HHM December 1213

A PLAN FOR CHANGE | PAYING IT FORWARD | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

hilton head CONNECTING THE LOWCOUNTRY

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FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

18 ■ SANTA IS COMING

10 ■ AT THE HELM

Proof of Santa will come on Christmas Day, offline, in real time.

20 ■ REMEMBER, HONOR

Wreaths Across America makes honoring Veterans part of the Holidays.

26 ■ A PLAN FOR CHANGE

To maintain our high standard of living, we must change with the times.

DEC. CONTENTS 72

32 ■ VENTURE PHILANTHROPY Community Foundation of the Lowcountry an incubator for new ideas.

68 ■ WISH UPON A STAR

The community rallies around Beaufort County’s Make A Wish.

72 ■ PAYING IT FORWARD

Heather Price started a movement in honor of her daughter, and the Lowcountry may never be the same.

12 ■ NEWS 18 ■ THE VIBE 28 ■ WHERE IN THE WORLD? 32 ■ BUSINESS 36 ■ ON THE MOVE 40 ■ MONEY 80 ■ FASHION 92 ■ BRIDAL 96 ■ HEALTH 98 ■ GOLF 104 ■ BOOKS

80 ■ HOLIDAY FASHION

Look fabulous at all of your holiday parties.

87 ■ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Holidays are here. Prepare yourself and your shopping list with our guide.

92 ■ HAIR COMES THE BRIDE

96

A flawless bridal updo is of utmost importance to the bride.

96 ■ CLOSE TO THE HEART

Transplanted bovine valve saves the life of Hilton Head resident.

96 ■ BUDDY GOLF

From drug dogs to rubber reptiles, golf buddies build a lifetime of memories.

120 ■ DECK THE HALLS

120

Couple transforms their Wexford home into a holiday shrine.

105 ■ REAL ESTATE 120 ■ AT HOME 130 ■ ENVIRONMENT 136 ■ MUSIC 142 ■ LOWCOUNTRY CALENDAR 177 ■ WHERE TO EAT 170 ■ SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT 184 ■ LAST CALL

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

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

The Monthly Team, front row, from left: Lori Goodridge-Cribb, Lance Hanlin, Charles Grace, Marc Frey.

Back row: Majka Yarbrough, Rebecca Verbosky, Jeremy Swartz, Cathy Flory.

You make it all happen!

T

he holiday season is a time to be thankful and to celebrate the blessings that we have received.

At MONTHLY, our mission is to “Connect The Lowcountry.” Each month we intensely focus on content to produce original and credible stories that keeps the readers engaged, using the most talented writers, contributors and photographers in our area.

Through print, our digital editions, the website and our newsletters, we reach an audience of more than 100,000, including full-time residents, second-home owners and visitors.

We are lucky to live in extraordinary communities full of intriguing and passionate people. It’s gratifying for us to tell their stories, tout their accomplishments, ask critical ques-

tions, give practical advice and highlight the many events that make our part of the world a vibrant and positive place to live.

For my part I would be remiss not say thank you to the MONTHLY team. In the 20 years Lori and I have been publishing the magazine, we have had the honor to work with many great talents, but undoubtedly this is the best team ever.

A great team is not just made of talented individuals but their ability to work together in harmony.

Most importantly, we are thankful to our readers and our loyal advertisers. You all make it possible for us to fulfill our mission.

Thank you!

Happy holidays, Marc Frey

CEO

Marc Frey marc@hiltonheadmonthly.com PUBLISHER Lori Goodridge-Cribb lori@hiltonheadmonthly.com MANAGING EDITOR Lance Hanlin lance@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 230 ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Swartz jeremy@hiltonheadmonthly.com DESIGN Charles Grace charles@hiltonheadmonthly.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Arno Dimmling, Rob Kaufman, Krisztian Lonyai, HHI Sport Shots, Dayle Thomas, W Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa Allen, Todd Ballantine, Sherry Conohan, Sally Kerr-Dineen, Laura Jacobi, Emily Johnson, Chris Katon, Barry Kaufman, Robyn Passante, Leah McCarthy, Michael Paskovich, Robert Stenhammer, ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Rebecca Verbosky rebecca@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 239 Cathy Flory cathy@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 228 Majka Yarbrough majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-842-6988, ext. 231 Gordon Deal gordond1@aol.com 843-301-1132

ABOUT THE COVER: Photographer Krisztian Lonyai captured the holiday spirit with local babies Emilyah S. Idllalene and Sterling Spahr. Special thanks to Flowers by Sue for the location and decoration. The Readers’ Choice cubes were created by Charles Grace. Don’t forget about our Readers’ Choice party on Dec. 5 at the Sonesta Resort. We’ve got food and drinks from the island’s best restaurants along with live music from Bob Masteller and Cranford Hollow. Tickets are $10 at the door. To purchase advanced tickets or for more information, call Maryann Way at 843-842-6988, ext. 235.

Proceeds benefit Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.

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NEWS

HALEY: HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON ‘DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT’ South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was the keynote speaker for the 18th annual Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce State of the Region luncheon on Nov. 4 at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. Haley praised Beaufort County business leaders for “doing everything right,” using the RBC Heritage, the dredging project in Sea Pines and JetBlue coming to Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as examples of positive economic growth in the region. More than 700 people attended the luncheon. Haley’s speech

DREDGING OF HARBOUR TOWN YACHT BASIN UNDERWAY The dredging project at Harbour Town Yacht Basin began Nov. 15. With the project expected to be completed by mid-December, the entrance channel and entire basin will be dredged to an approximate depth of 8 ½ feet at mean low tide. Extensive improvements are being made to the harbor including electrical upgrades and dock replacement in selected areas, and bulk head repairs. Orion Marine Group out of Tampa is handling the dredging. Myrick Marine of Savannah is performing the dock and bulkhead work. The full-service marina welcomes boaters year-round and offers slip rentals and sales, fuel, marine supplies and apparel. This improvement joins numerous additional projects underway at the resort including its new Sea Pines Beach Club scheduled to open next summer and new clubhouse and golf learning center for Heron Point and the Ocean Course slated for completion in early 2014.

was followed by speeches from Hilton Head Island Mayor Drew Laughlin, Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka and Paul Somerville of the Beaufort County Council. Laughlin spoke about the dredging project, the island’s beach renourishment project and about development of the land the town owns near Coligny Circle, saying a University of South Carolina Beaufort satellite campus would be, “a natural fit.” Sulka spoke about Bluffton’s growth and how it is becoming a hub for small business with the Don Ryan Center for Innovation.

LOCAL STARTS PETITION TO CHANGE BLUFFTON TRAFFIC CIRCLE

HACK, BARNWELL NAMED TO HHI HALL OF FAME

Bluffton resident Leah McCarthy has started a petition to make a Bluffton traffic circle safer and less confusing for motorists who use it.

The 25-year-old and her 9-year-old son were recently involved in an accident while traveling in the inside lane of the circle that intersects Bluffton Parkway and S.C. 46. McCarthy has started an online petition on MoveOn.org.

Unlike Hilton Head Island’s two major traffic circles, the Bluffton circle does not force the outside lane to exit. McCarthy said she would like to see a divider or median separating the two lanes, forcing cars in the right lane to exit at all entry points.

Billie Hack and Tom Barnwell are the two newest inductees to the Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame. They join inaugural inductees Charles Fraser, Fred Hack, Charlotte Heinrichs and Charles Simmons, Sr. The announcement was made Nov. 1 at Rotary Club’s second annual Hall of Fame Concert at The Westin. Shortly after moving here in 1950 with her husband Fred, Billie Hack quickly became a community leader, shaping Hilton Head Island with her principles and volunteerism.

Hack’s soft-spoken leadership helped establish a number of institutions that still undergird the community.

Barnwell has been the most consistent voice for the Gullah culture on his native Hilton Head Island.

He is best known for his work to improve health care, affordable housing, education and economic development here. He has helped local families clear land titles, write wills and make sure taxes are paid.

He has helped create numerous governmental commissions to benefit the residents of the Lowcountry. Mr. Barnwell’s message is clear: “Respect. Listen. And try to improve the community.”

ACCIDENT-PRONE HHI INTERSECTION TO GET TRAFFIC LIGHT An accident-prone stretch of William Hilton Parkway is getting a new intersection and stoplight. The project includes construction of a signalized intersection at William Hilton Parkway and Queens Way (Leamington entrance) and a new roadway that will serve the Fresh Market Shoppes and Hargray campus. A multi-use pathway connecting the Fresh Market Shoppes to the new intersection and left turn lanes at the intersection will be built

by March 2014. Eventually, the existing median openings at the Fresh Market Shoppes and Hargray driveways will be closed.

TRAVEL + LEISURE HONORS PALMETTO DUNES Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has been honored for its family-friendly atmosphere.

In its November issue, Travel + Leisure placed Palmetto Dunes at No. 23 in its list of World’s Best Family Resorts for 2013,

making it the highest ranking South Carolina resort. The awards are based on a survey of the magazine’s readers. In 2003, the publication named the resort the No. 1 Family Resort in the U.S. and Canada.

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NEWS BLUFFTON TEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN POWER SHOWCASE Stephen Frederico, a 17-year-old junior at Hilton Head Preparatory School, has been selected to represent the state of South Carolina in the 2014 International Power Showcase, to be held Jan. 2-5 at the Miami Marlins Stadium. The showcase will feature 130 of the world’s best high school prospects representing 20 countries, from Africa to Europe to all the Americas.

Frederico is also using the event to raise awareness for a special friend.

“My favorite part is that I am able to

bring awareness to Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, and a dream come true for my little buddy Kyle, 11 years old, whom I’ve watched battle this awful disease and go from walking on his own to needing a wheelchair,” Frederico said. “And all the while… he keeps smiling, with hope in his heart that some really smart doctor will find a cure.”

To help the two boys make it to the game, contact Frederico at sfrederico1@ gmail.com.

TOWN RECEIVES BIDS FOR SAILING AND ROWING CENTER PIER, DOCK The town of Hilton Head received two bids to construct the pier and dock for the rowing and sailing center under development off Squire Pope Road on Skull Creek and immediately moved to bid out work on the upland portion of the project.

Bryan D. McIlwee, the assistant town engineer who’s in charge of the project, admitted to being “a little disappointed” in the number of bids received on the pier and dock, but said the numbers were such that the town should have enough money left over to pay for all or most of the upland development.

The town council budgeted $885,000 to finance all the development — water and upland — planned for the rowing and sailing center’s 7.8-acre site. McIlwee said the bids on the pier and dock came from Nix Construction, a local firm, and from Dock and

BLUFFTON OFFERS HOME REPAIRS Town of Bluffton staff members are seeking applicants for a grant totaling $142,662 which will be used to repair homes. The program is available for people who make less than $37,550 for a one-person household, $42,900 for a twoperson household and $53,600 for a four-person household. Each household can receive up to $25,000 worth of repairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information call 843-706-4522.

Marine of Charleston. He declined to disclose the amounts of the bids as they involved alternates and had to be analyzed to determine what the final amount of each would be.

“These bids are a little higher than expected, but we think we can still do all the upland area,” he said.

The town specified that the pier and dock work be completed in 120 days. McIlwee said the town planned to advertise for bids on the upland work in newspapers on Nov. 17. The return date for the bids is Dec. 4.

The upland portion consists of a 1,900-square-foot pavilion, picnic tables, grills, a playground, storage for boats, restrooms with more storage and a parking lot with 19 regular spaces and three handicapped spaces, along with a grass overflow area with room for 40 more parking spaces.

BOARD EYES TWO NEW BLUFFTON SCHOOLS The Beaufort County Board of Education voted to hire architects to design two new schools aimed at alleviating overcrowding in the fastgrowing Bluffton community: • A new prekindergartengrade 8 elementary school would be located on property that the district owns on Davis

Road, near the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Highway 170.

• A new high school on property the district owns in the New Riverside area would serve grades 9-12 and would have its own auditorium, sports teams and extracurricular programs.

THE MONTHLY JOKE “Stalking is when two people go for a long romantic walk on the beach together but only one of them knows it.”

- Johnny Maplewood (E-mail a joke and a funny photo of yourself to editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com)

HHI’S DAVIS NAMED TO ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Hilton Head Island’s Sierra Davis has been named to the all-state volleyball team. The sophomore led the Seahawks to the Lower State semi nals this season. Davis was listed on the Class 3-A team. Two Bluffton High School players — Mackenzie Cooler and Jordan Franklin — made the Class 4-A all-state team.

USCB BREAKS GROUND ON RECREATION CENTER University of South Carolina Beaufort has broken ground for a 20,000-square-foot indoor recreation center, the centerpiece of the Sand Shark Recreation Complex on the Hilton Head Gateway campus. When completed in October 2014, the center will consist of a gymnasium and fitness center. It will include two basketball courts, a fitness and training room, athletic offices and areas for storage. It will be located in an area southeast of the campus library. The architectural firm that designed the building made provision for future expansion.

The facility will be complemented by four acres of recreational fields.

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the VIBE

PROOF OF SANTA CHRISTMAS DAY “ Proof of Santa will come on Christmas Day, offline, in real time”

W

BY ROBYN PASSANTE

hen I was a kid, Santa became real to me every Christmas morning with a simple kick of my foot.

I don’t know how it all went down at your house, but in ours, Santa would fi ll our empty stockings in the living room and then leave them at the foot of our beds to fi nd in the morning. The stockings had been crocheted by my grandmother using a grandmother’s generosity and some sort of elastic yarn, so each elephant trunk stocking easily stretched across the width of a twin bed. (“Favorite Grandmother” status: Secured.)

My sisters and I would lie in bed on Christmas Eve with restless anticipation, wondering, waiting, trying to stay awake. Was he real? Was he really real? We’d eventually drift off, of course, only to wake a few hours later in the quiet stillness just before dawn. As the sleep fog lifted, we’d shimmy our bodies lower under the covers, our bare feet eagerly sweeping across and down until Thunk,

there it was, a stuffed stocking! And in that one gentle kick, my belief stood for another year.

Santa was real.

That’s all it ever took. It was a simpler time, before Santa had an email address and video messaging capabilities, back when kids believed in Santa simply because their parents told them he existed. We didn’t have to take a runaway train ride to a creepily animated Tom Hanks Santa in order to believe in the magic and the myth.

All our questions about the jolly old elf were answered via stop-motion animation specials with elfi n dentists and Winter Warlocks, which aired only once a year and which we could only watch if our pajamas were already on and our teeth were already brushed.

As a parent in a whole different century, I miss the good old days.

It’s not that I think technology has destroyed the holiday season. On the contrary, I happily bought half of my Christmas presents online

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last year. When my older son was 4 and all he wanted for Christmas was a tuba, I spread that request via social media and ended up with two appropriately sized tuba alternatives (a used euphonium bought off eBay and an alto horn donated by a friend of a friend).

And my children were appeased in countless holiday shopping checkout lines last year by playing with the Charlie Brown Christmas app on my iPhone. Technology can defi nitely be a merry-maker.

But there can be too much of a good thing, and I think we’re starting to see the effects of tech-driven holiday nonsense. Take, for instance, theElf on the Shelf. The idea itself is simple and, I hear, quite effective: Christmas elf doll sits on the shelf by day and reports to Santa by night on the child’s observed behavior. When the elf returns, he chooses a different perch for his Just know that I’ll daytime spying. Children are excited to be watching you. fi nd the elf each morning, and he makes an excellent visual for the “you better not cry, you better not pout” directive.

But the internet has turned this newish holiday tradition into an ugly exercise in parenting one-upmanship. Moms are going nuts with the elf on social media. Last year on Facebook I saw elves destroy kitchens, hang a dozen pairs of little girl’s underwear all over her Christmas tree, fraternize with Barbie, and leave painted footprints all over the fl oor. I suspect the real reason for the madness is not so much “fun for the kids” as it is “acquaint creativity with superior parenting and receive ‘likes’ and ‘repins’ for both.”

“It was a simpler time, before Santa had an email address and video messaging capabilities”

I’m all for cultivating magic and memories, but we shouldn’t need direct access to “chatting Santa” (Santabot. com) in order to do it. There was something about having to wait until Christmas morning to see if Santa received your handwritten letter (on real paper! Mailed with a stamp!) that made the moment of seeing your Christmas wish under the tree truly remarkable.

We shouldn’t need the Portable North Pole (www. portablenorthpole.com), which gives kids direct access to Santa via a customized video message in which Santa proves he knows their names and mentions one specifi c present they want.

There’s even a website called iCaughtSanta, on which parents can Photoshop a posed, surprised-looking Santa onto a picture of your otherwise empty living room, “proving” to your kids that he was there. The website description of this service begins: “In three simple steps, iCaughtSanta can help you turn a typical Christmas morning into something spectacular!”

Isn’t Christmas morning already spectacular?

I’m not saying we shouldn’t let our kids have some holiday fun in ways that weren’t available to us as kids. By all means, check out the NORAD Santa Tracker (www.noradsanta.org) on Christmas Eve, to see exactly where on Earth he and his reindeer are fl ying at the moment. The excitement of watching him creep closer to South Carolina is sure to get even the most vocal straggler hopping into bed.

But don’t underestimate the magic of simply having to wait and wonder. Proof of Santa will come on Christmas Day, offl ine, in real time. In the meantime, complement the virtual with the actual. Stop by the offi cial tree lightingat the Arts Center. Say hello to Santa at the Salty Dog. Take in the spectacle and tradition of the Bluffton Christmas Parade.

If you play your parental cards right, all it will take on Christmas morning to make magic is a single wish come true under the tree. Or an earlymorning kick under the covers. M Robyn Passante is a freelance writer whose favorite part of Christmas morning is lying in bed listening as her two boys discover their Christmas stockings at the foot of their beds.

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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA MAKES HONORING VETERANS PART OF THE HOLIDAYS

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ALL IT TOOK WAS AN

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oy Havens of Sea Pines was watching the national news in 2008 and saw a segment on Wreaths Across America.

He saw the hundreds of Christmas wreaths decorating snow-draped grave markers in Arlington National Cemetery. That‘s all it took.

“I’m a Marine,” Havens, 71, said. “I turned to my wife and I said, ‘I think I want to do that here.’”

Wreaths Across America raises money to lay wreaths at veterans’ graves and honor them during the holidays with short ceremonies held at the same time. This year, the ceremony at Six Oaks and 800 locations across the country is at noon Eastern Time, Saturday, Dec. 14.

After seeing the news item, Havens went to see John Hunter, the administrator of Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines, to propose the project locally.

Hunter and Havens agreed that first year that they wouldn’t do the project unless they raised enough donations to do every known veteran’s grave at Six Oaks.

“I said, ‘what we don’t raise, I’ll cover,’” Hunter said. “We are just that committed to our veterans. This looked like something very nice to do during the holiday season.”

Each wreath costs $15, and the national organization donates every third one.

“Do you know what begging is?” Havens said. “I started with friends, neighbors and veterans groups.”

Six Oaks sent out letters to all Sea Pines residents and the first year, they raised enough for 300 wreaths, enough to mark each grave in Six Oaks Cemetery and place more at the 16 small church and family cemeteries around the island.

Last year, they placed 496 wreaths at Six Oaks and set up a wreath memorial at the 16 island cemeteries and Shelter Cove.

This year, the goal is 525 wreaths at Six Oaks, displays at all island cemeteries and Shelter Cove, plus 200 wreaths for Arlington.

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the VIBE A band of about 50 volunteers, including the Girl Scouts, the Military Officers Association, the Civil Air Patrol and the Naval JROTC students from Hilton Head High School lay the wreaths after the Dec. 14 ceremony and return in mid-January to collect the wreaths.

“Nineteen years ago when I started this job, a veterans group had a list of 100 known veterans’ graves at Six Oaks,” Hunter said. “The numbers have greatly increased as the World War II vets pass. Each year, we’ll get a call, ‘my mother was a veteran, or my father was a veteran.’ We want to make sure we don’t overlook anyone.”

Growing the project requires ongoing efforts, Havens and Hunter said.

“The past four years, we’ve done a lot of heavy advertising,” Hunter said.

“You have to do that every year. It isn’t automatic. It’s very heartwarming to see people support our military.”

MAPPING OUT THE LOGISTICS

Wreaths Across America raises money to lay wreaths at veterans’ graves and honor them during the holidays with short ceremonies held at the same time. This year, the ceremony at Six Oaks and 800 locations across the country is at noon Eastern Time, Saturday, Dec. 14.

Wreaths Across America got its start in 1992 when Morrill Worchester, owner of the Worchester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths that holiday season. Remembering his visit to Arlington National Cemetery as a Boy Scout, he contacted then-U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe to inquire about donating the 5,000 wreaths to decorate the graves in an older and less visited section of Arlington. The annual drive was born and later fueled when an iconic photo of the decorated Arlington grave sites went viral on the Web. Last year, more than 400,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of U.S. military veterans in 800 cemeteries around the world, including more than 105,000 among Arlington’s 300,000 graves.

The Beaufort chapter laid 1,800 wreaths last year at the 18,000-grave Beaufort National Cemetery, said volunteer coordinator David Edwards.

As the national effort continues to mushroom, the volunteer effort to move the wreaths from Maine to points around the world is becoming a huge undertaking. More than 200 semi-trucks rumble through Harrington each December to pick up their batch of wreaths.

“In the trucking industry, there are a lot of veterans,” said Clifton Parker, president of G&P Trucking in Gaston, which began making the annual run four years ago. When asked why, he said, “that picture of Arlington. A photo is worth 1,000 words.”

Parker rode with driver Danny Burgess, an Army veteran, on the first of his annual four-day treks to deliver his load of up to 4,000 wreaths to several locations in South Carolina, which concludes on Hilton Head Island.

Parker won’t forget the delivery at Fort Jackson.

“It was a moving experience seeing guys in their 80s. There is a bond and a commitment that veterans experienced together,” Parker said. “They treated those boxes like there were infants in them and they saluted every box. There were some students helping and to them, a box was just a box.”

Burgess is happy to make the HOW TO TAKE PART trip, even though he has to hit the If you would like to attend the ceremony road again as soon as he makes at noon Dec. 14 at Six Oaks Cemetery, his last delivery. mention your plans at the Sea Pines “This means a whole lot to me,” gate and admission will be waived. he said. “I served in the military Donations for this year’s project are during Vietnam. A lot of friends welcome until Dec. 15. Send checks were wounded or didn‘t come made out to Wreaths Across America to Roy Havens, 67 Forest Drive, Hilton home. I do this for them.”

Head Island, SC 29928.

For Havens and many others, all it took was a photo. M

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The BOX

SIMPLE GIFT REMINDS BLUFFTON RESIDENT TO LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST

T

he Christmas holidays never come soon enough. You get time off school, lots of delicious food and (if you’ve been good) lots of presents.

What is your favorite Christmas present?

We asked our readers and got some interesting responses.

Our favorite came from Bluffton resident John Thiel, who found joy in a simple pastelcolored box. Here is his story:

A nicely wrapped package was placed in my lap as my family gathered around to help me celebrate Christmas.

Tearing off the wrapper, I was presented with a box.

The pastel-colored box had an image of an atlas and was typical of those that held my father’s cigars so many years ago.

The box, chosen carefully by my 7-year-old granddaughter, was light in weight, giving me the impression that it was empty. I was mistaken. I quickly discovered that the contents would grant me an abundance of joy beyond my wildest imagination.

Today, my cherished box sits prominently on top of my dresser.

A simple gift that cost little but counts for much.

My wife, sister and two daughters had fi lled the box with 365 concisely, lovingly written tales from my early childhood, through the parenting years and the ensuing empty nest. I was immediately impressed by the amount of devotion it took to create a year’s worth of stories.

My daily reading of each note felt like a bath of the sun’s warmth. Opening the doors of the past welcomed me to life’s experiences. I was reminded that it is

the small events that frequently make us the happiest, the occasions that are not big deals, cost little and yet remain imperishable treasures.

The shared memories opened us up, allowing us to reach out and touch each other in an intimate way. After reading a daily vignette, I sent an e-mail to each family member sharing the day’s memory, along with my response.

A few of the vignettes nudged me to revisit once again an event from the point of view of the writer. Some stories helped to defi ne and expand me, or took my breath away.

A few humbled me and many created moments of humor and surprise. The box is a journey of remembrances, a sampling of times that helped me refl ect, celebrate, or seek forgiveness for a testy or insensitive reaction.

I experienced many emotions, some of which were unexpected, as I relived the stories typed on the small pieces of paper.

Contemplation granted me the privilege of becoming even more acquainted with my family, experiencing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Holding a small piece of paper containing two or three sentences

was like reading with a magnifying glass in which a story from times past was brought into clearer focus.

The faithfully scheduled evening ritual and anticipation of pulling out another note offered an exciting journey in ways I never would have imagined. The box gave each of us a chance to smooth out some rough spots and fi ll in missing pieces.

I think it helped all of us to see the essence of events in better perspectives. I gained an insight that as a spouse, brother, and father I too often have gone about life’s business on autopilot.

The contents of the memory box has shaken up my complacency. The engraved priceless tales are the highest sign of kinship.

Family and people with whom we have a close connection are always on a pilgrimage toward the heart of the mystery of growing. It is where we learn the things about ourselves and others that enables us to develop a greater sense of self. Whether we possess a real or an imaginary memory box, collecting memories and periodically recalling them may provide needed comfort, direction and sense of unity. M - John Thiel, Bluffton

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Respond to this article online at www.hiltonheadmonthly.com or sound off on our Facebook page.

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A PLAN for CHANGE

BY SALLY MAHAN

GROUP OF I SLANDERS PRESENT TOWN COUNCIL WITH RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENSURE HILTON HEAD’S FUTURE

H

ilton Head Island is known for its lovely environment, its glorious beaches and its top tennis courts and golf courses.

What it’s not known for is its ability to change.

Many islanders take pride in that quality. We’re proud of our little slice of paradise just as it is.

However, there are those who believe that in order to maintain our high standard of living, we must change with the times.

They also believe that those changes must be positive and help the community. One such group is a subcommittee of the town’s Planning Commission, the Comprehensive Plan Committee, which has been holding public workshops and doing significant research on the community.

Members of the committee include Chairman Terry Ennis, David Bennett, Judd Carstens, and Tom Lennox.

Others who provided input is a laundry list of some of the movers and shakers on Hilton Head, including Jack Alderman, of the Hilton Head Island Institute; David Ames, of the Vision Steering Committee; Mark Baker, of Experience Green; Jim Collett, of the Greater Island Council; Stu Rodman, of the Beaufort County Council; Carlton Dallas, of the Economic Development Corp.; Carolyn Torgersen, of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry; and several others.

“We put together a pretty

large group of people representing a lot of people on the island, like the native islanders, the chamber … we tried to get as many people as we could into the process,” said committee chairman Terry Ennis.

“The more input and the more knowledge we receive, the better the output.”

The committee came up with several recommendations, which were presented to Town Council at its annual retreat in mid-November.

BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE The most important issue, the committee says, is broadband infrastructure.

“This is not about dropped cell phone calls,” said Ennis.

“It’s all about the availability of broadband. It goes to every economic sector we have, whether it’s about property sales, tourism, health care, setting up a new business. We are not going to attract businesses unless they have the tools to run their business.”

And it follows that “in order to attract businesses and convince people to move to this island, we have to have technology,” said Planning Commission Chairwoman Gail Quick.

Ennis said the island needs to create a “public/private project to create a Wi-Fi island.”

One of the “problems” the island faces is its love of trees, said Ennis, making it difficult to build the infrastructure needed to improve technical communications.

“The reality is we have to have fiber optics, more cell towers, whatever works,” he said.

“The beauty of all this is there’s a nonprofit company called Connect Nation that is extremely well funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and they do it for free because they’re concerned about creating educated communities.”

There’s also South Carolina Connect, www.connectsc.org.

It is a subsidiary of Connected Nation, a nonprofit that works with broadband providers to create maps and assess the current state of broadband adoptions community by community.

“The Town of Hilton Head needs to fully embrace the issue and play ‘catch up’ to avoid putting its economic future at risk,” states the Comprehensive Planning Commission memorandum “2014 Targets for Action Recommendations.”

TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND CONNECTIVITY According to the memorandum, the town needs to “signi cantly improve traffic circulation and connectivity (considering automobile, bike, pedestrian, parking, public transportation, and pathways), focused initially on high-intensity areas such as Coligny and Shelter Cove.”

The memo also says that according to recent studies, the island’s connection to the mainland need improvements, meaning the town needs to consider an additional bridge to the mainland.

On-island, Ennis and Quick said the committee recommends that parking and shuttle options are needed, with the focus on the Coligny and Shelter Cove areas.

The committee also recommends development of a “multi-modal systemic examination and plan relative to circulation and connectivity between, and within, high traffic activity centers that considers future potential growth and aims to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.”

While the initial focus would be on Coligny and Shelter Cove, the town should also consider “linkages to gated communities, public transportation potential, parking and pathways, in order to develop, select and take action on specific options for phased implementation beginning in 2014.”

“We have to figure out how to connect people moving back and forth across the island. We need to look at trolleys and other forms of transportation,” said Quick. “I found out how hard it is when I had two hip replacements. I couldn’t have gotten around without friends.

I’ve been told by many friends the same age that they want to stay in their homes if we had some kind of transportation system in gated communities.”

Ennis said with a population of about 40,000 and 2.5 million visitors annually, this issue is particularly important.

“Hilton Head was laid out with the one bridge, a road that runs down the middle of island and

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one that loops around … and 98 percent of the people who come here, come here by car,” he said. “We have to look at our road system and circulation.

“And we have to look at the aging infrastructure. Our bridges – it’s really only one bridge - onto the island are 50 years old. If something happened to it, we don’t have an economy anymore.”

GROW THE ECONOMY The memo states that the town needs to “develop strategies to penetrate the underserved, but potentially economically attractive, corporate hospitality segment and further leverage growth potential in the island’s health care segment.”

Work has been done on the Town‘s Comprehensive Plan, and the Mayor’s (Peeples) Task Force Report and Economic Development Citizen Committee

have identified corporate hospitality as “a significantly underserved, but potentially economically attractive market segment,” the memo states. “Health care has a growing presence on the island and was also identified as a target for leveraged further growth potential.”

The committee recommends that the recently formed Economic Development Corporation should quantify and define the market potential for the development of a corporate hospitality and health care segments for specific 2014 initial implementation steps.

“Corporate hospitality presents an enormous economic possibility,” said Ennis. “The top end of corporations – CEOs and staff - very often want to go offsite for a retreat. They go to certain areas around the country and sometimes they do that three or four times a year. They

put their plans together in private. The chamber targets that opportunity, but the town needs to target that market. Small conventions can add up to lots of money.”

Another economic issue the committee addressed is the quality of the island’s workforce.

“There are insufficient jobs for island residents, and the lack of a skilled workforce hampers economic development,” said Quick.

The committee recommends that the town “develop a position relative to changes needed in education, involving the state and county that addresses serious youth unemployment and evaluates the potential for educational initiatives.

“This is primarily an awareness/heads up issue for town leadership that broad scope changes are likely to be necessary in education and workforce

development that must be explored and dealt with,” the memo states.

Finally, the committee encourages the town to support the arts, ecotourism and native culture, and form a “policy and execution relative to funding and support of culture, arts and learning.”

Ennis and Quick say there is a lot to do, but these issues must be addressed.

“The CPC and community attendees feel a great deal of ‘ownership’ for those finally selected strategies and hope that council will give them the attention they deserve in constructing their 2014 Targets for Action,” the memo states.

“I would hope that we take a real look at this,” said Ennis.

“We can’t do all of this in one year, but we can start bit by bit with a vision in mind of where we’re going. M

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Where in the world is Monthly?

p Lynn Arrington, resident of The Crescent, took along her copy of Hilton Head Monthly while enjoying a stay at Dromoland Castle in Ireland.

p Hilton Head Monthly came with the Palmetto Dunes Swingers 55+ Mixed Doubles 8.0 tennis team to the state tournament in Aiken. Front row, from left is Patty Kristoff, Jane Janiak and Harriette Greenberg. Back row: Dave Greenberg, Jan Vasko, Nick Akers and Virginia Crutchley.

t Maureen and Pete Smith of Palmetto Hall and Jeri and Ed Farren traveled halfway around the world to meet on a tour of Italy.

Here the two couples enjoy the Markets of Florence. u The couples of Dick and Pat Rapp, and Carl and Lori Schmidt took Monthly to Juyong Pass, a section of The Great Wall of China in north Beijing. t A photo from the Piazza in Montepulciano, Italy. Couples (from left) are Ernie and Joy Dancer, Shipyard; Linda and Bill Dancer, Philadelphia; Darlene and Dave DeSantis, Shipyard; Mary and John Rodgers, Shipyard; and Mary and Dave Dobson, Bluffton.

t B rothers Jamie and Jeremy Lee, both Hilton Head Island natives, ran the 2013 NYC marathon on Nov. 3. They took this photo with Monthly just after the finish line in Central Park.

t Monthly was in Vladivostok, Russia, at the Hope for Life Homes with Jeff and Joye Ballard. q Janet Godfrey and Hank Barrett took Monthly to Sintra, Portugal, the westernmost tip of the Iberian coast at Cabo Da Roca.

u Moss Creek residents Susan and Peter Carlson touring Pompeii, Italy. q Cindy and Jerry Green took Monthly to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

t Rae and Bill Scott took Monthly to the National KyivPechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve in Kiev, Ukraine. u Palmetto Hall Plantation resident Bill Matthews poses with Monthly in Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital Airport on the way home.

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T

he Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a community unto itself. It is a diverse community of individuals and families, businesses and organizations, young and old.

It is a community of people sharing their stories and passions and hopes and dreams with one another. Those who make up the Community Foundation live, learn, play and work and in many different ways. And yet, though it is comprised of many, it is a community that is interconnected, sharing a common goal to live generously and make a difference. And it is a growing community, where there is room for more and all are welcome.

Community

IMPACT

Community foundations are unique in our ability to make an impact in so many diverse areas of community need. From arts and culture, to education, the environment and health and human services, we can address issues related to all aspects of our community’s health and well-being. Our donors, with gifts large and small, help us to collectively continue to improve our communities...today and tomorrow.

Community foundations are unique in our ability to make an impact in so many diverse areas of community need.

With this ability to move money comes great responsibility to our donors and to our community. We persistently gather information about the most pressing local needs, and we study the many local organizations and programs working to enhance our communities. What organizations and programs are making the most difference? From where do the most exciting new ideas come? Armed with this knowledge, we make grants and direct resources to the most appropriate areas. We stay alert to emerging issues and foster both giving and volunteerism in our community.

P A R T N E R

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We have the fl exibility to: • Support high-impact opportunities...those that will make the greatest difference in our communities • Serve as a catalyst for bringing organizations into existence as new needs arise • Re-direct funds as appropriate if and when our communities’ needs change On the opposite page of this article is a snapshot of our activity during our fi scal year which ended June 30, 2013. You will see year-end combined assets at more than $63 million (as of October 30 this has grown to $67 million), grants and scholarships at $6.9 million for the year, total grants and scholarships since inception at more than $50 million (we just hit this milestone!), and charitable funds topping more than 260. That is a lot of impact in 19 short years!

But the numbers refl ect so much more. They refl ect the passion of a couple with no children who saw the immense benefi t of higher education for young people and established a scholarship fund. They include the collective giving and giving back from women in Beaufort and Hampton Counties who study their own communities and offer assistance. They show the strength and confi dence of a young nonprofi t in its future through the establishment of an endowment fund. They reveal businesses that know that the words “corporate social responsibility” are much more than buzz-words or a simple marketing strategy.

They refl ect the level-headed thinking and strength of a board that had to make hard decisions to lead through historically bleak fi nancial times and prosper as a result.

The stories we can tell, and do tell, could fi ll up the pages of this magazine many times over. In the pages of our annual report, we shine a spotlight on just a few of the interesting stories that make up the Community Foundation’s “community.” You will notice some of the organizations that anchor and stabilize our area. You may recognize them as your friends, colleagues or neighbors. We know them all as connectors, community change-makers and superheroes.

As I said earlier, it is a growing community, and there is always room for more to continue this important work and to live generously.

This year’s annual report to the community will be inserted in the Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette in early December. To request a copy, please give us a call at 843.681.9100 or read it online at www.cf-lowcountry.org.

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

P R O M O T I O N

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The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry: Lowcountry: An incubator for new ideas

U T R N E E V

h t r n o a l p i y h P

Carolyn Torgersen, left, is vice president of marketing & communications for the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Denise Spencer is president and CEO. 32 hiltonheadmonthly.com

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Think of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as part petri dish of ideas to help everyone in the community prosper, an angel fund to jumpstart them and a local talent search of volunteers, thinkers and donors.

BY LISA J. ALLEN | PHOTO BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

I

ts mission is to pull together community resources to keep residents in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton and Hampton counties safe, healthy, educated and fed and local communities vibrant.

