Local Life Magazine May 2020

H I LT O N H E A D • B L U F F T O N • B E AU F O RT

May 2020

close to home

H I D D E N G E M S O F T H E LO W C O U N T R Y + I N STA- FAS H I O N + M E A LS F O R M O M

We WeLook Look Forward Forwardtoto Seeing SeeingYou YouSoon Soon

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY STRONG STRONG - CLUB - CLUB OUTSIDE OUTSIDE

A $250ACLUB $250OUTSIDE CLUB OUTSIDE MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY THE COMMUNITY & OUR &EMPLOYEES OUR EMPLOYEES DURING DURING THESE TRYING THESE TRYING TIMES.TIMES. Members Members Get: A $100 Get: AOutside $100 Outside Gift Card Gift & Card 25% & OFF 25% Outside OFF Outside Retail and Retail Recreation and Recreation ThroughThrough March 2021 March 2021 $100 of$100 eachofpurchase each purchase goes togoes the Outside to the Outside Employee Employee Relief Fund Relief&Fund & $50 of $50 eachofpurchase each purchase goes togoes The Community to The Community Foundation Foundation of the Lowcountry of the Lowcountry Covid-19 Covid-19 Response Response Fund forFund localforworkers. local workers.

PURCHASE PURCHASE YOUR YOUR MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP AT OUTSIDEHILTONHEAD.COM AT OUTSIDEHILTONHEAD.COM

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MARK BOEDGES

Mark Boedges

Low Country Trawler

Oil 30" x 40"

Celebrating over 50 Years of Fine Art in the Lowcountry.

The Red Piano Art Gallery 40 Calhoun Street • Suite 201 • Old Town Bluffton 843.842.4433 • 843.247.2049 • redpianoartgallery.com

EZRA TUCKER

Sandhill Crane

Acrylic 14" x 11"

Great Blue Heron

Acrylic 14" x 11"

JOSEPH ORR

Dance Partners

Acrylic 9" x 12"

Dream Clouds

Acrylic 9" x 12"

DAN G ERHA RTZ

Peonies And The Seine

S ONJA GRIFFIN E VA N S

Oil 24" x 20"

Celebrating over 50 Years of Fine Art in the Lowcountry.

Gullah Rose

Acrylic 36" x 24"

The Red Piano Art Gallery 40 Calhoun Street • Suite 201 • Old Town Bluffton 843.842.4433 • 843.247.2049 • redpianoartgallery.com

CHRISTY KINARD

Christy Kinard

Southern Love

Mixed Media 48" x 48"

BUILDING BEYOND TECHNOLOGY

PROVIDED BY BRIGHTON BUILDERS

When we think of technology, we think of the social media apps on our smartphones and the Amazon.com 2-day shipping options available at our disposal. We enjoy the convenience that technology can provide to many of us.

However, we don’t necessarily think about traditional industries, like homebuilding, and what technology stands to do and change in the industry. In fact, technology is embedding itself as the most important asset in the future of homebuilding.

And even more so in the current COVID-19 conditions.

A FUTURISTIC 3D PERSPECTIVE Brighton Builders isn’t afraid of technology; they are embracing it to improve upon how they do things while retaining the craftsmanship and tradition of building. Their team can now utilize 3D renderings through smart software that assists them in walking their clients through a home before it’s even built, and catching any problems, inconsistencies, or issues before the project commences.

The result? Saved time, money, and effort, benefiting every single party involved not to mention the instant gratification we all crave in a digital world.

TAKING IT ONE STEP FURTHER Brighton Builders are now able to guarantee better efficiency in design and planning, sub-contractor partnerships, reduced change orders, better money management, and informed decision making for the client using these proprietary systems and software.

This focus is a perfect example of what’s possible when a building company embraces the technology readily available at our fingertips today. Companies that resist these changes may find it increasingly difficult to satisfy clients who crave instant results and examples of their home architecture plans and drawings.

COVID-19 has forced many businesses to find alternative ways to communicate, update and process systems taken for granted previously. Pivoting to use technology, Brighton Builders has solidified their passion to stay relevant and leading the way through technology well before the COVID-19 crisis. This pro-active thinking has well provided the means to stay as a forefront leader in the building industry.

An award winning homebuilder, Brighton Builders won the prestigious 2019 Hilton Head Home Builders Association Lighthouse Award.

Featured in this article, 49 Hawthorne contributed to their accolades, capturing Best Overall New Home and Kitchen.

Learn more about Building Beyond with Brighton Builders.

(843) 837-1119 BrightonBuildersSC.com BUILDING BEYOND

Located in lovely Sea Pines Center

the team WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL EXPERIENCE?

PUBLISHER Lori Goodridge-Cribb (Local since 1986) lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

“Sitting on my back deck with my husband and a nice bottle of wine.”

- LORI

“Riding bikes to the beach with my family.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lance Hanlin (Local since 2007) lance.hanlin@wearelocallife.com

“Staying at a beachside resort and enjoying the beauty and amenities that I never get to experience otherwise.” - JEREMY

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER Jeremy Swartz (Local since 2003) jeremy.swartz@wearelocallife.com

“Riding my bike to Skull Creek at dusk.”

DESIGNER Charles Grace (Local since 1997) charles.grace@wearelocallife.com

- LANCE

- CHARLES

AUDIENCE & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Ashlan Saeger (Local since 2016) ashlan.saeger@wearelocallife.com

“Exploring the outdoors, restaurant hopping and sunshine.”

- ASHLAN

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Melissa Page (Local since 2015) melissa.page@wearelocallife.com

“Taking my dog to the beach and watching the beautiful sunsets.”

- MELISSA

PHOTO EDITOR Lisa Staff (Local since 2003) lisa@lisastaffphoto.com

“The beach is always a win for me. We have the best beach anywhere!” - LISA

DISTRIBUTION & LIST STRATEGIST Bruce Wolff (Local since 2002) info@wearelocallife.com

“Renting a boat and enjoying Calibogue Sound, the Broad River or Skull Creek.”

- BRUCE

SUBSCRIPTIONS & FINANCE Leah Ortega (Local in spirit) leah.ortega@wearelocallife.com

“Loading up the bikes and going for a family bike ride around the island.”

- LEAH

PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Brown + Paul Cheney + Arno Dimmling + Tommy Garcia + Greg Geelhood Holger Opderbeck + Mike Ritterbeck + David M. Shipper + Kim Smith + Lisa Staff + Maddie Terry + Lloyd Wainscott WRITERS Lisa Allen + Samantha Curran + Collins Doughtie + Denise Friday + David Gignilliat + Sandy Gillis Louise Heusinkveld + Eddy Hoyle + Barry Kaufman + Carolyn Males + Michele Roldán-Shaw CONTRIBUTORS Roxanne Gilleland + Kevin Horton Rhett Jerrum + Jean Meaney Wheatly 800 Main Street Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926 843-802-2258 + LocalLifeSC.com

BACKDOORHILTONHEAD

The Shops at Sea Pines Center 71 Lighthouse Road #215 843.671.3677 Hilton Head’s foremost and most fun fashion boutique.

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VOL. 4, NO. 5 LOCAL Life is published monthly by Momentum Media Group, Inc. All contents are copyrighted by Momentum Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

For back issues or advertising information, call 843-802-2258. Publisher is not responsible for claims and contents of advertisements. Product submissions should be mailed. LOCAL Life is not required to use your submission in any manner and whether anything from your submission is included in our magazine is in our sole discretion.

omentum MEDIA GROUP

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CITY AND REGIONAL MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

YOU SPOKE. WE LISTENED. AND YOUR DREAM IS NOW REALITY. PHASE ONE OF ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER’S NEW BLUFFTON MEDICAL CAMPUS IS NOW OPEN

St. Joseph’s/Candler’s new regional medical campus in Bluffton combines access, convenience and breakthrough medical technology to create a warm, inviting and personal patient experience.

Centrally located in Buckwalter Place, the new 40,000 square foot campus is being constructed in two major phases over six years.

Phase One of the new complex is now open with an emphasis on oncology and a significant expansion of both our medical and radiation oncology services.

The new facility offers state-of-the-art medical equipment and features a linear accelerator for advanced radiation treatments, which virtually

eliminates the need for cancer patients to travel to Savannah.

Upon completion, Phase Two of our new campus will also expand our primary care, specialty care, imaging, and other vital medical services to better serve our patient’s needs.

It’s just another shining example of St. Joseph’s/ Candler’s long standing commitment to helping the citizens of the South Carolina Lowcountry live smarter and sjchs.org/bluffton-campus healthier lives.

IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THE STRAIN OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND TO PROVIDE THE SAFEST POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR PATIENTS, ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER IS CLOSELY FOLLOWING ALL CDC GUIDELINES, AND IMPLEMENTING STRICT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS AND VISITOR RESTRICTIONS.

features

May

Close to home

Outsiders focus on our amazing beaches, golf and restaurants, but locals know there is much more to the Lowcountry than meets the eye. We spill the beans this issue, sharing hidden gems and best-kept secrets for Hilton Head, Bluffton, Daufuskie, Beaufort, the Sea Islands and beyond.

DAWN AT THE TOWER Photographer David M. Shipper captured this stunning image of the Henry Robinson Boardwalk and observation tower at sunrise. The boardwalk is located on the southern tip of the town of Port Royal. The top of the tower offers exquisite 360-degree views of Battery Creek and the surrounding landscape.

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Hidden gems

Cools local spots you might not be aware of

110

Great outdoors

Experience local nature without the crowds

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Home to history

Rediscover the hidden side of Hilton Head

130

Tidal treasures

Uncover the secrets of Hilton Head’s South End

134

Funky and fun

Bluffton is full of charm and personality

138

The quiet island

Journey back to a simpler time on Daufuskie Island

142

Small town charm Hanging out in Beaufort?

You lucky thing, you

146

Fantasy islands

The Sea Islands are perfect for breathing and easing

Ben Ham Gallery

Inspired by Nature

Captured on Film

Ben Ham Galleries 210 Bluffton Road Old Town Bluffton, SC

416 King Street Charleston, SC

843.815.6200

843.410.1495

WWW.BENHAMIMAGES.COM

May

contents

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Publisher

There are plenty of good lessons we are learning in all of this. Many of us have realized we need to be spending more time outside and more time with our families. Life is too short to spend staring at a screen.

56

16

The Last Great Southern Manor

Contributors

Meet the locals behind this issue

Peek behind the gates of Twickenham Plantation, a $17.5 million estate tucked away among the maritime forests of the ACE Basin.

18

Links

Special content you can find online at locallifesc.com 60

44

21

Blend

48

Business

88

88

Shopping

114

108

Outdoors

122

150

Scene

Facts and observations to help you survive quarantine

Five tips from a successful business woman

Items we love available at local businesses

Discover a secret spot off the beaten path

Profiles in human spirit during crisis and quarantine

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54

90

116

158

Mensa Quiz

Wellness

Eats

Culture

Real estate

Challenge your brain with a new set of questions

Old-school home gym essentials

Five local chefs dish on our culinary scene

Discover the vibrant art of Christy Kinard

An exclusive passport to million-dollar dream homes

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56

106

124

160

Celebrity

Shep Rose takes shelter on Hilton Head

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Living

Find bathroom inspiration in this ‘coastal hip’ remodel

Libations

The story behind WiseGuys' signature cocktail

Destinations

The essential insider’s guide to Beaufort County

Parting shot

HHI's Greg Geelhood shares a stunning photo

Don’t miss a word.

RoseHearingHealthCareCenters.com 843.802. 2957

publisher

Home is where the heart is

a

Locals watch out for each other here in the Lowcountry.

As much as my heart breaks for all of the local businesses and people impacted by this terrible virus, my heart is being warmed in other ways. I'm so proud of our local businesses that are becoming innovators and offering services and using technology as they never have before.

Parents are spending more time with their kids at home as teachers, as well as parents. It thrills me to look out the window and see them out in their yards again, together!

And, at long last, I have embraced technology like so many others have, as we Zoom or FaceTime long-lost friends.

There never has been any doubt that people in the Lowcountry are incredibly giving, and once again, our commuFamily time nity has come together to help each other in ways I never through FaceTime imagined. Some are doing very big things, while others are doing smaller things that have a big impact — like Ellen at While I’m not the biggest World: To have a successful WFH day, start your day with a hot technology nerd on the block, shower, coffee and exercise. Treat it like a normal workday.

Pretty Papers, who called to check on me, and remind me I must say FaceTime has Lori Goodridge-Cribb: Wakes up 5 minutes before her first call. to take my Vitamin C (even if in a mimosa) or Senny with been a godsend through all Island Child, who instructed me to drink lemon water, every of this. It has allowed me to day. As Darlene Schuetz of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry pointed out during a recent see my new granddaughter, conversation, there are plenty of good lessons we are learning in all of this, not just here, Emma. It also has allowed me to connect with my dad but across the globe. Working from home is not such a bad thing. Small sacrifices can and for a cocktail each evening. should be made when the lives of others are at risk. Many of us also have realized we need to With group FaceTime allowing be spending more time outside and more time with our families. Life is too short to spend up to 32 people into a call, hours staring at a screen. a family reunion is just an This pandemic has sparked creativity, like the cool masks Pam White is making internet connection away! and the chalk art movement that has swept the Lowcountry. It also brought its share of humor. Many women have shared their hilarious at-home fails after they - FRANKLIN D. were suddenly barred from hair and nail salons, waxers and clothing stores. They ROOSEVELT definitely will not take their beauty experts for granted after this!

More than anything, I think it has brought an even stronger appreciation of where we live, and that’s what this special “Close to Home” issue is all about. We are so lucky to live in communities and in a climate that make quarantine a little easier than most other places (actually, quite a bit easier). Inside we share a few hidden gems you might not be aware of along with plenty of outdoor areas to explore. We collaborated with many longtime locals to create an insider’s guide to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Daufuskie, Beaufort and the Sea Islands. We hope it whets your appetite as we all eagerly wait for the “all clear” signal.

HUG PATROL Like Bob Dylan once sang, keep on keepin’ on! Keep picking up restaurant Have you seen the LOCAL Life Jeep around dinners and tipping well, keep thanking the person at the grocery store who is town? Before the mandatory stay-at-home working grueling hours so we can eat, and keep smiling when you see another order, Dolly the Beach Berner used it to local face, even if you are 6 feet away. And please, don't hoard the toilet paper! cruise around Hilton Head Island, giving out

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

LORI GOODRIDGE-CRIBB PUBLISHER lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

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free hugs to those who messaged her. She was on a six-foot leash for distance, disinfectant wipes were offered after each hug and her seatbelt was on while the Jeep was in motion.

Sometimes all we need is a hug!

contributors

MEET OUR WRITERS + PHOTOGRAPHERS + PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES Louise Heusinkveld

Optimistic gardener OTHER CREDS: Librarian, photographer, local Harbor Host for America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association FOR THIS ISSUE: Shared gardening tips and advice.

HOMETOWN: Hard to define. Born in the village of Menston, Yorkshire, raised in Toronto, Canada. We lived in Canada, U.S., England, Czech Republic, Malaysia and France before retiring. CURRENT HOME: Wexford, Hilton Head Island, and Nine Lives, our power catamaran following the Great Loop, and our home in Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales. Yes, we live a nomadic life! LOCAL SINCE: 2013 HOBBIES: Gardening, photography, hiking (in England), boating, travel, travel, more travel, and did I mention travel? FAVORITE LOCAL EXPERIENCE: Playing bridge each week with the wonderful ladies who live here in Wexford. CINCO DE MAYO PLANS: Glare at some weeds before pulling them. The glaring part is easier (and lasts longer) than the pulling part. WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR MOTHER? She was my best friend and my biggest fan. BEST ADVICE SHE GAVE YOU: On housekeeping: What you do when you are first married, you will do for the rest of your life! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MAY? The garden is at its best, a riot of color, and it is not yet too hot to enjoy it.

Greg Geelhood Happily retired

OTHER CREDS: I’ve been a ski instructor, sailboat charter operator and a purchasing agent for a marine supply company, as well as owning a watch company.

FOR THIS ISSUE: Took this month’s Parting Shot. HOMETOWN: Woodstock, Illinois CURRENT HOME: My wife of 50 years, Lindsay, and I moved to Hilton Head Island in 1996 after 11 years in the Virgin Islands. We like beautiful islands, apparently.

We live in Hilton Head Plantation. HOBBIES: Lindsay and I are avid tennis players, and until the virus arrived uninvited, you would have found us at the Spring Lake Racquet Club most days. We also enjoy bike riding, beach walking, gardening, and of course, photography.

FAVORITE LOCAL EXPERIENCE: The Concours d’Elegance CINCO DE MAYO PLANS: Postponed until next year. WHAT DO (DID) YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR MOTHER? My mother also lives on Hilton Head Island at The Bayshore. For her 98th birthday, we took her to Chimney Rock in North Carolina and she climbed to the top! She is an amazing person, and the grace and forgiveness she demonstrates every day are an inspiration to us all. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MAY? The month of May signals the awakening of hydrangeas, crepe myrtle and the demise finally of the pine pollen.

Elizabeth Abrams English teacher and poet OTHER CREDS: Published poet in IWN's Reflections, accepted participant in the Napa Valley Writers' Conference, and included presenter at the Kick-Start National Poetry Month Reading sponsored by IWN and the Pat Conroy Literary Center. FOR THIS ISSUE: Wrote the poem, “Saturday - The Weekly Appointment” HOMETOWN: Orsett, Essex, England CURRENT HOME: Palmetto Hall Plantation, Hilton Head Island LOCAL SINCE: 2017 HOBBIES: Writing groups, biking, boating, teaching myself the cello and playing mahjong with my family. FAVORITE LOCAL EXPERIENCE: Early morning romps on the beach with our Labrador, Rosie, watching her "make friends" with sandpipers and crabs. CINCO DE MAYO PLANS: Our family plans to dine al fresco, to try to salsa (until the dogs "join" us), and to enjoy homemade guacamole with our secret ingredient — olives! WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR MOTHER? Her passion: I love that she gave me an inscribed book for every major occasion. Her grit: I love how she risked trying new recipes when important company was coming for dinner.

