Hilton Head Monthly January 2023

HILTON HEAD

MOnthLY

OUTDOORS

DINING

HEALTH

dear reader,

For more than 35 years, Monthly magazine has provided Lowcountry readers with compelling content that has connected the community.

This month Monthly puts the spotlight on some of the fascinating people in our area. Our annual Intriguing People of the Lowcountry issue celebrates who we are and highlights the compelling backgrounds of our neighbors.

You may know some of the people featured, but we promise you’ll learn things about them you didn’t know.

SASHA SWEENEY

Hilton Head Island has a new mayor. Read about Alan Perry’s plans to move the town forward. Bluffton mayor Lisa Sulka has served her town for nearly 15 years. Learn what she sees for the future.

Education is at the forefront this month and we salute the school district’s teacher of the year and profile many of the great school options available to students in this region.

Our local high school teams enjoyed some success during the fall season. Check out the championship highlights in our roundup.

We wish you all the best in 2023. Thank you for being part of our journey.

MEREDITH DIMUZIO

SASHA SWEENEY MEREDITH DIMUZIO Publishers

School PROFILES

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

JAMES MALLORY

JAMES MALLORY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

James Mallory enjoys exploring the colorful, historic and diverse narrative of the Lowcountry through his reporting and writing.

He is a freelance editor/writer, media consultant and leadership coach.

A frequent contributor to Monthly magazine, he has written about a variety of topics ranging from stories about the Native Islander community to business, development and political issues in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area.

He and his wife moved to Hilton Head in 2015 after he retired from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as Senior Managing Editor. In addition to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan.

Since moving to the area, James has focused on creative writing.

His essays, short stories and poems have been published in three Island Writers’ Network Anthologies. He writes noir fiction about a detective in his hometown of Detroit in the mid-1970s. A short story featuring the character appeared in a recent issue of Mystery Magazine. He enjoys golfing regularly with the Lowcountry Duffers and the Golden Bear Men’s Golf Association. James heads the Island Writers’ Network and sings in choirs at Bluffton’s Campbell Chapel AME Church.

RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

BY LOWCOUNTRY HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE

The two women found hidden away in a Hilton Head Island massage parlor were made to sleep in the attic on beds made from wooden pallets. One woman spoke some English. The other none. Neither wanted to be there, but each declined to file a report about the business owner.

These women were among five who received direct assistance from the Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force in 2022. There likely are many, many more living among us who are victims of sex trafficking, labor trafficking or both.

The goal of the Task Force, co-chaired by Michelle Fraser and JoJo Woodward, is to work with the State Human Trafficking Task Force and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to provide training and support for area law enforcement.

It seeks to spread awareness of this problem, because it is not one that law enforcement or the Task Force can solve on its own.

You can help by simply being aware of your surroundings and by reporting suspicious activity. Learn more about what’s being done to combat human trafficking at this year’s community address at 10 a.m. Jan. 25.

The event is at the Hardeeville Community Center at 258 John Smith Road in Hardeeville. It in observance of January’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The meeting is open to the public, but registration is required. Email sclchttf@gmail. com or call 843-790-6453.

PHOTOS MONTH OF THE

1. Isabella DiMuzio captured a stunning sunset at the Sailing and Rowing Center.

2.

PHOTOS MONTH OF THE

4.

An eagle gets set to take flight, as photographed by Gail Sherman. 3. Several readers sent in photos of the little blue sailboat.

Finn Sweeney enjoyed a morning sunrise while kayaking with friends in Broad Creek.

STEPHENS

USCB STUDENT SELECTED FOR THE WATERING HOLE WRITERS’ RETREAT

Edra Stephens, a University of South Carolina Beaufort English major, Gullah poet and novelist, has been selected as a manuscript fellow for prestigious writers’ workshop The Watering Hole. She is the first USCB student to be chosen for this honor. The Watering Hole hosts the only Southern writing retreat for poets of color and draws 50-60 poets each year. Stephens, who grew up on Hilton Head Island, will bring to the group selected poems and a section of her first novel, “Born White, Dying Black.”

RESIDENT BEACH PARKING PASSES UPDATED

The Town of Hilton Head Island extended validity of 2022 resident beach parking passes through Feb. 28, 2023. Newly eligible residents can contact Facilities Management

know

IN THE

at 843-342-4580 to discuss options for the issuance of a temporary beach parking pass. Information about resident beach parking passes, including eligibility, is also available at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT EARNS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE RATING

Frank Rodriguez, Beaufort County School District superintendent, scored a “highly effective rating” by the school district’s board. The board scored Rodriguez on 37 questions to gauge professional practice. The evaluation included governance and board relations, community relations, staff relations, business and finance, and instructional leadership. The board commended him for mobilizing community resources and collaborating with community partners. His salary increase was approved by 5 percent to $251,254.

BLUFFTON BEGINS BRIDGE STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT

The first phase of the Town of Bluffton’s Bridge Street Streetscape Project began in December and will continue through the end of the summer. The phase will cost about $1.1 million and will include improvements to sidewalks, parking, street lighting, drainage, and add Americans with Disabilities Act compliant crosswalks on Bridge Street from Burnt Church Road to Calhoun Street. The objective is to improve pedestrian flow, connectivity, walkability, public safety and improve stormwater runoff drainage and water quality along the route.

BOOKS APPROVED FOR RETURN TO LIBRARIES

Four books — “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Speak,” “Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Kite Runner” — were approved to return to the libraries by county school district book review committees. The Library Materials Review Committees will decide on 97 titles that were removed from libraries in October. Committee members read the assigned book and meet as a group to discuss findings.

NEW HILTON HEAD MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS TAKE OFFICE

Alan Perry, newly elected Hilton Head Island mayor, officially began his four-year term Dec. 6 after a swearing-in ceremony. Also taking office were council members Patsy Brison (Ward 2), Steve Alfred (Ward 5), and Tamara Becker (Ward 4).

WOMAN ATTACKED BY ALLIGATOR SUES

A Hilton Head woman has sued after she was attacked by an alligator Sept. 2, 2021. According to the complaint against Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners Association and the Rookery Community Association, Elsie Kyle suffered “permanent” injuries that have caused “substantial physical and mental pain.” Kyle was attacked by an 8-foot alligator. She says Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners’ Association and The Rookery Community Association allowed “an unreasonably hazardous and

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S SUPERINTENDENT EARNED A RAISE, HILTON HEAD’S NEW MAYOR WAS SWORN IN, AND BLUFFTON BEGAN ITS STREET-IMPROVEMENT PLAN. HERE’S WHAT MADE NEWS DURING THE PAST MONTH:

unsafe condition” to exist and failed to “take appropriate measures to prevent alligators from attacking the public,” according to the lawsuit.

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK RECOGNIZED FOR ATTRACTIVE DESIGN

Hilton Head Island’s Lowcountry Celebration Park earned an Award of Excellence for its design from the South Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Chris Darnell, an Urban Designer with the Town of Hilton Head Island, and Wood and Partners, the firm that designed the park, accepted the award. Lowcountry Celebration Park opened in December 2020.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES ARCHITECTURE FIRM FOR HHI HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD

The Beaufort County Board of Education approved Charleston-based Little Diversified Architectural Company to design Hilton Head Island High School’s

rebuild. A 2019 referendum included funding for the design of the Hilton Head High School rebuild, with the construction portion of this project being part of a future referendum. As the largest single-story school structure within Beaufort County School District, the existing Hilton Head High School building was originally constructed in 1983 with multiple additions over the years.

WOMAN FOUNDED DEAD IN 1995 IDENTIFIED

A woman who was found dead 27 years ago but whose identity had been unknown has been identified, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said. Maria Telles-Gonzalez of Kissimmee, Fla., had been unidentified before police confirmed she was the woman found in a roadside drainage ditch in Yemassee on May 24, 1995. She was 36 at the time of her death. The BCSO said advanced DNA technology and genealogy research led to her body being identified.

BY JAMES A. MALLORY | PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Hilton Head Island has a framework to move forward with building and encouraging the construction of workforce housing.

The plan, adopted in November by the town council, comes as local businesses struggle to retain employees. The lack of workforce housing has been a growing issue for years, not just on Hilton Head but in tourist spots around the country.

Escalating real estate prices make it nearly impossible for workers to live near their jobs.

Coming out of the COVID crisis, service on the island declined because of fewer workers, said councilman Alex Brown, who represents Ward 1.

Also, developers are looking at repurposing existing housing to take advantage of higher real estate prices, he said.

“Workforce housing is really about the future sustainability of the island. Who we are, and who we aren’t if we don’t have it,” said Missy Luick, Hilton Head’s Community Planning Manager.

Luick is on point for the town’s Workforce Housing Framework project, which builds on a housing strategic plan unveiled in 2019. One outcome of that plan is the proposed Northpointe public-private partnership to build workforce housing on town-owned land near the northside post office. The town is evaluating developers’ proposals, Luick said, and hoping to sign off on one in the first quarter of 2023.

The need to address workforce housing gained added urgency last August when residents of Chimney Cove Apartments, many of whom work in the island service industries, received 30-day eviction notices. The owner wanted to sell the property. Housing advocates and community and religious leaders kept the crisis at the forefront, and the 300 eviction notices were rescinded a month later.

Chimney Cove showed that the existing structure was “so fragile that almost 300 people could be displaced in one community that was being sold and redeveloped as something different,” Luick said.

To avoid surprises like Chimney Cove, officials are working on a displacement strategy and emergency plan, Luick said. For example, the town could develop covenants that stipulate that property targeting the working class stay affordable for a period of time, she said.

“We want to have something in place so that we are proactive, not reactive,” she said.

The Chimney Cove crisis led to the fast-tracking of a plan that became the Workforce Housing Framework which the town hopes will stimulate the building of affordable housing, whether it be by the town or private developers.

The resolution passed by the council also directed Town Manager Marc Orlando to allocate $1 million annually for workforce housing, beginning with the current fiscal year. Additional funding could come from federal, state or non-profits, Luick said.

The next step is to hire a workforce housing manager who will plan, coordinate and implement the workforce housing program, which includes exploring the creation of a professionally managed housing organization.

Workforce housing is often equated with low-income property, leading opponents to associate it with poverty and crime. Hilton Head wants to develop housing for the range of workers that serve the island, including those in hospitality, landscaping, hospitals, medical offices, schools and first responders, Luick said.

“We want it to be integrated within the community,” she said about the housing design. “I think, with our existing regulations regarding design and aesthetics, we can move past some of those fears.”

Luick said the workforce affordability range could be 60 to 120 percent of Beaufort County’s area median income set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As of May 2022, the county’s AMI was $95,600. Other projects could be mixed-income with both market rate and workforce housing adjusted rates.

Proponents expressed optimism about the Workforce Housing Framework’s potential because it is supported by “four foundational pillars,” each with goals, strategies and first steps. The pillars call for: keeping the community involved and engaged; creating an environment that stimulates the development of workforce housing; a dedicated staff for planning and coordination; and a revenue model for funding housing initiatives and partnerships.

Funding the Framework differentiates it from previous plans, Brown said.

“We are committing to how we’re going to manage this,” he said. “We will have a staff person who will live and breathe this. If there is a third-party housing authority, we will have boots on the ground for whatever development happens.”

Rev. June Wilkins, the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on Hilton Head, said she is optimistic about the future of additional workforce housing on the island now that the town is involved. Christ Lutheran is a neighbor of Chimney Cove and helped the residents during the crisis. More town council members understand the gravity of the situation, Rev. Wilkins said, while cautioning that there will be other issues.

“In the reality of building the housing, there could be public opposition,” she said. “We need people to work here, but there are still a lot of hurdles to get over.”

PROMOTING HARMONY

ALAN PERRY TAKES THE HELM AS HEAD HEAD ISLAND MAYOR

BY MARK E. LETT | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Listen. Learn. Lead.

It doesn’t take long for three words to surface when talking with the new mayor of Hilton Head Island.

In his first month on the job, Mayor Alan Perry has been busy gathering opinions, vetting information and setting priorities for a four-year term as the town’s chief elected official.

From Day 1 as Hilton Head’s mayor, Perry has shown a preference for the management mantra that leadership is a dialogue, not a monologue.

The 57-year-old, self-described “Islander” faces a full agenda of familiar issues. A Hilton Head resident since his parents relocated the family to the island from Virginia a half-century ago, Perry is well aware of much-debated town issues, from growth and the environment to housing, infrastructure and Lowcountry culture.

To tackle those, Perry said, he promises to draw upon his history on the island, experience gained serving more than three years on the town planning committee and the shared knowledge of citizens, public employees and members of the town council.

Debate and discord are familiar in politics and public service. Perry said he intends to promote “harmony” in advancing a Hilton Head agenda.

“I see harmony as an understanding or ideal that allows us to work together with respect in the goal to achieve happiness,” Perry said at his swearing-in ceremony Dec. 6.

“Over the past couple weeks, I have met with every council person…” he added. “I found that we are pretty much aligned with our desires to protect the character and values of our community.

We will not always agree on how we get there, but we will find the best avenue that fits us through constructive conversations.”

The first job, Perry said, is to secure town council approval of an online “dashboard” on the town website to enable residents to easily track the voting records of elected officials.

Beyond that, Perry and the town’s six council members will face decisions that include, among other issues:

• A new bridge connecting the island and mainland on U.S. 278;

• A housing shortage for critical workers such as firefighters, police and health care employees;

• Balancing growth and environmental concerns with projects affecting key areas such as Mitchelville and Jonesville, the Arts center of Coastal Carolina and as well as mid-island commercial development.

Perry said he brings a willingness to hear all sides in each issue, adding that he also will be guided by his passion for Hilton Head’s natural beauty, his experience as vice-chair of the planning panel and his career as a mortgage broker serving Hilton Head, Bluffton and the Lowcountry.

He subscribes to much of the philosophy of Charles Fraser, the developer whose leadership helped transform Hilton Head into a world-class destination.

“I favor a Hilton Head where it is green during the day and at night you see the stars,” said Perry, who was seven years old when his family settled in Hilton Head.

A graduate of the Sea Pines Academy (now part of Hilton Head Preparatory), Perry attended Anderson College in the South Carolina Upstate and the College of Charleston.

Self-described as having an “affinity for numbers,” he followed the lead of some friends and entered the mortgage industry. (“It’s great to help people get into their dream home,” Perry said).

He remains a Hilton Head resident, Perry said, because “it’s Paradise.” Perry and his wife, two sons and two stepdaughters live in Hilton Head Plantation.

Perry ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2018, when John McCann was elected. McCann decided not to seek reelection and endorsed Perry, saying the newly elected mayor has “the business skills,” the “personal skills” and “a heart for this island.”

Perry defeated JoAnn Orischak in a Nov. 22 runoff election, held because no candidate won a required 50 percent majority in the general election. Perry received 56 percent of more than 8,600 votes cast.

BIG THINGS ARE AHEAD

MAYOR LISA SULKA TALKS ABOUT TOWN OF BLUFFTON’S FUTURE

BY CLAY BONNYMAN EVANS | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Midway through her fourth term as mayor, Lisa Sulka doesn’t hesitate to name the biggest issue facing the Town of Bluffton: growth and development.

With a population of 27,716 in 2020, the town is one of the fastest growing municipalities in South Carolina. And the once tiny burg is now fifth largest in terms of land area in the state.

“When we moved here (36 years ago), the town was one square mile. Growth was running over the bridge” — from Hilton Head Island — “and the mayor and council felt it was best to control, through annexation, large, single-landowner tracts,” she said.

Now, Sulka notes, a whopping 92 percent of the town’s 53-square-mile area is under development agreements established decades ago.