The foundation started nearly 20 years ago when Hilton Head Hospital was sold and went from nonprofi t to for-profi t. The sale created a $22 million kitty organizers employed to tackle an array of community needs, not just health related.

“We try to get new ideas off the ground. We’re the R&D of local philanthropy,” said Denise Spencer, foundation president and CEO. “We have a huge brain trust in this area. Not only wealth, but wonderful experience and expertise. We provide an opportunity to gather resources of all kinds and marshal them to address signifi cant community needs and opportunities.”

For example, the foundation has provided seed money for Access Network, a health and housing agency, as it addresses need after need, said Gwen Bampfi eld, president.

“They helped us over the years with a number of ways to provide supportive services for our clients, early on before the state funded us,” Bampfi eld said. “They gave us a grant when rapid HIV testing fi rst came out. The state helped a year later.”

HOW THEY HELP

Memory Matters, formerly Alzheimer’s Respite and Resource had two funds established at the Community Foundation for the construction of its new facility. One, the Alzheimer’s Respite and Resource Building Fund, was established in 2008 to accept funds for the development and construction of a facility for the organization. The Community Foundation provided administrative services such as gift acknowledgements/tax receipts, fund accounting, and investment services.

The second fund was a project fund established by the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island. The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island – Alzheimer’s Respite and Resource Building Fund was established in 2007 by the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island to provide funds for the development and construction of a building for the organization. By working through the Community Foundation, donors, which were primarily Rotarians, received a charitable deduction for their gifts, and Rotary benefi tted from the Community Foundation’s administrative support.

Since 1999, Memory Matters has received nearly $2.3 million from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry through both its competitive grantmaking and donor-directed funds.

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BUSINESS Compared to other funders, the foundation’s process is a lot less convoluted, Bampfield said. “Over the years, they learn certain organizations,” she said. “They have a good community network. They, more so than other organizations, reach out to the community. You see their staff at different meetings and venues. They are on top of the needs and gaps in services. That does make their process more friendly. If I have a new project, they are the go-to organization.”

The foundation generally funds or “incubates” a program only for a year as a test case. If it appears to be sustainable, agencies have to seek longer-term funding from individual donors and other grant making sources.

“We have a long-standing partnership with the foundation,” said Narendra Sharma, chairman of Neighborhood Outreach Connection. “They got us started with seed money. They understood the importance of the outreach programs in low-income neighborhoods.”

The NOC provides health screening, workforce development and pre-school and after-school programs for both struggling

and successful minority children who don’t get much support at home, Sharma said.

“We went to the foundation from the outset,” he said. “They have a good understanding of the needs and the issues we are facing. They have a lot of integrity and are very rigorous in their process. They do site visits and have involvement of high-caliber people.”

The foundation also helps agencies become more effective by dispatching financial advisors, public relations experts or leadership instructors upon request through its Strengthening Nonprofits program.

Another vital supply line is the new and growing Lowcountry Volunteer Connections online service, which can be accessed through the foundation website, and matches people who want to volunteer in the community with local opportunities.

“Only the imagination limits what the foundation invests in,” said Carolyn Torgersen, vice president of marketing and communications for the foundation.

The foundation hosts regular “coffee and conversation” sessions, inviting anyone who has an idea or sees an unmet need in the community.

“We want to hear people’s concerns, ideas, hopes and dreams,” Spencer said.

Finding the people with ideas or resources is harder than finding needs, she said.

“Nonprofits find us,” Spencer said. “We have a captive audience of nonprofits.

Volunteers are harder to get to. Many are behind gates.”

That’s one of the benefits of the foundation’s biennial Public Art Exhibition that gathers 20 sculptures from around the world to display at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. It’s under way now, through December.

“The Public Art Exhibition is a very visual aspect of the work we do and we like that.

It raises awareness of the foundation,” Torgersen said.

The foundation also hopes the event builds a deeper community commitment to the arts. Spencer said the power of the foundation comes from the synergy it creates within the community.

“When we are all pulling together, it’s an amazing thing,” she said. “Everything we do is a collaboration. This is a collaboration, community workshop in every sense.” M

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FACES OF THE FOUNDATION c arolyn Torgersen, viCe president of marketing and Communi Cations What is your background and how did you become involved in the organization?

Originally from Ohio, I graduated with a degree in retail marketing and management from Miami University and began my career with a division of Federated Department Stores. I was transferred to Atlanta, and managed the division’s nine-state region grantmaking and social responsibility program as community affairs coordinator. After vacationing on Hilton Head Island since the 1980s, which everyone from Ohio seems to do, I made the leap to permanent resident in 1999 when I became the Hilton Head Island Foundation’s first director of communications. Since that time, the foundation expanded its service area and was renamed the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and I was named VP for Marketing and Communications in 2007.

What drives you to do it?

In our office, the day to day is never the same. We can have a committee meeting one day filled with community volunteers discussing the design and promotion of our Public Art Exhibition, and the next day have a local nonprofit board learning strategic planning techniques. In the springtime, the office is filled with local high school students nervously awaiting their interviews with scholarship committees. Individual donors pop in and out, establishing funds to fulfill their own charitable vision. They all have stories to tell, and my passion is collecting those stories and getting them out into the broader community.

Denise spencer, foundation president and Ceo What is your background and how did you become involved in the organization?

The change of venue, from my native Midwest to the Southeast, was exciting to me. I had been the CEO of a community foundation in mid-Michigan for 12 ½ years. I was attracted to this location for several reasons: 1) there is no better place for a community foundation than in the middle of an area with signi cant needs as well as significant cultural, intellectual and financial resources, 2) this appeared to be an organization that lived by both a set of core values and an active strategy, and 3) I believed that I had the skill set to continue the forward momentum of this organization. In spite of my inability to play golf, I was fortunate to have been selected to be the President and CEO in 2006. So I have now been at the helm of a community foundation in one place or another for 19 years. Prior to that I worked for 20 years for my alma mater, Central Michigan University.

What drives you to do it?

I believe in the beauty of the art form that is a community foundation. It is born out of its larger community; it has local leadership, local donors, and a local understanding of the needs of the area and how to address them. And in keeping with the “community” and “local” aspect of this work, there is virtually nothing that we do that is not a collaboration. We do our work in partnership with organizations that are on the ground providing direct services. We do our work in partnership with donors who have both a vision for what they want to accomplish, and trust in our framework and knowledge about how to make it happen. We utilize all of the skills of a capable staff, an influential board, and caring volunteers. For me, being the catalyst for the community to come together to improve community is incredible in all the many ways it happens.

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ON THE MOVE NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS

Hopman

Wesche

Bleam

Pruehs

The Hilton Head Preparatory School Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Jon Hopman as Hilton Head Prep’s next headmaster, beginning July 1, 2014. The Headmaster Search Committee unanimously recommended Hopman’s candidacy after a lengthy search, citing his breadth of experience, character and reputation, and leadership qualities as ideally suited to leading Hilton Head Prep in the years ahead.

Dr. Daniel Wesche was named the Interim Headmaster of Hilton Head Christian Academy. On Sept.18, the Board of Directors made Dr. Wesche’s position as Headmaster permanent. Dr. Wesche came to HHCA as the Academic Dean for the 2012-2013 school year and was appointed acting Headmaster following Matt Skinner’s resignation.

Douglas L. Bleam, CPA has joined the firm of Carey & Company. Bleam has experience in both public and private accounting. Industries served include construction, insurance, medical, retail, restaurant and staffing among tax, accounting, auditing and consulting services for a wide variety of business and individual clients. Bleam is a graduate of Pittsburg State University in Kansas.

Dean Cochenour, CPA has joined the firm of Carey & Company. In his new position, Cochenour specializes in tax, accounting, auditing and consulting services for a wide variety of business and individual clients. Cochenour is a graduate of Ohio University and received his MBA from Capital University.

Cheryl Bennett Pruehs, CPA has joined the firm of Carey & Company.

In her new position, Pruehs specializes in individual and corporate tax matters. Born and raised in Tuscon, Ariz., she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from New York Institute of Technology.

Ginger Harper, an experienced real

LOWCOUNTRY NEUROPATHY CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY LowCountry Neuropathy, the office of Atul M. Gupta, MD, is celebrating its 1-year anniversary. Dr. Gupta, along with nurse practitioners Jessica Lowther, Cindy Long and Patricia Shay have the area’s only treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy without the use of any pills, prescriptions or surgery. Gupta has been in the Lowcountry for 11 years, training originally as a surgeon and emergency physician. He opened LowCountry Neuropathy to bring our community an option to actually get rid of the suffering from Neuropathy rather than just getting prescriptions to mask the symptoms. Patients have been experiencing relief of pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and problems with their balance; and after only one year of opening, they are letting their success stories be heard. The readers of Hilton Head Monthly voted Gupta and his staff at LowCountry Neuropathy the best doctor and medical practice for 2013.

estate assistant formerly with Alliance Group and Re/Max, joins Collins Group Realty as a closings coordinator and will provide support and assistance with pending contracts.

Encore Professionals Group has named Dean Roberts as executive director, replacing founder Susan Harper, who is relocating to the Charlotte area. EPG is a consulting service for nonprofits which matches volunteers (primarily retirees) having specific business, leadership or professional skills with short-term, strategic projects at Lowcountry nonprofit organizations. .

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry announced new officers for its Board of Directors. Russell Whiteford was named president of the board. Jeff Grime was named first vice president of the board. Terry McLoud will serve a one-year term as board treasurer. John Preston will serve a one-year term as board secretary. Karen Golden is the immediate past president of the board

LONG COVE CLUB WELCOMES CHEF XAVIER GOMEZ Harper

Honegger

Long Cove Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Gomez as its new executive chef. Prior to joining the acclaimed Hilton Head community, Gomez served as the executive chef at River Run Country Club, as well as Prestonwood Country Club and Bald Head Island Country Club in North Carolina. Over three decades of private club and high end hospitality experience have contributed to Gomez’s journey into the world of culinary excellence. Born in Mexico to a Japanese father and Sicilian mother, Gomez moved to America at the age of 14. His first culinary experience began at Shadows German Restaurant, San Mateo, Calif., where he quickly learned his passion for food.

and owner of Karen Golden Realty.

Anna Enriquez has been promoted to office manager of Bon Sain Complete Women’s Healthcare. Jenni Pirtle, the previous office manager of Bon Sain, will assume the position of marketing and events manager after returning from maternity leave in February of 2014.

Elaine Sue Honegger has joined Mortgage Network Inc., one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the eastern U.S., as a loan officer in the company’s Hilton Head Island branch.

Honegger will serve borrowers throughout the Lowcountry area.

Ananda Montilha serves as the public relations coordinator at the law office of Jay. A Mullinax. Originally from Brazil, where she attended law school for two years, Montilha is currently a student at University of South Carolina-Beaufort.

Montilha is pursuing a degree in business with a marketing concentration.

Professional Tennis Registry announced that Helma Cap has been promoted to director of membership for the organization. Cap started her career in tennis working for Dennis Van der Meer in 1976.

Hairstylist and makeup artist Annie Emison, originally from Pittsburgh, has joined the team at Karisma Salon in Okatie. Emison moved to the Bluffton area from Las Vegas, where she worked for celebrity hairstylist Kim Vo at his Mirage Salon.

AWARDS/CERTIFICATIONS Encore.org announced that Narendra P. Sharma, from Hilton Head Island, is a 2013 Purpose Prize fellow. The Purpose Prize is the country’s only large-scale investment in social entrepreneurs and other creative problem solvers

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Cap

Emison

Reynecke

Diamond

Delaney

in the second half of life. Sharma was named a fellow because of his “out of the box” approach to tackling poverty locally with the Neighborhood Outreach Connection.

The South Carolina Realtors presented its Realtor Advocate Award to Andy Twisdale of Hilton Head Island at its annual conference in Charleston. The award is given annually to a member of the association who demonstrates a constant and unwavering commitment as an advocate for the real estate industry.

Twisdale is a Realtor with Charter One Realty in Hilton Head.

Jackie Reynecke, longtime tournament director of the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, recently received top honors for her volunteer work in the Hilton Head Island tennis community.

The United States Tennis Association South Carolina named her the League Volunteer of the Year for 2013 for her work with the organization’s South Carolina tennis league.

Coastal Carolina Hospital was recently named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. The hospital was recognized for its achievement on pneumonia and surgical care.

Port O’Call, Shipyard Plantation, has received the “Certificate of Excellence” award from TripAdvisor. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.

TidePointe, a Vi community, was named one of the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor 40 South Carolina employers that benefit the state’s economy, workforce and businesses.

Joan Diamond, with Diamond Realty & Property Management, has been awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representation designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors.

Diamond joins the three percent of real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR designation.

J Banks Design was awarded with the

DOWNTOWN CATERING NAMED TO KNOT HALL OF FAME Leah McCarthy, owner of Weddings with Leah and Downtown Catering Company, was listed among the top wedding vendors in the United States in the first-ever Wedding Industry Hall of Fame. The hall was created by wedding websites TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com and is comprised of winners of the annual Best of Weddings, a by-brides-for-brides guide to the top wedding vendors in 80-plus cities. The Hall of Fame inducts wedding vendors who have won four or more Best of Weddings awards. The list of 331 inductees includes less than 2 percent of wedding professionals. McCarthy’s businesses specialize in wedding planning, event planning and full service catering.

2013 Gold Key Award for Best Resort for its project, Hotel Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort, at the 33rd annual gold Key Awards held in New York City. Sponsored by Boutique Design Magazine and HOTELS Magazine, the IHMRS Annual Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design celebrates design excellence across all sectors of the hospitality industry.

Kelly Brock, a veteran travel specialist at AAA’s Hilton Head/Bluffton office, recently received the 2013 AAA/CAA Superlative Awards for the Highest Sales Volume, Highest Revenue Produced and Highest Preferred Cruise Sales for the nationwide association at the annual AAA Travel Conference in Dallas.

NEW BUSINESS Capitol Materials’ return to Hilton Head Island is another sign of better times ahead for the local construction and real estate industry. Located at 33 Mathews Drive, Capitol Materials offers a complete line of power tools, fasteners, drywall, ceiling systems, insulation and stucco products for professional contractors, facility engineers and property managers.

Bluffton attorney Douglas S. Delaney recently opened a new office at 23 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 501 behind Dairy Queen in Bluffton off U.S. 278.

Delaney has been practicing in Beaufort

HOGSHEAD KITCHEN AND WINE BAR HONORED Now open for half a year in Moss Creek Village and gaining quite a following, HogsHead Kitchen and Wine Bar is thrilled to be the recipient of the Reader’s Choice Award for Bluffton’s Rookie of the Year restaurant. Fourtime James Beard Award-nominated chef John Pashak is proud to offer Lowcountry cuisine in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Whether you eat atop the 200-plus year-old barn doors in the bar area or butcher block tables in the dining room, you won’t be disappointed. Visit www.hogsheadkitchen. com for more information, call them at 843.837.4647 or Like them on Facebook.com/hogsheadkitchen.

County since 1996.

Kroger, located at the new Shelter Cove Towne Centre, is scheduled to open on Dec. 11. Also opening will be the new Kroger fuel center. Stores open now are Belk and Jos. A. Bank which is located at the Centre’s new main entrance directly off of U.S. 278.

BUSINESS NEWS DayBreak Adult Care Services, the leading provider of in-home senior care, has announced an exclusive partnership agreement between DayBreak of the Lowcountry and VetserV. VetserV helps war-time veterans and their spouses, over 65 years of age, qualify for a government pension that pays for at-home assistance with activities of daily living.

The Art League of Hilton Head has launched an all new website, www. artleaguehhi.org. The site has been supported by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry through grant funding.

Family Promise of Beaufort County and Palmetto Animal League has joined forces to create PAL’s Promise, a collaboration of the two organizations to keep families and their pets together.

Kroger customers and associates throughout the Atlanta Division donated more than $469,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and more than $247,000 to Kroger’s “Giving Hope a Hand” campaign, for a total of $716,000.

The Apple Gold Group, a franchisee of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar, is proud to have partnered with the Hilton Head Island High School Cross Country Team to raise over $1,100 at a recent Flapjack Fundraiser. All proceeds will be used to help send students on college visits.

Coastal Carolina Hospital made a $20,000 donation to the Bluffton-Jasper Volunteers In Medicine Clinic at the organization’s annual fundraising reception in Bluffton.

Hilton Head Hyndai has a new location, now located at 51 Auto Mall Blvd. in Hardeeville.

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MONEY

Why we give

BY EMILY JOHNSON

UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONE GIFT WE CAN’T GIVE IS PEACE OF MIND. PEACE OF MIND IS A STATE OF MIND, AND THESE DAYS ACHIEVING A FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND FEELS ALL TOO ELUSIVE.

E

ven if you personally feel financially healthy, you likely have a child or close friend who is still reeling from a financial decision made during the period of irrational exuberance...

Our society is resetting to this “new normal,” which applies not only to how we look at money, but at our values as well. And while it definitely feels as though the worst of the economic hemorrhaging is behind us, we remain cautious, anxious. Especially where money is concerned.

And this caution over how we spend money has spilled over into how we GIVE money.

While charitable contributions are now coming off their recessionary lows, our desire and ability to give to not-for-profit organizations

remains low relative to the period prior to the bursting of the real estate bubble. Charitable organizations are having to work much harder to attract and retain patrons, and the competition is not necessarily limited to other charitable causes.

Now more than any other time in history, families are being called upon to provide financial support for their members in one form or another, whether it be a boomerang child — along with his or her spouse and new baby — moving back in with mom and dad, or an aging relative who needs specialized medical care. There is competition for every dollar that leaves our wallets.

The IRS provides incentives in the form of charitable tax deductions for any gifts given to qualified organizations (think churches, qualified charities and foundations, etc.). But this new economic norm in which we find ourselves has forced us to refocus our priorities — for some the tax deduction is a strong driver, however for most individuals and families, we give based on our deep-seeded values. This is evidenced everywhere from the T-shirt slogans that runners don as they compete in a 5K to raise money for breast cancer, to the teebox placards bearing the name of a beloved pet during a charitable golf tournament.

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MONEY

Financial advisors have the opportunity to discuss and observe the strategies and motivations clients employ when they choose to give to causes that are important to them, whether that “cause” is family related or an organized charity. And one lesson that is never lost is how extremely personal giving — whether of time or treasure, is to those making the gift. However, as we enter the Season of Giving, giving can seem anything but personal. From the grocery store to the hair salon to our Facebook page, we are asked to give, give, give. Regardless, the oft impersonal and commercialized nature of the holiday season should not detract from the opportunity at hand; the opportunity to evaluate our priorities and determine if, why and how we give.

Regardless of which direction you choose, there are a few basic points to consider from a tax perspective when making a charitable contribution: • Contributions must be made to a qualified organization, i.e. one that operates exclusively for religious, charitable, educational, or similar purposes.

• The IRS allows you to deduct up to 50% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) per year if you are giving cash to a qualified organization, or up to 30% of your AGI for non-cash items items.

“It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”

• Contributions of non-cash property should be valued at fair market value. If you have a question regarding fair market value, websites such as Kelley Blue Book and even eBay can be useful to help with valuation.

• Make sure you keep receipts or some form of written acknowledgement for any gifts, whether cash or non-cash, in excess of $250.

• If you would like to provide financial help to a relative or neighbor for health or education purposes, it is recommended that you pay the institution directly to avoid including that contribution in your Unified Credit, which is the maximum tax credit you receive for gifting during life and/or at death.

Mother Theresa said, “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

This has never been more true. Take the time this holiday season to consider not only how much you give, but why. M Emily A. Johnson, CFP is a financial advisor and founder of Polaris Capital Advisors, LLC.

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READERS’ CHOICE

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PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

READERS’ CHOICE

2013 READERS’ CHOICE

A

gain this year, Monthly celebrates local businesses and communities with the 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, the “best of the best” places to shop, dine and live, as voted by you, our readers. We received 5,507 electronic ballots in our eight-week Readers’ Choice promotional campaign, intended to identify the top businesses in a wide range of categories. Want to fi nd the best of the Lowcountry? You will fi nd it here. The list of categories and winners is extensive. As you read over the list, we’re sure you will recognize your favorites among the many categories. We also expect you will fi nd some unexpected and unknown venues. We encourage you to peruse the list and visit these reader-selected winners to judge for yourself. And, if you don’t see a business or community listed here you think is deserving, be sure to vote in the 2014 Readers’ Choice campaign. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

SPECIAL THANKS

Photography by Arno Dimmling Readers’ Choice cubes by Charles Grace Cake and treats by Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery & Cafe Sushi by OKKO Flowers by Sue Gift boxes by Markel’s Card & Gift Shop Most of all, thanks to all who voted!

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2013 FAVORITE

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Food & Beverage FAVORITE FOODS  FAVORITE BARBECUE Hilton Head island The Smokehouse: s erving up award-winning barbecue since 1999.

Bluffton Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q: s moke, meat and time — perfecting low and slow since 1985.  FAVORITE BURGER Hilton Head island Charbar Co.: a ward-winning gourmet burgers. Bring an appetite.

Bluffton Five Guys: More than 250,000 possible ways to

order a burger at this popular chain.  FAVORITE FRIED CHICKEN Hilton Head island Publix: Perfect fried chick en, double-hand breaded and cooked to perfection.

Bluffton Cahill’s Market: t he famous Chicken Kitchen serves up scrumptious southern-style bird.  FAVORITE PIZZA Hilton Head island New York City Pizza: a slice of pie that tastes straight

from the Big a pple, right here on the island.

Bluffton Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta: a Pittsburgh-style pizza, with sauce and dough made from scratch.

 FAVORITE FRENCH FRIES Hilton Head island & Bluffton Five Guys: enjoy f ive Guys style or cajun style, cooked in pure peanut oil.

 FAVORITE CRAB LEGS

 FAVORITE ICE CREAM/ GELATO

Hilton Head island Crazy Crab: t wo locations in Jarvis Creek and Harbour t own.

Hilton Head island Pino Gelato: d ense and delicious, served in a cone made with real pizza.

Bluffton Bluffton Oyster Factory: a family-run operation since 1899.

Bluffton Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe: t his european-style cof feehouse uses whole fruits, real espresso and premium chocolate.

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Food & Beverage FAVORITE FOODS (cont.)  FAVORITE STEAK Hilton Head island Alexander’s: t hese handtrimmed steaks have been an island tradition since 1977.

Bluffton May River Grill: Charlie s ternburgh’s place has earned accolades from the Wall s treet Journal and s outh Carolina l iving.  FAVORITE SUSHI Hilton Head island OKKO: a bastion of highenergy metropolitan sushi right here in the l owcountry.

Bluffton Fujiyama: What is the Japanese word for phenomenal? it should be “f ujiyama.”  FAVORITE VEGETARIAN Hilton Head island Delisheee Yo: Build your own fresh, healthy bowl or go with a sure-fire hit, such as the Buddahh Bowl.

Bluffton NEO: f resh spinach, heirloom tomatoes, local shitake and portabellas. t his place proves healthy food can taste good.

 FAVORITE WINGS

 FAVORITE SUB

Hilton Head island & Bluffton Wild Wing Cafe: Wings with 33 sauces ranging from vir gin to fireball. Bleu cheese or ranch? We’ll take both.

Hilton Head island Stu’s Surfside Subs: Huge sandwiches made on fresh bread baked daily, steps from Coligny Beach.

 FAVORITE CANDY Hilton Head island Chocolate Canopy: s erving up gourmet chocolate since 1984.

Bluffton Jersey Mike’s: t his popular sandwich chain offers up n ortheast-style sub sand wiches on fresh baked bread.

Bluffton Kilwins: Pecan brittle, true southern pralines, Mackinac island fudge, chocolates and more.

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FAVORITE DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE

 FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP Hilton Head island Starbucks: Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you’ve probably heard of this place.

Bl Uffton The Corner Perk Cafe: Gourmet, organic, locallyroasted coffee, tea and cheesecake.  FAVORITE WINE SELECTION Hilton Head island Red Fish: a n extensive wine list is complemented with a wine shop offering more than 1,000 wines, including half bottles.

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

 FAVORITE BAR/HOTEL Hilton Head island Sonesta Resort: s eacrest, Bayley’s and s weet Cane make this resort a triple threat.

Bl Uffton River House, Palmetto Bluff: a n extensive choice of fine wines, craft beers and unfor gettable cocktails.  FAVORITE BAR/LATE NIGHT Hilton Head island One Hot Mama’s: t he diamond of the Barmuda t riangle after the sun goes down.

Bl Uffton Old Town Dispensary: Cold beer and stiff drinks in the heart of the historic district.  FAVORITE BAR/SPORTS Hilton Head island Casey’s: More than 30 t Vs

complimented by tasty burg ers and spicy wings.

Bl Uffton Captain Woody’s: Great food, great drinks and a rooftop setting make this a popular spot to watch the game.  FAVORITE BEER SELECTION Hilton Head island The Lodge: 36 rotating taps and an extensive bar. a ll draft beer is available in half-gallon Growlers to go.

Bl Uffton Vineyard 55: a n ever-changing selection of craft drafts, all in the heart of o ld t own Bluffton.  FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR Hilton Head island Captain Woody’s: s erved daily from 4-7 p.m at the bar. o ysters on the half shell are just $5 for a half dozen.

Bl Uffton Old Town Dispensary: t hrow back drink specials from 4-7 p.m. a mazing bar food menu.  FAVORITE MARGARITA Hilton Head island La Hacienda: Big fish bowl margaritas are sure to quench your thirst. s maller size on sale for $1 t uesdays.

Bl Uffton Mi Tierra: $3 margaritas on Wednesdays, buy one-get one all week during happy hour.  FAVORITE BARTENDER Hilton Head island Todd Romoser, Bomboras: Known as “ t he island Beer Guy,” Romoser hones his craft with each draft.

Bl Uffton Ben Nelson, Corks Wine Co.: t he barkeep at this neighbor hood wine bar is a legend among mixologists.

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FAVORITE DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE (cont.)

 FAVORITE KARAOKE

 FAVORITE LIVE MUSIC

Hilton Head island Casey’s: Grab a mic and couple of your closest pals on t uesdays. d on’t know all the words? d oesn’t matter. t hey won’t judge.

Hilton Head island The Jazz Corner: o ne of the finest jazz clubs on the east Coast, if not the country.

Bluffton Coconuts Bar & Grill: s ing Mondays during s ervice industry n ight or join Melissa on t uesdays.

Bluffton Old Town Dispensary: Harden & Crenshaw highlight a list of local acts that regularly take the otd stage.  FAVORITE MUSICIAN/BAND Hilton Head island Cranford Hollow: s outh Carolina’s blend of southern

rock, a ppalachian fiddle music and a merican rock and roll.

Bluffton Deas Guys: a n entertaining mix of old Motown, rhythm and blues, pop, rock, reggae and dance beats.  FAVORITE LIVE TRIVIA Hilton Head & Bluffton Mellow Mushroom: f inally a chance to empty out all that useless info that’s been gumming up the Ra M in your head.  FAVORITE PLACE FOR

LADIES NIGHT Hilton Head island WiseGuys: With a casual yet sophisticated urban feel, WGs has become one of the island’s see-and-be-seen hot spots.

Bluffton Corks Wine Co.: t he warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the wine tasting expe rience.  FAVORITE PLACE FOR GUYS NIGHT Hilton Head island The Lodge: Billiards, shuffl -

board, sports on 14 screens and a full late night menu. it’s man paradise.

Bluffton Captain Woody’s: a popular gathering spot to eat, drink and watch sports after the sun goes down.  FAVORITE PLACE FOR A DATE Hilton Head island ELA’s Blu Water Grille: Romantic and quaint sea food restaurant with amazing views of Broad Creek and s helter Cove Marina.

Bluffton May River Grill: With a focus on fresh, local cuisine, Charlie s ternburgh’s place is the perfect place to celebrate a spe cial occasion.  FAVORITE LIQUOR STORE Hilton Head island Rollers Wine and Spirits: t hree locations on the island offer specialty and boutique wines.

Bluffton Bill’s Liquor and Fine Wine: a family-owned liquor store with more than 35 years of experience.

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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

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

BLUFFTON Russell Keane, NEO: Known for his adventurous neoclassic style and passion for fresh, premium ingredients.  FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND NEO: Farm to table gastropub with 90 percent of its menu sourced from within 90 miles of the kitchen.

BLUFFTON Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: Family owned and operated.

Check out Tyler’s mad pizza dough throwing skills.

 FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

 FAVORITE SOUTHERN RESTAURANT

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

HILTON HEAD ISLAND Annie O’s Southern Eats: Traditional favorites made from scratch with plenty of TLC.

BLUFFTON Mulberry Street Trattoria: Family owned and operated since 2004. A Bluffton favorite for lunch, dinner and brunch.

BLUFFTON Cahill’s Market: True Southern comfort food served in a relaxed country atmosphere.

 FAVORITE BRUNCH HILTON HEAD ISLAND Black Marlin Bayside Grill: Monthly voters have picked the Marlin fi ve years in a row.

BLUFFTON Walnuts Cafe: Highlights include thick omlettes and fantastic fantastic french french toast. toast.

 FAVORITE LUNCH  FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND Fiesta Fresh: Fast-casual Mexican cuisine infl uenced by the Jalisco region of Mexico.

BLUFFTON Mi Tierra: Authentic Mexican restaurant known for its carnitas.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND Red Fish: Amazing food at reasonable prices make this a favorite for business lunches.

BLUFFTON Truffles: The Blue Pig Special changes daily at this Bluffton favorite.

 FAVORITE BREAKFAST HILTON HEAD ISLAND Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: This island institution is always worth the wait.

BLUFFTON Stooges Cafe: Some say Stooges Bluffton has the best grits in the Lowcountry, if not all of South Carolina.

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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS (cont.)

 FAVORITE KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

 FAVORITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Hilton Head island Salty Dog Cafe: Your young ones will find plenty to do at s outh Beach Marina Village.

Hilton Head island Sea Grass Grille: o wners Kathy Jannott and chef Chad n ewman defend their sea food title.

Bluffton Mellow Mushroom: Kids circle what they want on Mellow’s “4 Kids” menu then “d oodle-With-d ude” while waiting on their food.

Bluffton Bluffton Oyster Company: o wners t ina and l arry t oomers’ family history is connected to the shores of the May River.

 FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING Hilton Head island Skull Creek Boathouse: s oak in amazing views of s kull Creek at this popular north end establishment.

Bluffton Captain Woody’s: t he covered rooftop bar serves great food, drinks and unbeatable views of o ld t own Bluffton.

 FAVORITE WATER VIEWS Hilton Head island Old Oyster Factory: o verlooking Broad Creek, oof offers one of the island’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape.

Bluffton Sunset Bay: t his unmistakable waterfront building, located at the west end of the bridge to Hilton Head, offers stellar views of s kull Creek.  FAVORITE DELI

Bluffton The Cottage: f resh-baked pies, cakes, tarts, scones and cookies.  FAVORITE BAKERY Hilton Head island Signes Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe: a n island tradition for more than 36 years.

Hilton Head island Gruby’s New York Deli: Brothers Barry and s teven Gruber offer a taste of “ d a Bronx.”

Bluffton Ronnie’s Bakery & Cakes by Lou: s pecializing in wedding and customized cakes.

Bluffton The Downtown Deli: a Bluffton favorite for the past eight years.

 FAVORITE CATERING/ CATERER

 FAVORITE DESSERT MENU Hilton Head island Robert Irvine’s eat!: d o you take your chocolate cake flourless or ridiculous?

Hilton Head island Two Tomatoes Catering: o wner s usan l ykins knows her way around a kitchen.

Bluffton Downtown Catering Company: l eah McCarthy is the planner and husband Ryan is the chef.

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Business

FAVORITE SHOPS/STORES  FAVORITE ANTIQUE STORE Hilton Head island The Greenery, Inc.: t he 1873 church is a delight for both shoppers and history buffs.

Bluffton Stock Farm Antiques: in business since 1953 selling 18th and 19th century furniture, rugs, porcelains and more.  FAVORITE THRIFT SHOP

Hilton Head island The Litter Box: a treasure trove for thrift shop lovers with large

appliances, furniture, antiques, clothing and more.

Bluffton God’s Goods Thrift Store: f unds raised support outreach min istries of t he Church of the Cross.  FAVORITE GIFT/ NOVELTY STORE Hilton Head island Gifted: t his upscale gift store offers compli mentary gift wrap with each purchase.

Bluffton Markel’s Card & Gift Shop: f ind greeting

cards, stationery and gift ideas for everyone on your list.

a lmost anything you need for home improvement and repair.

 FAVORITE GROCERY Bluffton STORE Lowe’s: Bluffton vot ers took this home Hilton Head island improvement chain Harris Teeter: it marks over its big box com the second straight petitors. win for this south end supermarket.  FAVORITE PARTY Bluffton SUPPLY STORE Kroger: Perfect loca Hilton Head island tion in Belfair Village, Celebration Supplies: plus it never closes. in addition to party supplies, find products  FAVORITE and apparel for all pro HARDWARE STORE: fessional and college Hilton Head island sports teams.

Grayco Hardware:

Bluffton Markel’s Card & Gift Shop: Bluffton vot ers selected this local store over its national competitors.  FAVORITE SHOPPING CENTER Hilton Head island Village at Wexford: t he center’s 30 upscale merchants offer elegant shopping, dining and pampering.

Bluffton Tanger Outlets: t he two popular outlet centers make Bluffton a shopping destination.

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Business FAVORITE SHOPS/ STORES (cont.)  FAVORITE STATIONERY/PAPER STORE Hilton Head island Pretty Papers & Gifts: f ind custom wedding invitations or the perfect gift for that special event.

Bluffton Markel’s Card & Gift Shop: Perfect Bluffton locale for small gifts and fine cards.

 FAVORITE TIRE STORE Hilton Head island Island Tire: s erving the island’s tire and automotive service needs since 1973.

Bluffton Goodyear: its overnight drop-off & vehicle pickup won over the Bluffton crowd.

READERS’ CHOICE

FAVORITE SERVICES  FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR

 FAVORITE CHILD CARE FACILITY

Hilton Head island H&H Auto Service: it’s win n o. 8 for these hallof-fame gearheads.

Hilton Head island Providence Children’s Center: its low childto-staff ratio and stellar reputation make this an island’s favorite.

Bluffton Bluffton Auto Body: Voters feel the staff is always friendly and they know their stuff.

We hear their espresso machine is pretty great, too.

Bluffton Amazing Creations: t he true testament to this mother-daughter operation is its waiting list.

 FAVORITE CARPET CLEANING

 FAVORITE TRAVEL AGENT

Hilton Head island & Bluffton Mighty Mac: if you walk on it, sit on it or even sleep on it, this l owcountry favorite can clean it.

Hilton Head island Valerie Wilson Travel: o ne of the largest privately held travel consulting firms in the country.

Bluffton AAA Carolinas: n eed directions? t he t ript ik t ravel Planner is a road trip essential.  FAVORITE FLORIST Hilton Head island Flowers By Sue: t he defending floral champion holds on to her title.

Bluffton Old Bluffton Flowers and Gifts: t his family owned and operated shop was Bluffton’s first choice for flowers.

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Business  FAVORITE BANK Hilton Head island Coastal States Bank: t he largest bank in Beaufort County with generations-deep roots anchored into the l owcountry.

Bluffton South Carolina Bank & Trust: s ince 1934, s CBt has shared a his tory with the Palmetto s tate.  FAVORITE CAR DEALERSHIP Hilton Head island Hilton Head BMW: t he l owcountry’s favorite luxury car dealership.

FAVORITE INSTITUTIONS/BUSINESSES

Bluffton Hilton Head Honda: t his local favorite has been in its state-ofthe-art Bluffton facility since 2008.  FAVORITE INSURANCE COMPANY Hilton Head & Bluffton State Farm: t he d iscount d ouble Check scored the highest in both Hilton Head and Bluffton.  FAVORITE REAL ESTATE COMPANY Hilton Head island Charter One Realty: t he island’s real estate

volume leader for more than 10 years.

Bluffton Collins Group Realty: s erving the greater Hilton Head and Bluffton marketplace.

Bluffton Palmetto Bluff: Waterside Chapel offers expansive views of the May River and majestic oaks.  FAVORITE NONPROFIT

 FAVORITE WEDDING VENUE Hilton Head island Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island: t he picturesque courtyard leading to the ocean offers a true island experience.

Hilton Head island & Bluffton Hospice Care of the Lowcountry: a n independent, communitybased organization serving Beaufort County for more than 30 years.  FAVORITE FINANCIAL ADVISOR Hilton

Head island

John Rush, Ameriprise Financial: t his o hio s tate grad focuses on retirement planning, estate planning and investments.

Bluffton Sarah Reed, Edward Jones: Reed offers a personal approach to investing and retirement planning for your longterm financial goals.  FAVORITE LAWYER/ ATTORNEY Hilton Head island Sam Bauer: Hopefully, you’ll never have to hire him. Bauer specializes in criminal defense, family law and personal injury.