Her grace: I love that on Mother's Day she never complained when my sister and I made a mess of her breakfast in bed. BEST ADVICE SHE GAVE YOU: In a letter to me, she wrote, "Enclosed is the key to the white suitcase. To my knowledge it is the only one we have. So take care you don't lose it." I kept the key for years after the piece of Samsonite luggage wore out — not because I was nostalgic for the hard case that banged my shins as I carried it, but rather because she knew how to take good care of what we had, to be precise, and to be generous enough to entrust me with a charge. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MAY? The olfactory lift of blooming jasmine around the island and maybe the return to the shore after the hoped for "all clear."

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Front Row: Gary T. Bezilla, Alan D. Kinney Back Row: Elizabeth S. Cutshall, Jim C. Cuppia, Joan M. Hayes, Katie C. Phifer

Depth & Experience is what we believe distinguishes us from other financial advisors. Our Credentials, Accolades, Planning Based Approach and Fiduciary Responsibility are what makes us an exceptional choice for those interested in responsible investment planning.

Contact us for a comprehensive second opinion review of your retirement and investment strategy.

www.bezillakinneywmg.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.

SAVANNAH 912.921.3422

HILTON HEAD ISLAND 843.681.1400

BEAUFORT 843.982.1506

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED

NO BANK GUARANTEE

MAY LOSE VALUE

The Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. CAR-0719-01448

H A P P Y

links

LOCALLIFESC.COM + BONUS CONTENT + DIGITAL OFFERINGS

Last month's top performers Coastal art and rustic furniture handcrafted in Bluffton from materials sourced in the Lowcountry.

We have several shopping options: Browse our current inventory online, visit our gallery in the Promenade of Old Town Bluffton, or contact us directly to create something just for you!

F I S H

&

F U R N I T U R E

We’re Open!

ONLINE

Local artist selected for Music + Loupe streaming

MOST POPULAR POST Sprout Momma Breads

MOST PINNED PHOTO What’s fresh? Wahoo

MOST LIKED POST Beaufort Photography Tours

Download a LOCAL Life background Zoom like a local by downloading a LOCAL Life virtual background at LocalLifeSC.com. We've created a library of images guaranteed to impress your colleagues, clients or friends on your next call.

Create your own unique Lowcountry experience by pairing your favorite music with works from Lowcountry artist Sonja Griffin Evans. Download your preferred music app on your Apple TV, Fire TV or Android TV, then launch Loupe to experience a unique, randomized blend of music and visuals. Evans was one of 150 artists selected for the technology.

“I hope to bring a little bit of hope and faith through art and music into the homes of many,” she said. Learn more at sonjagriffinevans.com/art-channel.

Sign up for LOCAL Life newsletters Want more LOCAL Life? Have our three newsletters delivered to your inbox each month.

• The Nest Home trends and tips • The Dish Best local bites for the weekend • The Buzz LOCAL Life’s latest must-reads

14 Promenade Street, #304 Bluffton, SC

843.310.1690 Located in Old Town Bluffton in the Promenade

About the Cover

The cover is a composite illustration, featuring the image “Reflection of Serenity” by Mike Nisky. The photo was captured in Habersham, a small community near Beaufort with oak-lined streets, parks, Southern architecture and gracious porches that encourage strolls throughout the neighborhood. In 2015, Habersham was selected as Southern Living magazine’s “Community of the Year.” In 2018, Coastal Living listed it among its “Top 20 Places to Live.” Discover it and the many other gems that are hidden all over the Lowcountry.

18 LocalLifeSC.com + SEPTEMBER 2019 signorecoastalart.com

local blend

©ARNO DIMMLING

WORD ON THE STREET + COMMUNITY TIDBITS + FAST FACTS + LOCAL LANDMARKS

GOING TO THE CHAPEL Located along South Carolina’s most haunted road stand the ruins of St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease. The ruins are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hidden gems of the Lowcountry

STORY BY RHETT JERRUM

We are surrounded by more than just water here in the Lowcountry. There are some of the most beautiful landmarks, historic sites and unique vegetation all around us. With a glass-half-full mentality, use this free time and fluid schedule to get to know the towns we call home. Here are a few hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

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LocalLifeSC.com + MAY 2020

©ARNO DIMMLING

w

Chapel of Convenience

ST. HELENA PARISH CHAPEL OF EASE RUINS In 1742, St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease was built to serve planters in the St. Helena Parish who lived far away and could not attend regular services. With a growing population, by 1812 the chapel evolved into a designated parish church.

And now in 2020, these walls of shell and lime serve as a beautiful historic site for the people in the Lowcountry. Superstitious visitors beware: These ruins are said to be haunted.

Go there: 17 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920; the Chapel of Ease is nestled between where Martin Luther King Drive becomes Lands End Road.

Uncovered beauty

SECRET OASIS A patch of paradise located near Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park puts the hidden in hidden gems. It offers locals a wide variety of activities. From the observation deck, enjoy views of the marshes and peep into the home of many fiddler crabs beneath you. Keep walking to the pavilion and enjoy a picnic with your family at the end of the dock. Make your way to the sand for a different type of beach walk. Go there: 226 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. It’s a short walk through the woods to reach this secret oasis.

There’s no place like home Facts and observations to help you survive quarantine.

TP MOUSE TRAP How to trap a TP hoarder.

Sweet escape

TREE BEACH Fans of the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach” might be interested to know there is a secret spot of pristine sand on Daufuskie Island, only accessible by boat. Very few people know about it, including locals. It’s called Tree Beach, and if you can find it, you won’t be disappointed. We can’t give you exact directions because we can’t have everybody showing up. You have to earn it. Befriend a Daufuskie local and they might show you (if you promise to keep it to yourself). Go there: Get directions from a Daufuskie local and find a boat to get you there. Just be careful. There are a few characters on Daufuskie that might give you the wrong directions on purpose. If you hit Turtle Island, you've gone way too far.

STRAIGHT OUTTA TOILET PAPER Thumbs down to all the early-morning hoarders. Hope you enjoy your lifetime supply. No we don't!

KITCHEN SPRINTS Traipsing back to the cupboard does not count as exercise.

DEATH OF THE EXPRESS LANE The new express lane: 160 items or less

WORKING FROM HOME Thankfully, your co-workers only see your top half in video conferences.

PLAYLIST FOR 2020 Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol

Spooky site

THE BONEYARD At the north end of Hunting Island, you will find a mile stretch of beach that is home (or grave) to many dead ghost trees. These trees gave up the ghost after many years of exposure to the salty waves crashing on the quickly eroding shore. This is a beautiful sight to see and certainly not one to fear, no matter the title. Go there: 2555 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC 29920

Hit the trail

CYPRESS WETLANDS A little under a mile loop of paved boardwalk, the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal is well known as a bird watcher's paradise and will provide you with an afternoon of alligator sightings, local wildlife exposure, and unbeatable views of cypress trees. This protected wetland is open from dusk until dawn and is a great and safe escape into the wild Lowcountry.

Go there: 1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935

Don't Stand So Close to Me - The Police Too Much Time on My Hands - Styx Don't Come Around Here No More - Tom Petty I Ran So Far Away - Flock of Seagulls Keep Your Hands to Yourself - Georgia Satellites U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany All By Myself - Céline Dion Alone - Heart

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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blend

So fresh, so clean

hot tech

DYSON V11 It’s spring cleaning every day, and what better way to keep your house tidy than with this wireless vacuum? dyson. com. $599.99

Cool gadgets to help enhance your local life.

Sooth operator

MANTA AROMA MASK In an attempt to stay ahead of stress and maintain a healthy mind, this aroma mask gently calms and relaxes you while blocking out light. mantasleep.com. $39.99

Read up

THUMB BOOK HOLDER Relax your mind (and your hand) with a good book. With this gadget you can read in any position or windy environment without the pages turning. etsy.com. $4

Power up

Hold water

Clear the air

Grill with skills

WEBER CONNECT SMART GRILLING HUB Need a new hobby?

Become a grill master and impress your family with perfectly cooked meat and veggies with this device that attaches to your smartphone and monitors your food’s temperature and doneness. weber.com. $130

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LocalLifeSC.com + MAY 2020

AMPHIRO A1 It’s easy to get lost in the shower with nothing else to do. But your water bill will thank you for this gadget. No tools required for installation, and you will know exactly how much water you are using in live time. amphiro.com $69.99

TRUSENS AIR PURIFIER Clean air brings peace of mind. Make sure you are keeping your lungs healthy with the TruSens purifier. trusens. com. $249.99

POPPOWER HOME Smart phones are dying a lot faster with all of this free time on our hands. This new wireless charger just made charging your phone a breeze (even with that pop socket on the back). popsockets.com. $60

Get hooked

HOOK-ON DESK Work from home and still enjoy the fresh air with this hook-on desk. Attach this to your balcony on a sunny work day! wayfair.com $89.99

Call to action

A little boost

SONOS BOOST WIRELESS NETWORK TRANSMITTER Wifi is a hot commodity these days, and the Nest Wifi extender guarantees whole home coverage and a strong signal. Perfect for meeting deadlines or streaming your favorite new series on Netflix. store.google.com. $149.99

LEXON OBLIO WIRELESS CHARGER & UV CLEANER Now is the time to be aware of germs. Our phones are undoubtedly the dirtiest objects that we come in contact with every day. This will clean and charge your phone at the same time. Win, win! store. moma.org. $80

Hargray Internet starting at

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Call 843.686.5262 | hargray.com Limited time offer. Promotion is for new customers only, adding Hargray services for the first time. Promotion of Internet plans starting at $50 per month is good for the first year. Additional Hargray services are allowed for additional monthly cost per service. Promotional offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offers or Hargray Rewards. Advertised price does not include equipment fees, taxes, surcharges or any other regulatory or governmental charges. Broadband speeds may not be available in all areas, are not guaranteed, are subject to a number of factors and are measured via direct connection (not via Wi-Fi). ©2020, Hargray Communications Group, Inc.; logos are registered trademarks and as such, protected property of their respective companies; all rights reserved.

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Great reads that have been translated to film

IF YOU FIND SOME EXTRA TIME ON YOUR HANDS, READ THE BOOKS THEN SEE THE MOVIE FOR A DOUBLE TREAT DURING YOUR STAYCATION! SELECTIONS BY DENISE FRIDAY

THE CALL OF THE WILD A 1903 novel by Jack London.

THE GOLDFINCH A 2013 novel

by Donna Tartt that won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

This is the story of 13-year-old Theodore Decker, who goes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother, in particular to see her favorite painting by Carel Fabritius.

It is The Goldfinch, a small portrait of a bird chained to its perch. While there, a bombing destroys part of the museum and kills several people, yet Theo survives. He finds The Goldfinch in the rubble and believes since his mom was viewing the painting at the time, she might have survived. He takes the painting home and waits for her, only to realize she perished with so many priceless pieces of art. Over the 771 pages, Tartt slowly and methodically lays out the new life for Theo, filled with grief and hardship and sorrow and poor choices. Throughout it all he has the painting, which is both a cherished and painful reminder of his mother.

Theo himself is like the bird, born for a certain life that is taken from him in a moment, and although he encounters kindness and friendship, his loneliness cannot be cured, and he is chained to his grief like the bird to his perch. Film version released in September 2019 starring Oakes Fegley, Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman and Jeffery Wright. The film mostly follows the book, but gives a softer edge to the characters on film.

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Set in the late 1800s during the Klondike gold rush in Yukon, Canada, this is the story of Buck, a good-natured dog that is a cross between a St. Bernard and a Scotch Shepherd. Buck is stolen from his carefree life in California and sold in Skagway, Alaska, where dogs are in high demand to pull sleds. His journey brings him into the company of men and dogs, some fair and some mean. He has adventures and hardships, and as he slips from his domesticated life, he is pulled toward a primal life in the wild. Eventually Buck finds himself being cared for by John Thornton, an old prospector who saves him from a stupid and cruel owner. Together they travel in proximity of the Arctic Circle, somewhere between Yukon and Alaska, in search of adventure and gold.

It is here that Buck finds his true clan, his wild brothers, the wolves. The Call of the Wild was adapted into film in 1935, and most recently this February, starring Harrison Ford and Omar Sy. The newest version uses animated dogs, and has a kinder, slightly less violent storyline than the book.

WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE A 2012 novel

by Maria Semple.

A delightfully funny story told with narrative, emails, texts, FBI documents and even a medical bill. Bernadette Fox is a brilliant former architect who is hiding from the world.

Her husband, Elgie, more brilliant, is a star at Microsoft.

Their daughter, Bee, may be the most brilliant of the three. Upon middle school graduation, Bee can have anything if she gets straight As. Her wish? A family trip to Antarctica. This poses a problem for Bernadette, who hates to leave the house or talk to or see anyone.

Throw in a busybody parent from Bee’s private school, busybody’s best friend who ends up working for Elgie, and Bernadette’s virtual assistant who is tasked with planning the trip. The craziness would push any agoraphobic to literally disappear. Film Version released in August 2019 starring Cate Blanchett, Emma Nelson, Billy Crudup and Kristen Wiig. A lighthearted and touching version, but definitely not as funny as the book.

THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW A 2018 novel by A. J. Finn. (a pseudonym for Daniel Mallory) Anna Fox lives alone in her large brownstone in New York. She is a successful child psychologist, but a traumatic event has caused her to develop agoraphobia. Attempts to leave her house cause panic attacks.

She is able to consult online, get items she needs delivered and spends her time in chat rooms, watching old films and drinking. When a new family moves in across the street, she begins watching them through her Nikon. One night she thinks she witnesses a crime in one of their windows, but is unsure if she dreamt it due to her drinking and night time viewing of Hitchcock movies. The plot twists, and surprises in this book are genuine and will leave you guessing till the end what is real and what is imagined. The Woman in the Window is a soon-to-be-released American psychological thriller. The film stars Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Julianne Moore.

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE A 2005 novel by Jonathan Safran Foer.

The book is narrated by nine-year-old Oskar Schell. Oskar discovers a key in a vase that belonged to his father, a year after he is killed in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The discovery inspires Oskar to search out people all around New York for information about the key, somehow thinking it will bring him answers about his father’s death. As he maps out his journey, his mother secretly contacts the strangers to forewarn them of her son’s journey. A film adaptation of the novel was released in December 2011, starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis and Thomas Horn. It takes some liberties with the characters, but is still a moving story.

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE A 2017 novel by Celeste Ng. Two families who could not be more different enter each other’s worlds and cause dramatic changes to several lives in the seemingly perfect town of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Five different moms are portrayed, each of whom makes choices that cause them to lose, or keep, their daughters in their lives. It is a microcosm study of art, teen relations, race, income and what defines a ‘good’ mother. A book you will continue to contemplate long after you finish. A miniseries was released in March on Hulu. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson and a cast of talented teen actors. Well done and thought-provoking.

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Join the club

CONNECT WITH LOCAL READERS WHO SHARE YOUR INTERESTS.

Interested in joining a local book club? The public libraries in Bluffton and Hilton Head has you covered. Everyone is welcome, and there is no need to register. See which one suits your reading style, read the book and attend the next scheduled meeting to talk it over with the club.

Bluffton Library LITERATI, INC An all-fiction lovers' book club showcasing wit, wisdom, camaraderie and cookies.

Next meeting: 1 p.m., May 12 Required reading:

Hilton Head Library

MIRACLE CREEK

BY ANGIE KIM In a small town in Virginia, a group of people know each other because they’re part of a special treatment center, a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. But then the chamber explodes, two people die, and it’s clear the explosion wasn’t an accident.

THE SENIOR CENTER BOOK CLUB Next meeting: 2 p.m., May 19 Required reading: THE SECRET LIFE OF ANNA BLANC

BY JENNIFER KINCHELOE

THE BIO BOOK CLUB A literary circle learning about themselves and life by reading about other lives.

It's 1907 Los Angeles. Mischievous socialite Anna Blanc could match wits with Sherlock Holmes, but in her world women are not allowed to hunt criminals. Determined to break free of the era's rigid social roles, she buys off the chaperone assigned by her domineering father and, using an alias, takes a job as a police matron with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Next meeting: 11 a.m., May 14 Required reading: AMERICAN PROMETHEUS: THE TRIUMPH & TRAGEDY OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER

BY KAI BIRD J. Robert Oppenheimer is one of the iconic figures of the twentieth century, a brilliant physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb for his country in a time of war, and who later found himself confronting the moral consequences of scientific progress.

THE NOVEL EVENINGS BOOK CLUB Next meeting: 6 p.m., May 12 Required reading: THE GIVER OF STARS

BY JOJO MOYES Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond.

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BLUFFTON LIBRARY BOOK CLUB A literary circle for the sharing of the joys, sorrows, surprises and wonders of the written word.

Next meeting: 1 p.m., May 20 Required reading: THE SILENT PATIENT

BY ALEX MICHAELIDES A shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

blend BUDDY

This young guy can bounce with all four paws leaving the ground. There is truly nothing funnier to witness. Buddy is just a little over a year and weighs 44 pounds. In the words of Narwhal from the movie Elf, “Bye, Buddy, hope you find your dad!”

Color: Black and tan Age: 1 Likes: Tennis balls, beach days, Ozark (Season 1). “Over the course of the season, things went from bad to worse and then worse again.” — Buddy Dislikes: Social distancing. “I’ll be glad when belly scratches from random strangers are acceptable again.” — Buddy

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Hot diggity dogs

EVE GOES HOME E V E R Y DAY

we provide safe haven for the abandoned cats and dogs of the Lowcountry.

E V E R Y DAY

a wonderful and healthy animal is ready to enrich your life as a beautiful new family member.

Come see who’s waiting for you.

10 Humane Way Hilton Head Island, SC | 843.681.8686 10 Pritcher Point Road Okatie, SC | 843.645.8400

www.hhhumane.org 28

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BUDDY AND MUFFIN

Is all of this staying at home driving you stir-crazy? While we have been increasingly isolated from one another during this mess, many Lowcountry residents have taken comfort in the companionship of their pets. Their unconditional love and loyalty can benefit an owner’s emotional well-being. If you’re looking to join the furry fun club, here are two great dogs to consider. Adopt them at Hilton Head Humane Association, hhhumane.org, 843-681-8686.

MUFFIN

Muffin went through a recent divorce and would really like a fresh start in a new home of her own. She’s a little shy, but super sweet and loves chin rubs. She just needs a little TLC (not the TV channel or the girl group from the ‘90s).

