Hilton Head Monthly January 2019

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2019 INNOVATORS + INVENTORS ISSUE

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MOCKTAILS:

ENJOY ALL THE SPRITS AND SPRIGS WITHOUT THE HANGOVER

JANUARY 2019

SCHOOL SPIRIT? YES, WE DO! TEACHER OF THE YEAR SCHOOL PROFILES PLANNING A SABBATICAL IS

N ISLAN

LARGEST EMPLOYMENT CENTER IN THE STATE

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U O Y W E +

JARRETT NIXON’S

BUSINESS

BOEING TO CHARLESTON WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE

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ER T N E C D REC

FO S S E N FIT

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OW R G L A ECTU

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GET YOUR FINANCES IN CHECK BEFORE APRIL 15TH



THE

PUBLIC ART EXHIB ITION ON H I LTO N HE A D I S L A ND OCTOBER 1 - JANUARY 31 C o a s t a l D i s cove r y M u s e u m a t H o n ey H o r n

4 MONTHS. 20 SCULPTURES.

#ART FORALL

Join Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as it presents the 2018 Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island. This juried exhibition showcases 20 outdoor sculptures from internationally-recognized artists.

Premier Partner

Platinum Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Allianc Bayshore Retirement Living Bruderer Family Fund for Arts and Education Hilton Head Resort Dudley and Rita King Family Charitable Fund Gerald E. and Elizabeth B. Mayo Peter and Lynn Parrott Fund Friends Rabbi Brad and Linda Bloom Helen Ryan

Plaza at Shelter Cove Sea Pines Resort John and Beth Weymouth Family Fund Wood + Partners Martha C. Worthy Zipline Hilton Head

Wells Fargo Irene Williamson

Gold Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsors Coastal Discovery Museum FISH Casual Coastal Seafood Frey Media People’s Choice Award Sponsor Island School Council for the Arts Board Members of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Otocast Beaufort County Council - ATAX Board

Park Lane Hotel & Suites Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport The Greenery World Design Marketing




monthly

TM

address 14 Westbury Park Way, Suite 200, Bluffton 29910 offices 843-842-6988 web hiltonheadmonthly.com

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MEDIA ENTREPRENEUR

Marc Frey marc@hiltonheadmonthly.com PUBLISHER Anuska Frey anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Carol Weir carol@hiltonheadmonthly.com SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sasha Sweeney sasha@hiltonheadmonthly.com ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michael Lupi mike@hiltonheadmonthly.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Allyson Venrick ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebecca V. Kerns rebecca@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-816-2732 Cathy Flory cathy@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-1538 Majka Yarbrough majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-290-9372 Mary Ann Kent maryann@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-9390 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Cloud, Chad Hughes, Justin Jarrett, Rob Kaufman, Ruthe Ritterbeck, Paul Nurnberg, Lloyd Wainscott CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Coyne Bredeson, Queenie Bontuyan, Becca Edwards, Jessica Farthing, Carolyn Grant, Mary Hall, Carrie Hirsch, Bruce Huester, Justin Jarrett, Kim Kachmann, Barry Kaufman, Mark Sanford, Jesse Rodriguez, Dean Rowland, Mike Sampogna, Elihu Spencer, Edward Thomas, Jed Sapio, Nicole Schultz

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CHRISTY MARSH - Savannah, GA

AFTER BATTLING CANCER, CHRISTY FOUND BALANCE. Christy thought she was too young for cervical cancer until she found out she had it. Yet, she remained calm and never panicked because of her confidence in the expertise at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. Dr. Richards, an expert in gynecological cancer treatment, performed minimally invasive da Vinci robotic assisted surgery to remove the cancer – reducing Christy’s recovery time and minimizing complications. The results? Well, based on her yoga form, we’d say her balance and outlook on life is pretty spot on.

THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER Edward Richards, MD Gynecologic Oncologist


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January’s

Must Reads

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28 Boeing

The aerospace industry leader has made a home in South Carolina, and it is changing the state for the better.

40 Innovators & Inventors

These locals took creative ideas and ran with them, with some help from the Don Ryan Center for Innovation.

58 New Year, New You

From fitness to intellectual growth to health and beauty, make 2019 your best year yet.

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124 74 Education Local schools offer academic excellence, caring teachers and a wide range of clubs and sports.

120 VIM

The Hilton Head Island Volunteers in Medicine clinic offers a wellness program that's changing patients' lives for the better.

124 Island Rec Center

State-of-the-art renovations of the Island Rec Center are finally finished, so head over to enjoy a new gym, walking track, spinning classes and more.



››In this Issue +

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IN EVERY ISSUE

LOCAL VIBE 19 Stories to Follow in 2019

Keep abreast of local news this year.

20 RV Parks

Two new luxury parks are coming.

FINANCE 22 Smart Tax Moves

144

Learn about the new tax code.

24 Financial Advisers

62 Healthy Tips

BUSINESS

68 Intellectual Growth

What makes a great match?

Look better, feel better this year.

26 Lessons in Leadership

Exercise your brain to stay young.

34 Jarrett Nixon

Ease into exercise with these locals.

Lead a purpose driven life in 2019. Hilton Head Prep grad excels abroad. 36 Beaufort Digital Corridor Beaufort woos the tech industry.

EOPLE P 42 Charles Wohl

70 Fitness for Beginners 72 Mocktails

Hang out without the hangover.

DUCATION E 84 Teacher of the Year

Karen McKenzie helps kids learn.

They are redefining used car sales.

OME H 88 2019 Decorating Trends

46 Dan & Louise Hodges

ARTS

He has plans for the Don Ryan Center.

44 Nicole Beguesse & Ned Nielsen Natural bug repellent is their business.

Revamp your home in style.

48 Steve DeSimone

114 Sculpture Profile

50 Donna Taylor

RELIGION

He made a better tailgate. Her kitchen tool helps chefs.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU 60 Apps to Improve 2019

Use technology to better your life.

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Sarah Peters does Victorian.

119 First Presbyterian

This HHI church has deep roots.

DINING 144 The Whiskey Room

Enjoy fine spirits at this new joint.

10 At The Helm 12 Opinion 14 Behind the Scenes 16 News 38 On the Move 52 Where in the World? 54 Social Spotlight 96 Real Estate News 130 Sports Briefs 134 Calendar 148 Restaurant Listings 160 Last Call



PHOTOGRAPHY BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

››At the Helm

Dear Reader,

Anuska Frey – publisher anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KAUFMAN

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Carol Weir – editor carol@hiltonheadmonthly.com

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t Hilton Head Monthly, we believe in the power of positive thinking. We’re sure that 2019 will be a great year to live in the Lowcountry. Since January is here once again, it’s time for our annual “Intriguing People” issue featuring some of our area’s most fascinating men and women. This year, we celebrate local innovators and inventors. According to the dictionary, while invention is the “creation of a product or introduction of a process for the first time,” innovation happens when someone “improves on or makes a significant contribution” to something that has already been invented. To put it another way, Thomas Edison was an inventor and Steve Jobs was an innovator. We’re grateful to the Don Ryan Center for Innovation for connecting us with the creative, forward-thinking folks we feature this month. We’re also grateful to our partners in the business community who helped make the 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards holiday party at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa a complete blast — check out party photos on pages 54-55! Every year, fantastic food and drink — and great live music — are provided by winners of our Readers’ Choice Awards for Bluffton and Hilton Head. All of you made it an incredibly fun way to close out another year. Although we think you, dear reader, are just about perfect, we recognize that many people see the new year as a time to establish new routines. So we’ve included several stories about ways to be your best self in 2019 through intellectual growth, fitness and beauty. From apps that clean out your inbox to beginner workout routines at local gyms, we’ve got all kinds of suggestions for improving your life in the new year. And with April not far away, we invite you

‘‘

HAPPY NEW YEAR! FROM THE MONTHLY TEAM

to check out our profiles of top local financial advisers and tips for making smart tax moves before it’s time to file your 2018 return. In addition, in this issue we’ve chronicled how Boeing’s move to South Carolina has put the state at the forefront of the aerospace industry. Writer Kim Kachmann profiled sculptor Sarah Peters, who has resurrected the great Victorian traditions of both botany and lounging. We’ve also included a shout-out to Karen McKenzie, Beaufort County School District’s teacher of the year, who brings her passion for learning to her students at H.E. McCracken Middle School every day. Looking ahead, mark your calendar for our annual Bridal Show on Feb. 17 at Belfair, where we’ll be helping soon-to-be-wed couples and their families plan their weddings. Get your tickets at hiltonheadmonthly.com. We wish all of you the very best in 2019. Monthly is incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve the Lowcountry for another wonderful year.



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Readers React

Let Monthly know which stories made an impact. email editor@hiltonheadmothly.com

It is really amazing how many people read and rely on Hilton Head Monthly. I received so many calls and emails — it was really crazy! — Terry Herron, Hilton Head Island (featured on Monthly’s December cover) Just wanted to send my thanks for the fantastic Berkeley Hall Charitable Foundation article in the December issue! It’s a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on the Neighborhood Outreach Connection, the tremendous work they do in our community, and all the generous folks in our area who help make it possible. You are the best! — Anne Feldman, Bluffton

››We Asked, You Answered

We moved here in September from Youngstown, Ohio, and although we have vacationed in Sea Pines for many years, I knew next to nothing about the local shrimping industry. Thank you for your informative December article about this. — Kerry Jakerson, Hilton Head Island Thanks for the wonderful article about St. Andrew By-TheSea United Methodist Church and our Fall Festival. The entire congregation appreciates the article and we have all been reading it as we work to prepare for our festival — a copy is on the food table and I will be handing it around at our volunteer luncheon on Friday. — Dave and Michelle Deis, St. Andrew By-The-Sea Fall Festival co-chairs

“HOW HAVE YOU ADJUSTED (OR NOT) TO THE PLASTIC BAG BAN? DO YOU BRING YOUR OWN BAGS OR GET THE STORE’S PAPER BAGS?” I think it’s a joke. The multi-use plastic bags Walmart and other stores are using are just going in the trash. Most people won’t use their own unless bags are gone completely. But I think the ban was silly to start with. — Chris Short I always brought my own bags. It’s a good habit to remember to keep them in your car, they’re easy to carry when full and ecofriendly, and you can control your shopping expenses (groceries or otherwise) — Maren L Rogers The stores that have thicker plastic bags with the suggested 125 reuses get put under my sink just like before to be used in trash cans around my place. — Kayla Westerbaan

I took and posted this photo because I think that Walgreens and other stores that respect the spirit of the plastic bag ban should be recognized. If a chain store wants to be in our area, it should respect our local environment. — Karin Coates Having been a field tester for hazardous waste, I am happy to see them go, along with any plastic that can be replaced. — Debi Seckinger I have been using reusable grocery bags for a few years, so I’m not too put out. I welcome the change! I am angry with Target and Walmart for complying with the law by using thicker “reusable” plastic bags. What a workaround that has the opposite effect than what the bag ban intends. — Meghan Danyi Kaufman The ban has sparked my love for diy projects! I’m making my own bags out of old jeans and bed sheets! — Margaret Crenshaw

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We just moved here from Clinton Township, New Jersey. This ban is new for us, but it has not required much adjustment. Paper bags are also downright useful. We use them for collecting other recycling, art projects, and mess prevention with my 2-year-old. — Nell Curran I think it’s wonderful. I’ve also set up a location-based reminder on my iPhone, “Grocery Bags,” for every time I pull up to my preferred grocery store. Helps me remember to bring them in. I finally have reusable produce bags on the way, too. — Addison Cook I love the ban but remembering my reusable bags (before I’m in the checkout line with a full cart) is my downfall! — Lindsay Swanker Cranford I’ve been bringing my own for over a year. It’s not that hard! My bags hold more things and actually sit up in my car without spilling. I think these extra-heavy plastic bags Walmart and Target have now are just them finding a loophole in the bag ban. Sure, these are supposedly multi-use and washable, but I doubt many consumers are using them that way. — Donna Farrell


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››Behind the Scenes

ONLINE

EXCLUSIVE CHECK IT OUT AT: HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry sponsored TEDx HiltonHead Women, an independently organized TED event that brought together local speakers to share their ideas on issues important to women. The theme for this year’s event, held Dec. 1 at Poseidon Coastal Cuisine & Rooftop Bar in Shelter Cove Towne Centre, was “Showing Up.” Speakers included: Kathryn Mademann, international image and style consultant Top: The Monthly team gathered to celebrate account representative Majka’sYarbrough baby shower. Above left: Thank you to the students from May River High School who helped out at the Readers’ Choice Awards. Left: The Hospitality Event Management Class from Hilton Head Island High School was invaluable in setting up for the Reader’s Choice Awards party. Above: Contributing writer Amy Bredeson and her husband Matthew at the Reader’s Choice Awards.

Jennifer Hogue, perspective analyst and motivational speaker Lisa Berry, technology liaison, product owner and entrepreneur Lisette Cifaldi, director of strategic partnerships Susannah Joy Winters, small business owner Christy Baroni, Creator, THRIVE Fitness & Nutrition coach, ISSA elite trainer Jodi Randisi, author, speaker, educator

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS

Elaine Gallagher Adams, architect, professor of architecture Amanda O’Nan, high school principal Ree Williams, small business development expert, master business coach Aja Moon, certified life coach, author, and empowerment advocate Heather Collins, cognitive neuroscientist

R.L. HAMILTON Writer

MARK ANDERSON Writer

PAUL NURNBERG Photographer

In October, R.L. Hamilton joined the team at Hilton Head Monthly as the editorial intern. She is a student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she is majoring in communication studies. She enjoys writing, eating toast and wearing fun socks.

At the end of December 2017, Mark Anderson retired from a 31-year career with the federal government to move with his family from Maryland to Bluffton. His passion is writing, and he enjoys golf, fishing, volunteering and long walks on the beach at sunset.

Paul Nurnberg is a professional photographer based in Beaufort and Savannah. He specializes in architecture, lifestyle, food and product shots. He has photographed on mountains and in swamps, executive offices, large industrial plants and airplanes.

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Corrections: The Dec. issue’s Readers’ Choice section left off the second winner for “Hilton Head’s Favorite Milkshake.” The Purple Cow and Charbar tied for this category. Also, The Bargain Box of Hilton Head has been a thrift store for 53 years and does not accept items on consignment. We regret the errors.



JAN

hit

RANDY WEST REMEMBERED Randolph West, owner of Randolph West Builders and a longtime Bluffton resident, died recently in a tragic explosion in Bluffton. He is survived by his wife, Gayla, and his daughters Shellie (the CEO of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce) and Leigh. West was supportive of responsible development in Bluffton and constructed the building where the Bluffton Chamber is currently housed. He was a fisherman and boater who built his custom 40-foot catamaran. His unfinished project with the Bluffton Rotary was a planned pavilion for the next phase of the Oscar Frazier Park. The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will continue to support community fundraising efforts to finish the project in his honor.

list

JAN. 10-13 XXIV ANNUAL WINTER CLASSIC This four-day event draws shag dancers from throughout the Southeast to the Sonesta Resort. The event is open to the public and you don’t need to know how to shag. JAN. 12 6TH ANNUAL CHOWDER CHALLENGE AND SILENT AUCTION To benefit The Heather Trew Foundation for organ, eye and tissue donation. Restaurants compete for the best chowder, so be sure to come to Reilley’s Plaza and cast your vote.

SPECIAL ELECTION SCHEDULED FOR WARD 6 VACANCY

ALL SAINTS GARDEN TOUR AWARDS GRANTS

There will be a special election Feb. 19 to fill the unexpired Hilton Head Island Town Council term of John McCann, who resigned from his Ward 6 seat in November after being elected mayor of Hilton Head. The term ends December 2020. Kent Berry, Jim Collett, Cathy McClellan and Glenn Stanford have registered with the town as candidates.

The All Saints Episcopal Church Garden Tour has awarded grants to the Antioch Educational Center, Backpack Buddies of Bluffton, Backpack Buddies of Hilton Head, Hilton Head Safe Harbour and St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church Outreach Foodbank. Net proceeds from the annual All Saints Garden Tours are donated to charities that focus on hunger, homelessness, literacy or aging with budgets of less than $650,000 in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The 32nd annual garden tour is scheduled for May 18.

ROTARY CLUB DISTRIBUTES BIKE SAFETY KITS

JAN. 26 HILTON HEAD SNOW DAY This family event at Shelter Cove Community Park will have inflatables, a snow field and entertainment. For the kids who have never seen snow, this is the perfect event.

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The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island has launched a collaboration with the Hilton Head Island Bicycle Advisory Committee to provide bike safety kits to islanders who bike to work. Each kit contains a reflective vest, bike reflectors, reflecting strips and a card with safety tips. The project was spearheaded by Rotary member Jim Deas and the Rotary Club, which provided funding to purchase the safety vests, and Frank Babel and Mike Hills of the Hilton Head Island Bicycle Advisory Committee. Kits will be made available to local restaurants and hotels, as well as churches and organizations like The Deep Well Project and Volunteers in Medicine, whose clients might depend on their bikes for transportation.

LONG COVE CHARITABLE FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The Long Cove Club Charitable Advisory Committee is accepting applications starting January 15 for grants to nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. To be considered, organizations should have plans for a project to improve health, housing, hunger or educational issues. The deadline for applications is March 31. For more information contact Jordan Potter at jpotter@longcoveclub.com, call 843-686-1070 or go to longcoveclub.com



››Vibe LOCAL FISHERMAN CATCHES 3,500-POUND GREAT WHITE SHARK Chip Michalove, a charter captain at Outcast Sport Fishing, recently hooked a 17-foot, 3,500-pound shark just a few miles off the coast of Hilton Head Island. The crew did not have a chance to tag the shark for research purposes. Michalove has been working with scientists at the Atlantic Shark Conservancy in Chatham, Massachusetts, to place satellite tracking tags on sharks and has caught more than 1,000 sharks throughout his career. This one was by far the largest.

Pets OF THE MONTH

NONPROFIT GROUPS RECEIVE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has awarded grants to Memory Matters and Second Helpings. Memory Matters received $120,590 over three years to help implement brain health programs. The grant will fund a brain health specialist position, along with covering other program expenses. A two-year, $36,882 grant will help Second Helpings fund a part-time coordinator in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area. The coordinator will build relationships with food partners and recipient agencies and manage volunteers, delivery routes, and relationships with grocery stores and food donors.

SIX-STORY HOTEL COMING TO HILTON HEAD

A new six-story hotel with rooftop bar and pool will open in the Coligny Beach area by next fall. The Courtyard Marriott will include 115 rooms; the project is run by the Southeastern Development Association.

DEEP WELL NEEDS BIG KIDS’ WINTER COATS

The Deep Well Project needs donations of new and gently used children’s winter coats in sizes 14-16. Drop off coats at 80 Capital Drive on Hilton Head Island. For more information, call 843-785-2849.

SC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELEASES SCHOOL REPORT CARDS

For the first time in four years, the S.C. Department of Education released school report cards last month, rating nearly every public school across the state on a scale of excellent, good, average, below average or unsatisfactory for the 2017-18 school year. The report cards help hold district and school administrators accountable for student achievement, standardized test scores, English proficiency, high school graduation rates and other criteria. Beaufort County School District administrators announced they will close the district’s alternative school, Islands Academy, at the end of the semester after it was deemed the worst middle school in the state and among the state’s five worst high schools. The grades of the schools in southern Beaufort County were: Excellent: • May River High School Good: • Bluffton Elementary School • Bluffton High School • Hilton Head Island High School • Okatie Elementary School • Pritchardville Elementary School • Red Cedar Elementary School • River Ridge Academy

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Average: • Bluffton Middle School • H.E. McCracken Middle School • Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts • M.C. Riley Elementary School Below Average: • Hilton Head Island Elementary School Unsatisfactory: • Hilton Head Island Middle School

Volunteer Sally Bach (left) is holding Angel. Board member Rossana Keyes (right) is holding Frances.

Meet Angel

(left) Age: 1 year old Gender: Female Weight: 8 pounds Breed: Yorkshire terrier mix Temperament: Angel is very affectionate and playful. She is learning to be house trained, and is healthy and social with other animals.

Meet Frances

(right) Age: 2 years old Gender: Female Weight: 11 pounds Breeds: Miniature poodle/schnauzer mix Temperament: Frances is shy but learning that people can be trusted. She needs a patient owner with reasonable expectations.

Maranatha Farm is a small nonprofit group serving Jasper and Beaufort counties. It provides compassionate care to sick, injured and homeless animals. It’s located on a farm in Ridgeland devoted to the rehabilitation, care and adoption of animals. Maranatha Farm is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Every animal adopted from Maranatha Farm gets free lifetime vacation boarding.

Maranatha Farm

For more information, call 843-816-6676 or go to maranathafarmsc@gmail.com.


Stories to Follow in 2019

FOLLOW THESE LOWCOUNTRY ISSUES THIS YEAR BY JUSTIN JARRETT

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verywhere you look this time of year, you find year-end lists — the best of this, the biggest of that. But what about a year-begin list? Here are some of the most intriguing local stories to keep an eye on in 2019: TO DRILL OR NOT TO DRILL: In the race for U.S. Congress between Joe Cunningham and Katie Arrington, Cunningham opposed testing and drilling off our coast and upset Arrington to win Mark Sanford’s former seat. The battle continues with President Donald Trump’s approval of seismic testing off South Carolina’s coast. In December, mayors of 16 coastal municipalities — including the four in Beaufort County — joined the S.C. Small Business Chamber in a federal lawsuit aimed at halting seismic testing. The fight is certain to continue in 2019 with huge implications for our ecosystem and economy.

BUILDING BRIDGES: Beaufort County voters approved a 1-cent transportation tax in November that will go toward repairing and installing roads, bridges and sidewalks throughout the county. The bulk of the funding — $80 million — will go to traffic improvements to the U.S. 278 corridor from Moss Creek Drive to Squire Pope Road, including repairing or replacing all four spans of the bridges on and off Hilton Head Island. It will be a long process with plenty of traffic headaches leading up to the eventual payoff. (HH)I FOUGHT THE LAW: The Town of Hilton Head Island’s complicated relationship with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office took an interesting turn in November, when the town funded an audit that concluded residents aren’t getting their money’s worth from the town’s $3.6 million annual contract with the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office disputed the findings, and the tension could lead the town to create its own police force. Relations between new Mayor John McCann and Sheriff P. J. Tanner will be something to keep an eye on.

SCHOOL BOARD TURNOVER: The Beaufort County Board of Education has been dysfunctional — to put it kindly — in recent years, but there is hope that a revamped board and a new superintendent will bring change in 2019. Six of the 11 board positions turned over in the November midterms, and the new board will be charged with hiring a permanent superintendent to replace lightning rod Jeffrey Moss. With any luck, the soap opera antics of the past few years will subside. Another big issue facing the new board is rezoning, as schools in Bluffton and on Hilton Head face overcrowding. COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE SEARCH FOR AN ADMINISTRATOR: Beaufort County Council also got a facelift during the November election, with three incumbents opting not to run for re-election. The first order of business for the new council will be hiring a county administrator and ending a saga that has dragged on since Gary Kubic announced his retirement in September 2017. WORKFORCE HOUSING: The affordable housing crunch on Hilton Head has reached critical status, with businesses — particularly in the food and beverage industry — forced to reduce operating hours to accommodate staffing concerns. The town hired Lisa Sturtevant and Associates to study the situation and make recommendations on how to handle an issue that will be integral to McCann’s first term as mayor. It’s worth noting the lack of affordable housing is also an issue in Bluffton, but not to the same extent as on Hilton Head. PARADE OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: Believe it or not, in a few short months a parade of presidential candidates will begin making their way to the Palmetto State ahead of the 2020 primaries. The South Carolina Democratic primary is set for Feb. 29, retaining “first in the South” status, and it figures to be a crowded field. Given the 1st Congressional District’s flip to blue in 2018, the Lowcountry should be a popular spot for Democratic hopefuls to stump.

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››Vibe

Luxury RVs coming to Bluffton and Hardeeville BY JOHN HUDZINSKI

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he owners of a Bluffton golf course are moving ahead with plans for a luxury recreational vehicle park – and it’s not the only one in the works for the Lowcountry. Scratch Golf, LLC, wants to use nearly a third of the roughly 300-acre Hilton Head National Golf Club for the RV park, which spokesman Tom Gardo said will include 334 rental sites with parking pads for upscale vehicles — often worth anywhere from $250,000 to $2 million. The owner is looking for final approval soon so the park can open in spring 2020. “The planners are continuing to comply with making the minor changes that were requested within the conditional approval by the County planning staff,” Gardo said. The company isn’t ready to disclose the projected cost of the new RV facility, nor how much the parking pads will cost to rent. The RV park’s rental sites would take up roughly 92 acres of the Hilton Head National property, which stretches from U.S. 278 and across Bluffton Parkway. Scratch Golf built the course in 1989. The new RV resort will be adjacent to the golf course, allowed by the “by-right use with conditions” ordinance under Beaufort County’s zoning rules. “By-right” development reflects projects that are consistent with uses permitted under existing zoning and does not require legislative action. “The luxury RV resort will serve as a family-friendly destination that will strive to enhance the viability of Hilton Head National Golf Course,” said Bill Palmer, president of Scratch Golf, also noting that the new facility will bring additional tax revenue to Beaufort County, as well as revenue from renters who will shop for food and entertainment. As part of its appeal, the RV park will include amenities like

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swimming pools and pickleball courts, as well as a dog park, tennis courts, general-use park and nature trails. A building housing a laundry facility and a snack bar also is planned, Gardo said, adding that the park’s amenities will only be available to renters, though the golf course will remain open to the public. RVs will enter the park from Bluffton Parkway, using the same entrance golfers use to access the course. But once on the property, a new road will steer the RVs to the park area and the parking pads. Gardo said the new road will help eliminate any traffic backup on Bluffton Parkway. Work also is underway to increase buffer areas near wetlands and trees, though final approval from Beaufort County is needed before any real construction work can begin. Both Gardo and Palmer say the new facility won’t be the average RV park; it will provide a luxury experience for those traveling in high-end recreational vehicles. “It’s going to be very upscale,” Gardo said. “When (Scratch Golf) was doing its studies, the team found there was a shortage of luxury RV parks around the country.” Meanwhile, Hardeeville City Council recently approved a request by Forida-based Compass RV to construct a 185-acre upscale RV park with two entrances on U.S. 17. The park will offer 950 spots for RVs that will be rentable for up to 18 months, according to Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams. Construction on Compass RV Park is expected to begin in early 2019, but a projected opening date has not been announced. “It’ll bring in quality people and tourists,” Williams told The Island Packet. “Lots of people drive Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida. Anyone passing by Exit 5 could stay here, even for months at a time.”