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READERS’ CHOICE

Bluffton Sean Bolchoz: t his Charleston native specializes in general business litigation, family law, personal injury, probate litigation and collections.  FAVORITE REALTOR Hilton Head island Lottie Woodward: s pecializing in the sales and marketing of oceanfront and ocean oriented properties.

Bluffton James Wedgeworth, Charter One: t his Mississippi s tate grad has been a l owcountry favorite since 1981.

 FAVORITE ACCOUNTANTS

 FAVORITE RETIREMENT CENTER

Hilton Head island Wade & Associates: t heir CPa s and account staff members have worked with local business owners and clients for more than 30 years.

Hilton Head island TidePointe: t he gold standard for t ype C continuing care communities.

Bluffton Duncan Wilkes: He has been specializing in the financial and busi ness coaching arena since moving to the l owcountry in 2003.

Bluffton Sun City: t he largest active adult community in the s outh Carolina l owcountry.  FAVORITE GATED COMMUNITY Hilton Head island Sea Pines Plantation: t he plantation that got the developmental ball rolling continues to be an island favorite.

Bluffton Hampton Hall: its proximity to Hilton Head, s avannah and Beaufort make this a desirable location.  FAVORITE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Hilton Head island Arum Spa: a fullservice spa located at s onesta Resort.

Bluffton HogsHead Kitchen and Wine Bar: o wners a lexis and John are turning heads with this f rench food and wine concept.

 FAVORITE ART GALLERY Hilton Head island Smith Galleries: Contemporary fine art and crafts, located in the t he Village at Wexford.

Bluffton Pluff Mudd Art: s howcasing all local artists and artisans inside a charming old Bluffton cottage.

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READERS’ CHOICE

Business FAVORITE RECREATION  FAVORITE BIKE STORE Hilton Head island The Bike Doctor: o ne of the largest, full-service bicycle rental companies on the island. Free delivery, locks and maps. t wo locations.

Blu FFton Bluffton Bicycle Shop: l ocated right off the bike paths along the Bluffton Parkway.  FAVORITE GOLF STORE Hilton Head island Golf Etc.: s pecializing in club fitting, club making, repairs and regripping.

Blu FFton Old South Pro Shop: a ll the golf equipment and apparel you could ask for. t ry your skill on the Par 3 contest.  FAVORITE PRIVATE GOLF CLUB Hilton Head island Long Cove Club: t he more than 7,000 yards, par 71 l ong Cove course is a work of art and is one of the area’s most respected courses.

Blu FFton Berkeley Hall: t wo “Core Golf” courses by t om Fazio offer golf in its purest form.  FAVORITE PUBLIC GOLF CLUB Hilton Head island & Blu FFton Old South Golf Links: s ince the Clyde Johnstondesigned course opened, golfers continue to be attracted to its natural beauty.  FAVORITE SPORTING GOODS STORE

Hilton Head island Player’s World of Sports: o ffering tennis, soccer, baseball and other major sports. t he largest tennis gear selection in the county.

Blu FFton Dick’s Sporting Goods: t his popular national chain offers team sports, exercise, foot wear, apparel, golf, outdoors and more.  FAVORITE KIDS ACTIVITY Hilton Head island Pirates of Hilton Head: Bring your little pirate aboard the Black d agger, a custom pirate ship docked at Harbour t own.

Blu FFton Island Playground: a huge, climate-controlled indoor playground featuring inflat bles, slides, obstacle courses and more.

FAVORITE HOME PROFESSIONALS  FAVORITE BUILDER Hilton Head island & Blu FFton H2 Builders: t he l owcountry’s most awarded homebuilder. Family owned and operated.  FAVORITE CABINET COMPANY Hilton Head island East Coast Cabinetry: eric Ruhlin has been designing, creating and installing cus tom cabinetry in the area for more than 14 years.

Blu FFton The Cabinet Gallery: a fullservice cabinet company that designs to meet all styles.

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 FAVORITE LANDSCAPING COMPANY

 FAVORITE CARPET/ FLOORING COMPANY Hilton Head island KPM Flooring: t his company prides itself on selections that are both fashionable and functional.

Bluffton Gilman Floors: d oug and a nnette Gilman have been serving the l owcountry since 2001.  FAVORITE HEATING AND AIR COMPANY Hilton Head island Howell-Chase Heating and Air: a l owcountry favorite for more than 30 years.

Bluffton Dean Custom Air: Keeping the l owcountry comfortable for more than 45 years.  FAVORITE HOME FURNISHINGS STORE Hilton Head island Home Goods: t housands of new finds arrive each week at up to 60 percent off depart ment and specialty store prices.

Bluffton Ethan Allen: t hey do it all -design, manufacture, market, distribute, deliver and install.  FAVORITE INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY Hilton Head island J Banks Design Group: Residential or commercial, J Banks exudes casual sophistication.

Bluffton Interior Motives: a full service interior design firm serving the l owcountry, furniture to fabrics, walls to window treat ments.

Hilton Head island & Blufton The Greenery: Residential and commercial landscaping design along with greenhouse and irrigation services.  FAVORITE MORTGAGE COMPANY Hilton Head island & Bluffton Mortgage Network: s pecializing in residential mortgage loans, second homes and investment prop erty.  FAVORITE NURSERY Hilton Head island The Greenery: elaborate and colorful floral and plant displays are balanced with a wide array of garden sculp ture, pots, arbors and foun tains.

Bluffton Sunshine Hardscape Landscape: a dding beauty and color to the l owcountry landscape for more than 25 years.  FAVORITE PEST CONTROL Hilton Head island Hilton Head Exterminators: t he island’s first pest con trol company, specializing in termite and pest control services.

Bluffton Island Pest Control: s erving Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and surrounding areas since 1979.  FAVORITE POOL COMPANY Hilton Head island & Bluffton Year Round Pool Company: s outh Carolina’s largest pool, spa and water feature design er and builder.

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Business FAVORITE HEALTH & BEAUTY  FAVORITE BARBER SHOP Hilton Head island The Barber Shop: s pecializing in clipper cuts, scissor cuts, flat tops and the latest styles for men.

Bluffton Malone’s: f amily owned and operated in the same loca tion since 1987.

 FAVORITE HAIR SALON Hilton Head island Fringe: t he inviting and professional atmosphere is complemented with incredible aromas to rejuvenate your soul.

Bluffton Salon Karma: Recognizing the need for a high class, innovative hair salon, d anielle Keasling and her husband opened this gem last year.

Bluffton The Spa at Hampton Lake: s ix treatment rooms, plus the peaceful sanctuary of the Relaxation Room, are ready and waiting to pamper you.  FAVORITE WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Hilton Head island Hilton Head Health: s ince 1976, H3 has helped thousands of people lose weight and achieve a healthy life style.

Bluffton Equilibrium Weight Loss and Longevity: o ffering health and weight loss solutions for the l owcountry.  FAVORITE YOGA/PILATES Hilton Head island Jiva Yoga Center: o ffering classes seven days a week at two locations.

Bluffton Dancing Dogs Yoga: s pecializing in Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga.

 FAVORITE NAIL SALON

 FAVORITE MASSAGE THERAPY

Hilton Head island Arum Spa: o fferings include massage, body, facial, manicure and pedicure treatments.

Hilton Head island Christy Wolfe, FACES DaySpa: Her deep tissue massage is sure to relax and rejuvenate.

Bluffton H’Allure Nails & Spa: a nail salon that also features a barber shop and cosmetics supplies.

Bluffton Heidi Johnson, Inner Peace Massage: a Masters level massage practitioner with more than 20 years of experi ence.

 FAVORITE SPA Hilton Head island FACES Day Spa: t he staff will slather you with emollients, massage away stress and send you home with a new makeover.

 FAVORITE PERSONAL TRAINER Hilton Head island Shelby Sharp Basciano: a reas of expertise include

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flexibility and biomechanics, functional balance and muscle re-training.

Bluffton Jennifer Wolfe: o ver a decade of education and experience in the health and fitness field.

 FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER Hilton Head island Beach City Health & Fitness: Quiet and private with more than 40 cardio machines, 30 strength machines and more.

Bluffton Powerhouse Gym: f amily owned and operated with more than 45 group exercise classes.

FAVORITE FASHION  FAVORITE MEN’S CLOTHING STORE Hilton Head island Jos. A. Bank: High quality, tailored and casual mens wear.

Bluffton Brooks Brothers: t he respected chain is celebrating 195 years in business.  FAVORITE OUTDOOR APPAREL Hilton Head island Outside Hilton Head: t his locally owned store is the premier source for everything outdoors.

Bluffton Dick’s Sporting Goods: f ind top brands at competitive prices.  FAVORITE WOMEN’S CLOTHING Hilton Head island The Porcupine: Celebrating 37 years in fashion.

Bluffton Gigi’s Botique: u nique clothing, shoes and acces sories in o ld t own Bluffton.  FAVORITE SUNGLASSES/ EYEWEAR Hilton Head island & Bluffton Darling Eye Center: s tylish frames are displayed like paintings in this upscale center.  FAVORITE JEWELRY STORE Hilton Head island Forsythe Jewelers: s elling designer jewelry, diamonds and gifts on the island since 1981.

Bluffton Golis Family Jewelers: t he shop of Chris and eva Golis has been the gem of Bluffton for nearly 25 years.

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READERS’ CHOICE

Business FAVORITE HEALTH CARE

 FAVORITE PHARMACY

 FAVORITE DOCTOR

Hilton Head island Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy: l arge enough to serve you but small enough to know you.

Hilton Head island Dr. Paul Long: a n emergency medicine specialist with 36 years of experience.

Bluffton Bluffton Pharmacy: s erving Bluffton’s health care needs since 1988.

Bluffton Dr. Atul Gupta: a leader in safe, effective, non-invasive and drug-free treatment.

 FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR Hilton Head island Dr. Brad Fraum: earning the respect of colleagues and patients since 1991, Bluffton Dr. Anthony Mattis: a holistic chiropractic physician in the community for 12 years.

 FAVORITE EYE DOCTOR Hilton Head island & Bluffton Trey Bishop, Bishop Eye: a comprehensive opthalmologist that sees patients for all of their eye care needs.  FAVORITE PHYSICAL THERAPIST

 FAVORITE DENTIST Hilton Head island Dr. Kenneth Kowalyk: improving the island one smile at a time since 1985.

Bluffton Dr. Richard Porcelli: a rtistically inclined, special izing in larger case dentistry.

Hilton Head island Marty Kerr: s pecializing in sports physical therapy and sports specific training.

Bluffton Drayer Physical Therapy Institute: o ffers a suite of outpatient Pt and orthopedic rehab services.

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FAVORITE PET PEOPLE  FAVORITE PET GROOMING HILTON HEAD ISLAND Groomingdales: Voted the best place on the island to pamper your pet.

BLUFFTON Ruff Cuts: Bluffton’s favorite full-service pet grooming salon is family owned and operated.  FAVORITE PET BOARDING HILTON HEAD ISLAND Evergreen Pet Lodge: The new 3,000-square-foot play area is in a peaceful countryside setting.

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BLUFFTON Brook’s Bed and Biscut Kennels: This luxury boarding kennel offers accommodations for any size family pet.  FAVORITE VETERINARIAN HILTON HEAD ISLAND Dr. Dorian Colorado, Animal Care Clinic of HHI: A licensed veterinarian, providing personalized care for all of your pet’s needs.

BLUFFTON Dr. Ben Parker, Coastal Veterinary Clinic: Serving dogs, cats and exotics in Bluffton since 1993.

IT’S PARTY TIME! Join us for the 2013 Readers’ Choice party.

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 5 Sonesta Resort, HHI $10 at the door Live music, food, drinks December 2013 67

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MAKE-A-WISH

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A

star THE COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND BEAUFORT COUNTY’S MAKE-A-WISH.

I

Kaylani Kaufman, who is stricken with LGL leukemia, had an amazing time at Disney World, Sea World and the Magic Kingdom thanks to The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTOS BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

t’s a little-known fact that every square inch of Disney World is “imagineered” to reveal itself as you enter. Everything, from the endless acres around the park to the boat ride over the pond is designed in such a way that you fi rst see subtle hints, the monorail sweeping by, the highest spire of Cinderella’s castle soaring up from the landscape, the tallest boughs of Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, appearing as glimpses before the noise and spectacle of Main Street USA opens up in front of you.

It’s a marvel of wonder management and it all starts with a simple sign, stretched across four lanes of asphalt, declaring the “Happiest Celebration On Earth.”

For young Kaylani Kaufman, stricken with LGL leukemia, seeing that sign was quite literally a wish come true.

“She didn’t know we were going until she saw that sign,” said her mother Jilian. “We

took a video where she was just screaming and yelling, jumping up and down. She barely waited for the van to stop.”

It was a welcome respite for Kaylani, the young girl with the infectious giggle, who had been recuperating slowly from a 2011 bone marrow transplant. That sign opened up a blissful stay at the Give Kids the World resort that included trips to Sea World, Universal Studios and of course, the Magic Kingdom.

“The fi rst thing we got to do was meet Mickey Mouse,” said Jillian. “He spent so much time with her, doing magic tricks and showing her around.”

The entire trip, from accommodations to tickets to travel, was furnished by the local branch of an organization that has done more for kids than the imagineers at Disney could ever dream of: The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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MAKE-A-WISH

“Make-A-Wish was amazing,” said Jilian.

“Being a single parent, I thought it would be a challenge. They put my mind at ease.”

Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980 when U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin decided to pull a few strings for 7-year-old James Greicius, who was being treated for leukemia. Austin knew Greicius wanted to be a police officer, so he was able to arrange a kid-sized uniform, a ride in a police helicopter and a swearing-in as an honorary police officer. Since then, thousands of sick and terminally ill children have been granted wishes, lifting spirits and unburdening these young souls from the cruel weight of their disease, if only for a little while.

The South Carolina chapter formed in 1984, and has granted more than 2,000 wishes since then, including several in the Lowcountry.

“No child is ever denied a wish,” said Cindy Wood with Make-A-Wish Beaufort County. “Disney is always popular, but we had one child that wanted to go see the

Monarch butterflies in Mexico. One child in Bluffton wanted to meet Eli Manning.”

There’s no denying the effect this wishfulfillment can have, especially to a child who has been through the gut-wrenching hardship of a diagnosis. Take Nicholas Abrams, who was diagnosed in February 2012 with T-cell ALL. Despite the news, young Nicholas showed immense strength throughout his ordeal.

“When the doctors told us, he looked at the doctor and said, ‘I want to start treatment now.’ He didn’t want to wait,” said Nicholas’ mother, Becky Abrams. “He was gung ho. He’s done this whole thing with a smile on his face.”

Nicholas, a die-hard Star Wars fan, stayed at the Give Kids the World resort as well, taking in the full exhilaration of the theme park experience, including front-row seats to an epic recreation of the light-saber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader and no less than four trips on the Toy Story ride.

“It was nice to forget about things for a little while,” said Becky.

Another local child making the trip to Orlando is Leo Vannoni. Originally planned for this past September, Leo’s trip was postponed due to complications with his treatment. Leo was first diagnosed in August 2012, and suffered through a full round of chemo before being told he needed a bone marrow transplant. A donation from his sister and a “chemo bomb” followed, setting Leo on the path to recovery. But that path, as any survivor will tell you, is as long as it is winding.

“He was doing great, and responding really well to treatment,” said Leo’s mother, Kelly. “There were no complications until June of this year when he came down with a virus. For anyone else it’s fine, for him it was devastating.”

With his trip postponed, the community rallied around Leo. Students at Bluffton Middle School came up with a competition to raise funds for Leo’s wish.

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MAKE-A-WISH

For Nicholas Abrams, who is stricken with T-cell ALL, the highlight of Disney World was the Toy Story ride.

“The trip was already funded, but they wanted to replace what the trip cost,” Kelly explained. The students ended up not only meeting but exceeding their goal, thanks in no small part to TD Bank, which donated $12,000 to the cause. “It’s amazing what the kids did. Leo was like a rock star when he showed up at the school.”

“That’s really what it’s about,” said Wood.

“Kids helping kids.”

Bluffton Middle School isn’t alone in embracing the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s goals. Wood speaks with a tone of awe at the outpouring of support she sees each day from the community.

“There was one wish child who loved Corvettes,” she said. “The Corvette Club delivered his Disney package in a ‘Vette, then took him for a ride.”

“We were in his neighborhood, and it was full of stop signs. I looked at him and said, ‘That’s not enough, is it?” said Bill Schmidt of the local Corvette Club. “So we took him for a spin down to Parris Island and back. It was a pretty spirited ride, and with the top down he had a great time.”

That joy in giving led Bill and his friend Bill Linkner to rally the rest of the Corvette Club, and now Make-A-Wish children will be

riding in style during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Schmidt is not alone in giving. Islandbased pilot David Thompson has volunteered to take a Make-A-Wish child up in his plane for a Discovery tour of the island.

“I used to be an executive director with the Boys & Girls Club,” said Thompson. “So I have a soft spot in my heart for kids.”

Even the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has gotten into the spirit. During a presentation to the local Rotary, Wood

told a story about a young boy named Peter Rosset from Columbia.

Rosset, born with Down Syndrome, had developed leukemia. The young boy was also a budding piano prodigy and the Make-A-Wish foundation had been able to secure the child his own Steinway piano and a chance to play it during a performance of “The Nutcracker.”

“After the presentation, (HHSO President and CEO) Mary Briggs asked if we could get him to come down and play the closing of the symphony’s season,” said Wood. “Within 24 hours it was arranged.”

Rosset joined four other local kids on stage before the show, with his family enjoying a stay on the island courtesy a small army of local businesses. In introducing him, Briggs talked about, “how gifted and talented Peter is, how dedicated he is to learning the piano in spite of the diffi culties he faces, and how happy we are to be able to give him the opportunity to play before an orchestra, something he’s always wanted to do.”

Videos of Rosset’s performance prove he brought the house down. It was a moment of pure enjoyment for a child who has faced so much, and a sterling example of what our community can do when it comes together.

Wood is always seeking the help of local businesses in making wishes come true for local children. Anyone looking for a chance to make a difference can see more at sc.wish.org. M

Peter Rosset played the piano at the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s presentation to the local Rotary.

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FEATURE

FROM

tragedy,

BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

HEATHER PRICE STARTED A MOVEMENT IN HONOR OF HER DAUGHTER, AND THE LOWCOUNTRY MIGHT NEVER BE THE SAME.

T

HIS STORY BEGINS IN TRAGEDY. The kind of scarring, senseless tragedy that leaves even the strongest of us trembling like a child reaching for the light to banish the monsters under the bed. Vivienne Rose Nicole Vacha was a precocious six-week-old, bright-eyed and curious. Even at that tender age, she marveled at the world and

the world in turn marveled back.

Over and over people told her mother, Heather Price, what an alert baby Vivienne was. Those bright eyes, blue like her mother’s, seemed to take in everything in awe and wonder.

Then one night in January, at the age of six weeks and six days, Vivienne drifted off into the cooing sleep of a happy baby. She never woke.

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Heather Price and her fi ance, Ronald Vacha, lost their sixweek-old daughter Vivienne to SIDS in January. To keep her memory alive, Price started a Facebook page called, “Paying It Forward for Vivienne,” where local people post random acts of kindness.

, The pain of SIDS doesn’t just come from a young life taken away too soon. It doesn’t just come from a lifetime of promise, stolen in an instant. It comes from the endless blackness of the unknown. By its very nature, SIDS is a question mark, a vacuum for which none of our vast scientifi c achievements has an answer. Vivienne was not wrapped in any

blankets, no one around her smoked, she was not shaken.

She slept on her back. There’s a misconception, borne from our need as rational humans to make some kind of sense of the world, that SIDS has a cause. But as far as our brightest minds know, it doesn’t. For reasons that none of us can begin to fathom, baby Vivienne just died.

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FEATURE This story begins in tragedy. It continues in hope.

It continues with an outpouring of positivity that is turning into a sea change of strangers helping strangers, sweeping across Hilton Head Island the way the wind slowly transforms a sand dune, one grain at a time. Price did not want her daughter simply remembered for the bleak, horrible circumstance in which her light went out. She wanted her daughter remembered for the shining brilliance that light provided during the all-too-short time it glowed.

She kept that light alive by starting a movement to pay it forward.

“Vivienne knows what she’s done,” said Price.

Maybe you’ve been touched by it. Maybe the car in front of you at the drive-thru has paid for your coffee, showing a selfl ess act of kindness to you, a stranger.

Maybe you’ve seen the card that comes with the act of kindness, telling Vivienne’s story and urging you to pass it on. Hopefully, you’ve heeded its advice.

“A friend of mine started this when Vivienne passed away,” said Price of the countless pay it forward cards released into the wild in her daughter’s honor. “You randomly do something nice and give them the card. They pass the card along and hopefully it keeps going.”

The cards have begun swirling around Hilton Head and Bluffton, reaching as far as Australia, Germany and England, leaving in their wake a movement to help your fellow man. Vivienne looked at this world as a bright, wonderful place. For a brief moment after receiving a card, this random act of kindness, we share her wonder if only for a moment. Then, we pass it on so that others can see the light as well, and the dune slowly shifts.

“I heard from one woman who was in line at the grocery store,” Price said, sharing one of many stories of the people touched by these cards. “The girl in front of her had baby formula and couldn’t pay for it. The woman paid for it and, gave her a card, and the girl got hysterical.”

This girl, so the story goes, brought her benefactor out to her car to meet her 80-year-old grandmother. There, dressed in their fi nest, were a grandmother and a pair of twin babies in the backseat.

Through tears, the girl said how the twins had been triplets.

“The third child had just died of SIDS,” said Price. “They were leaving the funeral.”

The stories are endless of these cards spreading hope and joy.

One of the fi rst cards Price gave out wound its way around town, helping a little girl attend a month of tumbling classes that her mother couldn’t afford. When Price paid for an order behind her at Starbucks, the recipient tracked her down to thank her and let her know she’d paid it forward.

The movement has a home on Facebook, at PayingItForwardForVivienne. Price created the page 20 days after Vivienne died, fi guring that a few family and friends might join her in this movement. “At last count, 1,557 people had joined the page.”

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20 ways to...

1 Pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru 2 Donate goods to charity 3 Donate blood 4 Volunteer at a nursing home 5 Welcome new neighbors with a housewarming gift 6 Let someonecheck out before you at the supermarket 7 Send a friend anunexpected gift 8Bringin breakfast for the offi ce 9 Offer yourparking space in a crowded lot 10 Make acare package for a member of the military 11Provide roadside assistance

to someone in need 12 Give someone short on change that extra dime 13 Offer someone your seat 14Whensomeonedrops something, pick it up 15 Pick up litter you see on the beach 16Teachsomeonea skill that you’ve mastered 17 Offer totake a picture for tourists 18 Pay the tollfor the vehicle behind you 19 Add change to an expired meter 20 Give your neighborproduce from your garden

In addition to the cards, Price issues a Vivienne challenge every weekend.

“I’m challenging people to live in the moment, to get out of their schedule,” said Price. “Go on a picnic. Go to the beach. Go to the park.

Have your kids help you make fun fi nger foods.”

Some of these challenges are more proactive in helping. As Vivienne was an organ donor, Price asked everyone to sign up. Other challenges range from donating school supplies to helping stock up local animal shelters for winter.

It’s a simple thing, to take a moment of your day to do something better. Too often we forget to do it. But in memory of her daughter, and the brief joy she brought to so many, Price is making sure that we never forget to pay it forward. M Visit facebook.com/PayingItForwardForVivienne or simply pass that card along when it comes to you. The world will be a better place for your kindness.

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CHARITY

service ABOVEself

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

ROTARY CLUB OF BLUFFTON Community Center, Oscar Frazier Park P.O. Box 142 Bluffton, S.C. 29910 Meeting: 7:30 a.m., Wednesdays at Community Center OKATIE-BLUFFTON ROTARY CLUB 12 Sheridan Park Circle Bluffton, S.C. 29910 843-757-1138 Meeting: 12:15 p.m., Tuesdays at Sigler’s Bluffton Restaurant ROTARY CLUB OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND 30 Governors Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 843-686-4100 Meeting: 12:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sea Pines Country Club ROTARY CLUB OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND - SUNSET 14 Greenwood Drive P. O. Box 22565 Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29925 843-384-1910 Meeting: 6:30 p.m., Mondays at Palmetto Bay Yacht Club ROTARY CLUB OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND - VANLANDINGHAM P.O. Box 1234 Hilton Head, S.C. 29938 843-816-8251 Meeting: 8 a.m., Tuesdays at Hilton Head Country Club

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

R

otary International, also known as the Rotary Club, is an international service organization dedicated to building goodwill and peace, both at home and abroad.

There are 34,282 clubs and more than 1.2 million members worldwide.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are blessed to have fi ve Rotary Clubs — Rotary Club of Bluffton, Okatie-Bluffton Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island Sunset and Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island VanLandingham.

All fi ve clubs help make the world a better place.

In July 2010, VanLandingham Rotary president Lew Wessel was contacted by Matt Pepe of La Paz Rotary Club in Bolivia.

He was requesting the club’s help to open Bolivia’s fi rst prosthetic clinic. Pepe’s budget of $7,500 wasn’t enough to open the clinic. He asked for help.

After sharing the request with his newly formed International Committee and the rest of his club, VanLandingham Rotary agreed to wire $3,000 to the clinic on Feb. 7, 2011.

With the help of that donation, La Paz Prosthetic Clinic has greatly improved the quality of life for amputees and handicapped children of low income Bolivian families.

More than 25 Bolivians have been fi tted with prosthetic devices.

Some patients had not waked for as long as 25 years.

Some were so poor, they had to be carried into the clinic because they couldn’t afford crutches.

Under current president Mike Middleton, VanLandingham Rotary is committed to continuing its fi nancial support of the international project. In addition to its local funds, the club will be applying for a district matching grant. The club has also partnered with clubs in Irving, Calif., and La Paz, Bolivia in seeking a $40,000 international matching grant for the free clinic.

Pepe anticipates fi tting 125 amputees with prosthetic knees and legs in the next six months.

By contributing their dollars to a less fortunate part of the world, local Rotarians helped improve the quality of many lives. M

The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island VanLandingham helped open Bolivia’s fi rst prosthetic clinic in La Paz. More than 25 Bolivians have been fi tted with prosthetic devices since the center has opened.

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CHARITY

2013 Charitable Registry Check out this year’s list of local organizations where you can give your time or money, and meet a few of the great folks who (reluctantly, we might add) let us shine the spotlight on them for their selfless acts of volunteerism.

NONPROFITS American Cancer Society 59 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head 842-5188; www.cancer.org/involved American Heart Association 681-2355; www.americanheart.org American Red Cross 757-7437; www.lowcountryredcross.org Beaufort County Open Land Trust 521-2175; www.openlandtrust.com Bluffton Self Help 757-8000; www.blufftonselfhelp.org Born to Read 379-3350; www.borntoread.org Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry Hilton Head Island, 689-5565; Bluffton, 757-2845; www.bgchhi.com Caring Coins 341-COIN; www.caringcoins.org Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) 524-4350; capabeaufort.org Children’s Center Hilton Head, 681-2739; Bluffton, 757-5549; www.thechildrenscentersc.org Citizens Opposed to Domestic Violence (CODA) 770-1070; www.codalowcountry.org Community Caring for Children P.O. Box 23423, Hilton Head, SC 29925 Deep Well Project 785-2849; www.deepwellproject.org Friends of the Beaufort County Library PAT RieCk moved from Michigan to Hilton Head Island in 1989.

She has worked as a volunteer for St. Francis Thrift Shop for more than 10 years, before that, volunteering at St. Francis Catholic School.

She has three children, two of which live on Hilton Head and one lives in Michigan. She has six grandchildren. She likes to call the thrift shop her second home, however, her hubby Clark says it is her first home!

GeORGene CAmPBeLL is an island resident who came into The Sandbox in the fall of 2009 and expressed an interest in volunteering with the organization simply because she loves being around children. Since then she has developed and accelerated the Imagination Hour program (Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.) into a program that has a following every week. She comes in two to three days per week simply to help The Sandbox stay organized, prepare for Imagination Hour, keep the databases up date and offer her assistance on anything else that needs attention. Her devotion is a true testament to her years of working in a pediatric office as well as other non profit organizations. Her organizational skills are second to none. Georgene also teaches yoga on the island and enjoys riding her bike on the many bike paths. Thank you for all you do Georgene!

470-6504; www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/ htdocs-sirsi/allfriends.htm Friends of the Rivers 227-0004; www.friendsoftherivers.com Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity 522-3500; www.lowcountryhabitat.org Heritage Library Foundation 686-6560; www.heritagelib.org Heroes on Horseback 757-5607; www.heroesonhorseback.org Hilton Head Audubon Society www.hiltonheadaudubon.org; email Clem at clemd@hargray.com Hilton Head Heroes 671-4939; hhheroes.com Hilton Head Hospital Auxiliary 689-8246; www.hiltonheadregional.com Hilton Head Humane 681-8686; www.hhhumane.org Hope Haven of the Lowcountry: Children’s Advocacy and Rape Crisis Center 524-2256; www.hopehavenlc.org December 2013 77

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Hospice Care of the Lowcountry 706-2296; www.hospicecarelc.org Island Recreation Center 681-7273; www.islandreccenter.org Junior Jazz Foundation The Village at Wexford C-1, Hilton Head 681-9100; www.thejuniorjazzfoundation.com Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island 842-8250; www.lifelonglearninghhi.org Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry Bluffton, 815-6616; Hilton Head, 681-6655; www.lowcountryliteracy.org Low Country Legal Clinic, Inc. 815-1570; www.lowcountrylegalaid.org Meals on Wheels 689-8334; www.mowblufftonhhi.com Memory Matters 842-6688; www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers; www.memory-matters.org National Alliance on Mental Illness, Beaufort County 681-2200; www.NAMIBeaufortCounty.com Native Island Business and Community Affairs 689-9314; www.gullahcelebration.com Off Island Thrift-Cancer Awareness Two locations, 18 Plantation Park Drive and 4375 Bluffton Parkway; 815-7283 Operation R&R www.operationrestandrelax.org CARING COINS The Caring Coins Foundation was established

by Hargray in 2003, with the express purpose of providing support to local nonprofit organizations in Bluffton, Hardeeville and Hilton Head. In 2008, the foundation added Beaufort. Participants in the program are Hargray Communications customers who voluntarily round up their monthly bill.

The spare “change” collected is disbursed quarterly by an independent Board of Directors and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The Lowcountry has always been a very giving and generous area. The customers of Hargray who participate in this program should feel very proud that their small monthly contributions add up to approximately $275,000 annually. For each individual participating, this average $5.78 a year. It is you who makes a difference in your community.

GEORGE BARTELS has brought enough babies into the world to fill a school.

He is a retired obstetrician whose gentle strength and compassion is simply magnetic. George’s humanity and non-judgmental nature draw people toward him. He joined the Memory Matters’ team of volunteers in 2009 and has been a reliable and dedicated advocate for its clients. He deserves a “volunteer medal of honor” because of his sense of humor and willingness to roll up his sleeves. He is able to see the bigger picture and to zero in on the needs of the participants. Whether someone needs a friendly conversation or a hand to hold, he is there. Two mornings a week he reports for duty with his one-liner, “good morning sports fans,” and the tone is set for the day. George cares about our community and demonstrates his leadership with action on behalf of various human needs programs. Memory Matters is blessed to have him on its team.

Palmetto Animal League 645-1725; www.palmettoanimalleague.org Penn Center 838-2432; www.penncenter.com Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Low Country 689-2222; www.pregnancycenterhhi.org Programs for Exceptional People 681-8413; www.pephhi.org Second Helpings 689-3689; www.secondhelpingshhi.org SNAC Spay Neuter 645-2500; www.snac1.com Toys for Tots 912-315-4760; www.toysfortots.org Treat the Troops www.treatthetroops.org United Way 837-2000; www.uwlowcountry.org Volunteers in Medicine 689-6612; www.vimclinic.org SERVICE GROUPS Junior League of Savannah-South Carolina Lowcountry Projects 912-790-1002; www.jrleaguesav.org Kiwanis Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head - Palmetto: http://palmettokiwanisclub.org; Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head Island: www. hiltonheadkiwanis.com; 686-8130

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Knights of Columbus www.kofc.org Lions www.sclions.org Rotary www.rotary7770.org Women’s Association of Hilton Head 837-5138; www.wahhi.com Zonta Zonta Club of Bluffton: www. zontaclubofbluffton.com; Zonta Club of Hilton Head Island: zontahhi.org Daufuskie Island artist CHASe ALLen has donated decorative holiday fish ornaments styled by students at Daufuskie Island Elementary School.

The ornaments are being sold to benefit Volunteers in Medicine Hilton Head Island.

They can be purchased for $10 each at VIM, located on 20 Palmetto Parkway.

FOUNDATIONS There are hundreds of foundations throughout Southern Beaufort County. Here are just a few: Celebrity Golf Foundation www.hhcelebritygolf.com; 842-7711 Community Foundation of the Lowcountry www.cf-lowcountry.org; 681-9100 Curry Foundation www.curryfoundation.org David Carmines Foundation www.davidmcarmines.org Heritage Classic Foundation www.heritageclassicfoundation.com MARILYn COLeMAn retires from a service of 30 years of dedication and caring. As a Hospice Care of the Lowcountry volunteer she served on the Board of Directors, Quality Improvement Council and visited patients and families.

“We often tell our caregivers to take care of themselves. I have now decided to do just that. My years with Hospice Care of the Lowcountry have been one of the highlights of my life.” Thank you Marilyn, you will be missed.

PHYLLIS DOYLe is more than just a United Way of the Lowcountry board member, she’s fully invested in every facet of the organization. When the phone rings for help, Phyllis answers – no questions asked.

Serving on the Education Impact Committee and the Volunteer Engagement Committee, Phyllis puts her energy where her heart is, educating children through the Early Grade Reading Program and recruiting others like her to give of themselves and make the organization as successful as possible.

United Way of the Lowcountry would look a lot less successful without her influence

THE ARTS / MUSEUMS Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head; 8422787; artshhi.com Art League of Hilton Head Island 681-5060; www.hhal.org Coastal Discovery Museum 100 William Hilton Parkway (Honey Horn Plantation), Hilton Head; 689-6767; www. coastaldiscovery.org Hilton Head Choral Society 341-6468; hiltonheadchoralsociety.org Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra 842-2055; www.hhso.org Main Street Youth Theatre 689-MAIN (6246); www.msyt.org May River Theatre Company Corner of Bridge and Pritchard streets (in Bluffton Town Hall), Bluffton; 815-5581; mayrivertheatre.com The Sandbox — An Interactive Children’s Museum 18 Pope Ave., Hilton Head; 842-7645; thesandbox.org South Carolina Repertory Theatre 136 Beach City Road, Hilton Head; 3422057; hiltonheadtheatre.com M

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sparkle &SHINE LOCAL HOLIDAY FASHION

THE BACK DOOR Shoes by J. Renee Dress by Sue Wong Belt by Frank Lyman 843-671-3677

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GIGI’S BOUTIQUE Shirt by BB Dakota Skirt by BCBG Maxarzia Fur vest by YA Los Angeles 843-815-4450

BLEU JEAN BOTIQUE Dress by Arc & Co. Vest by Ankorel 843-341-2538

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LUCIANA Dress by Jovani 843-686-5620 AFFORDABLES APPAREL Top by Avalin Pants by Cara Sun Woo 843-321-4200

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RADIENCE Dress by Darling Bag by Monica’s Bag 843-363-5176

THE PORCUPINE Dress by Erin Necklace by Gepsy 843-785-2779

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FASHION

get the look

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

 Butter London Lippy: Tinted balm, gloss and liquid lipstick. Colors and coverage for any occasion, these nourishing formulas moisturize and protect lips with shea butter and Vitamin E. Radiance

 Eyelash extensions are the perfect accent for gorgeous eyes. Whether you want them for a holiday party or just to simplify your daily beauty routine, the lash stylists at FACES Lash Studio will customize the design to meet your needs and wants.

Faces l ash studio

 Dermalogica skin kits for all skin conditions. This kit for mature/ prematurely-aging skin helps block biochemical triggers that lead to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and tone while firming and renewing skin. island Medical spa

 It’s about the ultimate in attitude and style when you use Snooki’s Ultra Dark Tan Maximizer, Ultra Dark Hot Bronzer or Ultra Dark Black Bronzer. c lu B tan

 Get the gel-like finish for your nails at home.

This two-piece set gives ultimate shine, protects your nails from chips and extends the wear of your lacquer. As always, Butter London is free of all harsh chemicals. $40.

GiGi’s Botique

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

1. AFFORDABLES APPAREL 890 William Hilton Pkwy Fresh Market Shopping Center Hilton Head Island 843-321-4200, Shopaffordablesapparel.com These brown boots by BRONX are a fall/winter essential.

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2. THE ANTIQUES & GARDEN COLLECTIBLES SHOP AT THE GREENERY 960 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island 843-785-3848 The shop’s most popular holiday scent.