With some of those long-ago agreements set to expire, she says potential new growth will require cooperation with other local government entities, from the school board to Beaufort County, the state and the nearby city of Hardeeville

“It’s not just within the town limits,” Sulka says. “Outside of town our county, our entire ZIP code, is growing. Hilton Head is developing infill, Hardeeville is just starting (to develop). We … need to figure out what that means so we can get ahead of it.”

At issue is the impact more residential and commercial development will have on the town’s water quality, schools and transportation.

Local public schools are part of the Beaufort County School District, governed by the board of education. But Sulka says Bluffton stays in close communication with the district.

How to handle a potential influx of students from new development is a key

topic of discussion. Sulka cautions that reflexively building new buildings may not be the best answer, noting that as buildout approaches, the town’s demographics could begin to shift away from families with school-age children.

“We are a very young town. Who would have thought in 1996 that our average age would be 36?” she says. “I’d love our town to stay that young, but it could start inching up every year.”

Real-estate agent Sulka (she’s been in the industry since the 1980s) senses that the town is “two-thirds along the way” in terms of residential development, and subsequent commercial growth. “So we may be seeing the end of growth” and stabilization on the horizon, she says.

On the capital-improvement front, Sulka is enthusiastic about several projects expected to get under way in 2023, including:

• A $10 million bond issue will pay for streetscaping, lighting and additional parking at the 40-acre New Riverside Barn project.

• Improvements in lighting and accessibility for the 3.7-mile New River Linear Trail, which Sulka says she wants “to be our version of the Spanish Moss Trail” near Beaufort.

• Refurbishment of historic Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage and Squire Pope Carriage House.

• A partnership with the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority to convert the Stony Crest Plantation Campground from a septic system to sewer. “That’s the headwaters, that’s where (water quality) problems begin,” Sulka says.

And while it’s already complete, Sulka is looking forward to the “official finishing” of work on the Reflection Plaza behind the Bluffton Police Department in mid-January.

Sulka can look forward to welcoming Bluffton’s new police chief Joseph “Joe” Babkiewicz, who in mid-December was selected for the position by Bluffton Town Manager Stephen Steese.

Babkiewicz has 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He previously served in the Bluffton Police Department for 13 years, rising to the rank of captain.

A community survey asking residents about their priorities in hiring a new chief proved useful to Steese in the hiring process, the mayor says.

She asked him about the survey and found residents wanted “someone who is committed to being here, who is part of the community, who lives and breathes Bluffton, professional standards, community policing.”

BOB

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Temperament: Shy, loving and loyal. No small children.

Of THE

MONTH P E TS

ADOPT THEM AT: ROGUE RESCUE & SANCTUARY

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PAULIE

Age: 1.5 years old Gender: Male Weight: 50 pounds Breed: Golden Mix

Temperament: Energetic. Loves water. Dog selective.

GRAND GESTURE

RUTH JOINER BROWN CELEBRATED BY TOWN OF BLUFFTON AT CHRISTMAS PARADE

BY MONTHLY | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Ruth Joiner Brown, a longtime Bluffton resident, was named the Town of Bluffton’s 2022 Christmas Parade grand marshal.

Brown led the 51st edition of the parade through downtown Bluffton.

“What a beautiful day in Bluffton,” Mayor Lisa Sulka said.

Brown is a lifelong educator who lives and owns the house her mother once owned. At 88 years old, Brown represents the generational legacy of a family who has lived in Bluffton during many chapters of her life and witnessed the several chapters her hometown has also experienced, a news release said.

She was an educator for more than three decades. Brown moved to New York after attending Beaufort County schools and Benedict College in Columbia, S.C.

She taught and counseled students in New York: first at J. Watson Bailey Junior High School and later became a school counselor

at Wilkes Wick School for Boys where she worked with at-risk students. After her career, Brown returned to Bluffton and helped her family maintain Cordray’s Concoction, an ice cream and sweets shop by day and venue for social gatherings at night.

Brown was married to her late husband, Philip Brown, Sr. and they have three grown children: Phillip Brown Jr., Phyllis G. Brown, and James W. Brown.

She is a lifetime member of The Prince Hall Order of The Eastern Star, a civic organization, the news release said.

Before the parade, the fun began with the annual tree lighting at Martin Family Park, where its festive tree was lit.

“Our tree lighting ceremony and town wide decorations have converted Bluffton into a charming winter wonderland for everyone,” Sulka said. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and our wonderful town.”

Empowering ENTREPRENEURS

BY AMY COYNE BREDESON | PHOTOS SUPPLIED

BLACQUITY HELPS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES GROW

Mariah Mervin began cheerleading in the seventh grade, and she has dreamed of running her own cheerleading gym ever since. At age 24, she has already accomplished that dream. In March 2021, she opened Prestige Elite Athletics, an all-star cheerleading gym on Hilton Head Island.

A local initiative has helped Mervin solidify her business plan and look forward to a successful career. This past spring, the Hilton Head native attended the Black Equity University, a 12-week training program that teaches Black entrepreneurs the basics of owning and growing a business.

The program is organized by BlacQuity, a diverse group of Lowcountry business and community leaders who have made it their mission to elevate, empower and promote small Black-owned businesses.

Students begin the course by giving pitches similar to what entrepreneurs do on the TV show “Shark Tank.” Over the course of the program, they refine their pitches, and the class culminates with a graduation ceremony, where each student gives a final pitch and receives a certificate.

“This really helped me move forward in my business journey,” Mervin said.

The program taught Mervin how to market her business and helped her with the budgeting aspect. She can’t say enough about her teacher, BlacQuity executive director Gwen Chambers, who continues to mentor her today.

For now, Mervin rents space from Coastal Gymnastics of Hilton Head, but she hopes to soon have a building of her own. She also wants to attract more athletes and is looking forward to partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island to offer tumbling classes to members.

Mervin is just one of many Black business owners who have benefited from Black Equity University. Bluffton Gullah native, Town Council member and president of the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee Bridgette Frazier was part of the first cohort of the program.

Frazier is also the owner of Chef B’s Eatz and one of the founders of BlacQuity.

At a Juneteenth celebration in 2020 at Eagles Field in Bluffton, Frazier met entrepreneur Billy Watterson, CEO of Watterson Brands and co-founder of Burnt Church Distillery. The two began talking about the economic disparity and inequity in the local Black community. He mentioned that he wanted to support Black-owned businesses, but he couldn’t even find a listing of those businesses.

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Frazier told Watterson that the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee had been working on a Black-owned business directory. That directory can now be found on BlacQuity’s website.

After spending time listening and discussing the issues with Frazier and others on the committee, Watterson joined forces with them to form BlacQuity in 2020.

“Elevating and amplifying Black businesses is a great benefit to the community at large,” Frazier said. “Not only does it allow a particular community to be able to recycle dollars … back into their own community, but it helps with the sustainability of an entire culture.”

In addition to educating entrepreneurs and promoting their businesses, Watterson and BlacQuity created the Lowcountry Legacy Fund through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The purpose of the fund is to improve infrastructure, educational opportunities and equity in the Black community. Burnt Church Distillery gives a portion of its sales to this fund.

Much more is on the horizon for BlacQuity success stories,

including Ma Daisy’s, named after Frazier’s grandmother. Located at the site of the former Pepper’s Porch, Ma Daisy’s will house Frazier’s restaurant, a bakery, an open-air market and the first Gullah cultural heritage center in Bluffton. Patrons will be immersed in Gullah culture, get to hear the stories of Black culture and the Gullah people, and even learn how to make Sweetgrass baskets. Above the space will be affordable housing for supervisory staff.

“What I love about what BlacQuity is, it’s all about breaking down those barriers but not doing it solo,” Watterson said. “This is an all-of-us opportunity to fix and make these investments because it can’t happen alone — in the Black community or in the white community. People talk about wanting change to happen and wanting to be a part of change. Well, this is the real deal, and it’s more beautiful when we’re all engaged and working on it together.”

To receive updates on the university’s next class, learn more about BlacQuity or to get involved, visit blacquitysc.org.

“

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT WHAT BLACQUITY IS, IT’S ALL ABOUT BREAKING DOWN THOSE BARRIERS BUT NOT DOING IT SOLO.

– BILLY WATTERSON

1. J BANKS DESIGN PRESIDENT JOINS HIGH POINT MARKET BOARD

Joni Vanderslice, president of J Banks Design, will serve a two-year term on the board of directors at High Point Market Authority. High Point Market is the “premiere” market for her company, designers, and designers and vendors worldwide, she said.

2. ALDI ANNOUNCES DATE FOR BLUFFTON OPENING

Bluffton’s newest grocery store is expected to open in January. Aldi said it will open Jan. 25 at 1131 Fording Island Rd. The company said on its website: “The savings in Bluffton are getting bigger.” For more information, visit stores.aldi.us/sc/bluffton.

3. BEAUFORT-JASPER REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND APPOINTEE

Anthony J. Alfieri has been appointed by the Hilton Head Island Town Council to represent the Town on the Beaufort-Jasper Regional Housing Trust Fund. Alfieri worked in the banking and finance industry for 35 years. He has extensive experience in affordable housing financing, including serving as president and chairman of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.

4. HILTON HEAD NAMES PUBLIC SPACE PROGRAMMING MANAGER

Kevin Tylus was named the Town of Hilton Head’s public space programming and events manager, a newly created position responsible for logistical oversight of activities on town properties. He will be the primary contact for event management involving properties, facilities, and parks. Most recently, Tylus was Director of Community Relations for Visitation Home, Inc., in New Jersey.

5. LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE HILTON HEAD OPENS EXPANDED AMENITIES

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head announced the opening of its final phase of luxury resort-style amenities, including a Last Mango Theater for movies, live music, dancing and more entertainment. Included are a business center, arts and crafts room and a pottery studio. The expanded amenities also include two additional tennis courts, three additional pickleball courts, and lighted bocce ball courts.

move on the

6. DOG HOTEL OPENS NEAR BLUFFTON

K9 Resorts of Bluffton held a grand opening in December. The 6,100-square-foot facility on North Okatie Highway provides dogs with an advanced air purification system, Microban built into the floors and Kuranda dog bedding, a news release said. The new location is expected to bring 21 jobs.

7. TOWN OF HILTON HEAD ADDS ASSISTANT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Bryan D. McIlwee has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as an assistant community development director. He will have oversight of the Town’s capital improvement program, facilities, engineering, and stormwater divisions. He has 14 years of public sector experience. McIlwee previously served as the assistant town engineer and stormwater manager from 2008 through 2016.

8. BLUFFTON NAMES POLICE CHIEF

Joseph “Joe” Babkiewicz was selected by town manager Stephen Steese as Bluffton’s next chief of police. Babkiewicz has worked in law enforcement for nearly 20 years. He began his tenure at Bluffton Police Department in 2008 and served as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Babkiewicz also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years. He said his first objective as chief is to assess the departments’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, a news release said.

9. ROC DENTAL GROUP ADDS PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

Miriam Amaya has joined ROC Dental Group as a patient care coordinator. A Lowcountry native, Amaya enjoys spending time outdoors having fun with her daughter.

10. BEAUFORT NAMES CITY MANAGER

Scott Marshall was selected by Beaufort City Council as city manager. Marshall was interim Bluffton town manager for a few months in 2021 before being hired that June as director of Human Resources for Beaufort County. Marshall will begin his tenure as Beaufort city manager in January. He replaces Bill Prokop, who is retiring after serving as city manager since 2015.

MCILWEE

TYLUS

AMAYA

MARSHALL

community connection

LOCALS RECEIVE HONORED ISLANDER AWARDS

Mary K. Noonan, Dr. Joseph Black, Angie Greenfield, and Don and Terri Brashears received the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Honored Islander Award for their volunteerism. Noonan helped start the Hilton Head Orchestra League, and Women in Philanthropy and helped raised $1.2 million to build the first permanent home for the Deep Well Project.

Dr. Black has served on a variety of boards, including the Seabrook non-profit board, the Eagle Scout Board of Review, and the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club.

Greenfield had a key role in helping establish the Hilton Head Island Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. She also helped to create the community youth choir program, Adventures in Music. Don and Terri Brashears are members of the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club and have both served as club president. Don also has served as a board member and chairman for the Literacy Center and Terri has been involved with Hopeful Horizons as a board member and board chairperson.

FRASER CONSTRUCTION RAISES $24K FOR KRUEGER HAT TRICK FOUNDATION

Bluffton-based Fraser Construction raised more than $24,000 for non-profit organization the Krueger Hat Trick Foundation at its second annual Krueger Hat Trick Foundation Fundraiser. The Krueger Hat Trick Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides hope and support to families affected by Congenital Heart Defects and Disease.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE LOWCOUNTRY ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has created the Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award to recognize an individual in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties who has made a recent significant contribution to improving the quality of life in the Lowcountry. The winner will receive a $10,000 grant to bestow to a charitable organization based in the Foundation’s service territory. Nomination forms are available at

cf-lowcountry.org/. Complete and email to info@cf-lowcountry.org. For more information, contact Rob Ennamorato at rennamorato@ cf-lowcountry.org or 843-681-9100.

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND SHARES GIFTS WITH COMMUNITY

More than 200 members of The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island gathered on Dec. 8 to kick off the holiday season. Under the direction of WAHHI Difference Makers Michele Foote and Linda Heise, WAHHI adopted 81 families from The Children’s Center. Members provided more than 425 gifts which went to mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. WAHHI donated 12 bicycles; 22 balls; crayons and glue sticks to the center.

TCL’S EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM RECEIVES $16,500 DONATION

The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Early Care and Education program received a $16,500 donation by SC Endeavors, the professional development arm for South Carolina’s Early Childhood Workforce. The money will go toward TCL’s McDonald Early Education Support Fund, which is dedicated to improving and enhancing classes and activities within the department.

MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA-BEAUFORT/JASPER RECEIVES GRANT

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded a grant up to $90,000 over two years to Mental Health America Beaufort/Jasper to address mental health needs in the Hispanic community. The funds will go toward a bi-lingual counselor who will provides services to Spanish speaking members of the community who have been diagnosed with, or need treatment for, mental health conditions. The award will fund the counselor’s salary and benefits.

MICHAEL ANTHONY’S RAISES FUNDS FOR SAFE HARBOUR

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana sponsored a four-course charity wine dinner, “An Evening in the Veneto,” that benefited Safe Harbour, a non-profit service organization. Proceeds from the dinner totaled $3,500. Safe Harbour is a non-profit service organization founded by and for Hilton Head Islanders who wish to stay in their own homes as they age.

MAY RIVER STUDENT PICKED FOR U.S. SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

May River High School senior Madison Hahn was selected as a delegate to the 61st annual United States Senate Youth Program, which will be March 4-11. The program brings 104 high school students from throughout the country to Washington, D.C., for a study of the federal government. Hahn was selected with Kshiraj Talati of J. L. Mann High School in Greenville County. Hahn serves as the senior class president. She was selected as a representative for Palmetto Girls State.

TCL HONORS ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING GRADUATES

The Technical College of the Lowcountry recognized 11 associate degree nursing graduates during its Dec. 9 pinning ceremony at the Beaufort Mather Campus. The twoyear ADN program prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses. The graduates are Brooks Baldwin, Kimberly Beamon, Dionne Campbell, Ashley Chandler, Jaleesa McQueen, Ana Erika Mendoza, Bailey Moore, Elliana Ramirez, Rhonda Richey, Chelsea Selner and Amy Smith.

LOW COUNTRY KAPPA DELTA ALUMNAE CHAPTER DONATES TO BLUFFTON SELF HELP

The Low Country Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter donated 100 Stocking Stuffers to Bluffton Self Help’s Holiday Toy Shop. The project was coordinated by Kappa Delta Philanthropy Chair, Linda Fletcher. Eighteen Low Country KD’s gathered at the home of Bobbie Elder to work on the holiday philanthropy project. During the holidays, Bluffton Self Help collects toys from community partners and local organizations.