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BRIDAL SHOW

Sunday, February 17, 2019 1 P M UNT IL 4PM

BELFAIR, 200 BELFAIR OAKS BLVD., BLUFFTON SC 29910 Presale $9 (includes mimosa!) $12 at the Door. Visit mylowcountrytix.com for tickets


››Finance

Tax Time

NEW TAX CODE HAS LOCAL PROFESSIONALS WORKING OVERTIME

BY MARY HALL

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ow that the holidays and parties are over, people are looking ahead to the new year and getting ready to file income taxes. The tax reform law passed in late 2017 by Congress as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took effect Jan. 1, 2018, and could affect your federal income tax returns. There will be winners and losers under the new tax law, depending on individual circumstances. “Several significant changes that taxpayers will see as a result of the new tax code are doubling the standard deduction, removal of the personal exemption, an overall reduction in tax rates and the appearance of the federal form 1040,” said Dean A. Cochenour, MBA, CPA, of Carey & Company, P.A. A draft of the new federal 1040 form has been shortened to two half pages with 23 total lines, down from two full pages with 79 lines for reporting income and deductions. But there might be an additional six supplemental schedules to capture additional information that was previously in the first two pages of the return, Cochenour said. HIGHER STANDARD DEDUCTION According to the Internal Revenue Service, the standard deduction for married filing jointly and qualifying widow will be $24,000 — up from $12,700 in 2017 — while for single and married filing separately, it will be $12,000 — up from $6,350 in 2017. For head of household, the standard deduction will be $18,000, up from $9,350 in 2017. The amounts are higher for those older than 65 or if one or more taxpayers are blind.

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The standard deduction rates will increase slightly for tax year 2019. “The potential for savings is very real for people who did not have many itemized deductions or were just above the standard deduction, which is doubled in most cases, unless they have several dependents,” said CPA Cynthia Taulbee, who lives in Bluffton. “In that case the elimination of the personal exemption can offset that increase.”

THERE WILL BE WINNERS AND LOSERS UNDER THE NEW TAX LAW, DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

PERSONAL EXEMPTION ELIMINATED The personal exemption of $4,050 for the taxpayer and dependents has been removed from the new tax code. Personal exemptions and other deductions reduce income subject to tax. TAX BRACKETS REDUCED There are seven tax brackets, but with slightly lower rates and adjusted income ranges, according to the IRS website.

2019 TAX CHANGES Several significant changes that taxpayers will see as a result of the new tax code are doubling the standard deduction, removal of the personal exemption, an overall reduction in tax rates and the appearance of the federal form 1040.


“People who lowered their withholding expecting that taxes were going to go down may be surprised. They may have a higher taxable income, even at a lower tax rate,” said Robert J. Arundell of Minor, Haight & Arundell, P.C. STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES “Deductions for taxes paid — like state income tax and property taxes on homes and cars — will be capped at $10,000,” Arundell said. “People will lose the deduction for any excess over $10,000.” MORTGAGE LOAN INTEREST “The change depends on the structure of the mortgage,” Cochenour said. “Home mortgage interest was deductible on acquisition indebtedness up to $1,000,000 incurred before Dec. 31, 2017. Under the new law, for tax years 2018 to 2025, the deduction is limited to interest on up to $750,000 of new acquisition indebtedness.” “However, home equity interest is not deductible under the new law unless the proceeds are used to substantially improve the property,” Cochenour said. CASUALTY LOSS Casualty losses are only deductible for federally declared disaster areas. However, deductions for other losses, such as home fires or theft, no longer can be taken. How do you know what the new tax law means to you? The best advice is to bring all your information to your tax preparer. “Bring everything, even if you aren’t sure if it will apply,” Cochenour said. “Many deductions are lost because people have not brought all their records with them.”

THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED AS GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURNS FOR TAX YEAR 2018 AND SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS ADVICE FOR READERS’ SPECIFIC SITUATIONS. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS, CONTACT YOUR TAX PREPARER OR FINANCIAL ADVISER, AND VISIT THE IRS WEBSITE AT IRS.GOV.

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››Finance

Financial Future

WORK TOGETHER WITH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER BY LARRY ROBERTS

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uccessful financial advisers are passionate about keeping up with changes in the industry and committed to educating their clients. This is important because financial and investment laws and products are constantly evolving. A good financial planner will help you manage your total financial picture. Cash flow planning, retirement planning, investment management, insurance planning, estate planning, and tax planning are a few key areas that a financial adviser can help with. But even the best financial adviser is only as good as the information you share with him or her. BE OPEN Your financial adviser may ask for a copy of your: • Account statements. • Tax returns. • Proof of income. • Debts. • Information about accounts the planner won’t be managing. While some of these things may seem like very intimate information, they are necessary for your adviser to get the true picture of your financial standing.

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KNOW YOUR GOALS Before you meet with a financial planner, you’re going to want to consider your financial goals. Ask yourself questions like: • Who and what is most important to me? • When do I want to retire? After I retire, will I be able and willing to work part-time? • What worries me most about money? • What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?


FINANCIAL ADVISERS RESOURCE DIRECTORY Boys, Arnold & Company: Eric Magnin 4 Dunmore Court, Suite 201 Hilton Head Island 843.342.8800 and 843.338.8406 boysarnold.com Wells Fargo: Bezilla Kinney Group 400 Merchant Street, Hilton Head Island 843.681.1400 Bezilla-Kinney.Wfadv.Com

Physician’s Choice Financial, LLC: Christopher Tassone 200 Main Street, Suite 101 H Hilton Head Island 843.682.4900 physicianschoicefinancial.com

EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES Don’t be shy about telling your financial planner things you may have done that were a setback to financial success, including things like: • Not saving (or not saving enough) for retirement. • Piling up credit card debt. • Overspending. • Losing a home to foreclosure and filing for bankruptcy. Carrying guilt about these things is only going to hurt you, and your financial planner has likely seen much worse before. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK Financial advisers aren’t therapists, and they’re not attorneys, either, so they can’t offer legal advice about your divorce or help you mend your relationship with your estranged sister. However, they’ll be happy to help you with decisions like: • Buying versus leasing a car. • Deciding whether to loan money to adult children. • Protecting your assets. • Planning for how to manage your finances into the future if you’re concerned about conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

January 2019 25


››Business

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uccessful business leaders are often the envy of others. Maybe you started a business and hit your initial income goals or perhaps you climbed the ladder of success in your field to a very high level. Either way, others might look at your life and think you have it made. But often even successful businesspeople feel that something is missing. They may not know what, they feel like things aren’t quite perfect. Maybe you know what that feels like. Does any of this sound familiar? • You put on your “success face” during the day, but your nights are filled with restlessness. • You go through the motions of your work and daily life but secretly have a sense of apathy, boredom or dread. •The work you used to love now feels uninspiring. • You feel like your career success has impacted other areas of your life — and not in a good way. Your health, relationships or sense of personal fulfillment might have suffered.

Dave Ferguson is an international executive leadership coach, speaker, facilitator and author. Contact him at 704-907-0171 or at Dave@AskCoachDave.com. Ferguson lives on Hilton Head Island. 26 hiltonheadmonthly.com

You read books like “The Purpose Driven Life,” and while the messages are good and sound, you still have that gnawing sense that something is missing.

That “something missing” might actually be purpose. Purpose is the driving factor in our lives. We are either living our purpose or searching for it, and it seems elusive. In a sense, purpose is our highest potential — it is the ultimate reason we exist. Even those who are living their purpose will plateau at times and experience a sense of rudderless-ness. Here are signs you are struggling with purpose: • Boredom. • Apathy. • Dread. • Lack of fulfillment, even though you have everything you need and more. • Resentment toward those who are living their purpose. • Fear that you may never find your purpose. • Issues in other areas of life beyond work — relationships, spiritual, health, or personal finances, for example. • Restlessness and feelings that something is missing. • Frustration or anger. The key is to not get discouraged — these feelings are a normal part of being human.


We were all designed for purpose. Each of us comes equipped with innate strengths, and we each have a unique blend of skills and life experiences. We seek to use these tools to fulfill our purpose. But we are human. We don’t have it all figured out yet. And that is okay. The act of seeking, striving, plateauing, and then resuming our pursuit is life. The key is to expect the ups and downs of fulfilling purpose, and work with it. But how should you deal with feelings of purposelessness? Here are a few ideas. Get some rest: It is hard to bring your fullest potential in your work when you are exhausted. As a leader, managing your energy is critical. You must be at your best in order to lead your team to be their best. Stephen Covey’s Habit No. 7, “Sharpening the Saw,” is a critical habit for long-term success. More is expected of leaders than ever before. Competition is fierce. Margins are tight. Challenges are many. Sharpening the saw is not

only a good suggestion; it is an essential life practice. Look for a new challenge: Some leaders are blindsided when they are suddenly successful; sometimes, they find they are not satisfied with that success. This is because there is still more potential. The cure? Rest, then pursue a new and higher challenge. You may not “feel” like pursuing a new challenge, but once you begin, you will once again resume your path to purpose. Face your fears: Fulfilling your purpose and reaching your highest potential can be fear-inducing. What if you miss the mark? What if you pursue the wrong purpose? What if your ladder of success is pinned to the wrong wall? These are fears of failure. What if you do succeed? This is the fear of success, and it has the same effect as the fear of failure — stagnation. Give yourself permission to experiment, fail, and even succeed. Everything you learn along the path of

life and work is of value to you in your pursuit of purpose. Don’t wait until you know your purpose – start from where you are, and purpose will reveal itself with more clarity as you go. Focus on legacy: We often confuse accomplishments with purpose. Purpose is bigger than accomplishments. It is the core of who you are as a person, and what you leave behind for those who follow. In this sense, you lay a path to purpose day by day, but you may never fully realize that purpose in your lifetime. Think of famous authors, architects, artists, and leaders. Many died penniless, perhaps with a sense of purposelessness. But their legacy lived on, well beyond their lives. They had done what they were gifted to do, and that was their purpose. They may not have realized it, but their lives served great purpose. Leaders would do well to seek to serve with the gifts they have been given, and let purpose unfold in its own time.

January 2019 27


››Business

Taking Flight BOEING’S MOVE TO SOUTH CAROLINA IS HAVING A BIG IMPACT BY R.L. HAMILTON

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n 2009, Boeing opened an assembly and delivery facility in North Charleston — the second in the country to produce the company’s 787 Dreamliner. The move to South Carolina was part of Boeing’s strategy to diversify geographically; its only other Dreamliner facility is in Everett, Washington. Boeing got a warm welcome in the Palmetto State. “State and local governments, elected officials, business leaders, community and education/training institutions were all extremely supportive, and there was a capable, available and motivated workforce,” said Libba Holland, media relations specialist for Boeing. In 2014, the North Charleston campus expanded to include the Boeing Research & Technology Center, which focuses on advanced manufacturing technology and composite fuselage manufacturing; and Propulsion South Carolina, where the company designs and assembles engine parts. The growth has been a boom to the local economy, similar to the boost seen in South Carolina after BMW opened its car plant here in 1994. Boeing is now one of the largest employers in the Charleston region, with more than 6,800 employees and contractors. And though smaller airlines recently have reported financial troubles, Boeing predicts nothing but smooth flying. The aerospace giant estimates that the demand for commercial airlines will increase

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exponentially in the coming decades, spurred by a predicted increase in middle-class population growth. Boeing expects 43,000 aircraft will be needed in the worldwide market within the next 20 years — and the manufacturer is working hard to keep pace with demand.

Boeing’s North Charleston campus includes the Research & Technology Center, which focuses on advanced manufacturing technology and composite fuselage manufacturing.


BOEING FACTS Boeing South Carolina was the company’s first 100 percent renewable energy site. Up to 20 percent of that energy is supplied by more than 18,00 thin-film solar panels (approximately 10 acres) installed on the roof of the 787 Final Assembly building. The solar panels generate up to 2.6 megawatts of energy to power the entire plant as well as the giant autoclaves used to produce the 787 fuselage. Boeing South Carolina became the fourth Boeing site to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill status in 2011. No waste generated at the site goes to landfill. Since Sept. 2012, Boeing South Carolina has reached more than 100,000 middle and high school students through its DreamLearners Tour Program and Speakers Bureau. 18,000 tons (16,329 mt) of structural steel and 450,000 bolts were used to build the 1.2 million square-foot 787 Final Assembly building. The Final Assembly building is nearly a fifth of a mile long (1,041 ft, or 317 m), and an eighth of a mile wide (618 ft, or 188 m). January 2019 29


››Business

THE AEROSPACE GIANT ESTIMATES THAT THE DEMAND Boeing’s shares were up 1.35 percent to $354.85 in a recent earnings report, and it reported third-quarter net income of $2.36 billion, or $4.07 on a per-share basis and $3.58 after being adjusted for one-time gains. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations of $3.47, with revenue for the quarter topping the forecast of $24 billion — the final revenue totaling to $25.15 billion. Boeing’s total plane backlog grew to $491 billion, including more than 5,800 commercial aircraft valued at $413 billion. While Boeing’s success is good news for South Carolina’s economy, there is some controversy in North Charleston: Boeing has accused the International Association of Machinists

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and Aerospace Workers of running a shadowy campaign to entice workers to sign union cards. IAM has refuted this claim, and in May, line mechanics voted 104 to 65 to join the union. Boeing is attempting to get the results struck down as illegal. “Boeing believes that the microunit petition filed by the IAM to represent our flight line teammates is prohibited by federal law,” Holland said. “We’re continuously working on making Boeing South Carolina a place where teammates have a voice and speak for themselves without having to rely on a third party to do that for them.” Regardless of the union negotiations, Boeing’s success bodes

FOR COMMERCIAL AIRLINES WILL INCREASE EXPONENTIALLY IN THE COMING DECADES...


well for both its employees and South Carolina. Having the aerospace giant set up shop in South Carolina puts the state on the map as a major player in the industry — and it could lead to bigger and better things. For example, Boeing is working with NASA to build the largest rocket in NASA history, and workers may be needed to keep production on track. Existing delays mean the company will likely miss the launch window of December 2019 to June 2020 for its planned Exploration Mission-1, the first flight of the SLS and Orion spacecraft, but NASA is optimistic about the unmanned EM-1 mission slated to take place by 2020.

January 2019 31


››Business

Second-Hand Treasure Lowcountry thrift stores offer great finds and great adventures By Marco Frey

Thrifting is like a treasure hunt. As we explore thrift shops’ often eclectic offerings, it’s easy to get lost in a maze of our own curiosity. You enter the shop on the hunt for one thing — say, a used set of golf clubs — and leave with something else entirely — maybe a binder of vintage stamps. Without thrift stores, shopping would be linear, curated, sterile. Because, let’s face it, we don’t always know what we want, really. It might surprise you to find that you actually look great in that vintage 1970s print dress you found on an impulsive thrifting adventure. Maybe a rainy afternoon spent browsing makes you realize you’re fascinated by back issues of Vogue. It’s that sense of discovery — and at great prices — that makes thrift stores a fun place to shop. You might have to put in a little effort to find something worth taking home, but it’s worth it. And who knows, you may discover some high-end brands for sale at bargain prices, given up by the Lowcountry’s well-to-do. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun. From the practical to the fantastical, chances are you’ll go home with a little of both — a Popeye mug, anyone? And sure, you could find almost anything on eBay these days, but some of the best finds are worth sifting for — like a stillsealed Prince record. And every thrift store tells a story of its town. A thrift store in Bluffton will shed light on its Lowcountry past — maybe the shop carries an old Texaco pump station sign or a megalodon tooth found in Edisto River. Ultimately, thrift stores are gateways to finding what makes you tick. Many shops in the Lowcountry have the added benefit of supporting area nonprofit organizations. Whether it’s animal rescue, hospice or another charitable cause, you can offer your support by donating or shopping at a local thrift store today.

To see a complete list of our local thrift and consignment stores partners check out our website at shopmorelocal.com

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Three Sisters Resale & More The Village Exchange, 32 Palmetto Bay Rd, Suite 10A Hilton Head, SC 29928 threesistersresaleandmore.com Three Sisters Resale & More is a unique shopping experience. Spend time at the store and you’ll know what we mean! With 2,000 sq ft of space on 2 floors and 6,000 beautiful, high quality items, Three Sisters has a little bit of everything: home décor, furniture, clothing, used books, vintage, collectibles and sports memorabilia. Calhoun Station 77 Pritchard St, Bluffton, SC 29910 Calhoun Station is celebrating 30 years of giving! A thrift store for local charities, staffed entirely by volunteers, they raise money through the sale of donated clothing and home goods. Volunteers and donations always welcome, please call 843-757-5191. My Sister’s Closet 1020 William Hilton Parkway, HIlton Head, SC facebook.com/My-Sisters-Closet-HHI-155200817900546/ As an upscale consignment and thrift shop for both men and women, My Sister’s Closet has all your favorite name brands and labels. Stop in for new finds each week and check out their selection of high-end clothing, handbags and accessories.

Shop More Local Thrift and Consignment Stores Partners Humane Society of Greater Savannah - Pick of the Litter Thrift Store 13015 Abercorn St. 7215 Sallie Mood Dr. Savannah, GA 31419 Savannah, GA 31406 humanesocietysav.org Located in Savannah, the Pick of the LItter Thrift Store, benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, is the perfect place to find small treasures for both you and your pet. Income from the store directly supports the animals at the Humane Society and helps to fund much needed shelter operations as well as the adoption center. By shopping at Pick of the Litter Thrift Store, you can score some fantastic deals and help save lives in the process!

My Sassy Sister Consignment Boutique 135 Goshen Rd Suite 165, Rincon, GA 31326 facebook.com/My-Sassy-Sister-Consignment-Boutique-LLC-274986749374546/ If you are looking for new and gently used Ladies and Juniors clothing, shoes, accessories and more, My Sassy Sister Consignment Boutique is the place for you! Only selling items that are in excellent and like new condition, My Sassy Sister is sure to carry your favorite name brand and designer apparel.

14 Westbury Park Way, Bluffton, SC | 843-384-4488


››Business | Where are they now

d l r o W e Th r i e h Is T e c i f f O J JARRETT NIXON HELPS PROFESSIONALS WORK FROM ANYWHERE BY BECCA EDWARDS

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arrett Nixon has had enough of excuses like, “I’ll have the time and money to travel and see the world when I retire.” That’s why he works for Remote Year, a company that helps people work remotely from anywhere in the world. The company’s mission aligns with Nixon’s “carpe diem” philosophy: “We’re not guaranteed tomorrow,” he said. “You have to live life to the fullest and get out there and make some stories.” Nixon’s own story began on Hilton Head Island, where he graduated from Hilton Head Preparatory School in 2010. “On Hilton Head, everyone knows everyone and if you do meet a stranger, you’re not afraid to introduce yourself. It’s a Southern hospitality mentality,” Nixon said. “At Hilton Head Prep, students are active and not afraid to put

themselves out there. My upbringing has led me to where I am now.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University in 2014 and immediately set out to see the world. “I finished a semester early and got an internship that turned into a position with Bus2alps in Florence, Italy. Then, in 2016, I joined Remote Year,” he said. “I love my job. It’s high energy and my company fosters humans connecting in empathetic ways.” So far, his career path has been a little nontraditional, but Nixon said he likes it like that. “I talk to people every day who work nine-to-five jobs and they are burned out. (At Remote Year,) I ask them, ‘What sparked you to reach out today?’ They say they feel stagnated. I then ask them, ‘What do you specifically need to do to get your job done?’


THE MORE WE TRAVEL, THE MORE WE REALIZE WE ARE THE SAME

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

he’s learned along the way. He’s visited more than 40 countries — Italy is his favorite, followed by Croatia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Bulgaria, South Africa, Colombia, Indonesia and Iceland — and said he has learned much about the world from his experiences. “The more we travel, the more we realize we are the same,” he said. “You don’t need to speak the same language to know what someone is about. Everyone wants to be loved, eat good food, and see the sun set. … It’s important to know there are other circles and walks of life out there. The world is not just where you live.”

I then strip down what they really do and what they really need,” he said. “I enjoy shifting the way people view their jobs and live life.” Remote Year offers four-month and year-long programs in multiple countries in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, South America and North America. Participants spend up to a month living in different countries, traveling during the weekend so they can still work remotely during the week. The Remote Year staff is there if you need them to help with accommodations or other details, and they’ll also help make sure you don’t miss the best experiences in each destination. “We will arrange activities for you — whether it’s cooking classes, walking tours or paintball in Pablo Escobar’s run-down mansion,” Nixon said. And it’s not all fun and games: “Once a month, we host a positive impact event where you network and check in about accomplishing your goals.” One of Nixon’s goals? To share his love of travel, and the lessons

Nixon said that there are other benefits to travel than just exploring new destinations. Travel, he said, can also put your life in perspective. “It is human nature to explore and people express that interest in different ways,” he said. “Especially with social media we get this sense that the world is falling apart but when you get out there and see the world you realize there is more than just negative talk about Trump in the White House. Traveling takes the weight off of you.”

Nixon believes that travel can put your life into perspective.

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››Business

Information Highway BEAUFORT DIGITAL CORRIDOR LOOKS TO 2019 FOR GROWTH BY JESSICA SPARKS | PHOTOS PAUL NURNBERG

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rom college students to recent retirees, the Beaufort Digital Corridor has attracted a variety of skills to the Lowcountry in its first two years. Modeled after a similar program in Charleston, the Beaufort Digital Corridor helps facilitate development and growth for companies hoping to profit from of South Carolina’s $11 billion tech industry. The program is part of an effort by the city of Beaufort to address a growing concern: many of the jobs available in Beaufort County are lowwage positions in the service sector — and they often don’t pay enough to keep pace with the rising cost of housing in the area. Officials with the Beaufort Digital Corridor hope the old adage “If you build it, they will come” holds true for the tech industry. Headquartered in a former Bank of America branch building, the group offers meeting space, co-working spaces and incubator space. Members work with each other to mentor, problem solve and assist with projects and business plans. “It took an effective team of people working very hard to make this happen,” said Kevin Klingler, Beaufort Digital Corridor board chairman. In the past year, four tenants have started work in the BASEcamp incubator, and several new members have joined. In addition, College of Charleston students spent part of the summer in the ImpactX internship program working on a company

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business plan for PollPit LLC, a “digital town hall” application. The tech industry is only one path officials are looking at to attract young people to the area. Klingler and others at the BDC are not looking for a Google or Amazon; instead, they are hoping to see companies grow organically from local entrepreneurs, said program manager Shelley Barratt. Jamie Fleming is one of those entrepreneurs. A native of Beaufort, he left for college and military service and then wanted to return to the area to be closer to family. “I had come back to start to settle down, to really kind of build my life and build my family. When I returned, I ended up meeting my wife. I always thought Beaufort was a great place to raise a family,” he said. Fleming started dabbling in web design and ended up starting his own company, 1212 Designs, which now operates out of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. The corridor group also has been able to connect him with new clients and provided a good space for work, collaboration and mentorship. “I definitely think one of the great things the BDC has been able to do is to bring creatives and tech people together, and it’s created a safe space for relationship-building, personal and professional,” Fleming said. Other companies in the corridor include WaveSciences, a company

FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH FOR COMPANIES HOPING TO PROFIT FROM OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S $11 BILLION TECH INDUSTRY.


that is working to commercialize audio technology previously developed for other purposes. The Beaufort Digital Corridor also hosts coding classes, networking events and “Catch Me at the Corridor� events for young students to meet technology entrepreneurs. Klingler said the BDC and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton have been discussing how they can best partner to attract more technology entrepreneurs to the area. In addition, both are looking at the potential of recent graduates from the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Just as Charleston saw the opportunity to woo young professionals involved in technology, Beaufort sees the same type of people already living in the Lowcountry and hopes to help them succeed.

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››On the Move SONESTA ADDS TWO SALES MANAGERS Julianne Dirks and Courtenay LaMountain are new sales managers at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. Dirks will book small meetings, wedding room blocks, golf groups and government/military groups. Her experience in hospitality began seven years ago at The St. Louis Union Station Hotel. She continued her career with Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort and The Homewood Suites by Hilton in North Charleston. LaMountain joins the resort as a senior sales manager, where she will handle group sales in the South Carolina market and ConferenceDirect accounts. Her hospitality experience encompasses over 20 years, including roles as conference services manager, sales manager and destination sales executive for The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and as a senior sales manager for The Sea Pines Resort.