Color: Tan and black Age: 5 Likes: "Gourmet food for dogs, shiny objects, mellowing out to some cool tunes." — Muffin Dislikes: Tight hugging. “Unlike primates, we canines have no history of grasping each other to show affection. Let’s lick faces instead!” — Muffin Have you adopted one of LOCAL Life’s featured pets? Send a photo of you and your new friend to info@wearelocallife.com for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Official Mensa Challenge ®

Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

1. Following the same logic as for the first three triangles on the right, fill in the missing number for the fourth triangle.

Not going anywhere for awhile? Take this quiz!

2. A simple substitution code has been used to conceal a “quote.” Work out the code to decipher the original words.

Henry Ford: J SFBMMZ EPOU UIJOL QFPQMF XJMM FWFS MPWF DBST UIF XBZ UIFZ MPWF UIFJS IPSTFT.

3. Use the clues to fill in the blanks below with words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings and different spellings. a) Part _______ Tranquility _______

b) Movement of the sea _______ Put together with a cord or rope _______

c) Sardonic _______ A grain _______

4. Solve this small crossword puzzle on the right: Across: 1. “Amazing!” 4. Eye part 6. Man 7. Wild blue yonder Down: 1. False locks 2. Mine yards 3. Flirtatious gesture 5. Pig’s digs 5. Place the same four-letter word in each blank on the right to make four common English words. _______ RAY

_______ END

_______ AGE

_______ ICO

[LAST MONTH'S ANSWERS] 1. CASH, BASH, BASK, BANK (There could be other ways.) 2. $825 (300 ÷ 2 = 150 @ $5= $750) + (1/4 x 300 = 75 @ $3 = $225) + (1/4 x 300 = 75 @ $2 = $150) = $1,125 - $300 = $825) 3. The missing letter is “W”: COWARDLY, WONDERFUL, WINNING, WATCHES. 4. $2 (Each syllable is worth $1.) 5. 5 (7 5 [glass] = 2; + 3 = 5)

ARE YOU READY FOR MENSA?

American Mensa is where brilliance belongs – it’s where friendships are forged for life, business connections and opportunities are made, and where brilliant minds find the chance to engage with others in an intellectually stimulating environment. Just for LocalLife readers: Take the Mensa Practice Test for just $5! Visit americanmensa.org/mht and use offer code: Local20. Quiz © 2018 Dr. Abbie F. Salny Mensa provides official tests and answers to LOCAL Life as part of an exclusive license agreement. Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

We’re Still Here For You. With new telehealth services, we’ll be able to see you directly from home.

While a virtual office visit cannot replace an in-person eye exam, we can easily assist you with many pressing questions and concerns until we are able to return to routine care. If an urgent condition is identified, we can arrange for an appropriate in-person office visit with utmost attention to your safety.

For more information on telehealth and virtual office visits, go to BishopEye.com/virtual.

The Leading Center for Cataract, Glaucoma, and Retina Surgery H i l t o n H ea d • Okat ie • 843-689-3937 • B is hopEye.c om

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Charity Spotlight

Help 4 Hope MISSION

The Help 4 Hope Fund is providing economic support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lowcountry by feeding families, supporting restaurants and saving jobs. Its goal is to raise $5 million, creating an economic stimulus program that will stabilize our local food-service industry.

GLIMMER OF HOPE The Help 4 Hope economic stimulus program supports our local restaurants, feeds local families during this turbulent time and ensures the long-term stability of our local food-service industry.

HISTORY

The Watterson Family Foundation partnered with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and a team of local leaders in April to create a stimulus program to help stabilize our local economy. Help 4 Hope creates a common currency called a community investment card, which donors will fund, and trusted community partners (Bluffton Self Help, The Deep Well Project, Campbell Chapel AME Church among others) will distribute to those affected by this crisis, empowering them to deploy this capital back into participating restaurants of their choice for a family meal for four.

Participating restaurants will then turn over the redeemed cards to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and be reimbursed $50 for each card used.

WHO IT HELPS

The initiative helps feed families affected by this crisis, supports local restaurants by generating new business and saving jobs in the food-service industry.

HOW TO HELP Donate to the Help 4 Hope Fund online at help4hopenow. org. Bluffton Self Help, the Deep Well Project, Campbell Chapel AME and others will be distributing community investment cards to those in need. The cards can be redeemed at participating restaurants for a family meal for four (a $50 value). The restaurants will redeem the cards at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry for reimbursement from the community fund. LL

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAKE-A-WISH SOUTH CAROLINA Visit help4hopenow.org or email help4hopenow@gmail.com 30

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ART

“The Tourists”

THAT

ELEVATES

Featured Artist | Joyce Werwie Perry

Fine Art Gallery Custom Picture Framing

CamelliaArt.com 1 Office Way (At the corner of Pope Avenue and Office Way) | 843 785 3535 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 45 Calhoun Street | 843 757 3530 | Bluffton | South Carolina 35 North Main Street (Inside JBanks Design Retail Showroom) | 843 290 7700 | Hilton Head Island | South Carolina

Local Life Full No Bleed Master.indd 1

4/10/20 12:05 PM

COMMUNITY FOCUS

ON PHILANTHROPY

ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES I’ve lived in the Lowcountry for 22 years, and I’m always moved by the generosity of the people here.

When Hurricane Matthew devastated our area, you donated almost $180,000 to the Community Foundation’s Disaster Recovery and Rebuilding Fund; we added $100,000. We then granted to nonprofit organizations providing immediate help and rebuilding support in our Lowcountry counties. Money came not only from individual donors, but also from multiple neighborhoods, businesses and groups that held fundraisers to support the fund.

We’re seeing that again, as our region faces uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we watch it create hardship, we don’t do so helplessly. We roll up our sleeves and get to work.

In response, we created the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund that has been deploying grants to front line nonprofits supporting the most vulnerable in our community. In early April we granted $158,000 to 11 area nonprofits, and we’ve awarded even more since then.

Others are stepping up as well. Here are some of the groups and organizations that have partnered with us to address COVID-19-related needs: Lowcountry Strong Foundation, a fund of the Community Foundation, created the Hungry Hearts Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. Partnering with Downtown Catering Company, they’re serving free meals, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., to restaurant workers who are currently out of work. To donate go to cflowcountry.civicore.com/LowcountryStrongFoundation.

Camelot Limousine will pick up prescriptions, groceries, takeout orders and run errands. In lieu of payment, please make a gift to their crowdfunding campaign linked to our COVID-19 Response Fund. cflowcountry.civicore. com/camelotlimoreliefcovid19 Community Strong – Club Outside is a membership initiative by Outside Brands.

Donors purchase a $250 membership with many benefits and discounts. $100 from each purchase supports their laid-off employees and $50 goes into the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund. outsidehiltonhead.com/cluboutside Hampton Hall Charitable Fund has created a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for our COVID-19 response fund. You don’t have to be a Hampton Hall neighbor to donate. Learn more at cflowcountry.civicore.com/HHCFCOVID19Drive Help 4 Hope, established by the Watterson Family Foundation and various partners, helps feed families impacted by the pandemic, generate business for local restaurants and sustain food service jobs. cflowcountry.civicore.com/help4hope USCB Education Foundation – Student Emergency Fund provides support for USCB students who are housing/ food insecure, may not have internet accessibility or transportation, or may have basic needs during this unforeseen crisis. cflowcountry.civicore.com/ uscb-student-emergency-fund You can help. Donate to our COVID-19 fund at cflowcountry.civicore.com/covid, or to any of the funds above. As we’ve seen in the past, our community will pull together and get through this.

CHRIS KERRIGAN President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, shares stories and insights on philanthropy in the Lowcountry.

WHEN OUR NEIGHBORS ARE IN NEED WE ANS W E R T H E C A L L .

Now, more than ever, our community needs us. Job loss, evictions and other personal crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are rippling through our community. Families are hungry, they fear losing their housing and they need assistance.

will use your donations to support front line nonprofits which are working with the most vulnerable populations in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties.

100% of the dollars raised goes directly to support the fund’s mission.

If you’re looking for a way to help, the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund, a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry set up specifically to address the hardships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,

The Community Foundation has already provided more than $200,000 in funding to local nonprofits helping those affected

by COVID-19. But the needs are great, and they’ll continue for months to come.

843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

Make a difference to those who need it right now. Donate to the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund at https:// cflowcountry.civicore.com/covid.

Or, for more information, visit our website at cf-lowcountry.org.

OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS US.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LOCAL Life asked Sandy Gillis to share her thoughts on what it means to be local. Gillis is the executive director of The Deep Well Project, a social services organization based on Hilton Head Island. LOCAL Life welcomes letters to the editor and comments to our website.

Write to info@wearelocallife.com

local What makes it adjective. lo·cal | lō-kəl

1: characterized by or relating to position in space: having a definite spatial form or location 2: of, relating to, or characteristic of a particular place: not general or widespread: of, relating to, or applicable to part of a whole 3: primarily serving the needs of a particular limited district of a public conveyance: making all the stops on a route

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We lean on each other

Thirty-four years ago this June I drove across the bridge to Hilton Head Island for the very first time.

A job brought me here – not a vacation. I intended to learn a lot at my three-month summer internship at a local advertising agency, then go land an exciting job in advertising/marketing someplace like Atlanta or Charlotte or Jacksonville.

LOCAL SINCE 1986 Sandy Gillis is the executive director of The Deep Well Project, a predominantly volunteer-based nonprofit that helps locals in emergency situations.

Learn more at deepwellproject.org.

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But then a funny thing happened — I never left Hilton Head.

Three months became 34 years.

After a zany and educational internship at a local ad agency filled with creative, skilled and dedicated advertising pros like Tom Gardo, Tim Doughtie, John David Rose, Porter Thompson and Glen McCaskey, I moved on to an equally educational and fun job at Southern Marketing Services, with a cast of characters directed by Roger Fulton and Sally Park. All of these marketing titans — so gifted — taught me truths about business, but more importantly, about life and how to be a good person.

Next up, in the summer of 1989 I landed at The Island Packet as a sales representative. Yes, the person whose only sales experience was selling Girl Scout cookies, went into sales. And loved it.

At the Packet for the next 29 years I worked with and met an army of local legends, from the business world, sports arena, people of faith, the whole gamut.

Some of these people were truly

local and were “been here” folks.

People like Abe and CharlieMae Grant and their daughter Carolyn and some of the esteemed members of the Campbell Clan — Emory, Morris, and my sweet friend Carol — who had the wisdom to marry a Campbell.

Many of the other people I met through my job and related activities were definitely “come here” people, who were pivotal in shaping the Island during the early days — dynamos like Charles Fraser, John Curry, Angus Cotton, Martha Baumberger, and Tom Peeples, to name just a few.

What an amazing 34 years I’ve lived on this lovely little Island.

And I’ve learned the most significant trait that makes a person a local: Loving our community and caring for your neighbor.

Look closely at all things good, and you will track back to a person or a group of people who saw a need in our community, and cared enough to fix it. Billie Hack and Reverend Isaac Wilborn saw that hard-working people needed an

excellent and affordable day care for their babies, and The Children’s Center was founded. Charles Perry and Brian Carmines realized youngsters on Hilton Head had no place to play ball or learn to swim, and The Island Recreation Center got built. And the Deep Well Project’s own Charlotte Heinrichs figured out neighbors were getting sick because their wells weren’t deep enough – so she got busy fixing that problem, plus a whole bunch more.

People who are caring and helping are at the core of being local — the silver lining in the storm ravages of COVID-19. In my role at Deep Well, I continue to see a long list of people helping in every way possible – food and financial help to cover rent and utility bills for their out-of-work neighbor, volunteering to help in the midst of the pandemic. Stepping up again and again to help. Local sees a need, then fixes it. Bless all the locals for all you’ve done – and continue to do — to care for and heal our community. LL

Now more than ever, experience makes the difference.

INTEGRITY INDEPENDENCE TRUST The resources of a large firm, with the personal attention of a small practice.

42

Years of Experience

We seek to simplify complex financial terms and investment options, offer honest advice, and help you navigate life.

At Hilton Head Capital Partners, we approach your financial picture from a wide angle lens and build long-term, trusted relationships while working to pursue your goals. To us, you’re not just a number or portfolio. You are our priority and we have built our firm around helping you succeed.

Bruce Brenner Wood, Managing Partner - 42 Years Robert Schaff, Financial Advisor/Operations Director - 15 years Thomas Fox, Consultant/Investment Strategy Research - 35 Years

At Hilton Head Capital Partners, first and foremost, we hope that you and your families are staying safe and well during these historic and challenging times.

Our normal is changing!

Hilton Head Island, SC • Charlotte, NC • Birmingham, AL

7 Lafayette Place, Suite B, Hilton Head Island, SC

833.300.4427 hiltonheadcapitalpartners.com

faces

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LL Find additional images from these photo shoots online at LocalLifeSC.com

Faces of hope in pandemic HARDSHIP DOESN’T BUILD CHARACTER, IT REVEALS IT. FIND OUT WHAT IT REVEALED ABOUT THESE THREE LOCALS.

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STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

There’s a reason we look to the Renaissance as the birth of western culture. It’s during this window in the 15th and 16th centuries that the arts and sciences truly flourished, ushering in the modern age and enlightening the planet.

During this era, great artists and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton and Galileo reshaped the world around them.

And none of it would have happened were it not for the Black Plague.

With the pandemic as a backdrop, with their characters tempered by this hardship, these great minds set about creating a better world for those who would come after them. Today, we were better prepared for a pandemic than 15th-century Europe, but the hardship remains, and so too does the effect that hardship has on those most determined to create a better world. If you need proof, here are three locals guiding this modern renaissance.

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Jacque Visscher

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THIS TEACHER IS PATIENT ZERO OF THE LOCAL CHALK ART MOVEMENT.

During our period of social distancing and isolation, few things brought us together like social media. And while the memes were plentiful and the Facebook posts let us all list the “sky blue” items in our camera roll, they were a way for us to pass the time and make conversation.

But some of the best viral moments of this pandemic were the moments of creativity, scribbled on driveways all over the world. The practice of creating and sharing chalk art became the creative outlet du jour in quarantine, with everything from rainbow-colored butterflies to geometric stained-glass-style hearts garnering likes, shares and comments in the millions.

Jacque Visscher, Red Cedar Elementary School’s art teacher, did not start this movement. But if you’re looking for patient zero in the Lowcountry, this outbreak of vivid sidewalk exultation definitely started with her.

“I didn’t mean to kick it off,” she said with a laugh. It all started with a post she saw online of sidewalk artwork as a way to get kids outside and share their work with families who are now much more prone to walk around the neighborhood. “I shared it with my friends and said, ‘Who’s going to do this?’”

It turned out, all of them. And all of the people with whom they shared the idea. Soon, chalk art was popping up on driveways all over the Lowcountry. Some

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LOCAL SINCE 2007 Jacque Visscher is the art teacher at Red Cedar Elementary School.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys photography, woodworking and spending time with her 5-year-old daughter, Caroline, and 6-month-old son, Carter.

of this art carried messages of hope.

Some of it was just pure creative silliness. All of it served as the perfect outlet for Lowcountry youth cooped up inside all day.

“What’s really cool is when my kids at school ask their parents to tag me in their photos. I still get tagged in pictures every day,” she said. “It’s just really cool to see all the kids putting their own spin on it.”

It’s even spread beyond the borders of the Lowcountry, going viral in Visscher’s native Wisconsin as she finds herself tagged in driveway masterpieces across the Badger State. “It wasn’t mine to begin with anyway, but it’s great to see friends tagging me in photos they’re proud to show me.”

And for homeschooling parents in desperate need of some extracurriculars for their students, the sidewalk chalk art project has been a godsend.

“For these students, it’s their chance to relax and just do something for them,” she said. “It makes me feel good inside that everyone’s using art right now. That’s what I’m happiest about the most.”

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Lucy Rosen

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THIS MARKETING EXPERT KEEPS LOCALS SMILING THROUGH FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY.

If there is a silver lining to be found in the dark clouds of this pandemic, it’s the way it has brought families together. Those of us with small children might complain about the sudden abundance of quality time, but on some level we know there will come a time when we look back on these days in gratitude for the bonds it helped us build with our kids.

As such, it’s a great moment in a family’s story to capture forever. Enter Lucy Rosen, and the Front Step Project.

Forming in pockets across the country, this movement is providing families with free portraits, shot on their front porch at a safe distance, in exchange for a donation to a charity of your choice. Rosen saw the immense good this movement was doing and realized this was the perfect time to bring this movement to the Lowcountry.

“I saw it on Facebook and thought it was pretty cool, so I just did a post asking if anyone would be interested,” she said.

Hundred of likes and shares later, it was pretty clear people were interested. To date, Rosen has photographed around 45 families on their front porches, using the photography equipment she employs as a wildlife photographer to keep a safe distance. (“Children are a little like wildlife, if you ask me,” she said with a laugh).

These moments she’s capturing reveal families who find themselves

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Given recent volatility,

LOCAL SINCE 2015 Lucy Rosen is the owner of SmartMarketing Communications. In her free time, she enjoys wildlife photography, brainstorming new business ventures with entrepreneurs and absolutely anything that has to do with discovering places she’s never been in the Lowcountry.

closed in together as they wait out the pandemic. Rosen mentions one family where six children and an assortment of dogs all shared the spotlight; another where the children dressed up in patriotic garb for their photo, and one neighbor who had her family portrait shot with her beloved dog.

“Families really enjoy it, and the majority are people who otherwise might never have a family portrait done,” she said.

It not only gives families a keepsake of their time together and raises money for local charities, it also lets Rosen, the quintessential creative type with a social streak a mile wide, keep up her photographic chops while meeting new people.

“I don’t own this. This isn’t my thing, this is for any photographer who wants to participate,” she said.

“And even though it started as a coronavirus thing … my feeling is this is going to continue.”

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POLARISCAPITALADVISORS.COM Emily A. Johnson, CFP, ChFC, CLU, CDFA Founder/Managing Director Casey J. Bateman, CPC, MHA Director

Polaris Capital Advisors, LLC. is a registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here.

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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faces

Leah McCarthy

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THIS RESTAURATEUR IS ON A MISSION TO HELP FEED THOSE WHO FEED US. While the onset of social distancing, and ultimately closure of non-essential businesses, was a tumultuous time for most workers, few were hit as hard as hospitality workers. While the place they work could still serve customers through carry-out, the closure of dining rooms and bars meant that the hospitality workers who depend on tips were immediately placed in dire straits. And with revenues shrinking, many were laid off.

