items have preservatives.

TRY THIS: Gourmet Sandwich; French salad, eggs, ham, salami and pickles. $7.95. 1536 Fording Island Road (Bridge Center), Bluffton, 843-8372633, pinogelatogourmetcafe.com.

BLD Plantation Cafe & Deli: 1532 Fording Island Road. 815-4445.

Pour Richard’s: 4376 Bluffton Parkway. 757-1999. DO

Mi Tierrita: 214 Okatie Village Drive.

705-0925. LD

The Pub at Old Carolina: 91 Old Carolina Road. 757-6844. D

Moon Mi Pizza: 15 State of Mind Street. 757-7007. LD

R Bar: 70 Pennington Drive. 7577264. LD

Moe’s Southwest Grill: 3 Malphrus Road. 837-8722. LD

Red Fish: Upscale dining at its finest.

Head chef Chaun Bescos takes advan-

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tage of his close relationship with local growers and farmer’s markets, tailoring Red Fish’s menu around which foods are in season. The result is an eclectic blend of seafood, steaks, fresh fruit and local vegetables.

TRY THIS: Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits; served with Keegan Filion Farms chorizo gravy and fried okra over a bed of sauteed kale, $24. 32 Bruin Road, 837-8888. LD

Stooges Cafe: 25 Sherington Drive.

706-6178. BL

Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine and Lounge: 8 Pin Oak Street. 7578111. LDO

Vineyard 55: 55 Calhoun Street.

757-9463. D

River House Restaurant: 476 Mount Pelia Road in Palmetto Bluff.

706-6500. LD Robert Irvine’s Nosh!: Inside Tanger II. 837-5765. LD Ruan Thai Cuisine II: 26 Towne Drive, Belfair Town Village. 757-9479.

LD Saigon Cafe: 1304 Fording Island Road. 837-1800. BLD Sake House: G1017 Fording Island Road Ste 105. 706-9222. LD Sigler’s Rotisserie: 12 Sheridan Park Circle. 815-5030. D Sippin’ Cow Cafe: 1230 May River Road. 757-5051. BL Squat N’ Gobble: 1231 May River Road. 757-4242. BLD

Truffles Cafe: Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups and garden salads.

TRY THIS: Chicken Pot Pie; tender breast meat, carrots, mushrooms, sweet bell peppers and white wine cream sauce covered with a puff pastry.

91 Towne Drive Belfair Towne Village.

815-5551. trufflescafe.com. LD

Veritas: 163 Bluffton Rd. Unit F. 843815-6900, veritasbluffton.com. D Walnuts Café: 70 Pennington Drive in Sheridan Park. 815-2877. BLS Wild Wing Café (Bluffton): 1188 Fording Island Road. 837-9453. LD Zepplin’s Bar & Grill: Inside Station 300. 25 Innovation Dr. 815-2695.

LDO

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND Eagle’s Nest: 56 Fuskie Lane, Bloody Point, 341-5522.

Marshside Mama’s Cafe: 15 Haig Point Road on County Landing. 7854755. LD M All area codes 843. editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com

thefeed A HEAPING HELPING OF LOCAL RESTAURANT NEWS

• Charbar Co. missed the finals of the World Burger Championship in Las Vegas by just one point. Charbar’s burgers scored an 84 at the exclusive national event. Scores of 85 and above qualified for the finals. Charbar earned a spot in the championships by recently winning the Orlando Barks and Burgers competition with its Dirty South Burger. The following message was posted on the Charbar Facebook page: “We fought hard amongst the stiff competition from all over the world, but missed the finals cut by 1 point. Regardless, we had a great time, it was an amazing experience, and we want to thank all of you for your support!”

• The Cottage in Old Town Bluffton has started a customer rewards program called Belly. Card-carrying customers will get 5 points for each visit. Rewards range from 10 points for a homemade cookie to 5,000 points for a private dinner party.

Have any tips for The Feed? Please email your information to editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com December 2014 217

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DINING

A rendering of Southern Barrel Brewing Company, a microbrewery that recently broke ground in Bluffton.

Microbreweries coming to

BLUFFTON

S

BY LAURA JACOBI

outhern Barrel Brewing Co. recently broke ground in Buckwalter Place, where it is building its 12,500-squarefoot flagship headquarters. This is Bluffton’s first microbrewery. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a 10,000-square-foot production facility, a 2,500-square-foot tavern serving food and an outdoor beer garden.

The facility is slated to open in February 2015, with beer production starting before the facility opens to the public. Southern Barrel will begin crafting eight separate types of beer including lager, amber, IPA, stout and wheat beers. Once the facility is up and running, some of those beers will be aged in barrels formerly used to house bourbon, rum, tequila and wine.