NORTH ISLAND MEDICAL NOW OPEN

DON RYAN CENTER STARTS WORK ON NEW BUILDING In November, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation broke ground on its new facility in Buckwalter Place Commerce Park. It will house the center’s business incubator and offer high-tech co-working and meeting space, while also serving as the town of Bluffton’s economic development headquarters. The Don Ryan Center for Innovation’s next acceleration cohort, a 11-week course that meets on Tuesday mornings, starts Jan. 29. For more information, contact Dorothy Guscio at dguscio@townofbluffton.com, call 843-540-0405 or go to donryancenter.com.

DR. BUNDY ATTENDS CONFERENCE Dr. A. Thomas Bundy, FAAD, FACMS of Hilton Head Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, attended the 63rd annual Meeting of the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery. This conference was held Nov. 2-Dec. 2 on Amelia Island and covered treatment of psoriasis, skin cancer and reconstructive surgery.

ANGEL OAK HOME LOANS OPENS Angel Oak Home Loans, a residential mortgage lender, has opened a new branch on Hilton Head Island. Angel Oak provides traditional and non-traditional mortgage products and offers the MyHomeLoan app, which gives borrowers and realtors online access to their loan status and the ability to upload documents and more from their phones.

COFFEYKUBEC LAW FIRM OPENS

North Island Medical, a new medical facility on Hilton Head Island, is now open. The clinic specializes in low-cost urgent and primary care for underinsured or uninsured patients. The clinic specializes in fractures and sprains, lacerations, colds and other minor ailments, physical examinations, school physicals, DOT physicals, diabetes and hypertension management.

Law firm CoffeyKubec, LLP has opened on Hilton Head Island with three attorneys: Maureen T. Coffey, Ed Kubec and Leighanne Kubec. The firm specializes in civil litigation, criminal defense, business law, personal injury, family law, immigration law and special education law. Coffey previously worked for 18 years as municipal court judge for the Town of Hilton Head Island. Ed Kubec started his law practice in Los Angeles, where for 15 years he represented performing artists and companies in the entertainment industry. Leighanne Kubec specializes in the education rights of special needs students.

WESTVIEW INVESTMENT ADVISORS’ SOKOLOWSKI NOW A CFP

BOATWRIGHT LAW FIRM MOVES

Jennifer Sokolowski of WestView Investment Advisors recently passed the Certified Financial Planner examination. This accreditation will enhance her position in the firm and benefit clients. The six-hour exam is administered three times a year and the latest exam had a pass rate of 61 percent. WestView Investment Advisors is a fee-only advisory firm helping young professionals, small business owners and retirees with their planning and investment needs.

BLUE SKY PROCESSING ADDS NEW LOCATION

Blue Sky Processing, a company focused on largescale extraction of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, announced it will open a new operations location in Beaufort County. Hemp can be used to create a number of superfood products and CBD oil. Cannabis oil is commonly used to treat health issues including anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease. The new facility is expected to generate $2.5 million in investments and create 16 jobs. 38 hiltonheadmonthly.com

AUNT LAURIE’S RECOGNIZED FOR WORKPLACE DIVERSITY

Boatwright Law Firm, LLC has moved to a new office space at 1000 Main St., Suite 100G on Hilton Head Island. The new location provides greater space as the real estate team continues to grow. Boatwright Law Firm provides real estate representation for the purchase, sale or refinance of property in South Carolina, plus wills, trusts and probates.

Aunt Laurie’s was one of three finalists honored for diversity and inclusion at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 39th annual summit in November. Aunt Laurie’s is a Bluffton-based national e-retailer offering a unique collection of products and gift baskets made, assembled and shipped by individuals with disabilities.

UUCL WELCOMES NEW MINISTER

LOWCOUNTRY LEGAL VOLUNTEERS HAS NEW DIRECTOR

Jim Morrison has joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry as the new pastoral minister. Morrison is originally from West Virginia and graduated with honors from Alderson Broaddus University. He has an extensive history of supporting his congregation and community. Morrison received the John and Cora Sparrowk President’s Award at the Biennial Convention of American Baptist Churches in 1987.

Brad Zervas has been named the new executive director for Lowcountry Legal Volunteers. Previously, Zervas led The Boys’ Club of New York for nearly two decades. He is also an award-winning educator, published author, speaker, thought-leader and committed and effective advocate for those in need. Zervas joins the organization at a time when it is anticipating significant growth: it has recently joined the Family Justice Center and will soon be celebrating its 20th anniversary.


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Meet 6 local residents who are embracing change and betting on creativity.

INNOVATOR INVENT 40 hiltonheadmonthly.com


IN THIS SECTION WE CELEBRATE SOME OF THE LOWCOUNTRY'S MOST FORWARDTHINKING INDIVIDUALS. THE LINEUP INCLUDES TRAILBLAZERS FROM MANY DIFFERENT FIELDS WHO HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON: THEY ALL SOUGHT OUT THE TOWN OF BLUFFTON'S DON RYAN CENTER FOR INNOVATION AS A SOURCE FOR INSPIRATION.

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January 2019 41


CHARLES WOHL

VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION, DON RYAN CENTER

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BY CAROL WEIR

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harles Wohl is the Don Ryan Center for Innovation’s Most recently, Wohl was executive director of Texas Capital Network. Additionally, he launched a new Vice President of Innovation, leading the business incubator and entrepreneurial ventures, technology-focused incubator that developed new cliand he came to Bluffton both to step back and to shake ents for the Houston Technology Center. He is a named things up. inventor on patents across various industries includ“On my bucket list was to move back to a coastal ing location services, and he also has put together two joint ventures in China. environment,” he said on why he took the job and moved to the Lowcountry from Texas last summer. Active in the Texas startup community, Wohl served But it’s a sure bet he’s not going to kick back and take as a mentor and judge for programs at the University it easy. of Texas, Texas A&M University and Rice University, Wohl has global experience as an incubation proalong with the Regional Clean Tech Open program. gram leader in various industries, including aerospace, Wohl comes by his interest in innovation naturally. bio-technology, electronics and manufacturing. He His mother was one of the founding members of the is an expert in mentoring entrepreneurs in full-scale Rocky Mountain Inventors Congress, now the Rocky business formation includMountain Inventors Association. ing product development, “I’ve always been curious market entry, sales, licensing about how stuff works. I think in and operations management. pictures,” he said, reminiscing about buying a junk lawnmower “My passion is helping when he was 12 to take it apart early-stage companies,” he said. “If there’s some technoland put it back together, making ogy involved, I prefer that.” it work again. Wohl got right to work in Wohl will play an integral role I’VE ALWAYS BEEN his new role. He is developing in planning and development of the curriculum for the center’s The HUB, a space currently under CURIOUS ABOUT new Acceleration 101 cohort, construction that will house the HOW STUFF WORKS. I which starts in January and business incubator and serve as Bluffton’s first state-of-the-art runs for 11 weeks. The particiTHINK IN PICTURES co-working space and economic pants will be people who have development headquarters. On ideas for a product or comNov. 14, the Don Ryan Center pany or have recently started a board of directors, staff and Bluffton Town Council company and want to grow it. Among the many pieces celebrated the groundbreaking of the center’s new of advice Wohl will offer them: “Be prepared to pivot.” Participating in the cohort will “prepare participants facility in Buckwalter Place Commerce Park. Wohl is excited to support the would-be entrepreto go all in,” he said. neurs the Don Ryan Center helps. Wohl hopes to help the Don Ryan Center for “I like explaining things to people by taking techInnovation build a network of early-stage investors nical information and making it simple,” he said. in the Lowcountry. Before accepting the position, he researched the area, investigating Bluffton’s rapid The Don Ryan Center was formed in 2012 as a techgrowth, its number of high- and ultra-high-net worth nology business incubator in a partnership between the town of Bluffton and Clemson University. It has potential investors, the average age of Bluffton resibecome the town’s economic development arm, dents compared to the average age of entrepreneurs (34.8 vs. 35), and the local plans of universities, miliwith a focus on entrepreneurism; business attraction, tary bases and aerospace giants Boeing and Gulfstream. expansion and retention; real estate and infrastrucHis conclusion: “This is a town that’s forward-thinkture; workforce development and talent retention and ing enough to provide financial backing for economic attraction; and marketing education and outreach. development, and the time is right.”

January 2019 43


NICOLE BEGUESSE

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, MONRONEY LABELS.COM

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BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

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ike Monroney might not be a household name. helped him narrow his focus. But his legacy is written on every car window “When we first approached the Don Ryan Center, at every new car dealership across the country. we were losing money with it. They really got me The late Oklahoma senator wrote and sponsored focused,” he said. “We were working on two websites the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958, at the same time and David Nelems said, ‘You need to requiring that every new car carry a window sticker focus on one or the other.’ ” showing every option it carries, every feature and Working with the Don Ryan Center, Nielsen set his every bell and whistle bolted onto it at the factory. sights on perfecting the label part of the business and While most of us refer to it as a window sticker, the real began making the rounds at the trade shows. Now, gearheads call it by the name that honors that legacy: Monroney Labels is one of the industry’s great success a Monroney label. stories. Working with a small staff including Nielsen, A Bluffton-based website is sales manager Justin Bone, and reinventing the Monroney label chief technology officer and patent for the 21st century, ushering holder Nicole Beguesse (pictured), the labels into the digital age the company has built relationand making them available to ships with nearly 30,000 car dealerships around the country, everyone. “It’s really a sophisticated who have begun offering like-new VIN decoder … but the VIN window stickers right there next to number on a car doesn’t tell you the Carfax report. WE’RE CHANGING THE what’s on a car. It tells you year, “If you go to a vehicle detail WHOLE INDUSTRY make, model and style, but it page on a website, most are missvdoesn’t tell you the options on a ing the factory options,” he said. car,” said MonroneyLabels.com “We’ve taken it a step further and founder Ned Nielsen. “We built actually showing the as-built data this business after realizing that, and knowing that as the car left the factory.” when you trade a car, one of the most valuable things Beyond that, the company has started working you can have is a copy of the original window sticker.” with banks and financial institutions to help preIt comes down to helping sellers — and buyers — vent unscrupulous car dealers from attempting credit understand the cars on the market. application fraud, a surprisingly common occurrence. “It’s a really simple concept. If you can’t describe Nielsen also is working with insurance companies to verify claims, creating more accurate assessments of the inventory accurately, you can’t sell it,” said Nielsen. “We’re changing the whole industry.” a car’s value. But he didn’t set out to change the industry. After Monroney Labels also is making it easier for the spending years as a multi-franchise car dealer, his public to buy and sell used cars by making more information available — and easier to understand. original goal was to transition into selling cars online. While automobile auction sites already existed, his goal And though his company has graduated from the was to create one that utilized his experience in the Don Ryan Center, Nielsen said their relationship is still going strong. industry and offered buyers a chance to know everything about the car they were buying. Doing so required “Every month they would come by and see what extensive build data on cars from a host of manufacturwe were doing and make suggestions. It’s really taken ers, who all formatted their data differently. off,” he said. “The business is doing really well, and it’s The Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton all because of the Don Ryan Center.”

January 2019 45


DAN & LOUISE HODGES

FOUNDERS, GREENBUG

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BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

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since sold more than 100,000 bottles in retail stores inter in the Lowcountry might not bring with from North Carolina to Florida, as well as on the it the snow and harsh weather that other parts Greenbug website, greenbugsystem.com. But their of the country experience, but it does bring idea for cedar-enhanced personal sprays blossomed fewer bugs to the area — though the sand fleas seem into something bigger when the couple connected impervious to all but the harshest weather conditions. It’s a nice break from spring and summer, when with the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton, the area is swarming with mosquitos and no-see-ums, joining as innovators in 2012. and fire ants, cockroaches and mole crickets come out “When we got there, we were selling products, but to ruin your outdoor spaces and give everyone a bad we hadn’t really developed the system,” Louise said. case of the creepy crawlies. “They were very beneficial in helping us do that.” But Louise Hodges and her husband, Dan, are The genesis of the Greenbug system came when helping Lowcountry residents take back their yards — Louise was working on her home’s irrigation system without drenching the outdoor spaces in hazardous and realized marrying that technology with their cedar-based formula would chemicals. create an all-new way to battle “When people ask what bugs. She and Dan pitched the is Greenbug, I tell them we idea to the Don Ryan Center’s manufacture all-natural pest board of directors for an injeccontrol products made with an active ingredient of cedar that tor system that integrates their is an alternative to synthetic organic formula with existing chemical pesticides,” Louise irrigation systems. The center said. helped connect the Hodges with IT’S ALL THE NATURE The couple had built a valuable business partners like YOU WANT, AND NONE landscape companies and legal thriving landscape design firm and financial advisers, helpin Charlotte before moving to THAT YOU DON’T the Lowcountry in 2008 with ing them make their bug-free plans to launch a landscape dreams a reality. company here. However, with The couple also connected with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation the country in the grips of a major economic recession, Center, which helps people with disabilities secure the timing wasn’t right to start a new company of this type. Instead, a new idea came to them. employment. “It’s wonderful,” Louise said. “We started off with “We spent our adult lives creating places that people could enjoy outdoors, and when we moved them thinking they could label our small bottles. We down here, we realized that you can’t go outdoors a lot then realized they could label, they could fulfill orders of the year because the bugs are so bad,” said Louise. and they could ship them out. They now do 85 percent Louise began researching pest control solutions of the pre-labor on the Greenbug System. It has been a with an eye on more natural alternatives. Having lost wonderful partnership.” Today, there are more than 225 Greenbug Systems family members to cancer related to environmental toxins, and knowing the Lowcountry’s position on in use at houses on Dataw Island and in Palmetto Bluff, critical watersheds, she wanted to find a way to elimHampton Lake, Habersham and other Beaufort County inate pests safely. She found cedar. neighborhoods. The company is currently installing “It just made sense — you see cedar in chests and its improved 10th iteration of the system and recently closets to drive away bugs, in siding to prevent tercreated the Greenbug Jumbo model to accommodate mites; it’s been used for centuries. It was used in the properties with more than 24 irrigation zones. pyramids,” she said. “Now you don’t need quarterly pest control. And Formulating this cedar into an all-natural bug it takes care of all the bugs you don’t want, but has no spray, they launched Greenbug, a two-ounce bottle effect on honey bees or butterflies,” Louise said. “It’s of all natural personal bug spray. The company has all the nature you want, and none that you don’t.”

January 2019 47


STEVE DESIMONE

INVENTOR, ELONGATOR

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BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

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t’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. and many parts are manufactured in the upstate. Other That’s not always the case in the automotive parts are made in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The Elongator acts as an after-market replacement industry, where invention is often the byproduct of for a truck’s tailgate, fitting nearly every major pickup vanity, such as fancy trim packages or tires that look good but do nothing to improve the ride. model. Made of a sturdy mesh frame, textured for tracElongator is the exception, conceived 20 years ago tion, it flips out to add more than a foot to the truck bed’s length. And it connects to a set of ramps that, in Bluffton by a guy who knew his pickup wasn’t doing when the extension is lowered 30 degrees thanks to the job as it should. an easy-to-use beveled slidebar, makes for a sturdy “I was in engineering and construction, and I sent some guys out for lumber and incline for loading up things like ATVs or motorcycles. they were gone forever. It turned In addition to the extra truck out one of them had to sit on the lumber while the other drove,” bed space, special “modules” said Steve DeSimone, invencan connect to the extension to provide safe storage space for tor of the Elongate tailgate. The anything from fishing rods to truck’s bed wasn’t long enough to accommodate the lumber. “I tailgating supplies. started thinking, I need some“For people who actually use FOR PEOPLE WHO thing that’s always there, it’s their truck to work and for play, ACTUALLY USE THEIR not in your way and it doesn’t we have functionality that no one else can offer,” DeSimone impede anything.” TRUCK TO WORK AND And thus, the Elongator was said. “It’s more than ramps, it’s born — if only in the form of a more than extensions. When FOR PLAY, WE HAVE crude prototype that existed you don’t need it, it disappears.” FUNCTIONALITY THAT solely on napkin sketches and DeSimone and Nelems ideas DeSimone would share debuted the Elongator at the NO ONE ELSE CAN with his friends. One of those 2018 Specialty Equipment friends was Bluffton town Market Association trade show OFFER manager Marc Orlando, who in Las Vegas. It’s the world’s immediately saw the potential largest trade show for autoand knew it would be a good mobile accessories, featuring fit for the Don Ryan Center for thousands of new products and Innovation. vendors. The Elongator was deemed the best of the “I’m thinking, a truck tailgate? We do high-tech, bunch, earning the title “Best New Consumer Product” internet-oriented stuff. But I came back and saw it and and opening doors for DeSimone to some of the biggest said, ‘This is really neat,’ ” said David Nelems. names in trucks, from Ford and GM to Toyota. Then the CEO of the center, Nelems saw in Built on a foundation of “a lot of effort, a lot of Elongator not just a brilliant new product, but also design work, a lot of late-night thinking and a lot of an opportunity to return to the private sector. He now road trips,” Elongator went from concept to compleserves as DeSimone’s operations manager. tion with help from the Don Ryan Center. Thanks to the connections he made through the “It opened up a lot of doors. David had a lot of center, DeSimone was able to work with the S.C. connections with a lot of these state agencies, and Commerce Department to find a manufacturing base, we found this manufacturer because of the Don Ryan and Elongator went into production. The company’s Center,” DeSimone said. “We never would have gotten headquarters are on Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, there without them.”

January 2019 49


DONNA TAYLOR

INVENTOR, THE HOUNDSTOOTH

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BY JESSICA FARTHING | PHOTO BY CHAD HUGHES

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hen Donna Taylor’s son, Evan, cut himself contractor and The Houndstooth began to roll off the with a knife and needed seven stitches, she production line, while Taylor applied for patents in the knew she had to help the Culinary Institute of U.S., Asia and Europe. America student get back into the kitchen. The Houndstooth name comes from the patterned “I hurt for him, watching him bandage and glove uniform traditionally worn by apprentice cooks. It also (his wound) and have to go to work and rub that knife references the teeth on the bottom front face of the blade again,” she said of her son. “I was trying to find design, meant to “bite” into the food being prepared something to protect his hand so that he could keep to hold it steady for the knife blade. The device can be working.” used by restaurant chefs in their professional kitchens, She came up with The Houndstooth, a tool that or by home cooks looking to improve their knife skills. helps hold food in place while shielding chefs’ fingers It helps users slice and dice fruits, vegetables, meats as they chop. and other items, all while protecting fingers. “So much went into this tool Taylor’s background as a former jewelry designer for in the way of design,” Taylor said. “It’s so well-engineered Saks Fifth Avenue and her love that it doesn’t slow down a of oil painting came in handy professional chef because it as she set out to design the product. She wanted it to be was made with a professional in comfortable to hold and fit a mind. I use it nearly every time variety of grips, so she built at I cook because it makes cooking easier.” least 20 different models using IT’S SO WELLa clay mold. Her son worked The Houndstooth hit the with her, showing her how market in October. Taylor ENGINEERED THAT IT chefs hold their knives and has expanded the offerings DOESN’T SLOW DOWN to include a bundle that also how they chop. comes with a cutting board, Her husband, Tom, A PROFESSIONAL CHEF introduced her to the chef’s knife and vegetable guide BECAUSE IT WAS MADE engineering lab at Clemson — the cutting board, named The University, giving her access Perfect Bite, features a gripping WITH A PROFESSIONAL to its 3-D printers to help edge, built-in measuring chute make the food-prep tool. She and removable grate. It’s another IN MIND partnered with the school on of her inventions meant to make the final product, which is an food prep easier for cooks of all injection mold made from a abilities. It pairs perfectly with special material called Tritan, approved by the FDA The Houndstooth, she said. for food use. It was important to Taylor that her new “I think it’s good for anyone: It’s good for home cooks who are afraid of their kitchen knife. It’s product be BPA- and carcinogen-free, she said, and good for the foodies who want to learn knife skills. the device even keeps the knife sharp as it slices. It’s meant for a chef who needs protection or has Once she had the model made, Taylor needed a manufacturing facility. She wanted her product injuries,” she said. to be made in the U.S., even if it meant it would be For more information about The Houndstooth, go to thehoundstooth.com. more expensive. Eventually, she found an affordable

January 2019 51


in the World ››Where is Monthly?

We love to see where Monthly travels! Submit your photos to editor@ hiltonheadmonthly.com for this section. Space is limited.

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1. During a cruise of the Nile River, Lois and Don Schuhrke took Monthly to Egypt’s Temple of Horus at Edfu. 2. Pastor Michael Carr led a group of friends from Hilton Head Island’s Central Church on a tour of Israel in October, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. 3. Rick Collins, Armando Aseneta and Sandro Virag took Monthly to Grundlsee, Austria. 4. In Cartagena, Colombia, Arthur Segal visited parrots because he missed his own parrot at home. Photo taken by Ellen Segal. 5. Pat and Dennis Foley, along with grandkids Kate and Liz Foley, visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. 6. Armin Meier showed grandson Davis Jackson and Monthly his hometown of Basel, Switzerland. 52 hiltonheadmonthly.com



››Social Spotlight

More than 600 winners and celebrants partied the night away at our 2018 Readers’ Choice Party on Dec. 13 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

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January 2019 55


››Social Spotlight

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At Peacock Automotive, Santa made a special visit to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry.

Eager little mice await their chance for the spotlight before Alliance Dance Academy’s presentation of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Gifted Hilton Head, located in The Village at Wexford, presented Hilton Head Heroes with a check for $2,000 from “Wine Down Wednesday.”

The Emily Geiger Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently awarded the DAR Americanism Medal to Bluffton resident Alicia Alba Lee.

Hilton Head Heroes founders Gregg and Lindy Russell accept a check from a special holiday fundraising drive held by The Heritage Academy of Hilton Head Island’s Honors Society.

January 2019 57


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S P I T H T L CKTAILS A E H S E O R M U D T E I F C O YO U G E T R P C I T E M THEYEAR S O C K L TECHTTAUALGROWTH C INTELLE

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pportunities abound in 2019 to create for ourselves emotional, mental, spiritual and physical success. The catalyst for many changes is often the coming of a new year. Start the year off right with small, manageable changes to your lifestyle. Use our tips, workouts and motivational articles and conquer your health and fitness New Year's resolutions. The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

January 2019 59


TECHTALK

LOCALS RECOMMEND APPS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER BY NICHOLE KOWALSKI

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hether you’re hoping 2019 will be the year that you improve your fitness, get organized, minimize stress or track your finances, your devices can help you — you just need the right apps. Lowcountry locals have recommended nine apps they think you need in the new year:

TimeTree Whether you’re a business owner managing meetings, a student juggling classes and after-school activities, a parent scheduling day care pickups, or a spouse trying to squeeze in a date night, TimeTree can help. Users can invite new members and then share their calendars and schedules, create events, add comments, post notes and send reminders. “We’re so busy with running the store, my husband’s schedule and being parents that it’s hard to keep track of it all. I love it because anyone that’s linked can see our schedules and it keeps us organized,” says Jillian Atkinson, owner of Bluffton’s Moonlit Lullaby, of her favorite app. BESTSTOCKFOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Credit Karma Credit Karma will help you keep a watchful eye on your credit score without hurting it. The app will alert you if your information is at risk thanks to another company’s public data breach or if there’s unclaimed money in your name. The app will also alert you if there are any changes to your credit score and allow you to make disputes and file your taxes right from your phone. “I love having it on my phone. My favorite thing about it is that it alerts me when there are any changes,” says Haley Orlowski of Hilton Head Island. Cost: Free

Happy Glass Perhaps you just need a fun and relaxing distraction. If so, Happy Glass is the app locals recommend. The concept of this gaming app is simple: The glass is sad because it’s empty, and it’s your job to draw a line to help fill the glass and make it smile again. “Sometimes I just get sick of scrolling through social media and it’s nice to do something mindless to wind down,” says Hope Luker of Bluffton. Available on iOS devices Cost: Free 3-day trial; 1 week, $7.99; 1 month, $19.99; 1 year, $99.99

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Cost: Free


eMeals — Healthy Meal Plans This app might just check two resolutions off your list by improving both your nutrition and productivity. Not only does eMeals offer mindfully nutritious recipes, a smart shopping list auto-populates as you choose the meals you want to cook. The app is integrated with grocery stores and delivery services so you can have your shopping list gathered for curbside pickup or home delivery. The app has “tons of recipes to choose from and I add them to my cart, and then it sends my shopping list to Walmart and I go pick them up. It’s a life-saver and sanity-saver with two toddlers. Shopping is done for me and I have recipes set for the week all in one app,” says Danielle Lewis of Bluffton. Cost: Free 14-day trial; 3-month dinner plan, $29.99; 12-month dinner plan, $59.99; 3-month all-day bundle, $39.99; 12-month all-day bundle, $99.99

Spark Email by Readdle It’s time to clean up your inbox. Spark will categorize all new emails into Personal, Notifications and Newsletters. You will only receive a notification if an email seems important, saving you from a plethora of unnecessary notifications. Shaun Olsen of Bluffton deems Spark his favorite app because it keeps him organized. “I love it because it automatically organizes and cleans my inbox!”