Leah and Ryan McCarthy own Downtown Deli and Downtown Catering Company, and Leah long has served as a local leader in food and beverage. Having spent her career in hospitality, Leah McCarthy knew something had to be done.

“Almost immediately, Ryan and I started thinking about what we could do to give back and help,” she said. “During other times of crisis – hurricanes, generally – we were able to give food and bring people together for fundraisers. This was different.”

The result was Hungry Hearts Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, which partnered with Lowcountry Strong Foundation to undertake a twofold mission. First, to feed restaurant workers lunch and dinner daily. Second, to provide monetary support for partner restaurants through purchasing said daily lunches and dinners.

To accomplish this mission, Lowcountry Strong Foundation collects funds, purchases the meals from restaurants, then gives them to displaced hospitality workers free of charge.

They have collected more than $70,000 so far from private donors and have purchased more than $20,000 in meals from their 40 participating restaurants so far in Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. Downtown Deli even used its own kitchens to provide Easter dinner for hospitality workers.

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BUSINESS INSURANCE TEAM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Angele Bryant LOCAL SINCE 1988 Bluffton’s Leah McCarthy moved here as a 13-year-old eighth grader. When she’s not operating Downtown Deli and Downtown Catering Company, she enjoys her Peloton bike, yoga and walking her dog, Pepper. She also enjoys cooking for family and friends. “Throwing a great gathering really excites me!”

The Hungry Heart fund is not only feeding workers and helping area restaurants survive troubling times, it’s also had the happy consequence of bringing together the Lowcountry’s F&B community.

“It really became community over competition,” said Leah. Restaurants that have participated include One Hot Mama’s and Fat Patties, places that directly compete with Downtown Deli and each other for the lunch and dinner crowd. “People are really stepping up, and they want to participate. After their first service, I’m getting texts saying ‘When can I do this again?’ They’re so happy to help.”

And while restaurants are paid for every meal they provide through the fund, Leah notes some are declining to take so much as a dime. Such is the nature of the hospitality industry in the Lowcountry – tested by natural disasters and now by pandemic, and coming together stronger with each test.

“Everyone has been amazing. They’re seeing the bigger picture that we’re doing this for everyone. It’s not the norm in something like this.”

To donate, visit lowcountrystrong. com. LL

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MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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celebrity

Q+A

CELEBRITY CONNECTION

Shep Rose

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FOR THIS REALITY TV STAR, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

STORY BY LISA ALLEN + PHOTOS BY BRAVO

Shep Rose, 40, who was raised on Hilton Head Island, stars in the Charleston-based reality show Southern Charm on Bravo, which launched in 2014. He also appeared in the film Reprisal starring Bruce Willis and the reality series Vanderpump Rules. He launched a casual clothing line in Charleston in June 2016 called Shep Gear.

LOCAL Life checked in on him during his Covid-19 staycation.

BUDDING ROSE Rose is shown with three of his many friends growing up on Hilton Head Island. ©TOMMY GARCIA/BRAVO

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©TOMMY GARCIA/BRAVO

All for One. You.

CHARMED LIFE Rose is shown with Southern Charm castmates Craig Conover and Kathryn Dennis. The series chronicles the personal and professional lives of seven socialites.

[LOCAL Life] What projects are you currently working on? [Shep Rose] Spending a lot of time working on new ideas for Shep Gear.

[LL] What do you miss most about Hilton Head? [SR] Well I’m sitting here now in Hilton Head at my folks’ house under quarantine, so I’m fully appreciating it at the moment. I like how it’s quiet and has lots of open space. My sister took her kids to Sea Pines to ride bikes and remarked on how lucky we are to have grown up here with all the bike paths and giant oaks, things we definitely took for granted, but there's just no other place like it.

[LL] What don't you miss? [SR] The summers. Of course, they were great fun when I was a teenager, but the crowds start to drive you nuts, and there's only one way in and out of this place. For some reason, it didn't seem as crazy 20-plus years ago when I was coming up. We'd go to Harbour Town and try to meet tourist girls. Fun memories!

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MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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celebrity [LL] What do you find you have to explain to people from other parts of the world about Hilton Head? [SR] That I come from a resort island and that I've essentially been on vacation my whole life.

Charleston Pineapple Hat

[LL] How do you think your upbringing helped you in your career? [SR] Um, what career? That’s a joke.

SHEP'S GEAR

Purchase the fashion ideas of Rose online at shepgear.com. "Formality is for suckers; casualness exudes confidence," he said.

[LL] What has been the biggest surprise so far this year? [SR] This pandemic. It's completely fascinating to me watching people’s reactions, adapting to new regulations. It's so unprecedented, I’m amazed by it. Can't wait for some of the books and movies in a couple of years that come out.

[LL] What was the highlight of 2019?

[SR] I was just happy to have been able to go to a few UGA football games. Usually, I’m too busy in the fall.

[LL] What do people get wrong about you? [SR] People who know me probably don't get too much wrong about me at all.

I’m very "what you see is what you get.”

Of course, there are trolls and detectors waiting and wanting to tear you down, but they're sad people and I feel sorry for them. Though, it is alarming and I’m not sure what it says about the world that they're out there. Small price to pay though. Personally, I’m a happy guy these days. Life is good. LL

Sullivans IOP Captains Hat

MORE ONLINE Find more behind-the-scenes photos of Rose and the entire Southern Charm cast online at bravotv.com.

©PAUL CHENEY/BRAVO

Beach Button-Down

HAPPY TO BE HOME Rose is shown with his dog, Lil Craig, and Patricia Altschul. He recently posted this image from his parents' back deck in Sea Pines.

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business

Five tips

from a successful business woman SEA PINES’ DEE RAY SMASHED THE GLASS CEILING IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS STORY BY EDDY HOYLE

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In 1979 Dee Ray and her husband, Rick, formed Raycom Sports and forged the largest independent television network in the U.S. for live collegiate sports. In a man’s world, Ray experienced a patronizing attitude that she was only there to lend moral support to her husband. Networks and athletic conferences didn't expect to be working with a female in televised sports in those days. The sports industry was skeptical she would succeed in a male dominated, sports televised world. She proved them wrong.

“Their attitude was like ‘okay, you broke the glass ceiling, now get a broom and clean up the mess.’” She broke new ground, developed the most successful sales force in collegiate televised sports and broke a $100 million milestone in sales. “We built credibility and changed the industry at the same time. And for the first time, we brought local sports into homes that had no way to see their favorite teams."

In 1989 this power couple purchased the 28,000 sq. ft. Duke Mansion in Charlotte. They restored it from condominiums back to a single-family home and in 1996 established the Lynwood Institute to preserve the mansion, which now has 20 overnight guest suites and is a tremendous asset to Charlotte and North Carolina. In 2010 Ray came out of retirement and founded Nuray Digital, one of the first companies to digitize archives of film on antiquated formats for movies, documentaries, news, cartoons and, of course, sports. Her most important job, however, is that of a wife and mother. She describes Rick as her best friend; they have four children and are 25-year residents of Sea Pines. Here are her tips for success.

Keys to Success

1. Smart counts. “Hire the smartest people you can,” Ray stated. “Let them do their jobs and learn from them. Most of the employees we hired moved on and upward in the business world, validating we hired the right people. Qualities that are important are honesty, a willingness to work hard, and being a team player.”

2. Work like it’s your own business. “To work like it’s your own business is critical,” Ray explained. “That means that you should be willing to take the initiative and not wait to be told what to do. Recognize your efforts also effect the bottom line. And don’t just bring problems to management. Bring solutions along with the problems.”

3. Financial gain. Ray emphasized that financial gain shouldn’t be your first priority. “Don’t work for only financial gain. In every hiring interview I did, I would ask ‘what is more important — financial gain or a job well done?’ I never hired anyone who answered financial gain as their first priority because I wanted to hire people who would promote the good of the company. It always worked out, which is amazing. But a job well done gives satisfaction, and that equates to not only satisfaction of a job well done, but an employee's financial gain as well."

4. Honesty and follow-up. Recognize that you are human and don’t have all the answers. “If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it, find the answer and then come back. Honesty and follow-up earn trust. So admit it, find the answer and learn. Finding the right answers to questions may actually help shape your business.”

LOCAL SINCE 1995 Dee Ray is shown with husband Rick, grandson Jimmy and granddog Harly. Ray grew up in Asheville, N.C. and moved to Charlotte in the late '60s. They have owned a home in Sea Pines for 25 years. Ray is an avid master gardener and just completed Clemson's Master Gardener course. She also enjoys cooking, tennis and biking.

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5. Meet all clients in person. “The electronic environment we live in is too easy. Every first meeting should be face-to-face. It begins to build relationships that will grow and prosper. They meet you, see you, and experience your presence. They now know you, and you know them. This will build the best list of lifelong contacts.” LL

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Co-Chief Investment Officer

James Haley, CFP®

Sr. Portfolio Manager

Alan E. Johnson, CFP®

Sr. Portfolio Manager

dacapitalsc.com | 843.645.9700 Clarity

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Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. All investment programs have certain risks that are born by the investor. The opinions expressed herein are those of Dividend Assets Capital, LLC (“Dividend”) and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice. Dividend reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. Dividend is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Dividend including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

business

Local experts offer advice and guidance

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Four ways to invest more confidently in a volatile market

When financial markets fluctuate, even the calmest investors can start to question their financial strategies. But volatile markets can present opportunities, says Tracie McMillion, head of global asset allocation strategy for Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII).

“Financial markets are frequently volatile—that’s their nature,” she says. “Over longer periods of time, that volatility can add up to attractive portfolio growth.”

McMillion shares an analogy that compares this worry to seasickness: “If you stare at the waves directly ahead of you (the current financial market), the water may look bumpy and turbulent, and you might feel ill at ease. However, if you look outward at the horizon (your long-term investment goals), the ocean as a whole appears to be on a fairly even keel.”

In addition to focusing on your financial horizon, here are some strategies you can use to help weather economically turbulent times.

1. Match your investments to your time horizon. The simplest way to feel more comfortable about your investments is to align them with your financial calendar, no matter what happens in the financial world this month or year. For example, do you need some of your money fairly soon, or want it close at hand in case of an emergency? If so, McMillion says you should consider investments such as cash holdings and short-term bonds that shouldn’t lose much, if any, value over the short term. On the other hand, if you won’t need some of your investment money until you retire multiple years in the future, equities or longer-term bonds are worth a closer look.

Those investments carry more risks but also offer potentially better returns.

THE OPPORTUNITY OF COVID-19

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BY TERRY TADLOCK

Terry Tadlock (CIC, CPCU, CRIS) is president of Correll Insurance

Opportunity is often discovered through adversity.

No one expected to live through what we have the past several weeks. The insurance industry is no exception.

We have challenges and continue to look for ways to better serve our staff, clients and community. COVID-19 has changed the way we conduct our lives and without doubt has tremendously affected our economy. Our heart breaks for those who have experienced loss.

But we are also encouraged about the positivity our community is displaying. We will get through this, and when we do, we will be stronger.

Be encouraged to resist getting caught up in the negativity. Instead, look for opportunity to reach out and help others by looking for innovative ideas and solutions for the future. Being part of an incredible rebuild will be exciting. Stay positive and believe things are going to be better than ever. Let’s get started together!

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2. Know what to expect from your assets. Some investors lose confidence because they don’t fully understand how their investments work. In that case, McMillion says, some knowledge of typical asset behavior is a good thing. Consider reading up on different types of investments and asking questions of your financial advisor. Once you know how your investments are more likely to perform in certain financial markets, you can help ensure that your investment strategy is in line with your tolerance for risk.

3. Tune out the noise. By “noise” McMillion means the constant barrage of financial reports from the 24/7 news media. “It’s common for the financial markets to temporarily get a little bit messy as they sort through the current news cycle,” she says. However, investors usually don’t need to react to the everyday financial news, no matter how topsy-turvy things may seem. “Remember: The U.S. news tends to report on a very small slice of available investments, particularly U.S. large company stocks,” she says. “Your portfolio, if it’s diversified as it should be, probably isn’t going up and down to the same degree as these stocks. Your portfolio changes are probably much more moderate.”

4. Regularly revisit your plan. There’s no such thing as a completely set-it-andforget-it investment strategy, McMillion says. It’s always smart to check in regularly with your investment advisor. “Your life circumstances may change, or your financial goals could shift,” she says. “You’ll feel much more confident that your investments are doing their job if you review them regularly with your advisor.”

Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

This advertisement was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided to you by Gary T. Bezilla, MBA, Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investment Officer, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager, in Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, 843 681 1400 / 866 570 4043.

Investments and Insurance Products:

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Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0420 00514

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Don’t fight the Fed

BY THOMAS G. FOX

Thomas G. Fox is a consultant for Hilton Head Capital Partners and the founder and managing partner of WaterStreet Research Partners.

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TAKE THE LONG VIEW

BY JOHN CHIACCHIERO

John Chiacchiero is a managing director and partner of Oak Advisors in Bluffton.

As a long term investor, it is critically important to maintain focus on long-term financial goals and objectives. As hard as it may be from an investment perspective, we need to look through the current environment of fear and concern – emotions which, given the circumstances, are totally justified and felt by all of us – to the almost certain outcome of the virus receding and economic recovery occurring.

Trying to time market tops and bottoms is impossible. The evidence is overwhelming that most investors diminish their longterm returns trying to do so. They are more likely to chase the market up and down, and get whipsawed, buying high and selling low. But incrementally adjusting portfolio allocations in a patient and disciplined fashion in response to changing asset class expected returns and risks does make sense for long-term investors.

The time to be adding stocks and other long-term growth assets is when prices are low and markets – and most of us personally – are gripped by fear and uncertainty rather than complacency, optimism, or greed. Investing in such times will feel very uncomfortable. It may seem like the market could just keep dropping with no bottom in sight. But that is exactly where research, analysis, patience, experience, and having a disciplined investment process come into play.

Otherwise, if we invest based on our feelings and emotions, we are very likely to cash out of the market after it has already dropped a lot, locking in those losses. Then, waiting to reinvest after our discomfort and worry are gone, the market will already be much higher. That is not a recipe for long-term investment success.

Facing the current medical and economic crisis, the situation is probably likely to get worse before it gets better (we would love to be wrong on that). But, with some necessary and shared sacrifices from all of us – and clearly those on the medical front lines much more than most – it will get better.

We will get through this crisis period. Things will improve and recover. This too shall pass. Stay the course.

The Federal Reserve has our back. The Fed recently released a plan to put $2.7 trillion to work across a variety of programs that included the buying of riskier assets including junk bonds and consumer loans. So, if you needed proof that you shouldn’t “fight the Fed,” Jerome Powell recently used a longblade to chop off the left tail of the risk/return curve. The Fed made it completely clear that they are going to do everything possible to keep companies in business, employees in their jobs and consumers in their homes, cars and credit cards. They are even reaching into the Muni market to keep broken cities and states floating. This is big and it will come with a cost, but right now, we need to save Captain America. Payback will come later.

Focus on the future: The focus for investors should be on the 2021 and 2022 earnings recoveries and how much one wants to pay for those earnings streams and business models in the future. With the Fed at our back and a future recovery ahead, it makes perfect sense that value, small cap performed so well last week. Both areas of the market had been bottom performing and at risk of a continued economic slowdown. While the mega cap growth names will also enjoy a post COVID-19 recovery, their stocks will not see the upside potential that will be available in other areas of the market (from 361 Capital Commentary).

Institutional investors: Defense was warranted prior to the crash. Now institutional investors are moving to a neutral or bullish position and no longer see it necessary to be defensive. Risks are now more understood.

Final thoughts: What to do with our cash position? Dollar cost average in? Any disappointment in restarting economy will be met with more downside — perhaps to the S&P Index 2,500 to 2,600 level. My potential low has moved higher — from 2,100 (worst case) to 2,500 to 2,600 now (S&P 500). We recommended on Feb. 24 raising cash at approximately 3,240 on the S&P 500 for both of our portfolios.

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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business

3 pieces of advice for these uncertain times

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BY EMILY JOHNSON

Emily Johnson is the founder and managing director of Polaris Capital Advisors.

COVID-19 has hit our wallets in many ways and created a variety of financial challenges on extreme ends of the spectrum — from loss of income to declining IRA balances to fear of losing health benefits. As a result, the financial impact of this pandemic is highly personal, and how you respond depends on your overall financial picture. While generalized financial advice is impossible at this point, below are my top three recommendations for managing through these difficult and uncertain times: 1. Triage. If you have lost your job or have reduced income, you are likely in triage mode – meaning you need to take immediate steps to maintain your basic needs, assess your options, and take action. If you are eligible for unemployment benefits or the new SBA loan programs, apply now. Assess your new (hopefully temporary) normal income, and make cuts to your expenses where possible. If you still find yourself in the red, contact your creditors to request a forebearance or modification to give yourself time to recover from this upheaval.

2. Stick with your plan. While no one truly anticipates these Black Swan events, they are exactly what financial plans are intended to address. If you have a comprehensive financial plan in place, i.e. have set aside rainy day funds and have invested according to your true risk tolerance, it is more important that ever to stick to that plan.

3. Do not make emotional decisions during a bad market. The time to make changes is when the markets are strong, when you can make less emotional decisions from a position of strength, not fear. Assess changes you might want to make on the other side of this pandemic. This might mean seeking opportunities for learning new skills, re-evaluating how you spend your money (i.e. prioritizing debt repayment over discretionary spending), or re-assessing your risk tolerance and/or retirement timeline.

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FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO

BY CATHERINE WEST OLIVETTI

Catherine West Olivetti is the Managing Partner of Olivetti, McCray & Withrow, LLC

Across the nation, there has been an uptick in inquiries about estate planning.

The reason is, unsurprisingly, the coronavirus pandemic. Many clients feel a sense of urgency to get their wills and health care directives established or updated. People are uncomfortable with uncertainty. As a way to ease their fears of the unknown, they tend to focus on what they can control. For many, that means organizing their estate planning and what we have come to know as “getting your affairs in order.” ​Many people think that estate planning is merely preparing a will; however, estate planning encompasses much more. Optimally, you should consult with an estate planning attorney to review your overall objectives, your assets, liabilities, and concerns. We have successfully transitioned to video conferencing for our initial assessment. Based upon this consultation, your attorney can assist you with putting together a comprehensive plan. Documents can be prepared and sent via email for review and thereafter finalized. Executing documents requires a few additional precautionary steps. We have developed creative ways to keep this process timely yet safe for everyone involved.