The microbrewery is located in Buckwalter Place, next to CareCore National and Station 300. The location is central for regional towns and cities such as Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and Savannah as well as providing easy access for regional distribution.

Stewart Taylor, owner of Southern Barrel Brewing Co., said Bluffton’s progressive vibe was part of the reason he decided to locate his business here.

“We researched several markets throughout the United States and decided we wanted to be in Bluffton,” Taylor said. “Bluffton’s unique, eclectic charm created the perfect backdrop for this new venture. And the fact that we’re able to work with such a welcoming business community, makes it that much easier.”

Taylor, who is based in Pennsylvania, has owned a second home on Hilton Head Island for the past 10 years. This is Taylor’s first microbrewery, and he plans to hire about 10 people as the facility opens.

Taylor hired nationally acclaimed brewmaster Walter Trifari to lead Southern Barrel’s beer production. Trifari, an 18-year veteran in the microbrewery industry, was most recently the head brewmaster at Fordham/Old Dominion in Delaware.

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“I am the business man, Trifari is the beer maker,” Taylor said.

“Hiring an award-winning brewmaster is the first step to creating a successful brewery, and we couldn’t be more pleased Trifari decided to join us in Bluffton.”

Southern Barrel will feature a 2,500-square-foot tavern and an outdoor beer garden.

The tavern will showcase the kettles and fermentation tanks for the brewery. Visitors will be able to watch the brewmaster and his staff during the brewing process.

“Southern Barrel is exactly the type of company we want at Buckwalter Place,” Matt Green, development manager of Buckwalter Place, said. “It is a progressive, innovative, high-caliber establishment, which adds to the vibe of the business park and the town.”

Taylor said Buckwalter Place and the town of Bluffton rolled out the welcome mat for his company and that experience helped him select Bluffton as its location.

Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka said she couldn’t be more pleased that Southern Barrel is locating here.

“Southern Barrel is a perfect fit for Bluffton; it’s a new company, which adds value to our economy and culture.”

Marc Orlando, Bluffton’s town manager, said this is another indicator that the town’s focus on economic development is reaping rewards.

“As a town, we are mindful to provide employers a streamlined process to do business here,” Orlando said. “We realize the craftbrewing industry is growing fast and on behalf of the town, welcome this new industry to our community.”

SALT MARSH BREWING COMING TO OLD TOWN Salt Marsh Brewing is opening a microbrewery in Old Town Bluffton. The brewery will occupy the second floor of the Fat Patties burger restaurant set to open around summer. The brewery will have five beers available at launch but hopes to expand to 15 varieties. The beer will be served at the Fat Patties restaurant below and its outdoor beer garden. The beer will also be served at the Fat Patties location in Port Royal.

Owners eventually hope to bottle and can the beer for distribution sales. M December 2014 219

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DINING

MUSCADINE SC’s glorious native grape

S

BY CHRISTOPHER DIXON

outh of the MasonDixon line, we aren’t known for our wines and there is a very good reason for that. We have a strong tradition of whiskeys and corn liquor in our fair South. But we do produce good quality wines from our thick-skinned native grape known as the Muscadine. When most people think of wines they think of California and thinskinned grapes similar to table varieties. No one thinks of the barely cultivated grape South Carolina is known for.

This ugly and perfectly round grape looks more like over-sized buckshot than a wine grape. Growing up here I called them “bullets” for this very reason. That old name has been around for quite some time in these parts, but today, there are wineries in our state produc-

ing top quality wines from these long ignored treasures.

The Muscadine grape is gaining respect in our country and abroad. When most Americans think of grapes, we think of the familiar Labrusca grape that many American wines are made with. It is a thin-skinned grape that almost “skins itself” during the wine making process. This quality makes it ideal for wine production. These popular grapes grow well from 30 degrees north of the equator to 50 degrees north of the equator.

South Carolina is fairly close to the high temperature limit of grape production in North America.

That means that the varieties that grow well in our North American climate are often limited in South Carolina. Most types of grapes flower between 63–68 degrees Fahrenheit.

This gives most non-native grapes a very short reproductive season in South Carolina. While cross-pollination is not required for most varieties, it is nice to have the option to grow and sustain a vineyard. South Carolina’s level of precipitation is yet another challenge.

Too much rain can harm grapes and South Carolina can easily have driving rain storms and high levels precipitation during certain years. The end result is that most non-native varieties of grapes are limited to the upstate and mountains where the conditions are much more friendly to these tasty foreigners.