Aunt Sadies “Tree In A Can” candle made in Vermont. Add the scent of a fresh-cut tree to your home, especially if you have an artifi cial tree.

3. ART CAFE GALLERY OF SHOPS 14 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-785-5525 Skip the mall, come paint them all.

Paint your Christmas gifts.

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4. THE BACK DOOR Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island 843-671-3677 Bronze and pearl handcrafted Margaret Ellis Studio necklace.

5. BIKE DOCTOR 31 New Orleans Road, 55 Mathews Drive Hilton Head Island 843-681-7532, 843-681-7531 BikeDoctorHHI.com Track your bike mileage with a Specialized speedzone sport computer.

6. THE BLEU COMPANIES, BLEU JEAN BOUTIQUE 807 William Hilton Hilton Parkway/Hwy Parkway/Hwy278 278Units Units 1400 & 15, Hilton Head Island 843-341-BLEU Made in the Deep South, this jewelry line was created with the idea of making “one-of-akind” pieces for women that strive to express their individuality.

7. THE BLUE PARROT The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island 843-785-9877, blueparrotgifts.com Hand-carved and painted wooden Santa.

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8. BOMBORAS GRILLE 101 A/B Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island 843-689-2662, www.bomborasgrille.com T-shirts. Pint glass.

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9. CASUAL LIVING, FIRESIDE & GRILLIN’ 19 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton 843-815-8008 The Big Green Egg Grill. A smoker, a grill and an oven in one unmatched egg.

10. DESIGNS BY CLEO 14 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-342-7001, designsbycleo.com Handcrafted necklace with semiprecious gemstones.

11. EDWIN WATTS GOLF 1 Buckingham Plantation Dr., Bluffton 843-837-3399, Edwinwattsgolf.com Bushnell Laser Rangefi nder (White) With its new ergonomic design and its awardwinning PinSeeker with JOLT Technology, the Tour V3 sets the standard for being the complete laser rangefi nder package.

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12. FACES DAY SPA 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island 843-785-3075 Known as the fi ve minute face lift, the NuFace Trinity delivers beautiful, unparalleled professional results in an easy to use at-home system.

13. FORSYTHE JEWELERS Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island 843-671-7070, forsythejewelers.biz Labyrinth Collection by David Yurman.

Double-loop ring, single-loop earrings and single-loop bracelet all with sterling silver and 18K yellow gold and pave diamonds.

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14. GIFTED 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island Set of three oyster shell trees for the perfect coastal christmas décor.

15. GIGI’S BOUTIQUE 40 Calhoun Street, Bluffton 843-815-4450, gigisofbluffton@yahoo.com Handcrafted, made in the USA shotgun shell jewelry. Bullet earrings with Swarovski crystal.

16. GOOD HEALTH UNLIMITED 55 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-681-7701, goodhealthunlimited.com Santevia alkaline water pitcher.

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18 17. HERITAGE FINE JEWELRY Pineland Station, Hilton Head Island 843-689-2900 heritagejewelershhi.com Whimsical charms, buttons and rings to create your very own unique story.

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18. HILTON HEAD BREWING CO. 7C Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island www.hhbrewingco.com, 843-785-2739 Hilton Head Brewing Company growler.

19. J BANKS 35 Main Street, Hilton Head Island 843-681-5122 Bring the holiday spirit into your home through aroma with our Michael Aram holiday candle collection. The scent, combined with beautiful decorative lids, make these candles the perfect decorative accent, or a special gift for loved ones.

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20. JIVA YOGA CENTER 1032 William Parkway, Hilton Head Island 843-785-5482, jivayogacenter.com Deluxe Yogi Gift Bundle - Lulu Lemon mat, Capri Blue Mercury Glass Volcano Candle and Spiritual Gangster tank.

21. LE SPA Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island 843-363-6000, lespahiltonhead.com “Gilded and Gifted” collection for the holidays, by Jane Iredale.

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22. LUCIANA 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island 843-686-5620, lucianafashion.com This long-sleeved silk blouse can add a little holiday color.

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23. OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD 32 Shelter Cove Lane Ste. H Hilton Head Island 843-686-6996, OutsideHiltonHead.com The new Boardworks Raven 12’6” is designed for all purpose cruising, recreational racing, fi shing, or just plain getting out on the water.

Paired with the Werner “Spanker” paddle, this craft offers immediate power and improves straight ahead effi ciency that is light weight with Werner’s bomber durability.

24. PALMETTO DUNES ROBERT TRENT JONES PRO SHOP 23 Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island 843-686-9137 www.palmettodunes.com www.palmettodunes.com ApproachS4 S4GPS GPSGolf GolfWatch.

Watch.Perfect, Perfect, Garmin Approach gift for for your yourfavorite favoritegolfer. golfer. unique gift

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25 26 25. PALMETTO MOON 1460 Fording Island Rd, #270, Bluffton 843-837-1116, palmettomoononline.com South Carolina Palmetto Moon and Sleigh Ball Ornament, made by Glory Haus.

26. PLANET HILTON HEAD Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island 843-785-5178 Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island 843-363-5177 Glory Haus University Christmas Ornaments.

27. PLANTATION INTERIORS 10 Targer Rd., Hilton Head Island 843-785-5261, plantationinteriors.com Delightful “crab” footed, glass dip bowl rested on three intricately detailed pewter crabs. The lively crustaceans were inspired by Maryland Blue Crabs and the clear glass bowl showcases the beauty of your gourmet selection. The glass dip bowls comfortably serve 1.5 cups of dip, soft cheese or salsa.

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28. PRETTY PAPERS AND GIFTS The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island 843-341-5116, prettypapershhi.com Hawley Collection Santa, hand crafted in Hilton Head Island.

29. QUIET STORM SURF SHOP Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island 843-671-2551 G-Shock GAC-100 Watch.

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30. RADIANCE Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island 843-363-5176 Holiday Edition Hanky Panky Underwear.

31. SALTY DOG CAFÉ 67 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island 843-842-6331, saltydog.com Custom Salty Dog cases made to fi t iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5, Galaxy S4, iPad Mini and iPad 2/3.

32. SEA GRASS GRILLE 807 William Hilton Parkway Suite 1000 Plantation Center Hilton Head Island 843-785-9990, seagrassgrille@aol.com Pomegranate® tablecloth that gives the holiday dinner the right touch.

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33. SERENDIPITY MEDICAL SPA 23 Main Street, Hilton Head Island 843-342-2639, serendipitymedspa.com Give the gift of beautiful skin with Obagi Nu-Derm. Prevent the signs of aging at the cellular level to reveal fl awless, healthy skin.

34. SKULL CREEK GENERAL STORE 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island 843.681.3663 skull-creek-boathouse.myshopify.com Skull Creek Signature Hot Sauces, Cozy Blankets and Many More Low Country Themed Specialty Items Make Wonderful Gifts for Everyone on Your List.

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35. SMITH GALLERIES 1000 William Hilton Pkwy The Village At Wexford Suite J-11 Hilton Head Island 843-842-2280, smithgalleries.com Twig Blocks which is part of Smith Galleries “Kids who...KIC” area. A gratifying new branch to the classic building block family tree.

36. THE STORYBOOK SHOPPE 41A Calhoun St., Bluffton 843-757-2600 An assortment of very unique, plush animals from France by Moulin Roty.

37. TRUFFLES CAFÉ MARKET Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island 843-671-6136, truffl escafe.com reBel Design’s Leather D Ring clutch and wristlet with removable strap.

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38. WINE & CHEESE IF YOU PLEASE 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island 843-842-1200 wineandcheeseifyouplease.com Homemade marshmallows by Butter Baked Goods come made to order from Vancouver, BC. Flavors vary with season so be sure to check regularly.

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BRIDAL LEAH MCCARTHY Weddings with Leah leah@weddingswithleah.com

THE ULTIMATE

updo Provided by fringe

Provided by Le sPa

Provided by terra’s sty Le studio

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BRIDAL

LONG HAIR OR SHORT HAIR, CURLY HAIR OR STRAIGHT HAIR, A FLAWLESS BRIDAL UPDO IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO THE BRIDE. A BRIDE NOT ONLY DREAMS OF HER PERFECT DAY, BUT LOOKING HER ABSOLUTE BEST AS WELL. THE KEY TO LOOKING GOOD IS IN THE PREPARATION.

B

rides should schedule their hair trials about three months prior to the wedding. Pictures of bridal updos that are inspiring to the bride should be taken with her as well as a veil or headpiece she plans to wear. Pinterest is a great resource for hair-style inspiration. The more prepared you can be for your stylist, the better the communication process will be during the trial, as well as the day of the wedding. If you like the look of the front of a hairstyle in one picture, and the back hairstyle of another picture, bring them both.

In addition to pictures of hair inspiration, bring a picture of your wedding dress. This will give the hairstylist a better idea of your bridal style.

A bride should wear makeup to the hair trial, or combine the hair and makeup trial on the same day. This will help the bride get the best visual of how her look will come together on her wedding day.

The day of the hair trial is also a great excuse to plan a night out to make sure the style stays in place. The bride should be sure to take pictures of the finished look from a few angles to be sure she is completely satisfied.

The look of today’s bridal updos are loose and less structured while still remaining polished and sophisticated. It may involve cascading curls, a mixture of loose braids into a side bun, or wispy strands of hair tied back with a fresh flower pin. No matter if your choose side-sweeping hair, hair that is partially tied back, or a full updo, rely on your stylist to find the best timeless look for you. M December 2013 93

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BRIDAL

show off your wedding album

To submit photos and announcements, email editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com with the subject line “Weddings.”

dean/swartz Megan Sue Dean, daughter of David & Sharon Dean and our beloved Art Director, Jeremy John Swartz, son of John & Deb Swartz, married on Oct. 29 at Smuggler’s Cove Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia.

w rightson/ l enhof Cannata/ r odriguez Carnelina Jennifer Cannata and Salvador Rodriguez were married Oct. 12 on the beach at Shipyard Beach Club. The honeymoon will be taken at a later time.

Photography by BNG Photography.

Jennifer Christie Wrightson and Keiran Graham Lenhof were married Dec. 7, 2012, at St. Catharine Church in Spring Lake, N.J. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William G. Wrightson III of Hilton Head Island. The groom is the son of the late Mr. & Mrs Gerry Lenhof of Chicago. The couple reside in Washington, D.C.

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an , 2012, ake, & Mrs. ad ate Mr. couple

monthly

Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014

1-4 pm at Westin Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island hiltonheadmonthly.com Hilton Head Monthly is partnering with The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa for the 2014 Bridal Show.

Heading into its seventh year, the annual event has transformed into the premier bridal event of the Lowcountry, introducing future brides and grooms to wedding vendors such as  orists, photographers, caterers, bakers, videographers, dress makers and venue hosts. There will also be live music, drawings and a chance to have your wedding captured in two pages of an upcoming issue of Hilton Head Monthly.

Lori Goodridge-Cribb 843-842-6988, ext. 238

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HEALTH

Areal

Tom Whitten went under the knife and came away with a transplanted bovine valve that had him up and moving, if not mooing, in short order.

TRANSPLANTED BOVINE VALVE SAVES THE LIFE OF LOCAL RESIDENT

WARNING SHOT

BY MICHAEL PASKEVICH | PHOTO BY DAYLE THOMAS

T

om Whitten was prepping for a midsummer golf tournament outing with his buddies at the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, so he was out knocking a few on the practice range the day before the anticipated trip. But something just didn’t feel right.

“Every time I bent over to tee up another ball, I stood up and had to catch my breath,”

said the 70-year-old retiree who sports a healthy 11 handicap. “It’s wasn’t painful, just unusual for me.” Being a “typical guy,” he initially shrugged off the symptoms until he was home on the couch watching TV with his spouse Susan that same July evening.

“I turned and felt a pain I hadn’t ever felt before,” he recalled, “and it was Susan who convinced me that it was time

to get to Beaufort Memorial Hospital right away.”

It wasn’t a heart attack, and Whitten quickly fi lled in the attending physician about his medical condition known as aortic stentosis diagnosed years earlier by Dr. Jay Kalan, who practices out of the Hilton Head offi ce of Savannah Cardiology.

“His aortic valve was getting narrower and thicker

due to the buildup of calcium and fi brous tissue,” Dr. Kalan explained, noting that symptoms of the uncommon malady include chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Prescribed medication helps slow the progression but Whitten nonetheless faced a potentially fatal malfunction.

“He was smart and listened to his body,” Dr. Kalan said.

Whitten, a one-time funeral

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HEALTH

home owner in Lynchburg, Va., settled on Hilton Head in 2001 and soon sought out a cardiologist, having suffered a stroke just the year before.

“That was a real warning shot for me,” he noted, “and I’ve been trusting Dr. Kalan with my life ever since we moved here.

He’s a fi ne man and he’s been monitoring my aortic valve which doesn’t open and close properly and could have lead to congestive heart failure.”

Dr. Kalan rushed to his side at Beaufort Memorial, and Whitten fi gured his next stop was a renowned heart facility at Duke University or maybe the Mayo Clinic.

“But Dr. Kalan told me not to worry … he said, ‘there’s a world-class heart surgeon right on Hilton Head.’”

Enter Dr. David Kastl, who moved his practice to the Lowcountry after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2008. The surgeon just happened to be in the lab when Whitten was transported to Hilton Head Hospital and, the next morning, Whitten went under the knife and came away with a transplanted bovine valve that had him up and moving, if not mooing, in short order.

“That guy saved my life and we’re so lucky to have him here,” an understandably grateful Whitten said of Dr. Kastl. “He’s such a pro and he elevated the performance of everybody around him. It’s a real blessing to have such a great facility right here where there’s great medical effi ciency combined with genteel Southern hospitality.”

Whitten, who moved to Beaufort last year to be closer to family, was pitching and put-

ting within a matter of weeks and taking full golf swings in less than two months. An admittedly “portly” fellow with a life-long affi nity for cheeseburgers, Whitten has made a series of lifestyle changes under the ongoing guidance of Dr. Kalan.

“I walk 30 minutes every day and I’ve lost about 10 pounds since the surgery. I eat lots of chicken and turkey and it’s become a matter of choice. I don’t even miss cheeseburgers or triple Martinis,” he laughed.

By maintaining a low-fat, low-sodium diet with regular exercise, Whitten faces many golden years to come.

And he’s become an advocate for listening to one’s body and passing along word of symptoms to friends who, like him, might be initially reluctant to take needed action. “I’m hard-headed like a lot of guys and I felt that things would pass,” said Whitten. “My wife had to drag me to the hospital that night.”

Robyn Reese of the American Heart Association chapter in Charleston got wind of Whitten’s lifesaving decision and passed along some additional words of wisdom for maintaining a healthy heart. Besides regular exercise and a low-fat, low-sodium diet, Reese advises everyone to monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol as well as taking steps to reduce blood sugar levels. Forget about smoking too.

All that’s fi ne with Tom Whitten, who is back playing golf regularly and certainly feeling lucky. “I feel very fortunate,” he said. “Everything came together for me at the perfect time.” M December 2013 97

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GOLF

golf

DESTINATION

FROM DRUG DOGS TO RUBBER REPTILES, GOLF BUDDIES BUILD A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES BY LISA ALLEN

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GOLF

LATE ONE FEBRUARY EVENING IN A HILTON HEAD ISLAND HOTEL MEETING ROOM, ABOUT 10 MEN WERE IN THE MIDST OF A POKER GAME WHILE OTHERS SIPPED DRINKS AND TALKED NEARBY.

T

he group was relaxing after a day of golf as part of their annual buddy trip. Mike Wetzel of the Atlanta area was watching his dad play.

“There was a church group staying at the hotel,” Wetzel, 48, remembers. “They called the county that there was a large, casino-type poker game.

Marshals storm into the room and fi nd nine old guys playing

penny-ante poker. They took everyone’s licenses and charged them with illegal gambling.”

Realizing there was no criminal enterprise underway, the county dropped the charges after the “gamblers” agreed to chip in so the sheriff’s department could buy a drug dog, Wetzel said.

Nearly 20 years later, it’s just another story to stack atop the dozens accumulated by 40 men from California to Canada

who travel to Hilton Head Island each year to pack in fi ve rounds of golf, card games and a few beers.

Wetzel’s group is one of hundreds that visit Hilton Head every year to enjoy a few days of golf with their friends, colleagues and family.

“We went to Myrtle Beach fi rst two years, but everything is so spread out,” Wetzel said.

They love the close proxim-

ity of everything they need on Hilton Head. To avoid worry, they appoint designated drivers or take taxis. “We don’t allow anyone to drink and drive. The taxis are so affordable.”

Wetzel organizes the trip, which he starts planning two weeks after returning from the last one. “It has to be someone who is really organized and doesn’t wait until the last minute."

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Golfers from the United States and the United Kingdom come to Hilton Head Island for the annual Fisher Cup.

GOLF

"NO ONE RENTS A CAR BECAUSE THOSE EUROPEANS CAN DRINK SOME BEER. WE KEEP THE TAXI COMPANIES HAPPY." He relies on Ryan Thompson at Heritage Golf Group to line up lodging at four, large Palmetto Dunes villas, tee times at a rotating slate of island courses, arrange the pairings party the first night and private dinners.

“The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course at Palmetto

Dunes is my favorite. It’s funny. It wasn’t until the seventh or eighth trip to Hilton Head that I saw the ocean when we first played that course.”

Dave Fisher of the Philadelphia area organizes one of Sea Pines’ largest buddy trips: 72 men ranging from Silicon Valley

millionaires to truck drivers from two continents. They arrive each October for five days.

“We bought a home in Sea Pines 20 years ago and brought some friends down, including some from England. That’s how it started,” Fisher said.

They play a four-round tour-

nament, collect $6,000 in prize money and covet their version of the Ryder cup that -- over Dave’s objections -- is called the Fisher Cup. “We don’t have enough Europeans for a full team, so we lend them a few Americans. We take over a course for part of a

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GOLF day and use a shotgun start. At Harbour Town, we have nine foursomes tee off on both one and 10. It’s gotten so big. Lots of fathers and sons.

“We’ve only been rained out a few times. That’s the best thing about it being an island, it all drains fast into that sand. At worst, we’ve had to play 36 holes in a day to make up for a rain-out, but it doesn’t happen very often that they’ve closed the course.”

A requirement is that they stay within walking distance of Harbour Town.

“We have 66 people staying in town houses in Harbour Town and everyone has their own bedroom and bath. No one rents a car because those Europeans can drink some beer,” Fisher said, laughing. “We keep the taxi companies happy. You can’t do that anywhere else. We’ve talked about moving the trip to the U.K., but they can’t handle that large

of a group. We’d have to go to Spain."

Only twice have they asked people not to come back. “They weren’t nice guys.”

Despite last-minute substitutions for people who can’t attend, the trips go off without a hitch, Fisher said.

Playing a big hand in that is Chris Beck, a master at planning golf trips to Sea Pines Resort.

He’s been doing it for 25 years and juggles about 200 buddy or corporate groups each year.

With 475 villas within walking distance of Harbour Town Marina, only maxed-out golf courses cap how many groups Sea Pines can accommodate, Beck said. During his peak weekend right after the RBC Heritage Tournament Beck usually is juggling about 20 large groups at once.

Once a group travels to Hilton Head, it soon becomes a tradition.

“Our repeat percentage is 65 percent. Groups have been coming for 35 years,” Beck said.

Jon Gasper’s 12-man group gathered in Myrtle Beach each year, but for the 25th anniversary last year decided to give Hilton Head Island a try and called Michael Royer at Palmetto Dunes

Oceanfront Resort to help build the trip.

“From a price standpoint, it wasn’t that much different,” Gasper said. “That was one of the assumptions -- that it would be a lot more expensive. It was less than $100 difference per person.

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GOLF

“Hilton Head is much less commercial and more residential. It has a better beach atmosphere and better restaurants,” said Gasper, who is from Western Massachusetts.

Groups of 12 to 16 golf buddies are far more common on the island than very large groups, Royer said.

But regardless of the size of the group, trip organizers note that the hundreds of buddy groups aren’t here to get into trouble, but avoid it with designated drivers and early evenings so they can focus on their golf.

“Many of our groups, they are serious golfers. They stay out of trouble at night. They want to make sure they can get up for that early tee time,” Beck said. In addition, each Sea Pines lodging contract has a “peace of mind" insurance policy. “If we have to replace a broken coffee table or clean the carpet, the groups don’t have to worry about it.”

If a group gets a little unruly, a discrete visit from Sea Pines’ security team quiets them down. “No one wants to ruin their vacation,” Beck said. “I can’t think of one major event that didn’t just take a call to security.”

Sometimes, even the guests help keep the peace. John Hoober, a retired police reporter from Lancaster, Pa., brings 28 guys to Hilton Head Island for fi ve days every other year, mostly law enforcement offi cers.

On one trip, a well-to-do couple was outside arguing loudly when a golfer from Hoober’s group strolled by. “Look," he said. “I’m a police offi cer. I came down here to get away from this! Now knock it off." Hoober said, “They could have bought and sold all of us, but they just said, ‘yes, sir’ and settled right down."

Hoober’s group has never gotten into trouble. “It’s the people you pick,” Hoober said. “A friend of a friend, that’s when you run into trouble. They don’t fi t in. They don’t appreciate how nice Hilton Head is.”

Nice or not, the atmosphere doesn’t keep the group from its annual ‘snake-off’ at Harbour Town Golf Links where the failure to “shed” three-putts means getting stuck with the trophy: a 10foot rubber snake in an aquarium.

Yes, it must be displayed in a prominent location in the winner’s home, Hoober said.

But after a couple of decades, Hoober thinks this February might be the last big trip.

“Trying to get money from guys is hard. I’m 69. It’s the hassles. A guy might drop out, so you have to fi nd a replacement. As the organizer, you can’t concentrate on your golf game.”

A smaller group likely will continue to come. Would they consider a different destination?

“Naw," Hoober said. “Why spoil a good thing?" M

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS From dining to dealing cards, planning a buddy trip requires a lot of thought, an army of helpers and even Roman numerals to designate the year.

John Hoober of Lancaster, Pa., arranges a slate of activities for his group of 28, including opening night ceremonies, a traditional steak dinner the night before playing Harbour Town and a poker night. Fliers throughout the year keep the group apprised of housing options and payment deadlines.

“We have a tournament committee and a food committee. We have pretty good beef up here, so we bring the steaks from home. It’s pretty well organized.”

One year, perhaps Hilton Head X or HH XI, their group drew onlookers when they all lined up on the 18th fairway and launched golf balls into Calibogue Sound in memory of a golf buddy and another’s son.

Another year, a house designated for the group had had a fire just days earlier, so the group was directed to another house. One guest arrived well past midnight and in a mix-up, given a key to the damaged house. “When he pulled in, he couldn’t figure out why there were no vehicles parked there and nobody inside. He tried calling his buddies on his cell, but everyone was asleep and didn’t hear their phones.”

He slept in his car, but still managed to shoot a 75 the next day.

The trip’s highlight is the “snake off" at Harbour Town Golf Links where golfers try to rid themselves of three-putts tallied over the tournament by shaving them off in the do-or-die putting contest. “You can have a coach, but you can fire them at any time,” Hoober said.

The one with the most three-putts still remaining is awarded the ‘trophy,’ a 10-foot rubber snake in an aquarium.

“There we were on the putting green in the middle of our ‘snake off’ and there’s a group in tuxedos and gowns watching us from a balcony. Only on Hilton Head.”

NEWS & NOTES The WesTin savannah harbor announces discon Tinua Tion of Legends of go Lf Tournamen T The Westin Savannah Harbor has announced that Savannah will not host The Legends of Golf Tournament for 2014. However, efforts are underway to have some presence of PGA Champions Tour players locally in 2014. These efforts are in early stages of a development plan for Savannah and The Westin Savannah Harbor to once again be home for a PGA Champions Tour event owned by the local community in 2015 or beyond. The tournament has celebrated 11 years in Savannah, 35 years as an event and The Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf is considered the founding tournament on the PGA Tour's Champions Tour for players age 50 and older. The 2013 event featured a $2.7 million purse with Brad Faxon and Jeff Sluman taking home the win. Since the tournament's arrival in Savannah in 2003, the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf has had a significant economic impact on the community including generating close to $1.9 million for charities in the region.

Professiona L grounds managemen T socie Ty sa LuTes berke Ley haLL The Professional Grounds Management Society recognized Berkeley Hall Golf Club in Bluffton with an honor award in the society's 2013 Green Star Awards competition. The award was given in the golf course category for exceptional grounds maintenance. Winners were honored during the society's 2013 Awards Dinner

held Oct. 25 in conjunction with the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky. The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complementing other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction. Overall, PGMS presented four grand awards, its highest honor, as well as 22 honor awards and seven Merit Awards in 11 categories of competition.

Loca L courses honored by go Lf Week Many Beaufort County courses were listed among Golfweek's "100 Best Residential Courses" for 2014. The highest local ranking went to Long Cove Club at. No. 15. Spring Island's Old Tabby Links was ranked No. 43.

The Nicklaus Course at Colleton River came in at No. 84. The course at Wexford checked in at No. 94. The No. 1 course on the list was Wade Hampton Club in Cashiers, N.C. Find the complete list on golfweek.com.

2014 heri Tage Ticke Ts no W on sa Le Tickets for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing are now on sale. Dates are April 14-20, 2014. You can get $20 off each Clubhouse Badge purchased by Dec. 20. Tickets range from $35 for a practice round ticket to $375 for Doc's BBQ Club 15, a ticket booklet that grants access to a private entertainment venue on the 15th green from Thursday to Sunday. Fans may purchase tickets by calling tournament headquarters at 843-671-2448 or by visiting www.rbcheritage.com.

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BOOKS

Latest local reads

I

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

Legendary Locals of Hilton Head Island | By Barbara Muller “People that made the island what it is today” Before the Europeans came, Amerindians celebrated on Hilton Head Island with seasonal oyster feasts. Later, planters made fortunes here with Sea Island cotton. But the island came alive to the guns of the Union in 1861 and, for seven years, was host to the troops who helped former slaves even before the Emancipation Proclamation made freedom official. The forces left, and the island slept. In the pages of this book are some of the people who kept the Gullah sea island culture alive, a self-sustaining culture of mutual help and integrity, living off the sea and the land.

This volume also includes some of the people who set a standard for development and made the island what it is today, unique visionaries who had a fierce devotion to preservation of the island’s natural beauty, its flora and its fauna. Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, online retailers or through Arcadia Publishing.

Reunions | By Janine Jason “A bildungsroman flavored with romance, action, and suspense” Dr. Brad Lewis is an egocentric, charismatic physician who’s devoted to his patients but obsessed with achieving scientific success. When his neglected wife divorces him, he becomes irrational and kidnaps their young daughter.

In Reunions, Brad’s drive for academic fame fights with his desire for revenge but the novel itself addresses a more significant issue — whether a young child’s love can humanize an emotionally closed man. On Brad’s circuitous journey toward emotional maturity, he gets involved in the theft of federal property, is implicated in a murder, and unearths the sub rosa origins of the U.S. Bone Marrow Registry. Brad’s faltering steps toward an emotional awakening require him to accept his former wife’s grudging aid, his new lover’s unconditional commitment and his only daughter’s critical illness. Available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, ebookstore.sony.com, store.kobobooks.com and itunes.apple.com.

Great Is Peace | By Rabbi Arthur Segal and Sara Davies “A history lesson and guide to interpersonal ethics” An eye-opening, life-affirming resource for anyone who asks, “What does Judeo-Christianity have to offer for civility and peace in the 21st century?”

The great sages understood what many today have forgotten – that each of us can heal and repair the world – one person, one interaction at a time. Each of us can be a vessel of our prayers and hopes for shalom, peace. Each of us can live happy, joyous and free, even when the world seems to be an upside-down place. Bestselling author Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal of Hilton Head, provides the first modern commentary ever written on the 2,500 year old Babylonian Talmud’s Tractate Derek Eretz, conceptualizing archaic references and bringing its timeless wisdom to life in accessible, contemporary language. Available in book and E-book at www.Amazon.Com and bookstores.

The Seventh Treasure | By Len Camarda “An international thriller” The Seventh Treasure follows the story of Secret Service agent Gene Cerone, who travels to Granada, Spain to investigate the circumstances of his sister’s death. Teaming up with a female lieutenant in the National Police Force, Cerone learns that the car crash his sister was involved with was no accident.

Soon, the consequence of this incident generates a cascade of mysterious murders shutting down all leads as to why Gina Cerone was killed. Driven first by the mission to bring his sister’s killer to justice, Cerone and Lieutenant Mercedes Garcia uncover an unfathomable conspiracy that dates back to the time the Moors surrendered their kingdom to the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabela in 1492. Available in hard cover, paperback and e-book via amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, authorhouse.com and at the local Barnes & Noble book store. All author royalties will be donated equally to The Hilton Head Humane Association and The Wounded Warriors Project.

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REAL ESTATE ROBERT STEN HAMMER Property Perspectives rstenhammer@hiltonheadusa.com

Let’s Support Our

Non-Profit Organizations The Lowcountry is known for our temperate year-round climate, eco-friendly development, endless recreational opportunities, dining, shopping, wide sandy beaches and pure relaxation. In fact, Hilton Head Island was recently named the best beach town in the country by Parents Magazine. These factors have a dramatic positive impact on real estate demand and have positioned Hilton Head well as a world class place to live, visit and own property.

H

owever, what we also have are incredible non-profit organizations that are the heart and soul of our community. These nonprofits add tremendous value by providing exceptional experiences rarely seen in resort towns similar to ours. These organizations enhance the lives of residents and visitors and contribute to our quality of life and property values.

Here are a few of my favorites: The Heritage Classic Foundation is the backbone of Hilton Head’s most prestige event, the RBC Heritage Classic presented by Boeing. Every April 150 of the world’s best PGA Tour golfers descend on the Island to compete. Besides the world class golf, the foundation has donated more than $23 million to local charities.

The Coastal Discovery Museum is open 365 days a year and admission is free. The museum grounds at Honey Horn is an experience not to be missed. Their nature based creative and eclectic programs enlighten the mind and wow the senses, catering to more than 100,000 visitors a year. Last year the museum offered educational field trip experiences for over 10,000 students teaching them about local history, culture and our environment.

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is comprised of professional musicians led by the world renowned Maestro John Morris Russell. They perform a 9 concert season that consistently amazes attendees by the quality of the musicians and programming. Their annual International Piano

Competition draws competitors, jurors and spectators from across the globe.

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina produces unforgettable Broadway quality shows in a 350 seat main stage theatre venue. Their contribution to the Arts in our community through music, comedy, dance and drama is a significant asset to the Lowcountry. Their performances delight, entertain and allow visitors to experience world class theatrical productions. The Center also partners with the Art League of Hilton Head to host the Walter Greer Gallery and hosts year-round educational and cultural events.

The Sandbox on Hilton Head is an interactive Children’s Museum that entertains and educates kids through the power of play. The Sandbox hosts over 29,000 visitors annually and their “Parents Night Out” program allows parents to drop off their little ones and enjoy an evening on their own.

The Island Rec Center produces, provides and coordinates recreational programs and special events. Off site food festivals, cultural events and running races perfectly compliment their busy north-end aquatic and recreational facilities.

Along with our Lowcountry lifestyle, the quality of education, health care and transportation, these and other non-profits are very important to the value of owning property in the Lowcountry.

Let’s celebrate and support our non-profits by giving them an abundance of our volunteer time and financial resources to succeed and thrive. . M

Robert Stenhammer has been a resort executive for over 15 years and holds an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism. He is the President of Hilton Head Accommodations, serves on the Board of Directors for the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and is Chairman of the Accommodation Tax Committee for the Town of Hilton Head Island.

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Give Charles, Frances, or Angela a Call!

(843) 681-3307 or (800) 267-3285

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

Charles Sampson (843) 681-3307 x 215 Home - (843) 681-3000

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

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

Charles@CharlesSampson.com

Frances@FrancesSampson.com

Angela@AngelaMullis.com

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

HiltonHeadIslandSouthCarolina

Hilton Head Plantation Collection

72 DEERFIELD ROAD

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13 ANGEL WING

9 ANGLERS POND

SO

WOW! Cul-de-sac in the heart of Hilton Head Plantation with a view of the 1st fairway and green of the Oyster Reef Golf Course. A newer HHP home. High smooth barrel and tray ceilings with numerous skylights, wood floors, granite-tops, winterized screen porch with its own HVAC. 4 or 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, 3 ½ baths, oversized garage, kitchen/family room combination, outstanding landscaping and curb appeal plus much, much more. Built in the 2000’s – a value at $724,513.

NEED SPACE TO SPREAD OUT? 5 BR home w/ formal LR & DR, country eat-in kitchen/family room combo, PLUS an office with a wall of built-ins, PLUS a 2nd floor sitting/ TV room PLUS bonus room PLUS 4 full, 2 half baths, utility room, garage. Wood floors, high smooth ceilings, fireplace. You also get a covered front porch, rear decks & private swimming pool. $698,500

NESTLED UNDER MOSS DRAPED OAKS, 19 Margarita Court views the Country Club of Hilton Head 10th green, entire 11th fairway & green plus the signature 12th fairway.You will also enjoy the sunsets filtered through the live oaks.The home has a private location at the end of a cul-de-sac and long concrete drive. 4 BR or 3 and an office and bonus room, updated kitchen, split bedroom plan, formal dining room, living room and den. Wood floors, granite tops, high smooth ceilings & oversized garage. $518,750

TALK ABOUT A GREAT ROOM home with a cook’s kitchen, oversized garage with a work area, great lagoon view and at the end of a private cul de sac. Great curb appeal, expansive rear deck, 3 BR, 2.5BA, eat in kitchen, pantry, Great Room, Dining area with tranquil lagoon view. $495,000

10 ANNABELLA LANE

59 OLD FORT DRIVE

7 PRESTWICK COURT

9 SANTA MARIA DRIVE

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION - Enjoy Courtyard Home living.Views of the Country Club’s 9th fairway and a short distance to the Clubhouse with its pools, tennis, health club and dining. Close to Spring Lake Recreation area, Seabrook Farm, docks along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Cypress entrance to the Plantation. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, wood floors, high ceilings, eat-in Kitchen/Family Room combination plus a 2 car Garage with walk-up storage and a large winterized screened porch. $458,750

PANORAMIC VIEWS of the 16th fairway of the Country Club of Hilton Head. Short distance to the clubhouse and Spring Lake Recreation area with its pool, tennis, playground and pavilion. This home is almost 3,000 sq. ft. and has an expansive screened porch. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, formal LR with high ceilings, DR and eat-in Kitchen, fireplace and 2 car side entry garage. $428,500!

LI JU S S

C U R ED CREATE YOUR OWN LOWCOUNTRY OASIS with your private back yard and custom pool. On a quiet cul de sac street, this 4 BR home offers attractive curb appeal. Features include heart pine flooring, high smooth ceilings, Great Room floor plan with an office or parlor, Dining Room, 1st floor Master plus 3 Bedrooms upstairs. The interior has just been repainted and the wood floors refinished. A Real Estate value. $478,500

Ch1_Sampson_1213.indd 106

UNDER THE STATELY MOSS DRAPED OAKS – just off the signature 12th hole of the Country Club of Hilton Head. Short distance to the clubhouse, Spring Lake pavilion and the docks along the Intracoastal Waterway. Homesite provides a panoramic view of the fairway.

Mature landscaping. 3 BR, 2.5 BA updated granite kitchen, formal LR & DR, high ceilings, wood floors, Carolina Room, 2 car garage, fireplace and more. $449,000

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

26 LENORA DRIVE

13 EAGLE CLAW LANE

WATER & MARSH VIEWS. Port Royal Sound, Skull Creek over the marsh of Elliott Creek. The homesite is covered with moss draped hardwoods and Palmettos. Split level floor plan with most every room having water views. Wood floors, smooth ceilings with updated kitchen, dining room and sitting room. Master Suite with wrap around windows, ceiling speakers and a suite bath, boutique shop like walk in closet & dressing area. Access to Dolphin Head. $650,000

LD

OUTSTANDING ESTATE HOME AND PROPERTY – Miles of Water View and across the Port Royal Sound and out to the Atlantic. Breathtaking sun and moon rises. Along the bluff which was first sighted by Capt. William Hilton in 1663. 4 BR, Hobby Room, 2nd floor Sunroom, formal LR & DR, expansive Kitchen/Family Room. 3 car Garage, a to-die-for office and expansive rear Deck and courtyard pool. The vacant lot to the front could also be purchased. $1,875,013

11/21/13 11:37 AM

SUNSE of this 3 wood flo w/ stainle wave & 4 & family r tray ceilin Pinecrest basketbal the public

Give Charles, Frances, or Angela a Call!