While there has been discussion in the South Carolina legislature to ease the signing requirements on at least a temporary basis, no laws have been changed as of this writing. As the coronavirus will likely continue to limit social interaction for many, especially older members of the community, it is quite possible that estate planning will continue to be handled this way for clients in the most vulnerable populations.

Regardless of where you are in the estate planning process, we want you to know that this is still a good time to move forward. One thing that you can do today is to organize a list of your accounts, along with usernames and passwords. As digital acumen progresses, documentation and organization of financial information becomes more important. It is imperative to let loved ones know where accounts are held and how to access those accounts. While keeping a list of passwords on a sticky note attached to a computer may not be the best idea, keeping a list of usernames and passwords for accessing accounts is critical. After all, if a person is incapacitated, at a minimum, their agent acting under their power of attorney needs to be able to access bank accounts to pay bills and handle affairs. And this aspect of estate planning merely requires communication and transparency, something that is well within your control even during this period of uncertainty.

Insurance advice for employees and employers

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BY MISSY LAYMAN

Missy Layman is a partner of Kinghorn Insurance Agency.

As a result of the financial pressures of this pandemic on our local businesses, many of our friends and family members have been impacted by layoffs. Many have lost their health insurance at a time when it could be the most important insurance they need. Our concern for all affected by layoffs or furloughs in our community is that they get the right advice for the options to secure coverage. The critical issue is that because each individual has unique needs and circumstances, there may be several options available. Advice and counsel in evaluating these options is extremely important. These decisions can impact the quality of care and the cost of your medical needs. Kinghorn Insurance Agency has a specialized, dedicated Employee Benefits Division to assist both the employee and the employer with support, service, advice and affordable options for coverage.

Wisdom to the laid-off employee: Explore your options with trusted, accountable, experienced professionals. In this pandemic environment, experience, knowledge and trust are key factors to look for in your advisors. There are options, and some of these policies could cost you nothing. Yes, $0.

Encouragement to the employer: Put your employees in the hands of agents/ brokers like myself who can specialize in assisting them with options that can involve both an expert in Employee Benefits and expertise in the individual arena.

Employees need council on the continuation of coverage as well as the individual plan options. Don't be afraid to also step back into benefit offerings quickly after employees return to work. There are creative approaches to get this done.

Call us for support and for options before you call the insurance company on your ID card for solutions. Ask yourself, “Who will be your best advocate in this situation?� We will.

MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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wellness

Work (out) from home OLD-SCHOOL HOME GYM ESSENTIALS

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Explore your options

Step on it

BOWFLEX SELECTTECH 552 This is a great addition to your at home gym, giving you 15 different weight options while only taking up the space of one set of dumbbells.

Use dumbbells for a plethora of good upper body workouts like arm curls, shoulder extensions, bench presses and more. Or hold them during squats and lunges for an added challenge. dickssportinggoods.com. $329.99

YES4ALL ADJUSTABLE AEROBIC STEP PLATFORM The stepper can be used as a bench for dumbbell press or to intensify your plyometric and cardio routine. It is easy to assemble and lightweight; you can use it anywhere. walmart.com. $54.99

STORY BY RHETT JERRUM

When it comes to fitness, working out doesn’t have to mean going out. Build endurance, increase strength and burn calories all from the comfort of your home with these eight old-school fitness tools for your home gym.

Ready to roll

Band aids

TRIGGERPOINT CORE FOAM ROLLER Foam rolling is the best way to finish a workout. Roll out any tightness, soreness, and inflammation, all while increasing your joint range of motion. A must-have for your home gym collection. target.com. $19.99

FILA RESISTANCE BAND KIT Resistance bands are great for adding a bit of power to your upper and lower body workouts.

Throw these on during a donkey kick or arm extension session and you will surely feel the burn … for days. kohls.com. $24.99

Swing into action

ETHOS KETTLEBELL The kettlebell is a staple for strength and flexibility training. Use a kettlebell for a single or double leg deadlift for a killer hamstring workout. dickssportinggoods.com. $19.99

Have a ball

FITNESS GEAR MEDICINE BALL Medicine balls are good for developing coordination and balance. Use these when doing exercises that are off balance to target your deeper ab and lower back muscles. A good medicine ball workout is the “Russian Twist.”

Sit on the ground with your legs extended, lean back, and twist from side to side tapping the medicine ball to the ground on each twist. dickssportinggoods.com. $29.99

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Go to the mat

LULULEMON YOGA MAT Yoga mats provide a nice cushion between your back and the ground for any workout or stretch. You can do ab workouts, yoga, post workout stretches, and more comfortably on this padded foam. lululemon.com. $68

Get the jump

CROSSROPE GET STRONG JUMP ROPE Cardio made easy (or somewhat easier). 10 minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging. Get your cardio session done in any room of your house and take a trip down memory lane with double dutch nostalgia from grade school. crossrope.com. $70

MOHS SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY

Advanced Fellowship Training Specializing in Skin Cancer

STAY IN SHAPE WITH THESE VIRTUAL EXERCISE OPTIONS XP Fitness: Miss meeting with your personal trainer and feeling like you’re being held accountable? XP Fitness is offering virtual personal training services. Sessions include instructions from a personal trainer to help you develop and stick to a training program at home while you are unable to get to a gym. Regain control of your health with a little help from a motivating coach. The cost will be close to your membership dues.

CrossFit843: To ensure its members are able to get a good workout in, CrossFit843 is offering three daily workouts for users to follow, daily coaching demonstrations posted on their Facebook page, a coach’s workout support group and facilitated group runs outside (at a safe distance). Owner Martin Catalioto also loaned out much of his equipment to members free of charge.

A. Thomas Bundy,

MD, FAAD, FACMS Board Certified Dermatology Board Certified Mohs Surgery

Emily Murphy, MSN, FNP-C Board Certified

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery • Acne,

Rashes & Psoriasis • IPL Photorejuvenation & Facials • Fraxis & RF Micro-needling • Laser Hair & Wrinkle Reduction • Tattoo & Vein Removal • Noninvasive Body Contouring • Botox® & Fillers

NOTICE

In an effort to keep our community safe and continue to provide quality care for our patients Meghan M. Campbell, MS, PA-C Board Certified

Orange Theory: Orange Theory nation is a strong one. No matter where you are in the country, the popular group workout is offering daily at-home videos (orangetheoryfitness.com) for members and nonmembers alike. Workouts include a dynamic warm up, targeted body exercises and a cool down. The workouts last roughly 30-40 minutes and are a great way to stay active and healthy.

9Round Fitness: 9Round Fitness is posting 30-minute workout videos that you can follow in the comfort of your own home. These videos only will be made available through the Member Portal for any and every active 9Round member. There is no equipment necessary and you can do the workouts outside, or in any spacious room in your home.

Hilton Head Dermatology is utilizing Telehealth for our existing patients, and using Hepa Air Filters for urgent office visits.

Call our office and we can set up a virtual appointment so you won’t need to leave your home.

Lisa Redmond,

Licensed Esthetician Board Certified

Amy Myers,

Licensed Esthetician Board Certified

843.689.9200

www.hiltonheaddermatology.com

MEDICARE CERTIFIED • STATE LICENSED • AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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The Last Great Southern Manor STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN + PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ BROWN

TWICKENHAM PLANTATION, TUCKED AWAY AMONG THE MARITIME FORESTS OF THE ACE BASIN, GOES ON THE MARKET. 56

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A longtime broker of exquisite estates with Jon Kohler and Associates, CJ Brown is a difficult man to impress. He’s made the lush and extravagant his bread and butter, selling everything form vast hunting grounds to palatial manors. But there was one property that had fascinated him since he was a kid growing up in the Lowcountry.

“I had heard about Twickenham most of my life, and had been by the front entrance, but never had any idea how fantastic it was beyond that gate,” he said. “It’s really above and beyond what you can imagine.”

“ A property drenched in history, surrounded by some of the most majestic untouched Lowcountry landscape you’ll find.”

SITTING PRETTY Just steps from the main home is this built-in brick backyard firepit with stunning views of the Combahee River.

So what does it take to impress someone like Brown? It takes a property drenched in history, surrounded by some of the most majestic untouched Lowcountry landscape you’ll find and dotted with amenities that set it above and beyond anything you’ve ever seen before... And for $17.5 million, it could be yours.

History

IN GOOD COMPANY Twickenham Plantation is located in Yemassee.

Famous nearby plantations include Tomotley, Cherokee, Hobonny, Old Combahee, Bonny Hall, Auldbrass and Nemours.

The history of Twickenham stretches back to Colonial South Carolina, when the land upon it sits was granted by King George II in 1732, part of the 48,000-acre Tomotley Barony.

The original farmhouse was built in 1878 by Major John Screven of the famed Savannah family, and in fact was the third on that site.

“The main house was burned down in the Revolutionary War and then again during the Civil War,” said Brown. The main house as it exists today was the one built by Major Screven, constructed to be as close a replica as possible to its antebellum predecessor.

DUCKS IN A ROW Previously abandoned rice fields are now home to migrating species of all kinds including teal, wood ducks, pintails, mallards, ringnecks and many others. Duck hunting here simply is as good as it gets.

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REST STOP The formal living room features elegant crown molding and oversized windows that hearken back to an earlier time.

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MODERN CLASSIC While keeping the elegance of the 18th century, the house now boasts a myriad of modern features and improvements including a chef’s kitchen with highend appliances, expansive living rooms, plush bedrooms and renovated bathrooms.

“The deep-water access gives way to plantation grounds where rice grew for generations among winding tidal creeks and vast forests.”

That same dedication to authenticity can be found throughout the grounds, where you’ll find guest houses and irrigation management structures that stand just as they did when Twickenham was first raised from more than 2,500 acres of pristine Lowcountry.

“That’s certainly a part of it that I really enjoy, just walking around imagining what it was like to live in Twickenham in the 1700s,” said Brown. “It’s a cliché, but it really is a step back in time. It’s a snapshopt of life before the Revolutionary War.”

Sacred ground Even without the history behind it, the grounds themselves would make Twickenham the envy of the South. Set along a full mile of Combahee River frontage, the deep-water access gives way to plantation grounds where rice grew for generations among winding tidal creeks and vast forests. Over time, the grounds were landscaped to reveal their full beauty, with lush gardens and hunting grounds.

It truly is the outdoorsman’s dream, with established quail courses cultivated through decades of careful stewardship, a fish pond totaling an acre and woods teeming with whitetail deer and turkey. That’s not even mentioning the game that flock to the flooded rice paddies year in and year out.

“From a hunting perspective, it’s probably one of the top five duck hunting spots in the entire state,” said Brown. “Between the rice fields from the 1700s and

the hundreds of acres in the interior where they like to congregate, they’ve been coming here for hundreds of years.”

That’s to say nothing of one of the most stunning outdoor amenities: the 3,300-foot private landing strip.

“The current owner has a plane called a Kodiak. I don’t know how many of those you’ll find in the lower 48,” said Brown. “Seeing that take off and land on a grass airstrip was amazing.”

FLOAT YOUR BOAT The property offers a covered dock and one mile of river frontage on the south side of the Combahee River.

The luxury Naturally, if you’re the kind of person who can afford a property like Twickenham and you have a need for things such as a private airstrip, you’re going to be acclimated to a certain level of luxury. And naturally, you’ll find it here.

The entirety of the main house as well as A WHOLE LOT OF HEAVEN In addition to the main house and gardens both guest houses were are two historic guesthouses that have also been completely restored, a manager’s house, horse barn, stables and several additional storage barns. lavishly restored and updated by the previous owner, maintaining the timeless Southern charm of each while introducing amenities from a full chef’s kitchen to fully updated baths.

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living “In addition to structural updating and re-wiring, they redid all of the old floors and things like that. When you walk into any of the structures at Twickenham, they feel fresh and new,” said Brown. “But they also feel very livable. As luxurious as it is, it still feels like a place where you can see kids and grandkids playing in the yard.”

The sum total of all these elements is a property that represents the last of the great Southern manors. It’s a jewel of history, encircled by pristine Lowcountry scenery and polished to a luxurious shine.

For those who can afford it, Twickenham represents the pinnacle of Lowcountry living and a chance to make yourself a part of the Lowcountry’s story. LL

CAN YOU DIG IT? The gardens of Twickenham Plantation were designed by Robert Marvin and Douglas Duany, who helped design Augusta National Golf Club.

5 things you didn’t know about Twickenham 1. IT HAS ITS OWN CAMELLIA The previous owner had a deep love of camellias, creating her own hybrids and cross-breeding strains. As such, there’s a particular type of light pink camellia that can only be found here.

“I’ve been contacted by Magnolia Plantation to explore one that’s only found on Twickenham and to take some clippings to propagate it,” said Brown.

LL MORE ONLINE See more photos of this historic plantation at at LocalLifeSC.com

2. IT SHARES A PIECE OF GOLF HISTORY The immaculate gardens at Twickenham share a pedigree with a few places you may have heard of. Designing the gardens fell to Robert Marvin and Douglas Duany, who also helped design Augusta National, The Sea Pines Resort and the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion.

3. IT COULD STILL BE A WORKING PLANTATION The cash crop in 18th-century Twickenham was rice, and thanks to some improvements to the rice field by the previous owners it could still be. “The owner re-engineered all of the hydraulics so they work exactly as they did in the 1700s,” said Brown. “He didn’t just rebuild, he improved what was there and re-engineered in some places.”

4. IT’S A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY Harriet Tubman’s famous Combahee River Raid saw the American icon of freedom leading a charge up the river just past Twickenham, freeing some 750 enslaved people along the way. Some of those freed during the raid came from the plantation at Twickenham.

BUY THE FARM Away from the main home is a large pole barn, tractor shed and grain bins.

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5. SOME OF THAT HISTORY REMAINS When boats would arrive at Twickenham to load up rice to take to Charleston, they would offload ballast stones to maintain their draft on the river. At low tide, some of those ballast stones can still be seen today where the plantation’s rice loading canal enters the Combahee River.

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Into the blue

Check out this newly finished Sea Pines bathroom remodel. The owner fell in love with blue cabinetry and teamed up with designer Kelly Young of StoneWorks and builder Mike Gump of Bull Creek Management to help complement the project with the right style of quartz and tile. Mission accomplished!.

FIND BATHROOM INSPIRATION IN THIS ‘COASTAL HIP’ SEA PINES REMODEL

STONE COLD After spending an afternoon walking through the StoneWorks showroom, the owner selected this stunning Roxwell Cambria Quartz for the countertops, shower curbs and jambs. The dignified stone is a dreamy match for the azure cabinets installed by Dewan Cabinetry.

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WHITE MAGIC The shower walls and bath floor were done in Opulenza Tuscany White porcelain from B&F Ceramics. It touches the space with the timeless look of Tuscany.

EYES ON THE FLOOR The shower floor is grey marble cobbles by Island Stone. Inspired by exotic Indonesian marbles, this elegant yet practical tile achieves a distinct look by combining the appealing natural curve of pebbles with the versatility of a smooth, flat surface.

ACCENT MARK The shower wall accent was done in Opulenza “Stark Carbon” marble from B&F Ceramics. This classy and dark natural stone offers the perfect balance to the luxurious white.

Constructing Elements of Inspiration.

Comfort. Serenity. Bliss.

THE ELEMENTS OF HOME.

E L E M E N T C P. C O M | 8 4 3 . 8 3 7 . 9 3 0 0 29 PLANTATION PARK DR, SUITE 404 | BLUFFTON, SC 29910

EC-LocalLife-FPAd-May2020.indd 1

4/17/20 2:12 PM

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CREATE A HOME OFFICE THAT’S EASY ON THE EYES. AND BODY.

Home work

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Working from home might not be all that you thought it would be. In fact, besides the inconvenience, it can be physically hard on your body if you do not set it up right. Think about it: A home and an office are different in how they are designed in every way, from the lighting to furniture to the ambiance. Here are simple things you can do now for which your body will thank you.

Don’t slouch

Your mother was right, slouching isn’t becoming, and your doctor will tell you that it isn’t healthy.

If you are looking down at your computer screen, your shoulders hunch in a way that compresses your airflow. Your head will turn down, which puts strain on your neck. Your arms will not be at 90 degrees, which causes tight shoulders. A quick fix is to raise your monitor to eye level. Even if you don’t have a fancy stand, you can stack the monitor on a stack of books or a box so you don’t have to tilt your head to see the screen, then roll your shoulders back and sit up straight. Ahhh.

Let there be light If you are working at a computer at home, Ken Gleitsmann, MD, an ophthalmologist at Bishop Eye Center, offers the following tips to reduce eyestrain in your home-office computer setup.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many companies have implemented work-from-home policies. Many Lowcountry residents are dealing with an unusual challenge — working from home for the first time, full-time.

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1. Ensure you have adequate ambient lighting in the room.

Avoid having your computer screen appear as the sole intense light source.

2. S taring at a computer screen decreases your blink rate and can cause or aggravate dry eye symptoms. Try to consciously blink more frequently and use artificial tear lubricant drops to increase your comfort.

3. Wear appropriate intermediate-range glasses or contact lenses to avoid eyestrain.

4. Decrease the intensity of your computer screen brightness to a comfortable level. This has the same effect as wearing lens filters and is more customizable.

5. Take frequent breaks to avoid eye fatigue.

s e c a p S g Creatin where Family & Friends Make Memories

P ORC E L A I N q

Beautiful, Clean Porcelain Slab Surfaces Make your recipes with confidence on germ-free non-porous surfaces that are heat resistant, stain free and scratch proof!

r SEA PINES KITCHEN

Crossville Porcelain Slab – Lightning Color – 1.5" Mitered & Laminated Edges Walker Zanger Mosaic Backsplash – Opus Anticato Honed SALES & DESIGN by StoneWorks – Rhonda Schwarz

28 Hunter Road • Hilton Head Island

843.689.6980 • hiltonheadstone.com

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POWER TIPS

How to look good on video calls There’s more to looking professional on a video call than changing out of your pj’s and brushing your hair.

1. Make sure the light is in front of you. If you have a window or light behind you, your face will be in the shadows, and the bright light will be a distraction for the person viewing you.