OPTURADESIGN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Waze Avoid traffic jams — Waze will alert you of crashes, police, hazards, construction and more. Waze tells you the cause of heavy traffic in addition to how long you might be sitting in it. The app can instantly change your route to save you time and will even offer the cheapest gas prices along the way. Shelby McKeever of Bluffton says that Waze is “the best app ever. It gives you very accurate traffic data. You can message other Waze users near you, post photos of accidents — it’s amazing. I won’t drive unless I have my Waze on.”

Fandango If you’re looking to squeeze in a few more date nights in 2019, or if you just need a little more entertainment, Fandango might be for you. Users can stay up-to-date on new movie releases, watch trailers, check showtimes, purchase tickets, secure seats and potentially score some perks like free screenings or discounts. “I am a movie freak and it shows me all the movie info, showtimes and theatre specifics,” says Sarah Owen of Hilton Head. Cost: Free

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

Think Dirty What’s actually in the products you’re using? You can find out by downloading Think Dirty, which will help you compare cosmetics and personal care products as you shop. Just scan the product barcode and the app will list the dirty, toxic or harmful ingredients in it — and help you find a cleaner option. “I can look up different products like face-washes, skin-care … and it lists all of the ingredients in them. That way I know the ingredients in what I’m using and that they’re natural and cruelty free,” says Hilton Head resident Hannah Stackhouse.

WhatsApp Messenger Whether you’re a military family, a travel connoisseur or just looking to connect, WhatsApp makes that easier. The free messaging service uses your device’s internet connection to let you call or message friends and family so you can send and receive photos, videos and voice messages at no charge — even to or from another country. “I can connect with people for free. I used to work a job where my employer lived in Puerto Rico, so this made it easy for us to communicate. It really comes in handy,” says Steffon Wright of Hilton Head.

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

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EXPERT TIPS

NEWYEAR NEWYOU BY SLOAN KELLY

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t’s easy to say you want to make changes to your life in the new year, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out how to make those changes. Think small at first — maybe try a new hairstyle — and then work up to bigger-picture makeovers like weight loss or cosmetic surgery. Think about the “new you” working out at a fitness center, taking up martial arts or yoga classes, twirling in ballroom dancing, and learning transcendental meditation techniques. With a little time — and maybe help from a few professionals — you’ll be able to reach your goals and check off your resolutions for the new year. Here are a few places to start, and a few expert tips from Lowcountry health and beauty experts. MEDICAL SPAS Going to a spa for a facial or a massage is a great way to relax, but consider going to a medical spa this year to enhance your image using doctor-approved

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means. Medical spas offer a variety of services, from hydrafacials — which use special technology to cleanse and hydrate the skin — to laser hair removal. At a medical spa you can receive all of the services you would at a normal spa, but there is an emphasis on corrective products and procedures. Noninvasive procedures like Botox are performed at medical spas by trained nurses and doctors, not aestheticians, so you can be sure you’re in good hands. There is always an onsite medical professional at these facilities to ensure you’re getting the highest quality experience. If you’re interested in getting something like a chemical peel — which can drastically improve the health and appearance of your skin — but are concerned about the procedure, then a medical spa where the procedures are performed by medical professionals is the right place for you. Medical spas also offer products that are doctor-approved so that you can continue your spa treatment regimen at home.

Sunscreen should be an essential part of your skin care regiment and we suggest that you wear it daily for year-round protection. When choosing sunscreen, we recommend a SPF of 30 or higher with physical blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide listed in the active ingredients. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. A few sunscreens we recommend include: Elta MD, Obagi, ZO-Skin Care, Neocutis, or Colorscience. Over-the-counter sprays aren't the best for your skin, so make sure to stop by to pick up our spray zinc sunscreen that’s perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle. LUX~A Medical Spa 843.781.6672 luxhhi.com

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Protecting our skin from the sun, pollution, wind and dehydration is key to keeping our skin youthful. A complete skin care regimen including a gentle cleanser, vitamin C, retinol, moisturizer and a physical sunblock is your best “prevention and cure” all in one. By providing the proper nutrients and protection for our skin, we are rewarded with a smooth, glowing complexion. Bluffton Aesthetics 843.505.0584 blufftonaesthetics.com

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to decrease fat by 32 percent, just like that? Well, with UltraShape Power, you can. While working out and eating right can do wonders for your body, it can still be tough to lose those last few inches. Most of us struggle with isolated “problem areas” of fat, which do not respond to diet and exercise. Take control and enjoy the body you’ve earned with UltraShape Power, the fat destruction system that uses ultrasound technology to destroy fat in just three painless treatments. Call us today to set up a consultation with one of our medical aestheticians and start 2019 off with a great partner to your fitness plan! Pure Med Spa 843.815.6699 puremedspamd.com


As little as an hour at a medical spa can give you back years. Serendipity Medical Spa provides the latest advances in the art of facial and body rejuvenation — blending the pampering, soothing elements of a spa with the safety and assurance of superior medical treatment. The professionally qualified staff is constantly trained in the latest cutting-edge rejuvenation technologies. Serendipity Medical Spa 832.342.2639 serendipitymedspa.com

Myotonology is our non-invasive procedure that is a popular alternative for facial rejuvenation. It restores the skin's tonicity, improves skin tone, and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles without surgery or costly procedures. You’ll see noticeable results and will look younger, usually after just one treatment. It is the ideal solution for anyone seeking a cost-effective anti-aging solution. Right now, you’ll receive a free Myotonology treatment when you come in for a Signature SkinSpacific Facial during the month of January. FACES DaySpa 843.785.3075 FACESdayspa.com

Ultherapy provides non-surgical skin tightening by harnessing the power of ultrasound to transform the brow, chin, neck and chest. Ultrasound, of course, has been used throughout the medical field for more than 50 years — and Ultherapy has been established as effective in clinical studies* and in over a million treatments worldwide. Ultherapy relies on ultrasound therapy to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment. It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial. Envision Med Spa 843.705.0811 envisionmedspaservices.com January 2019 63


SALT THERAPY Salt isn’t just for seasoning your food. Dry salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a 100 percent all-natural treatment that helps with respiratory ailments, skin conditions and mental wellness. The therapy involves breathing in tiny particles of salt while you relax at a spa and can help with everything from respiratory problems to skin conditions. Taking baths in salt, along with using products like neti pots, is a common practice, so why not try out the next level of salty health improvement practices?

At Terra’s Style Studio, hair is a science. Terra uses the fundamentals of hard cutting, color and styling to achieve the absolute best results for each and every one of her clients. She believes strongly in continuing education and travels outside of the salon when opportunities arise. She is fortunate to work with companies who give her an advantage in the industry by offering hands-on classes to continually evolve and sharpen her skills. Terra’s Style Studio 843.682.4247 terrashairstudio.com

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EXPERT TIPS

Take it with a grain of salt, literally. In a studio built from pure Himalayan salt, children and adults alike can benefit from inhaling the dry salted air deep into your sinus and respiratory systems. This treatment has been around for hundreds of years in Europe, and is great for sinus, allergy, COPD, sleep apnea, eczema and more. Pure Salt Studios 843.707.7027 puresaltstudios.com

HAIR & MAKEUP Sure, we all want to look like Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds or Anne Hathaway. Alas, that’s not possible, but we can become the best version of ourselves by turning last year’s hairstyles into this year’s beauty statement. Sit down with your stylist to discuss your hair, what you want, expectations and what’s manageable after you leave the salon. Length, style, color and hair treatments should all be part of the conversation. Low-maintenance bangs, choppy bobs and high ponytails are on the fashion horizon in 2019. Hair color trends list chestnut brown, ashy blonde, jet black and stylishly grown-in roots as favorites. Reliable standbys include highlighting or lowlighting, gloss, toner, color correcting and straightening. Look for even facial tones, natural full eyebrows and glossy lipstick in makeup trends this year.

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EXERCISE & WEIGHT LOSS Exercise is usually something that falls to the wayside when life gets busy, but it’s something that should be more of a top priority for all of us. Regular exercise can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of heart disease, improve your mood and help you sleep more soundly. Getting started is usually the hardest part, and once you get over that hurdle, you’ll have a hard time believing there was a time when you didn’t exercise. Taking just 20 minutes to exercise every day can dramatically increase your quality of life and your lifespan. A catalyst of starting to exercise can be a few extra pounds creeping up on you this winter. Numbers tell the story: For every 3,500 more calories consumed than burned, you gain a pound of fat. So, following that logic, to lose a pound of fat, you have to burn 3,500 calories than you consume. Fortunately, in the Lowcountry there are several options for getting serious about reaching your goal weight — and fad diets and nationally advertised meal plans are not on the menu. Weight-loss camps, resorts, clinics and private consultants in the greater Hilton Head area provide the tools to help you not only lose weight but keep it off. A sustainable lifestyle change requires teamwork, which dedicated nutritionists, fitness experts, behavioral therapists, life coaches, counselors and wellness educators provide in an emotionally and socially supportive environment. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise or weight loss program. And make sure set some personal goals and celebrate when you reach them.

COSMETIC SURGERY We all want to look good — even better than good. It’s no wonder that 15.9 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed nationally in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Women and men are not taking the reality of aging lying down. We’re perking up, shaping up, slimming down, nipping, tucking, and doing some light and heavy lifting. Breast augmentation — the most popular cosmetic procedure because it can boost self-image and

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EXPERT TIPS Are you getting enough exercise? Only 23 percent of adults achieve the recommended 75 to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and two strength building activities per week. Studies demonstrate how effective physical activity is when it comes to reducing the risk of cancer, metabolic diseases and dementia, as well as helping to improve sleep, feel better and perform daily tasks more easily. At eFitClub, the programs are easy, fun and personalized to your fitness goals. You’ll love the new healthy you! eFitClub www.eFitClubSC.com

self-confidence — is typically done to increase breast fullness and the projection and symmetry of the breasts. Typically, saline-filled bags are wedged between the breast tissue and chest muscles to achieve a noticeable effect. Recovery time may last up to a week. Liposuction, also called body sculpting, is the second most common cosmetic procedure, eliminating pockets of fat in the belly, “love handles” around the waist, thighs and elsewhere. Fat is vacuumed out through a small incision. Recovery takes a few days.


VARICOSE VEINS These dark blue, swollen and twisted veins under the skin certainly are unsightly, but typically not serious. They’re caused by weakened valves and veins, usually in the legs and ankles. When one-way valves that keep blood flowing from the legs toward the heart are inefficient, blood collects in the legs and pressure builds up. Treatment to close off affected veins include sclerotherapy, laser and radiofrequency, with a phlebectomy and ligation to strip and remove the veins. EYES Routine eye exams are important regardless of your age or physical health. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor does much more than just determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. He or she will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health. Eye doctors also are often the first health care professionals to detect chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. COSMETIC DENTISTRY Smiling takes no effort; it’s natural. Smiling is the portal to inner happiness. But once teeth start showing signs of age, discoloration and staining after years of coffee, red wine and tobacco use, self-consciousness becomes a mental nag. Crooked or crowded teeth, a shifting of bite and gum soreness can cause you not to smile at all. Teeth whitening is a simple and relatively inexpensive treatment that can brighten your smile. Your dentist can bleach your teeth in the office in one or two visits by using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to break stains into smaller pieces to reduce the concentration of discoloration. Upon completion of the process, teeth usually will be three to eight shades brighter. Another option is to have your dentist create a custommade mouthpiece tray. A whitening gel is applied to the tray at night, and while you wear the mouthpiece in the comfort of your own home, the gel penetrates your teeth and breaks down stains. Visual results can be seen in several weeks. Veneers also can mask all sorts of flaws, from stains to poor tooth shape, chips and wide gaps. The porcelain laminate shell essentially replaces tooth enamel, covering the front side of the tooth to change its color or shape. All it takes is two visits to the dentist — one for a tooth impression and the other for the dentist to secure the thin lab-made resin adhesive to the tooth using a light beam. Restorative dental techniques also can involve bridgework, implants, enamel reshaping and contouring, as well as gum surgery.

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GETSMARTER IN 2019 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN POWER THIS YEAR BY AMY COYNE BREDESON

T

he new year is a time for starting over, for setting new goals and for resolving to be better humans. Some of us decide to start exercising or to stop smoking. Some resolve to save money. Others decide to sharpen their minds. Here are a few ideas to get your brain in gear.

Take a class at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. OLLI is a national membership-led learning community for people age 50 and older. In the Lowcountry, OLLI offers classes in Beaufort and Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island. You won’t earn college credit, but at least there’s no homework or tests. Andrea Sisino, director of USCB’s OLLI program, said the classes are a great way to connect to the community. “When people move here, usually from afar, their worlds start to narrow,” she said. “They move into a development, and it’s like they get kind of cut off from community. And what the Osher Lifelong Learning program does is it gets them out into the community, learning about it.” OLLI offers more than 200 courses each term. Winter/spring classes begin the week of Jan. 28, and registration opens Jan. 15. The membership fee is $40 a year. Members can pay $12 for each course or $120 for unlimited classes. For more information, call 843-208-8239 or go to olli.uscb.edu.

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Learn a new language. The USCB’s Continuing Education program offers several programs for nontraditional students. A 10-week basic Spanish course begins Jan. 29; classes are 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at USCB’s Bluffton campus. A 10-week advanced basic Spanish from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays begins Jan. 31. Cost for each course is $225, plus the cost of the books. To register, call 843-208-8247 or go to uscb.edu/lifelong_learning/continuing_ education.html.

Pick up a new skill. Looking for a new hobby or skill? Try personal enrichment classes at Technical College of the Lowcountry. If you don't see one you like, TCL’s assistant vice president of marketing and public relations Leigh Copeland said classes can be offered on demand. “For example, classes like computers for beginners, sewing 101, and financial planning for retirees are offered upon enough demand,” Copeland said. “Get a group together, and we can teach you whatever you want to know more about.” For more information, go to tcl.edu/ continuing-education.

Explore history, culture and the environment. The Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head offers a Discovery Lecture Series on select weekdays through May. For example: Learn all about bottlenose dolphins during a lecture at 3 p.m. Jan. 16. Participants will also learn about conservation and captivity issues. Or sign up for the “Reducing Plastic in the Lowcountry” lecture, set for 3 p.m. Jan. 17 and focused on plastic pollution in the Lowcountry and Beaufort County’s ban on single-use plastic bags. Most programs cost $7. For information, call 843-689-6767, ext. 223 or go to coastaldiscovery.org.


Sharpen your focus and brain health. Memory Matters is a nonprofit organization that encourages early intervention and a healthy lifestyle to tackle memory loss. The organization’s Brain Boosters program consists of two courses — “101: Introductory” and “201: Advanced.” Each course offers what Memory Matters refers to as a “brain tune-up,” and participants will learn how to sharpen focus, become flexible thinkers and enhance memory. They also will learn about how worry affects the brain, how to improve nutrition and diet, and relaxation techniques. “Brain Boosters was designed for people who want to keep their brains healthy,” Brain Boosters teacher Karen Doughtie said. The next Brain Boosters course begins Jan. 9 and is limited to 30 students. The fee is $120 per course. Classes are offered in Bluffton and on Hilton Head. To register, call 843-842-6688.

Or get a free baseline memory screening to determine your risk. Call for an appointment. Memory Matters will hold a brain health summit from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 7 at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort featuring neurologists, neuroscientists and sleep management specialists. Chef Kim Baretta, a graduate of Leiths School of Food and Wine in London will demonstrate Mediterranean cooking. Cost is $50 and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Call 843-8426688 or go to mymemorymatters.org.

January 2019 69


THE YEAR YOU GET FIT

BY MELINDA COPP

E

xercise is an essential part of healthy living and self-care. If your goals for the new year include finding a new workout, consider these easy places for beginners to get started. ON THE STREETS The first thing a new runner should do is get properly fitted for shoes, said Rob Fyfe, who owns Palmetto Running Company with his son, Christian. Running stores offer foot and gait analyses that will pair you with the right shoes, which is important for preventing injury. Then start with a program that alternates between walking and running every few minutes. This way your body gets used to running and an elevated heart rate, and then you get a couple minutes of walking to recover. There are several free apps you can download to your smartphone to help. Fyfe also recommends putting a 5K race on your calendar for three or four months out to give yourself a goal. The camaraderie of the race and the sense of accomplishment you’ll gain from doing it will motivate you to keep going.

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“Running takes four to six weeks to get your body used to it,” Fyfe said. “But it’s great therapy. I like to get out there first thing in the morning because it clears your head and gets you ready for the day. It’s great cardio and it keeps your heart strong. It’s also a quick way to lose weight.” IN THE WATER If you’re looking for a lowimpact, full-body workout, dive into the water. Swimming can be adapted to any fitness level and any body. Unlike other activities, swimming puts no pressure on the body, said Brandon Brown, the aquatics director at the Island Recreation Center. It’s the perfect way to exercise after an injury or if you have a disability. “For someone who doesn’t know how to swim, we can start with the basics,” Brown said. “And for someone who knows how to swim, but wants to get better, we can help with strokes and form.”


And don’t let the cold keep you high and dry: The new dome over the Rec Center’s pool keeps the air temperature at 80 degrees and the water 82. And they offer lap swimming and private lessons for adults who want to swim, with dropin rates and monthly or yearly memberships. IN THE GYM Many local gyms offer an introductory session with a personal trainer who will work with you to develop a routine that’s appropriate for your goals and fitness level. Experts recommend visiting several gyms before deciding what appeals to you most and what your gym requirements are — aesthetics,

cost and proximity to your workplace or home will be factors in your decision. Research shows a commute of eight-minutes or less is ideal. Whether a gym is intimidating to you as a beginner has a lot to do with the culture there, so be sure to visit at the time of day you plan to attend. ON THE MAT Yoga combines breathing, meditation and body poses for a gentle, full-body workout. It improves strength, flexibility, range of motion and balance, all while calming the mind and relieving stress and anxiety. “When you walk out of a yoga class, you feel an overwhelming sense of wellness,” said Jean Rioux, owner of Jiva Yoga Center. “You’ve worked

your whole body and cleared your mind, and the practice helps you live a more balanced life.” If you’ve never tried yoga before, going into a class of people who seem to know what they’re doing can be scary. Jiva Yoga offers Yoga 101 workshops and other programs for people who are new to the mat, introducing the language, props, and basic poses. The workshops are more interactive than a normal class, so participants can ask questions. For workshop dates, visit jivayogacenter.com. When it comes down to it, doing anything active is better than doing nothing, so pick an activity you’d like to try and go for it.

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RAISE A (NONALCOHOLIC) GLASS MOCKTAILS LET PARTYGOERS ABSTAIN WITHOUT MISSING OUT

BY CARRIE HIRSCH

W

ant to cut down on your drinking in the new year? Many people are embracing the idea of a “Dry January” or “Sober Spring,” choosing to pass on booze either for health reasons — like medications that don’t mix well with alcohol or if they’re pregnant, for example — or to see life a little clearer, without so-called beer goggles. But your designated driver should have more options during a night out than a virgin bloody mary or sparkling water — and more and more restaurants and bars are happy to oblige. And these aren’t your basic Shirley Temple — ginger ale with a splash of grenadine and topped with a maraschino cherry — or the “mockmosa” or “nojito.” Local mixologists are whipping up creative mocktails that ensure the non-drinker can still be the life of the party. The basic ingredients for a successful mocktail include sparking or mineral water, soft drinks, freshly squeezed juice, and a dazzling garnish. Mocktails have the benefit of generally being lower in calories

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since the alcohol is not in there to boost the calories. And because they’re alcohol-free, they can be enjoyed at any time of day or night, and can add a fun splash of color to any gathering ¬— even breakfast or brunch. Jeff Mix at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte on Hilton Head Island has mastered the art of mocktails, coming up with delicious concoctions that can stand shoulder to shoulder with their cocktail compatriots. And he should know: Voters named him Hilton Head Island’s Best Bartender in Hilton Head Monthly’s Readers’ Choice Awards. “At Charlie’s, most customers want a drink to taste close to a real drink,” Mix said. “We have two that a lot of folks enjoy: one is a virgin Mango Tango. It usually is mango vodka, mango purée, a splash of pineapple juice and a splash of key lime juice. We just leave vodka out and add

more purée. It’s shaken over ice and served up in a martini glass. Another is a virgin Hurricane Haven: usually it’s RumHaven coconut rum, a splash of orange juice, a splash of pineapple juice, a splash of cranberry juice and topped with a little Sprite. We’re pretty flexible, so if they have a favorite we’ll try our best to make it or together we can create a new one.”


PHOTO BY CARRIE HIRSCH

Blood Orange & Coconut Cream Lollipop Mocktail This lollypop garnish pays homage to Shirley Temple, whose signature song is “On the Good Ship Lollipop.� Makes: 1 mocktail 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons chilled coconut milk 2 tablespoons toasted unsweetened coconut flakes 1 1/2 cups blood orange soda 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice Honey Lime and orange zest, for garnish 1 lollipop stick, for garnish or to eat the whipped cream Whip the heavy cream until peaks form and then whisk in powdered sugar and coconut milk. Coat the rim of a 16-ounce glass with honey, and then dip the rim into the toasted coconut flakes so they stick to the honey. Pour blood orange soda, lime juice and orange juice into the glass and stir once. Top with whipped coconut cream and garnish with zest and a lollipop stick. January 2019 73


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LOWCOUNTRY FAMILIES HAVE MANY WONDERFUL OPTIONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION. EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATORS, PASSIONATE TEACHERS AND MOTIVATED PEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR STUDENTS. IN THIS SECTION WE CELEBRATE HIGH QUALITY CENTERS OF LEARNING IN BLUFFTON AND ON HILTON

Creating Our

HEAD ISLAND.

Children’s Future January 2019 75


profiles education

Hilton Head Preparatory School About the school: The 2019 rankings are in, and Hilton Head Prep is leading the way in education. According to “Best Schools Rankings” from Niche, Prep is the No. 1 private K-12 school in Beaufort County, the No. 1 boarding school in the state, the No. 3 private K-12 school in South Carolina and in the top 15 percent of all K-12 private schools nationwide. It all starts with the faculty, who average 20 years of experience and nearly two-thirds have advanced degrees, and administration, with more than 30 years of experience, on average. They deliver Prep’s rigorous college prep curriculum, a strong arts and athletics program along with community service and character education. But here’s what matters even more than the numbers: Faculty and staff members are passionate about learning and love the kids they teach. Hilton Head Preparatory School sophomore Jake Lopko attained the rank of Eagle Scout after earning 441 merit badges, showing exceptional leadership within his troop and planning and executing a community project. Jake's project took on the post-Hurricane Matthew and Irma cleanup of four Gullah cemeteries. The work included debris removal, tree trimming, planting wax myrtles, cleaning graves, replacing American flags, and installing a sign identifying each as an historic Gullah landmark. JAKE'S PROJECT TOOK ON THE POSTHURRICANE MATTHEW AND IRMA CLEANUP OF FOUR GULLAH CEMETERIES.

Hilton Head Christian Academy About the school: At HHCA, K-12 students are learning allimportant skills in critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication as part of their rigorous academic environment. With a 100 percent college matriculation rate, and over 90 percent of seniors earning merit-based scholarships, graduates are using their God-given talents to impact the world. Ranked among the top private schools in South Carolina, HHCA also has a vibrant fine arts program and 30 sports teams offering opportunities for student athletes to excel. HHCA’s new Bluffton campus will be breaking ground in 2019 and families are applying now to be part of it at hhca.org. Middle school principal Dylan Curtis takes time to teach in the classroom in addition to his role as principal and coach for HHCA’s back-to-back state championship soccer team. “As a principal, taking time to teach makes a difference in getting to know each student. There’s a huge need during these highstakes years to be present and intentional as we encourage them academically and spiritually,” he said. Curtis earned a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of South Carolina.

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ALUMNUS JOHN JOLLEY JR. CREDITS ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND ITS SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WITH PROVIDING THE FOUNDATION HE NEEDED FOR SUCCESS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE.

St. Francis Catholic School About the school: For the past 22 years, St. Francis Catholic School, a fully SACSaccredited parochial Catholic school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, has provided an excellent academic environment for all its students. St. Francis Catholic School’s mission is to nurture students' spiritual and intellectual growth in a Catholic community committed to academic excellence, with a focus on faith formation, quality academics and community. The school offers a variety of opportunities and enrichment activities and helps students mature in their faith through participation in the sacramental life of the church. St. Francis strives to develop each child's intellect and motivate the child to action and service. Our hope is that every graduate is a person of faith, integrity and scholarship. Alumnus John Jolley Jr. credits St. Francis Catholic School and its supportive community with providing the foundation he needed for success in high school and college. After attending St. Francis, Jack graduated from John Paul II Catholic School in 2018 and was cocaptain of the school’s varsity baseball team and an active member of the Quiz Bowl team, Model United Nations and National Honor Society. A Life Scholar, Wofford Scholar and Furman Scholar, Jack is now a freshman and Capstone Scholar at the University of South Carolina. "I loved my seven years at St. Francis Catholic School. The teachers are great and I'm still friends with my classmates," he said.

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Cross Schools

About the schools: Established in 1998, Cross Schools provides a Christian-based education for children ages 12 months through eighth grade. In 2020, the school will welcome its first high school class. Cross Schools strives to create an atmosphere where students develop a passion for learning through small classes, rigorous academics, various enrichment courses and faith-based learning. At Cross Schools, students attend weekly chapel, participate in community service projects, and have the opportunity to join various clubs. The athletic program features 14 different competitive teams. The guiding principles of the Cross Schools community are academic excellence, Christian values and community service. New this year: Cross Schools’ enrollment is up 20 percent since last year, with over 500 students enrolled from preschool through eighth grade. This fall, Cross Schools opened its new $10 million, 40,000-square-foot expansion. The 80-acre campus will also feature a 500-seat chapel, to be completed December 2019. The school’s continued growth extends to the athletic program with the addition of a baseball team in spring 2019 and a football team, coached by former NFL player Keith Brooking, in fall 2019.