(843) 681-3307 or (800) 267-3285

is 223 7301

Charles Sampson (843) 681-3307 x 215 Home - (843) 681-3000

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

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

s.com

Charles@CharlesSampson.com

Frances@FrancesSampson.com

Angela@AngelaMullis.com

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

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

HiltonHeadIslandSouthCarolina

15 SEABROOK LANDING DR.

VIEWS OF BEAR LAKE, wildlife and potential. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Hilton Head Plantation home. Located at the end of a private cul de sac, this property, when developed, was one of the first selected due to it having the best lake view. The home includes a side entry 2 car garage, fireplace and winterized screened porch/ Carolina room. Short walk to Spring Lake and Dolphin Head Beach park. $398,500

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

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

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

618 SPANISH WELLS C U ED R

LI JU ST ST ED

45 CROSSINGS BLVD

SUNSET VIEWS overlooking lagoon & golf course of this 3 BR, 2.5 BA home in Pinecrest. Features hardwood floors throughout, granite in the gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances,gas GE Profile stove & microwave & 42” cabinets, screened porch w/custom flooring & family room off of the kitchen. Master suite features a tray ceiling,separate shower,soaking tub & double vanities.

Pinecrest features a large pool, fitness center, playground, basketball court, tennis courts and clubhouse. Close to the public schools and shopping. $295,000

Ch1_Sampson_1213.indd 107

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to own an acreage on Hilton Head Island overlooking marsh to deep water.There is a possibility to subdivide the 5 acres into multiple homesites with two of those being marshfront. Drive by and scout out this great Bank Owned property. $450,000

23 GROVEWOOD DRIVE C U O N N D T E R R A C T

WONDERFUL BEACH COTTAGE located walking distance to the ocean. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has been remodeled throughout over time and features tile and wood floors, S/S appliances, ceiling fans and a large fenced in back yard oasis with a water feature and expansive deck.The home is just a short bike ride to Coligny plaza. $495,000

LARGE TWO STORY HOME with 3 bedrooms and large bonus room with a closet. This home also features a two story foyer entry, great room open to the eat in kitchen and a room that could be used as a formal dining room, formal living room or office.This kitchen features hard surface counters and stainless appliances. This home overlooks the woods and is a short walk to the community pool and fitness center. $210,000

SUNSET VIEWS over the marsh to deep water from this 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath townhome located on the south end of the Island.

This townhome features an updated Kitchen, new washer and dryer, newer HVAC, hardwood floors and gas fireplace. Cross Island Parkway is close by so easy access to both ends of the Island. $179,900

458 EUHAW CREEK DRIVE LI JU ST ST ED

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5 MALLARD

38 ANCHORAGE POINT C U O N N D T E R R A C T

8 SEA OTTER

OYSTER REEF GOLF COURSE

COASTAL COTTAGE LIVING out in the country with private dock, covered pier head and boat lift on Euhaw Creek. This Lowcountry cottage features gourmet Kitchen with gas range, granite counter, oversized wood island and stainless steel appliances and first floor Master, and oversized back porch leading to a Savannah brick patio.The back yard features an oyster pit. Detached 2 car garage with a large room and full bath above. Quick boat ride or car ride to Hilton Head or Beaufort. $649,000

LOWCOUNTRY HOMESITES SPANISH WELLS 618 SPANISH WELLS ROAD 5 ACRES, FORECLOSURE $450,000 HILTON HEAD PLANTATION 18 CHINA COCKLE LANE 2ND ROW SOUND $259,000 15 SEABROOK LANDING ICW / GOLF / MARSH $425,000 COLLETON RIVER 14 BALLY BUNION WAY $30,000 HONEY HILL 8 ACRE EQUESTRIAN $49,000 HAMPTON HALL 280 FARNSLEIGH AVE $179,000

Follow us on Facebook at Hilton Head Island South Carolina and The Charles Sampson Real Estate Group and also on WHHI- TV’s Insight throughout the day.

Scan with smartphone to access website

11/21/13 11:38 AM

www.RickSaba.com GREAT BUYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 9 Bobcat Lane: { HILTON HEAD PLANTATION }

Life is Short!

Live where you want to live!

Unbelievable 4 bedroom 2006 built home w/beautiful sweeping golf & lagoon views of #1 and #9 of the Dolphin Head Golf Club. This house has so many special features including: Custom kitchen w/granite counters, stainless appliances, Brazilian Cherry floors, gorgeous slate tile, tons of custom molding, smooth ceilings, fireplace, and more! Best of all this is now a full size lot, owners purchased the property next door AND the huge walk in attic could be 2 additional rooms. Offered for sale at $644,500.

17 Country Club Court:

Awesome “Cambridge” built home with golf view and fantastic floor plan, you will be blown away! This 3 bedroom/3 Bath home has it all: HUGE screened in porch, custom kitchen with top end stainless steel appls, granite counters and best of all, open layout to the family room. Brazilian Tiger wood flooring, marble tile & tons of updates, check out the master bath! With tons of closet, attic (2), storage space & outdoor storage closet for garden tools etc. Carolina room, courtyard area, fireplace, this list goes on! This lovely home is being offered for $439,900.

9 Teal Lane:

WOW is all I can say the minute you see this home! This one level home is perfectly situated on the 5th hole of Dolphin Head with sweeping golf and lagoon views. Large open floor plan and best of all completely renovated: all new kitchen w/granite counters, all new wood and tile flooring, all new wiring, all new plumbing and much much more! Other features include: fireplace, split floor plan and vaulted ceilings for tons of natural light. This home is being offered for sale at $449,000.

Fantastic opportunity to purchase a beautiful well cared for one level home w/ such a great layout! As you pull in the drive way you will see what curb appeal is all about. A large open living area w/vaulted ceilings opening up to the screened in porch and huge back deck! Light and bright w/a super eat in kitchen, so much natural light too. This really is a special house and I know you will love it the minute you walk in the door, just like these folks did. Offered for $339,000.

101 Otter Road:

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Everyone!

{ SHIPYARD PLANTATION }

Awesome value on this one level fully furnished 3 bedroom home in Sea Pines located in a very private setting. Plenty of natural light with a large living area w/ wood burning fireplace, eat in kitchen and plenty of storage. Enjoy the back deck w/open space behind for even more privacy. You just need to bring your toothbrush! Just $299,900.

{ SEA PINES PLANTATION }

6 Fawn Lane:

904 Shipmaster Villas:

Great opportunity to purchase a 3 bedroom villa with 1st floor master bedroom at the price of a 2 bedroom! Just painted, this 3 bedroom villa has tranquil golf & lagoon views and a beautiful private courtyard area. Shipmaster is a great complex with its own on site tennis, and pool. This is a 3 bedroom at a 2 bedroom price, only $239,000.

114 Evian Villas:

The very rare “Free Standing” Evian w/1st floor master and 3 bedrooms! Gorgeous golf views from your large patio and best of all remodeled! Great open layout with cathedral ceilings, eat in kitchen, fireplace and this villa evens comes fully furnished w/designer furnishings, all you really need is your tooth brush! Evian has its own private tennis courts, pool and is pet friendly too! There aren’t many “Free Standing” Evian’s, so now is your opportunity! Offered for $479,000.

After several years of searching for a retirement home location, we drove onto the Island of Hilton Head one warm August afternoon in 2007 and immediately knew that we had finally found what we had been searching for. It took 5 years as we worked our way through the process and during the entire process Rick was there to support us. He knows the market and took the time to get to know us. There are many wonderful things that we could tell you but it would fill the entire newsletter — Rick is MOST EXCELLENT and we strongly recommend him.

— Gary and Dee, Officially Hilton Head Island locals 2013

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

Rick Saba

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

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Follow me on the web and on Facebook & Twitter.

11/21/13 11:54 AM

Ingrid Low

Betty Hemphill

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

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

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

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

8 WOOD IBIS – SEA PINES – Beautiful 6 bedroom home on 5th walkway lot. Move-in condition. New 2-car garage with abundant storage, new roof, updated and painted inside and out. Great floorplan. Furnished with heated pool and Spa. Excellent rental or primary home. $1,595,000.

13 GOVERNORS RD – Fabulous architectural remodel in this elegant contemporary with 4 br/4 1/2 ba, two master suites, bamboo and tile floors, fenced yard, walking distance to Sea Pines Club, Lagoon Views, fenced yard, $725,000 Furnished.

55 HERITAGE ROAD – SEA PINES – This house sits on 2 spectacular

ONE LAUGHING GULL – Fabulous 4th row location just 3 blocks to the new Sea Pines Beach Club this 4 br/4 ba home features high vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, private pool and deck.

Great opportunity for remodel and rental income.$799,000 Furn.

2 SYLVAN LANE – SEA PINES – Charming 3/3.5 home, plus den, plus office, 2 FP, very lg. corner lot.

Lagoon view. $549,000.

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

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

7 SEASIDE SPARROW — A charming 3rd row beach house with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, private heated pool, screened porch and views of Sprunt Pond. Excellent rental history and fully furnished for $1,295,000.

LE IB ED CR IN

20 OLD MILITARY – Beautifully remodeled with open kitchen/ family room 3 br/ 2 1/2 ba, two car gar overlooking 5th fairway and walking/biking distance to the beach. Large lot with potential for pool. $725,000.

Ann Webster

ITY UN RT PO OP

63 BAYNARD COVE – Spectacular sunsets over the marshes out to Calibogue Sound from this private estate. Own approx. 1 acre of privacy in Sea Pines; 4 bedroom home with new, top of the line kitchen, heated pool, 3 fireplaces, and 3 car garage. One of a kind! $2,200,000

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IN

1

DA Y

Golf/Lagoon lots on famous Harbour Town Golf Links which can be subdivided w/o buying density lot. Either remodel or tear down home and build two homes. Price of $990,000 is for both lots.

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8 RUDDY TURNSTONE – 4 bedroom 4 bath Oceanside Sea Pines rental home located on the beach walkway with private pool and screened porch. FURN. $949,000

7 BLACK DUCK – OCEANFRONT SEA PINES PLANTATION – 6 bedroom/6 ba on large .4 acre lot. Circular drive with 3 car garages, exceptionally well built with pier and beam construction, private oceanside pool. Elevated main level with all major rooms very spacious and open to deck oceanside. Stable section of beach in walking/biking distance to South Beach. $3,400,000

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362 BRIARWOOD VILLA – Great 2 BR,2BA plus den villa with incredible lagoon and golf views of Heron Point GC. Charming atrium, cathedral ceilings, very nicely updated. $429,000.

25 SANDFIDDLER ROAD – SEAPINES - One of the largest residential building sites available in Sea Pines and located within the private Club Course neighborhood. Build the home of your dreams on this quiet cul-de-sac. $249,000

11/21/13 11:57 AM

PALMETTO DUNES

18 MIDSTREAM – Stunning 4BR/3.5BA premier waterfront home, w/225 ft. of bulkhead waterfront. Dynamic architectural features w/soaring ceiling to floor wall of glass overlooking the 11 mile lagoon. Used only as a 2nd home, featuring a spacious open concept floor plan, master suite & bath with his/her walkin closets, a beautiful kitchen that opens to living room and lagoon view from every room. Private dock, screened in lanai & waterfront pool. $1,495,000

PALMETTO DUNES

121 MOORING BUOY – The Ultimate Beach Getaway! 3 BR/3.5 BA plus pool bath on a uniquely private lot with 205’ of water front living. Impressive entry with large circular drive and incredible specimen oaks. Expansive open floor plan, hardwood flooring, large eat-in kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and 4-car parking. Fabulous pool/spa and boat dock overlooking 11-mile lagoon and literally steps to the beach. $1,295,000

PALMETTO HALL

18 OGLETHORPE – Wonderfully private home with 4 BR/5 BA plus downstairs private den. Spacious, open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings, loads of windows and natural light.

Open kitchen with granite & hardwood floors throughout.

Huge outside balcony, circular driveway plus 2 car garage and loads of storage. All on quiet, private cul-de-sac. Take your golf cart or walk to clubhouse, golf course, and Junior Olympic size pool. $469,000

PALMETTO DUNES

9 OFFSHORE – Ocean oriented/lakefront home in Palmetto Dunes. Just a short walk or bike ride to the beach. This 3 BR/2BA home with 2 car garage has just been renovated inside.

All new bamboo flooring, granite counters in kitchen, smoothed ceilings, new faucets, lighting fixtures and freshly painted inside.

Huge half acre lot with panoramic water views and totally private setting. Fish and kayak from your backyard. $459,000

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OCEANFRONT HOMES 2013 has been a fabulous year for sales of homes, homesites and condominiums in our community. Prices are up, and inventory is down as compared to the same time last year.

Our clients are buying because they love the community and today’s Affordability Index (see below) is extremely attractive.

Affordability Index: Prices at 2003 levels + Solid financing / Interest rates at historic lows + Tax benefits, if applicable + Weekly/ long-term rentals at all-time highs + Vacation savings + Forced savings +_______________________ Potential capital appreciation

10 Catboat 9 Iron Clad 7 Iron Clad 18 Brigantine 7 Flotilla 6 Man O War

7 BR 6 BR 4 BR 5 BR 5 BR 4 BR

$4,595,000 furn. $3,995,000 furn. $3,495,000 furn. $2,995,000 furn. $2,950,000 furn. $2,695,000 furn.

2ND - 5TH ROW HOMES 1 Brigantine 5 Junket 4 Brigantine 3 Night Harbour 4 Armada 2 Man O War 4 Catboat 4 Iron Clad 84 Mooring Buoy 147 Mooring Buoy 142 Mooring Buoy 85 Mooring Buoy

8 BR 6 BR 6 BR 7 BR 6 BR 5 BR 5 BR 3 BR 5 BR 5 BR 3 BR 3 BR

$2,795,000 furn. $2,450,000 furn. $2,295,000 furn. $1,998,000 furn. $1,995,000 furn. $1,495,000 furn. $1,395,000 furn. $1,335,000 furn. $1,175,000 furn. $1,149,500 furn. $1,095,000 furn. $ 949,500 unf.

OCEAN-ORIENTED HOMES = Exceptional Buying Power!

If you are interested in buying or selling, please contact me for a no-obligation consultation or visit philschembra.com for extensive information and take advantage of my 37 years of recordbreaking sales, knowledge and expertise in our community.

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3 Lookout 29 Port Tack 29 South Shore Ct 8 Leamington Pl 8 Queens Way 14 Haul Away 2 Shelley Ct 19 Promontory Ct 34 Haul Away 22 Promontory Ct 8 St George

6 BR 6 BR 6 BR 4 BR 4 BR 4 BR 5 BR 4 BR 3 BR 3 BR 6 BR

$1,997,000 unf. $1,695,000 furn. $1,499,000 furn. $1,275,000 furn. $1,099,000 unf. $ 949,500 furn. $ 895,000 furn $ 799,500 furn. $ 799,000 furn. $ 775,000 furn. $ 625,000 furn.

OCEANFRONT CONDOMINIUMS 447 Captains Walk 203 Windsor Place 305 Barrington Arms 430 Captains Walk 448 Captains Walk 4401 Windsor Ct 443 Captains Walk 476 Captains Walk 408 Barrington Arms 111 Barrington Ct 2414 Villamare 1109 Villamare

4 BR 4 BR 3 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR

$1,495,000 furn. $1,345,000 furn. $ 869,500 furn. $ 825,000 furn. $ 775,000 furn. $ 725,000 furn. $ 715,000 furn. $ 649,500 furn. $ 629,000 furn. $ 619,000 furn. $ 559,000 furn. $ 549,000 furn.

OCEAN-ORIENTED CONDOMINIUMS 101 Mainsail 303 Mainsail 106 Mainsail 7156 Harbourside II 961 Inverness Vil 278 Turnberry Vil 244 Turnberry Vil 71 The Moorings 944 Inverness Vil 35 Hickory Cove

3 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR 3 BR 3 BR 3 BR 2 BR 2 BR 2 BR

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

799,500 furn.

550,000 furn.

519,000 furn.

385,000 furn.

355,900 furn.

373,000 furn.

329,500 furn.

319,500 furn.

314,900 furn.

274,500 furn.

HOMESITES 11 Ketch Ocean 6 Night Harbour Ocean 2 Midstream Lagoon 16 Cartgate Wooded

$2,595,000 $1,995,000 $ 399,500 $ 325,000

COMMERCIAL 302 Waters Edge

$ 215,000 unf.

11/21/13 11:58 AM

monthly

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˜ ank you for voting Charter One Realty the Best Hilton Head Island Real Estate Company for 2013

We at Charter One Realty consider it a privilege and honor to be chosen by the many clients and friends who we have served in the past and others we hope to serve in the future, as their trusted Real Estate Advisors.

Our Charter One team understands that our customers and clients are #1.

South Office, Hilton Head Island: 843.785.4460 • North Office, Hilton Head Island: 843.681.3307 Wexford Office, Hilton Head Island: 843.686.8800 • Beach Market Office, Hilton Head Island: 843.785.1115 Belfair Towne Village, Bluffton: 843.815.6633 • Commercial & Management: 843.837.4460

Serving Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry since 1985 www.CharterOneRealty.com

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11/21/13 2:02 PM

cell 843.384.8797 | office 843.681.3307 | toll free 800.267.3285 | email Richard@RMacDonald.com PORT ROYAL PLANTATION

INDIGO RUN

PORT ROYAL PLANTATION

PALMETTO DUNES

2ND ROW OCEAN VIEW HOME. Light filled open LR & DR + Family and Carolina Room each with a fireplace. Kitchen w/5 burner Decor gas range, cherry cabinets, SS appliances, hardwood, bamboo + tile floors. 4 BR, 3.5 BA quiet bedroom retreats. 3 Decks across the rear. 2 Car Garage. $929,000

INCREDIBLE HOUSE and Gardens in The Golf Club. Quality built home + beautifully decorated w/4 BR’s or 3 BR’s + Bonus Room over a 3 Car Garage. Elegant LR & DR w/hardwood floors.

Chef’s Kitchen opening to a spacious Family Room.

Large Master Suite + Study overlooking the 10th Fairway. $864,500

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM DESIGNED HOME by a well-known Hilton Head architect, Rick Clanton, overlooking the 11th fairway. Incredible landscaping with a Gazebo to enjoy the view. 5 BR’s or 4 BR’s + Study. Elegant LR & DR. Large KitchenBreakfast-Family Room w/hardwood floors. Lightfilled Carolina Room. $729,000

BEAUTIFULLY SPACIOUS OCEANSIDE VILLA in the Leamington section. Spacious likenew 3 Bedrooms; 3 Baths (2 Master Suites) + a fabulous wrap-around Screened Porch. Covered Parking.

Beautiful Pool with jacuzzi. Great rentals. $719,000

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

FOLLY FIELD

PORT ROYAL PLANTATION

CUSTOM BUILT. Designed perfectly for this panoramic wrap-a-round lagoon-golf view of private Bear Creek Golf Course. Great Room w/walls of glass. Cozy Den/Study w/fireplace. Custom Kitchen cabinetry w/ granite counter tops + stainless steel appliances. Large MBR. Guest Bedrooms each w/private Baths. Loft area + Office. $679,000

CUSTOM DESIGNED HOME by well-known local architect. Contemporary design overlooking a beautiful pool + 10th Fwy of Oyster Reef. Beautiful LR & DR w/travertine floors. Open Kitchen + Family Room. 4 BR’s + Bonus Rm/Media Rm off MBR w/Brazilian cherry floors, fireplace + balcony. Updated Baths and more! $599,000

SPECTACULAR OCEANFRONT! Sea Cloisters is the “jewel” of Folly Field. 4th floor, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths furnished villa. Beautiful Oceanfront pool.

Security Gate. On-site rental company. Mid-island location. $549,000

BEAUTIFUL OCEANSIDE COTTAGE on the beach path. Updates make this home move-in ready for a permanent residence or second home. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, hardwood floors throughout.

Start the new year off right with this beach home! $549,000

INDIGO RUN

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

PORT ROYAL PLANTATION

SPACIOUS 4 BR, 4 Bath maintenance free Berwick Green Villa w/over 3,000 s.f. overlooking the Lagoon + 18th Fwy of The Golf Club. Large Great Room w/Heart Pine Floors. Chef’s Kitchen w/Gas Range. Large MBR, Private Elevator, 2 car Garage. Used only as a 2nd home. $549,000

FABULOUS TOWNHOMES across the street from the CCHH and within walking distance to the Old Fort Pub and Skull Creek Marina. 3 BR’s and 3.5 BA’s. Top of the line appointments, private elevator + 2 car garage. Starting at $499,000.

GREAT HOME with over 2600 Sq. Ft. on a private cul-de-sac with a beautiful lagoon view. 3 BR’s and 2.5 BA’s. Spacious Living Room. Kitchen opening to Breakfast and Family Room. Large Master Suite. 2 Car Garage. $429,000

BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE STYLE on 7/10th acre, walking distance to the beach. Large Great Rm w/ Heart of Pine floor. Kitchen opens to Breakfast Rm + light-filled Carolina Rm. 2 Gas Fireplaces.

2 car Garage. Split Bedroom plan. Beach home or primary home. $385,000

SEA PINES

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

FOLLY FIELD

MerryChristmas SELLER SAYS - LETS MOVE IT! This Caravel Court villa is PRICED TO GO. Located in the heart of Harbour Town. Very spacious 1st floor location. Open the lobby door to the Harbour Town Promenade to enjoy all the sights and sounds that put Hilton Head Island on the map! $189,500

from my family to yours!

GREAT FIRST FLOOR Fiddlers Cove Villa. Updated Kitchen with granite countertops. Great location, walk to the Beach.

Fully furnished. Used mainly as a second home.Great community tennis, pool and security. $145,000

Visit my website: www.RMacDonald.com

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AT HOME

Couple transforms Wexford home into holiday shrine.

Deck halls THE

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AT HOME

FOR MANY OF US, DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS INVOLVES ONLY A FEW SIMPLE AND TIME-WORN TRADITIONS, STARTING WITH HAULING IN FLIMSY CARDBOARD BOXES PACKED WITH FAMILIAR ORNAMENTS FROM THE GARAGE OR ATTIC.

BY MICHAEL PASKEVICH PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

T

Lead designer Deborah Bell wanted the Christmas decorations to reflect the feeling of living on Hilton Head Island. She accomplished that by combining natural elements with a sense of timeless elegance and a bit of sparkle and shine. Balls of Spanish moss blend with pine cones, hanging crystals and pearls in handmade decorations that adorn several rooms of the twostory home.

hen it’s time to wrestle the tree into position (nope, a little more to the left), untangle strings of lights and then bemoan the inexplicable absence of extension cords.

Not so for Kim and David McPhail of Wexford Plantation, who devised a different plan of attack to celebrate their first official Christmas on Hilton Head.

The recent transplants from Charlotte hired a well-known North Carolina designer to transform their luxurious 8,000-square-foot home into a holiday shrine with a theme befitting their new island digs. And there won’t be an infla able Santa or plastic snowman in sight.

“We wanted to do something that reflects the feeling of living on Hilton Head,” said lead designer Deborah Bell, a long-time family friend and owner of Deborah Bell and Company. “That means combining natural elements with a sense of timeless elegance and a bit of sparkle and shine.”

Balls of Spanish moss blend with pine cones, hanging crystals and pearls in handmade decorations that adorn several rooms of the two-story home December 2013 121

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AT HOME which features a subtle color scheme of pale aqua and green tones. There are no garish flashing lights on the exterior of the Wexford Drive abode built by Mark Creamer Palatial Homes, Bell stressed, opting instead for lowkey lanterns and urns filled with bamboo, cascading pine boughs and other natural elements.

“The outside will be an invitation to come inside where you’ll experience the real ‘wow factor,’” she said. “We want it to be unexpected and surpass people’s expectations … it’s a grand home and each room will have its own personality.”

Decorations extend from the foyer to the kitchen, downstairs powder room, office and even the family wine vault.

A central (artificial) tree in the living room brings the diverse design elements together, along with temporary columns that are monogrammed and decked with ribbons and broaches to add texture and dimension.

A second tree upstairs near a theatre room features old-world family heirloom ornaments and only the office features a more traditional color scheme of red and silver. A central fireplace hosts deer antlers, red rib-

Owners Kim and David McPhail (shown with their dog Brice) have transformed their Wexford home into a holiday shrine, with decorations extending from the foyer to the kitchen, downstairs powder room, office and even the family wine vault.

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AT HOME bons and pine boughs for added impact.

“We’re excited about living in Wexford and we wanted to thank all the people who have been so nice to us,” said Kim McPhail, who will be inviting about 100 fellow residents to a Christmas season cocktail party and reception to show off Bell’s novel design concept. “I’ve always been a big enthusiast when it comes to decorating for Christmas but this home was on a bigger scale than anything I’d done before so I needed a professional like Deborah who wanted to do something different.”

She’s thrilled with how the design took shape – “it will be elegant and formal and match the softer palette of the home” – and offered praise for Bell’s intriguing concept of combining natural island elements with an understated touch of contemporary elegance. The two women have been friends for years and in their spare time share a commitment to charities supporting animal rights.

The McPhails, who began moving into their pristine new home last August, will also be celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary as well as several family

birthdays during the holiday season. They expect this to be their most memorable Christmas to date.

Bell and her design team, which also specializes in receptions and parties for an upscale clientele, traveled to Hilton Head in mid-November and spent several days putting the elaborate theme together. And she has some recommendations for those of us not privy to a five-figur priced decorating budget.

“There’s a big difference between (professional) home decorating and doing it yourself,” she said. “I think it’s important to put your Christmas things together in collections as opposed to spreading them out all over the house because then they lose both depth and impact.

“Make sure your ribbons are fluffed out for extra dimension, and please makes sure all of the price tags are cut off the lights and decorations,” she added. “Keep it simple when you’re doing your own thing … there should be a little Christmas everywhere.

“The house should be wearing Christmas, not Christmas wearing the house.” M

EYE FOR DESIGN Deborah Bell & Company specializes in providing clients with customized designs that match their unique vision. Whether you’re saying “I do” or hosting a local or destination event, her team pushes the envelope with artistically illustrated designs through accessories, flowers, lighting and linens. For more information, call 704-560-2304.

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At Cameron & Cameron Custom Homes, you will ÿ nd second generation builders with over 50 years of combined experience. We specialize in custom new homes and remodels with a focus on client relationships. Nathan is actively involved in each project. You will see him on the job site working closely with his sta° , the talented craftsmen and subcontractors who share the vision for creating new homes and renovated living spaces that go above and beyond their clients’ expectations.

From design, through rough construction, to interior ÿ nish selections, working with Cameron & Cameron on building our new home was a great experience. Nathan’s pro-active communication and attention to detail in every facet of construction is evident in the ÿ nal product, a truly unique home that exceeded our expectations. Kudos to Nathan, and the entire Cameron & Cameron team for making it happen. Simply put, we love it. — Jim & Joyce

Nathan Cameron, Owner

843.837.9300

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•

2013 Lighthouse Award Winner for Best Overall • Best Interior • Best Bath WWW.CAMERONCUSTOMBUILDER.COM

•

Nathan@CameronCustomBuilder.com

11/21/13 12:08 PM

Gifts “Yule” Love to Give & Receive

Indoor & Outdoor Fireplaces, Gas Logs, Screens, Tool Sets, Wood Baskets & Holders, Patio Heaters, Fire pits, Electric Fireplaces & Stoves

Model# EP-330

50% OFF Electric Stoves Starting at $90

Tailgate Grills by Solaire Starting at $299

Big Green Egg, Lynx, TEC and Weber Grills

Outdoor Living At Its Finest…. Rocking and Adirondack Chairs, Benches, Hammocks, Dining Sets, Loveseats, Sofas & More!

19 Sheridan Park Circle, Blu˜ ton • Monday - Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-5 843.815.8008 • www.CasualLivingHiltonHead.com • Shipping and Delivery Available

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ENVIRONMENT

THE

SECOND FALL A

MBER WAVES of salt marsh cordgrass sashay in the chilly northwesterly wind. On the ocean, sounds, and inshore rivers, choppy whitecaps send explosions of seabirds aloft. The sky is radiant blue. The air smells cleaner: gone for now is the pungent whiff of salt marsh “pluff” mud. Autumn, beautiful, intense, day-shortened, long-shadowed autumn has come back to the Lowcountry. Midcourse (the Ides) through the season, what surprises does it bring?

YES, WE HAVE FALL COLORS For those of us who grew up in places like the Northeast, the Great Lakes, or the Rockies, the first display of fall colors came as a surprise, But it’s true: the Lowcountry does have showy foliage, and now is the time to go leaf-watching:  Red. First to turn might be the red maples, which morph from green to red to yellow. From Sea Pines to western Bluffton these maples colonize low, flat land, lakesides, and freshwater wetlands.  Maroon. Blackgums are Lords of the Swamp. From Boggy Gut (Sea Pines) to Whooping Crane Conservancy (Hilton Head Plantation), these majestic buttressed trees’ leaves turn deep red

by Thanksgiving. You’ll have to crane your neck to see this scenery, though: ”gums” are old-growth trees that tower 70 feet, or more.  Yellow. Sweetgums, mockernut hickories, Carolina willows and Sycamores morph yellow and may hold their colors until Christmas.  Live oaks? No way. Don’t expect fall colors from massive live oaks.

They keep their leaves through winter, and in March, shower roofs, yards, lawns, and cars with leathery brown last year’s leaves as new leaves emerge. Perhaps we can call this our “Second Fall.”

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ENVIRONMENT TODD BALLANTINE Secret Places

ITCHTY TIME And now, the great irony: Why do no-see-ums bite in autumn, when the weather is finally so mild? Well, no one ever promised that nature is fair. The so-called no-see-um is a “midge,” a tiny fly (0.1-inch in length) akin to mosquitoes, black flies, and “gnats.”

This pesky wingling breeds in shallow brackish (part fresh, part salt) water. No-see-ums (NSUs) hatch in spring and fall, when the weather is most pleasant. These micro-vampires hatch and swarm to feed in temperatures between 65-85 degrees. Of course, this is when we gather for oyster roasts, picnics, sunset sailing, and nature strolls. How ironic.

My solution has always been to avoid the 65-85 degree window if possible, or at least mount your best defense.

Recommended: wear light fabric, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and a hat during NSU season. This is healthier and more affective than basting in DEET repellant. Have faith: the little creeps usually retire after sunset, and will settle down for winter as colder air arrives.

A BEACH ALL TO YOURSELF What if you could have the whole wide beach to yourself?

Imagine. By November-December, nature may grant your wish. Cold fronts bluster through and hustle even the hardiest beachcombers indoors. Dress in layers for this weather and you can own the beach for a while. Though this is the Southeast, you’re likely to experience wind-chill (loss of body heat from exposure to wind). I remember one December day when I calculated a wind-chill equivalent temperature of 20 below zero at the water’s edge. But most times, you’ll have all the frostbite-free time you want for a solitary seaside stroll with crystalclear scenery and lots of wildlife.

MIGHTY MIGRATORS Fall is the Season of the Great Passage—bird migration. Dozens of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and seabird species are now relocating to wintering grounds from South Carolina to Suriname (in South America). The migration saga is very stressful and often deadly to these winged wayfarers. The birds lose more than half their body weight. They must travel day and night through storms.

Often, they cannot find safe roosting (resting) grounds where beaches have eroded — more and more common due to more powerful winter Nor’easters and rising sea level. Hilton Head Island inlets and tidal flats — at South Beach, Folly Creek, Fish Haul Creek, and Dolphin Head — are CRITICAL habitat for migratory shorebirds. If you visit, watch the birds from afar.

The 19th-century poet William Cullen Bryant penned: “Autumn is the year’s last, loveliest smile.” It is that time of bright light, blue skies, and perhaps a surprise visit from Jack Frost. It is a time of finishing, of looking back and giving thanks for times lived, people loved, and the best yet to come. Surely, that brings forth a smile. M December 2013 131

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ENVIRONMENT

Protectors of the trees

BY SHERRY CONOHAN PHOTO BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

SALLY KREBS AND ROCKY BROWDER: MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND HILTON HEAD’S TREE REGULATION

T

hose trees jutting skyward in shopping center parking lots around Hilton Head Island and the tree shaded neighborhoods which, together, make the town so appealing are a result of a determined effort by the island’s offi cial family since soon after its incorporation 30 years ago to keep it a place of beauty.

The intervening years saw immense development, but it wasn’t unbridled and, through it all, Hilton Head Island zealously protected its trees.

The fi rst guardian and tree guru was Sally Krebs, a biologist by training and self-professed nature lover, who oversaw the writing of the tree ordinance in 1986 as her fi rst job as the new natural resources administrator for the town, a post she held for 25 years.

Rocky Browder, who has the title of environmental planner for the town, succeeded Krebs as the keeper of the tree regulations two years ago and credits her with breaking in all elements of the community to the ordinance rules.

“I believe through her efforts over the years most of the resorts and the management regimes and the tree companies and the landscaping companies are all aware that the town has regulations with regard to trees and tree removal,” he said.

“I fi nd that coming in after Sally that people do realize the importance of having trees on your property and the benefi ts of having a treed lot rather than a totally cleared lot,” Browder added. “I fi nd that a lot of people on the island are happy that we have taken this course.”

Krebs acknowledged it wasn’t easy at fi rst, but had no complaint.

“I think that any time you put a new ordinance into effect it raises some opposition because it’s not the way things were done in the past,” she said.

Krebs headed the committee that drafted the ordinance which she said had a good representation of the town on it.

It became incorporated in the town’s land management ordinance adopted in 1987 and rewritten and updated in 1998.

Krebs, recalled that there were some arrests when the ordinance was fi rst in place as people adjusted to it. She declined to say what were the most egregious violations during her tenure, but that there were a lot of violations.

To her, no violation was worse than another. But, she allowed, “For us to arrest somebody it would take something pretty bad.”

Browder said that today “most folks know” what trees are protected and the process they must follow to remove one.

He said violations are mostly dealt with by fi nes — which can be costly as they go up to $1,000. That also can be coupled with a requirement for mitigation – replacing a removed tree or trees.

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ENVIRONMENT “For the most part, the majority are just people doing work without getting the proper authorization,” he said. “A lot of the work they are doing we would have approved. They just didn’t bother going through the process or they forgot to go through the process of getting the authorization that they needed.

“That’s not to say we don’t get some folks who knowingly cut down trees they aren’t supposed to,” he went on. “We’ve got a good force of local residents on the island who are our eyes. We get phone calls all the time about someone checking on what their neighbor across the golf course might be doing – ‘I see trucks on site. Have you authorized these removals they are doing?’ “ Krebs said it was hard in the early days of the tree ordinance to keep up with all the burgeoning development going on on Hilton Head Island.

But, she continued, “It was just something we did. Everybody was busy during the ‘90s and early 2000s. It kept the department very busy with all the development coming in.”

As the town’s sustainable practices coordinator now, Krebs’ job today is education – teaching adults and children in the schools about the value of trees.

“My job is educating people on what are called natural services provided by trees,” she explained. “Natural services are things like erosion control, fl ood control, production of oxygen, production of food. All those things are provided by trees.

“I’ve run into a lot of tourists in the public speaking that I do that don’t understand why their community can’t be more like Hilton Head,” she continued. “And believe it or not, one of the places they most ask me about is the Walmart on the island. They think it’s incredibly beautiful. They wonder why the Walmart in their community wasn’t built in the same manner.”

With her present job, Krebs doesn’t do permitting any more. That falls to Browder.

Browder said his job is to oversee implementation of the land management ordinance and that the majority of what he does on a daily basis is deal with individual tree requests that come in and natural resources requests.

On tree requests, he said he goes out for on-site visits on each one to determine if the tree can be removed for the reasons given in the request.

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“Then I made a determination as to whether mitigation for that tree is necessary or not,” he explained.

He said there are four different categories of trees and shrubs that are protected. The applicant will be required to replace one tree for every 10 inches of diameter at breast height of the tree or trees to be removed, he said.

The four categories of trees, encompassing 80 to 100 different trees, are: Category One — live oaks, laurel oaks, cypress, magnolia and broadleaf evergreens, Category Two — large deciduous trees, Category Three — conifers, the cone bearers, and Category Four — ornamentals and palm trees.

“With the majority of the trees that we allow to come out, there’s something physically wrong with them,” Browder said.

“There’s decay. They are a hazardous tree of some sort, they have weak points and could snap off in high winds. Others I look at are just the older more mature trees. They’re just reaching the end of their life span. The water oaks especially. They decay at a high rate.”

“There are allowances for tree removals in new developments,” he continued, “but we do have a system built into the land management ordinance that if the development impacts trees throughout that development while they are developing that property, they are required to put a certain amount of inches back into areas where they are not building on to.”.

Krebs noted that the Hilton Head Island ordinance was a cutting edge ordinance when enacted because it also protected the species mix of trees.

“You’re not only concerned about replacing trees with anything else, but with replacing them specifi cally with species already found here and the same type of species that were removed,” she pointed out. “So our ordinance was really a biodiversity protection ordinance, not just a tree ordinance, because it protects all the different species on the island. And that was pretty progressive at the time.”