2. Check what’s behind you. The people on your call don’t need to see a pile of laundry or an unmade bed in the background. Try to find a space that has a plain or simple wall as a background.

3. Be professional. People do understand that you may have kids or other unavoidable distractions at home, but do your best to minimize them. You might think it’s cute to pet your cat while on the call, but your boss might not.

FIND MORE For more tips on how to look more professional on a webcam, check out “I Was a Webcam Zombie”

by Liane Cassavoy in PC Magazine.

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USE A VIRTUAL BACKGROUND The Zoom Virtual Backgrounds option allows users to display an image or video as a background during Zoom meetings. Keep it local by downloading a virtual background of LOCAL Life headquarters at LocalLifeSC.com.

Send screenshots of your most creative virtual backgrounds to info@wearelocallife.com.

Vote for Employee of the Month Many home offices across the Lowcountry include a four-legged co-worker. In April, we asked our readers to upload photos of their favorite furry “employees.” Now it’s time to vote for the best at LocalLifeSC.com. The Employee of the Month Contest is presented by Evergreen Pet Lodge. Voting is open through May 14. The winner will be featured in an issue of LOCAL Life, posted on LOCAL Life's social media channels and will receive a $100 SERG Group gift card. May the furriest, fluffiest, cuddliest co-worker win!

A Live Tour From the Comfort of Your Own Home A home like no other deserves a home tour like no other. Join us online for a Facebook Live event each week in May for exclusive looks inside this beautiful new model. Connect with us on Facebook for dates and times, updates, and current pricing. It’s the live, virtual tour you won’t want to miss. @ArthurRutenbergHomesBlueOceanLuxuryHomesLLC

For more information, please contact: Deb Durrant | DebDurrant@ARHomes.com | (843) 757-2300 ext. 1 186 Good Hope Road, Bluffton, SC 29909 www.arhomes.com/builder/blue-ocean-luxury-homes-llc ©2020 All rights reserved. Blue Ocean Luxury Homes, LLC, is an independently owned and operated franchise.

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Freudian slipcovers

DESIGN TIPS FOR TRYING TIMES

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STORY BY DEBI LYNES

Debi Lynes is the owner of the local interior design firm, Lynes on Design.

I don’t know about you, but everywhere I look in my home I see a project I intended to tackle but have not had the time nor inspiration.

Is there is something in your home that's driving you nuts?

Whether you have a whole house, a room project or a simple and inexpensive update in mind, now is the perfect time to consider using virtual technology.

Teledesign (yay, who knew there was such a thing?), FaceTime and Zoom can be the perfect solution to gathering a professional team, developing a master plan, researching and gathering resources and being super organized and ready to go when the world is back in sync.

MEET UP Give your interior designer or contractor a better feel for the space you are working with by walking them through the space using virtual technology.

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Does a project on a smaller scale seem more manageable?

Let’s think about this Thinking about renovating that second bath? Want to add a user-friendly seating area in the kitchen to accommodate any family member at any age and any physical ability? Call an interior designer, a reputable remodeler or contractor and ask for a Facetime meeting. That way you can walk him/her through the space.

Go online and look at Houzz or Pinterest and share styles and photos you like with your builder or designer. Wow, this project is moving forward! Project selections are just an online click away. The budget can be determined and a timeline discussed.

No rush, no fuss and way more fun than the pressure of last-minute decisions.

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Want to do some finishing touches to your home? I see the same scenarios again and again: Too few accessories, or too many or the wrong scale. Personalizing, careful editing and arranging will take a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

1. New bedding is a great way to add some comfort to your home during this stressful time. Your bed gives you a place to snuggle, snooze and regroup, to rest and recuperate when you are feeling bad.

2. Hang and frame those photos and pieces of art that have been sitting in the closet. Nothing tells your story the way your photos and artwork do. Art is like a window into your soul and is a great way to be reminded of family and uplift spirits.

3. Paint a room. Be bold and have fun. A gallon of paint and a little imagination and voila, you have a whole new space to enjoy. LL

Imagine yourself here.

Every day at Colleton River, you have a chance to make life more interesting.

Try something new or take your game to the next level at golf, tennis, fitness and so much more.

Enjoy a quiet sunrise or throw a party on the porch at sunset. In between, you will be surrounded by amazing people in a place so beautiful it will take your breath away.

Design your life, with the balance of work and play that’s right for you and your family.

You will be surprised what you find inside.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

843.836.4400 | info@colletonriverclub.com | colletonriverclub.com

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Make your home a Dream Home Screened porch

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GET OUTSIDE!

A haint blue ceiling makes any porch feel like a southern porch, and when you throw in some bright pillows and an area rug, your space will feel traditional yet new.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT PETERSON AND THOMAS ESPINOZA, HGTV

After being cooped up for even longer than the usual two to three cooler months, most of us are embracing outdoor living.

The HGTV Dream Home has more porches and outdoor spaces than most homes (we lost count at 10), so there is plenty of inspiration to incorporate into your own outdoor living areas. We hope some of these ideas make it to your home.

PRO TIP No cost décor: A palm frond from your yard and bowl of lemons add freshness and color.

Create cozy zones You might not have space for five seating areas, but maybe you have enough space to add a seating area for two. Add a contrasting pillow or throw for the pop of color, and settle in with a good book or glass of wine. Or both.

PRO TIP Add a fire element like this Lara Tablefire from Ace Hardware.

Rock on White rocking chairs beg you to “sit down and stay a while,” the addition of pretty pillows and fresh greenery have this porch begging you to “stay a long while.” The HGTV Dream Home welcomes guests with pretty symmetry and Southern style.

PRO TIP Have fun with door mats.

Grayco has a great selection.

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HOLE #18 - PETE DYE SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE

“… And Then We Came to Hampton Hall” That’s what so many of our members throughout Bluffton and beyond have said time and time again.

They searched all over the Lowcountry for a private golf club that was prominent and also engaging, robust, and a lot of fun. And then they came to Hampton Hall, and their search was over.

Hampton Hall currently offers a limited number of non-resident golf memberships that provide full access to our Pete Dye Signature Golf Course, our comprehensive practice facility, and dining at our beautifully-appointed community clubhouse and at Pete’s Grill in our golf clubhouse. We invite you to schedule your tour and preview round of golf to discover why your search will end at Hampton Hall.

(843) 815-9343 | hamptonhallclubsc.com

living LOCAL Life asked the Hilton Head Area Home Builder’s Association (HHAHBA) to help our readers understand how the construction industry is changing and what to expect as homeowners across the Lowcountry enter “construction season.” Thank you to the HHAHBA for what they do to support our community and the home-building industry.

A new blueprint for construction during COVID-19

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STORY BY MEG JAMES

Meg James is the executive officer of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association.

The construction industry has gone back to the drawing board to develop a new set of procedures for the COVID-19 era to keep its employees, trades and customers safe. Companies in our area have been rapidly adopting new sanitation, distancing and safety procedures on projects and sites across the Lowcountry.

Companies are practicing social distancing on jobsites in a variety of ways.

Some general contractors have reduced the number of trade contractors on a jobsite by extending project schedules to allow for only one trade on a jobsite at a time. Some are scheduling strict timeslots for trade contractors to prevent overlap.

Trade contractors have been reducing the number of individuals on a crew to foster a work environment to allow distancing of employees. But, of course, fewer people mean that more time will be needed to reach completion.

Contractors and clients use more virtual meetings to keep projects moving forward. Some have utilized tools such as FaceTime or Zoom to do virtual jobsite walkthroughs and virtual selection appointments.

As an industry, we are reevaluating our expectations. We are learning to be more patient. The project we all hoped would be completed by a specific deadline will undoubtedly require additional time to complete. We are learning to be more sensitive. The building industry was already experiencing a significant labor shortage prior to this global pandemic, and now many crews are operating with reduced staff to honor social distancing needs; many are working longer hours to get the project done. Finally, we are learning to be more appreciative of workers in “essential industries” who continue to show up to work every day despite the risks of doing so.

To offer support at this time, the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association has compiled pertinent informative webinars, signage and best practices for all to think about as we all navigate these uncharted waters.

The impact of the pandemic to the Lowcountry’s remodeling industry has been immediate. As of press time we have seen a 14% decline in permits year over year, and we anticipate that number will grow in the coming months. Consumers are pulling back on starting projects, and contractors are concerned about the safety of their clients, staff and subcontractors as we learn how to safely proceed.

We’re all in this together and we will all get through this together. The HHAHBA is grateful to continue to provide for our clients, community and our families.

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GETTING THE JOB DONE Many workers in “essential industries” continue to show up to work every day, despite the risks of doing so.

Heads up for homeowners When undergoing any home construction or renovation project, patience is important. More than ever, homeowners need to be sensitive to how COVID will impact their job, and understanding why may help.

1. Extended timeline: Trades need to social distance, so some tasks need to happen sequentially instead of at the same time. Labor in this area is always a challenge, but COVID-19 has exacerbated that. Understand that your contractor wants the job done quickly as you do, but they aren’t magicians.

2. Site safety: Additional precautions might be required on a job, including masks, sanitizing stations and limited tool sharing. Please respect their site, and understand that they are not able to move as quickly as usual.

3. Product availability: Depending on where the supplies, finishings or products for your job are coming from, the delivery might have slowed or even halted. The delivery of your product is dependent on the truckers, the originating state or country, the manufacturer’s ability to open and many other factors along the way. LL

Where do you want to be when you grow up?

As with most of the Lowcountry, Berkeley Hall is rooted in tradition. Set along the Okatie River, we offer two Fazio golf courses amid stunning Lowcountry landscape along with a host of amenities your family will come to cherish.

We invite you to join our family at Berkeley Hall.

8 4 3 - 8 15 - 8 4 2 3

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BER K EL EY H A L LCLU B.COM

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BLUFFTON, SC

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HOME TECH

Going stir-crazy?

Have some fun with your home tech

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There is only so much you can binge or how often you can clean the fridge, so here is a distraction. If you have any of these devices and are a prankster, here are some things you can do from your phone apps to make your family laugh. Or yell.

ON YOUR RING APP: 1. Click the three horizontal lines You can set your at the top left and choose Ring to notify you Dashboard. when someone is 2. When your doorbell camera approaching the house, appears, click the three dots on then surprise a family the right and choose Settings. member before they 3. Click the square Motion come in by speaking Settings and slide the All through the Ring. Speak Motion slider to the right. This into the app with a will notify you of motion. funny accent or play 4. When you get the motion a sound through the notification that someone is doorbell, like lion roaring on the porch, click the green as they approach the button in the bottom left of door. Then get ready to your screen and speak. watch their expression Bonus Points: Take a before they open the screenshot with your phone if the person makes a funny face. door, if they open it!

Alexa Get Alexa to say something to someone when you are not in the room using the DROP IN button or an Alexa Command. For example, if mom is cooking in the kitchen (where there is an Alexa device) and you are in the bedroom, you can have Alexa say, “Hey Judi, don’t mess up the pasta this time.”

Ring Door Bell

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ON YOUR ALEXA APP: 1. On the bottom of the screen, choose Communicate, which is second from the left.

2. On the next screen at the top, click Drop In, then choose the room mom is in.

3. The screen will open and you can talk to mom through Alexa.

Sonos Are you tired of someone watching too much news?

Get them off quickly with this fun trick.

Available at Custom Audio Video

ON YOUR SONOS APP: 1. S elect Rooms, which is in the middle of the bottom row.

2. Choose the room the culprit is in.

3. Play your favorite tune and turn up the volume on the speaker in that room. We suggest “Get off of my Cloud” by The Rolling Stones or “Jump” by Van Halen for maximum effect.

4. Run out of the house. LL

stone o tile o area rugs o wood o carpet

35 main street, suite 110 hilton head, sc o (843) 342–4955

w w w. k p m f l o o r i n g . c o m

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THE ACCIDENTAL GARDENER

Paradise right in your own back yard Top Tropicals I have purchased numerous plants, including an evergreen wisteria and a bamboo orchid from this Florida nursery. The challenge here is to pace myself by not ordering more than I can reasonably plant. toptropical.com

Mr. Maple

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SPECIAL DELIVERY If you are uncomfortable venturing out, many local garden centers are offering easy pickup or delivery. Many are also offering daily specials, like BOGO geraniums at The Greenery.

Many of us over a certain age have been urged to self-isolate. Unlike the many folks up north, at least we are blessed with beautiful weather and amazing vistas here in the Lowcountry. Personally, I have taken advantage of this extra time by working in my specimen gardens for three to four hours each day. This self-imposed isolation has allowed me to truly inspect my gardens and plants to determine who needs an extra dose of fertilizer, iron or horticultural oil. My gardens have truly never looked better! I only wish that I could maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from my pantry and refrigerator.

With the mild winter we experienced, every plant is thriving to the point that I’ve been able to share some of my favorite plants with neighbors; Chinese dwarf indigo, pink cannas, pink ginger, evergreen toad lilies, yellow and purple swamp irises along with Brazilian walking irises. I’m anxiously anticipating the arrival of my curcumas and expect to be able to share these beauties as well. That’s the wonderful thing about Lowcountry perennials – a number of them self-multiply, which allows you to pass along their beauty.

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Last spring I watched a PBS special on these two brothers in North Carolina. They are now the largest grower of Japanese maple trees in the world! I ordered two unusual varieties and was amazed how well they were packed. mrmaple.com

Gingerwood Nursery Tim, the owner of this Louisiana nursery, is a renowned expert and purveyor of all things curcuma.

Bare rhizomes were shipped well marked and with explicit instructions. They have done beautifully here in the shade. gingerwoodnursery.com

Wilson Bros Gardens This Georgia nursery occasionally offers plants off the beaten path – conversation-piece azaleas (which have the different color flowers on the same bush!) and Aphrodite Sweetshrub, which has a very unusual flower. wilsonbrosgardens.com

Always on the hunt for the rare and unusual, I love to visit new garden nurseries, but given the current environment, I have been busy shopping the internet. If you are uncomfortable venturing out, I can recommend four wonderful sources from which I purchased last year – all of the plants from these sources arrived in wonderful shape and are thriving in my gardens.

I truly hope that each of you has been able to go outside and enjoy all the beauty that the Lowcountry offers. Here’s to happy planting!

Ask & Answer 843.308.1282 | a r l e n e w i l l i a m s k i t c h e n d e s i g n . c o m

6 5 AR R OW R OA D | HI LT ON HE AD I SLAN D SC 29928

Budget Blinds of Hilton Head Island 880 Fording Island Rd Ste 8 Bluffton

Dear Accidental Gardener, I planted ginger last year but it looks rather sad. Isn’t this plant supposed to spread and bloom?

— Perplexed in Palmetto Bluff

Dear PB, Ginger is a rather resilient plant but it is a heavy feeder. Be sure to routinely give it a nice dose of organic fertilizer and it will reward you in spades. Happy gardening!

Got a question for the Accidental Gardener?

Email info@wearelocallife.com

C AL L FO R YO UR FREE CO NSULTATIO N: | BUD GE TB L IND S.CO M

843-837-4060

Effortless convenience at your fingertips.

Our Smart Home Collection is easy to use, easy to afford, and since we do it all for you, everything connects just beautifully.

Budget Blinds of Hilton Head Island 880 Fording Island Rd Ste 8 Bluffton Locally Owned & Operated

W E D O I T A L L F O R YO U : B L I N D S • S H A D E S • S H U T T E R S • H O M E AU TO M AT I O N ©2020 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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A LOCAL GARDENER OFFERS TIPS AND ADVICE FOR GROWING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY.

How does your garden grow?

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STORY BY LOUISE HEUSINKVELD

I think most gardeners love plants, otherwise there is little point in going through the hard work and frequent disappointments that are an inevitable part of gardening. So, when I am asked to talk about my favorite plant, there is an initial rush of images in my mind. Astrantia (masterwort), alliums, foxglove, snowdrops, lupins, all come to mind, but are quickly discarded as I realize there is more to the question than just pick a plant. No, the point is to talk about a plant that we can grow here in the Lowcountry.

Suddenly a great many favorites are wiped off the selection process. To grow here, a plant needs to be tolerant of the heat and humidity of summer, as well as the salt air of our island. If, like mine, your garden has poor soil, the plant needs to be willing to grow and thrive in all types of soil. Sun or shade matter, as does bloom time. Here on Hilton Head, summer snowflake blooms in February, and only the earliest daffodils thrive before the heat knocks them down and they won’t bloom. Few summer-flowering plants do well in our punishing heat, and even those that bloom continuously take a break in July and August.

Taking all of that into account reduces the choices considerably. I am not the type of gardener who wants the extreme formality of so many of our local gardens, and my love of flowers means that I am looking for a riot of color, if possible. I have found that many bulbs do well in my garden.

Let it snow

Snowdrops don’t grow here, but there is a lovely substitute in summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum). Pretty little nodding white bells with a tiny patch of green on each petal appear in mid-February and flower continuously through late March. In the places they are happy, the clumps get larger each year. I am careful to cut off the stems that are finished blooming so that the energy of the plant goes into the bulb and not into creating seed. For me, they are a harbinger of spring, along with the lacy purple of the redbud tree that has at last reached a size that it looks like a tree instead of an experiment.

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Feeling blue

The next favorite to appear is the Spanish bluebell, another spring bulb, reappearing reliably year after year in its favored spots. It likes my soil and tidily dies to the ground as the heat appears, to return again the next spring. It doesn’t like being stepped on, so I have to avoid putting it anywhere that big boots will crush the plants.

Knockout punch

Always in bloom

Lilies are an enduring favorite that are giving me much pleasure here in my Hilton Head garden. By taking care to choose a lot of different kinds, there will be a continual progression of magnificent blooms all the way to the middle of the summer heat. Asiatic lilies come first, followed by stately trumpet lilies, and then the orientals and species lilies make their appearance. Staking helps, as does taking off the spent blooms.

England is a wonderful place to garden, and it was there and in subsequent overseas assignments that I really developed my interest and learned about gardening. Some places lent themselves to growing roses, others did not, but I never lost my enthusiasm, and made attempts in most places.

In Texas I discovered and visited a nursery that specializes in own-root roses. These take longer to establish, but if they do eventually decide they like their location, they are more hardy and longer lasting than those that are grafted. Eventually our wandering was done, and we retired to put down roots (literally) here in Hilton Head. There were some new roses available that promised all the show with none of the fuss of traditional offerings. These were the Knockout roses.