HARDEEVILLE’S BATTLE OF THE BADGES RAISES $13K

The City of Hardeeville’s Battle of the Badges slow-pitch softball game raised more than $13,000 for the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, a non-profit that provides support and funding for the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. The game between the Hardeeville Fire Department and Hardeeville Police Department was won by the police department.

WHERE

THE Business Woman

CULINARY BUSINESSES BOOM FOR ENTREPRENEUR LESLIE ROHLAND

BY VICKIE MCINTYRE | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Leslie Rohland, the recipient of this year’s inaugural Women in Business Award by the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, knows a thing or two about running a business, especially if it involves food.

The owner of several Bluffton businesses, including The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room; The Juice Hive; SideCar Catering; May River Coffee Roasters, and most recently, The Village Pasta Shoppe, Rohland embraces her businesses with the creativity and heart of an artist, rather than a corporate strategist.

Reflecting on her award, Rohland says, “It’s extremely validating, and it gave me a nice sense of inspiration.”

Her interest in food began in childhood.

“My dad is Pennsylvania Dutch, and my mom comes from a long line of Italians,” she says.

Never formally trained as a chef, Rohland names her mother and both her grandmothers as her teachers. From them, she learned the basics of baking everything from Italian pastries to shoefly pie as well as how to whip up pasta dishes and staples like chicken and dumplings.

“My Dad was in the military, so I was raised as a military brat,” she adds, describing how her parents encouraged her to immerse herself in various cultures, languages, and food. “I used that when I created my first menu, adding things from every continent — like Thai lettuce wraps.”

Running a restaurant wasn’t Rohland’s first choice for a career, but as she pursued other dreams in New York City, she worked in several family-owned Italian eateries to pay the rent.

While visiting her parents in Savannah one Christmas, Rohland’s parents mentioned that they had talked to Bob Masteller, who was about to launch The Jazz Club on Hilton Head Island with Charles Swift.

Rohland interviewed and accepted an offer to manage the club in 1999, trading city life for the Lowcountry. For eight years, under the tutelage of Masteller and Swift, she learned every facet of the restaurant business.

When the economy crashed in 2008, Rohland lost her job, but found the courage to strike out on her own.

With a meager amount of savings, she decided to start a bakeshop in Bluffton.

“It was a big trend in NYC at the time and I figured

how hard could it be?” Laughing at her naivety, she adds, “It’s really hard!”

She created the Bluffton Muffin Company and sold her products at the Farmers Market, where someone suggested she check out artist Amos Hummell’s studio that was on Calhoun Street.

“When I walked in, my super-creative brain went wild,” recalls Rohland. “I started plotting and planning, and basically within four weeks, I had a lease. It was like a vision and all the information came to me: Cook what you love. Bake what you love. Make it as charming as possible.”

She placed tables on the porch, bought a 1960’s bakery case from Savannah, and spruced up every room with a new coat of paint.

On Oct. 15, 2009, a Farmers Market day, The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room opened to a crowd of patrons eager to see the first restaurant in Old Town succeed.

“It’s been joyous ever since,” bubbles Rohland. “I absolutely love my job, love my staff, love what we do and who we are.”

In 2019, the mayor of Bluffton even declared Oct. 15th as “Cottage Day” in recognition of Rohland and her team’s efforts to bring the first viable business to Calhoun Street.

Pairing needs with solutions, Rohland’s business ventures grew.

“I got tired of buying bad coffee,” she laughs, “so I put myself through roasting school in Vermont and created May River Coffee Roasters.”

Then she trained herself to make wedding cakes. After a favorite customer became ill, she opened The Juice Hive. The Emporium, an extension of The Juice Hive, opened as the first vitamin shop in the area but now is a health and food boutique, while The Pasta Shoppe fell into her lap thanks to a conversation with the former owner as both women took trash to the garbage bin.

All of it was done with intention.

“Sitting still and meditating guides me, gives me ideas,” explains Rohland, “but I need to wait for the right timing.”

Taking her commitments seriously, she rotates time between all her businesses, even cooking in the kitchen on Sundays at the café.

As for future endeavors, she shrugs, “I’m sure there’s something – we’ll just have to wait and see.”

THE Protector

JAMES HAMILTON PREACHES THE ART OF PERSONAL SECURITY

BY TIM WOOD | PHOTO BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

James Hamilton is paid to be a master surveyor of his surroundings.

The Bluffton resident coordinates a coast-to-coast team of more than 500 elite bodyguards as a senior vice president for Gavin de Becker and Associates, the nation’s premier executive protection firm.

He and his team are charged with protecting the richest and most visible private sector leaders in the U.S., largely by hiding in plain sight.

“It comes down to the ability to stand where a lot of people won’t stand,” Hamilton said. “We will take that bullet, but the goal is not to take a bullet for your client, and that is all about situational awareness and tactical planning. There’s an art to it that has come from decades of training.”

Hamilton began that tutelage with a five-year stint as a deputy sheriff in Columbia before making the dream leap to the FBI.

“It always seemed like the top for me,” he said of his more than 17 years with the bureau. “They bring in such a diverse group of people from doctors to scholars to police. We worked 231 different federal offenses, so there were always interesting cases to investigate. I thrived and thirsted for training in everything from tactics to SWAT team to firearms. That array of experience truly led me down the path to close protection.”

He first became a trusted CP agent for government officials before leaving for the private sector and Gavin de Becker.

“Gavin wrote a best-selling book called ‘The Gift of Fear.’ He preaches trusting your instincts and taking ownership of your own security,” Hamilton said. “It sounds like a simple concept, but he truly mastered the art of instinct. I knew when I was searching for the best private sector fit that all roads led to working with Gavin.”

Hamilton said that although Hollywood tends to portray bodyguards as gun-toting beefcakes, the job is far more cerebral to avoid the action scenes.

“There has never been a documented case of a bodyguard using a gun pre-emptively to stop an assassination on U.S. soil,” he said. “It’s about having a thought-out plan and constantly reacting to your surroundings. Having a gun adds a peace-of-mind later for the client, but a gun is only as useful as the mind of its operator. If we’re doing our job, there are no chase scenes or shootouts. A gun is the last resort. Being tops in this field means not using it.”

That doesn’t mean he hates all depictions of his profession. Hamilton said the Kevin Costner classic “The Bodyguard” is the truest on-screen portrayal of a life in executive protection, but of course, “Hollywood took artistic liberties to make it a marketable film.”

Hamilton shares his learnings on the local level as well as the head of the security team at Church of the Cross. He is also an in-demand public speaker, whittling down the tenets of security to the basics for each audience.

“Having an activated home security system, motion light, a guard dog, these are all great steps, but there are many no-cost means of being prepared,” he said. “Your body has a radar system to spot anomalies in the environment, to tell you when there is danger coming. The key is to listen and trust that intuition. Careful calmness leads to common sense and prepares you for any scenario.”

It’s why de Becker and Hamilton preach that fear is a gift, because that fear ultimately leads to self-awareness.

“It comes back to being an active participant in your own survival, to allow and encourage curiosity and suspicion of your surroundings,” he said.

Hamilton has taken that message to the airwaves, from local TV affiliates to “Good Morning America.”

“I get paid to not be seen, to see a threat before it happens, but it’s important to spread this knowledge as wide as we can,” he said. “We face scenarios every day in our lives. Each decision from the car you buy to the school you choose for your kids, you are unwittingly honing your instincts. You take control of your safety the more you trust your gut.”

Islander

LOLA CAMPBELL CREATIVELY KEEPS SPOTLIGHT ON GULLAH CULTURE

BY JESSICA FARTHING | PHOTO BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

Binya is a Gullah word that translates into “been here,” a perfect way to describe Omalola ‘Lola’ Campbell.

As a native islander, she traces her Gullah heritage back six generations to educators, entrepreneurs and storekeepers. Trained as a lawyer, she’s found her life’s work in her store stocked with Lowcountryinspired goods

“I feel like I’ve arrived at my purpose,” she said. “This is not just a commercial venture. This is my way to creatively keep our culture going.”

The store — Binya — sits on land that’s been in Campbell’s family for generations.

“It’s important that it started here. It’s only 412 square feet of space, which is pretty modest but it has so much more meaning than if I’d used another location on the island,” she said.

It’s a big change from working in finance law, though Campbell doesn’t regret the training from her degree or the skills she amassed while working in New York. She considered the experience part of the process to equip her for life as her own boss.

However, she doesn’t miss the stress of her former life.

“I don’t think there was anyone that I worked with that didn’t say that they couldn’t work like this forever,” she said.

During her time in the city, Campbell wrote poetry for an outlet and eventually compiled those works into “Writings on the Wall: Poetic Words from My Soul.” The desire to be closer to home and to find an easier life for herself and her son, Jalen, moved them to Charlotte, but the idea of having a more creative career was blossoming.

The pandemic was the motivation to move back to Hilton Head.

“I was working online, and Jalen was doing school remotely, so we went to Hilton Head to be with our family. My mom is a retired teacher and I thought she could be his learning liaison,” Campbell said.

With so much turmoil erupting across the country,

Campbell felt happy to be at home. It proved to be a precious time together as she lost her father to COVID.

She’d discussed a Gullah lifestyle brand with him before, but it never came to fruition. With more time on her hands, she moved forward as a tribute to her father.

“He had a very entrepreneurial spirit,” she explained. “He passed that down to me.”

The clothing brand Gone Gullah is the result of that idea, a collection of on-trend clothing and accessories made to reflect Campbell’s heritage. Images like anchors, waves and water reflect the Lowcountry Gullah community and a cross worked into the logo shows a focus on faith.

Campbell sells items to visitors, Gullah and residents alike: “This is for everyone to represent the culture and understand it. It’s a lifestyle brand.”

Her store carries a whole host of Lowcountry goods —sweetgrass baskets, woven purses, books, candles and art. Campbell believes in highlighting local artisans to expose buyers to their products.

“When you’re shopping with me, you are shopping local with almost every item in the store,” she said.

These products serve Campbell’s higher purpose.

“It’s important to educate those who don’t know about Gullah culture in a way that doesn’t look like or seem like education,” Campbell said. “Whenever someone walks into the store, I’m usually having a full conversation about what Gullah is and what it means to me. I’m creatively keeping our culture going in a way that is approachable and inspires a back-and-forth discussion.”

She knows that she’ll eventually run out of room in the store, so future plans include expanding to more locations.

Right now, Campbell is taking the process one day at a time.

“Every day I’m confirmed that I’m doing the right thing because of the feedback from the community,” she said. “I’m really proud of my business and happy that I’ve found peace in this purpose.”

Musicians THE

DALY FAMILY HAS FORGED A MAGNETIC MUSICAL LEGACY

BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

On the surface, it would seem like a classic Partridge Family situation. In the Daly family, you start with a pair of extraordinarily gifted parents. Marilyn, who passed away in 1999, was a mainstay of the island’s musical scene during the 80s and 90s, pairing a magnetic stage presence with an angelic voice.

Mike, still going strong as banjo player for Lowcountry Boil, approaches his music with a workmanlike craftsmanship, the classic multi-talented instrumentalist. Together, they built a family. But perhaps without knowing it, in the process they created a musical legacy through their children Jevon, Gavin, Kelsey and Kieran.

“When we were little, it was like, there was instruments everywhere. But we really couldn’t play them,” said Jevon.

Eventually, the kids learned, joining their parents on stage, and becoming a part of the act.

“They taught us to be professional,” said Gavin, adding with a laugh, “although (Jevon) never learned.”

It’s one of many good-natured digs you’ll hear if you’re around two or more Dalys for any length of time. Not only does Jevon still play with his dad in Lowcountry Boil, but he’s also in about a billion other bands that would take up entirely too much space to list. That’s to say nothing of his solo shows, regular kids’ performances, and steady output online.

“I’m playing ‘Sweet Home, Alabama,’ and ‘Hotel California’ on Saturday, so on Sunday, I want to do ‘World’s Tiniest Pianist’ and ‘Cow Pie,’ ” said Jevon. “I’m pretty proud of my output and I’m proud of my family.”

Being proud of both makes sense — through varying bands and lineups, the Daly family has been in and out of local bands since the oldest boys were kids.

“By the time I was 13 we had a steady gig at Nick’s, every weekend,” said Gavin. “That’s what we were doing. We were playing the bars and watching people fight.”

While Gavin’s path took him to New York City where he became an acclaimed tattoo artist to the stars, music stayed along for the ride. While forging his path he has made side trips to sing for the Russian consulate, play trombone with the New York Philharmonic and pen the song “Shaina Tibel” in honor of his mother-in-law.

And when Marilyn passed in 1999, it was youngest son Kieran who played her off, picking up his mandolin and plucking a tune whose name has been lost to the years. A full-time musician at age 11 now continuing his craft in Chicago, the youngest Daly is a wonder even to the rest of his talented family.

“The kid just went into the music,” said Jevon. “I would go over there to visit, and he would have learned a whole album of John Coltrain saxophone solos on the mandolin. He was 12 or 13 and he was just devouring all this music.”

The love of the music was something that Marilyn and Mike Daly passed on to their children. That came naturally, organically. As Jevon will point out, very few parents were buying their kids Fender Mustangs for their first guitar. But the craft surrounding the music was something they taught their children, one show at a time.

“They knew how to do their thing, and they passed it along,” said Gavin. “It’s like real estate or anything else around here. That was our family business.”

For the boys, learning the family business meant watching the way their dad practiced his sound to perfection and maintained a work ethic among the chaos of the musician life. And it meant watching the way their mom could light up a stage.

“My mom had a good sense of humor, and she was always smiling on stage. I frowned on that for a long time but now I get it. People need to smile,” said Jevon. “My mom, I guess, was responsible for the outer shell and my dad was responsible for like the innards.”

LA ISLA PUBLISHER ERIC ESQUIVEL HELPS BRINGS LATINO COMMUNITY TOGETHER

BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Latinx community is one of tremendous vibrancy, encompassing a wealth of different nationalities, backgrounds and people. As such, it can be difficult for any one voice to speak to a community so defined by its varied expressions and influences.

Difficult, but as Eric Esquivel has proven, not impossible.

“Our motto at La Isla is that we are the Latin community’s organization. We have never closed the door on someone who needs something,” he said.

As founder and publisher of La Isla Magazine, Esquivel is ostensibly in the media business. But for the massive community of immigrants in the Lowcountry, what he does is so much more than just ink and paper. In addition to the print publications and its ancillary multimedia, social media and other products, La Isla was designed from day one to give the community something to rally around.

“It’s a flag in the ground; a way to be able to say that the Latino community is here, they’re a force to be reckoned

with and it’s a strong driver of our economy,” he said. “It’s more than just a magazine.”

Esquivel took over operations of La Isla from his brother and sister after leaving the corporate world 20 years ago. As a sales executive with Dell, he had been specifically tasked with making inroads among the Latino market. His work taught him the tremendous market power of this community, but it also underscored the work he could be doing closer to the Lowcountry where he’d grown up.

“In the corporate world, my business was acknowledging this powerful market,” he said. “For me it really became a mission and a calling card to not just do business within the community but also stand on my morals and do what’s right. It could have been easy for us to sit back and say we just do ads and stories, but being raised by a Colombian immigrant father and a mom of German descent, I know this country has always been a nation of immigrants. We were always taught to do what’s right.”

Standing on his morals meant helping advise policy during the massive immigration debate during the early 2000s, pointing out discrimination wherever it reared its head, and at times taking the community to task for areas where it was falling behind.

“In the media we carry a big stick, but we use it very delicately,” he said. “I realized that power early on and we were able to utilize our media prowess to highlight things that weren’t right.”

That love of his culture, and unyielding determination to do what’s right for it, comes in no small part from his parents.