Over the years, Krebs said, she has fi elded “hundreds” of queries from other towns about the Hilton Head Island ordinance — from Oregon to Maine and from California to the Carolinas. Browder, who marked his second anniversary on the environmental planner job Oct. 1, got one such call just a couple of weeks ago.

TAILBIRD OAK MAY NOT BE THE HILTON HEAD’S OLDEST

BY SHERRY CONOAHN The Tailbird Oak, just inside the back gate to the Hilton Head Plantation, has long been regarded as the oldest oak tree on Hilton Head Island. Or is it?

Not so fast, says Sally Krebs, for 25 years the town’s natural resources administrator in charge of protecting the island’s trees. She suggests other, larger oaks, may be older.

The Tailbird Oak stands on what used to be the Tailbird plantation on Skull Creek that was given to Lt. John Tailbird, of the Patriot Militia, by his father Henry Tailbird, as a wedding present when he married Many Ann Ladson in 1778.

Tailbird was captured – twice – by the British during the Revolutionary War and wasn’t released the second time until after the war was over.

The lore about the Tailbird Oak goes back to October 1781 when a Royal Militia on Daufuskie Island was instructed to burn the homes of known Patriots between Beaufort and Savannah. When they arrived at Tailbird Plantation, Tailbird’s nine-month pregnant wife faced the offi cer in charge who was her brother-in-law. He allowed her to move all the household goods out of the plantation house and place them under the spreading braches of a giant live oak about 100 yards from the main house before burning the house down.

Mary Ann Tailbird gave birth to a son the next day.

That oak stands to this day and has garnered many “oldest” plaudits. Krebs helped save the tree in modern times.

“It was on a site that was going to be a single family lot” and built on in the Bay Club section of The Cypress retirement community, Krebs reported. “We worked with the developer and he fi nally agreed to move that lot to another lot that had been designated as open space, and use that lot as open space instead.”

Asked if the Tailbird Oak truly was the oldest one on the island, she responded: “I don’t think we can answer that question.”

“Trees are very diffi cult to age,” she went on. “They put down growth rings, as you know. People say count the rings.

Well, you have to cut down the tree to count the rings. You have to invade the tree’s trunk to do that, so that’s not a good idea.”

But, she cautioned, trees don’t always put down one ring a year.

“It varies depending on climatic conditions,” she explained.

“If it’s a really bad year, a dry year, it may not put any rings down. If it’s a really good year – wet, lots of nutrients in the soil – it may put down numerous rings in one year.

“So it’s not a really accurate way to age trees.”

“Having said that,” she continued, “we can guess by looking at the diameter of a tree how old a tree is. But we’re just guessing, just like everybody else.”

And the Tailbird Oak? “It’s not the biggest one on the island,” she said. “So I wouldsayit’sprobablynottheoldestone,judgedbyitssize.”

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ENVIRONMENT It came from North Myrtle Beach, which is doing a review of its tree ordinance, which it undertakes every two years, according to Sean Hoelscher, senior planner for that city. He said they looked to Hilton Head Island in search for what’s done in towns comparable in size and population with a tourist trade.

Hilton Head Island is now in its third year of reviewing the land management ordinance, including the trees portion, with the help of a committee appointed by the town council and a consulting firm from Chapel Hill, N.C., Clarion Associates, a planning, land use regulation and real estate company. The goal is to make the ordinance more user friendly and easier to read, according to Terry Lewis, the town ordinance official who is overseeing the review.

Browder said the discussions include the possibility of taking a new “canopy” approach rather than the present individual tree approach.

A very big and quite controversial tree removal and mitigation project under the present ordinance is the clear cutting and topping of trees at the Hilton Head Island Airport, a Beaufort County facility which first had to get town approval.

The trees were cut down and topped in a long swath at the north end of the existing 4,300-foot runway in 2012, and now the county is advertising for bids on the mitigation that’s required, according to Rob McFee, interim manager of the county’s two airports. He said while the county plans to add another 700 feet of runway in Phase One of an extension plan for the Hilton Head Island facility, the felling of the trees had nothing to do with that. He said it was done at the behest of the FAA which directed the county to do it as a safety measure.

“The trees were in violation of the FAA’s slope penetration requirement,” he explained. “They stuck up too high” – posing a danger for incoming aircraft.

McFee said 1,165 trees were cut down, but 1,347 new ones must be planted for mitigation. He said they will be low-lying varieties and will be planted in buffer areas where they won’t interfere with air traffic.

The engineer’s cost for the mitigation, he added, is $525,000.

McFee said no starting date has been set for building the runway extension.

The congregation of St. James Baptist Church, on Beach City Road just beyond the airport runway, has looked warily at their neighbor’s tree cutting and topping. It has lived uneasily next to the airport since the airport was built in 1967-68.

Perry White, a deacon of the church and an African-American whose family has lived in the area since slavery, said, however, the church, founded at its present site in 1886, has been “holding its own” when asked about the prospect for its future.

All the proposed plans for extending the airport’s runway, including the recommended one, exclude the church’s property from the land to be taken for the expansion.

Some residents of the Mitchelville neighborhood around the church openly objected to the tree cutting at the airport, but to no avail.

Another big tree planting is planned for the Shelter Cove Towne Center, now under development, where Lee Edwards, president of The Greenery, a retail garden center and landscape business on Hilton Head Island, will be installing several hundred new trees before all is done.

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Edwards, who also serves on the town council, said the plantings would include all sorts of trees, including pine trees, wax myrtles, crape myrtles, live oaks, pin oaks and palm trees.

Asked what kind of trees his residential customers are buying, he said all of the above mentioned trees as well as decorative trees and canopy trees.

“A lot of people want dogwoods,” he added, “but they don’t do well here. It’s too humid and they are prone to disease.”

Asked what her favorite tree was, Krebs, the town’s sustainable practices coordinator, said it was the lob lolly bay.

“I love all of them,” she said. “But that one blooms during the summer months. It’s not a pine at all,’’ she added, to distinguish it from those tall lob lollies .”It’s part of the Tea family. It looks like a small magnolia, but it’s not a magnolia.”

Browder, the town’s environmental planner, said his favorites are the big oaks like one found at Harbour Town in Sea Pines and those at the back gate of the Hilton Head Plantation. “They are very pretty. I find them very attractive.”

For its efforts to protect the town’s trees, Hilton Head Island has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 12 years.

Looking back over her years working with trees, Krebs said she’s pleased with the results of the town’s efforts.

“I think that when you look at Hilton Head as a community, and compared to other communities in the Southeast, we’ve done a pretty good job of protecting out urban forest,” she asserted. “We certainly learn.

“Landscape architects talk about sense of place – how do you know you’re on Hilton Head,” she observed. “Well, you know you’re on Hilton Head when you see all the tree cover – which is unusual for a place that has had as much development as we have had.” M

How to move a 45-foot live oak

BY SHERRY CONOHAN The bigges T Tree Lee edwards ever Transp Lan Ted wi Th his Landscaping business was a Live oak Tha T was 45 fee T TaLL and 40 fee T wide.

Edwards, president of The Greenery, on Hilton Head Island, said he picked up the tree at the farm of a tree grower in Orangeburg, and trucked it to its new home in the Sea Pines Plantation.

The crane that lifted the tree had a built-in scale which showed the tree weighed 47,000 pounds, Edwards reported.

Asked how he managed to transport a tree of that size, Edwards said his crew carefully wrapped the branches to compact the tree to 22 to 23 feet wide.

“That’s the widest load allowed on the highway,” he explained, “and that’s the widest it could be to get through the Sea Pines gate.”

That was two years ago.

Edwards said the tree took to its new home near South Beach and has survived as a healthy specimen since being transplanted to Sea Pines.

Asked how it looks today, Edwards replied, “It’s gorgeous!”

He was then asked a rude question: How much did this cost?

“It was a lot of money,” he tactfully answered.

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MUSIC

YOUNG HARRISON LUBA TICKLES THE IVORIES WITH FERVOR

BY SHERRY CONOHAN PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

passion

PLAYING WITH

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MUSIC

HE LIKES MATH AND MYTHOLOGY, BRIDGE AND TENNIS, FRIED EGGS AND QUICHE. BUT HIS GREATEST LOVE IS MUSIC. HIS FAVORITE COMPOSERS ARE AN AWESOME THREESOME – SCHUBERT, BEETHOVEN AND BACH.

M

eet Harrison Luba — a pianist extraordinaire — and He just turned 10 years o Ld. Harrison began plinking around on his grandmother’s piano at the age of two and started taking lessons at the age of four and a half. in May, he played at the Hilton Head symphony o rchestra’s season finale concert as one of five featured young performers. He gave a solo concert at t he Cypress retirement community in a ugust where he received a standing ovation punctuated by shouts of “bravo.” r elaxed and enjoying an after-school snack in an outdoor setting on a warm, sunny day, Harrison said he likes “almost everything” about music. “i like performing,” he said in a wide-ranging interview. “i like practicing — it’s hard, but it’s fun. i like listening to music. “sometimes when i’m playing it, i just, like, get into it,” he continued. “i just forget about what i’m doing. i’m just playing it.”

Harrison plays the piano with fervor, often swaying from side to side in keeping with the tune. a nd while he has concentrated mostly on classical music, with a big nod to contemporary composer j im brickman, he is now delighted to have discovered jazz. Last summer he attended the Hilton Head j azzCamp “i loved jazz camp,” he said. “t hat was the

first time i’ve done any jazz. “yes,” he added, “jazz songs are definitely going to be in my next concert.”

Harrison can read sheet music, but performs most of the pieces he plays from memory. He allowed as how it isn’t easy for him to memorize music. “i’m not good at memorizing stuff,” he confessed. “it takes a long time.” a ccording to Harrison, he and his piano teacher, j ames berry, from Hilton Head Christian a cademy, share in choosing the musical pieces he will play. “sometimes he lets me choose a couple of songs that i like to listen to and would like to learn to play,” Harrison explained. “a nd he picks a lot of things that he thinks would help me … with what i would like to work on.” berry told of how he came to be Harrison’s teacher after his first piano teacher, Cliff Kosier moved away to t ennessee when he was eight years old.

He said Harrison’s mother contacted him and asked if he would become Harrison’s piano teacher. He already had a full load of students, he went on, and was skeptical about the ability of someone so young, but agreed to listen to him play the piano. a fter that, he said with a sheepish smile, “i found room to fit him in.” t ara Luba, Harrison’s mother (his father is scott), said Kosier agreed to become Harrison’s teacher when he was four and a half after she called him three times until she finally reached him. “He said, ‘bring him in,’ “ which she did.

“He agreed to take Harrison on because he could read (books) and had a long enough attention span,” she reported. t ara Luba said Harrison really wants to learn and she doesn’t have to tell him to practice. she said he knows he doesn’t get a lesson if he’s not prepared.

“We’re not going to waste the teacher’s time,” she stressed. “but that hasn’t happened yet.” a sked how long he practices each day, Harrison said, “sometimes i only have time to do one hour. Most of the time i try to do two

hours” during the summer. “but now with school and tennis, i can only get an hour and a half in.”

Harrison also excels in tennis. He’s ranked among the top five in the boys’ 10 and under division in south Carolina. He said he enjoys competing and likes to do tournaments, but also enjoys relaxing just hitting balls around in down time.

He also is becoming an expert in bridge.

He learned the game playing with his grandparents and great-grandmother, who just turned 90, at the Hilton Head bridge Club after getting his start with the Hilton Head bridge Club youth program on saturday mornings. He has now achieved Club Master status.

Harrison also plays bridge in a two-person form with his brother Fisher, 8.

Fisher, in what’s become a family tradition, plays the violin and is about to start lessons on the trumpet, which he has been yearning to play for some time. but his parents have held him back until his adult teeth had firmly grown into place. a nd as a lot of boys, Harrison, Fisher and their younger brother, bennett, 4, indulge themselves in such games as Monopoly, Clue and battleship.

Harrison, a resident of the sea pines plantation, is a fourth grader this year at the sea pines Montessori a cademy where he reported his favorite subject is math. He also loves to read, particularly books on Greek mythology.

His least favorite subject? “ r ecess,” he said. “i don’t like recess. a ll they do is argue, argue, argue. t hen they argue some more. t hen it’s time to go in.”

He was asked, although still quite young – he turned 10 on n ov. 14, if he had any idea now what he would like to do with his life when he grows up.

Without hesitation, he replied, “i don’t really know” exactly what. “but i don’t want to do anything where i have to do all piano or all tennis or all something else because there are other things that i do and would like to do.” M December 2013 137

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MUSIC

GREG CRITCHLEY’S CAREER AS A SONGWRITER, PRODUCER AND INSTRUMENTALIST INCLUDES COLLABORATION WITH A WHO’S WHO OF THE MODERN MUSIC SCENE.

BY CHRIS KAT ON PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

PARAD

RECORDINGS FROM

C

onsider this; as a professional drummer, Greg Critchley played alongside some of the greatest percussionists of his age; including, Neil Peart of Rush, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Phil Collins of Genesis. He has shared a stage with Aerosmith and The Who. In his 30s Critchley tired of the touring lifestyle and turned his focus toward studio drumming then worked on projects

with some of Nashville’s biggest stars. In his 40s he moved to Los Angeles, where his work as a songwriter and production engineer earned him industry accolades for Disney productions High School Musical One, High School Musical Two and Hanna Montana.

Today Greg is 50 and is continuing his journey on Hilton Head Island. He has a casual demeanor of a person comfortable in their own skin.

We are sipping coffee, relaxing

at The Sound, his state-of-the-art production studio and he’s sharing the story of his journey from a small town outside of Toronto, Ontario.

His office includes a giant electronic mixing board and a window looking into a custom-designed sound studio.

Inside, artists have access to his 1968 Ludwig drum kit and a $15,000 Telefunken microphone that is arguably the top choice of any singer worldwide. A miniature

baby grand piano is present.

“I’d vacationed on Hilton Head for 25 years so I knew I liked it here, I just wasn’t sure I could work from here,” Greg said.

Advancement in digital technology include ISDM wiring that allows for artists to collaborate in real-time from the studio on Hilton Head to New York or Los Angeles.

“I told myself I’d give it three months, but I liked it and things seemed to be working out pretty good, so I gave it another two

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ADISE months, then I signed a six-month lease. Before long I knew that if I was going to be here, I was going to need a studio like the one I’d had in L.A. and “The Sound” was born.”

Greg talks of capturing and recording sound in terms of warm and cold. “When I’m in the studio I can control the flutter of errant sound waves that turn a sound flat and cold. I’m looking to capture rich, thick sounds that tell a story.”

“By my late 20s, early 30s I was

getting tired of the touring lifestyle, so I changed my focus from a life on the road to one in the studio,” he said.

Greg was selected to join the house band at the Orbit Room in Toronto, where he partnered with hall of fame guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush. The relationship led to collaborative studio projects with country music stars Clay Aiken, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, the Dixie Chicks and Jo Dee Messina.

A favorite stage memory is capDecember 2013 139

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MUSIC tured in photograph in his office of him playing the drums with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush.

“You’ve got to understand that growing up in Toronto and being a kid who played drums, all I dreamed about was one day being good enough to sit in and play with Neil Peart,” Critchley said. “I was fascinated by him as a kid.”

In high school Critchley’s parents allowed Greg and his older brother Rob to transform their basement into a practice studio where the band played nearly every day. “We played so much that we actually got pretty good,” Critchley said.

He shared a story of the band learning to play Rush songs, and then inviting Neil’s younger sister over to the house to watch them play. “I don’t know if Neil ever knew that or not. If so, he never said anything and I’ve never asked him.”

“It went further than him being a great drummer. We were both from Niagara and my mom was his teacher in school. There was that sense that if he came from there and made it that maybe I could too.”

Gesturing again toward the photograph of playing Neil Peart’s drum set, Greg said, “When I finally had the chance to play with him I was so excited I didn’t sleep for three days.”

After achieving musical success in Canada, Greg turned his sights toward Los Angeles where he sought to pursue a lifelong passion for songwriting and sound production.

“Early on I played as a touring drummer, then a session drummer and this was just the next step in the creative process,” Critchley said.

“That first six or eight months I was in L.A. I was so busy I didn’t even unpack my drums,” he said. “It was an amazing time.”

His work on High School Musical One, High School Musical Two and Hanna Montana earned threetimes platinum status, selling over 15 million copies and receiving

two Billboard Awards, two Emmy Awards, two American Music Awards and a Teen Choice Award.

“I have every intention of continuing my working relationships with Disney and Nickelodeon, but my focus is going to be helping get new talented musicians their start,” Critchley said.

Earlier this year Critchley forged a relationship with local musician John Cranford, the lead singer of the popular local band Cranford Hollow, who was looking to take his Lowcountry Stomp on the road. By all accounts the first completed project was a rousing success. Critchley worked with the band to help write songs and produce their second CD. The band universally agreed that they enjoyed the experience of recording a professionally mixed album in their own backyard.

“This is our home,” Cranford said. “It was amazing to have the chance to collaborate with so many local artists, friends of ours that have helped us and supported us along the way. It was our way of saying thanks and would never have been possible if Greg wasn’t here.”

Recording on the island allowed musicians Scott Evans, Adam Gardner, Martin Lesch, Jon Miller and John Wilkins to perform as special guests on various songs.

“The entire studio, from the microphones to the drum set to the mixing boards and the entire support team is all first class,” Cranford said. “There’s no way we could have done what we did without their help.”

Critchley recently returned from Los Angeles where he had meetings with Disney Studios and Nickelodeon. In addition to Cranford Hollow, he is promoting new music from Heather Stewart and said that he’s always searching for new talent to expand his collaborations with artists across the country. M

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FROM THE HHSO MARY M. BRIGGS, President & CEO hhso.org

CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 2013 2013 IS RAPIDLY DRAWING TO A CLOSE. There are signs of the pending holidays everywhere you look. Families and friends have gathered to give thanks and to share their blessings. It’s also the time of year when I take time to review all that has occurred in the past 12 months for the orchestra.

In the 2012-2-13 season the HHSO launched a new era under the artistic leadership of Maestro John Morris Russell. Ticket sales and subscriptions rose quickly and now in our 32nd season they are stronger than ever. The organization has begun the climb out of the hole in our finances created by the recession and lagging ticket sales. It will take time to reverse the losses and replenish the reserve funds but the organization is poised for its most financially successful season in the past 7 or 8 years.

At a recent planning retreat the board adopted a new vision for the organization. – to inspire, enrich, and unite the Lowcountry through music. Simple but powerful. We accept the responsibility to be a leader in promoting the richness of our community’s arts and culture.

The attention that has been placed on the arts and cultural offerings of our community as a result of the Town Councils Arts study has yielded much production and forward thinking discussion around the community. We are eager to see the results of the work being done by the consultants engaged to undertake a close look at the arts.

To those who have supported us this year and through our recent stressful times we say a heartfelt thank you. We are working hard to earn that support. To our subscribers whose numbers have passed the 1000 mark for this season and to our new ticket buyers, we look forward to the rest of this exciting season and those that follow. Enjoy happy holidays and a blessed new year.

See you at the symphony!

Mary M. Briggs President & CEO

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WHAT TO DO

DECEMBER CALENDAR

DEC. 2: HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S JOY TO THE WORLD ... DEC. 4-25: D

HOLIDAY EVENTS The new program replaces two of DEC. 2 Deep Well’s long-standing holiday Dec. 4-29 | p146

Dec. 13 | p148

Dec. 7 | p158

Dec. 5 | p162

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s Joy to the World: 8-10 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church. The Lowcountry’s most glorious holiday tradition with works from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and the beloved seasonal favorites for which Maestro John Morris Russell is widely known. $25-$50. 843-842-2055 or www.hhso.org

DEC. 4-25

Deep Well Santa Shop: Citing the goal of empowering more families by letting them have a greater involvement in their children’s Christmas, and increasing the element of surprise for the kids themselves, Deep Well has announced its new “Santa Shop.”

Qualifi ed parents, whose children are safely at home or in school, will come to the Santa Shop by appointment to select gifts and clothing for their children between the ages of 1-12.

There will be morning and afternoon sessions each weekday, with shelves being re-stocked between sessions so that the selection will remain broad.

programs — the “bag it and give it” handout program and the “Adopt A Family Program. 843-785-2849 or dwproject@hargray.com

THROUGH DEC. 5

Hilton Head Prep Festival of Trees: Through Dec. 5 at Sonesta Resort in Shipyard Plantation. More than 70 trees, beautifully decorated with hand-crafted ornaments by students, parents, alumni and local organizations, will be on display in the main lobby of the Sonesta Resort. All trees will be available for purchase (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily) and the festival is free and open to the public. Trees may be picked up on Friday, Dec. 6.

Irish coffee, hot chocolate and other holiday drinks served daily from 5-6:30 p.m. 843-715-8508 or lcrose@ hhprep.org

WEDNESDAYS

Wexford WOW Events: Upcoming Wednesdays at the Village at Wexford; Dec. 4, Pin It To Win It; Dec. 11, Ladies pre-Christmas Shopping Night; Dec.

18, Men’s pre-Christmas Shopping Night. 843-422-9981

DEC. 5-8

Happy Holidaze!!: Join the Sun City Chorus and Concert Band for their annual holiday concert. Songs range from traditional Christmas standards to holiday music straight from Broadway. All performances are in Magnolia Hall: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 5-7 at 7 p.m. The Sunday matinee, Dec. 8, will be at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $23. 843-3683153

DEC. 6

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town: 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6 at Sea Pines Resort. Visit with Santa and have your picture taken with a donation to Deep Well - dogs are welcomed.° In addition to Santa, there will be a showing of the classic movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town as well as fi re pits for roasting marshmallows.

Admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned food item for Deep Well.° 843-842-1979

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To submit a big Picture please e-mail a high-res photo to jeremy@hiltonheadmonthly.com

bigPICTURE

Windmill Harbour | by l yndsey dorshimer

EC. 4-25: DEEP WELL SANTA SHOP ... DEC. 5

DEC. 6

Free Family Fun Night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Sandbox. Holiday crafts and activities (ornaments & decorating sugar cookies). Help decorate the tree.

There may be a bit of “snow” in the forecast. bring a canned food item or non-perishable food to donate to deep Well’s food pantry.

843-842-7645 or thesandbox.org

DEC. 6

Holiday Happenings: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, dec. 6 at the Coastal discovery museum. r oland Washington from “We island” will feature his gumbo and offer samples for tasting. Food samplings from l owcountry Produce, a children’s holiday craft and games in the Kid Zone will also take place. a sweetgrass class will be held by darius niles and you will make a holiday wreath. The class is $65 per person and advanced reservations are required for that class.

The museum will be decorated for the holidays and there will be a tree with many special ornaments available for purchase. book signings with barbara muller, “l egendary l ocals of Hilton

Head”, Janet Garrity, “Goin’ down the r iver”, Patricia bee, “mama’s Pearls” and “Try ‘um see Wings” and the island Writers network will be present with anthologies and individual local author offerings. Kathryn Wall will be available from 10-11 a.m. with her new book, “St. John’s Folly” which has the museum featured in a couple of scenes.

The Public art Exhibition presented by the Community Foundation of the l owcountry will be open for touring, and you can take your picture with the pink snail in a holiday hat.

843-689-6767, ext. 224

DEC. 11

League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Area Holiday Luncheon: 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, dec. 11 at the moss Creek Clubhouse. annual luncheon meeting featuring guest speaker dr. Jeffrey moss, Superintendent of beaufort County School district. moss will speak on global learning. The public is invited.

The reservation deadline is dec. 3.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 6: BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BLIZZARD ... DEC.

HOLIDAY EVENTS DEC. 6

Boys & Girls Club Blizzard: 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6 at Blue Heron Nature Trail in Ridgeland. For the fi fth year in a row, Mother Nature has chosen to allow a rare snow storm to strike in the middle of the Lowcountry.

The Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County invites the community to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season as the storm track rolls through. According to the CNN, the Christmas News Network, the storm will hit and the accumulation should provide play conditions from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Blue Heron Nature Trail, Exit 21, in Ridgeland. 843- 812-4357 or 843-379-5430, ext. 233

DEC. 7

Bluffton Christmas Parade: 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Parade starts at Bluffton Town Hall and travels across Bridge Street, Calhoun Street, May River Road and Pin Oaks Street. Find the parade routes and staging area maps on the town’s website at www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.

DEC. 7

2013 Hilton Head Island Winter Wonder Festival: 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at Shelter Cove Community Park. Start off your holiday season with a fun fi lled afternoon of southern winter activities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The admission is $10 for ages 2-15, parents come in free. The children’s activities include a winter hayride, carnival games, moon bounces, petting zoo, face painting and arts and crafts. If you have an elf costume, wear it. If not, all the children will have a chance to make an elf costume and dress like an elf for the parade that begins at 4:45 p.m., with the annual Golden Candy Cane hunt to follow at 5:30 p.m.

843-681-7273 or www.islandreccenter.org

SATURDAYS

Holiday crafts: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays, Dec. 7-28 at The Sandbox. In the spirit of giving, admission will be discounted to $5 per person every Saturday in December. In addition, they will have a special craft each Saturday (Do it yourself) themed around the holidays. 843-842-7645 or thesandbox.org

SATURDAYS

Jiva Yoga Holiday Kids Camp: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 at Jiva Yoga Center. Feeling the holiday rush? Stop. Breathe. And relax. Jiva’s got you covered.

You, and other parents alike, can now get your holiday shopping done while the kids (ages 5-12) have fun and get “kid-lightened” (kid+enlightened). $40 per child, per session. $10 each additional sibling. All camp sessions will be led by certifi ed teachers in a safe, healthy and positively inspiring environment.

A typical day at Jiva’s Holiday Kids Camp includes a holiday craft activity, holiday movie and relaxation.

Children will learn yoga poses, yoga games, mindfulness, self-calming techniques, and breathing practices. 843-247-4549 or jivayogacenter.com

DEC. 8

Joy to the World by John Leavitt: 8:30-11 a.m., Sunday Dec. 8 at The First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head. The Sanctuary Choir will present “Joy to the World” by John Leavitt at the worship services.

Directed by Dr. S. Russell Floyd, minister of music.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 540 William Hilton Parkway. 843-681-3696

DEC. 12

Outside Hilton Head’s Shop for Good: 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 at Outside Hilton Head. An in-store benefi t for Volunteers in Medicine of Hilton Head.

The event will have drinks and food, as well as a trunk show from a local apparel company, holiday shopping and gift-wrapping. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for Volunteers in Medicine of Hilton Head.

843-686-6996 or outsidehiltonhead.com

DEC. 13

Musical performances: 6-8 p.m. Local schools will be performing holiday music on the Liberty Oak stage at Sea Pines Resort. 843-842-1979

DEC. 13

Palmetto Bluff Christmas Movie on the Green: 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. to mix and mingle with Santa. In the spirit of the season, watch a special showing of “A Christmas Story” on the big screen and under the stars. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and favorite Friday night date. Free hot chocolate and movie snacks. Toddies and dinner available for purchase. $20 per car. www.palmettobluff.com

DEC. 14

Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at Bluffton School of Dance, located in Sheridan Park. A pancake breakfast with bacon, fruit, juice and coffee, plus a visit and picture with Santa, closing with a fabulous Dance Performance, all to benefi t the award-winning Bluffton Dance Company Santa will be available for pictures from 8:459:30 a.m. Then the studio will come alive with a colorful, exciting and energetic 30 minute Holiday Dance Performance

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ZARD ... DEC. 7: BLUFFTON CHRISTMas

featuring number choreographed and performed by our Company dancers. Tickets are $8.

843-815-2519

DEC. 14

Audubon Christmas Bird Count: Saturday, Dec. 14.

Join the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society as it works with communities across America to conduct its annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. 843-837-4597

DEC. 14

Gingerbread House Decorating Party: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 14 at First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island. Music and refreshments are provided.

There will be a charge of $10 per house. www.fpchhi.org or 843-681-3696

DEC. 15

Handel’s Messiah concert: 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head. The Community Choir and Orchestra of Hilton Head presents this concert as a gift to the community to start the Christmas season. All are invited and there is no charge for admission. The orchestra has approximately 100 experienced singers from local churches and around the island and many singers come from Savannah, Bluffton and Beaufort. The orchestra and soloists are professional with impressive credentials and a long list of national and international performance credits. This year’s concert will be directed by Mary Woodmansee Green, a well-known musical personality to the community.

DEC. 15

A Classic Christmas Festival: 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 at First Baptist Church Hilton Head Island. Free with a reception following the program. 843-785-4478

DEC. 16

Hilton Head Island Ski Club annual Christmas Dinner Dance: 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16 at Sea Pines Country Club. Reservations needed. Members and interested guests are invited.

843-681-4181 or hiltonheadskiclub.com

THROUGH DEC. 18

Mortgage Network Christmas Charity Drive: Mortgage Network is collecting donated items through Wednesday, Dec. 18. All proceeds benefi t Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse. CODA is specifi cally requesting small books, small coloring books, crayons, lip balm or gloss, small car or truck, fancy pen, diaries, puzzles, baby bottles, baby wipes, onesies, binkies, umbrella strollers, jewelry, action fi gures, hair clips, underwear, small gifts and small backpacks.

843-842-4004 or bnelson@mortgagenetwork.com December 2013 145

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42nd Street Shining highlight of the holidays comes to the Arts Center

S

parkle and shine are a wonderfully expected parts of the holiday season landscape, and at the Arts Center, this illumination is seen in living color with 42nd Street, one of the most beloved shows of all time, on stage from December 4-29. This high-wattage musical is full of energy, excitement and heart, making it an ideal production for the entire family and a perfect holiday celebration to share.

Back from New York City once again, is one of the Arts Center’s -- and island’s -favorite directors, Casey Colgan, bringing his vision to life and audiences to their feet!

This timeless tale is the “backstage” story tracing a Broadway musical-comedy from casting call to opening night.

The show-within-the-show’s Director Julian Marsh (Jeffrey Watkins) loses Dorothy Brock (Susan Powell, a former Miss America), the headliner of his Broadwaybound show˜Pretty Lady, to an onstage mishap, allowing for the eager but unproven fresh-off-the-bus-from-Allentown Peggy Sawyer (Gabrielle Ruiz) to step into the spotlight and begin her own rise to show-

biz stardom.

Delivered by Watkins is the most famous line in 42nd Street: “You’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star.”

Romantic sparks fl y when the sure of himself but infi nitely likable lead Billy Lawlor (Nic Thompson – Mary Poppins, Broadway) sings, dances and charms his way into Peggy’s heart.

In this song-and-dance extravaganza are some of the most beloved songs in theater such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway” and, title song “42nd Street,” featuring one dazzling scene after the other. The incredible dancing, including fast-paced tapping, is choreographed by Kelli Barclay, coming to the Arts Center from New York City. Barclay, in addition to dancing on Broadway herself, worked alongside Randy Skinner on many Broadway musicals including˜Ain’t Broadway Grand,˜ Irving Berlin’s˜White Christmas, and the revival of˜42nd Street, all earning Tony nominations for Best Choreography.

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The art-deco-styled set and lighting design are both rendered by Terry Cermak, vice president of production.

Diana Griffi n created the costume design for the show, using period designs that replicate the era of the early ‘30s.

Music direction is by the talented Bradley Vieth, back to the Arts Center for his seventh show, most recently having musically directed last summer’s Chicago.

Winning the 2001 Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical and the Drama Desk award for the same category, 42nd Street will have us cheering for the underdog, and loving every minute of the experience!

42nd Street runs from December 4-29 at the Arts Center. Tickets are $45/ adult and $31/child for previews on December 4 and 5 and $55/adult and $37/child through December 29 and may be purchased online at www.artshhi.com or through the Arts Center Box Offi ce at 843-842-ARTS (2787).M

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The Hilton Head Choral Society will present its annual “The Sounds of Christmas” concert at 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at First Presbyterian Chruch.

Choral Society brings the holiday spirit

BY LAURA JACO BI

S

hare the joy of the holiday season with the Hilton Head Choral Society as they present the annual The Sounds of Christmas concert, 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

Join the 100-member ensemble and 30-piece orchestra to celebrate the Christmas season at this yuletide performance. From traditional carols performed in non-traditional ways, to seasonal favorites, this concert promises to fill concert goers with holiday cheer.

HHCS Artistic Director Tim Reynolds says the holiday concert has a long-standing history on the island. In 1975 the HHCS was originally created to perform the Christmas section of Handel’s Messiah at the holiday season. During the society’s 38 years, the concert has morphed into more of a celebration of the season for all music lovers versus just a traditional choral performance.

This year’s program features a musical sleigh full of songs ranging from German folk dances to Latin salsa and jazz.

According to Choral Society President Mona Huff, audience members should know several of the songs on the playl-

ist, but might not recognize them at first because the arrangements and styles have been “spiced up.”

“We’re going to add some personality and flavor to make this concert a fun concert with laughter and audience interaction,” Huff says. “You never know what Tim might have up his sleeves.”

One performance locals should be sure to catch is the “Twelve Days of Lowcountry Christmas,” written in-part by Reynolds.

This lively take on the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was originally performed by another choir Reynolds directs, but he said it was so much fun, “I decided to do it in a bigger way this season with HHCS.” Reynolds doesn’t want to give away all the secrets, but did say that instead of “a partridge in a pear tree,” the Lowcountry version includes “a snowy egret in a live oak.”

Audience members can jump right into the holiday spirit as the concert opens with a fun and livley arrangement featuring a combination of classics “Ding! Dong!

Merrily on High,” “ I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and “Carol of the Bells.”

Patrons will be treated to traditional carols such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,”

“The First Noel,” and “We Three Kings.”

Always a favorite among concert goers, the concert will conclude with “We Wish You a Merry Madrigal.”

Huff says the society members truly want the audience to share in the joy and passion they feel on that stage. She says they want to have fun with the audience.

“We want to be sure when the concert is over, they (audience members) walk out saying, ‘Wow, I never expected that,’” Huff says.

Concert tickets are $30 for preferred seating (available on-line only) and $25 for general admission. Tickets may be ordered on line at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or purchased at these local businesses: • Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy, Hilton Head Plantation, Hilton Head Island • Pretty Papers & Gifts, Wexford Plaza, Hilton Head Island • Christie’s Hallmark, Festival Centre, Hilton Head Island • Christie’s Hallmark, Belfair Town Plaza, Bluffton • Markel’s Gifts, Kitties Crossing, Bluffton Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the concert. For more details, call 843-341-3818. M

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Offering the Season’s Most Coveted Women’s Designer Clothing, Shoes and Accessories In Harbour Town

843.363.5176

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 20: Outdoor Movie - Polar Express ... DEC. 23: Gregg Russell Chr

HOLIDAY EVENTS DEC. 20

Outdoor Movie - Polar Express: Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit by watching this magical movie under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town.˜Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned food item for Deep Well.˜ Fire pit and s’mores available.˜ 843-842-1979

THROUGH DEC. 21

Free pictures with Santa: 3 p.m.-7 p.,m., Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 21 in the lobby of South Beach Inn. Families and well behaved pets are welcome.

DEC. 23

Gregg Russell Christmas Concert: 7:30-9 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23 at Sea Pines Resort. Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town.

Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children and

adults, then, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus.

Complimentary.

DEC. 23

Twas the Night Before Christmas Reading by Santa: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at The Sandbox. The event will be followed by a visit from Santa from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 24. Space is limited to the reading so sign up when you get there, fi rst come fi rst serve. Included in admission.

843-842-7645 or thesandbox.org

DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Services: First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island will hold three services on Christmas Eve. There will be a family candlelight service at 5 p.m. and traditional candlelight services at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. A live Nativity will be outdoors from 4-8 p.m. www.fpchhi.org or 843-6813696

DEC. 24

St. Andrew By-The-Sea UMC Christmas Eve Services: St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church will have four Christmas Eve services, including its second annual family event, Christmas Eve under the Stars in Bluffton. The schedule for Dec. 24 includes: 4:30 p.m. Family Service at 20 Pope Avenue on Hilton Head Island; 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve under the Stars in the center of Buckwalter Place across from Station 300 in Bluffton; 7 p.m.

Communion Service at 20 Pope Avenue; 9:30 p.m.

Traditional Service with Chancel Choir and strings at 20 Pope Avenue. All are invited. The second year of Christmas Eve under the Stars is once again in cooperation with Buckwalter Place, and will be a 40-minute free family-friendly service that includes The Christmas Story, carols and also hot chocolate, s’mores and snacks before and after the service. www.hhiumc.com or 843-785-4711

DEC. 25

11th Annual Free Community Christmas Day Dinner: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at the First Presbyterian Church. This free traditional full turkey buffet to celebrate Christ’s birthday runs from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free will offerings will be given to Meals on Wheels, Second Helpings, and for the meal expenses. 843-705-5725 or 843-304-1086

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ussell Christmas Concert ... DEC. 23: Twas the night before Christmas Reading by San

DEC. 31

13th Annual Polar Bear Swim: 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Harbour Town Pool. Show your adventurous side with the other “polar bears” by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on a chilly winter day. Warm up after your plunge with hot chocolate and refreshments. 843-842-1979

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration: 7 p.m.-midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Harbour Town Lighthouse. A festive New Year’s Eve ball drop from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Count down the ball drop as you welcome in the new year. Two drops planned for 7p.m. and midnight.