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Hilton Head Island High School Hilton Head Island High School is an incredibly dynamic school with strong leadership, dedicated staff and talented students. We pride ourselves in being caring, creative and compassionate. It is teamwork that drives us to great success in the classroom, on the stage, in the studio, and on the playing fields. Our rigorous academic program challenges students daily to discover their strengths and develop their interests. As an International Baccalaureate school, we engage our students through collaborative projects, integrated technology and diverse course offerings to ensure that our students are critical thinkers and ready for their careers. Being a Seahawk is more special and rewarding than anyone can imagine.

Sea Pines Montessori Academy About the School: Sea Pines Montessori Academy is an independent, nonprofit school offering the highest quality of private education based on the principles of the Montessori method. The student body is composed of children from 12 months through eighth grade, though the school is exploring adding programs for students ages 6 months to 12 months. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Sea Pines Montessori promotes character development, growth and discovery while encouraging independence and a love of learning. The curriculum is geared to each child’s unique abilities and needs, allowing each teacher to follow the child through observation and individual/group lessons.

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Heritage Academy

About the school: Rooted in academic excellence and dedicated to students’ pursuit of passions, Heritage Academy is a school where champions are made. The goal is to personalize education for each student to ensure success as student/athletes and student/artists, whether the student loves golf, tennis, swimming, soccer, boating or the arts. The school’s academic standards prepare students for toptier colleges and universities globally. Lowcountry students who demonstrate an extra-curricular interest and the aptitude required to join Heritage Academy will find themselves learning alongside students from over 20 nations. Students enter these halls driven by their passion. They graduate as life champions. That is the Heritage Academy difference. Alumnus Elliott Daniels, who graduated from Heritage Academy in 2004, is an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, prosecuting violent crimes and human trafficking. He graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in 2008 and his law degree in 2013, and practiced civil defense before cofounding and leading a network of attorneys providing legal representation to more than 40 survivors of human trafficking.


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John Paul II Catholic School About the School: John Paul II Catholic School is committed to preparing students with diverse learning abilities for the challenges of life through intellectual, physical and spiritual programs that advance academic excellence, leadership, a healthy lifestyle and service to others while fostering discipleship according to the traditions of the Catholic faith. At the center of everything John Paul II does is faith in God. In our modern society, it is critical that we instill in our children the values and attitudes necessary to make good decisions as they grow into active adults. We are blessed to partner with our parents to help our children grow in their faith. Featured Teacher: Cadra Rooney joined John Paul II last year. She has a master’s degree in educational technology and is an experienced STEAM coordinator and curriculum writer for vertical alignment. She holds certifications in IB, AP, online teaching and is trained in SIOP and endorsed in “gifted and talented” education. Rooney is also certified in two Gateway and two Project Lead the Way courses and continues to establish the full track of computer science courses at John Paul II, including two AP courses for the high school. She also is the moderator of two competitive VEX Robotics teams.

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H I L T O N

H E A D

BRIDAL SHOW

Call For Vendors!

We are cordially inviting Wedding Vendors to showcase their best work at the Bridal Show Februaury 17, 2019.

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University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training About the School: The Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training at the University of South Carolina Beaufort offers valuable professional development opportunities and education in addition to event management resources and support services. Its Island Ambassador program is especially popular with local businesses and includes in-person seminars about Hilton Head Island culture, knowledge and ecology. After a half-day Island Ambassador session, hospitality and customer service staff members can confidently discuss topics ranging from common wildlife seen on the beach to Hilton Head’s early history with island visitors and guests. This enriches the guest experience and creates lasting memories that will bring visitors back year after year. More than 1,600 Island Ambassadors have been certified so far. What’s new in 2018-19: The center recently added secret shopper evaluations and service quality improvement support for local hospitality businesses. An ambassador program is also in development for Bluffton. Most excitingly, the center — along with USCB’s Hospitality Management department — is now open on the Hilton Head Island campus.

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Lifetime Achievement

BLUFFTON EDUCATOR NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS | PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

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or Karen McKenzie, being named Teacher of the Year for 2018-19 by the Beaufort County School District is a dream come true. “I have known since I was 3 years old that I wanted to teach,” she said. “I was the youngest of a lot of children and I tried to teach all the neighborhood dogs and cats. That didn’t go very well. I was thrilled when my neighbors had a child I could teach. I always knew this was what I was meant to do, and I’ve never thought I made a mistake.” Her classroom at H.E. McCracken Middle School, where she teaches eighthgrade social studies, is evidence of her lifelong devotion to education — and history, her other passion. The colorful decorations pay tribute to significant dates and documents, like the Treaty of Paris, the Articles of the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation. She was “overwhelmed” when she learned she’d been nominated for Teacher of the Year, McKenzie said, since she’d been at McCracken for only three years. But her fellow teachers clearly didn’t need long to see how invested she is in her students, and they were happy to nominate her for the honor. “It was more than just shock,” McKenzie said of winning the award. “It was overwhelming and kind of intimidating. There are so many exceptional teachers not only at my school, but in this district. In every school, there is an

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TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR 2018-19 KAREN MCKENZIE, EIGHTH-GRADE SOCIAL

STUDIES TEACHER AT H.E. MCCRACKEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

amazing teacher doing amazing things for our children and to be selected to represent that is overwhelming.” Each school in the district selects its own Teacher of the Year, nominating teachers who go above and beyond to work with and encourage students. Those teachers are then put into the pool for the district-wide honor. McKenzie was named Bulldog Nation Teacher of the Year at McCracken, and then was interviewed by community members as part of the process to select the district’s Teacher of the Year. McKenzie, who has been teaching for 29 years — 18 of them in Beaufort County, in classrooms at Robert Smalls Middle School in Beaufort and on Hilton Head Island — says she likes to take a hands-on approach with her students and is passionate about constantly improving the district’s curriculum. “I do [curriculum instruction] with the district in the summer,” she said. “I have a passion for making curriculum engaging for kids and something they want to come school to do. I like the kids to have a lot of digital stuff because that’s the world we live in, but I don’t want digital for the sake of digital. We talk a lot about digital content. You are getting the content, you’re just getting it digitally because that’s what’s cool now. We do a lot of games and a lot of project development.” And her work to improve curricula don’t end with Beaufort County. She has her sights set on the Palmetto State’s dismal rankings when it comes to education — if Beaufort County can address its education needs and revamp its curriculum, she said, so can South Carolina. “Beaufort County is the second fastest-growing school district in the state, and the district has a lot of things going on,” she said. “They are meeting those challenges head-on, and to represent that is amazing for me.” As Beaufort County’s Teacher of the Year, McKenzie will represent the district in the South Carolina State Teacher of the Year awards later this year.

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King of the

appliance BY DEAN ROW LAND P H OT O G R A P H Y B Y R O B K A U F M A N

Brantley King is a very good listener — and businesswoman. As co-owner with Michael King of the iconic Billy Wood Appliance, a retail institution on Hilton Head Island since 1972, she had been hearing the suggestions from developers, contractors, designers and homeowners to expand into Bluffton.

PARTNER PROMOTION


The Kings bought the well-known store in January 2016, rebranded it as Billy Wood Appliance, and set about redesigning the 3,500 square foot space to showcase the latest in quality appliances: ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, hoods and kitchen ventilation, microwave ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, specialty items and even outdoor grills. Importantly, the appliances are showcased in functioning vignettes that include custom cabinets, luxury countertops and task lighting, just like one might find in any new or recently remodeled home. Brantley had remodeled homes in the past, so the commercial renovations at BWA went smoothly and impressed customers. The redefined showroom was visually striking and provided an inspiring collection of ideas for her customers. It didn’t take long before the suggestion of expanding to the mainland became part of everyday conversations with her clients. Brantley listened. Dedicated to helping clients in the growing Bluffton market, the Kings decided to open a second store in Old Town Bluffton. “It makes complete sense to have a more easily accessible store,” said Brantley, who grew up in the Lowcountry. “We wanted to better serve our clients. And our clients and vendors are excited.” The vendors comprise an impressive lineup, from high-end brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf and Jenn-Air to the ever-popular GE, KitchenAid, Bosch and Whirlpool lines. Brantley devoted time and attention in 2017 to finding a convenient location

with adequate space for parking and a high-traffic presence in Bluffton for the second BWA store. Late that year, a lease was signed to occupy 5,000 square feet within the remodeled plaza at 1223 May River Road. Developers Geoff and Kim Block hired Court Atkins Design of Bluffton to provide the architectural magic — but keeping with the Old Town Bluffton feel. The look includes painted brick, reclaimed wood and fiber cement siding and canopies. The plan received the blessing of the town of Bluffton’s Historic Preservation Commission. The space was constructed by Kenneth Scott Builders of Bluffton. Because of the store’s size, Brantley enlisted the talent of two friends and colleagues, interior designer Kelley McRorie and custom cabinet designer Arlene Williams, to help transform the space into a beautiful showroom. “Imagine building one beautiful kitchen — and then repeating it 13 times,” Brantley said, expressing wonder at the challenging task. “I want everyone to walk into a kitchen and say, ‘I just love the whole thing.’ The cabinets, the backsplash, and especially the appliances. That’s the experience we’re trying to deliver in this showroom.” A soft opening is scheduled for early February at the new BWA in Bluffton, with a formal grand opening planned for March. Customers will quickly discover, as Brantley said, “there are simply no other appliance stores like BWA Bluffton or BWA Hilton Head in the Lowcountry — and we’re proud of that.”

It makes complete sense to have a more easily accessible store.


››Home

15 Top Home Trends for 2019

PHOTO: BENJAMIN MOORE

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From flowers with an edge to chintz, floral fabrics are the fabric to use this year.

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Benjamin Moore pick for the 2019 color of the year is a cool gray called Metropolitan AF-690. The company describes it as “a stylish gray with cool undertones that reflects the modern sophistication of 21st-century design.”

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The tiled backsplash is getting an update for 2019 with bold patterns and shapes.

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Bold jewels tones are moving out of the kitchen and into living spaces. Look for hunter greens, fierce teals, royal purple or a pop of yellow.

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PHOTO: PANTONE

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Pantone’s “Colors We’ll Crave” for interiors in 2019

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Decorating with sustainable materials is a trend that continues into 2019.

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The popularity of dark colors has designers embracing the light airy feeling of lighter wood floors.

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››Home

Pewter and gunmetal finishes provide a nice counterpoint to darker cabinets.

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Add a deep swing to a porch piled with pillows to create the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a book.

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Bright metal, hammered or detailed metal sinks are a must this year.

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Bring the indulgent high-end feel of a spa or exclusive hotel home with a bold bathroom done in a rich black.

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Exposed shelving makes a small kitchen seem larger.


To create cleaner lines, instead of a traditional refrigerator, consider refrigerating drawers.

Four-poster beds are all the rage, whether the style is traditional rice, colonial or one with clean modern lines.

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While marble remains a popular choice, darker and warmer countertop colors are becoming one of the fastest-growing kitchen trends.

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››Real Estate News COLLINS GROUP REALTY STOCKS DEEP WELL SHELVES Collins Group Realty held its 16th annual food drive to benefit The Deep Well Project on Hilton Head Island. The communities of Windmill Harbour, Jarvis Creek Club and Carolina Isles donated 180 bags of food and pantry items to help stock the shelves in time for Deep Well’s Thanksgiving food deliveries. Also, Collins Group Realty, in partnership with the Hampton Hall Charitable Fund, also recently held a record-breaking toy drive for Bluffton Self Help. More than 1,200 toys were donated.

THE VACATION COMPANY MARKS 30 YEARS The Vacation Company is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a year-long celebration of service to local nonprofit organizations including Osprey Village, The Sandbox, Habitat for Humanity, The Church Mouse, DHEC’s AdoptA-Beach Program, the Italian American Club of Hilton Head, Hilton Head Humane Association, St. Luke’s Church, St. Francis By the Sea, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry, Memory Matters, and Pledge the Pink. Founded in 1988, the Vacation Company has a portfolio of more than 300 luxury villas and custom homes for short-term rental.

KELLER WILLIAMS ADDS NEW AGENT Taylor Lomprez has joined the team at Keller Williams Realty as a real estate professional. Lomprez has a master’s degree in communication and previously worked in the fitness industry. She has joined The Joan Kelly Group and specializes in the Bluffton, Okatie and Hilton Head Island areas.

50 NEW HOMES COMING TO OLD TOWN BLUFFTON The Walk at Bluffton Square, a new neighborhood in Old Town Bluffton, has been approved by the Bluffton Development Review Committee. Three lots at the corner of Burnt Church Road and May River Road will include 50 single-family homes with two-car garages. The Pulte Homes project is expected to be complete this summer, with home prices ranging from $300,000 to $400,000.

BEAUFORT COUNTY CONSIDERS NEW RENTAL RULES

Beaufort County is considering establishing new rules for short-term and extended rental homes, apartments and condos. Under the proposal, owners of short-term rentals not operating as bed-and-breakfasts will be required to obtain a business license and special-use permits before renting out properties and must live on the premises. These property owners would only be able to rent their properties for a total of 72 days a year. Extended home rentals where the owner does not live on site would be limited to 144 days a year. The Planning Commission approved the proposal and it moves on to the county’s Natural Resources Committee for approval. 96 hiltonheadmonthly.com

CELIA DUNN REALTY WELCOMES ONE

Bob Milot has joined the Bluffton office of Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty as a sales associate. He has more than 30 years of experience as a sales and marketing executive, directing key field operations and central office assignments for General Motors. Milot has lived in Bluffton for four years.

ERA REALTOR RECEIVES NATIONAL SELLING AWARD

Kristy Gonzalez of ERA Evergreen Real Estate was recently named one of ERA Real Estate’s 2018 Leaders’ Circle honorees for the second year in a row. This is her seventh time earning the award. Gonzalez is a full-time Realtor and broker-in-charge at ERA Evergreen Real Estate. She has helped clients in the Lowcountry buy and sell homes for more than 10 years.


















SEA PINES

259 Greenwood Drive

Vintage Sea Pines Home awaiting your personal updates! 3BR/2BA. Short bike ride to Beach & Harbour Town. Home is being sold AS IS.

PALMETTO DUNES

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

1 Ocean Lane Unit #2518

5 Sparrow Hawk

$579,900

Ocean Front Complex with outdoor and indoor pools, full gym and hot tubs. Pet friendly for owners. Enjoy the Beach? This is the condo for you! Penthouse condo 2BR/ 2BA. Bright & sunny Over 42,500 in rentals!

PALMETTO DUNES

BEAUFORT - HABERSHAM

$489,000

COMING SOON! Updated 3 BR/2 BA golf and peek at Port Royal Sound.

$479,000

PALMETTO DUNES

1 Ocean Lane Unit #2116

Ocean Front Complex with outdoor and indoor pools, full gym and hot tubs. Pet friendly for owners. First floor condo 2BR/ 2BA. Beach lovers dream with great rentals. Many updates! Over 41,000 in rentals!

$459,900

Build your dream home on one of these great lots! 10 Percheron Lane HH/Off Plantation - $79,000 10 Welsh Pony Lane HH/Off Plantation - $69,000 EQSHR: Own 10 weeks! 14 Wimbledon - Port Royal - $12,999

77 Ocean Lane Unit #713

Ocean Orient Complex just steps to the beach. Beach access with pool & grilling areas. Leamington side of Palmetto Dunes. Pet friendly for owners. Spacious 1BR/1.5BA. Many updates! Over 27,000 in rentals!

$337,900

52 Grace Park

Build your Dream Home in Habersham! Charming sea side community close to Historic Beaufort.

$107,900

Tracy Dayton 843-686-4000

Tracy@TracyDayton.com

Experience & Knowledge in the Low Country


››Arts

Earthly Sculpture

THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF “THE BOTANICAL FAINTING COUCH” BY KIM KACHMANN | PHOTOS BY RUTHE RITTERBECK

“F

ainting couches” were in vogue during the Victorian era, when women laced their corsets so tightly that it restricted their breathing, leading to a lack of oxygen and fainting. These women needed somewhere to sit down fast. “Victorians were also obsessed with botany. It was a popular hobby,” said Sarah Peters, the artist behind the bronze “The Botanical Fainting Couch” sculpture. “People would go out with their nets and find specimens to press into books. Besides this inspiration, I have been a lifelong fan of Edward Gorey. I have admired his iconic illustration of a woman fainting on a couch that he created for ‘Masterpiece Theatre.’ ”

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“The Botanical Fainting Couch” evolved organically from Peters’ fascination with Victorian botanists and Gorey’s witty illustrations. It is a 420-pound, 9-foot-tall bronze sculpture featuring an intertwined alphabet of botanical textures from A to Z. Each letter represents the scientific name or genus of a plant. A is for Acer, B is for Begonia, C is for Comptonia, and so on. The surface of each letter features a 3-D impression of the plant’s texture that can be touched and explored. Visitors can also sit and lounge on the artwork — but no standing or climbing, Peters says. “I first thought of using the plant’s common name, but I live in a scientific community and that’s not how horticulturists and botanists speak,” Peters said. “No matter where you are in the world, you can use the botanical Latin genus to identify a plant. I worked with botanists at Harvard to investigate and name the plants scientifically.” Peters, who lives in the coastal town of Falmouth on Cape Cod, said that “The Botanical Fainting Couch” is also an educational piece that provides opportunities to teach young people about botany, as well as the creative skills of a working artist. “I used wood and wax to form the structure of the chaise,” Peters said. “Then I created the letters out of wax, investigated and gathered plant specimens from around the Sarah Peters’ creation can be seen at the public art exhibit at Honey Horn.


SEATING CHART “The Botanical Fainting Couch” by sculptor Sarah Peters is an ABC list of plants by scientific name or genus: A: Acer B: Begonia C: Comptonia D: Dahlia E: Equisetum F: Fucus G: Ginkgo H: Hosta I: Iris J: Juglans K: Krascheninnikovia L: Lunaria M: Metasequoia

country, and made deep impressions of the plants with a slab roller pressed into a giant wad of Play-Doh. The whole process took four years.” Peters had trouble finding a botanical genus for the letter K. Then she discovered Krascheninnikovia, a flowering sage-green shrub commonly known as “winterfat” and found in semi-desert mountainous regions. She traveled to Denver to research and gather samples of the shrub, which is named after the famous Russian naturalist Stepan Petrovich Krasheninnikov, who died in 1755. “While I was in Colorado, I also went up to Pikes Peak to investigate a plant to represent the letter X — Xanthoria, which was a challenge. It’s a really cute yellow lichen with tiny orange cups,” Peters said. “M is Metasequoia, the ancient dawn redwood tree native to China. Harvard University’s Museum of Natural History displays a 10 million-year-old Metasequoia fossil found in a cave in China,” Peters said. “It was thought to be extinct, but 80 years ago biologists in China discovered a grove of Metasequoia trees, and arborists in Europe and North America made a concerted effort to distribute the seeds. Today, there are forests of Metasequoia trees.” “The Botanical Fainting Couch” is on exhibit through Jan. 31 at the Coastal Discovery Museum as part of the 2018 Public Art Exhibition. The Community

N: Nymphaea O: Opuntia P: Pinus Q: Quercus R: Rhus S: Salvia T: Taxus U: Ulmus V: Vitis W: Wisteria X: Xanthoria Y: Yucca Z: Zea

Foundation of the Lowcountry funds the annual exhibition and purchases one sculpture for the Town of Hilton Head Island each year. So far, the foundation has acquired and installed 10 sculptures around Hilton Head, including the bronze sculpture of Charles Fraser at Compass Rose Park. Peters studied fine art at the Pratt Institute, and her work is displayed in collections around the world. The mother of two sons, she is a lifelong artist who enjoys working in multiple medias. “But I am happiest solving large creative problems like ‘The Botanical Fainting Couch,’” she said. “I hope it will be a catalyst for viewers to learn more about the plants around them.”

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First Presbyterian Church

Unitarian Congregaton

Changing Lives…Making Disciples

A Most Liberal Congregation

Traditional Worship Sundays 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary CrossRoads Contemporary Worship at 9:45 a.m. 540 WILLIAM HILTON PARKWAY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND (843) 681.3696

Service 10 a.m. Sunday Childcare 110 MALPHRUS ROAD BLUFFTON UULOWCOUNTRY.ORG

INFO@FPCHHI.ORG FPCHHI.ORG

Christ Lutheran Church & Preschool

We are disciples of Jesus, Growing in Faith, Serving our Community and Connecting others to Christ.

St. Andrew By-The-Sea UMC Serving Hilton Head, Bluffton & The World

Hilton Head Relaxed Traditional 9 & 11:15am

Our worship times are: 8:30 a.m. Blended Worship 9:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship & Faith Formation Classes 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

Bluffton Worship Contemporary 10:30am

(both services include Holy Communion and a Children’s Message) 829 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY HILTON HEAD ISLAND (843) 785.5560

INFO@CLCHHI.COM CLCHHI.ORG

20 POPE AVE. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928

39 PERSIMMON, SUITE 203 BLUFFTON, SC 29910

STANDREWBYTHESEA@GMAIL.COM SAINTANDREWBYTHESEA.COM (843) 785.4711

A strong faith community starts with a powerful message.

LET US HELP YOU REACH NEW MEMBERS. Contact Katie Hatfield at 843-707-2098 or email katie@freymedia.com.

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The First Presbyterian Team: Back row, left to right: Sue Koppenol, Russell Floyd, Pastor Joel Wood, Scott Helms, Hannah Kreoger; Middle row, left to right: Jackie Wilhelm, Jean Tharin, Andrea Seibold, Lavon Stevens, Pastor Lisa Schrott; Front Row, left to right: Susan Brannon, Pastor Doug Fletcher, Charles Frost, Nancy Putnam

Community Service

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN HAS DEEP ROOTS IN

BY DR. DOUGLAS K. FLETCHER

F

irst Presbyterian Church traces its origins to a small chapel on Honey Horn Plantation. Pastors were brought from the mainland by boat for Sunday services. It became a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in 1957, never losing its character as a church for the community. The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Choral Society perform at the church, and the World Affairs Council holds its programs here. Our facility has been the site of many organizations’ first meetings, and members of First Presbyterian have had and continue to have leading roles in helping to build the Lowcountry community, whether at The Bargain Box thrift store, Hilton Head Hospital, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Boy Scout Troop #245, Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity or Volunteers in Medicine Clinic.

The commitment to the community has expanded to include support for Neighborhood Outreach Connection, the Antioch Educational Network in Ridgeland, mentoring in schools, international mission projects, a unique ethics symposium for college students from the Southeast, an extraordinary day school, and hands-on support and personal care for those who need a helping hand. The impacts of the church are a reflection of the spiritual life of the congregation. David Lauderdale, columnist and editorial writer for THE LOWCOUNTRY The Island Packet and treasure of the Lowcountry, teaches an extraordinary class on Sunday mornings full of Lowcountry lessons. Celebrated jazz pianist Lavon Stevens leads our contemporary worship on Sunday mornings, and we have an outstanding and well-known music program under the leadership of Rusty Floyd, who, among many things, leads the community “Messiah” presentation. Our children and youth programs are creative, well-led and growing. This past Christmas season included our annual gingerbread house decorating party and “Journey to Bethlehem,” a walk-through re-creation with animals and villagers. Our pastors, Doug Fletcher, Joel Wood and Lisa Schrott, inspire with thoughtful preaching, teaching and pastoral care. You may know us best through one of the many community events held at our facility. But behind what we offer to area residents is a vital congregation that invites you to come and find a connection and a community. Our worship services on Sunday mornings include two traditional services with choir and organ at 8:30 and 11 a.m. in our sanctuary and a contemporary service at 9:45 a.m. in our fellowship hall. You can also see the original Honey Horn Chapel, now located on our church campus at 540 William Hilton Parkway. Come and join us!