“My dad was the immigrant from Colombia and my mom was the New Jersey German who fell in love with the culture as much as he did. They were both equally influential in exposing all three of us to Latino culture, cuisine, language and history,” he said.

Informed by this upbringing and raised in a typical American fashion, Esquivel grew up with a foot in both worlds, something that has helped him tremendously as he has become a constant advocate for his community.

“In many senses, I’ve been able to be a chameleon,” he said. “Growing up in the Lowcountry, I can be a good old boy, but I also know my culture and my heritage. At times I’ve found myself stuck in the middle.”

It turns out, however, that right in the middle has been where Eric Esquivel has been able to accomplish the most. His connections in the business community, forged through years in the Lowcountry, have created new opportunities for Latinos. His deep ties to the Latino community have helped him create something that serves them all, despite their disparate backgrounds.

“Life is what you make of it. My dad knew from a young age he wanted to be a doctor. I didn’t have a clue. I was premed early on, but when I decided to change my major my dad said, ‘What are you going to do?’ I told him I didn’t know,” said Eric. “But I know I’m passionate about my culture and my people. And he taught me that as long as I pursue what I’m passionate about, I’ll figure out the rest.”

LED BY HERITAGE ACADEMY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S COMMUNITY WELCOMES

UKRAINIAN STUDENTS

BY AMY BARTLETT | PHOTO BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

Half a world away, the people of Ukraine are facing a humanitarian crisis. Here at home on Hilton Head Island, the students, leadership, and community surrounding Heritage Academy have responded in a powerfully human way.

From visa, to education, to being housed by caring families, the community has moved heaven and earth for two special students, Tykhon and Petro.

What started out as helping others, has become a mutual blessing in all directions.

The idea began when Amanda O’Nan, owner and head of school at Heritage Academy on the island, realized how tough it is for today’s youth to grasp the reality of what was happening on the world stage, what the humanitarian needs are, and how we can contribute.

As an educator she began to look within the education system for creative solutions and found them in the form of the Rotary Club’s international exchange program. Before long, two Ukranian teens — Tykhon and Petro, whose families were displaced or positioned in the center of the chaos of Kiev — where on their way to the states.

“When we met them at the airport,” O’Nan recalls, “we asked them how many bags they had and were surprised to learn they’d left home with only one. It dawned on us they weren’t referring to leaving their home before the flight — they meant that’s all they took with them when they had to leave their home forever.”

Asked about the biggest impact, O’Nan said: “We recently had the pleasure of having them share a presentation with the whole student body that impacted all of us and reminded me where this whole thing started —broadening our students’ understanding of a world of others.”

This impact is happening in homes too, as one of the students’ hosts, Mikaelah Seifrit, noted that having Petro live with the family, and getting to know his family and the challenges that are woven into their daily reality in Ukraine, has been “very eye-opening and humbling for our family.”

“Every day, we guide and help him as he navigates this new life in a new country, in a new school, but parallel to that is Petro teaching us about Ukraine,” Seifrit said. “Some things are universal, as we’ve learned his favorite card game and come to really like soccer watching the World Cup together, and he’s found connection points with our youngest through chess, movies, and video games.”

The family also looked forward to sharing Petro’s first American Christmas with him, and Tykhon, who lives with a diffferent family, and Petro will celebrate Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7, a time Seifrit describes as “a season of new beginnings, hellos and goodbyes” as Petro’s stay in their home overlaps with her and husband Brian’s son leaving for college in January.

Between hoping to give the boys a generous experience and continuing to provide for their basic teenage needs (including housing, as current arrangements are temporary and end shortly), Heritage Academy is calling for donations or participation that will help the boys thrive during their stay in the United States.

While others seek to lend a helping hand, Tykhon and Petro continue to offer perspective and inspiration.

“It’s a nice play to study and live. There are many interesting things here. I am just really thankful for this opportunity,” Tykhon told WSAV last summer.

Petro says with unwavering straightforwardness, “Enjoy your life, no matter how hard it is.”

He adds with a simplicity that resonates with citizens across our country, “I love Ukraine.”

Ukrainian students, Tykhon (left) and Petro (right)

BY VICKIE MCINTYRE | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Leah Bailey certainly has an eye for style.

As an interior designer, she blends and builds upon classic Lowcountry elements.

“There’s no one word to describe my style,” she laughs. “It’s timeless, beautiful and coastal—but not kitschy. I’ve honed my taste into having a little European influence with a Southern twist.”

Bailey is from Savannah, but her reach extends to the Lowcountry.

In July 2020, she opened The Shop on May River Road in Old Town Bluffton, a boutique that also houses a small design studio.

Her path to the Lowcountry started in Michigan, where she was born, but Bailey moved to Savannah at an early age and calls herself a “Southern Yankee.” By 4, she was spending a lot of time with her aunt and her aunt’s husband, a man who renovated houses.

“We’d go into these dilapidated houses, furniture auctions,

and antique stores. I was exposed to things most kids aren’t at a very young age,” she says. “I understood it and loved it.”

Growing up around magnificent old architecture, playing in landscaped parks and even living in an old beach house for a while on Tybee Island, Bailey says she didn’t truly understand how beautiful and charming the area was until she left.

Now she draws upon that inspiration as she guides clients to choose palettes, textures, and accessories to design their homes.

Twenty-two years ago she started Leah Bailey Interiors and quickly became the go-to designer for homes in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton as well as The Landings on Skidaway Island and neighborhoods in Savannah.

Her creative touches have been featured in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Country French, Savannah Homes, and The Cottage Journal.

Her boutique design firm can handle everything from curating the look of a new home to refurbishing an old apartment or updating a worn-out bungalow.

“I’m all about mixing finishes,” she notes about her unique style. “Just because you have a polished nickel faucet doesn’t mean the lights or the cabinet handles have to be the same material. If it’s done right, it makes sense.”

Insisting that she never wants to become a massive design firm, Bailey takes pride in her “hands-on” approach to doing business. Always confident about her ability to pull together everything from colors to lighting to the scale of furniture.

Bailey said her clients had urged her to open her boutique shop in Bluffton.

“People always want to add things to their house,” she says. “Because I’ve curated the shop the same way I curated their houses, they can come in and buy something knowing it’s going to look great.”

If opening a new business during COVID wasn’t challenging enough, five months later she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

“It was definitely a year of growth and change, but also struggle. If I made it through that, I can survive anything,” she reflects, describing her year-long stint of treatments and working from a distance as her team handled the day-to-day operations.

Now cancer-free, she hopes locals and tourists alike will stop by her Bluffton shop and introduce themselves.

“There’s something for everyone, whether it’s for your dog, your grandmother, a hostess gift or for your own home,” she said.

After hosting several popular pop-ups, she’s also added apparel to her boutique.

“So now it’s not just an interior shop; it’s a lifestyle,” she says. “It’s been fun.”

Sports writer THE

CURRY KIRKPATRICK REFLECTS ON HALL OF FAME CAREER

BY WES KERR | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

It was about one year ago when Curry Kirkpatrick finally got the call he deserved.

After an illustrious sportswriting career, he was invited to Winston-Salem, N.C., in June for his induction into the National Sports Media Hall of Fame.

With a brilliant and well-deserved tribute by colleague Charles Barkley, Kirkpatrick saw the culmination of a memorable journey with a signature Lowcountry flair.

“It was a big surprise to me,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was a great event, and the best part was that my family was all there.”

When you think of classic Sports Illustrated, you think of Curry Kirkpatrick. He was synonymous with the college basketball and international tennis beats, covering the likes of Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and the great rivalry between John McEnroe and Björn Borg.

He began his time with the magazine as a student reporter at the University of North Carolina. It wasn’t long until he earned a full-time offer to write for the world-renowned magazine. And four years after he took that offer to his dream job, his work led him down to the Lowcountry.

The year was 1969. Harbour Town Golf Links was ready to open its doors to the golfing world for the inaugural Heritage Classic. And Kirkpatrick was coming too.

Alongside storied golf writer Dan Jenkins, Kirkpatrick shared the spectacle of the first-ever tournament with readers across the country. It took place not in April, but in the last week of November, and was won by Arnold Palmer.

And it was a golden chance for Kirkpatrick to witness the beauty and splendor of Hilton Head Island.

A year later, Kirkpatrick was sent back to Harbour Town to cover Bob Goalby’s victory. It was the last edition that Sports Illustrated highlighted with a fullfledged story, but it left a lasting impression on a budding national star.

Kirkpatrick was never one for harsh winters. Growing up in St. Louis and Niagara Falls, Curry chose to go to college in North Carolina in part to escape the cold climate.

When he accepted the Sports Illustrated job, it meant a return to the chilly weather. He commuted from Connecticut to be close to his company’s New York City offices. But in 1977, Kirkpatrick got his wish — and escaped back to his favorite island paradise.

His journalistic journey took him to a wide array of destinations, from the All-England Club at Wimbledon to Final Fours, Super Bowls, the Olympic Winter Games in France and Norway, and even the Ringling Brothers circus. He spent a day with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush up in Kennebunkport, Maine.

But Hilton Head was — and always will be — his home base. The Family Circle Cups he covered on the island may not have been the most prestigious events, but they always had the most special place in his heart.

If you’re walking down the beach near Port Royal, you might find Kirkpatrick enjoying himself along the sand (“I always wanted to live on the beach,” he said) or even taking a swim in the ocean.

When he’s not relaxing near the water, he’ll take to the many tennis courts across the island. He’s played as many as four days a week and was enthralled by the challenge and excitement of the sport.

And he’s made a golfing memory that will envy anyone that’s stepped out on the course. In a media day event before the 1971 U.S Open, Kirkpatrick nailed a hole-inone at the iconic Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. A nice feather in the cap of a standout resume.

It’s a resume that includes 27 years at Sports Illustrated on top of his work at ESPN, CBS, and CNN while co-authoring a pair of books. He’s made a lifetime of memories doing what he’s loved the most, and it’s been anchored in the heart of Hilton Head Island.

“It was always fun and it didn’t seem like a job,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was an adventure.”

Magician THE

ED ELLIS HAS BEEN SLEIGHT-OF-HAND MASTER FOR FOUR DECADES

BY MARK E. LETT | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

There’s no trick to spotting the qualities that make Ed Ellis one of America’s most enduring magicians: Fast hands and an “excellent” attitude.

It doesn’t hurt, Ed adds, to have a hero and a mentor for inspiration and guidance.

That combination has produced a career spanning four decades, taking Ellis from his Ohio hometown to performances in dining clubs and storied stages from Hollywood and Las Vegas to Great Britain and South Korea.

Along the way, the Lowcountry resident has become a familiar face and an in-demand performer at local venues from Sea Pines to Hardeeville.

For Ellis, the magic happens much of the time at tables in restaurants, private parties and magic-themed shows. Armed with cards, rings, rubber bands and breezy chatter, the 68-year-old magician leaves his audiences puzzled, dazzled and pleased by his inventive performance.

As a drummer and mind-blowing master of close-up magic, Ellis gained a reputation for his lightning-like hand speed. Fans hung the nickname “Fast Ed” on Ellis — and it stuck – as he graduated from a teen garage band to a career as a pro drummer and touring musician.

Ellis says his “life changed forever” at age 14 and his “soul was overwhelmed” while attending a Buddy Rich performance at an Akron music center. Rich — a drummer and bandleader known for jazz, big band and swing — was so popular that he was known as “Mr. Drums” and “The Drum Wonder.”

At age 22, Ellis met his idol during a Rich concert at the Lakewood Civic Center near Cleveland. As Rich polished off a drum solo, an ebullient Ellis popped up from the audience and challenged the legendary drummer to a drum faceoff.

To the crowd’s amazement, Rich called Ed to the stage to see what the young fan could deliver. Ed did not disappoint and, as recalls, Rich announced: “Well, Fast Eddie, I can say one thing: ‘You got lick.’”

Ellis calls the episode his “brush with greatness.”

Music might have been a lifelong career for Ellis. But then he met John Quine, a master magician teaching the art at the University of Akron.

Curious and open-minded, Ellis soaked up all Quine had to offer and – decades later – the two maintain a powerful student-mentor bond.

Quine says Ellis has succeeded as a magician “because he did everything to learn master the craft.

“Plus, he makes it his own,” said Quine. “His

presentation is true to who he is, and he really doesn’t just copy somebody else.”

With the same enthusiasm he had for drumming, Ellis immersed himself in close-up magic, also known as table magic. Such sleight-of-hand performances call for tableside acts, with magicians manipulating cards, dice, rings and other small items.

As it turned out, close-up magic was a perfect outlet for the magician described as having “The World’s Fastest Hands.”

“I was very excited about it,” recalls Ellis. “It just blew me away.”

Before long, Ellis was doing double duty as a drummer and a musician in venues throughout Ohio and the Midwest. As his magic proficiency grew, so did his reputation and demand for his magic act.

Eventually, an old friend from Ohio who had relocated to Hilton Head suggested Ellis try his hand at the Marriott Hotel at Sea Pines.

“At first, I said ‘Hilton Head: What’s that?’ But it was a great move. I had ability and I had opportunity.”

After spending years performing in and around Hilton Head in the 1980s, Ellis hit the road. Before long, he was featured in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, including multiple appearances at the Magic Castle in California and Caesar’s Magical Empire in Vegas.

As with all things Ellis, progress was fast-moving. Among his bookings:

• South Korea Army Bases Tour;

• Performer and lecturer at Britain’s Blackpool Magic Convention, and at International Brotherhood of Magicians in Nashville and England;

• Second place in the International Battle of Magicians, 2005.

Along the way, he appeared in commercials, hosted his own television show and produced “How To” videos about magic and his own illusions. He landed a role as a sketchy inmate in “Shawshank Redemption.” In listing his credits and qualities, Ellis included “Excellent Attitude” on his resume as an actor.

By 2005, he had returned to the Lowcountry and steady appearances at resort hotels, area restaurants and private events, including the Crazy Crab and Aunt Chilada’s. Ellis could be found in recent months at the Southern Barrel in Bluffton.

“Hilton Head has always been good to me,” says Ellis. “Hilton head is always a place of years of wonderful memories and people.”

INNOVATING education

FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE GRANTS HELPS TEACHERS ENHANCE THE CLASSROOM

BY HEATHER QUINN

Grant writing is not something Jennifer Friend-Kerr was trained to do.

As a beloved Hilton Head Island tennis instructor turned innovative Beaufort County teacher, Friend-Kerr values hands-on, integrative teaching practices.

Because of the demands placed on the educational system, resources can be limited. Many teachers like Friend-Kerr are forced to get creative to bring project-based ideas to the classroom.

“I remember my first grant. It made my day,” Friend-Kerr said. She’s been teaching for Beaufort County Schools since 2011 and applied for her first grant with the Foundation of Educational Excellence in 2015 and has subsequently become a talented grant writer by default.

Since 2007 the Foundation for Educational Excellence has been awarding Innovative Teacher Grants (up to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for a group) and School Resource Grants to help fund innovative learning opportunities that go beyond the yearly Beaufort County school budget.

The Foundation awarded 24 grants for the 2022-2023 school year for more than $29,000. Grants are awarded every November but according to Lisa Carroll, Foundation of Educational Excellence Board Chair, many of the grants fund school resources that can be utilized by students for years and years to come. Carroll noted a grant awarded to Friend-Kerr in 2021 that involves a permanent pickleball court at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts.

While watching her students at recess, Friend-Kerr noticed an underutilized rectangular patch of cement. Her experience as a tennis instructor helped her envision the perfect use for the wasted space: a pickleball court.

She named her project, “In a Pickle” and involved all her classes in the grant-writing process. Using multi-age education practices, Friend-Kerr enlisted younger students to utilize Legos to create models for the court while older elementary students were challenged to employ engineering skills to convert the standard dimensions of a pickleball court, which is 44-by-20 feet, to the size of the available parcel which was only 30-by-20.