843-842-1979

DEC. 31

Year’s Eve Celebration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31 at The Sandbox. Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up till

midnight? Join The Sandbox for a family fun event guaranteed to kick off your New Year on the right foot. Special games and activities including the bounce house and a chance to play in the snow, fun arts & crafts, lunch, party favors and a balloon drop at noon. $10 for adults and children over 1. Free for ages 12 months and younger.

843-842-7645 or thesandbox.org

THROUGH DEC. 31

A Holiday Botique: Through Dec. 31 at the new Center for Creative Arts building, next to the SOBA Gallery in Bluffton. A collection of hand-made treasures, artsy crafts and small paintings on display. Look for holiday decorations, hostess gifts and presents. In addition to the boutique, the space will be used to provide art classes for local school students during the school year and The Society’s outreach programs which schedules speakers and workshops specializing in a wide range of art forms.

843-757-6586 or sobagallery.com

THROUGH DEC. 31

Canned Food Drive: 9 a.m.-5 p.m, through the holiday season at Schembra Real Estate Group in Shelter Cove Plaza. Schembra Real Estate Group hopes to make a difference, one meal at a time with its canned food drive. The drive will be accepting current dated canned goods and non-perishable boxed food items which will be dispersed to The Deep Well Project throughout the holiday season. 843-785-2452

THROUGH DEC. 31

US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign: Coastal Properties Owners/ Brokers-in-Charge, Joe and Karen Ryan proudly announce their annual support of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. Drop a new, unwrapped toy off at any one of our three locations and be a part of this wonderful campaign bringing joy and smiles to many children during the holiday season! Donations are being accepted at their offi ces located at 1038 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island; 2 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton; and 16 William Pope Drive, Suite 101, Bluffton. 843-815-9191 or Kim@WeichertCP.com December 2013 151

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 5: Hilton Head Monthly’s Readers’ Choice Party ... THROUGH DEC. 1

SEASONAL EVENTS AT SONESTA RESORT THROUGH DEC. 5

Holiday Cookie Competition: The inaugural Holiday Cookie Competition is open to all local residents and categories include amateur and professional. To enter the competition, individuals must submit their cookie recipe at the resort’s front desk. Submissions must include contact information and whether the entry is for the amateur or professional category. The winner will be selected on Dec. 5 and will receive dinner for four at Heyward’s Restaurant, a feature on the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Facebook page, and will have their recipe and cookie featured in Heyward’s Restaurant during the holidays.

DEC. 5

Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Party: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. You voted for your favorite local people, places and restaurants.

Celebrate this year’s winners with food and drinks from your favorite restaurants and live music from The Jazz Corner and Cranford Hollow. Proceeds help support Hospice of the Lowcountry. $10 (free for ages 12 and

younger). For more information, call Maryann Way at 843-6988, ext. 235. www.hiltonheadmonthly.com.

SUNDAYS

Toys for Tots: The resort will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for “Toys for Tots.” Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 12, and can be dropped off at the resort’s front desk. Individuals that donate to the “Toys for Tots” collection will receive a $10 gift certifi cate for the resort for use at any of its outlets/venues (certifi cate expires Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013).

Brunch with Santa: Sunday, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy brunch with Santa each Sunday in December at Heyward’s Restaurant and Seacrest Terrace and Patio. A photographer will be on hand to capture digital photos. The cost of brunch with Santa is $35.95 for adults, $15.95 (ages 8 to 12), $8.95 (ages 4 to 7), and complimentary for children under the age of 4 with paying adult. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 843-842-2400.

THROUGH DEC. 5

DEC. 1-5

THROUGH DEC. 12

Festival of Trees: A long-standing tradition on the island, the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser features donated and decorated pine trees from area organizations and businesses.

During the festival, decorated trees will be on display within the lobby of the resort and visitors will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite tree. The highest bidder for each tree will be notifi ed on Dec. 5 and the tree becomes theirs to celebrate with for the holidays. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees benefi t the Hilton Head Preparatory School.

Elf on the Shelf Promotion: The resort hosts an “Elf on the Shelf” virtual event exclusively for its Facebook fans. Fans of the resort’s page (www.facebook.com/SonestaHiltonHeadIsland) are encouraged to locate where the Sonesta Elf is hiding each day. They will need to “Like” the day’s post and post where they think the Elf is located on the resort in the comments’ section. One correct answer will be chosen daily, with all 15 daily winners becoming eligible for the grand prize of a two-night stay at the resort. The grand prize winner will be randomly

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ROUGH DEC. 12: Toys for Tots ... Through Dec. 5: Festival of Trees ... DEC. 1-5: Elf on the

DEC. 5-20 Amateur Gingerbread House Competition: The inaugural competition is open to individuals of all ages and asks local residents to create their own seasonally inspired gingerbread house.

Entries will be accepted beginning December 5th and winners will be announced on Friday, December 20th. Entrants will be able to pick up their house on December 23rd. Prizes include gift certiďŹ cates to Arum Spa, brunch for two and accommodations at the resort.

selected from the 15 daily winners and announced on the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Facebook page on Monday, Dec. 16.

DEC. 2-4, 10-13, 20

Entertainment, Music and Carolers: During select evenings in December, area schools and churches, as well as the Jazz Corner performers, will be on hand to sing carols and provide entertainment to resort guests and local residents. Performances are scheduled from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and will take place in the lobby.

SATURDAYS

Cooking Lessons with the Chef: Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. The resort invites would-be chefs to expand their culinary repertoire with special recipes from Chef Nelly Buleje. Participants will create a three-course menu, and will learn to pair it with spirits and wines. Reservations can be made by calling Heyward’s Restaurant at 843-842-2400 ext. 7650.

Classes are limited to 20 people per class. Cost is $25 per class. Must be 21 years of age to participate.

For more information about holiday activities and entertainment, call 843-842-2400 or go online to www.Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 5-JAN. 4: Imagine ... DEC. 9-Feb. 28: Island Vibes ... Through Dec. 20:

ART DEC. 5-JAN. 4

IMAGINE: Dec. 5-Jan. 4 at the Art League of Hilton Head’s gallery, located in the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The nationally juried 2013 Craft Hilton Head exhibition, IMAGINE, is coming soon to Art League of Hilton Head’s gallery. 2D and 3D fi ne art crafts in sculpture, basketry, glass, fi ber sculpture and wall hangings, metal works, works in clay, handmade artist books, jewelry, weaving, wood and assemblage that encompass exemplary creativity, experimentation and imagination, will be on exhibit and for sale. Artwork from artists representing 18 states will be included among juried works by local talents. This exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and prior to all Arts Center performances.

843-681-5060

DEC. 9-FEB. 28

Island Vibes: Dec. 9-Feb. 28 at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The focus of the exhibit is to celebrate the colors and lifestyle of Hilton Head Island through quilts. The quilts in the exhibit are not traditional, yet, they are colorful and vibrant wall quilts created by fabric artists. Art quilters create realistic or abstract art using fabric and then quilt it to create a three-dimensional effect. There are six discussion/demonstrations events scheduled with this exhibit. Each event explores a different aspect of quilt culture and history, from antique and traditional to contemporary art quilts. The events will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 14,

21, and 29; and February 5, 12, and 19 in the Sea Island Room at the museum. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

843-689-3035

THROUGH DEC. 20

Public Art Tours: 11 a.m., Fridays through Dec. 20 at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Hilton Head Island Public Art Committee sponsors this exhibition every two years. You may also vote for your favorite piece of sculpture at www. hhipublicart.org. $10 843-689-6767 ext 223

THROUGH JAN. 14

Images: Nov. 7-Jan. 14 at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Ten female artists that have banded to present a multimedia program of “Images.”

The exhibition contains watercolors and oils, acrylics, collage and monoprints. The subjects in this exhibition range from abstract to representational art, landscapes and fi gures. There will be talks or demonstrations by the artists from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 2-5. Brought together by friendship and exceptional art skills, Les Bonnes Artistes, French for “The Good Artists”, was formed with regular lunch meetings keeping the artists informed and planning exhibitions and artistic challenges.

DEC. 5, 12, 21

Mommy and Me Paint: 11:30 a.m., Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Art Cafe. 14 Greenwood Drive.

843-785-5525

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ugh Dec. 20: Public art Tours ... Through Jan. 14: Images ... Dec. 5: Mommy and Me paint ..

CRITICAL THINKING DEC. 9-16

WEDNESDAY

Art Cafe, Kids Night Out: 6:30-8:45 p.m. every Wednesday night. Reservations required. 14 Greenwood Drive. 843-785-5525

ATHLETIC EVENTS DEC. 13-14

14th Ret Thomas Holiday Memorial Basketball Tournament: Dec. 13-14 at Hilton Head Christian Academy and Hilton Head Prep. Four teams, two nights, playing for one cure. Girls and boys high school girls basketball tournament.

843-422-2936

MONDAYS

Exhibition tennis matches: 5:30 p.m., each Monday at Van Der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club. Watch tennis coaches from around the world as they play in exhibition matches every Monday night. They will be playing rain or shine www.vandermeertennis.com or 843-785-8388 °

ONGOING

Tennis players wanted: Haley Tennis of Hilton Head Island is forming tennis groups for competitive play.

Beginner and advanced clinics are held every week.

401-487-2627 or° www.haleytennis.com

DEC. 21

Hilton Head Hospital Jingle Jingle Run: 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 at Hilton Head Hospital. A fun-fi lled holiday tradition, this 5K run and health walk will feature refreshments, door prizes, music and a chance to burn off some of those extra holiday calories. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Zoe Foundation Harper Project, which lends support and assistance to South Carolina families in need of fi nancial and emotional support following the loss of an infant. The course will be on and around the hospital campus.

The fi rst 500 participants that sign up for the run will receive a candy cane, jingle bells, and a long-sleeved event T-shirt. Every participant who wears a Santa or elf costume will receive a $5 discount coupon to Bear Foot Sports. Following the race, there will be an award ceremony that will feature refreshments, hot cider, music, door prizes and a visit from Santa. bearfootsports.com or 843-757-8520

Fall 2013 Semester series: Monday, Dec. 9 and Monday, Dec. 16 at Congregation Beth Yam in Hilton Head. A series of live satellite presentations. Gain unparalleled access to some of the most important players and thinkers today. Get the opportunity to e-mail questions directly to the panel participants live. Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y, now in its 11th year, uses satellite technology to simultaneously broadcast 92st Y’s renowned educational and cultural programming to community organizations across America. Gather with friends, neighbors, and colleagues for these remarkable broadcasts -- challenging, enlightening and edifying “big screen” productions, not available on cable. From the heart of Hilton Head, you can watch, listen, discuss, and learn ... without leaving town. The fi rst program is “Howard Gardner: On the App Generation” at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9.

The second program is “What Does It Mean to be Pro-Israel in America Today?” at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. 843-689-2178 or bethyam@aol.com December 2013 155

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WHAT TO DO

Dec. 7: Fall herb plants and products sale ... Tuesdays: D.I.G.: Discov

COMMUNITY EVENTS DEC. 7

Fall herb plants and products sale: 10 a.m.1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Courtyard of Pineland Station. The Herb Society of Hilton Head will host its semi-annual sale of herb plants and Herb Society products which includes French market soup mix, curry, fl avored vinegars, jellies, bouquet garni, herbs and more.

All profi ts from the sale are donated to local charities.

843-363-6602

ONGOING

Volunteers needed for Island Hospice: Island Hospice, a non-profi t THA Group company, is seeking volunteers in Beaufort County.

Opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds are available through a variety of direct and non-direct initiatives, including participating in activities with patients in their homes, weekly meal preparation, patient pal program, in which volunteers mail a small gift to a patient twice a month, donating a Wish List item and more. 912-721-5118 or kbuttimer@thagroup.

ONGOING

Classes and events at Beaufort Memorial Hospital: Beaufort Memorial Hospital is hosing the following events and classes: Birthing Center Tours, Gift of Motherhood Class, Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Vascular Disease Screening, LifeFit Wellness Center, Cancer Support Group, Cancer Support, Cardiac Support, Freedom from Smoking, Pulmonary Disease Support, Stroke Survivors Support, Community Health Improvement Program and more. www.bmhsc.org

FOR KIDS TUESDAYS

D.I.G.: Discover, Imagine, Grow: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays at The Sandbox. Through the guise of play and exploration, D.I.G will empower young children by encouraging and guiding development of the skills needed for their success in learning and in life: language and literacy,reading and writing, math and science, and social, emotional, and physical well-being. Geared toward children 3-PreK. Included with paid museum admission. First come, fi rst serve, sign-up at checkin. 843-842-7645 or thesandbox.org

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D.I.G.: Discover, Imagine, Grow ... DEC. 18: The Most Hated Man in Beaufort County: William

HISTORICAL DEC. 18

The Most Hated Man in Beaufort County: William Henry Brisbane: 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The museum will host J. Brent Morris on the life of William Henry Brisbane, a man born into the Lowcountry aristocracy and grew to be a planter in Beaufort. Over four decades, Brisbane trod among the upper echelons of Carolina society, and whether it was from the pulpit (he was an ordained minister), in the pages of his proslavery newspaper, or in public speeches and debates, Brisbane was one of the state’s most passionate defenders of the “peculiar institution.” In Beaufort County on January 1, 1863, Brisbane was given the assignment of publicly reading the Emancipation Proclamation to an audience that included some men and women who had once been his slaves. $7.

843-689-6767, ext. 223

ONGOING

One free hour of research assistance: The Heritage Library History and Genealogy Research Center is offering one free hour of research assistance for non-members. Let a library volunteer jumpstart your family research or help you leap your brick wall using all of the library resources.˜ By appointment only.

843-686-6560

TUESDAYS

Historic Sites & Facinating Past on Hilton Head: 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through Dec. 17. The Heritage Library will present a special talk and PowerPoint presentation about the island’s storied past and historic sites to acquaint visitors with our history and encourage them to explore on their own -- on foot, by bicycle or by car. The talk is one hour and will be repeated every Tuesday. Free to the public. Reservations requested.

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WHAT TO DO

Dec. 7: Outside Hilton Head Broad Creek Cleanup ... DEC. 30: Meet All

NATURE DEC. 7

Outside Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Clean-up: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 in Broad Creek. Outside Hilton Head will host a trash clean-up of the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. The event will depart from Shelter Cove Marina, where volunteers can either bring their own kayaks or use one of Outside Hilton Head’s kayaks. Interested volunteers can come and go at any time during the event. Outside Hilton Head guides will be on hand to lead participants in the Broad Creek. The clean-up is the last of four in 2013, made possible through a grant from Beaufort County Public Works “Keep Beaufort County Beautiful” project.

Through this grant, Outside Hilton Head will be providing kayaks, guides, clean-up materials and recycling of all litter collected.

843-686-6996

DEC. 30

Meet Alligators and Snakes: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30 at the Coastal

Discovery Museum. Meet and greet alligators and snakes that live on Hilton Head Island. This educational program, presented by Joe Maffo, of Critter Management, will allow participants to observe the reptiles, have a photo opportunity and learn more about them. This casual display is $5 per person and no reservations are required. Maffo has been working with wildlife on Hilton Head Island for many years and has a great passion for our alligators.

843-689-6767, ext. 224

DEC. 27

Family Owl Program: 10-11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27 at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

This live owl program will help participants discover what makes owls the ultimate nocturnal predator and explore their incredible adaptations. From beak to tail, birds living in the lowcountry exhibit some amazing adaptations for survival. Nancy Owen will be presenting this Creatures of the Night program with four of her feathered friends.

Reservations are required. $12.

843-689-6767, ext 223

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: Meet Alligators and snakes ... DEC. 27: Family Owl Program ... DEC. 1-31: The Jazz corner

ON STAGE DEC. 1-31

The Jazz Corner performance calendar: Dec. 6-7, a celebration of Nat “King” Cole presented by Reggie Deas and Martin Lesch; Dec. 13-14, a Rat Pack-style salute to the holidays featuring Bobby Ryder’s Swingin’ Quintet; Dec. 20-21, Dr. Marlena Smalls with the Lavon Stevens Trio; Dec. 27-28, Jazz with a Southern Accent by Don Erdman’s Hotlanta Dixieland Jazz Band; Jan. 3-4, The Eddie Wilson Quartet featuring legendary vocalist Huxsie Scott.

843-842-8620 or www.thejazzcorner.com

DEC. 4-29

42nd Street: Dec. 4-29 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. With show-stopping dance numbers, performed to such classics as “We’re in the Money,” “Shuffl e off to Buffalo” and “Lullaby of Broadway” this quintessential tap-dancing production features one dazzling scene after the next. This Broadway fable tells the story of a naive, small town chorus girl who steps into the starring role to save the show-within-a-show when its star breaks her leg, and the star is not at all happy about it. With some of the most loved songs in all of theater this big, bold, Tony Award-winning musical will bring you to your feet, celebrating the stuff dreams are made of. $55 for adults and $37 for children.

843-842-ARTS or www.artshhi.com Hairspray: Dec. 12-15 at The Hilton Head Island High School Seahawk Theatre. Directed by Larry Mercer, set design by Sylvia Pitts and choreographed by HHHS student, Addi Warren. The cast includes Elizabeth Tedesco as Tracy, Eric Jenkins as Edna, Justas Jakaitis as Wilbur, Mariel Zmarzly as Penny, Cayenne Green as Motorrmouth Maybelle, Madi Ogburn as Amber, the teen queen mean girl and Addie Warren as Velma, Amber’s evil mother. And Chase Dillon as Corny Collins, and Garrett Novak as Link, the boy heartthrob. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students (under 21).

843-689-4893 or 843-681-3646

PHOTO BY KEITH VANDER SCHAAF

DEC. 12-15

Bobby Ryder of Bobby Ryder’s Swingin’ Quintet.

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WHAT TO DO

Dec. 5: Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Party ... Dec. 21: Winter S

PARTIES DEC. 5

Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Party: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. You voted for your favorite local people, places and restaurants.

Celebrate this year’s winners with food and drinks from your favorite restaurants and live music from The Jazz Corner and Cranford Hollow. Proceeds help support Hospice of the Lowcountry. $10 (free for ages 12 and younger).

For more information, call Maryann Way at 8436988, ext. 235. www.hiltonheadmonthly.com.

DEC. 21

Winter Solstice: 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park. Part of the Bluffton Sunset Party Series. The “Winter Solstice” Sunset Party, being held on the shortest day of the year, will feature a massive craft beer garden, two bands, bon fi re and food court with warm and hardy dishes, sweet treats and hot beverages.

The Sunset Party will also include a visit from Santa from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and other activities for children. The event will benefi t CODA. www.blufftonsunsetparty.com or 843-757-8520.

DEC. 21

Full Moon Party: 4 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Dec. 21 at Skull Creek Boathouse. Live Music from Damon and the Kickers from 7-11 p.m. Drink specials.

PHOTO BY BILL DAWERS

RELIGIOUS TUESDAYS

Singers Needed for Community Choir for Handel’s Messiah: Singers are needed to join the community choir for Handel’s “Messiah,” to be presented at First Presbyterian Church on at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15.

No auditions are necessary. Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the church on Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3 and 10. 843-681-3696

DEC. 15

Handel’s Messiah concert: 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head. The Community Choir and Orchestra of Hilton Head presents this concert as a gift to the community to start the Christmas season. All are invited and there is no charge for admission. The orchestra has approximately 100 experienced singers. This year’s concert will be directed

by Mary Woodmansee Green, a well-known musical personality to the community.

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21: Winter Solstice ... Dec. 15: Handel’s Messiah Concert ... Dec. 23: Serg Christmas Eve H

RESTAURANTS DEC. 24

SERG Christmas Eve hours: All SERG chain restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. Hours are: Black Marlin (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m), Frankie Bones (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.), Giuseppie’s Hilton Head and Bluffton (until 3 p.m.), The Lodge (beginning at 4 p.m.), One Hot Mama’s (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.), Skull Creek Boathouse (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.), WiseGuys (5-10 p.m.). All SERG restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day (except for The Lodge). All restaurants will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

DEC. 28

Total Cluster Shuck: 4 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Dec. 28 at The Black Marlin. Live music from 6-10 p.m.

THROUGH DEC. 31

Salty Dog Shrimpfest: Now through Dec. 31.

Celebrate the shrimp harvest at the Salty Dog. Try favorite shrimp recipes such as Voodoo, Red River Buffalo, Savannah and more.

DEC. 31-JAN. 1

New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day at the Salty Dog Cafe: Celebrate the New Year with dinner at the Salty Dog Cafe. Featuring specials by Chef Herb. Kick off

2014 at the Salty Dog. Open New Year’s Day at 11 a.m.

FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS

Live music at Bomboras: Friday and Saturday nights. Relax at Bomboras Grille for casual, comfortable fun.

THURSDAYS

Thirsty Thursdays at Bomboras Grille: Join Todd Romoser, voted the best bartender on Hilton Head Island, and Phil Bayes for some beer conversation, education and drinkation every Thursday night. Beer geeks unite! stacey@bomborasgrille.com

DEC. 31

Ring in 2014 at Daniel’s: Hilton Head’s largest New Years Eve bash and after party. Featuring a midnight ball drop, prize giveaways and a complimentary champagne toast for the ball drop. Reserve VIP tables.

843-341-9379 or www.danielshhi.com

DEC. 31-JAN. 1

New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day at the Salty Dog Cafe: Celebrate the New Year with dinner at the Salty Dog Cafe. Featuring specials by Chef Herb. Kick off 2014 at the Salty Dog. Open New Year’s Day at 11 a.m.

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WHAT TO DO

DEC. 5: Hilton Head Monthly Readers’ Choice Party ... DEc. 31: Ring in 2

Don’t miss Monthly’s Readers’ Choice party

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

I

T’S PARTY TIME. Join Hilton Head Monthly for one of the biggest parties of the year, the 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Help us celebrate all of the 2013 winners from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the newly remodeled Sonesta Resort.

Meet all the local people, places and restaurants you voted for; enjoy food and beverages from your favorite restaurants while listening to live music from The Jazz Corner and Cranford Hollow.

Tickets are $10 at the door, free for ages 12 and younger.

For advanced tickets, contact Maryann Way at 843-842-6988, ext. 235. Proceeds help support Hospice of the Lowcountry. Find more information on our website, hiltonheadmonthly.com.

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31: Ring in 2014 at Daniel’s ... Dec. 31-Jan. 1: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day at the Salty

Live music for the 2013 Readers’ Choice party is being provided by Bob Masteller of The Jazz Corner and popular band Cranford Hollow.

CRANFORD HOLLOW A boot stomp on a dusty bar fl oor. A clang of a whiskey bottle at last call. A holler from a crowd in need of an encore. It’s grit. It’s sounds of the South. It’s Cranford Hollow. A blended mix of Southern Rock, Appalachian Fiddle Music and American Rock and Roll. It’s music from now and years past, harkening to our country’s rugged and untamed infancy. It’s music woven into our history. Music remastered for the 21st century. Cranford Hollow has been touring the Southeast for two years (previously know as Cranford & Sons). John Cranford is the lead singer and plays guitar. Eric Reid plays the fi ddle and provides background vocals. Phillip Sirmans plays bass and Julius DeAngeles is on drums. The quartet recently released a self-titled album, recorded locally at The Sound on Hilton Head (story on Page 138). Several local musicians make appearances on the record. A highlight is Atlanta singer Angie Aparo sharing lead vocals with Cranford on the fi nal track, “Closer.” The band has won “Best Band” in Hilton Head Monthly’s Readers’ Choice Awards two years in a row.

Cranford Hollow’s self-titled new album, recorded at The Sound on Hilton Head Island, is out now.

BOB MASTELLER Masteller has been a major force on the musical scene of the Lowcountry since 1973. Between 1973 and 1980, while a senior vice president of The Sea Pines Company, Masteller played in a group called Jazz Reborn, which included early Hilton Head Islanders Mark Stuppy and Garry Moore. During this period Masteller became well known in Savannah as the trombonist with The River Street Ramblers, which included Savannah musical legends Sam Gill and Ken Palmer. In the 1980s, he headed up various groups with different styles, including New Orleans, straight ahead jazz, and mood music. He has appeared at virtually every mainstream location for swing and jazz in the Lowcountry. He has performed for presidents Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush and Sen. Bobby Kennedy. In the past fi ve years, he has concentrated on his lifelong dream, The Jazz Corner. The club was commissioned in 1999 with the legendary George Shearing Quintet, and is now an island institution. M December 2013 163

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Women unite in the name ofgood art

BY SHERRY CONOHAN

T

en women artists from Hilton Head Island, united under the banner “Les Bonnes Artistes,” have staged a show of their collective art works – “Images” – at The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn through Jan. 14.

Their styles and subject matter vary from artist to artist with the pieces being shown ranging from landscapes, to flowers, to historic structures and people.

There are abstract paintings and collages.

Something for everyone — and most of it will be for sale.

Sitting at a large round table covered with a red tablecloth in the back of their favorite restaurant, Il Carpaccio in Pineland Station (the food is good and the price is right) for one of their monthly meetings recently, the women talked excitedly about the show.

They quickly decided that rather than mixing up their art, each would show her own pieces in one group. The question, unresolved, was how to determine the order in which the groupings would run. They figured

each artist would be able to display four to eight items of their work, depending on the size of each.

They estimated that, overall, there would be 50 to 70 items in the show.

The group has previously had two other joint shows — one with the Art League of Hilton Head and one at Hilton Head Library.

They all show their work, individually, in various galleries around the island and Beaufort County.

“Les Bonnes Artistes” – The Good Artists – was founded in October 2007 when Doris Shay, Evelyn Kowtko and Dorothy Steelman sat down together to talk art. It grew by invitation to include the present 10, all from the northern end of the island. All but one live in the Hilton Head Plantation, the other lives in Indigo Run. Their intent, they explained, was to have an art group in the north end.

They derive many things from their association with one another.

Annie Coughlin said she enjoyed the feed-

back and reinforcement that she gets from the group and finding out the latest – what’s going on – in the art world.

Emily Wilson said she enjoyed the relationship that they share as artists.

Joanna Chalson similarly said she enjoyed the kind and friendly relationship in “Les Bonnes Artistes” and how the members support each other’s art work.

“The art group is a small art community within a large art community,” Barbara Spencer added, “and gives me a sense of belonging in Hilton Head and producing the best Lowountry art I can. It consists of amazing artists.’”

Shay said it’s also great for just having “a good time” together.

To be invited to be a member, Jo Dye said, the foremost criteria is for the person to be a good artist. After all, she said, “That’s our name — Les Bonnes Artistes — The Good Artists.”

When they gather for their monthly meetings, they move around from restaurant

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to restaurant but often come back to Il Carpaccio. On this day they talk about the art of hanging art, about upcoming art shows, about how the commissions art galleries charge on the sales of their paintings keep going up.

One of their number noted that some galleries in New York are charging a commission of 75 percent compared to the 30, 40 or even 50 percent locally.

“That hardly makes it worthwhile to paint,” another at the table said. Still another said those New York commissions are on paintings costing thousands.

The news of the day came from Joyce Nagel, who announced a pastel of hers had just been selected for display in a New York show of the Pastel Society of America which is being held at the National Arts Club located at Gramercy Park. She said a pastel done by her husband, Don, also was selected for the show. Both teach at the Art Academy of the Art League of Hilton Head.

“I’m really thrilled,” she said, particularly because both of them had been chosen for the show. “It really is exciting because usually it is one or the other.”

Nagel said her pastel for the show was a beach scene titled “Beach Blues,” named

for the blue of the umbrellas and sky in the picture – not for anything sad.

Her husband’s pastel was of a railroad siding, probably in Pennsylvania.

Those in the group also share their life stories, outside of the art world, as friends, one said, and at this gathering a member gave the group a thank-you card expressing her appreciation for their sympathy on the death of her mother.

At the Honey Horn show, there will be a lecture and demonstration of their technique by four of the artists between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Dec. 2 to Dec. 5.

Irene Williamson, one of those giving a lecture, said of the public she will face, “I think they are interested in how we get our inspiration and how we proceed from there.”

She said she often gets inspiration for her collages from a piece of paper, a texture or a color, then added, “I don’t know. It just happens.”

Chalson, a print maker, who also will give a lecture, said the inspiration for her prints comes largely from nature. “Although,” she added, “I am inspired by shape, line and texture and their infinite capacity to be changed into art.”

Wilson, another of the lecturers, draws December 2013 165

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"The art group is a small art community within a large art community and gives me a sense of belonging in Hilton Head." inspiration from her surroundings, while Nagel, the other lecturer, will bring her teaching skills to the table.

Dye, an abstract artist who also does collages, said she’s inspired by patterns and colors.

“Sometimes you start on a piece and think you know where it is going to be and it turns into something else. It has a mind of its own,” she asserted.

Spencer, who divides her time between Hilton Head Island and Vermont, said she gets inspiration from the nature in both locales.

“My inspiration is the color I see in places where it is difficult to discover, especially in a very green Vermont landscape,” she explained.

The women work in many different mediums – oil, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media and collages – some in more than one.

The subjects they favor are widely varied.

• Chalson begins with a natural focus, such as a leaf or shell or an insect, for her prints.

• Coughlin likes painting figures, beaches and structures, particularly old Hilton Head Island landmarks.

• Dye does abstract paintings and collages.

• Kowtko prefers painting boats, marine scenes and landscapes. She painted a mural at the entrance to the Forest Preserve in Sea Pines with a former member of “Les Bonnes Artistes” who has since moved away, Bobsy Simes, which features a lake with deer and trees and birds in the sky.

• Nagel said, “I like to do everything. I like people the best.”

• Shay likes to paint flowers and landscapes. She has made a print of one of her paintings that sells well – the Mercer House in Savannah that was featured in the movie “The Garden of Good and Evil.” “When I painted it,” she said, “I didn’t know the house

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was famous. Then when my son saw it, he recognized it and said, ‘My gosh, you painted the house from ‘The Garden of Good and Evil.’ “ • Spencer said her subjects are the trees, water, grass and skies of both her homes, south and north, each of which is special.

• Steelman paints flowers and abstracts.

• Williamson does abstract paintings and collages.

• Wilson prefers to paint landscapes and interiors.

Both Chalson and Wilson serve on the board of the Art League of Hilton Head. Dye formerly served on the board.

“We’re all so different,” Steelman said.

“Our colors are different, our mediums are different, our subjects are different.”

“It’s a very diverse group,” Kowtko agreed. “Dorothy (Steelman) and Doris (Shay) both paint flowers, but they are very different.”

“Images,” Williamson mused, noting the name of the show. “It’s very descriptive of what the show is gong to be like.” M December 2013 167

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GET IN THE SPOTLIGHT To submit photos from your event or party e-mail editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com or you can share them directly from your Facebook page by liking us on Facebook. All photos courtesy those pictured unless otherwise noted.

M

ore than 750 people turned out for the 2013 State of the Region luncheon at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa.

T

he Wexford Plantation Charitable Foundation hosted its annual charity celebration, SOCK HOP — Music of the 1950s, at the Wexford Plantation Clubhouse. With more than 90 attendees, the event raised approximately $30,000.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

H

ospice Care of the Lowcountry held its annual fashion show at the Country Club of Hilton Head. Clothing was provided by Worth and Brooks Brothers. Geiss & Sons provided the jewelry.

 Terri Long, Cristy Anderson and Carol Salemi.  Is this board member Mike Kristoff or The Most Interesting Man in the World? Yes.  Volunteer Nancy Helm.  Jenny Brassington, executive director of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

HALLOWEEN 2013

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

December 2013 171

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island conducted its annual teacher recognition program at the Sea Pines Country Club. Outstanding teachers honored were, from left: Jill Torre, Patti Moscowitz, Lee Bracken, Suzanne MacDonald, Parker Collins, Heather BroughamCook, Sarah Perry, Ann Ninow, Beverly Toth, Kristen Karszes, Michelle Brockway, Bryan VanGronigen, Matt Dakolios and Lakesha Loving.

Kim Likins, Brian Flewelling and Doug Henderson attended a League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Area event to honor elected officials.

Indira Frances, Sandro Virag, Savannah Scott, Cameron Hammel, Judi Kestenbaum and Armando Aseneta representing the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the Orlando Ballroom Blitz Dance competition.

A group of volunteers from Live Oak Christian Church recently helped paint, clean grout, stained picnic benches and more in their effort to give back to the community in practical ways.

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The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Public Art Exhibition Committee announced at a reception that the exhibition’s nationally recognized jury has recom mended the large scale sculpture titled “Carocol” by Brooklyn sculptor John Clement for purchase and permanent installation on Hilton Head Island.

Members of the Society Colonial Dames XVII Century unveiled a historical marker on Daufuskie Island.

Outside Hilton Head raised $640 for Carolina Cups with a Breast Cancer Awareness Paddleboarding Fundraiser.

Bill Lawrenson and Betsy Doughtie of Deep Well are shown with a group of Bluffton moms who organized the 4th annual Diaper Drive, Susan Power of Bluffton Self Help and Julie Del Guercio of Bluffton Self Help.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Carol Guedalia, right, with The Greenery gives a tour of the new herb garden at the Children’s Memorial Garden at Hilton Head Hospital as part of her seminar on growing herbs to use in cooking as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Hilton Head Humane Association executive director Franny Gerthoffer, left, and Choice Directory owner Don Stewart are show with Tom Calanni and his dog Fraser, who was named Hilton Head Beach Dog of the Year in a photo contest.

Deep Well director Betsy Doughtie receives a winners’ donation from Bear Creek Golf Club member Lew Allison during the Deep Well Turkey Shoot.

CareCore’s Meredith Truitt, left, CEO John Arlotta and Sarah Mausolf are shown during CareCore’s first employee health and wellness fair.

Jon and Amy Habrack, along with the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, friends and family, officially opened FiT of Bluffton with a ribbon cutting.

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DINING

3

SALLY KERR-DINEEN Big Tastes

2

1

12 days THE

1. Partridge in a Pear Tree PEAR MARTINI

4

OF CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

There’re a bunch of versions out there.

Here’s the one I thought brought out the fresh pear taste (no partridges were hurt in making this cocktail) plus it uses St-Germain liqueur 2 shots vodka ¾ shot St-Germain 1-½ shots of pear juice Method: Shaken, with ice, strained and poured into a chilled martini glass.

2. Two Turtle Doves PECAN & CHOCOLATE COCKTAIL This tastes like a liquid pecan pie!

2 shots pecan infused bourbon* 1 shot Godiva chocolate liqueur

WITHOUT THE RACKET BIRDS, DRUMMERS, DANCERS AND PIPERS CAN BRING. PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE … RIGHT WE ALL KNOW THE REST OF THE SONG. xcept for the fi ve golden rings, not sure I’d want to deal with the rest of the squawking, feathered, dancing, leaping, noisy party that continues for the other eleven days.

Cocktails would surely be in order after “said” presents were delivered.

But, the song did get me thinking of Christmas traditions, and the rich tastes, heavenly scents and festive parties that twirl around the holiday season.

There are certain quintessential fl avors and memories that evoke holiday euphoria in all of us. Yes, we come across them all year, but it seems, for me at least, around Christmas these “favorite things” become stronger. Everyday fl avors become more potent.

We have cinnamon in rolls all, nutmeg in the béchamel and oranges whenever we want.

Seasonality isn’t what it was back in the Victorian times (when whoever wrote that song and thought some unlucky lady might have wanted numbers one through twelve barreling through her door).

I could simmer, cloves, cinnamon and oranges on the stove all year round, but I don’t. That would be like using the Christmas dishes in June. After Thanksgiving, though, the scent is semi permanent in the kitchen. Which brings me back to that pesky song. I thought of each “gift”, and paired a cocktail with it…just for fun. Be warned, there’s an emphasis on indulgence…after all Christmas only rolls around once a year – and apparently begins in October, just before Halloween.

Also, I thought about running out and buying that specialty liquor which may get used perhaps once, so many of the cocktails below use a combination of the what I’ll call 12 days of cocktail staples/must haves to help make the season merry. M

E

LIBATION LIST

Vodka (something like Kettle One or Grey Goose) St-Germain (an elderfl ower liqueur) Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur like Contreau or Triple Sec) Bourbon (Wild Turkey) Honey Jack Daniels (optional but you won’t be sorry) Light rum Chocolate Liqueur (like Godiva) Crème de Menthe (Christmas in a bottle)

Splash of club soda Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker fi lled with ice, shake, strain and serve over ice in a glass rimmed with brown sugar and fi nely chopped pecans. *Pecan infused bourbon is simple. Place one cup of whole pecans in a clean glass jar, cover with bourbon, refrigerate and taste after a week. Strain before using.