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | 540 WILLIAM HILTON PARKWAY | HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29928 | (843) 681.3696

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››Sports

Wellness in Action

VIM HELPS WOMEN GET HEALTHY THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGES

BY MELINDA COPP | PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

D

o you know how many steps you walked today? Participants in Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island’s Wellness Program do — and chances are they’re on their way to meeting and exceeding their step goals, too. Back in 2013, VIM got a grant from pharmaceutical company Pfizer to address

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health issues like heart disease and diabetes in women older than 35. And when the clinic screened its female patients in that demographic, every one of them was at risk. “A very high percentage of patients had risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hypertension,” said Julie

Copp, the director of patient care at VIM. “And when you look at treatments for diabetes or hypertension, lifestyle is the first thing that affects health the most. So the Wellness Program was implemented to get people moving and get healthier.” The Wellness Program teaches patients how to change their lifestyles to improve


their health. Thanks to recent attention on the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles, program participants received Fitbits donated by the VIM board’s president. From there, the program has continued to grow and adapt to patients’ needs. The program is free and open to all VIM patients. And because the focus is on holistic wellness and healthy lifestyle, not everyone is there to lose weight. The only cost to participants is a Fitbit, which they can get from VIM for $30 with batteries and accessories, or some other device that can track their steps. The goal is 10,000 steps a day, and participants come into the clinic on Thursdays or Fridays to log their steps for the week and get weighed. No one likes the scale, but the program makes weigh-ins easier with incentives

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››Sports

THE WELLNESS PROGRAM IS PART OF THE CLINIC’S GOAL TO MOVE PEOPLE FROM EPISODIC CARE TO OVERALL WELLNESS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT. – DR. RAYMOND COX

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and friendly competition. For every 70,000 steps at check-in, participants get entered into a raffle. And for every two pounds lost, they get a $5 gift card. If they lose 5 percent of their body weight, they get a $25 gift card. Each month, the four people with the highest step counts get gift cards. And the clinic runs challenges throughout the year to keep participants motivated. Over the holidays, the contest was “Maintain, Don’t Gain,” to help people keep from splurging at the holiday buffet; the clinic’s “Biggest Loser” contest starts in February. To encourage people to get outside during warmer months, the clinic runs a “100 Days of Summer” contest. Three participants have crossed the 10,000-mile mark, which took several of them years to achieve, the patients received a $100 gift card. But it’s not all about the steps. The Wellness Program offers Zumba classes twice a week, led by a program participant who loved Zumba so much that she got certified to teach it and now holds the VIM class as a volunteer. Zumba also introduced program coordinator Elizabeth Forges to the group. She went to a Zumba class with her friend and learned about the program. She started volunteering and was then hired as the coordinator. Twice a week, the Wellness Program group meets at Jarvis Creek Park to walk the trail. These opportunities give participants the chance to exercise and meet other people in the program.

VIM also offers nutrition and cooking classes, giving participants practical skills to use when they’re shopping for and preparing food. Rather than focusing on dieting, the Wellness Program teaches lifestyle changes. It covers topics like serving sizes, how to read food labels, and healthier cooking techniques. The cooking classes, which are a partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank, tend to focus on preparing healthier versions of the dishes participants like to cook, and then they get the ingredients to take home and recreate the healthier dish. Because about 90 percent of the participants are Hispanic, and most of them are women, showing them how to prepare their cultural food has been very helpful, said Forges. “I always tell them that eating better is not only about losing weight, but they can have a healthier husband and healthier kids,” Forges said. “As women, we can make those changes.” The Wellness Program also puts a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing, with weekly support groups and a life-coaching program. Many women in the Hispanic community are isolated, and this gives them an outlet for taking care of themselves. Starting this year, the program also has partnered with the Island Recreation Center to offer discounted access to the facility for 20 people, so they can use the walking track and equipment. The


PHOTOS OF ZUMBA CLASSES PROVIDED BY VIM

program will also start holding the Zumba classes there. “The Wellness Program is part of the clinic’s goal to move people from episodic care to overall wellness and weight management,” said Dr. Raymond Cox, the executive director of VIM. “And the benefits go beyond weight loss.” He said they’ve seen patients gain a greater sense of wellbeing, reduce their need for anxiety and depression medications, and find joy the great sense of camaraderie that unites them in their selfcare missions.

Participants in VIM's Wellness Program meet at Jarvis Creek part to walk include (L to R) Karen Dordin, Teresa Pacheo, Elizabeth Forbes, Mirian Mattos (walk leader)

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››Sports

Room for Recreation

ISLAND REC CENTER UNVEILS NEWLY EXPANDED AND IMPROVED FACILITIES BY JUSTIN JARRETT | PHOTOS BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

W

hen it opened in 1988, the Island Recreation Center offered stateof-the-art facilities to meet the needs of Hilton Head Island’s residents. But the island — and its residents — have changed over the decades, and when the renovated Island Rec Center reopens this month in the new Carmines Recreation Building, it will again reflect those needs. Consisting mostly of a gymnasium and an outdoor pool for the past 30 years, the reimagined Rec Center includes a 22,000-square-foot addition that features a larger gym, an indoor walking track, a full complement of exercise machines and weights, fitness and meetings rooms, and upgraded classroom facilities. “We went from two bathrooms to 12,” executive director Frank Soule says with a laugh.

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The Town of Hilton Head Island contributed more than $13 million for construction, while the nonprofit group People For Parks raised more than $1.1 million to equip the new building, helping pave the way for a complete transformation from a modest center to a full-service facility boasting a full range of fitness classes, recreational sports offerings and exercise options. The “crown jewel,” according to Soule, is the second floor of the new gym, which features a 1/17-mile walking track, free weights, cardio equipment, a TRX suspension training system, and fitness rooms equipped with spin bikes where visitors can participate in live instructorled classes or pull up a Wellbeats virtual class on the 80-inch television mounted to the wall. “We’ll be in the fitness class business a lot more than we were,” Soule said. “We’ll

be able to do a whole variety of things that we’ve never done before.” The cost is as low as $2 a day to use the open gym (or $5 to swim laps, $10 for access to the walking track and fitness equipment, and $15 to attend a fitness class). The center also offers weekly, monthly and annual rates ranging from $25 a month to a $900 a year all-access pass that includes unlimited use of every element of the facility, including fitness classes. Even the existing gym got a facelift as part of the renovation, with a new floor, updated bleachers, soundproofing, expanded office space, and a new HVAC system. The entire building will be LEEDcertified when completed, Soule said. The old gym will serve as the youth and teen center and include an updated preschool classroom and a computer lab where students in the after-school program can complete homework.


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››Sports

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THE ISLAND REC CENTER WILL OFFER A FREE PREVIEW WEEK FROM JAN. 7-14, INCLUDING INTRODUCTORY PRICING FOR MEMBERSHIPS. THE OFFICIAL RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE AT NOON JAN. 31. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ISLANDRECCENTER.ORG. January 2019 127


››Sports

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CHECK IT OUT The reimagined Rec Center includes a 22,000-squarefoot addition that features a larger gym, an indoor walking track, a full complement of exercise machines and weights, fitness and meetings rooms, and upgraded classroom facilities.

The outdoor pool now has a new, larger dome with improved air return, as well as adjacent offices, restrooms and showers. Swimmers previously had to walk outside to use the two restrooms in the old gym, even during winter. “We’re really excited about that,” Soule said. “We’ve already seen an increase in lap swimming.” Although they won’t make as big of a splash, the new building is loaded with other upgrades: new locker rooms, family restrooms, storage areas, and a conference room. The conference room will come in handy after the new center hires an additional three or four full-time employees. A downstairs multipurpose space features mirrors and a ballet barre, as well as an 80-inch TV for fitness classes and presentations. A new teen room will be outfitted with interactive fitness equipment that will always be up-to-date thanks to a private endowment. The list of community members and organizations who contributed to the project is so long that a “Wall of Gratitude” listing takes up significant real estate in the entrance to the new space. “It’s really community support and the support of the town that puts us where we are today,” Soule said. And the community will see immediate dividends. Whereas the old center accommodated about 200 to 300 people a day — mostly swimmers and students in the after-school program — Soule estimates at least 500 people a day will use the expanded center.

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››Sports RoundUp

PLAYERS PICKED FOR BLITZ BORDER BOWL

PHOTO BY JUSTIN JARRETT

The second annual Blitz Border Bowl all-star football game pitting the top players from the Lowcountry against the stars of the Georgia Coastal Empire is scheduled for Jan. 12 at Bluffton High School. May River High School’s Rodney Summers will serve as the head coach for the Lowcountry team, whose roster will feature nine players from Summers’ Sharks, as well as standouts from Battery Creek High School, Beaufort High School, Beaufort Academy, Bluffton High School, Colleton County, Hilton Head Island High School, John Paul II Catholic School, Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School, Wade Hampton High School, and Whale Branch Early College High School. The Georgia team won last year’s Blitz Border Bowl 15-3. The Lowcountry players include: • Bluffton High: Ronald Reid, Jaishon Jenkins, John Swinton, Jaylon Thompson. • Hilton Head High: Johnathan Orr, Sterling White, Nate Brown, Diante Richard, Jai Roberson • John Paul II: Freddie Aiken, Zach Doe • May River: Michael Ludwig, Grant Laseter, Connor Kovacs, Joe Whiteaker, Gabe Long, Jordan Barrow, Zach Brzezinski, Micah Burton, Kam Gleason

FORMER SEAHAWK MAKES FIRST NFL START

HHCA VOLLEYBALL STARS HONORED

HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS RANKED NO. 18 AMONG ELITE RESORT COURSES

Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort has been named to the list of Top 100 Resort Courses by Golfweek in the magazine’s 2019 Ultimate Guide. The home of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, Harbour Town was ranked No. 18, joining an impressive list that includes Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes.

SEAHAWKS’ RUCKNO EARNS STATE TENNIS HONORS

Hilton Head High’s Emily Ruckno claimed All-State honors at the SCHSL Class 5A/4A singles tennis tournament in Columbia in December. Ruckno went 4-2 in the tournament to finish sixth.

PALMETTO DUNES EXPANDING PICKLEBALL OFFERINGS

The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has doubled in size recently, expanding from eight pickleball courts to 16. The new courts at the Hilton Head resort were unveiled in October. Along with its 16 pickleball courts, all of which are lighted for night play, the center boasts 21 clay tennis courts, including four lighted for night play, and the island’s largest tennis pro shop. In June, Palmetto Dunes hired Sarah Ansboury as its pickleball touring professional and director of pickleball instruction. A nationally ranked tennis player, Ansboury has been a pioneer in the pickleball explosion that has occurred in the past few years. 130 hiltonheadmonthly.com

PHOTO BY TOM CLOUD

Former Hilton Head Island High School star Poona Ford made his first NFL start in the Seattle Seahawks’ 43-16 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 2, and his performance earned rave reviews. USA Today’s Seahawks Wire said Ford had a “quietly excellent” game, recording four solo tackles and quarterback pressure in 28 snaps, while Pro Football Focus gave Ford an 89.7 grade, which was the second-highest on the Seahawks’ defense behind linebacker Bobby Wagner. Ford returned to his reserve role for the Seahawks’ next two games but had another big day in a 26-23 loss to the 49ers on Dec. 16, recording a career-high six tackles.

Two area volleyball players were named to the SCISA All-State team, and two others were picked to play in the SCISA North-South All-Star Game. Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Sydney DeSimone and Lauryn Qualls earned AllState honors and invitations to the all-star game, which was played in November. HHCA’s Ady O’Grady and Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Ashley Wilmot also were picked for the all-star game.

STUDENT ATHLETES SIGN WITH COLLEGES So far this year, 13 Heritage Academy student-athletes have earned scholarships to play in college next year. Seven golfers head the list: Katharina Hesse, Rollins College; Kota Murata, University of Hawaii-Manoa; Chase Phillips, George Mason University; Ty Sullivan, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; Cynthia Tu, Brigham Young University; Felix van Kleef, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; and Hoshi Yadav, Holy Names University. Four tennis standouts also have signed: Ryohei Arai, Savannah College of Art and Design; Madison Dillon, Furman University; Jack MacDonald, Babson College; and Vikash Singh, Indiana University. Other signees are swimmer Chloe Corbitt, Rice University, and soccer star Ava Van Marter, University of Florida.

For comprehensive daily sports news featuring local teams and athletes in the Lowcountry, visit LowcoSports.com and follow @LowcoSports on Twitter and Facebook.


January 2019 131


LOCAL

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localleaderscircle.com

presents

Local Leaders Circle is proud to bring you Faces of the Lowcountry, those who best capture the essence of an area in their respective areas of expertise. In this special publication we highlight those innovative entrepreneurs and professionals whose creative spark lights the flame of what makes the Lowcountry special.

Pick one up today or view online at localleaderscircle.com

Are you a Face of the Lowcountry? To book your spot for the 2019-20 edition of Faces or for more information contact Anuska Frey at anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com


localleaderscircle.com

2018-19


››Calendar

››Calendar | JANUARY v

Jan. 19 SOUNDBITES: 10 STRING SYMPHONY WITH MEMBERS OF THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THIS DYNAMIC MUSICAL STEW COVERS A WIDE SPECTRUM OF ACOUSTIC-BASED ROOTS MUSIC, FOLK AND BLUEGRASS, ALL DELIVERED WITH A DASH OF ROCK AND ROLL. TICKETS ARE $50. 9 P.M. AT THE ROASTING ROOM. 1297 MAY RIVER ROAD, BLUFFTON. GET TICKETS AT ROASTINGROOMLOUNGE.COM

Through Jan. 15 ALL SAINTS GARDEN TOUR POSTER CONTEST: The All Saints Garden Tour, scheduled for May 18, is accepting artist submissions of flowers or a garden for the poster competition. All of the works will be displayed for sale at Hilton Head Hospital in February, and part of the proceeds will go to the tour. Deadline for submitting application is Jan. 15. allsaintsgardentour.com.

Through Jan. 30 2018 PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION: The 2018 Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island features 20 large-scale sculptures created by artists from across the country, placed along the 1-mile walking path at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The event is open during regular hours. Admission is free. Guided tours are $10 per 134 hiltonheadmonthly.com

person and are offered through the museum at 1 p.m. Fridays. Reservations suggested. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.

Through Feb. 10 “MONET TO MATISSE: Masterworks of French Impressionism from the Dixon Gallery and Gardens”: “Monet to Matisse” features 30 paintings from the renowned collection of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis. The exhibition includes landscapes, portraits, interiors, and still life by leaders of French Impressionism, as well as major paintings by post-Impressionist artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Telfair Museums, 207 W York St., Savannah. 912-790-8800 or telfair.org.

Through March HILTON HEAD ISLAND BRIDGE CLUB’S WINTER WORKSHOPS: The club’s Winter Workshops will be held January through March. These workshops are for beginner, beginner plus, and intermediate players and are open to the general public. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 15: “Cuebids and Counting” intermediate classes; Fridays beginning Jan. 11: Beginner classes to learn how to play the game all of your friends are raving about. $15. 10 a.m.-noon, Hilton Head Bridge Club, Port Royal Plaza, Hilton Head Island. kbwalsh@roadrunner.com.

vegan eating. Dr. Rishi Dudhia is this month’s guest speaker. He will be discussing the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) 6:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. For more information, visit PalmettoPlantEaters.com.

Jan. 4

Jan. 2 THE PALMETTO PLANT EATERS CLUB: The Palmetto Plant Eaters Club is open to the public and meets monthly to teach and support whole-food, plant-based

LOWCOUNTRY RAPTORS: The Coastal Discovery Museum will host Lowcountry Raptors with Lila Arnold. Raptors play an important role in the Lowcountry ecosystem


and have some impressive survival skills. A few extraordinary birds will visit from Lowcountry Raptors. Get an up-close look at these spectacular birds and learn about the life of birds of prey and how you can help protect them. $7 and reservations are required. 2 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org.

Jan. 5 & 6 JAZZ VIBES SHOWCASE: The Jazz Vibes Showcase features four of the best vibraphone players in the profession today:Tony Miceli, Joe Locke, David Friedman and Warren Wolf. The mainstage finale is dedicated to Bob Masteller. Learn from World-class Vibraphonists during this 4-session Workshop Experience. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call 843-842-2787.

Jan. 7-Feb. 3

SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS PRESENTS BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL ART DEPARTMENT EXHIBITION: Three Bluffton High School art students will display drawings, photography and paintings at Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery. The exhibit will feature drawings by Catherine McClean, photography by Gabriel Morales and paintings by Nathalia Roca. An opening reception will be held Jan. 13. Free. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. SoBA Gallery, 41B, Calhoun St, Bluffton. 843-757-6586.

Jan. 9, 16, 23 & 30 INS AND OUTS OF ARGENTINE TANGO: Couples can explore the

basic Argentine tango. $50 per couple for all four weeks. 6-7:30 p.m., Art League, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. artleaguehhi.org.

Jan. 9 LEARN SPANISH GENEALOGY FROM AN EXPERT: Lourdes del Pino is an industrial engineer with a master’s degree in management engineering. She is also vice president of the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami and a certified Florida Pioneer Descendent. $25 for Heritage Library members and $30 for non-members; includes lunch. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Palmetto Electric Community Building, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville.

Jan. 10-13 XXIV ANNUAL WINTER CLASSIC (SHAG DANCING & BEACH MUSIC): This four-day event draws shag dancers from throughout the Southeast. The event is open to the public and you do not need to know how to shag. All dancers and anyone who enjoys “beach music” is encouraged to attend. Registration is $90. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island. 912-4144383, ksaug29@yahoo.com or HiltonHeadShagClub.com.

Jan. 10 “PLASTIC WASTE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY.” The Coastal Discovery Museum will host Michelle Meissen, founder and CEO of Palmetto Ocean Conservancy, Guardians of the Sea. She will discuss the impact of the plastic industry in our oceans and our environment. Palmetto Ocean Conservancy has been a leader in several local campaigns to spread awareness and encourage recycling and recovery of plastic including “Straw-less Summer” and the “Beaufort County Single Use Plastic Ban.” 3 p.m. Cost is $7 per person and reservations January 2019 135


››Calendar Jan. 31

are required by calling 843-6896767 ext. 223. The museum is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive on Hilton Head Island.

Jan. 11 WINTER CONCERT: Three organists, including Debby Graves of St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, Linda Hamilton of Holy Family Catholic Church, and Beth Corry, as well as nine other vocalists and a violinist will warm your heart with familiar pieces of organ music and various vocal and violin solos. Free; donations will be accepted. Noon, St. Andrew ByThe-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island.

Jan. 12

“DE ARTS OB WE PEOPLE” OPENING RECEPTION

D

e Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibition and Sale is one of the largest displays of original work by emerging and leading artists representing the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community. The Opening Party from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 31 is the first opportunity for patrons and friends to see the works. Artists will be onsite at various times throughout the exhibit: schedules will be posted at gullahcelebration.com. Private and group tours are available by request. Gullah Artists interested in exhibiting and selling their works must complete the 2019 Gullah Celebration Artist application. The exhibit will start Thursday, January 31 and run through Sunday, March 3, at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island.

136 hiltonheadmonthly.com

6TH ANNUAL CHOWDER CHALLENGE AND SILENT AUCTION: To benefit The Heather Trew Foundation for organ, eye and tissue donation. Restaurants compete for the best chowder, so be sure to come and cast your vote. $5 a person; free for children ages 12 and younger. Noon-4 p.m., Reilley’s Plaza, 7 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-422- 5385.

Jan. 12-14 HAYDN AND DVOŘÁK AT SOUNDWAVES: Symphony No. 85, Violin Concerto in A Major, “Romance for Violin & Orchestra,” and Symphony No. 83. $45 and $55. 8-10 p.m., SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2055.

Jan. 16

LOWCOUNTRY DOLPHINS: The Coastal Discovery Museum will host Lowcountry Dolphins with Pete

Schramm. This talk is an excellent opportunity to acquire a broad knowledge and appreciation of the bottlenose dolphin. $7 for those ages 12 and older. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island.

HERITAGE ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE: The public is invited to tour Heritage Academy to learn more about this unique school for student artists and student athletes. Free. 5:30 p.m., Heritage Academy, 11 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call 843-842- 8600.

Jan. 17 PALMETTO QUILT GUILD MEETING: Sue Pelland will lecture and teach her innovative, quick applique techniques.The meeting is open to members and guests. Guest fee is $5. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Club, 40 Folly Field Rd., Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit PalmettoQuiltGuild.org.

Jan. 18 BRIAN LUCKETT CLASSICAL GUITAR: A concert of music for classical guitar by acclaimed guitarist Dr. Brian Luckett of Jacksonville, Florida. $20 is the suggested donation. Noon, All Saints Episcopal Church, 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island. 843-681-8333 or allsaints-hhi.org. BALLET MEMPHIS: For more than 30 years, Ballet Memphis has presented and taught ballet in a way that celebrates the human spirit. Its highly acclaimed, original repertoire speaks of the cultural significance of Memphis, shared with audiences


Jan. 12 THE ROUGH & TUMBLE: The Rough & Tumble will perform at Music on Malphrus. $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. 843-837-3330 or uulowcountry.org.

around the globe and at home. $60 for the 8 p.m. show; $8 for grades 1-12 for the 11 a.m. show. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-3945, ext. 205 or artshhi.com/field-trips.

Jan. 19 DAUFUSKIE ISLAND MARATHON: Offering a unique perspective of the culturally rich history of Daufuskie Island, the race offers 13.1-, 26.2- and 39.3-mile runs through paved and unpaved roads. Runners will be ferried over by boat from 10 Haig Point Court and Buckingham Landing. Tickets are $100 for the 13.1-mile run; $150 for the 26.2-mile run; and $199 for the 39.3-mile run. Ferry fee is $35. 5:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Haig Point, Daufuskie Island. hiltonheadisland.org.

BALLET MEMPHIS MASTER CLASS: Enhance your training with the renowned Ballet Memphis during this 90-minute master dance class. Beginner to intermediate dancers are encouraged to attend. At check-out, be sure to complete the questions including the participant’s name and age, if younger than 18. $25. 10 a.m., Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-3945, ext. 205 or artshhi.com/workshops.

Jan. 20, 21 WOLF MOON FULL MOON CRUISE: Do some serious moon gazing from the Salty Dog’s 63-foot powered catamaran with upper and lower decks. This moon cruise is two hours and celestial snacks and lunar libations will be served. Cost is January 2019 137


››Calendar sounds of the seasons. Ringing on the world’s largest range of hand bells and Choirchime instruments, the choir performs original works, transcriptions of light classics, hymn tunes and some pop favorites. Free. 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Hilton Head Island, 100 S. Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island.

Jan. 25

Jan. 24 LEAN ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS “A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2” BY LUCAS HNATH: Lean Ensemble Theater presents “A Doll’s House, Part 2” by Lucas Hnath. Tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for students and activeduty military. 7:30 p.m., Hilton Head Preparatory School Theater, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head Island. 843-7156676 or leanensemble.org.

$24. 5-7 p.m., The Salty Dog, 232 S. Sea Pines Dr., Hilton Head Island. For more information go to (203) 937-5381 or go to saltydogcruises.com

Jan. 22 CAMERA CLUB OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND MEETING: Keith and Tiffany Briley from Charleston Photography Tours and Workshops will be the featured speakers. They are well-known landscape photographers from the Charleston area. They will offer tips on how to best capture the beauty of the Lowcountry. Members, newcomers, and guests are welcome. Free. 7 p.m., 21 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island. new-cchhi.net. 138 hiltonheadmonthly.com

Jan. 23 IRISH GENEALOGY ESSENTIALS: Tracing your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors can be exhausting and frustrating, but the hunt can lead to exciting discoveries along the way. $15 for Heritage Library members; $20 for non-members. 12:302:30 p.m., University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Hilton Head Campus, Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island.

Jan. 24 WESTMINSTER CONCERT BELL CHOIR TOUR PRESENTS “THE FOUR SEASONS”: The Westminster Concert Bell Choir presents a program highlighting

WINTER CONCERT: “HOW SWEET THE SOUND:” A concert of music for voice, piano, violin and flute including works by Mozart, Brahms, and Puccini featuring pianists Sanford Jones and Marvin Keenze, soprano Rebecca Flaherty, and violinist Effie Mydell. For the first time in the history of this annual community concert, two grand pianos will be played. No RSVP required but arrive early for best seating. Free. donations are welcome. 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary, 171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. For more information go to gullahmuseumhhi.org

Jan. 26 HILTON HEAD SNOW DAY: This family event will have inflatable rides, a snow field, and entertainment. For the kids who have never seen snow, this is the perfect event. $10 for ages 2-17; free for adults. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. islandreccenter.org. JOE CROOKSTON: Joe Crookston will perform at Music on Malphrus. $20. Doors open at 6 p.m., The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. 843-837-3330 or uulowcountry.org.

Jan. 27 & 28 TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 6: Piano Concerto No. 1,

and Symphony No. 6. $30, $45 and $55. 8-10 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2055.

Jan. 30 HOW TO USE FAMILYSEARCH. ORG: FamilySearch.org is free, and is one of the most heavily used genealogy sites on the internet. Millions of the records on Family Search can’t be found in the normal search function. You will be instructed how to access often overlooked genealogical records. $15 for Heritage Library members; $20 for non-members. 12:30-2:30 p.m., University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Hilton Head Campus, Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-4155978.

SAVE THE DATE Feb. 2 SOUTHERN COAST HEART BALL: The annual Heart Ball celebrates efforts to build a foundation of health in the community and ensure everyone lives a longer, healthier life. The evening’s festivities will include dinner and a live auction. $225. 5:30-9:30 p.m., The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, 2 Grasslawn Ave., Hilton Head Island. 843-540-6338.

Feb. 5 “CAMELLIAS: HISTORY AND ROMANTIC STORIES OF OUR ‘WINTER ROSE’ ”: Learn more about the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Camellia Garden from Master Gardeners and garden founders Donna and Fred Manske, who will share legends of the camellia and tips on growing your own in the Lowcountry. $10; reservations are required. 10 a.m.noon, Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223.


ONGOING “WHERE’S THE WAG WEDNESDAY?” : Receive clues via the Hilton Head Humane Association’s Facebook page to determine where the event will be each week. If you guess the location and the dog the Humane Association is bringing to the event, you’ll win a prize. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. 843-681-8686 or membership@hhhumane.org. BEACH YOGA: Enjoy beautiful views of the ocean as you relax and focus on strength, flexibility and balance. Please bring a beach towel to use as your yoga mat and meet our instructor on the beach behind the Sea Pines Beach Club. $15 per adult and reservations are required. 8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com/events.