In recent years we have started cultivating our native grape – the hearty Muscadine grape. Being native not only does it grow well, it thrives during our hot summers and heavy rains.

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In the Lowcountry, the Muscadine is the dominant variety and whole vineyards are devoted to this grape in Columbia, Newberry, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.

It is unmatched in its growth and disease resistance in these areas. Other vines may fall prey to Pierce’s disease, which is common in South Carolina. The Muscadine is so common and hearty in South Carolina it grows wild all over the state.

Since the Muscadine has both golden and black varieties, growers easily produce both white and red wines.

The range of flavors among growers is astounding as some of these same growers also produce wines from local peaches and blackberries.

Some vineyards and distilleries that offer Muscadine wines and spirits are: • Irvin-House Vineyards in Wadmalaw Island: Irvin-House offers muscadine wines and vodka. It appears to be one of the only South Carolina-based companies producing local vodka. They also make a product called Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka.

This sounds interesting and is definitely worth a visit.

• Mercer House Estate Winery in Lexington: Mercer House is a true winery and vineyard offering a large selection of Muscadine wines. Mercer offers wines that go from “blistered whites” to sweet reds to semi-dry reds.

• Hilton Head Island Winery on Hilton Head: Hilton Head Winery offers both native and non-native wines for customers. They have Zinfandel,

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling and Muscadine varieties. Three customer favorites are Southern Passion, Peach on the Beach, and Cranberry Sunset. These wines offer samples of some of the more unique wines developed on the edge of the American grape-growing zone.

• La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River: This vineyard and winery offers both red and white Muscadine wines and wine tastings for as little as $3 to taste six different wines. Their wines go from very dry to very sweet.

• Enoree River Vineyard in Newberry: This vineyard offers many types of wines from Merlot to Chardonnay to Muscato to Muscadine wines.

Although Newberry isn’t in the Lowcountry, it is worth it to check this winery out. It is one of the few wineries that offers a very wide selection of locally produced fruit wines in the state.

They offer fruit wines like apple, peach, mango and blueberry and cranberry.

• Copper Horse Distillery in Columbia: This distillery is devoted to locally made vodka.

It is one of the only two locally made vodkas in the state.

We have explored wines produced locally in our state and found some nice surprises. Like most Americans I grew up drinking California and European wines, but I never knew what treasures were in my backyard.

Now that you know, you owe it to yourself to try South Carolina native wines and open a new bottle of flavor for your taste buds. M December 2014 221

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LAST CALL

Onwards!

David Bennett will be the new mayor of Hilton Head Island.

With a 2-to-1 margin, this is not a victory, but a mandate.

MARC FREY mfrey@freymedia.com

The quality that is most American — fight for what you believe in — is alive and well in our hometown.

It

was not a coincidence to discover that many of the most respected community leaders representing the most diverse backgrounds one can think of were supporting Bennett’s quest to become mayor.

How diverse you ask? How about people in the fields of architecture, arts, banking, business, land development, education, hospitality, media, nonprofits, politics, real estate, religion, sustainability, volunteer groups and world affairs, just to name a few?

Not all of them knew Bennett intimately, but they could sense a refreshing honesty, modesty and ability to think clearly. A willingness to listen and the skill to create much-needed consensus to make true progress.

Ultimately, they saw hope in Bennett. Hope that we can and deserve to do better.

It is confidence-building that our electorate, which tends to be conservative, deliberate and reserved, came out to make themselves heard (9,000 votes were cast).

It should not surprise me; after all, they are my neighbors and friends, our readers, clients and business partners, and while in private conversations it did not seem difficult to reach a consensus that the status quo offered little excitement for the future, it was a quantum leap to assume that a newcomer to politics — a man with little or no name recognition — would be able to galvanize enough momentum in a few weeks to force a runoff and ultimately claim a decisive victory.

What it shows to me is that having the guts to have a vision and stand up for it, which so many did for so many years can be rewarding. The quality that is most American — the desire to fight for what you believe in — is alive and well in our hometown.

Ultimately, it is a sign that there is a general sense that our community is not quite done yet with defining itself and that opens up the possibility to create a fresh outlook toward the future that will be more inclusive and more comprehensive.

If we believe that there are ways to

work together across all aisles with no prejudice and an open mind, we can and will achieve a better future together, not just for us but for all that will follow us.

Onwards! M *In the next issue we will give David Bennett the opportunity to speak for himself.

SOUND OFF Please send your comments to mfrey@freymedia.com.

I would like to get your feedback on this idea.

David Bennett, new mayor of Hilton Head Island

222 hiltonheadmonthly.com

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