I planted 15 of them along the canal in my new garden. Five years later there are about five left, and each April they make a brief show of color in a garden that is still waking up from winter sleep.

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living “ If you are the type of gardener that prefers to be sparing with water, roses are not for you.”

PRO TIPS

HANDLE WITH CARE

Trial by fire

Another plant that is showing wonderful promise is the Kolorscape rose called Fire Opal. I ordered just one on the internet from a well-known grower in 2016, and it is doing extremely well in its very hot sunny spot right beside the canal. Having decided the variety likes my garden, I looked for more of them last year, only to find that the original supplier no longer offered them, and I could only get them from one source that was unfamiliar. A search today shows several nurseries are now selling them, so I may think about adding more. Nobody has the beautiful Fire Opal, however; a great pity.

Deerly loved

And what about those pesky hoofed critters that are the bane of a gardener’s existence? Surprisingly, here on Hilton Head I have found that deer do not find any of my roses tasty. Instead they enjoy snacking on hostas, and they are particularly partial to figs.

After five years, with two crops every summer, we have been allowed to actually eat just one fig; all the rest are ruthlessly stripped just as the first get ready to ripen. So, for me, roses score a few more points on the favorite plant contest here!

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Roses need a lot of water. If you are the type of gardener that prefers to be sparing with water, roses are not for you. It is also important to get the amount right for the time of year. Less water in winter (but not none), must give way to more in early spring as our days warm up. Last year I was slow to increase the irrigation seasonal adjustment, and many plants in my garden were unhappy. Fertilizer is important. My preference is for a controlled release granular type. Deer are not the only rose connoisseurs; aphids love them too!

My granular fertilizer contains a systemic insecticide that discourages them as long as I remember to use it two or three times a year (but not in high summer). Pruning in early spring benefits traditional modern roses, although Drift and Knockouts just need a little tidying. Deadheading is another important task for rose lovers. Once a bloom is spent, remove the head and some of the stem, cutting at an angle just above a 5-leaf stem. There are those who say this precision is not necessary, but in my experience, this encourages a new flower stem to emerge more quickly. Here on Hilton Head, most of the beautiful blooms of HT and floribunda roses will last only a day before they wilt, so you may get more enjoyment if you cut them and bring them inside and put them in a vase of water. If you do, be sure to cut the stem just as described, at an angle, just above a 5-leaf. Don’t delay getting it into water, and be sure to strip off the lower leaves.

ALL-SAINTS TOUR CANCELLED In observance of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety and well being of its participants, the 2020 All Saints Garden Tour has been cancelled.

“It is with great sadness that this decision was made because of the impact on our grant recipients who will be in greater need than ever,” the event’s co-char, Nancy Renner, said.

To help our charities that were anticipating monies from the tour, the tour has established a fund to accept donations. Donations can be made by credit card by going to the All Saints website, www.allsaints-hhi.org.

About the gardener Drift away

So, what about the other new offering, the Drift roses? Now those have been highly successful in my garden, both front and back. They bloom madly from April through the autumn and into December, and even in winter there are always a few flowers here and there.

They are not supposed to need pruning or deadheading, but I have found that their looks are improved by removing the bunches of blossoms that have turned brown. LL

Louise Heusinkveld is an avid gardener. Her husband’s career took them to a number of countries, and in each new home, much enjoyment was found from gardening; a pastime that anyone can do, even in new places where one has yet to make friends and does not speak the local language. After their wandering years were over, the couple retired to Wexford Plantation. Louise has built a beautiful garden here from scratch.

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Great garden gadgets Cool tools that will leave your yard looking its best.

Mini Green Thumb

INDOOR GARDENING TOOL SET WITH TRAY AND STORAGE BOX If you are trying to turn your thumb green but don’t know how, this is the perfect gardening starter kit. With indoor gardening tools and a perfectly small workspace for bonsai, succulent, or seedling care, this set is a must-have for beginner gardening on a raining day. gardeners.com. $59.95

Do it all

5-IN-1 GARDEN MULTI-TOOL Another multipurpose tool for your kit. This does the work of a hoe, fork, rake, scraper and hook all in one. Plus it stands up on its own making it very easy to store. thegrommet. com. $59.95

Low maintenance

CHEF’N LARGE HERB PLANTER BOX Effortlessly grow herbs from your kitchen counter with this white, modern and self-watering planter. It requires little to no attention from you while you’re out in your garden and is beautiful to look at. crateandbarrel.com. $29.99

Lazy Susan’s sister

ERGONOMIC GARDEN KNEELER AND SEAT Gardening made a whole lot easier. There’s no need to spend hours in your garden hunched over or kneeling in the dirt. This Ergonomic Garden Kneeler and Seat will provide you with comfort all day long and has a spot for your tools. nueby.com. $39.99

Wack the weeds

FISKARS 4-CLAW WEEDER Take out all of the pesky weeds in your garden without using harsh chemicals.

No kneeling or bending necessary. walmart.com. $40.86

Don’t soil it

LEONARD DELUXE STAINLESS STEEL SOIL KNIFE This knife can do it all and is certainly one to add to your gardening toolkit. You can use it to plant bulbs, flowers, and herbs, or divide plants, dig up rocks, and clean cracks in your pavement. This knife is the jack of all trades. amleo.com. $22.39

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Make your connections even stronger

Tote-ally worth it

GARDENER’S PUDDLE-PROOF TOTE Avoid the mess and the stress of carrying around all of your tools. Keep them organized and dry in this waterproof tote for a day in the yard. gardeners.com. $49.95

As many transition home offices from an occasionally used area to a primary workspace, consider the key technologies needed to keep each work day moving forward.

• Networking, use wireless for convenience and wired for heavy use tasks.

• Audio and Video, keep your video calls clear and intelligible.

• Automated Lighting and Shades, avoid eye strain with proper control of interior lighting and sunlight.

• Home Surveillance, keep an eye on family while working.

Improve your home office with a solution from Custom Audio Video that fits your changing needs.

Moving day

POTTED PLANT MOVER Don’t break your back, or the bank, with this potted plant mover. Reorganizing your garden shouldn’t reorganize your spine. Just simply place the foot under the base of your planter and effortlessly move the pot anywhere in your garden. sharperimage.com. $119.99.

For a FREE review of your home automation options,

Call. Click.

Or Come In. 843.815. 5130 www.custom-audio-video.com

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style

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We had to get creative with our fashion feature this month.

Normally a fashion shoot brings together stylists, models as well as hair and makeup people in a pretty tight environment.

To respect everyone's safety and social distancing, we decided to get social in another way — social media! Enjoy these pages that were inspired

by Lisa Staff's beautiful Instagram and enjoy each store's Instagram even more.

To make our Instagram grids on the next pages, stylist Roxanne Gilleland visited some local fashion stores with this Kempton & Co bag. With Roxanne, each store then created on-trend looks to go with the bag — one bag, three ways. The beauty of this bag is that there are a variety of stylish straps and tassels so it works with any look!

By the time you are reading this, these stores may be open but during April they were still able to serve customers in innovative ways. We want to celebrate their style, perseverance and creative solutions! Please visit their Instagrams and stores to get the look.

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1 bag. 3 ways.

1 bag. 3 ways.

THE BACK DOOR Open M-F and Sat 10-5:30 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 215 The Shops at Sea Pines Center 843-671-3677 Dresses, earrings, shoes, necklaces available at: THE BACK DOOR Creative shopping during the crisis: The Backdoor was open for private appointments and continued to share witty inspiration on Instagram and Facebook Follow on Instagram @backdoorhiltonhead

SHOP! Open M-F 10-6, Sat 11-6 32 Office Park Road, Suite 105 843-785-7467 Clothing, hair accessories, shoes, bracelets, glasses, bag availabe at: SHOP! Creative shopping during the crisis: SHOP! continued to serve customers with virtual and private appointments, curbside pick up and "Pick Box" deliveries to try at home.

Follow on Instagram @shop_hhi

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COCOON Live with Style 6 Promenade St, Bluffton 843-815-3315 Clothing, earrings, spotted shoes, necklaces available at: COCOON Cocoon is the highlight when window shopping in Bluffton with pretty dresses and chic accessories on display to brighten up even a cloudy day.

Visit at cocoonbluffton.com

ISLAND CHILD Open M-F 10-6, Sat 10-6 1000 William Hilton Parkway The Village at Wexford 843-686-5437 Clothing, hair bows, shoes, stuffed animal available at: ISLAND CHILD Creative shopping during the crisis: Customers got to Easter shop with private appointments and curbside pick-up so no bunny had to miss a special gift or outfit.

Follow on Instagram @islandchildhhi

1 bag. 3 ways.

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C E L E B R A T I N G

5 0

Y E A R S

QUARANTINE BEAUTY 101

Tips for at home self-care STORY BY SAMANTHA CURRAN

Samantha Curran is a professional makeup artist and the creator of MMArtistry.

Set up a one-on-one makeup tutorial at mmartistry.com.

During such unsure times, many of us feel the need to shake things up a bit with our routines, especially when we can’t get into the salon. Where some DIY practices are perfectly harmless, others can carry pretty hefty fix-it costs. Here are some beauty points to consider.

BROW DOWN Don’t start over-plucking your brows.

Wishing everyone good health and we will see you soon!

QUICK FIX Do clean up strays but also use this time to let your natural fullness return.

Not only are fuller brows in style but they’ll be so much easier for your brow artist to wax or thread. In the meantime, clean up the strays and use a little concealer to hide what’s left. You’ll thank me later!

HAIR? DON’T DARE! Do not box color your hair. It’s so incredibly tempting to cover those roots or grays. But unless you are licensed, leave it to the professionals once things get back to normal. You’ll run the risk of damaging your locks or having to cough up some serious cash for a color correction. Keep in mind, those corrections can run into the hundreds. Yikes!

QUICK FIX Wear cute accessories!

Colorful scarves or hats will not only cover the problem but be a cute pop of color or playful addition to our spring wardrobes.

For the dudes: Trying to keep a professional and polished appearance can be a bit more challenging when you can’t go in for a trim. Invest in some new hair care products to help tame and polish your grown-out look.

Some products will give a sleek look, others are more mattified texturizers.

Read up a little bit on what products will give you your desired style. When in doubt, support your favorite college football team and order a new hat!

GO OFFLINE Don’t panic and go crazy spending money on all of the free shipping deals at Sephora and Ulta.

QUICK FIX Do take this time to experiment and play with what you already have. Watch some tutorials that take you out of your comfort zone. Try the fun blue. Master false lashes. Put focus on perfecting your skincare routine. Or better yet, set up a virtual one-on-one consultation with a professional makeup artist. Learn what works best for you and how to accomplish it from the comfort of your own home.

SEE YOU SOON Facing uncertainties is never easy.

Breathe, relax, throw on some sunscreen and take a nice walk.

Remember, we are all dealing with the same sort of hardships together. Your beauty guides, stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists and makeup artists are all looking forward to helping you feel your best again. We can’t wait to have you back in our chairs!

In the Shadow of the Lighthouse

HARBOUR TOWN 843.671.2291

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shopping

Local Love

April showers brought May flowers to the Lowcountry and it’s time to bring those flowers to our mothers. This is the quintessential gift guide for your Mother’s Day shopping.

Available curbside at local businesses.

MOMMA SAID Momma always said that life was like a box of chocolates. If it’s anything like this one, that’s a pretty good life.

Available at Kilwins Hilton Head.

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW ROW YOUR BOAT The Sojourn 146 by Hurricane Kayaks is 14 feet, 6 inches long, offering excellent speed and tracking in a package that also navigates tight turns with ease.

The rain is gone and these pink glasses are the perfect pair for summer reading by the pool.

Available at Eyeland Optique.

Available at Outside Hilton Head.

MOM AND ME This sunflower picture frame is a perfect gift on its own, but add a picture of you and mom to make it extra special.

Available at Plantation Interiors.

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WHAT TIME IS IT 8K MAGIC Every woman needs a diamond necklace. This Roberto Coin diamond necklace is available in 8K white, yellow or rose gold.

It’s time to let mom know how much you love her! This floral face watch is a must have for summer.

Available at Pyramids.

Available at Forsythe Jewelers.

FRESH FISH This stylish fish sculpture is made using reclaimed wood.

It’s unique, happy and fun — just like your mom!

Available at Signore Coastal Art.

FOR FLOWERS These beautiful blue vases would be the perfect home for Mother’s Day flowers this May. Available at The Spirited Hand.

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The rise of the Lowcountry chefs

FIVE LOCALS BEHIND HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S CHEF AMBASSADOR PROGRAM DISH ON OUR CULINARY SCENE. STORY BY DAVID GIGNILLIAT + PHOTOGRAPHY BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

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ON THE LAMB Anderson Farms Ranch lamb loin with badger, candy-striped and gold beets, butter potatoes from the chef’s garden, and wild foraged yellow foot, chanterelles and shimeji mushrooms; served with a red currant sauce. Prepared by chef Brian Coseo.

EGGSQUISITE Lucky Rooster’s signature bacon horseradish deviled eggs, prepared by chef Clayton Rollison.

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Like many great recipes, it started with an idea. Then a few ingredients. A little trial and error. A few tweaks here and there. And then the main course was ready for public consumption.

In the summer of 2018, the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce hatched the idea to bring some of the region’s best chefs together to start a unique ambassador program, with an aim at mentoring the area’s next generation of culinary talent, giving back to the community, and representing the Island’s burgeoning food scene.

Months later, the Island’s chef ambassador program has become a dish that represents as uniquely — and tastefully — as a steaming pot of Lowcountry Boil, a toothsome heirloom grain or a glistening plate of shrimp and grits.

Plucked from every corner of Hilton Head Island’s culinary map for their backgrounds and skill sets, a group of five chefs have formed a dynamic team to carry the mantle of the Hilton Head’s hospitality future while treasuring its heirloom and indigenous pasts.

Meet the chefs Chef Brian Coseo represents the local private club market as executive chef at Sea Pines Country Club, a stalwart of the culinary scene since real estate developer Charles Fraser first imagined Sea Pines in the 1960s. Coseo has helmed all of the SPCC dining offerings since 2013, including the fine dining and event experience in the Rotunda, its private dining room. Originally from Philadelphia, Coseo has worked at clubs, hotels and award-winning restaurants over a distinguished food career. Trained in New York City, Coseo first landed on the Island in the 1980s, planting himself at Marriott’s Shipyard Plantation.

As the proprietor and owner of The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, Chef Clayton Rollison specializes in adventurous, fresh and modern takes on Lowcountry cuisine, “an American Bistro with Southern soul,” as the eatery’s website suggests. He has exported his coastal flair on multiple occasions to prestigious James Beard dinners, and is recognized by his peers nationally as among the profession’s elite. Born and raised on the Island, and CIA-trained in NYC and its Michelin-starred culinary outposts (Gramercy Tavern), his is a candid voice of the past, present and future of the Island’s burgeoning restaurant scene.

Chaun Bescos is the executive chef at Wise Guys, part of the SERG Restaurant group’s slate of award-winning, locally owned restaurants, where he took over in 2018. It followed a prolific six-year stint at Red Fish in Bluffton upon his arrival to the Island in 2012. Originally from Naleehu, Hawaii, he’s known as an expert forager, well known regionally (and on YouTube) for mushroom-finding and his forest-to-table approach. With experience in the Pacific Northwest and upstate New York, Bescos marries the region’s earthly bounties (notable local yields include golden chanterelles and unique lion’s mane fungi) with the evolving Lowcountry culinary tradition.

A longtime elite chef in New York City’s competitively world-class scene, Chef Philippe Feret is the newest of the group to the Island, having opened Hilton Head Social Bakery in 2017. Known for his previous tenures as executive chef of the legendary “Windows On The World” Restaurant, Tavern On The Green, and The Regency Hotel, Feret started his career’s second act on the Island in 2016. His Shelter Cove location quickly filled a much-needed gap in the Island’s culinary makeup, offering a full-service bakery specializing in artisanal breads, baguettes, croissants and pastries. His world-class cooking pedigree started when he was a young boy working in his family’s bakery in Normandy, France.

Rounding out the group is Cesar Acevedo, executive chef at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort and Spa, a beautiful oceanfront complex in Palmetto Dunes. The resort’s signature restaurant, Blue, boasts an impressively accessible menu of local seafood in a casually sophisticated setting.

TAKE FIVE The chefs behind Hilton Head Island's Chef Ambassador Program are (from left) Chaun Bescos, Cesar Acevedo, Philippe Feret, Clayton Rollison and Brian Coseo.

It’s show time The Lowcountry all-star team members showed off their collective chops at the Chamber Ball in early February at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa. With the help of students, colleagues and several esteemed culinary guests, the quintet orchestrated the culinary portion of the evening for the Chamber’s annual flagship event.

To say it went well might be an understatement, as attendance nearly doubled from the previous year.

The night was also an emotional one, as former chefs from Windows on the World visited the Lowcountry for the festivities, a reunion pulled off by Feret, the restaurant’s one-time leader. The acclaimed restaurant, which once occupied the 107th floor of the World Trade Center, was destroyed when the North Tower collapsed during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

72 members of the restaurant’s staff died in the calamity. The gathering marked the first time since the terrorist attacks that the chefs had shared a kitchen together.

In early February, just a few days after the successful Chamber soiree, LOCAL Life caught up with four of the five ambassadors (Acevedo could not attend due to previous commitments) at the Sea Pines Country Club, one of the Island’s venerable hospitality haunts.

Sitting together in the conference room at the Sea Pines Country Club, in a rare moment away from their demanding work schedules, the talented chefs spoke about the area’s distinctive culinary heritage, the Island’s promising restaurant and hospitality future and their role as ambassadors within it.

ON THE LOWCOUNTRY’S DISTINCTIVE CULINARY HERITAGE: “Our cuisine in the Sea Islands is very different from the rest of the country. We have a really strong influence coming out of West Africa into the Caribbean. Our food and the perception of southern food are very different. In the Sea Islands, you’ll see a lot of rice curry and seafood, and a lot of the farms that are on the Sea Islands are farming heirloom vegetables and heirloom grains just for the sheer fact that that’s how they were farmed for the last 200 years. Some of it has been cut due to the industrialization of farming, but when people travel from Ohio or New York, their perception is that Southern food is just soul food. But it’s so much more than just panfried pork chops and collard greens. Yeah, that’s part of it, but that is the smallest part of our cuisine in our area and has the largest national recognition because it’s what people understand.”