1-6 p.m., Thursdays, 1271 May River Road, Bluffton. farmersmarketbluffton.org. TEA TIME AT ROSE HILL MANSION: Experience afternoon tea at a beautiful plantation house in the Lowcountry. Selections include custom-crafted teas, elegant finger sandwiches and heavenly desserts. Small groups or large groups welcome; reservations are required. $40 per person. 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Rose Hill Mansion, 199 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton. 843-757-6046. GOLF CLINICS FOR ALL AGES: Group and individual golf programs for adults and juniors led by PGA professional Jeff Picus of Excel and Enjoy Golf Academy. Registration is required. Times vary, Country Club of Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island. 843-295-8888 or classapro@pga.com.

GARVIN-GARVEY HOUSE TOURS: Visit the newly restored Garvin-Garvey House for a guided tour. $5. By appointment from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St., Bluffton. townofbluffton.sc.gov/ garvin-garvey.

ADULT PAINT AND PLAY: Paint and Play is an adult wine and paint night of fun entertainment for all skill levels — no experience needed. Relax, unwind and let out your inner creativity as artist Kristin Griffis helps you create your own finished piece of artwork. Thursdays, Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-5738 or artleaguehhi.org.

FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: The market now has additional public parking provided by the town of Bluffton. An artisan showcase on the first Thursday of every month highlights a rotating group of local artists and their craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for new food and farm vendors and find your next favorite thing.

FISHING & CRABBING LESSONS: Ben Green with Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Squire Pope Road will offer a free missionary program that teaches children fishing and crabbing skills. 4 p.m. Saturdays, Rowing & Sailing Center, 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-816-0172.

GUIDED TOURS OF HEYWARD HOUSE MUSEUM AND WELCOME CENTER: The museum offers guided tours of the four-room Carolina farmhouse and two outbuildings, which are filled with interesting artifacts and furnishings from the late 1800s into the 1920s. Tours last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and are offered as visitors arrive unless previously scheduled. $10; reservations are not required except for groups of 10 or more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, 70 Boundary St., Bluffton. heywardhouse.org. POWER HOUR INDUSTRY NIGHT: Club Seats Grille will host the best industry night ever. Specials include $5 Solo cup and $0.25 domestic drafts for the hour, along with other great specials. 10-11 p.m., Thursdays, Club Seats Grille, 2600 Main St., Unit 102, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-2582 or cheapseatsrestaurantgroup. com. TASTY TUESDAY AT ROLLERS WINE & SPIRITS: Wine and cheese tasting every Tuesday. $15. 9 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1200 or rollerswineandspirits.com. TUESDAY MORNING HISTORY PROGRAMS: Weekly history programs about the history of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry. $10; reservations required. 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Heritage Library, 2 Corpus Christi, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org.

We would like to welcome the following new Members... Buona Terra Woodworks f

Sentient Marketing & Advertising f

Harden Creative f

Go Store It f

Classic Home Mortgage f

Oldfield Mews Townhomes & Apartments f

Carolina Business Equipment f

CORA Physical Therapy f

Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage January 2019 139


››Calendar

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5:44 H 12:24 L 1:19 L 2:13 L 3:06 L 3:57 L 4:49 L 5:41 L 12:35 H 1:33 H 2:31 H 3:28 H 4:25 H 5:21 H

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6:12 H 1:08 L 2:01 L 2:53 L 3:42 L 4:31 L 5:19 L 6:09 L 12:53 H 1:48 H 2:43 H 3:38 H 4:34 H 5:29 H

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Tide Information for Skull Creek January 2019 140 hiltonheadmonthly.com

HISTORIC BIKE TOUR: Take a historic bike tour of sites along Squire Pope Road, including historic plantations, fishing and farming life after the Civil War; a historic African-American church; tabby ruins and a meet-and-greet with volunteers from the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. Bike and helmet provided. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 10 and older with their own bikes; $25 for adults and $20 for children if bikes are needed. Reservations required. 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Squire Pope Community Park, 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org.

and see inside the oldest existing structure on the island. Tour where Revolutionary War soldiers are buried and explore the location of the planter’s antebellum church and muster house. $12 for adults and $7 for children; reservations required. 10 a.m. Wednesdays, corner of William Hilton Parkway and Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

HILTON HEAD ANCESTRY PROGRAM: $15 for Heritage Library members; $20 for nonmembers. Wednesdays, The Heritage Library. 2 Corpus Christi, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org.

“FAT TUESDAYS — A SWINGIN’ CELEBRATION OF NEW ORLEANS & BEYOND”: The Jazz Corner Ensemble features pianist Eric Jones, bassist Dave Masteller and percussionist Chris Russell, with rotating special guests including saxophonist Dean St. Hillaire, trumpeter James Berry and more. $7. 8-11 p.m. Tuesdays, The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

TOUR OF THE CIVIL WAR BATTERY: Join the Heritage Library for a guided tour of the Civil War battery on Skull Creek in Hilton Head Plantation, which was built to protect Port Royal Sound and the Seabrook Coaling Station and named after Gen. Ormsby Mitchel. $12 for adults and $7 for children; reservations required. 10 a.m. Thursdays, Fort Mitchel, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org. ZION LIVING HISTORY TOURS: “Meet” historical characters who lived on Hilton Head Island during the antebellum period

DEAS GUYZ AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Deas Guyz features an entertaining mix of Motown, R&B, pop, rock, reggae and dance beats. $10. 8-11 p.m. Sundays, The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

“LAVON STEVENS PRESENTS: JAZZ IN THE KEY OF LIFE”: Pianist and vocalist Lavon Stevens is joined by drummer Jimmy Charles, bassist/vocalist Clarence Williams and rotating weekly special guests including vocalist Louise Spencer, saxophonist Stutz Wimmer, guitarist Jimmy Ward and more. $7. 8-11 p.m. Thursdays, The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.


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January 2019 141




A nice bourbon is an opportunity

to slow down in a fast paced world.

What’s true of whiskey is true of The Whiskey Room: Patience is a virtue.


Words by Barry Kaufman Photography by Ruthe Ritterbeck

T

he thing about whiskey is that it needs to be aged properly. That slow buildup not only makes the flavors more robust and pronounced — giving them time to reach proper maturity and blossom to their fullest potential — but it also builds up anticipation for when the barrel will finally be ready. There’s a reason why just a little bit of time can make the difference between a good whiskey and a great whiskey. What’s true for whiskey is also true for The Whiskey Room, the long-anticipated new experience from HHI Hospitality, the group that brought the Lowcountry favorites like CharBar Co. and Holy Tequila. When it finally opens this month, The Whiskey Room will introduce an entirely new concept in libation and celebrations on Hilton Head Island.

“There is so much opportunity with whiskey and bourbon to elaborate on the story of these spirits and how each barrel essentially is a different story,” said HHI Hospitality founder and CEO Nick Bergelt. “Whiskey Room in and of itself is like that spirit. Each barrel is different because of the product and the immense amount of patience required.” His voice catches in a slight chuckle at the word “patience,” a concession to the fact that opening The Whiskey Room has been a much longer experience than he was anticipating. Bergelt knows it’s been a long time coming, and is fully aware of how appropriate it is that his latest restaurant concept has had to age to maturity in the same way as the spirits it sells. “The parallels are kind of uncanny,” he said. “But it’s something we talk about in staff meetings that everything that has led us to this point in time is ultimately going to lead to that much more character and that much more attention to detail.” Attention to detail The Whiskey Room has in spades, starting with the overall vibe of the place. Designed from the ground up to emulate the low-key speakeasies of the nation’s Prohibition-era past, the ambience of The Whiskey Room is a nod to the days when whiskey was driven underground. Think dark woods, low lighting, cool sophistication and the smooth sounds of jazz. Next, the dedication to storytelling: “It’s truly American heritage, right? It’s evolved over time and there’s such a story to be told with that,” Bergelt said. “Each one of these distilleries have such rich history behind them. Once you really start to understand that and appreciate that, you can go so much deeper.” Those stories are told across the labels of a carefully curated selection of whiskeys and bourbons from all along the mash belt of Kentucky and Tennessee. Old standbys share shelf space with hard-to-find labels that will deliver an unparalleled sipping experience for newbies and connoisseurs alike. It’s an experience that is meant to be savored slowly. “A bourbon isn’t meant to be shot. When you’re enjoying a nice bourbon, it’s really an opportunity to slow down in a very fast paced world,” Bergelt said. “You just have to take the time to appreciate it.” Taking time is something The Whiskey Room has already done plenty of. Now it’s your chance to appreciate the results of that patience.

PARTNER PROMOTION


››Dining news NEW DISTILLERY PROPOSED FOR OLD TOWN BLUFFTON A proposed distillery is up for consideration by the town of Bluffton. Burnt Church Distillery would include a 20,000-square-foot tasting room across 2.8 acres. However, the land for the proposed distillery needs to be annexed into the town of Bluffton before the project could become a reality. Billy Watterson, the CEO of Patterson Brands, is the owner of Burnt Church Distillery. If approved, his new facility would feature craft whiskey, gin, vodka and moonshine made on-site.

LOCAL CHEF FEATURED IN NEW YORK TIMES Clayton Rollinson, owner of Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, was recently featured in a New York Times Cooking article about the magic of amari, liqueurs that add structure and backbone to his craft cocktails. His featured cocktail includes bourbon, amaro, maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, blood orange liqueur and bitters.

LOCAL FITNESS TRAINER LAUNCHES TIGER BUTTER CO.

Kristen Waters, a trainer at Peak Performance Fitness Center, has announced the creation of Tiger Butter Co. Tiger Butter is made from tiger nuts, a root vegetable from Africa that is high in fiber and healthy for people with allergies and autoimmune disease. Waters discovered the superfood after experiencing digestion issues and stomach pain. For more information, go to tigerbutterco.com. 146 hiltonheadmonthly.com


HILTON HEAD BREWING COMPANY DEBUTS OUTDOOR BEER GARDEN Hilton Head Brewing Company celebrated the grand opening of its new outdoor beer garden in December. The building’s roof has been expanded to overhang the patio, which can seat up to 35 people. The expanded beer garden is dog-friendly and has heat lamps for yearround seating. The brewery is located at 1 Cardinal Road, Suite 13 on Hilton Head Island.

MIDICI'S NEAPOLITAN PIZZA TO OPEN IN JAN. Another restaurant is joining the Reilley's Plaza lineup this month. MidiCi's Neapolitan Pizza at 7 Greenwood Drive will open in January at the former Hilton Head Brewing Company location outside the main gates to Sea Pines, according to a news release from Coastal Restaurants and Bars. At its restaurants across the country — including one in Mount Pleasant — MidiCi serves traditional Neapolitan cuisine; guests can order from the menu or create personalized Neapolitan pizzas. The Hilton Head location will employ about 30 people. January 2019 147


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Best Wings, Best Fish & Chips, Homemade Soups, Salads with Fresh Local Produce, Vegetarian Menu, Seafood. Port Royal Plaza, 843-842-2570, streetmeethhi.com

HILTON HEAD – NORTH END Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek nG Visit the Crazy Crab and enjoy genuine service and fresh seafood; a Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years! Menus feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” king crab, fresh local shrimp and more. Dine in the heart of Sea Pines at Harbour Town. Large parties welcome. Children’s menu available. Highway 278 (near Mile Marker 1), 843-681-5021, thecrazycrab.com Gator’z Pizza G Be sure to stop by Gator’z Pizza and order the “Bigly” MEGA Pizza. It’s 400 square inches of pizza perfection! These delicious square pizzas are available for both dine in and take out. Remember that you get more with a square pizza-just to do the math! Pie R Square! 40 Folly Field Road. HHI Beach & Tennis Resort, 843-842-0043 CocoNutz Sportz Bar Ga Open to the public. Imagine your favorite sporting events shown on dual 125” high-definition screens and 18 other TV’s tuned in to every sporting event imaginable. That’s what you will find at CocoNutz. $12 buckets of domestic beer, darts and pool. If you get hungry, we have the “Island’s Best Wings,” 1st place at Wingfest 2017, craft burgers and brews, prime rib. 40 Folly Field Road, HHI Beach & Tennis Resort, 843-842-0043

HILTON HEAD – MID-ISLAND Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar G

Il Carpaccio nG Il Carpaccio serves a wide variety of authentic Italian cuisine, ranging from the highly regarded cuisine of Northern Italy to genuine crispy, thincrust, Italian-style pizza. Casual, attractive restaurant, with large, attractive bar and a genuine brick oven (imported from Italy) for baking pizza. Attractive new additional dining room perfect for group functions. 200A Museum St. (Across from Walmart), 843-342-9949

Old Fort Pub G}

Dine indoors or outside on the patio, the Old Fort Pub offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and is the only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant on Hilton Head. (Won 11 times!) Enjoy “new south” favorites with influences from around the globe. Try the “Pub and Patio” menu offering smaller portions of Old Fort Pub’s signature entrees. Reservations Recommended. 65 Skull Creek Drive, 843-681-2386, OldFortPub.com

Reilley’s North End Pub nGa Munchies nG A true American deli and ice cream shop that only uses Boar's Head meats, cheeses and Nathan's famous all-beef hot dogs. Menu items include paninis, wraps, salads, homemade quiche, soups and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade chocolate candy, fudge, baked goods and premium ice cream. Gluten-free bread/wraps; vegan and vegetarian options. 1407 Main Street, Main Street Village, 843-785-3354

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Operated by the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort family. Chef de Cuisine Sean Carroll introduces an updated summer menu using seasonal ingredients with a strong emphasis on seafood while paying homage to Alexander’s original favorites. Dinner is available from 5–10pm seven days a week. 76 Queens Folly Rd. (Palmetto Dunes), 843-785-4999, alexandersrestaurant.com

A genuine island institution, Reilley’s has been serving up steaks, seafood, pasta & sandwiches for more than 35 years. Specials include Monday Night Lobster and Friday and Saturday Prime Rib; reservations required. Kids eat free Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. 95 Mathews Dr. (Port Royal Plaza), 843-681-4153, reilleysnorth.com

Street Meet: The American Tavern nGa “Sidewalk Sandwiches from America’s Favorite Street Corners™” Street Meet specializes in homemade versions of regional American bar food. Voted: People’s Choice Awards Best Bar 2015, Island’s Best Hot Dog.

Alfred’s Restaurant G Longtime island chef Alfred Kettering learned to prepare classical European cuisine at the Rhein School of Culinary Arts in Germany and some of the best hotels in Switzerland and Holland. His cuisine combines many appealing elements of classic Continental and authentic German cuisine. Tempting seafood and meat entrées, plus hot and cold appetizers, soups and salads. Casually elegant seating, plus a chef’s counter overlooking the open kitchen. Reservations recommended. Plantation Center (Hwy. 278, near Palmetto Dunes), 843-341-3117, www.alfredshiltonhead.com Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza nG

Located inside the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse, Big Jim’s offers signature Southern dishes, gourmet burgers, grilled pizzas, homemade soups, salads, seafood, steaks and falloff-the-bone ribs. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seasonal live entertainment. Big screen TVs and outdoor seating make Big Jim’s the perfect spot to watch sports. Take-out and catering available. 7 Trent Jones Ln. (Palmetto Dunes), 855-878-1966, palmettodunes.com/big-jims


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ELA’S Blu Water Grille n G

Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, artfully prepared by their team of culinary experts, compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. Overlooking Shelter Cove marina and Broad Creek, ELA’S offers the island’s best water views. A casual intimate interior, wrap around patio, and nightly entertainment provide the perfect dining experience or location to host events & private parties. Reservations recommended. 1 Shelter Cove Ln. (Shelter Cove), 843-785-3030, elasgrille.com

Bistro 17 nG

Excellent French bistro-style food. Indoors, the intimate restaurant boasts crisp white tablecloths, a huge wooden wine rack, and an overall cozy atmosphere. The spacious outdoor patio directly overlooks Shelter Cove Harbour. Fresh seafood is delivered six days a week. A children’s menu and reservations are available. Dog-friendly 17-D Harbourside Ln. (Shelter Cove Marina), 843-785-5517, bistro17hhi.com

Fishcamp on Broad Creek nGa

Fishcamp’s menu consists of mainly seafood and American cuisine, including steak and lobster. The main attraction is the outdoor bar and open patio. The restaurant is family friendly, and offers corn hole and a children’s menu. The history of the fish camp is legendary, and the venue embodies the rich Native Islander culture of Hilton Head Island. Pet-friendly outdoor pavilion. 11 Simmons Road (Adjacent to Broad Creek Marina), 843-842-2267, fishcamphhi.com

Flora’s Italian Cafe G Family-owned by a dynamic European couple and their son. The husband is a renowned chef, having cooked for several heads of state, while the wife is an excellent pastry chef. Wide selection of appetizers, tempting entrées include pastas, seafood, chops and veal, and wonderful homemade desserts. Selection of wines from California, Italy & Australia. Reservations recommended. 841 Wm Hilton Pkwy., 843-842-8200, florasitaliancafe.com The French Bakery & Courtyard Café gn Have breakfast or lunch inside or outdoors in this bakery/ café. Broad range of crepes, omelets, breads, baguette and grilled panini sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches and lots of wonderful pastries. The restaurant prides itself in the production of some of the finest bakery products in the region by using traditional French recipes, baking methods and imported French ingredients. 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 120, 843-342-5420, frenchbakeryhiltonhead.com Island Bagel & Delign

The only real New York style boiled bagels made from scratch daily on the island. Choose from 16 flavors of bagels, 12 flavors of home-made cream cheese and a variety of fresh baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch try the specialty hoagies or your favorite deli classic sandwiches and salads. Catering available and call-ins welcome. Breakfast and lunch daily. South Island Square, 843-686-3353, islandbagelanddeli.com

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Jamaica Joe’z Beach Bar n G

Open 7 days. Jamaica Joe’z is steps from the beach and a great place to kick back, snack on some pork nachos or a burger, and cool off with a frozen cocktail, ice cold beer or a soft drink. If you are not a guest at the Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, simply pay $5 for a pass and you will be rewarded with $5 in Jamaica Joe’z bucks. Find them online at: www.hhibeachandtennis.com. or Like them on Facebook at: Facebook.com/JamaicaJoezBeachBar. 40 Folly Field Rd., Mid-island, 843-842-0043

Jane Bistro & Bar nG

The owners of Wren Bistro in Beaufort opened Jane Bistro & Bar, serving classic bistro fare with Lowcountry influences. Favorites include the jumbo lump crab cakes, toasted pecan cranberry chicken salad, crispy flounder and petit filet mignon with pommes frites. There is spacious outdoor patio seating and a Kids Menu with healthful selections. Open 7 days a week. 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 109 (Shelter Cove Towne Centre), 843-686-5696, janehhi.com

Mediterranean Harbour Bar & Grill nGa

Simon Mikhael has brought Lebanese cuisine to Hilton Head. For those unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine, most dishes are grilled or baked and use ingredients like lemon, garlic, parsley, olive oil and spices. Enjoy their indoor and outdoor seating with a full service bar. Open daily and serving lunch. Shelter Cove Harbour, 843-842-9991, mediterraneanharbour.com

Old Oyster Factory Ga Panoramic marsh and water views. Specializing in fresh seafood and some of the best steaks on Hilton Head. Recently recommended in “Off the Beaten Track” column of The Wall Street Journal. Recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence” for the wine list and knowledge of wine. Children’s menu available. Casual dress. Reservations accepted. 101 Marshland Rd., 843-681-6040, OldOysterFactory.com

San Miguel’s nG Located directly on the harbour at Shelter Cove and provides islanders and visitors with good food and fun. Extensive California/Mexican menu. Try San Miguel’s Fish Tacos. The staff is especially proud of the fajitas and chimichangas. The Especiales de la Casa are popular favorites. Lunch and dinner served 7 days a week. Casual dress. 9 Harbourside Ln. (Shelter Cove Harbour), 843-842-4555, sanmiguels.com

Orange Leaf

Self-serve chain with unusual frozen yogurt flavors plus a variety of toppings. 38 Shelter Cove Ln. #128, Hilton Head Island, 843-689-5323, orangeleafyogurt.com

Ruan Thai Cuisine nG

Bunruan Suphata (Ruan), a native of Thailand, cooks authentic Thai fare based upon the cuisine of central Thailand. It ranges from curries to seafood to duck. Everything is prepared from scratch. Portions are generous. Lunch (informal) is served Monday-Saturday, and dinner (complete with white tablecloths) seven days a week. A children’s menu, take-out and dinner reservations are available. 811 Wm. Hilton Pkwy., 843-785-8575, myruanthai.com

Santa Fe Cafe nG Enjoy casually elegant dining in a longtime (20-plus years) island favorite that captures the spirit of New Mexico. Signature items include Parmesan Chipotle Grouper (written up in Tennis magazine), 24-ounce bone-in ribeye steaks, fajitas made with filet mignon, and Painted Desert Soup. Only authentic New Mexican chilies are used. 807 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (Plantation Center, by Palmetto Dunes), 843-785-3838, santafecafeofhiltonhead.com

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Sea Grass Grille G American and Lowcountry Continental cuisine. Chef Chad, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park, New York, brings 38 years of hands-on culinary expertise. More than 50 wines by the glass. Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence since 2012. Kids menu. Reservations accepted. 807 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (Plantation Center, by Palmetto Dunes), 843-785-9990, seagrassgrille.com Up the Creek Pub & Grill nGa Located on Broad Creek with a great view of the marina, boats & Broad Creek. This popular lowcountry hideaway offers casual waterfront dining on their decks. Known for smoked wings, hush puppies, house specialty buffalo chicken dip, beer selection and the best burgers on the Island. Kids menu available. Dogs are welcome. 18 Simmons Rd. (Broad Creek Marina), 843681-3625, upthecreekpubandgrill.com HILTON HEAD – SOUTH END Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café nG

Excellent Tex-Mex and American fare is their specialty. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat crab legs, sizzling fajitas, & delicious margaritas. Kids menu available. Casual dress. Reservations & large parties welcome. Private dining/event area. Live entertainment (seasonally) on the covered patio; Delicious wings, fajitas and to-go party package menu available. 69 Pope Avenue, 843-785-7700, auntchiladashhi.com

Big Bamboo n G a Where the South Pacific meets the Carolina Coast just steps from the beach, escape to the Big Bamboo Cafe. A long-running, casual hangout with a local vibe and a menu of burgers, seafood and festive libations. Come for the food, stay for the live entertainment! 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza, 843-686-3443, www.bigbamboocafe.com British Open Pub n G Family friendly pub style restaurants featuring authentic English food with additional American favorites and certified Angus beef. Try the signature fish and chips along with other British fare, including shepherd’s pie, steak and mushroom pie, lobster pot pie and bangers and mash. Casual dress. Village at Wexford, 843-686-6736, thebritishopenpub.com Carolina Crab Company nG

Boasting water views, C3 prides themselves on great, fresh seafood at an affordable price in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu offers an array of seafood; from light & healthy peel-neat shrimp, to giant Po Boys, burgers, Maine lobster and crab legs. Pet-friendly outside bar and patio. 86 Helmsman Way, 843-842-2016, carolinacrabco.com

ChowDaddy’s nG Chow Daddy’s offers a wide variety of unique menu items focusing on buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Enjoy avocado toast with a kale and quinoa salad or you can dive in to the pork sliders, a house ground rib eye burger, or their famous smoked fried chicken. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Call for Priority Seating Take out available. 14b Executive Park Rd., Hilton Head (off of Pope Ave.), 843-757-CHOW(2469), chowdaddys.com 152 hiltonheadmonthly.com


Charbar Co. n G Voted Top 16 Burgers in the World at the World Burger Championship. Pick a bread, a protein, veggies, and toppings and Charbar will whip up a custom-built burger that will blow your mind. Voted Hilton Heads Best Burger in the Islands Readers Choice 2012-2018, Hilton Head Monthly 20132017. Find sandwiches, salads and drink specials daily. 33 Office Park Road, Suite 213 (Park Plaza), 843-785-CHAR (2427), charbar.co Captain Woody’s n G a Enjoy “Fresh Seafood, Cold Beer & Great Happy Hour & Still A Locals Favorite For Over 30 Years!” They have dining inside and outside on the patio, with friendly owners and staff which adds up to a great place to eat. Captain Woody’s serves a wide variety of fresh seafood, great signature sandwiches, award winning soups and salads all at affordable prices. Hilton Head: 6 Target Rd., (off of Palmetto Bay Rd.), 843-785-2400 Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse G A unique, all-you-can eat “Churrascaria.” Enjoy a full salad bar with over 30 items, 6 Brazilian hot dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork carved at your table by their gauchos. Featuring a full bar, an eclectic wine list and their famous Brazilian drink “caipirinha.” Beautifully decorated restaurant featuring Chihuly lighting. 1000 Wm. Hilton Parkway B-6, 843-715-3565, cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com

CQ’s Restaurant nG SInce 1973 CQ’s combines fine dining, an intimate atmosphere and a touch of Hilton Head history. Signature dishes inspired by the abundant varieties of fresh seafood, beef and game. Craft your own unique menu at The Chef’s Table (by special arrangement). The “Bistro” menu offers smaller portions of CQ’s signature entrees. Children’s menus and take-out are available. 140 Lighthouse Rd., 843-671-2779, CQsRestaurant.com