The grant was complete by the summer of 2021 and the pickleball court was fully functional by April 2022.

Grant-winner subjects in 2022 ranged from Mindfulness and

Meditation to STEM driven projects. Jill Brickley, a teacher at Hilton Head Island Middle School, credits the Foundation with providing the means to teach content more efficiently. Her project “Up Close and Educational” was awarded a grant. A projection microscope is available for her sixthgrade students to compare specimens found in local ponds. Hands-on learning at this educational stage is critical to master science skills.

The future of the Foundation lies in two new initiatives. The first focuses on adding a personal-finance course into local high school curriculum. Preparing high school students for financial freedom using the Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance Course is an important endeavor for the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

During the past year the program was rolled out at Beaufort High School and the goal is to add personal finance courses at every Beaufort County High School in the coming years.

Secondly, the Foundation would like to focus on educational newcomers. Teachers that are in their first to second year in education can apply for a $500 grant to use in the classroom.

According to Carroll, the board feels it is important to help lessen the financial burden that many new teachers endure during their first years in education.

Past grant recipients encourage new teachers to take advantage of the resources that the Foundation has to offer. Colleagues often assist each other through the grant-writing process.

“The grant process was simple, and I highly encourage other educators to apply. It is an excellent opportunity to enhance instruction,” says Kendra Coffey Batson, a 2022 Grant recipient for her project, “Mindfulness and Meditation with Yoga Mats.”

“My students were aware that I applied for the grant and were very excited when I told them about the opportunity,” she said.

As a result, Batson has decided to surprise her class in the new year when the mats arrive —“They will be thrilled!”

To learn more, visit foundationedexcellence.com Applications for new teacher grants are due Jan. 31.

A LEGACY OF Learning

TEACHER OF THE YEAR LAVERNE A. STEWART CARRIES ON TRADITION OF EDUCATION

BY NINA GREENPLATE | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Dr. LaVerne A. Stewart was recently named the 2022-23 District Teacher of the Year for Beaufort County.

Born and raised in the Lowcountry, she has 22 years in education with the last seven in service to Hilton Head Middle School’s seventh grade English and Language Arts Department.

“I was so honored when they called my name,” Stewart said.

By a majority vote from fellow staff and educators, Stewart first earned her individual school title for teacher of the year, which in turn afforded her the opportunity to be considered for the district’s top honor.

“There were some great candidates, as we have awesome educators in Beaufort County,” she says. “This award is a humbling accomplishment for me and I must live up to that title and represent my district well.”

She feels strongly that this county’s educators are unmatched in their devotion to building a stronger society through their dedication and hard work.

Consistency creates a safe environment for her students, and Stewart believes that a solid foundation is key to learning.

“I have a great group of kids who are energetic, and opinionated,” Stewart said. “They need someone who is always the same, and is going to be fair at all times.”

Middle school years can be tough. It’s her belief that it takes love to get the students through.

“I treat everyone the same, and I’m going to be impartial,” says Stewart. “I see them as individuals and try to connect with the kids and the family. It’s a partnership.”

Stewart knew from a young age that teaching would be her vocation. She most connected with children and older adults, and ultimately made the choice to work with youth.

“I love watching them learn and seeing how they work through things,” she says. “I try to pass along my appreciation for education and learning, and I just love what I do.”

She enjoys keeping up with former graduates, seeing

them mature and how their lives have progressed.

Her recognition would have been all the sweeter had her mother, and mentor, Dr. Vernell Speaks-Stewart, been there to celebrate.

An educator for 43 years before her passing in 2013, Stewart’s mother’s influence continues to move through her daughter.

“She really is the reason I am an educator, and was 100% my greatest inspiration,” she says.

Her mother’s picture hangs proudly in the classroom, among other influential educators, in honor and remembrance of their contributions. In 2004, SpeaksStewart and her sisters opened the Mary Speaks Christian Academy in Port Royal. Her mother and her two sisters had a calling to honor their mother and educate children in a Christian environment.

This homage to Stewart’s grandmother was a vision come to life, a community haven where students K-12 could learn in a private, Christian setting. A Christian college extension program out of Myrtle Beach was also available during that time.

This legacy of learning continues through Stewart today.

Stewart holds two master’s degrees, and she earned an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from South Carolina State University. She also earned a dual doctorate from Cathedral Bible College in theology in ministry, and in Christian education. This affords Stewart the honor of serving as an ordained minister with New Church of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.

Her dedication to the future generations, whether in the classroom or the pulpit, is clear.

“If we don’t raise this and future generations well, there will be no society,” says Stewart. “At end of the day, it’s about touching lives.”

SCHOOL

PROFILE S

Lowcountry families have many top-quality options for their children’s education. Experienced administrators, passionate teachers and motivated peers make the difference for students. This section celebrates first-class centers of learning in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT

USCB offers small classes and personalized instruction in 51 areas of study including 19 bachelor’s degree programs and two master’s degree programs. Associate’s degrees and 100 percent online degrees are also offered. USCB specializes in experiential learning, with students participating in internships, community service projects, international programs, fieldwork and research. The Beaufort College Honors program is open to qualified students of all majors and has specific cohorts in biology and nursing. Graduate programs are M.S. in computational science and M.Ed. in literacy. The USCB Sand Sharks are provisional members of NCAA Division II and the Peach Belt Conference and are adding 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball in the Fall. USCB’s Beaufort and Bluffton campuses house students from 31 states and around the world in apartment-style residences. The university’s world-renowned hospitality program is based on the Hilton Head Island campus.

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP: A unique partnership between USCB and SCETV offers students the opportunity to work as production assistants on “By The River.” In its fourth season, it is distributed by American Public Television to public television affiliates across the nation. Showcasing Southern culture and literature, the show is a love letter to Southern stories and the authors and poets who write them. More than 50 USCB students have helped produce the episodes, which are filmed in SCETV’s studio in Beaufort. They operate the cameras, record the audio, help coordinate the authors’ appearances, promote the show and more.

TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

The Technical College of the Lowcountry elevates each student and every community it serves through transformative technology and exceptional teaching. TCL is the region’s primary provider of post-secondary education and workforce training. The public, two-year, community college serves approximately 5,000 students annually at its four Lowcountry locations and online. Its most recent campus, the Culinary Institute of the South, opened in November 2021 in Bluffton. The college offers a variety of curricular programs including university transfer options, career and continuing education, online learning, and dual enrollment for area high school students.

HERITAGE ACADEMY

Rooted in academic excellence and dedicated to students’ pursuit of extracurricular interests, Heritage Academy is a college-preparatory school where champions are made. The goal is to personalize education for each student ensuring success as student-artists, student-athletes, and students seeking to build their academic achievements. Whether their interest is academics only, a sport, the arts, or their own specialized extra-curricular activity, the educational standard to which students are held will prepare them for top-tier colleges and universities. Lowcountry students who have the desire to attend Heritage Academy, and the aptitude required, will find themselves learning alongside students from other countries. Students enter its halls driven to succeed. They graduate as life champions. That is the Heritage Academy difference.

SEA PINES MONTESSORI

Mary Stone Fraser founded Sea Pines Montessori Academy in 1968 as a children’s house — the desks, windows, and tables were at eye level so that it was truly owned by the children. Today, Sea Pines Montessori includes 10 classrooms, a library, multipurpose room, a Suzuki piano and violin studio, a Multipurpose Room, an outdoor green space and other amenities. In addition to offering golf at The First Tee of the Lowcountry and Sea Pines Resort, tennis with Van Der Meer Academy, and a thriving fitness program, the school offers numerous sports and clubs for all ages. Sea Pines Montessori instills a love of learning, strong social and problem-solving skills, a positive work environment, and respect for community.

THE ISLAND ACADEMY OF HILTON HEAD

The Island Academy of Hilton Head is a Pre-K through 12 school incorporating academic rigor into an inspiring learning environment that celebrates the individual voice, instills self-confidence, and fosters an understanding of our global interconnectedness. Students and teachers collaborate by a multidisciplinary approach to engage and develop higher order thinking skills around the big ideas in each of their subjects. This is done through exploration, problem solving, challenging work and play. Students practice teamwork, communication, adaptability, and digital literacy with the goals of maximum development of intellect and personal character.

Core learning traditions provide a structure for students to excel in their current environment and be best prepared for moving on, whether to a traditional fouryear college of choice or any number of different paths.

WHAT’S NEW: The Island Academy is thrilled to have Ellyn Levin on staff as its College Counselor. With a master’s degree in education and 35 years of experience in U.S. higher education, including 21 years as a university guidance counselor at the International School of Geneva, Ellyn has successfully helped over 1,000 students of diverse nationalities create admissions applications, securing acceptances at the most selective universities and colleges in the world.

IVYBROOK ACADEMY

Ivybrook Academy, an award-winning half day preschool, opened in Bluffton in August 2022. Ivybrook embodies a curriculum that is progressive, and child centered. It combines elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia education with Multiple Intelligence Research. The school focuses on learning by doing. The children are exposed to art, Spanish, music and movement, as well as following our extensive math and language curriculums. The first Ivybrook Academy was founded in Charlotte, N.C., and is celebrating 16 years of educating children. Ivybrook offers morning classes for children aged 2-5. Younger students start with a two- or three-day-a-week program that provides a gradual introduction to the school setting. For older students, the school has a more intensive five-day-a-week program that teaches all the skills necessary to be successful in any kindergarten setting.

Next year, Ivybrook plans to offer an afternoon program, which will be open to students aged 3 to 5. Families can choose from two-, three- or five-day-a–week programs in the afternoon.

The Director of Admissions, Coco Jozic loves meeting new families and sharing Ivybrook Academy with them. “As you walk around our building please notice our big open spaces, our beautiful windows to the outside, our calm and cozy classrooms full of nature and learning materials, our smiling cream of the crop staff, and every attention to detail that has been taken to give your child a wonderful place to learn and grow. Every child is important, respected, and loved here.”

Ivybrook is enrolling for the 2023-24 school year.

HILTON HEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The 2023 rankings are in, and Hilton Head Prep is leading the way in education — just as it has since its founding in 1965. As it has consistently for almost 60 years of educating the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Prep continues to inspire students to be exceptional. According to the Best Schools Rankings list from Niche, Prep is the No. 1 private K-12 school in Beaufort County, the No. 1 boarding school in the state, and in the top 2.5% of all schools nationwide. It all starts with Prep’s faculty — who average 20 years of experience and two-thirds have advanced degrees — and the administration, with more than 30 years of experience, on average — delivering Prep’s rigorous college prep curriculum, a strong arts and athletics program along with community service and character education. But here’s what matters more than the numbers: Faculty and staff members are passionate about learning and love the kids they teach.

JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL

John Paul II Catholic School offers students of all faiths an exceptional education in a safe and secure Christ-centered environment. Students are well prepared to succeed in college through its rigorous Honors, Advanced Placement, and Pre-AP courses. Beyond the classroom, an extensive athletic program, wide-ranging clubs and activities, and a growing performing arts program offer students the opportunity to learn valuable teamwork and life skills. Community service-learning is embedded in its curriculum allowing students to understand how their Christian faith calls them to be joyful servants to those less fortunate. John Paul II students are truly scholars with a soul.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Tracy Sklarin, a Georgia State University graduate with a BS in Mathematics Education, has been at JPII for four years. With more than 20 years of classroom experience, she shines at truly knowing and understanding her students. “The best part is seeing my students learn and grow,” she said. “Walking by my classroom you will often hear them exclaim, ‘Wow, this is actually easy!’” This year she is teaching AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Honors Calculus, Statistics, Pre-AP Geometry, and Algebra 1.

ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

For the past 25 years, St. Francis Catholic School, a fully Cognia-accredited parochial Catholic school for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, has provided an excellent educational 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 for students 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. St. Francis Catholic School works with children and their families towards the goal that every graduate is a young adult characterized as an individual of faith, integrity and scholarship.

HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS ENJOY SPORTS SUCCESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Two Hilton Head tennis powers — and one legendary player — brought home state titles during the fall high school sports season, another continued its dominance on the golf course, and our home-grown heroes excelled on the volleyball court, the football field, the cross country course, and in the pool.

And when the Beaufort Eagles won the first football state title for a Beaufort County public school in 77 years, it topped a campaign that ended with a whole bunch of hardware coming home to the Lowcountry.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the fall.

QUEENS OF THE COURT

Led by veteran Emily Ruckno, Hilton Head High’s girls tennis team beat two-time defending champion Lucy Beckham three times to get back to the state championship match for the first time since 2019. The team ousted Upper State champion Greenville to claim the Class 4A title.

Then Ruckno finally got the individual title that had evaded her.

After sweeping her matches in the Seahawks’ 5-2 win in the state championship match, Ruckno had her encore and swansong

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Left, Hilton Head High’s state-title tennis team. At right, May River swimmer Shelby Gourley.

CAMPAIGN

202 2 FALL ROUN D UP

BY JUSTIN JARRETT

three days later, running through the state singles draw to claim an individual crown after back-to-back runner-up finishes.

Ruckno led the Seahawks to a state title as a freshman and again as a senior, and her next stop is West Point to play for the Golden Knights of Army.

Inside on the volleyball court, the Seahawks have to say goodbye to more royalty after star setter Makenna Mason wrapped up her outstanding career with another sensational season. Mason was named Region 7-4A Player of the Year and was an all-state selection, and she will continue her career at Rider University.

DYNASTY DEFERRED

After claiming back-to-back SCISA Class 2A titles with perfect seasons, Hilton Head Christian Academy’s juggernaut football team hit a wall when a prototypical rebuilding year coincided with a move to Class 3A in a dramatic realignment of the private school league. The Eagles graduated a litany of stars a year ago, but they saw new ones emerge in a rollercoaster season that ended with a first-round playoff defeat. The biggest breakout star was quarterback Dylan Clark, who passed for more than 2,400 yards and 24 touchdowns and added 638 yards and 12 TDs on the ground — and he’s back for another season.

PHOTO COURTESY MB LYONS

2022 F ALL ROU NDUP

RIVALRIES RENEWED

A rivalry is only as heated as it is competitive, and some of this area’s biggest ones on the high school football field haven’t given fans much to get hyped about in recent years. Until 2022.

Backup quarterback Trace Hilaman threw three touchdown passes in relief of injured starter Max Vonhohenstraeten and Luis Rojas booted a game-winning field goal on the first play of Bluffton’s possession in overtime for a wild 35-32 win over the Hilton Head Seahawks in coach Hayden Gregory’s first Bridge Bowl leading the Bobcats. The win snapped a four-game losing streak against Hilton Head and marked the first time the matchup was decided by one possession since back-to-back three-point Bluffton wins in 2016 and 2017.

Gregory and the Bobcats couldn’t end their losing streak against crosstown rival May River, but it was the most competitive matchup in the history of the series. Bluffton’s defense put up a valiant effort, but the offense couldn’t do enough, and Jaiden Jones wore down the Bobcats late to seal a 14-7 win for the Sharks.

DOMINANT DOLPHINS

Some things you can count on every fall in the Lowcountry: Festivals and oyster roasts, no-see-ums ruining the nicest evenings, and Hilton Head Prep’s girls winning golf and tennis titles.

Hilton Head Prep secured its fourth consecutive SCISA girls golf state title in October, posting a twoday team score of 700 to edge runner-up Porter-Gaud by 17 shots, and the Dolphins swept the hardware, as Bridget Wilkie fired a 1-over-par 73 in the final round to finish 7 over across 36 holes and win the individual title by one shot over Pinewood Prep’s Aubrey Merryman.

After winning its seventh SCISA state title in eight years back in 2019, Hilton Head Prep’s girls tennis team didn’t get a chance to defend its crown in the pandemicshortened 2020 campaign and the Dolphins came up short in their bid for another title last season.