3. Three French Hens EGGNOG WITH GRAND MARNIER It’s not Christmas without a least a sip of eggnog. The orange liqueur works perfectly and is a nice change from rum.

2 parts eggnog 1 part Grand Marnier Method: Combine ingredients, chill and serve garnished with a candied orange wedge and sprinkle of nutmeg.

4. Four Calling Birds WHISKEY SOUR I thought this was just so perfectly obvious for a themed cocktail involving Wild turkey and a classic whisky sour to sip watching classic Christmas movies.

1-½ shots Wild Turkey bourbon 1-½ shots lemon juice ½ shot simple syrup Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker fi lled with ice, shake well, strain into ice fi lled rocks glass, garnish with a cherry or two.

Note: I made this with Honey Jack, and it was also very delicious!

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7

6

5

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5. Golden Rings St-Germain & champa Gne cocktail

8

St-Germain is the beauty of the boozes. The color is stunning and the art deco bottle is a step back in time. For me it puts the class in classic elegance, and when mixed with champagne it turns a lovely light gold.

1 ½ shots St-Germain Champagne Method: pour St-Germain in a flute and top with champagne.

7 6. Geese a Laying Gin Ger infu SeD c ocktail The ginger vodka has a real bite. The simple syrup and orange liqueur tame the spice without killing the ginger flavor.

2 shots of ginger vodka* ½ shot lemon juice ¼ shot simple syrup ¾ shot Grand Marnier Method: c ombine ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake, strain and pour into chilled martini glass, garnish with lemon or orange. *Ginger infused vodka - peel fresh ginger root, slice, place in a clean glass jar, cover with vodka, refrigerate and taste after a week.

Strain before using.

7. Swans a Swimming h oney & o ran Ge c ocktail Decorate the inside of the martini glass with white cookie icing. It adds a little extra sweetness and the icing lasts longer than a syrup.

2 shots of honey Jack Daniels 1 shot Grand Marnier 2-3 shots of half and half Method: Zigzag the inside of the glass with cookie icing. c ombine the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, strain and pour into decorated glass rimmed with silver sugar.

8. Maids a Milking c hocolate & c herrie S This tastes like chocolate covered cherries in liquid form. The cookie icing adds a little extra chocolate taste with each sip.

2 shots red cherry rum* 1 shot chocolate liqueur Method: c ombine ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake, strain and serve in a chilled glass rimmed in sweetened cocoa powder. *use the same method to infuse rum as you do the ginger vodka and pecan bourbon except using red cherries, or pitted fresh.

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DINING

9

10

9. Ladies Dancing o r Ange SPArkler

10. Lords a Leaping A Shot of Chri StmAS Cheer

It’s a really fun glass of orange juice and perfect for a holiday brunch.

It’s not a complete Christmas cocktail list without the obligatory kitschy green colored drink. Crème de Menthe screams Christmas and you can always pour some over ice cream as a dessert and top it with one of those cherries from the infused rum.

1 shot of Grand Marnier Prosecco Method: Pour ½ shot of grand marnier in the bottom of a wine glass, top with Prosecco, garnish with orange slice.

2 shots rum ½ shot crème de menthe ¾ shot limejuice

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Method: Pour ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake, strain and pour into shot glasses rimmed with decorative sugar or sweetened cocoa powder.

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11

12

11. Pipers Piping PePPermint Vo Dka

12. Drummers Drumming mulle D Wine

Decorating the inside of the glass with chocolate cookie icing gets you a hint of chocolate taste with each sip and the candy cane infused vodka turns a perfect Christmas red.

Wine, honey, a hint of citrus and the scent of Christmas wafts through the house, when this wine version of a hot toddy simmers away. You can find mulling spices at the grocery stores during the holiday season, or make your own with ginger, cloves, cinnamon and star anise.

2 shots candy cane vodka* Chocolate cookie icing Method: Shake vodka in a shaker filled with ice, strain and serve in a martini glass decorated inside with chocolate cookie icing and rimmed in crushed candy canes.

1 bottle red wine (like a cabernet)

*Candy cane vodka - cover candy canes with vodka in a clean glass jar and refrigerate. note: the candy canes will dissolve.

Method: Simmer ingredients in a saucepan for 10 minutes, serve warm in mugs or heatproof tumblers. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

Âź cup honey 1 orange, zested and juiced Mulling spices

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DINING

FEATURED RESTAURANT

Bomboras Grille A unique restaurant and bar that is located steps away from the beach. Ofering fresh and local Lowcountry ingredients paired with craft beers and wines.

101 A/B Pope Ave. (Coligny Plaza) 843-689-2662 bomborasgrille.com

HILTON HEAD north end

Atlanta Bread Company: 45 Pembroke Drive 342-2253.  Bella Italia Bistro and Pizza: 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza.

689-5560.  Carolina Café: The Westin Resort,

Port Royal Plantation. 681-4000, ext.

7045.  Chart House: 2 Hudson Road. 3429066.  Crazy Crab (north): 104 William Hilton Parkway. 681-5021.  Dragon Express: 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza. 681-5191.  Dye’s Gullah Fixin’s: 840 William Hilton Parkway. 681-8106. 

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BBreakfast LLunch DDinner OOpen Late SSunday Brunch

Fancy Q Sushi Bar & Grill: 435 William Hilton Parkway. 342-6626.

LD

Hudson’s on the Docks: 1 Hudson Road. 681-2772. www.hudsonsonthedocks.com. LD

Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill (north): 95 Mathews Drive. 342-8808. BLD

Il Carpaccio: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 342-9949. www.ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com. LD

Frankie Bones: 1301 Main Street.

682-4455. LDS French Bakery: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 3425420. BL

Le Bistro Mediterranean: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station. 681-8425. www.lebistromediterranean.com. D

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DINING Little Chris Cafe: 430 William Hilton Parkway. 785-2233. BLD

HiLTON HeaD

Main Street Café: 1411 Main Street Village. 689-3999. LDS

843: 890 William Hilton Parkway, Fresh Market Shoppes. 681-8843.

LD

Mangiamo!: 2000 Main Street. 6822444. LD Mi Tierra (Hilton Head): 160 William Hilton Pkwy. Fairfield Square.

342-3409. LD Munchies: 1407 Main Street. 7853354. LD New York City Pizza: 45 Pembroke Dr. 689-2222. LD OKKO: 95 Mathews Dr. 341-3377. LD Old Fort Pub: 65 Skull Creek Drive in Hilton Head Plantation. 681-2386.

DS Outback Steakhouse: 20 Hatton Place. 681-4329. LD Plantation Café and Deli: 95 Mathews Drive. 342-4472. BL Reilley’s Grill and Bar (north): 95 Mathews Drive. 681-4153. LDSO Ruby Lee’s: 46 Wild Horse Road.

681-7829. LDS Skull Creek Boathouse: 397 Squire Pope Road. 681-3663. DO Starbucks: 430 William Hilton Parkway in Pineland Station, Hilton Head Island. 689-6823.

Street Meet: 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza. 842-2570. LDO Sunset Grille: 43 Jenkins Island Road. 689-6744. LDOS Tapas: 95 Mathews Drive, Suite B5, Hilton Head Island. 681-8590. D

mid-island

alexander’s: 76 Queens Folly Road.

785-4999. LD arthur’s Grille: Arthur Hills course, Palmetto Dunes. 785-1191. LD Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza: Robert Trent Jones course, Palmetto Dunes. 785-1165. LD Bonefish 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3772. LD Carrabba’s italian Grill: 14 Folly Field Drive. 785-5007. LD Café at the Marriott: Oceanside at Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, Palmetto Dunes. 686-8488. BL Carolina Seafood House: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0084. D Roastfish & Cornbread: 70 Marshland Road. 342-2996. LD Coco’s On The Beach: 663 William Hilton Parkway; also located at beach marker 94A. 842-2626. LD Coconutz Sportz Bar: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0043 DO Conroy’s: Hilton Head Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, Palmetto Dunes. 6868499. DS eLa’s Blu Water Grille: 1 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove Harbour.

785-3030. www.elasgrille.com. LD

TJ’s Take and Bake Pizza: 35 Main Street. 681-2900. LD

Flora’s italian Cafe: 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square.

842-8200. D

Turtles Beach Bar & Grill: 2 Grasslawn Avenue at the Westin Resort. 681-4000. LDO

Gator’z Pizza: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort. 842-0004. D

Up the Creek Pub & Grill: 18 Simmons Road in Broad Creek Marina.

681-3625. LD WiseGuys steaks: 1513 Main Street.

842-8866. DO Yummy House: 2 Southwood Park Drive. 681-5888. LD

Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta: 32 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove.

785-4144. LD Harold’s Diner: 641 William Hilton Parkway. 842-9292. BL HH Prime: Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes. 341-8058.

BLDS

WANT TO BE LISTED?

All area codes 843. Listings are fluid and heavily dependent on your help; to submit or update e-mail editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com 184 hiltonheadmonthly.com

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DINING Island Bagel: South Island Square.

686-3353.  Jamaica Joe’z Beach Bar: Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road. 842-0044.

Kingfi sher Seafood, Pasta and Steakhouse: 18 Harbourside Lane in Shelter Cove. 785-4442. www.kingfi sherseafood.com. 

Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant and Bar: 17 Harbour Side Lane. 7857575.  San Miguel’s: 9 Shelter Cove Lane in Shelter Cove Harbour. 842-4555. www.sanmiguels.com.  Santa Fe Café: 807 William Hilton Parkway in Plantation Center. 7853838. 

New York City Pizza: 45 Pembroke Dr., Ste. 105. 689-2229. 

Sea Grass Grille: 807 William Hilton Parkway. 785-9990. 

Old Oyster Factory: 101 Marshland Road. 681-6040. www.oldoysterfactory.com 

Signals Lounge: 130 Shipyard Drive Crowne Plaza Resort. 842-2400.

The Sea Lady: Shelter Cove Harbour.

13 Harbourside. 341-3500. 

Alfred’s European-trained chef Alfred Kettering combines some of the most appealing elements of classic American and Continental cuisine in this tiny Plantation Center hideaway. Grab a seat at the chef’s counter to watch the master at work. 

Starbucks: 32 Shelter Cove Lane.

842-4090

Pazzo: 807 William Hilton Parkway in Plantation Center. 842-9463. 

Up the Creek Pub & Grill: Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Road. 6813625. 

Pomodori: 1 New Orleans Road. 6863100. 

YoAddiction!: 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3335

Ruan Thai Cuisine I: 81 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

785-8575. 

XO Lounge: 23 Ocean Lane in the Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Palmetto Dunes. 341-8080.

Chef Alfred Kettering

807 William Hilton Parkway, #1200, in Plantation Center 341-3117 www.alfredsofhiltonhead.com

TRY THIS Roast Rack of Spring Lamb with mashed potatoes and vegetables $34.95

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DINING

Hilton Head south end

alligator Grille: 33 Office Park Rd., Park Plaza. 842-4888. d amigos Cafe y Cantina: 70 Pope Avenue. 785-8226. ld angler’s Beach Market Grill: 2 North Forest Beach Dr., 785-3474. ld annie o ’s: 124 Arrow Road. 3412664. ld aqua o cean Grille: 10 North Forest Beach Drive. 715-8490. ld asian Bistro: 51 New Orleans Road.

686-9888. ld aunt Chilada’s easy Street Cafe: 69 Pope Avenue. 785-7700. ld Beach Break Grill: 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite F. 785-2466. ld Bess’ delicatessen and Catering: 55 New Orleans Road, Fountain Center. 785-5504. bl Big Bamboo Cafe: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 686-3443. ldo Bistro Mezzaluna: 55 New Orleans Road 842-5011. d Black Marlin Bayside Grill and Hurricane Bar: 86 Helmsman Way in Palmetto Bay Marina. 785-4950. lds Bomboras Grille: 101 A/B Pope Avenue, Coligny Plaza. 689-2662 ldo Brellas Café: 130 Shipyard Drive.

842-2400. bd British o pen Pub: 1000 William Hilton Parkway D3 in the Village at Wexford. 686-6736. ldo Bullies BBQ: 3 Regents Pkwy. 6867427. ld Callahan’s Sports Bar & Grill: 49 New Orleans Road. 686-7665. ldo Captain Fishy's: 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina. 671-3474. ldo Captain Woody’s: 6 Target Road.

785-2400. www.captainwoodys.com. ldo Charlie’s l ’etoile Verte: 8 New Orleans Road. 785-9277.

www.charliesgreenstar.com. ld CharBar Co.: 33 Office Park Rd., Suite 213, Park Plaza. 785-2427. ldo Casey’s Sports Bar and Grille: 37 New Orleans Road. 785-2255. ldo Catch 22: 37 New Orleans Plaza. 7856261. d Coligny deli & Grill: Coligny Plaza.

785-4440. ld Corks neighborhood Wine Bar: 11 Palmetto Bay Road. 671-7783. ld CQ’s: 140A Lighthouse Lane.

671-2779. ld Crane’s tavern and Steakhouse: 26 New Orleans Road. 341-2333. d Crazy Crab (Harbour town): 149 Lighthouse Road. 363-2722. ld delisheeeYo: 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange. 785-3633. www.delisheeeyo.com. daniel’s Restaurant and Bar: 2 North Forest Beach Drive. 341-9379. www.danielshhi.com. ld dough Boys: 1-B New Orleans Road.

686-BOYS. doughboyshhi.com. ld Flatbread Grill and Bar: 2 North Forest Beach Drive. 341-2225. www. flatbreadgrillhhi.com. ldo drydock: 21 Office Park Road. 8429775.ldo earle of Sandwich Pub: 1 North Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza.

785-7767. ld electric Piano: 33 Office Park Road.

785-5399. o Fat Baby’s: 120 Arrow Road. 8424200. ld Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: 51 New Orleans Road. 785-4788. ld French Kiss Bakery: Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive. 687-5471. bl Frozen Moo: Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive. 842-3131 Frosty Frog Cafe: 1 North Forest Beach in Coligny Plaza. 686-3764. ldo Gruby’s new York deli: 890 William Hilton Parkway in the Fresh Market Shoppes. 842-9111. bl Harbour Side Burgers and Brews:

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DINING

Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 842-1444. ld

Hugo’s: 841 William Hilton Parkway.

785-HUGO. ld

Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe: Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 363-2021. bl

It’s Greek To Me: 11 Lagoon Road in Coligny Plaza. 842-4033. ldo

Harbour Town Grill: Harbour Town Links Clubhouse, Sea Pines. 363-8380. bld Hilton Head Diner: 6 Marina Side Drive. 686-2400. bldo Hilton Head Brewing Company: 7C Greenwood Drive (Reilley’s Plaza), Hilton Head Plaza. 785-3900. www. hhbrewingco.com. ldo Hilton Head Ice Cream: 55 New Orleans Road, #114. 852-6333.

Hinchey’s Chicago Bar and Grill: 36 South Forest Beach Drive. 6865959. ldo

Java Joe’s: 101 Pope Avenue in Coligny Plaza. 686- 5282. bldo Jazz Corner: Village at Wexford. 8428620. do Jump and Phil’s Bar and Grill: 7 Greenwood Drive, Suite 3B. 785-9070. ldo Karma / Ultimate Teen Nightlife: 5 Lagoon Road. 424-4016 o

Bistro 17

Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe: 70 Pope Avenue in Circle Center. 7853315. blds

Cozy, waterfront French cafe to the right of Neptune’s statue, overlooking picturesque Shelter Cove Marina.

Casual bistro dining with a European cafe flair. Serving lunch and dinner with additional menus for kids and puppies. Nightly specials. ld

Jersey Mike’s: 11 Palmetto Bay Rd., Island Crossing. 341-6800.

Hinoki of Kurama: 37 New Orleans Road. 785-9800. ld

Kurama Japanese Steak and Seafood House: 9 Palmetto Bay Road. 785-4955. d

Hot Dog Harbour: Unit E-5, Coligny Plaza. 785-5400. ld

La Hacienda: 11 Palmetto Bay Road.

842-4982. ld

17 Harbourside Lane in Shelter Cove 785-5517 www.bistro17hhi.com

Try This Wild Salmon. Peppered mustard, mixed greens, pine nuts, dried cranberries, red onions and gorganzola. $25.

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DINING

Land’s End Tavern: South Beach Marina, Sea Pines. 671-5456. bld

Plantation Café and Deli (south): 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza.

785-9020. bl

Lodge Beer and Growler Bar: 7B Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Plaza.

842-8966. do

Pomodori: 1 New Orleans Road. 6863100. d

Mellow Mushroom: 33 Office Park Road in Park Plaza. 686-2474. www. mellowmushroom.com. ldo

Quarterdeck: 149 Lighthouse Road, Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 842-1999. ldo

Lowcountry Backyard: 32 Palmetto Bay Road at The Village Exchange.

785-9273. bld

Red Fish: 8 Archer Road. 686-3388. www.redfishofhiltonhead.com. ld

Ombra Cucina Rustica: Village at Wexford. 842-5505. www.ombrahhi. com. d

Reilley’s Grill and Bar (south): 7D Greenwood Drive. 842-4414. ldo Rita’s Water Ice: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 686-2596.

Marker 59: Beach House hotel. One South Forest Beach Drive. 785-5126. bld

Robert Irvine’s Eat!: 1000 William Hilton Parkway in the Village at Wexford. 785-4850. d

Market Street Cafe: 12 Coligny Plaza. 686-4976. ld

Salty Dog Cafe: South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines Resort. 671-7327. www.saltydog.com. ld

Marley’s Island Grille: 35 Office Park Road in Park Plaza. 686-5800. do

Sage Room: 81 Pope Avenue, Heritage Plaza. 785-5352. d

Michael Anthony’s: 37 New Orleans Road. 785-6272. d

Sea Shack: 6 Executive Park Drive.

785-2464. ld

New York City Pizza: 81 Pope Avenue. 842-2227. ld

Sea Pines Beach Club and Surfside Grill: North Sea Pines Drive.

842-1888. ld

Nick’s Steak & Seafood: 9 Park Lane. 686-2920. d One Hot Mama’s: 7 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Plaza. 682-6262. ldso Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café: 86 Helmsman Way in Palmetto Bay Marina. 686-3232. bl Philly’s Café and Deli: 102 Fountain Center, New Orleans Road.

785-9966. l Pino Gelato: 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Village at Wexford. 842-2822.

Signe’s Bakery & Cafe: 93 Arrow Road. 785-9118. bls Skillets Café: Coligny Plaza. 7853131. bld Smokehouse: 34 Palmetto Bay Road.

842-4227. bldo SmuthIland: 11 Palmetto Bay Rd. in Island Crossing shopping center.

842-9808.

Southern Coney & Breakfast: 70 Pope Avenue in Circle Center. 6892447. bl

NEW RESTAURANTS • Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: After working in local restaurants for more than 20 years, Jennifer and Aaron Dempsey decided to open their own place in Buckwalter Place. The restaurant specializes in fresh, homemade Italian cuisine.

• Dough Boys: Chris and Kim Gregory will soon open Hilton Head Island’s newest pizza place on New Orleans Road, in the spot where Bravo Pizza used to be.

• Subway: Owners John and Karla Remegi have opened a Subway restaurant in Coligny Plaza. The new location is the 14th Subway restaurant the couple own in Beaufort County. The newest restaurant features a Tuscany-style decor with seating for 20 patrons.

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Spirit of Harbour Town: 843-3639026. www.vagabondcruise.com.

Truffles Cafe (south): 8 Executive Park Road. www.trufflescafe.com ld

Stack’s Pancakes of Hilton Head: 2 Regency Parkway. 341-3347. bld

Truffles Cafe (Sea Pines): 6716136. 71 Lighthouse Road. Sea Pines Center. www.trufflescafe.com ld

Starbucks (south): 11 Palmetto Bay Road. 341-5477 Steamers: 28 Coligny Plaza. 7852070. ld

Vari Asian Seafood and Suhi Buffet: 840 William Hilton Pkwy. 7859000. ld

Stellini:15 Executive Park Road. 7857006. d

Urban Vegan: 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina. 671-3474. ld

Stu’s Surfside: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Plaza. 686-7873. ld

Vine: 1 North Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza. 686-3900. ld

The Studio: 20 Executive Park Road.

785-6000. d

Watusi: 71 Pope Avenue. 686-5200. www.islandwatusi.com. bl

Sweet Carolina Cupcakes: 1 N. Forest Beach Drive. 342-2611.

Wild Wing Café: 72 Pope Avenue.

785-9464. ldo

Tiki Hut: 1 South Forest Beach Drive at the Beach House. 785-5126. old

Wine & Cheese If You Please: 24 Palmetto Bay Rd. Suit G. 842-1200.

Topside at the Quarterdeck: Harbour Town, Sea Pines. 842-1999. d

Wreck of the Salty Dog: South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines. 6717327. d

Trattoria Divina: 33 Office Park Road. 686-4442. d

YoAddiction!: 890 William Hilton Parkway. 341-3335

Captain Woody’s Specializing in seafood platters, po boys, steamed shrimp and oysters you can get freshly shucked, raw or steamed. A favorite of locals.

Two locations: Hilton Head: 6 Target Road (off of Palmetto Bay Road), 757-2400 Bluffton: 17 State of Mind Street (Promenade), 757-6222 www.captainwoodys.com

Try This Grouper Melt; fried and topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and melted cheese. Kaiser roll with homemade chips, $13.99

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Bluffton Amigos Belfair (Bluffton): 133 Towne Drive. 815-8226. ld Backwater Bill’s: 20 Hampton Lake Drive. 875-5253. ldo Badabings Pizza and Pasta: 68 Bluffton Road. 836-9999. ld Bluffton BBQ: 11 State of Mind Street. 757-7427, blufftonbbq.com. ld Bluffton f amily Seafood House: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 757-4010. ld

Hana Sushi and Japanese f usion: 1534 Fording Island Road. 837-3388. www.hanasushifusion.com ld HogsHead Kitchen and Wine Bar: 1555 Fording Island Rd. 837-4647.

Honeybaked Ham: 1060 Fording Island Road. 815-7388. bld Jameson’s Charhouse: 671 Cypress Hills Drive, Sun City. 705-8200. ld Jim ‘n nick’s Bar-B-Q: 872 Fording Island Road. 706-9741. ld Katie o ’Donald’s: 1008 Fording Island Road (Kittie’s Crossing). 8155555. ldo

Buffalos Restaurant: 476 Mount Pelia Road inside Palmetto Bluff. 7066500. ld

Kelly’s tavern: 11B Buckingham Plantation Drive. 837-3353. bldo

Cahill’s Market & Chicken Kitchen: 1055 May River Rd. 7572921. ld

Kickin’ Chicken: 1011 Fording Island Rd. in the Best Buy Shopping Center. 836-5040. ldo

Captain Woody’s: 17 State of Mind Street in the Calhoun Street Promenade. 757-6222. www.captainwoodys.com. ldo

Kobe Japanese Restaurant: 30 Plantation Park Drive. 757-6688. ld

Choo Choo BBQ Xpress: 129 Burnt Church Rd. 815-7675. ldo

l os Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill: The Bridge Center. 837-2333. ld

Claude & uli’s Bistro: 1533 Fording Island Road. 837-3336. ld

l owcountry f lower Girls: Berkeley Place. 837-2253.

Coconuts Bar & Grille: 39 Persimmon Street. 757-0602. do

May River Grill: 1263 May River Road. 757-5755. ld

Corks neighborhood Wine Bar: 1297 May River Road. 815-5168. do

Mellow Mushroom: 878 Fording Island Road. 706-0800. www.mellowmushroom.com. ldo

Corner Perk Cafe: 142 Burnt Church Road. 816-5674. bl the Cottage Cafe, Bakery and t ea Room: 38 Calhoun Street. 757-0508. www.thecottagebluffton.com. bl

l onghorn: Inside Tanger I. 705-7001. ld

Mi t ierra: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive.

757-7200. ld Mi tierrita: 214 Okatie Village Drive.

705-0925. ld

Downtown Deli: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 815-5005. bl

Moe’s Southwest Grill: 3 Malphrus Road. 837-8722. ld

El Super Internacional: 33 Sherington Dr. 815-8113. ld

Mulberry Street trattoria: 1476 Fording Island Road. 837-2426. lds

f iddlehead Pizza: 142 Burnt Church Road. 757-6466. ld f irehouse Subs: 32 Malphrus Rd., #109. 815-7827. ld f iesta f resh Mexican Grill: 876 Fording Island Road (Hwy. 278), Suite 1. 706-7280. ld Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta: 25 Bluffton Road. 815-9200. ld Gruby’s new York Deli: 198 Okatie Village Drive. 705-4190. ld

nEo : 326 Moss Creek Village. 8375111. ld o ld t own Dispensary: 15 Captains Cove. 837-1893. ldo o robello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: 103 Buckwalter Place, Unit 108. 837-5637, www.orobellosbluffton.com. ldo o utback Steakhouse: 100 Buckwalter Place. 757-9888. ld Panda Chinese Restaurant: 25

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Bluffton Road. 815-6790. ld Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe: 1536 Fording Island Road. 837-2633.

Plantation Cafe & Deli: 1532 Fording Island Road. 815-4445.

Pour Richard’s: 4376 Bluffton Parkway. 757-1999. do The Pub at Old Carolina: 91 Old Carolina Road. 757-6844. d R Bar: 70 Pennington Drive. 7577264. ld Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine and Lounge: 8 Pin Oak Street. 7578111. ldo River House Restaurant: 476 Mount Pelia Road in Palmetto Bluff.

706-6500. ld Robert Irvine’s Nosh!: Inside Tanger II. 837-5765. ld Ruan Thai Cuisine II: 26 Towne Drive, Belfair Town Village. 757-9479. ld Saigon Cafe: 1304 Fording Island Road. 837-1800. bld Sake House: G1017 Fording Island Road Ste 105. 706-9222. ld Sunset Bay: 35 Fording Island Road Extension. 837-5673.

Sigler’s Rotisserie: 12 Sheridan Park Circle. 815-5030. d

Sippin’ Cow Cafe: 1230 May River Road. 757-5051. bl Squat N’ Gobble: 1231 May River Road. 757-4242. bld Stooges Cafe: 25 Sherington Drive.

706-6178. bl Truffles Cafe: 91 Towne Drive Belfair Towne Village. ld Vineyard 55: 55 Calhoun Street.

757-9463. d Zepplin’s Bar & Grill: Inside Station 300. 25 Innovation Dr. 815-2695. ldo Tavern 46: 16 Kittie’s Landing Road.

815-2327. ldo Walnuts Café: 70 Pennington Drive in Sheridan Park. 815-2877. bls Wild Wing Café (Bluffton): 1188 Fording Island Road. 837-9453. 8379453. ld

Daufu SkIe ISLaND eagle’s Nest: 56 Fuskie Lane, Bloody Point, 341-5522.

Marshside Mama’s Cafe: 15 Haig Point Road on County Landing. 7854755. ld M All area codes 843. editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com

thefeed A heaping helping of local restaurant news

• Website honors Hilton Head restaurants: Hilton Head Island was listed among America’s Best Small Towns for Food by the food and drink website, The Daily Meal. Towns that were included on the list have a variety of restaurants in the region with a focus on local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients as well as a flair for culinary creativity. They also have a population of fewer than 300,000 residents. Other towns listed were Rockland, Maine; Boulder, Colo.; Traverse City, Mich.; Lafayette, La.; Healdsburg, Calif.; San Mateo, Calif.; Richmond, Va.; Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.; Galesburg, Ill. and Charlottesville, Va. • Robert Irvine’s eat! is not closing: Rumors about the closing of Hilton Head Island restaurant Robert Irvine’s eat! are untrue, according to Kurt Oswald, the restaurant’s general manager. Oswald feels two situations led to the confusion.

The first was a plumbing issue that forced the restaurant to close for 13 days. The second situation is an ongoing negotiation the restaurant is having about renewing its lease, which is up Feb. 1. “We have not re-signed it yet because we are still unsure of what we want to do,” Oswald said. “I don’t know which way that process is going to go. If we end up not re-signing, we may consider moving to a new location.”

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holiday

recipe contest We asked our readers to share their favorite holiday appetizer recipes and holiday side dishes. Here are our favorites:

1st PLACE

Ashley Fletcher CREAM CHEESE PENGUINS Makes 18 penguins • 18 jumbo black olives, pitted • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 18 small black olives • 1 carrot Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive.

Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet.

Save the cut out piece and press into center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.

Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive onto the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up.

Secure with a toothpick.

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3rd PLACE

Andrea Studenc SPIRIT SHELLFISH MARTINI

2nd PLACE

Charlie Golson PATE MAISON

• ¾ lbs unsalted butter, cut into squares • 4 lbs chicken livers • 5 large white button mushrooms • ½ onion, roughly chopped • Sherry • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 tsp thyme In a large pot heat ½ lb of the butter, onion, and mushroom over medium heat.

When the onion is glassed over add the livers, salt, pepper, and thyme.

Cook down until all the juices have been cooked out of the livers.

Let stand and cool for several minutes.

In a food processor, pour the warm liver mixture in the bowl. Add the remaining pats of butter and a splash of sherry.

Blend the mixture until smooth. One may add more sherry, salt, and pepper to taste, making sure not to add too much sherry. The mixture should be thick and heavily coat the back of a spoon.

Line two small loaf pans with plastic film. Fill the pans with the mixture, and fold the plastic on top. Allow the pate to fully chill overnight in the refrigerator.

Serve with baguette or crackers, chopped onion, chopped egg, and cornichon. (It’s excellent with a dollop of high quality Dijon mustard).

Serves 12 Napa - Crab Slaw • 1 cup mayonnaise • 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice • 8 cups freshly sliced Napa cabbage (1 head) • 2 cups fresh Lump crabmeat • 3/4 cups chopped green onions • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper Combine mayonnaise & lemon juice.

Stirring well, cover & chill.

Gently toss together cabbage & remaining ingredients in a large bowl, Carefully pour dressing over cabbage & crab mixture, gently toss. Set in refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Coconut Shrimp • 24 unpeeled, large fresh shrimp • 2 eggs, lightly beaten & placed in a shallow dish • 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted • 4 cups coconut oil Peel shrimp, leaving the tails on; devein Stir together breadcrumbs & coconut. Dip shrimp into beaten egg. Dredge shrimp into crumb & coconut mixture.

Place shrimp onto a tray & refrigerate.

Pour oil into a Dutch oven; heat oil to 375 degrees. Do not leave oil unattended! Fry shrimp in small batches over medium high heat until golden . Drain on paper towels.

Ready to assemble the Martinis Line up 12, 8 ounce Holiday Martini glasses. Scoop Napa-Crab slaw into each Martini glass. Place 2 Coconut Shrimp onto a Holiday Skewer, lengthwise & gently place the skewer into the center of the Napa-Crab Slaw so it is standing up.

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Honorable mention

Alison Needham SAGE AND SAUSAGE STUFFING • 1 pound sage breakfast sausage, (raw) • 4 tablespoons butter • 2 cups diced onion • 1 cup diced celery • 2 leeks,, well washed and sliced (white and light green parts only) • 5 cups cubed, dried artisan bread, (bake cubes on a rimmed sheet for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees) • 5 cups cubed cornbread, (store bought or homemade) • 2 teaspoons dried sage • 2 teaspoons dried thyme • 1/2 cup chopped parsley • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon pepper • 1 cup turkey or chicken stock Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.

Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and place in a large mixing bowl.

To the rendered fat add the butter then the onion and celery, and sauté, adjusting the temperature if necessary so they don’t brown. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Add the leeks and cook for five minutes more. Set aside to cool.

When onion mixture has cooled, pour it out, with all the accumulated fat, into the large bowl with the sausage. Add the bread cubes, cornbread cubes, herbs and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss gently, so the cornbread doesn’t get too crumbly, and taste for seasonings.

Place in a large, buttered (3-3 1/2 quart) casserole dish, cover and cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Bring stuffing to room temperature. Pour over turkey stock and toss gently to coat.

Cover and bake for 20 minutes, uncover and bake for 10 minutes more.

Honorable mention

Judy Shell

CHICKEN BREAST WINGS • 1 bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce • 3 tablespoons butter, melted • Siriacha, or hot sauce, to taste • 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, depending on size Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Brown slightly in batches in sauté pan. Do not overcook.

Combine chili sauce, melted butter and hot sauce.

Return all chicken to saucepan, and simmer at least 15 minutes for flavors to blend. Serve with toothpicks.

For a very large crowd, bake chicken pieces in oven at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove and add sauce, stirring well.

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Honorable mention

Cindy Littlefield BUTTERMILK MASHED POTATOES • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes • 1 tablespoon salt • 1/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup buttermilk • 2 tablespoons butter • Salt and pepper to taste The potatoes can be peeled and rinsed up to two hours in advance and kept on the stove, covered with water, until

you are ready to cook them.

Rinse potatoes in a large pot of water, exchanging the water until it becomes clear. This removes excess starch and prevents them from becoming gluey.

Cover potatoes with fresh cold water and add a tablespoon of salt. Bring them to a boil, then reduce heat a bit and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until easily pierced with the tip of a knife. Drain and return to the pot.

Honorable mention

Jeanne Blakey RED AND GREEN QUICHE BITES Makes 12 mini-quiches • 1 single pie crust (a store-bought shell works fine, or you can use your own recipe) • 1 large egg • 1 tablespoon sour cream • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons each red and green pepper - chopped fine • 1 tablespoon green onion - green tops only • Pinch salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a mini muffin tin with 12 cups.

Roll out dough to a 1/8-inch thickness and cut into an 8 x 6-inch rectangle. Cut into twelve 2-inch squares. (You can do this with a store-bought shell, but let thaw first if frozen.)

Fit squares of dough into muffin tins.

Set aside.

Combine egg, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, peppers, onion and salt. Blend well.

Spoon a teaspoon of mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until egg puffs and dough is lightly browned at the edges. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from tins and serving.

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holiday HACKS CHRISTMAS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE MOST STRESSFUL HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR. YOU’RE TOTALLY ALLOWED TO TAKE SHORTCUTS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE PLAYING HOST.

BY PEGGY WANG

Decorate upside-down waffle cones to make Christmas tree desserts. It’s a more manageable alternative to the perennial gingerbread house.

Make “Elf Cookies” using Cheerios.

Make a snowman pizza. Pizza is now an official holiday food!

And you can feed a multitude by making three pizzas in one.

Use the bottom of a crystal glass to imprint cookies.

Use your leftover egg cartons to store ornaments.

Pulverize candy cane dust in a food processor or blender and add to EVERYTHING.

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Two candy canes glued together makes the easiest place card settings or food labels.

Hot chocolate stirrers: Stick marshmallows on the end of straws or candy cane sticks.

Use Christmas cookie cutters to make pancake shapes.

Use a potato peeler to make chocolate peels for garnishes.

You can bake brownies in cookie cutters too.

Make a large serving of hot chocolate in the Crock-Pot. December 2013 197

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LAST CALL

What Happened To Sunday and The Attempt To Forever Paint Friday BLACK? MARC FREY mfrey@freymedia.com

T

“

It all started with a friend reminding me that without inner peace, life has no meaning.

he news that Amazon, the largest Internet retailer, and the U.S. post offi ce are collaborating to make Sunday delivery of packages a reality in an attempt to forever paint every Friday black (order on Friday, deliver on Sunday) might in itself seem trivial. Just another spoke in the wheel to make it possible to always shop, always consume, always be inundated with marketing plots, in a never-ending quest to squeeze out the last ounce of profi andthe the profittand titanic fi ghtfor formarket marketshare share fight taking shamelessly advantage of our conveniencedriven habits.

It however prompted me to contemplate a bigger question.

It all started with a friend reminding me that without inner peace, life has no meaning. “How right he is,” I thought.

Contrasting his wisdom against what is reality for most American households made me ask the question, “Have we forgotten the original meaning of Sunday?”

If we live in a 24/7 world, where all lines between work and rest are blurred, where we can no longer distinguish between being online or offl ine, where FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out) reigns supreme and we have developed this insatiable need to be constantly entertained, where we take it for granted that everything is available at any given day or time,

where night becomes day and day becomes night, the noise and chatter never stops and nothing much seems to make sense…

In such a world, I have only one question: When do we take the time to fi nd our inner peace?

I have found that your doctor can’t prescribe “Inner Peace,” it will not arrive at your doorstep delivered in a neat package, there is no drive-thru window for “Instant Happiness” and not even Santa Claus will drop it down the chimney, even if you wished upon it.

Inner peace takes the courage to press the Stop button! …Then face the long, silent and arduous moments that follow; prepare for a passage with an uncertain outcome and know that like every goal worth achieving, it takes unwavering commitment and accept that the journey might never feel complete but is worth taking every step along the way.

Happy Holidays and wishing that we all found more time in 2014 to pursue our inner peace! M *(In some religions Friday or Saturday are more important, but that is not the point. The point is that any day of the week could make for a good Sunday.

The day where we appreciate the Sun, symbolic for life, and who created it).

Please send your comments to my email at mfrey@freymedia.com. I would like to get your feedback on this important idea.

“

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