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte G Don’t let the French name intimidate you; think of a fun, irreverent friend who happens to be a fabulous chef. Open since 1982, Charlie’s, an island favorite among locals and tourists alike, writes its menu daily based on the freshest seafood available. The dinner menu offers an array of 14 fresh fish, rack of lamb, filet mignon and more. An extensive wine list specializes in California cabs, Oregon pinot noir, Rhone Valley & Bordeaux. 8 New Orleans Road, 843-785-9277, charliesgreenstar.com Crane’s Tavern Steakhouse & Seafood G A great destination for steak and seafood lovers, serving cuts of only USDA Prime grade beef, including their Famous Prime Rib. Excellent selection of fresh fish, seafood and pasta dishes. Recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. Everything, from dressings to dessert, that can be is homemade. Reservations appreciated. 26 New Orleans Rd. (near Sea Pines Circle), 843-341-2333, cranestavern.com

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Crazy Crab Harbour Town nG Visit either Crazy Crab location and enjoy genuine service and fresh seafood; a Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years! Menus feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” king crab, fresh local shrimp and more. Dine among beautiful, waterfront sunsets at Jarvis Creek, or in the heart of Sea Pines at Harbour Town. Large parties welcome. Children’s menu available. Harbour Town: In the Sea Pines Resort, 843-363-2722, thecrazycrab.com Delisheeyo n G Vegetarian. Delisheeyo owner Blake Wearren set out to create a place for people to escape for lunch. The fruit and veggie smoothies are a quick meal by themselves. Their Buddha Bowls, consisting of steamed grain and healthy toppings of your choice, is a favorite of the regulars. Delisheeyo’s mission is to provide meals that you can trust, that are real, and healthy. 32 Palmetto Bay Road, 843-785-3633, delisheeeyo.com

Dough Boys Pizza nG

Offering various house made crusts: traditional hand tossed, thin crust and thick Sicilian. The Create-Your-Own-Chopped Salad has over 40 different items to choose from. Specialty subs include a Philly cheesesteak that makes Pat & Geno jealous, a secret recipe meatball sub, all served on Amoroso rolls. Dine In, Takeout and Island Wide Delivery. 1 New Orleans Rd., 843686-2697, DoughBoysHHI.com

FISH Seafood & Raw Bar G FISH Seafood & Raw Bar places a premium on sourcing delicious seafood from local sources and lightly preparing it with a deep respect for regional foodways and Lowcountry culinary history. Their courteous and knowledgeable staff can guide you on a journey of inspired seafood dishes in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Live entertainment at the FISH Bowl music venue. 1 N Forest Beach Dr. (Coligny Plaza), 843-342-3474, gofishhhi.com Flatbread Grill & Bar nG Upscale, casual dining. Enjoy Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, gourmet salads, burgers, wraps, hardy flatbread sandwiches and a great selection of entrées. Dough and sauces are freshly made on the premises. Local produce is used as available. 2 North Forest Beach Dr. (Beach Market Center), 843-341-2225, flatbreadgrillhhi.com Frosty Frog Cafe & Pizza nGa

Dine inside or out on the large patio w/retractable roof & live acoustic music nightly. Enjoy daiquiris, wine, beer & a full liquor bar; an extensive menu includes burgers, crabcakes, salads, wraps, pizza, calzones, crab legs, shrimp, extensive gluten-free options & a kids menu. As Frosty says “Life may not be a party...but we sure act like it.” They offer – NTN TRIVIA. Coligny Plaza, 843-686-FROG (3764), frostyfrog.com

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Holy Tequila n G Voted Hilton Head’s Best Mexican and featured as the Top 6 Mexican Restaurants in South Carolina for 2016. Holy Tequila offers modern Mexican cuisine and features an open kitchen, indoor/outdoor open air seating, and a tequila tasting room. The menu features gourmet tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads and small plates. 33 Office Park Rd., Suite 228 (Park Plaza), 843-681-TACO (8226), holytequila.com

Gruby's gn Gruby's New York Deli, in Hilton Head Island, SC, is the area's leading restaurant serving Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort and surrounding areas since 1986. We offer pastrami, roast beef, brisket, potato salad, coleslaw, corned beef, overstuffed sandwiches, dine in, carry out, delivery, catering and much more. For your next meal, visit Gruby's New York Deli in Hilton Head Island. 843-842-9111, grubysnydeli.com. Gusto Ristorante G

Now open! Located in the Fresh Market Plaza, Gusto Ristorante brings new flavors from Rome to Hilton Head. 890 Wm. Hilton Parkway, Fresh Market Plaza, 843-802-2424, GustoHiltonHead.com

Hickory Tavern nGa

A Social Gathering Spot: a place where the neighborhood is drawn by a lively bar, great food and a passion for sports and entertainment. Hickory Tavern is the perfect place for a business lunch - or - lunch with the girls. After the kids' baseball game - or - date night with that special someone. Looking to celebrate the day's victories at Happy Hour then Hickory Tavern is right up your alley. 843- 802-0010, thehickorytavern.com.

Hilton Head Diner gnGa One of the island’s only 24-hour restaurants. Modern diner in the tradition of the Northeast, boasting one of Hilton Head’s most extensive menus. All the baking is done on the premises. Beer, wine and mixed drinks are available. Hilton Head Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Children’s menu and carry-out available. Hwy. 278 at Yacht Cove Dr., 843-686-2400, hiltonheaddiner.com Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill n Ga Hinchey’s has much in common with a sports bar, but is very much of a restaurant, too. It is casual, with beach-goers invited to stop by for lunch, or for drinks or dinner. Dine inside or out. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 70 Pope Avenue, 843-686-5959, hincheys.com Hinoki Restaurant & Sushi Bar nG

Hinoki serves traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, chicken and steak, sukiyaki, a variety of noodle dishes, tempura, and many daily specials, plus sushi and sashimi. More than 20 entrées. Reservations are recommended for dinner. 37 New Orleans Rd. (Orleans Plaza), 843-785-9800, hinokihhi.com January 2019 155


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It’s Greek To Me n G a

Enjoy the unique taste of genuine Greek cuisine, from gyros to fried calamari to souvlaki to baklava for dessert in one of their cozy dining rooms or expanded patio. Food is prepared with authentic Greek recipes using only the best ingredients and equipment, including the only gyro machines on the island. Greek beer and ouzo. Reservations accepted. 11 Lagoon Rd., 843-842-4033, itsgreektomehhi.com

Nick’s Steak & Seafood G

The menu at Nick’s Steak & Seafood emphasizes steaks, seafood and barbecue and offers something for everyone including sandwiches, salads, appetizers, soups, burgers, pasta and a children’s menu. Prices are very reasonable. Nick’s also offers dining specials every day and complete bar service. Take-out is available. Reservations accepted. Large parties are welcome. 9 Park Lane, 843-686-2920, nickssteakandseafood.com

Kenny B’s Cajun/Creole Seafood gnG} “Creole cuisine with a Lowcountry influence.” Order New Orleans traditions such as jambalaya, red beans and rice, and authentic gumbos. Kenny B’s is home of the Island’s best po’ boys and fried seafood. Enjoy blackened shrimp, chicken and catch of the day. Kenny B’s offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. 70-A Pope Ave., 843-785-3315 Local Pie n G Chefs Lee Lucier, Jack McNulty and partner JR Richardson are oven-fired pizza aficionados. The custom pizza ovens are designed to make pizzas with thin, crisp, crusts - Neapolitanstyle pizza using ‘double 00’ flour. Observe the open kitchen. Their duck prosciutto, bacon, sausages, as well as freshwater mozzarella are all made in-house. Large screen TV’s, a sprawling 800-foot deck with a bar and bike parking. Reservations accepted, walk-ins welcome. 55 New Orleans Rd., 843-842-PIES, localpie.com

Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar G

Ombra Cucina Italiana G Chef Michael Cirafesi proudly promotes the foods & wines of Italy. He prepares all pastas, homemade gnocchi, desserts and breads daily. An extensive wine list with wines from every region in Italy. There is a European-style bar & lounge with a large selection of Italian specialty cocktails. Peanut-free. Gluten-free pasta and other options also available. Open 7 days a week from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. 1000 Wm. Hilton Pkwy, G-2 (Village at Wexford), 843-842-5505, ombrahhi.com

Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar is an American bistro with Southern soul. Striving to serve the freshest ingredients sourced from local and regional farms, purveyors, and our local waters. The menu is small and focused but offers a large variety of refined comfort foods (like shrimp and grits, braised beef short rib, and Southern fried chicken) and adventurous dishes (foie gras terrine, roasted octopus, and bone marrow). 843-681-3474, luckyroosterhhi.com.

Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Café gn

Michael Anthony’s G

Phillys Cafe & Deli n Locally owned and operated for more than 25 years, Phillys is a favorite lunchtime spot for locals and visitors. Phillys’ motto is “Best sandwiches on the island...Period!” Custom sandwiches with bread baked fresh daily. The pita wraps and salads are both imaginative and health-conscious. Dine in or take out. 55 New Orleans Rd., 843-785-9966, phillyscafe.com

Family owned and operated since 2002, Michael Anthony’s offers upscale classic Italian fine dining featuring innovative preparations and farm fresh ingredients. Acknowledged by Open Table as one of the Top 50 Italian Restaurants in the country. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:15pm. Reservations suggested. 37 New Orleans Rd. (Orleans Plaza), 843-785-6272, michael-anthonys.com

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Great breakfast fare starting before the sun rises, from 6 a.m. Now expanded seating on veranda, with clear roll-down walls available in the event of cold or inclement weather. Both breakfast and lunch items are available continuously. The cafe specializes in to-go lunches for charter boats, the beach or any other occasion. Open seven days a week. Palmetto Bay Marina, 843-686-3232, palmettobaysunrisecafe.com

Reilley’s Grill & Bar nGa An island institution, Reilley’s has been serving up steaks, seafood, pasta & sandwiches for more than 35 years. Reilley’s serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week, and Sunday brunch. The bar remains open until 2a.m. Specials include Monday Night Lobster and Friday and Saturday Prime Rib (reservations required). Kids eat free Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. 7D Greenwood Dr. (Reilley’s Plaza), 843-842-4414, reilleyshiltonhead.com

Red Fish n G Red Fish specializes in beautifully prepared seafood and steaks. Diners choose from a 1,000-plus bottle selection of wines to enjoy with their meals or to take home. Private dining room for large parties. Serving lunch and dinner. Specializing in beautifully prepared seafood and steaks. Private dining room. Ample parking available. 8 Archer Road, 843-686-3388, www.redfishofhiltonhead.com

Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras

Ga Formerly, Bomboras, Rockfish Seafood and Steaks at Bomboras is a unique family seafood restaurant and bar that is located right near the beach. Offering fresh and local lowcounty ingredients paired with craft beers and wines. Rockfish offers a chill indoor/outdoor social dinning experience! Kids menu. Lunches to Go for the beach are a specialty. At the bar, beer is poured from the bottom up with chill disc built into the bar. 5 Lagoon Road, 843-689-2662, rockfishhhi.com


well as nightly Chef Specials. Daily selection of homemade desserts, extensive and reasonable wine list. Gluten Free & Children’s Menu available. Reservations suggested. 15 Executive Park Rd. (off Pope Avenue, near Sea Pines Circle), 843-785-7006, stellinihhi.com

salads. Specialties include glazed grouper, mango salmon, crab cakes, chipotle chicken, meatloaf and fried shrimp. Call for Priority Seating. Catering and carry-out available. Full cocktail bar. 7 days a week from 11am. Sea Pines Center, 843-671-6136, trufflescafe.com

The Studio G Dine while enjoying watching artists painting in the elegant studio. The menu is inspired by American and global cuisines and uses the finest regional, natural and organic ingredients. Chef Colella has expanded the gluten-free vegetarian and vegan menu offerings. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins are welcome. 20 Executive Park Road, 843-785-6000, studiodining.com The Ice Cream Cone Salty Dog Cafe nG 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. South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines, 843671-7327, saltydog.com

Serving the finest and best selection of ice creams, soft-serve yogurts, sorbets, shakes, malts, floats, oldfashioned sodas, sundaes, and so much more! Offered is a large variety of special sundae creations and desserts! 1 N. Forest Beach Dr., Hilton Head Island, 843-785-4440, colignyicecreamcone.com

Truffles nG Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups, delicious sandwiches, and garden

Twisted Cork n G Open Monday through Saturday, 5-11 p.m. Open MondaySaturday, 5pm.A local cocktail and wine bar. You can find it in Festival Center Plaza, near the Sea Pines Circle. 11 Palmetto Bay Road # 102 (next to Staples), 843-802-0510

Sea Shack nG Sea Shack serves up one of the island’s most extensive menus of seafood served lots of ways, including grilled, blackened, fried, & more. Very reasonable prices. Family friendly. Take-out, kids menu available. Separate checks are no problem. Sea Shack was voted one of "South Carolina’s best seafood spots" by both Coastal Living magazine and Southern Living. Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch & dinner. 6 Executive Park Rd. (off Pope Ave.), 843-785-2464, seashackhhi.com Stack’s Pancakes & More g n G

Family owned and operated, Stack’s serves a full breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week. Including: pancakes, waffles, house-made fruit sauces, eggs, homemade crepes, and Stacks Original Crème Brûlée French Toast, shrimp & grits, eggs benedict, crab benedict with lump crab, shrimp omelet topped with lobster cream sauce. Kid’s menu, Gluten free items and takeout orders. 2 Regency Pkwy. and Hwy. 278, 843-341-3347

Stellini G

Family owned and operated since 1989! Guests dine in either the main dining room or Carolina room. Stellini features many of the most popular Italian appetizers and entrees from NY & Northern NJ. Delicious pasta, poultry, veal, seafood, beef and lamb all expertly prepared, as January 2019 157


››Dining | Favorites g BREAKFAST G DINNER a OPEN LATE

n LUNCH } SUNDAY BRUNCH

BLUFFTON

Agave Side Bar nG A fun laid-back Southwest Tex-Mex Patrón margarita and taco bar specializing in authentic tacos and smooth margaritas. Happy Hour daily 4-6pm, Taco Tuesdays. Indoor & Outdoor seating. 13 State of Mind St., 843-757-9190 Amigos, Bluffton nG

Authentic Mexican taqueria, serving delicious food “inspired by Mexican cuisine from the Gulf Coast of Baja, Mexico, to the beautiful seaside community of Santa Barbara, California.” Owner, Andrew Farbman created Amigos’ famous BBQ Chicken Salad. Amigos uses the finest ingredients possible. Amigos’ salsa bar features a variety of salsas from carefully selected fresh chilies. Amigos is open for lunch and dinner. Full bar. Carry-out is available. Awarded Bluffton’s Favorite Burrito and Taco – Hilton Head Monthly’s Reader’s Choice Awards. 133 Belfair Town Village, 843-815-8226

Bluffton Brauhaus G

Brothers Alfred and Volker Kettering new restaurant is offering some German classics, like Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, roasted duckling with spaetzle and red cabbage. A “Bratwurst Experience” with Thüringer-, Nürnberger- and Müenchner-style sausages, as well as salads, vegetables and fish dishes. The beer selection will include 20 beers on tap and bottled beers. Serving dinner only, from 4 p.m. daily. 68 Bluffton Rd., Bluffton, 843-757-3334 158 hiltonheadmonthly.com

The Bluffton Room Ga Our well crafted cocktails, gracious service and table-side preparations evoke the feeling of a lively dinner party. Join us Tuesday through Saturday for dinner or cocktails in our intimate dining room or open-air bar and patio. On Fridays, we serve a special New Orleans style lunch from 11am to 2pm with a creole menu and specially priced martinis. The Bluffton Room is intended as an adult dining experience. 843-7573525, theblufftonroom.com. British Open Pub nGa Attractive pub-style restaurant featuring authentic English food, lots of golf and British photos, art and memorabilia on the walls and elsewhere. Excellent signature fish and chips. Lots of other British fare, including shepherd’s pie, steak and mushroom pie, and bangers and mash. Also wide selection of American appetizers and entrées. Serving only Licensed Certified Angus Beef. Serving lunch and dinner every day. Sheridan Park, 843-815-6736, britishopenpub.net Calhoun Street Tavern nGa

A comfortable room where fine spirits are drank, laughs are had, and stories are told. A public house for travelers and locals alike. Cold beer, classic cocktails, and familiar faces are just the start of it. Paired with a chef driven menu of southern plates, thoughtful service and comforting lowcountry classic food. 9 Promenade St., Bluffton, 843-757-4334, calhounstreettavern.com

Captain Woody’s n G a Enjoy “Fresh Seafood, Cold Beer & Great Happy Hour & Still A Locals Favorite For Over 30 Years!” They have dining inside and outside on the patio, with friendly owners and staff which adds up to a great place to eat. A big outdoor deck bar featurs beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Captain Woody’s serves a wide variety of fresh seafood, great signature sandwiches, award winning soups and salads all at affordable prices. 17 State of Mind St. (in the Calhoun Street Promenade), 843-757-6222 ChowDaddy’s nG Chow Daddy’s offers a wide variety of unique menu items focusing on buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Enjoy

avocado toast with a kale and quinoa salad or you can dive in to the pork sliders, a house ground rib eye burger, or their famous smoked fried chicken. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Call for Priority Seating .Take out available as well. 15 Towne Dr., Belfair Towne Village, 843-757CHOW(2469), chowdaddys.com

Cinco Mexican Grill nG

The extensive lunch and dinner menus offer authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch using both traditional and modern recipes very popular with families, couples and large groups. Among the most popular dishes are the Cinco Bowl, Piña Fajitas, Carnitas, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Flautas and for dessert, flan and other desserts. The full bar offers mixed drinks, beer, wine-by –the-glass and a high end tequila list, including Mescal. 102 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 3D (Berkeley Place), 843-815-2233, cincomexgrill.com

Corner Perk gn

Corner Perk is a coffeehouse / brunch restaurant where city meets South. Here, southern hospitality and comfort food is fused with the creativity of urban culture. Corner Perk offers the most amazing locally roasted Coffees, Teas, Espresso drinks, Cold Brew, Frappes as well as Skillets, Omelettes, Wraps, Sandwiches, and Salads. 843-816-5674, cornerperk.com.

FARM Bluffton n G Inspired by the seasonal bounty of Lowcountry produce, FARM bases the menu on locally sourced and homegrown veggies, thoughtfully raised meats, and “cultural traditions from around the world.” The menu changes at least weekly, depending on what’s in season, and they are able to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets. Reservations recommended. 1301 May River Road, 843-707-2041, farmbluffton.com Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill nGa Hinchey’s has much in common with a sports bar, but is verymuch of a restaurant, too. It is casual, with beach-goers invited to stop by for lunch, or for drinks or dinner. Dine inside or out. Open seven days a week. 104 Buckwalter Place, 843836-5959, hincheys.com


Island Bagel & Deli gn

The Pearl Kitchen + Bar nG

Nonna Lucia nG}

Stooges Café g n Eat gourmet specials, eggs, omelets and hot meals at unbeatable prices while watching classic episodes of The Three Stooges, The Little Rascals or I Love Lucy on one of the TVs. Some say Stooges has the best grits in the Lowcountry, if not all of South Carolina. Nine time winner of Best Breakfast in Best of Bluffton. 25 Sherington Drive, 843-706-6178

Serving New York style boiled bagels made from scratch daily. Choose from 16 flavors of bagels, 12 flavors of homemade cream cheese and a variety of fresh baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch try the specialty hoagies or your favorite deli classic sandwiches and salads. Catering available and call-ins welcome. Breakfast and lunch daily. 17 Sherington Dr., Bluffton, 843-815-5300, islandbagelanddeli.com

Recently under new ownership. Family owned and operated by Chef Julio Licona, his wife Michelle, and their two children. Located near Hwy. 46 and Bluffton Parkway, Nonna Lucia offers an extensive wine list, happy hour, early dining and nightly specials. The new lunch menu offers authentic Italian dishes as well 1/2 lb grilled burgers, sandwiches and more. Live music with Cheryl Christine every Thursday and Friday. Sunday Brunch coming soon. Open at 11am. 5 Godfrey Place, Bluffton, 843-837-4554

Local Pie nG Chefs Lee Lucier, Jack McNulty and partner JR Richardson are oven-fired pizza aficionados. The custom pizza ovens are designed to make pizzas with thin, crisp, crusts - Neapolitan-style pizza using ‘double 00’ flour. Observe the art of hearth cooking with the open kitchen. Their duck prosciutto, bacon, sausages, as well as fresh-water mozzarella are all made in-house. Lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night. Promanade, 843-837-PIES , www.localpie.com Olive & Fig nG

Olive & Fig provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The menu will feature Lebanese and Greek dishes alongside traditional Mediterranean fare, while also offering many gluten free and vegetarian options. Serving imported Lebanese wine and beer. Olive & Fig interior features a Mediterranean aesthetic. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. Closed Sundays. 1533 Fording Island Road, Suite 326, (Moss Creek Village) Hilton Head; 843-605-4093.

A refreshing new approach to dining - focused on a complete sensory experience offering fresh, “clean-eating,” contemporary food preparations utilizing the best fresh catch seafood, certified steaks and local produce available. Outdoor dining available on the front patio - perfect for people watching. Open for sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. Private 2nd floor dining space available for parties and special events. Reservations highly recommended. 55 Calhoun Street, 843-757-5511

Truffles nG Casual cafe featuring the “freshest and finest of everything!” Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups and fresh garden salads. Truffles also has excellent desserts, and offers a full bar and fine wines by the glass or by the bottle to complement your dinner. Covered patio. Lunch, dinner seven days a week. Full cocktail bar. Serving Lunch and Dinner daily from 11 a.m. Happy hour is everyday from 4-6. Belfair Towne Village, 843-815-5551, trufflescafe.com Twisted European Bakery gn Stephanie Pisano and Chris Veneris opened Twisted European Bakery in late September 2016 in Old Town Bluffton. This traditional old world style bakery specializes in all types of European pastries, all made by hand on the premises. Birthday cakes, small catering for bridal, family and office events. 1253 May River Road, 843-757-0033, twistedeuropeanbakery.com

Zeppelin’s at Station 300 n G Located within Station 300, Zeppelin’s is now under new management. Mike Chapman, a Savannah native and Johnson & Wales Charleston graduate, has implemented a new exciting menu. Enjoy their signature grilled flat iron steak while watching the game on one of their seven large screen tvs or stop by and have a drink outside on the pet friendly patio. Open Mon.-Thur. 10am-11pm; Fri. & Sat. 10am-12pm; Sun. 10am-10pm. 25 Innovation Dr., Bluffton, 843-815-2695 ext. 7, station300.com January 2019 159


PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE RITTERBECK

››Last Call

Marc Frey – media entrepreneur mfrey@freymedia.com

How High Can You Go?

THE LOWCOUNTRY COULD BENEFIT FROM RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE TO $15 PER HOUR

T

he Town of Hilton Head Island and the town of Bluffton should raise compensation to a living wage — and Beaufort County businesses should follow suit. I know some of you cringe hearing me say that, but hear me out. First, let’s consider the facts: The federal minimum wage is set by the U.S. labor law and was last adjusted in 2009 to $7.25 per hour. States and cities have the ability to set their own standards, and 28 states have a higher minimum wage. Seattle was the first city to raise pay to $15 per hour and many cities have followed its lead. Corporations can voluntarily pay their hourly employees a higher wage; for example, Amazon recently set its minimum hourly rate at $15. The federal minimum wage has not kept up with inflation; it would have to be somewhere between $12 and $19 an hour, depending on when you start adjusting and what inflation calculator is used. South Carolina follows the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Now let’s move to the general arguments. For most people, $7.25 per hour is not a living wage. Working 40 hours a week would generate a monthly income of $1,160 a month. This simply does not cover housing, food, transportation, medical, clothing, etc. If a person is willing and capable of working and they can’t make a living wage, they will depend on social programs to survive. Welfare programs are paid for by taxes. That makes my capitalistic argument simple: If we want to reduce social programs, we need to give everybody a chance to make a living wage. It’s the moral thing to do. In order for capitalism to thrive, the tide needs to lift all boats. Raising the minimum wage is good for the economy. Additional income earned will channel back into spending. It’s also good for crime rates and the reduction of drug abuse. And it’s good for social justice: A citizen who

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feels respected is a more productive member of society. And really, we’re already paying for a higher hourly wage — just indirectly through taxes, funding social programs that help make up the difference between what low-income jobs pay and what people need to survive. And I don’t support corporations taking advantage of a minimum wage in order to enrich management and their shareholders while putting the burden on taxpayers. I’d rather pay $10.85 for my lunch instead of $10 knowing that the person cooking, cleaning or serving is paid a living wage — based on the assumption that labor constitutes 25 percent of the cost and labor cost increases 33 percent. Capitalism teaches us that everything is based on supply and demand and that wages would adjust accordingly if there was nobody willing to work for less. However, that has not proven to be true. Corporations will find every loophole in the system to increase their profits — which, granted, is their goal — if a tax-funded federal or state support system is in place to make up for the lack of a living wage. Why should our towns and businesses make a move? We are all aware of the lack of affordable housing on Hilton Head — and, increasingly, in Bluffton — forcing thousands of workers to deal with long commutes and traffic jams and causing labor shortages for businesses. It makes sense to address opportunities to create affordable housing units, along with alternate routes to the island. However, one fairly simple additional measure that can be taken immediately is to vote to raise the minimum wage to $15, like so many other municipalities have done with no negative impact on their economies. Furthermore, it should be our goal to make the Lowcountry the best place to live, work, visit and retire, and raising the minimum wage would be an important practical measure to signal to the world that we are a progressive, quality-minded region that is planning for the future — not just the now. I’d love to hear your thoughts.




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