But the Dolphins are back on top after knocking off local rival John Paul II in the semifinals and beating Spartanburg Day 5-2 to win the SCISA 3A championship.

Hilton Head Christian quarterback Dylan Clark.

PHOTO COURTESY JUSTIN JARRETT

2022 F ALL ROU NDUP

Skylar Bruner of Hilton Head High School

ALL-STARS ABOUND

From May River senior Anya Arroyo, who raced to third place in the Class 4A Cross Country State Championships, to a school of local swimmers who brought home hardware from the state meets, all-star performances abounded from Lowcountry athletes this fall.

Hilton Head High football star and Wake Forest commit Chris Marable represented the Lowcountry in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, and Bluffton star and South Carolina State commit Jaylin Linder joined May River standouts Jaiden Jones and Darrion Perry on the South team in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl — and all four landed on the all-state team.

May River’s girls 200-yard medley relay team of Mia Yemec, Shelby Gourley, Hannah Yemec, and Lily Bostwick placed third at the state swim meet with Gourley adding another bronze in the 100 breaststroke, and Seahawks star and University of San Diego signee Skylar Bruner notched two podium finishes, as did teammate Blaise Minkler.

Local swimmers also cleaned up at the SCISA state meet, as HHCA’s Jack Ussery won the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke with SCISA state record times and anchored HHCA’s winning 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams along with Levi Eidson, JP Reed, and Wells Sharp. Hilton Head Prep’s Samantha Fenstermaker also won two events, taking gold in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and Mark Lofye brought home gold in the 500 freestyle for the Dolphins, while JPII’s Aubrey Porada won the girls 500 freestyle.

PHOTO COURTESY

MB LYONS

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DESIGN YOUR HOME IN STYLE FIRST GLASS

BY DEAN ROWLAND

There is something magical and wonderful about using glass as a decorative and functional element in the home. It’s stylistic, elegant, and sleek, and serves a variety of purposes.

We simply enjoy its myriad uses in the home as every day or special mirrors, lamps, pendants, tabletops, shelves, ornamental objects, shelves, stained glass, staircase panels, skylights, glass shower doors, front and patio doors, floors, walls and windows of all kinds.

Flat glass is the most prevalent type of glass, and its common uses are for windows, doors, tabletops and mirrors. Sand is melted with other materials into a liquid to a desired thickness and cooled, a process called float glass.

Hilton Head Glass supplies many vendors with heavy thick shelving of flat glass to be cut down to size, said Thomas Zombik, coowner with his artist/designer wife Veronica. The business, founded locally in 2002, has a 1,200 square-foot showroom in Bluffton carries 40 samples of glass.

“Our whole idea is to bring the people into the showroom and let them see for themselves the different style of glass,” he said.

It also features 10 full-size shower enclosures, its biggest seller.

“There’s a huge market for that,” he said.

He installs safety-tempered glass on his popular frameless shower doors and does a lot of reglazing.

An innovative technique he employs is applying ceramic ink to the shower glass for a striking visual image.

“It’s an interesting process,” he said. “Glass goes through a plotter, a big printer, and it’s done with ceramic ink and cured with ultraviolet lighting.”

It turns a bare shower panel into a piece of art.

Kitchen backsplashes and their well-worn tile bricks can also be handed the royal treatment with back painting glass. Roll iron glass extracts iron to make it ultra-clear, then a few coats of paint on the backside make the paint come alive in their true color.

Glue is applied on the back and positioned on the backsplash.

“We can apply any color back paint the client wants,” from living rooms and offices.

Hilton Head Glass fabricates its own custom glass on-site.

HISTORICAL USES

The stone age people used obsidian, black volcanic glass for weapons and decorative objects until man-made glass made it appearance about 3,000 BC in Eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt. Glass manufacturing followed and Syrian craftsman invented the blow pipe in the 1st century BC, which accelerated the manufacture and modernization of glass production.

Venice had become the glassmaking center of the Western world, and stained glass in majestic European cathedrals reached its zenith in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Lead glass made its debut in 1674, and Jamestown was the home of America’s first glass factory.

Over the next three centuries crown glass for windows appeared and a sheet glass prototype was invented in 1902 that led to the mass production of window glass. Float glass ushered in flat glass, which is the predominant product still used today.

Today’s glass not only reflects light, but it also expands the illusion of expanding space in a room.

Sure, we’ve been using break-resistant glass for windows and doors for a long, long time and for other uses as well.

Newer products on the glass market that lean toward modern and contemporary home design for their textures and colors are:

Flooring. Glass flooring certainly is dramatic and visually daunting for the uninitiated. It provides light to sift through the house and allows spaces to visually connect with one another. Safety and anti-slip properties are part of the engineering and review process.

Stairs. Glass railings and balustrades are earning their share of popularity of late, and glass stair treads are nudging their way into today’s market on spiral and traditional staircases. It’s an understatement to say that laminated structural glass floors make a striking impression. The floor below takes own its on luxurious life.

Cast Glass Countertops. With tops 1-2” thick and made of custom textured glass, natural lighting turned into a warm textured glow will bedazzle you and friends.

Shower walls. Glass blocks have been put out to the architectural pasture for a while now by new lines of thin see-through glass that allows for a modern small-space walk-in shower. Decorative metal facades are a bonus.

Glass Entry Doors. Different colors, textures and shapes transform the ordinary front door into a piece of art. Etch the glass and add decorative marbles inside a glazed unit to shift the light and keep your privacy.

MIX & MATCH

SHADES OF COLOR

Various shades of blue work together as a family of color against the bright accent colors.

TEXTURE

Fabric texture can elevate a room or give the space a welcoming cozy aura.

PATTERNS

Keeping a consistent style or theme in artwork make different images work together as a whole.

CASUAL

Leaning items against a wall paired with a comfy throw and a single sofa pillow gives this room a relaxed vibe.

NATURE & EARTH

NATURAL MATERIALS

The combination of a basket weave and leather give this ottoman cube a soft look while complementing the woven chair.

WOOD

Side tables made of wood anchor the ends of the room.

Using a pattern creates interest and direction.

STONE

Using a light-color stone allows the table to be solid without being heavy or weighty.

COLOR PALLETTE

Moss greens, greys and browns reinforce the natural materials used.

ROUND & GLAM

ROUNDED EDGES

Curves and rounded edges are everywhere right now. Curved furniture and accents pair well with sharp-edged pieces. GOLD

Introduce a bit of glam into any room with some gold. Using gold accents throughout a space keeps the eye moving and brings a cohesive look to different elements.

PLUSH VELVET

An overstuffed accent chair upholstered in velvet brings some glamour and royalty vibes without being overwhelming.

GARDEN fantasy

SUCCULENTS

Succulents come in a variety of colors but it is their shapes and patterns that make them a perfect design inspiration.

ROSES

This velvet chair echos not only the pink but the softness of the petals.

THISTLE

A pop of purple in the rug gives a bit of texture and complements the color of the chair.

SHRUBBERY

Dark green makes the perfect contrast against the bright floral colors and helps make them bright.

HOMEMADE CLEANING PRODUCTS ORGANIC CLEANING

BY HILTON HEAD MONTHLY

Before you buy all new cleaning products, check your fridge and pantry for items you may already have that can be used for cleaning.

Vinegar works like an all purpose cleaning solution and deodorizer. Make sure you dilute it with water and dispense it in a spray bottle. Don’t worry about the smell because it goes away after use. You can use it in almost any area of the home including the bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms.

Vinegar is great for bathrooms because it can get rid of soap scum, toilet bowl rings and hard water stains. It can also be used as a glass cleaner. It may not be suitable for tile grout so test before using. Always test new products on surfaces that are inconspicuous. Do you have sensitive skin? Vinegar can also be used as a fabric softener. Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle. This can work well for children who tend to have more sensitive skin than adults.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda is known for its deodorizing capabilities. Many homeowners’ refrigerators contain baking soda to get rid of funky smells. Baking soda can also be used as an alternative abrasive cleaner for surfaces. Food containers can sometimes have hard to get rid of smells. Fill the container with water and a little baking soda and let it sit overnight. Baking soda can be used to clean silver and scuffs on laminate flooring. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet, let sit for about 15 minutes and then vacuum. In no time, your carpet and home will smell fresh! Baking soda is great for getting rid of smells from a cat litter box or ashtrays.

LEMON JUICE

Many household cleaning products contain a lemon scent, so using lemons to clean seems natural. Lemons can be used to clean many areas of the home from the sink drain to the laundry room. Lemons are acidic and can bleach many surfaces, so be sure to use it wisely. It can be used to clean brass and copper. Use lemon juice to clean water stains on copper bottoms pots and pans. It can get rid of hard water stains and soap scum. Love using vinegar but hate the smell? Add a little lemon juice to your spray bottle. Lemons can also be used in the laundry room. Add some lemon juice to white linens and clothing for hard to get rid of stains. The lemon juice will work as a bleaching agent. Lay the articles in the sun and the stains will disappear.

With all of the food that gets thrown down the kitchen drain, it can be difficult to get rid of the smell. You can drop lemon rinds down the garbage disposal to freshen up the drain.

PESKY PESTS-INSIDE AND OUT

The warm weather of spring not only brings flowers, but also brings out different kinds of pests. While there are many pest control products on the market, natural herbs can help to keep them away. Gardening in the yard can be difficult to enjoy when you’re getting attacked by bugs. Planting an herb garden in your yard or placing potted herbs on the kitchen window sill may help to repel these pesky pests. Mosquitoes are an annoyance to many homeowners who spend time in their yard, but basil and rosemary can help to keep them at bay. Rosemary is also said to deter the carrot fly and the bean beetle. Lavender is thought to repel ticks, while basil can keep flies away. Sage can repel the carrot fly and cabbage moth while tansy can keep ants away. These herbs can repel bugs and make for a pleasant scent and can also be used for cooking.

Are ants invading your kitchen? Those tiny ants seem to come from nowhere and can be difficult to get rid of. Try a few natural home remedies to keep them away. First of all, be sure that counters and cabinets are kept clean and free of food. Cucumbers are said to keep away ants, so cut a few slices and place them in areas that you suspect the ants are coming in from. Mint tea, cloves, lemon juice, or even coffee grounds placed in these areas could keep them outdoors. For more ideas on how to repel pets the natural way check out www.eartheasy.com

DOLLENBERG PROPERTIES & KELLER WILLIAMS LUXURY ADD 2 MEMBERS

Matt and Whitney Wortman have joined Dollenberg Properties of KW Luxury Hilton Head. Matt Wortman has been in the real estate business for a year, and previously owned a mechanical contracting company. Whitney Wortman recently earned her real estate license.

COASTAL VACATION RENTALS HIRES OFFICE COORDINATOR

Cali Hildebrandt was hired by Coastal Vacation Rentals as its office coordinator. Previously she was an outdoor hospitality manager serving as the resort general manager at an RV resort in Arizona.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES HIRES GROWTH OFFICER

Kerry B. Walsh was named chief growth and development officer at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bay Street Realty Group. She began her real estate career 15 years ago with Berkshire Hathaway, in her hometown of Malvern, Pa. She created a real estate team focusing on luxury and equestrian properties.

know

WEICHERT REALTORS ADDS 3 AGENTS

Tish DeLozier, Debbie Burd, and Ashli Godfrey have joined the team at Weichert Realtors as agents.

DeLozier will work out of the Sun City office. She earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina. DeLozier worked in the pharmaceutical industry and later founded Tish DeLozier Designs.

Burd, who will work out of the Hilton Head office, grew up in the Midwest. She has years of experience in mortgage lending, business management and customer service.

Godfrey, who will work out of the Beaufort office, received a master of arts degree in philosophy from Georgetown University. Prior to pursuing her real estate license, she worked for Beaufort County for two and a half years.

INVENTORY LEVELS ON THE RISE

According to the November Housing Supply Overview from the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors from December 2021 to November 2022, pending sales in the Hilton Head region were down 23.3 percent. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $375,001 to $650,000 range, where they increased 2.6 percent.

The overall median sales price was up 18.9 percent to $480,000. The property type with the largest price gain was the condos/villas segment, where prices increased 20.3 percent to $385,000.

Market-wide, inventory levels were up 76.6 percent. The property type that gained the most inventory was the single-family segment, which increased 82.1 percent

STUDY FINDS 5.1% INCREASE IN LOWCOUNTRY POPULATION SINCE 2016

A study by Inspection Support Network finds our area among the fastest growing in the country. The analysis shows that the population on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton grew by 10,803 during the study period between 2016 and 2021—a 5.1% increase, compared to the national increase of 2.8%.

FAIR MARKET RENT INCREASES

The Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area is among locations in the U.S. that have seen rent increases. According to Consumer Price Index data, U.S. rents have risen at their fastest pace since the 1980s. This area saw a percent change in fair market rent of 25.3. percent, a Construction Coverage study found, compared to 24.1 percent in the country.

WORTMAN

HILDEBRANDT

BURD

DELOZIER WALSH

THE HEALTHIEST WAYS TO KEEP SKIN SOFT

SKIN CARE FOR THE WINTER SEASON

BY HILTON HEAD MONTHLY

While we all know how important skin care can be in the height of summer with the soaring heat and humidity but living well in the skin you’re in is a year-round job.

Winter is still a wonderland in the coastal paradise of the Southern Southeast, where laid-back Lowcountry living calls you out of doors 365 days of the year, cozying up on porches, bundling on boats, and wrapping up for those long winter walks on the beach.

Whether you’re striving to avoid dry, itchy skin, heal harsher winter conditions, or maintain healthy prevention of skin cancers, here are your best bets for the – somewhat – cooler months.

Some like it hot. Your skin does not:

Lower temps and shorter showers, or not over-washing hands is always good advice, but it becomes even more consequential in winter, just when warmer water can be challenging to avoid when you’re trying to get the temperate chill out of your bones. But it’s your skin that pays the price as scalding water can strip essential natural oils and dry out skin. A good rule of thumb is if your skin “reddens,” it’s too hot for a healthy skincare regimen in any month, and especially harsh in the winter season.

Deep Conditioning in Colder Conditions:

Moisturizing is oft overlooked as it can seem non-essential but it’s anything but, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The more you lose hydration, the more it needs replaced, and in winter, your skin needs all the help it can get, from chapped lips to cracked hands to whole-body healing. Dermatologists frequently recommend a hydrating lotion that supports a natural replenishing of your skin’s hyaluronic acid. Apply to damp skin right after washing to “lock in moisture” and deep-treat dry, chapped, itchy skin or pre-emptively save it from drying out.

Take Cover:

Skin damage is not caused by heat or high temperatures, it’s caused by the sun, and especially in the Lowcountry, the sun still shines all winter long. Don’t be afraid to pull out the hats and scarves to keep out the chill and extra-bright UV rays from wintry skies. A light pair of gloves can protect the sensitive skin of your hands.

Hydrate while you Hibernate:

You may feel like you’re tucked away for the solstice, but water intake is perhaps even more important while we’re “overwintering.” As we crank the heaters higher and keep windows closed to circulate dry indoor air, our skin dries out fast. Adding insult to eczema, we double up on the dehydrating every time we cozy up with coffees, teas, hot chocolate, or cocktails. Hook up a humidifier, trade out a few caffeinated cups for hot water and lemon.

Go Pro:

Keep up a healthy routine of performing regular self-exams year-round, checking for unusual spots, sores slow to heal, new or changing moles and discolorations. But get a team behind you too – make sure a visit with a specialist is an annual commitment. Not only is it important to diagnose conditions and treat them while they’re the most susceptible to healing, but skin conditions and cancers are crucial to catch early – and most often highly treatable when they are.

Pack a winter toolkit for soft and healthy skin:

Carry a travel lotion and a lip balm in a purse or car console along with plenty of water and chose skin products with added SPF for winter skin. Limit shower temps and dehydrating beverages. Simplify your ability to prepare and protect through bright winter sun glare, for those long walks at low tide and kayaking and turn to those in the know to get a professional, personalized plan for perfect winter skin.

WHERE DOES IT HURT?

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KIDNEY AND BACK PAIN

BY DR. MICHAEL LANGLEY

Differentiating between pain that is coming from your back muscles or spine as opposed to your kidney can be subtle, but most of the time the differences are clear.

Most musculoskeletal back pain is not an emergency, but in many cases kidney pain can be. If you are experiencing any symptoms, here are some “pearls” of wisdom that can aid in distinguishing the root cause of your pain.

Musculoskeletal back pain can occur acutely, and is almost always associated with movement of some type — lifting something, turning the back awkwardly, etc. This type of pain typically originates in the lower back (midline, above the buttocks) and can radiate down one or both legs. Back pain is also worsened by further movement of that area. Musculoskeletal pain is more often a chronic pain condition and can be treated by a wide array of medications, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgery.

Kidney pain is generally distinguished from musculoskeletal pain in that kidney pain often originates in the flank, which is the area of the body between the armpit and the top of the hip. The onset of pain is often sudden and unrelenting, and it can be accompanied

by severe nausea, vomiting, and/or sweating. The most common cause of the pain would be a kidney stone that has left the kidney and is working its way down the tube from the kidney to the bladder called the ureter.

Another source of kidney pain could stem from a severe Pyelonephritis, a severe urinary tract infection where bacteria has traveled from the bladder or urethra to the kidney. In addition to back pain and painful urination, Pyelonephritis can also cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and foul-smelling urine.

A third source of kidney pain can stem from a bleed in the kidney called a renal hematoma. A renal hematoma can occur spontaneously in patients taking blood thinners. For anyone, a renal hematoma can occur as a result of trauma to the area such as a car accident or blunt trauma to the flank area. Symptoms of a renal hematoma include flank pain and blood in the urine.

As a general rule of thumb for back pain, if you can point to the place where your back hurts and the pain has been consistently there for more than a day, you probably have a musculoskeletal condition.

If the pain comes and goes without warning, is severe and associated with nausea or vomiting, think kidney. If the pain is associated with blood in the urine, this would be more consistent with a kidney condition such as a stone, urinary tract infection, or worse, a growth or tumor on or within the kidney or bladder. Bloody urine is always an urgent situation and merits consulting with your doctor or urgent care clinic quickly.

Dr. Michael Langley is a urologist with the Hilton Head Regional Physician Network

ETIQUETTE &

BY SCOTT CUMMINGS

A GUIDE TO BEING A BETTER SPORTSMAN

Unless you are blessed with owning, inheriting, or having access to private property with an amazing cover, preserve and plantation, hunts are the greatest introductory opportunity for new hunters and gundogs of all ages.

It gives anyone the chance to try it out, and experience success, without further commitments. In the South, the bobwhite quail is king, followed

by the dove. And while the North is known for grouse, the West presents unparalleled pheasant territory.

This colum will discuss obligations and restraints in wingshooting. As with any endeavor, we can simply partake in ignorance or aspire to become better sportsmen and hunting companions. My suggestions follow:

BECOME A STUDENT OF THE GAME.

Walk some fields and get in shape. Read up on the sport and become knowledgeable for your benefit. Watch some online videos to get a visual about your upcoming event, then rehearse it in your mind. Quail, grouse, and pheasant all flush differently. Practice shooting clays with a thrower before your outing and familiarize yourself with loading and unloading your weapons. Too many folks take liberties with shotguns because they’re selfprofessing marksmen.

LOOK THE PART.

Our society loves nostalgia. We ogle and admire those vintage photos when folks dressed in class for about any social outing. Don’t show up in deer hunting camo. I’m always amazed at the difference a woven-plaid shirt makes underneath a waxed cotton vest. Try some brush pants or chaps over jeans. Orvis, LL Bean, and Kevin’s Catalog are just examples of companies offering handsome choices.

BE EARLY AND BE READY.

Five minutes early is an hour late. Everyone loathes the guy who can’t honor his friends’ time or the guide’s. Check with the outfitter about state or local laws, but plan on bringing the following items: One article of orange clothing (hat, vest, jacket), shooting glasses, ear protection, comfortable boots, hunting license (where state required), your own break-action or semi-auto shotgun (12, 20, 28 gauges only, unless renting), shells (#5, #6, #7.5, unless purchasing there), your dog with an electronic collar and his medical kit (unless guided), a cooler for breasted birds, camera for photos, credit card and money for tips and game prep.

LET YOUR GUIDE LEAD.

It will take the pressure off your hunt and make it more enjoyable. What he says stands, and never yell at his dog or tell it what to do. Ole’ Smoky was trained to respond to one voice only and he’s doing his best to please everyone there. After all, that dog was bred for this.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNERS.

Agree to walk in a horizontal line with every man accounted for. A straight push better ensures clean coverage of your parcel. Discuss shooting zones with partners and never shoot toward them. When in doubt, pass on the shot. If the bird is best taken by someone else in your party, use hand signals to convey it’s theirs before talking a bunch. Too much noise spook hunkered-down birds and they run.

DON’T RUSH YOUR SHOT.

When your dogs are on point, your guide should position himself between you and your partner, reflecting best scenarios as he kicks up the birds. Keep your barrel facing the sky, stock in front of your belly, and ready. Breathe and exhale. Push the safety off. A good guide is listening for that “click.”

On the flush, slide the gun butt up to your shoulder and cheek and take aim. Focusing on only one bird, you want to lead your target by swinging your barrel in front of it and aiming for the head. You’ll likely hit the body. Keep your cheek to the stock and eyes looking down the barrel for the follow-up shot; don’t pull your head. When a bird rockets direct sideways or slightly behind, pivot your feet and hips like a point guard in basketball to better make the shot.

On a larger covey flush, the excitement can be overwhelming. Pick one bird and stay with it till it is down. Then proceed. Wounding wildfowl due to poor judgment needs immediate correction. You owe those birds clean, ethical shots.

NEVER, EVER, DO THIS:

Do not take a low-leveling shot that wounds or puts a guide’s high-end gun dog at risk. Wait till that bird clears cover and allow for a dog’s leaping flush before letting loose on a $20 bird. Besides, shooting game on the ground is considered very unsportsmanlike.

STAY SOBER.

And speaking of never, only a selfish person enters the field liquored up. That guide and your friends are moms and dads, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers of other humans that love and need them. “Keep the flask until the last,” as they say. Celebrations involving a toast should end the day, not start it.

DON’T BE THAT GUY.

A 50% deposit is the norm to hold your reservation with the balance due the day of. Cancelation fees are both standard and necessary when hunters ‘no-show’ a preserve, leaving a gap in the schedule and loss of income. No one works for free. Be prepared to tip your guide 20% or close to it. Same for your chef or waitress staff.

READ THE FINE PRINT.

Some nicer resort lodges or plantations require slippers or socks in the house. No muddy boots or bare feet, in keeping with gentlemen’s expectations. Throw a pair in your luggage. And of course, you love your dog so for a nominal fee, roughly $25 a night, you can board your partner in their kennels. Rarely in the lodge.

In that vein, many, not all outfits, welcome clients bringing their own dogs along. Make sure your companions are in good shape and accustomed to the hunting conditions at hand, be it heat or cold, mountains, or soggy bottoms. Pups desperately need field time but don’t ruin the hunt for other customers if he’s terribly mannered.

ATTITUDE

IS EVERYTHING FOR A FUN DAY.

Never claim all the birds put down. If you outshoot your friends, share some of the harvests. Laugh and joke. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow so take photos of your buddies; those memories will last a lifetime.

We are in this great and beloved brotherhood together and it is a pastime to be cherished and protected. That starts and ends with us. Let’s be good to one another, and let’s get others into the fields.

Scott Cummings is an avid sportsman and former educator. National Wild Turkey Federation and Wildlife Forever named him its 2013 and 2014 Conservation Educator of the Year.

BY ANTHONY GARZILLI

OPTIMAL HEALTH SMART TIPS TO EATING WELL

The new year can bring resolutions for getting healthier, including eating habits that can help you maintain your overall health. From low carb, to low-fat, here are a few dietary tips.

BREAKFAST BITES

A bite in the morning is often rushed, but it should be one of the healthiest meals of the day. Following a low-carb keto diet for breakfast is healthy and satisfying.

There are plenty of options. Try a veggie omelet with mushrooms, spinach or squash or consider having yogurt with granola or some fruit (blackberries, raspberries).

A filling choice is sausage breakfast sandwich (served with eggs between sausage patties) with no bun. This is full of protein but low on carbs.

For something quick, halve an avocado and eat with a spoon. WebMD suggests blending an avocado with almond milk and cocoa powder for a rich and creamy smoothie.

LUNCH

An afternoon snack or meal can be healthy and filling. Start with baked tortilla chips, which are better than fried tortilla chips.

Low-sugar, whole-grain granola bars with 3 grams of fiber, or a handful of unsalted or lightly salted dry-roasted nuts are tasty and healthy snacks.

For a more hearty and healthy meals, consider a turkey and cheese wrap, a basil pesto chicken salad with grapes or enjoy a crab cake burger served with greens and lemon-juice dressing.

Want a small reward? Low-calorie oatmeal cookies are a good snack. A recipe at wellplated.com replaces half the amount of butter with applesauce. Honey is a great sweetener.

DELIGHTFUL DINNER

Dinner time is full of healthy options with an emphasis on low-fat dishes. When thinking about dinner rethink some common cooking traditions.

Some different options to consider:

• Instead of a cup of whole milk, try a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk and a tablespoon of liquid vegetable oil.

• The American Heart Association said instead of a tablespoon of butter, use a tablespoon of soft margarine or ¾ tablespoon of liquid vegetable oil.

• Low-fat unsalted cottage cheese and low-fat yogurt are alternatives for sour cream.

A recipe for grilled salmon sliders is a healthy option, suggested by skinnyms.com. The tasty recipe calls for parsley, sweet onion, roma tomatoes and romaine lettuce and whole-wheat slider buns. It’s a dish good for protein and increased nutrients.

Other dishes are always a healthy option, including tuna or grilled fish fillet.

The healthiest dinner choices include dishes that are baked, grilled, poached or steamed. Or try chicken in an air fryer (it’s quick with almost no cleanup).

Consider a vegetable stir fry with broccoli, peppers, sesame seeds, and carrots.

These suggestions can help you eat well and stay healthy.

SAUSAGE BREAKFAST Sandwich

SERVES: 1

TOTAL TIME : 10 MIN

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 sausage patties and/or Bacon if desired

• 1 large egg

• ¼ avocado

• Sliced cheddar cheese

• Salt (optional)

METHOD:

• Crack the egg, mix and cook the egg. Flip after 2-2.5 minutes.

• Cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Fold and remove from the skillet.

• Add the patties/strips to skillet and cook for 5 minutes.

• Turn over to cook both sides.

• Remove from skillet.

• Place sausage patty on a plate and add egg, avocado slice, and top with other sausage patty. Add salt as needed.

• Enjoy

VEGGIE Stir Fry

SERVES: 4-5

TOTAL TIME : 25 MIN

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 lb. broccoli

• 2 carrots

• 4 oz. sugar snap peas

• 1 onion

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 clove minced garlic

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

METHOD:

• Combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Place aside.

• Chop vegetables.

• Appy cooking oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and broccoli when pan is hot then stir.

• Then sugar snap peas and stir for a minute.

• Drop in bell pepper and onion and stir until onion gets soft.

• Stir fry sauce should be stirred briefly then poured over the vegetables until sauce thickens.

• Cook until vegetables are just how you like them.

• Add sesame seeds. Serve.

JAN 28

SNOW DAY PRESENTED BY THE ISLAND RECREATION CENTER

FUN

EVENTS FOR EVERYONE!

CALENDAR

JAN. 1

POLAR PLUNGE AT COLIGNY BEACH: : The community and visitors come together to support Charli’s Critters and plunge into 2023. Free. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Coligny Beach, 1 Coligny Beach Circle, Hilton Head Island. 843-3424580 or collignyplaza.com/polarplunge.

JAN. 1

HAIR OF THE DOG 5K SAVANNAH: Spend the New Year with Fleet Feet and Tubby’s and enjoy a little “hair of the dog.” Every race entry contestant over 21 will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary from Tubby’s Tank House. 10 a.m. 2909 River Dr, Savannah, GA. 912-355-3527 or Fleetfeet.com.

JAN. 1

NEW YEAR’S BLOODY BAR

EXTRAVAGANZA: Build your own Bloody and enjoy it on the waterfront at South Beach in the Sea Pines Resort. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The Salty Dog, 232 S Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-2233 or saltydog.com.

JAN. 2-3

SHEN YUN- CHARLESTON: A classical Chinese dance-along with patented scenographical effects and all-original works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of

enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. $90- $200. 7:30 p.m. ShenYunCreations. com. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston. 877285-7469 or ShenYun.com/SCGA.

JAN. 7

ZUMBA GOLD: The Friends of the Bluffton Library is hosting a fun, low-intensity Zumba class for adults. Free. 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. The Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. 843-255-6503 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

JAN. 7

SAVANNAH GHOST PIRATES VS. SC

STINGRAYS: 7 p.m. Price ranges from $21 and up. Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Avenue, Savannah. 912-494-2868 or ghostpirateshockey.com.

JAN. 10

WINTERJAM- JACKSONVILLE: An evening of music from artists such as Jeremy Camp, We the Kingdom, Andy Mineo, Anne Wilson, Disciple, Austin French, Newsong and more. Jam Nation Entry at 4 p.m. General Admission Entry at 5p.m. Tickets are $15. Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. jamtour.com.

JAN. 11

Anything Goes! This New Year at Art League of Hilton Head Art Reception: Celebrating the best of 2023: An exhibit of celebrating the astounding array of artwork created by Art League exhibiting members. Vote on favorite art pieces. Awards announced at 6 p.m. The exhibit runs Jan 3rd- 28. All artwork on display is for sale. 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-6815060 or artshhi.com.

JAN. 11

GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS AT SAVANNAH GHOST PIRATES: 7 p.m. Price ranges from $21 and up. Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Avenue, Savannah. 912-494-2868 or ghostpirateshockey.com.

JAN. 12- 22

TIDES TO TABLES RESTAURANT WEEK:

This 10-day celebration attracts people from all over the country to come try the amazing culinary creations by South Carolina’s top chefs. Hundreds of restaurants are offering special menu items, promotions and incredible discounts. Restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com.

JAN. 14

CHARLIFEST: A community music festival honoring our love for Island girl, Charli Bobinchuck. $10- General Admission. $25 general admission plus shirt and donation to Charli’s Critters. 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843842-6050 or purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com.

JAN. 14

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND MARATHON: An inclusive race held at Haig Point and consists of a 13.1 mile or a 26.2-mile distance on a USATF certified course. After the race, enjoy live music while having lunch. Browse an Artesian Village filled with vendors and have celebratory drinks on the green. $125- $150. 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Daufuskie Island, Haig Point Lighthouse. Contact: Kerry Dulina- 678-4161933. Daufuskieislandmarathon.com.

JAN. 14

THE IN (DISPOSABLE) ART OF KIRKLAND SMITH EXHIBIT

OPENS: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.

JAN 14 & 15

SHEN YUN- SAVANNAH: A Classical Chinese dance-along with patented ace no graphical effects and all-original works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. $90- $200. 7:30 p.m. Johnny Mercer Theatre at The Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA. Shenyun.com.

JAN. 17

STUDIO TALK WITH KIRKLAND SMITH (MEMBER EXCLUSIVE): Join the Morris Center Curator on a virtual visit to Kirland Smith’s Columbia, S.C., workspace. Learn about how she creates her found object assemblage and hear what she has to say about her exhibition’s message. Free. 6 p.m. Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. 843284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.

JAN. 18

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING VOCALIST QUIANA PARLET WITH THE LAVON STEVENS TRIO: Two concerts nightly: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

JAN. 20

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF HILTON HEAD HOSTING AMBASSADOR LAWRENCE (LARRY) BUTLER: Join the former Deputy Secretary of State & NSC Director for Europe to discuss issues that affect ‘The Balcans: The Next Battle Ground.’ Cost is $20. 10 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.

JAN. 20, 21, 22

ANNUAL LOW COUNTRY HOME & GARDEN SHOW: Meet builders, remodelers and contractors and find the latest products and services for your home and landscape. Cost and time are TBA. Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr, Savannah, Ga. Purchase tickets online at showtechnology.com.

JAN. 21

CARS AND COFFEE HILTON HEAD: A monthly community meetup on the third Saturday of each month for car enthusiasts with all makes and models. Free. 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. USCB Campus in Bluffton, 1 University Blvd. Bluffton. carsandcoffeehhi@gmail.com. Carsandcoffeehhi.com.

JAN. 21

2ND ANNUAL OYSTER BOOGIE RUN: Support local Riverview Charter School and run through Historic Downtown Beaufort and across the Woods Memorial Bridge along a certified 5k course. Runners start and finish at Freedom Park. Cash prizes will be awarded for male and female age groups. 8 a.m.- 10 a.m. $40+ signup fee. Bfthospitality.com. Register online at runsignup.com.

JAN 21- 22

3RD ANNUAL OYSTER FESTIVAL WEEKEND: Held during the Tides to Tables Restaurant Week. Free admission. 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Bay Street, Beaufort. 843-525-7011 or Info@bfthospitality.com or Bftoysterfestival.com.

JAN. 22

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC- WHEN INSTRUMENTS ROAMED THE EARTH: Join conductor Keitaro Harada for this fun family program telling the story of prehistoric times featuring creators of the “Barney & Friends” franchise, Stephen White and Bob Singleton. $25 and up. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. The Lucas Theatre for the Performing Arts, 32 Abercorn St. Savannah. 912-2326002 or savannahphilharmonic.org.

JAN. 22

SAINT FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-6501 or sfcshhi.com.

JAN 21- 22

3RD ANNUAL OYSTER FESTIVAL WEEKEND:

JAN. 24

HISTORY & HAPPY HOUR WITH CAPTAIN JACK STONEY: Meet Capt. Jack Stoney, privateer and wealthy landowner of early Hilton Head and enjoy a cocktail of and h’oeuvres. Capt. Jack will delight you with his descriptions of life on the island before, during and after the Revolutionary War. A cash bar and food will be provided. $25 per person plus cash bar. 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. The Heritage Library, 2 Corpus Christi Pl, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

JAN. 24

FREE SC LAW TALK: The Bluffton Library is hosting a series of free talks through the South Carolina Bar Association. This session’s topic will focus on starting a business. Free. 5:30 p.m.- 6:40 p.m. The Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. 843-255-6503 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

JAN. 27

SAVANNAH GHOST PIRATES VS. ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS: 7:30p.m. Price ranges from $15 and up. Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Avenue, Savannah. 912-494-2868 or ghostpirateshockey.com.

JAN. 27

BOOK TALK: Join Author Suzanna Eibuszyc on International Holocaust Remembrance Day as she discusses her book, Memory is Our Home and travels back in time to Poland during WW1 through WW11. Free. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. The Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. 843-255-6503 or beaufortcountrylibrary.org.

JAN. 27 & 28

VOCALIST JOE GRANDSDEN & PIANIST/COMPOSER KENNY BANKS: Two concerts nightly: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

JAN. 28

A STATE FAIR TO REMEMBER HISTORY TALK: You’ll be hungry for corndogs and a cloud of cotton candy after hearing author Rodger Stroup discuss his book Meet Me at the Rocket: A History of the South Carolina State Fair. Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter. org.

JAN 28

SNOW DAY

PRESENTED BY THE ISLAND RECREATION

CENTER: This family-friendly event will have inflatable rides, a snowfield and entertainment. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 2-17. 843-681-7273 or Islandreccenter.org.

JAN. 28

BLUFFTON OYSTER ROAST: Enjoy fresh, local oysters, homemade chili, bratwursts, dogs, handcut fries and live music by Muddy Creek. Soda, beer and wine will be available for an additional charge. Advance tickets are $45. Tickets are $55 at the door. 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St, Bluffton. Blufftonrotary.org.

JAN. 29

BEAUFORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Susan Merdnger returns to collaborate with Maestro Frederick Devyatkin in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Prices range from $15- $40. 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Beaufort High School, 84 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort. 912-232-7250 or beaufortorchestra.org.

SUNDAYS

DEAS GUYS AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Jan. 15, 22 and 29. Two concerts nightly: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

MONDAYS

SHUCK IT TRIVIA AT BROTHER SHUCKERS BAR AND GRILL: Join “The Grand Inquisitor” Matty B every Monday night for an evening of trivia and drink specials. $6 Deep Eddy Vodka Drinks during Trivia. The Island’s only south end Raw Bar & Restaurant that serves food every night until midnight. 6:30 p.m.- 8:30p.m. Brother Shuckers Bar and Grill, 7D Greenwood Dr, #3, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-7000 or Brothershuckershhi.com.

MONDAYS

THE MARTIN LESCH BAND- A JOURNEY THROUGH JAZZ AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Two concerts nightly: 6:30p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

JAZZ CORNER

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS

MEMORY ENHANCING CLASSES AT MEMORY MATTERS:

A memory enhancing program providing curriculum-based, mind-enhancing content to encourage socialization, stimulation and support for individuals newly diagnosed with early memory loss. Costs: 1 day per week is $200; 2 days per week is $350. Inperson on Mondays and Wednesdays. Virtual classes are offered on Thursdays between 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Memory Matters, 117 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6688 or mymemorymatters.org.

MONDAYS-SATURDAY REST, RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION AT PURE SALT

STUDIOS: Relax with private yoga in a Himalayan salt room (Halotherapy), heal your body in the Infrared sauna or book an appointment for a private massage or sound bath session. Call to book an appointment. Shelter Cove Lane and Marina, 9 Harbourside Lane, Suite B, Hilton Head Island. 843-715-2825 or puresaltstudios.com.

TUESDAYS

FAT TUESDAYS AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Two concerts nightly: 6:30 p.m. and 9 pm. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620 or thejazzcorner.com.

TUESDAYS

HILTON HEAD ISLAND FARMERS MARKET: Support our local farmers and producers and take-home fresh produce, pastureraised chicken, free-range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, sausage, cookies, bread, she-crab soup and more. Entrance and parking are free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Dr,

LOWCOUNTRY SCENE II

Hilton Head Island. 843-473-5231 or hhifarmersmarket.com.

WEDNESDAYS

ROOT AND BLOOM MARKET: Every Wednesday, find natural foods, organic produce, pastured meats, select artisans and natural wellness products. 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. Follow social media for the most up to date events and cancellations. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. Discoverrootandbloommarket.com.

THURSDAYS

THIRSTY THURSDAYS WINE TASTING: Hazel Dean’s Wine Tasting features four fabulous wines on the patio. 4-6 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes complimentary charcuteries. Must be at least 21. 843-802-2001 or info@hazeldeans.com. Theshopsatseapinescenter.com.

THURSDAYS

CIVIL WAR ERA: Join this presentation featuring maps and historic photos of this time on Hilton Head from 1861-1865. Reservations required. The cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223. or coastaldiscovery.org.

THURSDAYS

DUELING PIANOS SHOW: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night at the Rooftop Bar. 8-11 p.m., Rooftop Bar at Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com.

THURSDAYS

FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Boundary Street. Buy a fresh assortment of strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more.

Also hear local, live entertainment and educational lectures. Noon-5 p.m., Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. 843-4152447 or farmersmarketbluffton.org.

THURSDAYS

LAVON STEVENS PRESENTS JAZZ IN THE KEY OF LIFE

FEATURING LOUISE SPENCER: Two concerts nightly: 6:30p.m. and 9p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

FRIDAYS

SIT AND STITCH: Practice needlepoint every Friday during this casual sit and stitch event. All levels welcome. Free. 10 a.m., Needlepoint Junction, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 6134, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or shopneedlepointjunction. com.

FRIDAYS

will be donated to a different local non-profit organization each month. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Shelter Cover Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. @hhicommunitymarket on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries, contact Colleen Laux at colleen@ cottonwoodsoap.com.

SATURDAYS

PALM TREE & PISTONS: Local car show every second Saturday of each month. Jan. 14. Showcases local vintage/antique, exotic, muscle and unique cars owned by locals. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Sea Turtle Marketplace (in front of the former Steinmart), 430 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. Visit Facebook page Palm Trees & Pistons for more information.

SATURDAYS

BEGINNER

SHAG LESSONS AND SOCIAL DANCING:

The Hilton Head Island Carolina Shag Club will host Friday night beginner shag lessons, followed by social dances. Lessons are open to couples, singles, and anyone who loves to dance. Dances are open to the public and all styles of dancers: shag, ballroom, swing, country, or line. Fee is $5. 5:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-6008 or hiltonheadshagclub.com.

SATURDAYS

HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET: Food-focused market every Saturday morning that also features a limited number of local artisans and makers each week. 50% of all vendor fees received

BLUFFTON LOWCOUNTRY MADE MARKET: Local market every third Saturday of each month featuring local artisans and makers. Jan 21. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Buckwalter Place (next to Buckwalter Kroger Shopping Center), Commerce Park, 25 Buckwalter Pl. Blvd. Bluffton.

WEEKLY, MONTHLY AND HOLIDAY CAMPS

SMITH STEARNS TENNIS ACADEMY: Programs are available for all junior tennis players of all levels and the length of your stay at the academy is up to you, whether it be daily, weekly or monthlyspring, fall and winter. Private tennis lessons available. Smith Stearns Tennis Academy, 1 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-4789 or smithstearns.com.

ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR: Alligator and Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required, 843-671-4386 or h2osports. com.

CRAFTS TO GO: Children and adults can order a variety of craft activities pre-assembled and ready to enjoy at your home or villa. Book online. The cost is $12-$20. Sea Pines Resort Fitness and Recreation Department, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.

TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE

WITH LAWTON STABLES: Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 lawtonstables.com.

THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM: Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $5.75/person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. Open every day 10 a.m.-sundown. 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com.

SAVE THE DATE

FEB. 1

GRAMMY

AWARD-WINNING VOCALIST QUIANA

PARLER WITH THE LAVON STEVENS TRIO: Two concerts nightly: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620 or thejazzcorner.com.

FEB. 4

BLUFFTON LUTZIE 43 5K HOSTED BY THE TOWN OF BLUFFTON: An annual race to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving, as well as serving as a fundraiser for the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Scholarship. 5K Run/Walk- $30. Student under 18- $20. 8 a.m. Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St, Bluffton. Register online at runsignup.com/race/sc/bluffton/ lutzie435k.

FEB. 8

JOURNEY: FREEDOM TOUR 2023 WITH SPECIAL GUEST TOTO: Tickets prices range from $150+. 7:30p.m. Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Avenue, Savannah. 912-494-2868 or ticketmaster.com.

FEB. 8

GULLAH 101: Join Presenter Luana Graves Sellars and learn about the spiritual, musical, linguistic and storytelling world of the Gullah culture. $10- Non-Member/ $8- Member. 2p.m.- 3p.m. U.S.C.B. Hilton Head Campus, One Sand Shark Drive, Rm. 115, Hilton Head Island. 843-208-8058 or uscb.edu.

FEB. 14

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION- A WORLD WAR NO ONE KNOWS: Join Presenter Richard Thomas and discover how American independence was won due to military aid from two European powers and distraction provided by four other nations. $10- Non-Member/ $8-Member. 10:30a.m.- 11:30a.m. U.S.C.B. Hilton Head Campus, One Sand Shark Drive, Rm. 115, Hilton Head Island. 843-208-8058 or uscb.edu.

FEB. 23

ZERO FORKS GIVEN BY HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD

FESTIVAL: Embark on a culinary adventure featuring seafood creations made with globally- influenced flavors and enjoy a dining experience on the surf. $90- general admission. 6 p.m. Omni Hilton Head Island Oceanfront Resort, 23 Ocean Ln, Hilton Head Island. Must be 21 and older to attend this event. Purchase tickets online at hiltonheadseafoodfestival. saffire.com/tickets.

FEB. 25

16TH ANNUAL SATURDAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BY HILTON

HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: This event will offer samplings from more than 100 food and beverage vendors, two stages of live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and wine, beer and cocktail seminars. $89- general admission/ $12- Child. 1 p.m.- 4:30p.m. Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, 1 Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. 843-776-2995 or Purchase tickets online at hiltonheadseafoodfestival.saffire.com/tickets.

APRIL 15

FRIENDS OF THE BROTHERS: THE ALLMAN BROTHERS TRIBUTE

BAND: This performance will feature members closely associated with the original members. Tickets begin at $59+.Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Rd, Hilton Head Island. 1-888-472-0075 or visit friendsofthebrothers.com.

Inspiration Standing for

For no meaningful reason I found myself standing. Sure, it could have been because I was enraptured by the straining seconds of a hockey game, but did I unconsciously leave the couch during the final tense moments?

I couldn’t recall when I stood, but there I was pacing, a few feet from the screen, eyes focused on the action.

Pacing. Pacing.

And suddenly a flurry of thoughts came into focus: The perfect birthday gift for a relative. An idea for a vacation spot. A catchy headline.

A sentence for this column.

After a middling few days of frustration, searching for ideas that remained elusive, the revelations rushed into my mind.

I continued to stand and then walked the hallway, returning to catch the waning moments of the thrilling contest.

The thoughts of what to do next continued to come into focus.

It’s no coincidence that the act of standing helped spur my thoughts. Studies have shown that standing can stimulate our minds and improve cognitive function.

it found those in a group who stood responded faster than those who sat.

Sitting is my default position for most of the workday. I don’t own a standing desk, but often when the words won’t materialize and the blank screen taunts me, I’ll stand to gather a new perspective.

It’s funny how quickly the right phrase or improved idea will emerge.

A few years ago, on a tight deadline, I was struggling to write a story about an event that had captivated the community.

IT’S FUNNY HOW QUICKLY THE RIGHT PHRASE WILL

The story had to be good. I knew there was going to be an audience for what I published, a readership that I respected and appreciated.

I was teeming with energy, excited to report on what had just happened. And yet. Nothing.

No words. No engrossing sentences. No fresh perspective.

Panic didn’t instantly set in (it certainly hovered) but I dreaded typing dull words that wouldn’t fully capture the moment.

The clock ticked. The screen remained blank. I stood.

A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found students who used standing desks saw significant improvements in “executive function and working memory capabilities.”

Standing is just a part of the stimulation. Walking increases blood flow to the brain and a study published in the scientific journal NeuroImage showed walking can improve memory.

And when a popular psychology test — Stroop Task — was performed by participants who sat or stood,

ANTHONY GARZILLI : editor anthony@hiltonheadmonthly.com

The eureka moment wasn’t instantaneous, but after a few minutes of standing and walking around the room, the words became clearer, and the proper voice needed for that story burst through.

I had the words.

A rush of adrenaline propelled me back to my computer. The story was ready to be properly written.

Sitting is comfortable. Being at a desk with a warm drink on the side is soothing. The day can casually glide by in a quiet drone.

But when a spark of inspiration is needed, when that exceptional idea is just beyond our grasp, often the best action is to take a stand.