— Clayton Rollison

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eats HOLY SHIITAKE Sorghum molasses roasted Tuten Farms butterkin, Anson Mills farro verde, black eye pea miso, Pickled Rainwater farmed shittake mushrooms with toasted walnuts, Three Sisters Farm broccoli greens and yuzo-roasted cauliflower. Prepared by chef Chaun Bescos.

ON THE MISSION OF THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

ON THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE

“Our mission, as a group of local chefs, is to bring the awareness to the Island and surrounding areas to the culinary scene, and to bring to light the use of our local artisans, our local fishermen, farmers and foragers in the area, and how we strive to source locally and produce our own ingredients from start to finish.”

— Chaun Bescos “The whole goal of our group is to enhance the idea of a culinary experience to be had on this Island. We are all individuals, but we created this group to be strong together.” — Philippe Feret “We truly care about our craft and being mentors. With that nice rounded experience from everybody, I think we bring a lot to the table. I think that helps us with the mentoring factor with the younger chefs.” — Brian Coseo

ON THE ISLAND’S BRIGHT CULINARY FUTURE “I saw Philadelphia have its food scene explode. When I first moved down here, I wondered ‘what kind of culinary scene is it going to be?’

And I see this Island headed in that same direction. There’s a huge amount of talent here that I think people don’t quite recognize yet. And I think the more we get that out there, I think the better it’s going to be for the island and the area, and for us as chefs.” — Brian Coseo “Hilton Head has been known very well as both a golf and tennis destination with really nice beaches, and we would like everyone coming here to know that the culinary scene is very driven and has been building over the last decade. It’s really turned into something exceptional, with the talent that we have. I feel blessed to be working with the group of five that we have. We get to work with the next generation and help them become vested in their career like we have.” — Chaun Bescos

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“Everybody’s tasting everybody else’s food. How’d you do this? How’d you do that? Ideas were exchanged, and we were very open how we did things. That’s what we’re developing here. It’s not just ‘well, i am going to just do this, and not share how I did it.' We share how we do things as chefs. We learn every day.”

— Chaun Bescos

SETTING AN EXAMPLE “This is the first full year that we’ve been able to accomplish our program, so it’s just like any start-up. It’s been a lot of work just to get the ball rolling, but this year we saw great interest from other chefs who reached out and saw the benefit of the work that we’ve been doing. It’s been really positive inside the community right now.” — Clayton Rollison

“It was really a demonstration of the friendship, knowledge and dedication of our culinary community. It was almost like an orchestra. Everyone was in place.”

— Philippe Feret

“If you look at each of our restaurants and clubs individually, you can see that we lead the way by staying relevant with national trends and setting quite a few as well.” — Brian Coseo “People are starting to notice what we're doing and want to be a part of it.

We want to build community. That’s our Number 1: Build it and make it a stronger culinary scene.” — Chaun Bescos “What we have created is now showing the energy of the culinary scene, and it’s pretty amazing, I have to say. In New York City, I’ve been part of culinary organizations, but I never experienced as strong a friendship and talent as here. It’s a community as well, and we are more friends than ever, and it’s because of the art that we do on a daily basis. The fact that we are sharing with each other is extremely fulfilling.” — Philippe Feret

CAVIAR WISHES Chilled Sweet Jesus oysters, pickled country ham, serrano chili and sturgeon caviar. Prepared by chef Cesar Acevedo.

ON CHARLES FRASER’S UNIQUE CULINARY VISION “To have this economic engine for Sea Pines, Charles Fraser wanted this whole lifestyle. It had to be not just the beaches that he promoted, it had to be golf, tennis, food and shopping. Hilton Head has kind of blurred some of that message, and one of the goals of this group is, with culinary, to stay on trend, and actually fulfill what Charles Fraser really wanted, which is to have a world-class destination. The competition has encouraged really good quality, and it’s the type of competitiveness that fosters growth, which is what Charles' vision was. Through all of our efforts, and the efforts of others, we’ve diversified the quality here on the Island."

— Clayton Rollison

ON PASSING THE TORCH “On an Island this small, we really all do work well together to foster good habits, good techniques, and a healthy lifestyle for our cooks. The young people we are training will one day grow to be the next wave of managers and leaders in our industry, and that’s something that all of us take very seriously. I only know what I know because someone took the time to show me. As much as it might be an art form for some people, it really is a craft and a trade that’s taught with your hands that has to be passed down from one person to the next It really takes skin-on-skin contact to be able to teach the person standing next to you how cook.” — Clayton Rollison LL

LEMON AID Lemon basil panna cota, mango mint cloud, and flourless chocolate cheesecake, petite fours. Prepared by chef Philippe Feret.

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Keeping it local with executive chef Jared McElroy

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THE CATCH OF THE DAY IS THE DISH OF THE DAY AT HAMPTON HALL CLUB. STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN + PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM SMITH

Being this close to the water, you would imagine that nearly every chef hereabouts has a kinship with our area seafood suppliers. In the case of Jared McElroy, that kinship is reflected in a menu that varies with temperature and tide. Ever changing in all aspects except for its devotion to local seafood, this is a palette that puts local above all others.

“I get the fish that was on the boat the night before,” he said. “It helps put the focus on our local guys, too.”

Dock to table

HAIL TO THE CHEF Hampton Hall Club executive chef Jared McElroy graduated from the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in New York. He has worked in many top kitchens and was executive chef on the Food Network show "Restaurant: Impossible."

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Because of the sheer variety of seafood that comes from Lowcountry waters, it’s nearly impossible to get all of your fare from one source. The bulk of what makes it onto plates at Hampton Hall Club, however, comes from Russo’s Fish Market.

“I literally drive by there on the way into work,” said McElroy. The market, which recently opened on Red Cedar Street in Bluffton, is run by the fourth generation of Russos, a family which made its name supplying seafood to the Savannah market. In addition to Russo’s, McElroy has procured seafood from all over – Lady’s Island Oysters, Lowcountry Cups and Sea Eagle Market, to name a few.

“Using local fish, not frozen or processed, the flavors of the ocean are evident,” he said. “That’s what you want people to appreciate.”

HAMPTON HALL CLUB

Creole BBQ Shrimp

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) 2 tablespoons cooking oil 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pinch kosher salt 1 pinch black pepper 2 lemons, cut in half 1/2 cup Creole BBQ Sauce (recipe below) 1 tablespoon parsley, Chopped DIRECTIONS [1] Heat your grill on high. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper. Spread the shrimp out on the grill. Allow the shrimp to sear for 1 minute. Turn the shrimp over and cook for another minute on the other side. The shrimp should start to curl up and be pink. Remove shrimp as they curl up to the shape of a C. [2] When the last batch is complete, toss the shrimp in a bowl with the parsley and Creole BBQ sauce. Serve with half a lemon (grill the lemon halves for an additional bit of flavor).

Creole BBQ Sauce

INGREDIENTS (Yield: 2 cups) 1/2 pound butter 1 yellow onion, diced (1 cup) 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme 1 pinch cayenne 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS [1] In a small 1-quart pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent (about 3-5 minutes), stirring occasionally. [2] Add the blackening spice, paprika, dry thyme and cayenne and allow the herbs and spices to toast in the butter for 2-3 minutes. [3] Add the Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool for 5 minutes. Puree the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth.

The sauce should puree and form an emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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HAMPTON HALL CLUB

Shrimp & Bacon Gravy (Serves 8)

INGREDIENTS 3 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 4 cups water 1 cup white wine 1 lemon, halved 2 Vidalia onions, julienned 1 rib celery, sliced 1 red pepper, sliced 1 pound bacon, diced 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dry thyme 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup chopped parsley Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste Equipment needed: Medium stainless-steel pot, rubber spatula, whisk, skillet DIRECTIONS [1] Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-reactive pot. Sauté the half of the sliced onions and celery until wilted. Add half of the wine and cook until the alcohol is cooked out. Add the shrimp shells and water and bring to a simmer. Allow the stock to simmer for 30 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice into the stock and add the lemon halves. Simmer for 15 more minutes. Strain the stock. [2] Clean out the pot. Add the diced bacon to the pot. Cook on medium-high heat until the fat begins to render.

Reduce the heat and cook slowly until the fat renders off and the meat begins to brown.

Add the rest of the sliced onions, red peppers, paprika and thyme and sauté until the onions are tender. Deglaze the pan with the rest of the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with the whisk to release all of the delicious bits from the bottom of the pot. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring throughout. Whisk in the reserved shrimp stock and bring to a simmer. Allow the gravy to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and hold. [3] Heat the skillet over high heat. [4] Divide the shrimp into batches that fit in one layer in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Add oil to the pan and then add your first batch of shrimp. Allow the shrimp to sear for about 1 minute and then turn the shrimp over. Sear the shrimp for another minute. As the batches finish cooking strain off the oil and then mix the shrimp into the bacon gravy. Continue until all of the shrimp are cooked. [5] To serve, spoon pimento cheese grits in a bowl, arrange the shrimp around the grits and then spoon some of the gravy over the top. For brunch, top off the dish with a sunny-side-up fried egg.

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SIMPLE PLEASURES McElroy uses just salt and pepper to season local shrimp, so their natural flavor remains the focus of the dish.

Keep it simple Because of his devotion to securing nothing but the freshest seafood, McElroy can keep dishes simple, letting that natural salty sweetness of our waters do most of the heavy lifting.

“We don’t marinate it at all,” he said. “Salt, pepper — we keep it simple. If you put anything in there, it should harmonize with the dish. It shouldn’t offer a loud flavor.

You want it to be the backup and elevate the main flavor of the dish.”

He points to dishes like an Asian-inspired dish that paired jasmine rice with a local fish fumet, fresh herbs and a few simple ingredients, or the shrimp cocktail where the sheer flavor of local shrimp means the cocktail sauce is hardly necessary. It’s part of his dedication to letting the flavors of local seafood speak for themselves. “Local shrimp are so sweet in comparison to the frozen American ones. When you see someone order them blackened, it kills a little part of you,” he said with a laugh. “You do it in a way where they can just enjoy this beautiful piece of seafood at its height.”

That said, there are a few clever ways McElroy has found to add a bit of flavor that are both harmonious and bold at the same time. One example is the Creole-style barbecue sauce you’ll find in the recipe on page 93. “There is just a ton of flavor in that,” he said. “It’s super messy, and you get sauce all over your hands as you’re eating, but members love it.”

Catch of the day While the quality of shrimp year-round has improved immensely in recent years, and they remain the go-to staple for seafood dishes, they are not alone on the menu. Our local waters are teeming with life, each species of which offers its own unique flavors to a dish. Two of McElroy’s favorite catches of the day, golden tilefish and wreckfish, might not be the most well-known fish in the sea, but in his kitchen, they are stars.

“Golden tilefish might be one of my favorites,” he said. “It has this firmness and a nice flake to it.

It’s as if a halibut and a snapper had a baby. That’s a fantastic fish. Wreckfish is an ugly old fish, but it’s a little closer to a snapper-style fish.”

As with anything his suppliers bring in, the point of sourcing out these local fish is to let their natural flavors take center stage. “The thing we do with these fish is let the local ingredients sing, prepare them as simply as possible and let the flavors come out on their own.” LL

SHRIMP: WHY YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG For most of us, cooking shrimp means throwing them in boiling water with some Old Bay until they curl up. And for most of us, that means we’re ruining the experience.

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“When they curl up in a tight ball, it means that shrimp have been overcooked,” said McElroy. “A properly cooked shrimp will almost seem undercooked. As you bite into it, it should be super tender and moist.”

His rule of thumb. A straight shrimp is undercooked.

If it’s shaped like an O, that stands for overcooked. “A shrimp with a light curve to it is perfectly cooked.”

CLEARWATERPOOLHHI.COM • 843.682.8228

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WHAT’S FRESH IN MAY?

Cobia STORY + PHOTOS BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE

Gee, I wonder what I should make the fish of the month. Have done flounder, trout and redfish, so what options are left? If you fish at all this month, the answer should be obvious. Cobia! On the Gulf Coast they call them "ling," while around here they are referred as "brownies." Looking very much like a combination of a huge catfish and a shark, cobia have become all the rage. It used to be that most local anglers thought of them as simply a bycatch while fishing for king mackerel and such, but as techniques improved, everyone is out there trying to score. Their flesh is delicious. Larger fish up to 100 pounds almost are always females that are here to spawn especially around this time of the year.

GUT CHECK This cobia's stomach was full of blue crabs. Due to their protein-rich diet, the fish grow quickly, up to 40 inches in length in less than 2 years.

Regulations Even though cobia are extremely fast growers, there is a ton of controversy over whether too many are being taken all along the East Coast, up to around Virginia. In the Gulf, boats are limited to two fish per boat per day, to me a realistic limit, while here in our federal waters the limit is one per angler with a boat limit of six. Having caught many a brownie, I am pushing hard to adopt the two-fish-per-boat limit because no matter what size the cobia, the meat yield is very high. Thankfully in our state waters, cobia captures are closed during the month of May to allow breeding that hopefully will allow these fish stocks to recover from years of over-fishing.

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COBIA FEVER This big brown fish is the ultimate prize to reel in this time of year.

How to catch them Cobia are curious fish that often swim right up to the boat and will readily take a live menhaden pitched in front of its nose. Oddly enough, they often hang with big sharks, manta rays, other large rays and sea turtles. I often see up to 20 of them with big tiger sharks or hammerheads. The best technique is to use three rods and stagger live menhaden through the entire water column.

Chum bags hung off the transom often attract a brownie, so I always carry a “pitch rod” so at a moment’s notice I can hook a live bait and flip it to the curious visitor. One thing though, and this is solely my rule, my boat limit is one fish per day. That one fish has enough meat to feed the old lady in the shoe’s entire brood. More importantly, I truly believe this will ensure cobia will be plentiful for my kids, and their kids and so on.

Preparing cobia With its firm white flesh, it is almost impossible to mess up cobia unless you overcook it. My preferred recipe is to cut filets into even sizes. Using Cajun Panko breading mixed with finely ground saltines and a dash of Paul Prudhomme’s Redfish Magic spice, I first scramble two or three eggs, dredge the fish in the egg batter then cover with Panko-Saltine breading. Using a skillet and just enough oil to cover the bottom, I fry the pieces on medium heat, flipping them once until they are light golden brown. It only takes a very few minutes with less being best. Serve with a remoulade dipping sauce, fresh fruit and an avocado and I guarantee it is so good you’ll swallow your tongue!

THE GREEN STAR!

LOCAL LIFE TEST KITCHEN

Now Accepting Caramel Cake Orders for Mother’s Day!

Cobia & Chips INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds cobia fillets 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into strips 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 egg 1 quart vegetable oil for frying DIRECTIONS [1] Place potatoes in a bowl of cold water.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Stir in milk and egg until the mixture is smooth. Let stand for 25 minutes. [2] Heat the oil in a large pot. Fry the potatoes until they are tender. Drain on paper towels. [3] Dredge cobia in the egg mixture and place in the hot oil. Fry until the fish is golden brown.

Drain on paper towels. [4] Fry the potatoes again for 1-2 minutes for added crispness. [5] Plate the fried cobia and the fries with a salad, lemon wedge and tartar sauce (recipe below) on the side. Enjoy!

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TARTER SAUCE INGREDIENTS 1 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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DIRECTIONS Stir the mayonnaise, relish, mustard and lemon juice together in a bowl.

6am-2pm Mon-Fri • 6am-3pm Sat -Sun • Palmetto Bay Marina

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Mother’s Day menu guide EARN SOME SERIOUS POINTS ON MAY 10 WITH THESE DISHES FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND CHEFS

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It’s Mom and Grandma’s big day! That means it’s your turn to take over the kitchen. Before you start heating up Hungry-Mans, consider celebrating your favorite lady in style with a day full of sophisticated and heart-felt dishes. While gifts are great, amazing meals are guaranteed to make it her best Mother’s Day yet. She will be even more surprised and impressed if you clean up the mess in the kitchen afterwards.

T H E

F I N E S T

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HAKUNA FRITTATA Not only are frittatas delicious, they are also an easy way to clean out an overstocked fridge. They transport very well, so pack a few slices for the perfect Mother’s Day picnic. Get creative with the leftovers, using them for sandwich filling or easy breakfast tacos. This recipe from the culinary team at Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana blends the egg mixture with asparagus, Taggiasca olives and Asiago cheese. It’s eggcellent!

MICHAEL ANTHONY'S CUCINA ITALIANA

Asiago, Asparagus and Taggiasca Olive Frittata

INGREDIENTS 8 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1 bunch of asparagus, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 1 cup Taggiasca olives (or Kalamata) 1 cup Asiago cheese, cut into small cubes 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1/4 cup Parmigiano, grated Salt and white pepper 1/4 cup grapeseed oil DIRECTIONS [1] Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper and reserve. [2] Place grapeseed oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and then garlic and sauté until garlic is lightly browned. Add the reserved eggs to the pan. [3] Randomly sprinkle the olives on top. Gently loosen the edges of the pan with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking. When the egg mixture begins to form and bubble, cover evenly with Asiago. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmigiano. [4] Place in oven for approximately 10-15 minutes until the eggs are set. Remove from oven and invert onto a platter.

Slice into 8 or 10 small wedges and serve.

FEATURED INGREDIENT

TAGGIASCA OLIVES This recipe from Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana features a small, fruity Italian olive from Linguria, Italy — the beloved Taggiasca olive (named for the village of its origin). These olives offer well-balanced flavor without bitterness and are ideal for fine meats, fish, buttery cheeses or even aperitifs. Pick up a jar in The Market at Michael Anthony’s.

I N T R O D U C I N G THE MARKET AT MICHAEL ANTHONY’S The Market at Michael Anthony’s features a wide selection of house made pastas, favorite sauces, a full wine selection and many old-world dry goods.

You can sample favorite Italian wines while you nibble on charcuterie before picking up something to recreate the Michael Anthony’s experience in your own kitchen.

Check the website for upcoming wine tastings and special events!

18 YEARS

RESTAURANT

CO OKING SCHO OL

Acknowledged by food and wine enthusiasts and critics alike, the restaurant presents a fine-dining experience combining an awardwinning wine list, exquisite food, and attentive service.

Classes are held several days each week in our Tuscan inspired state-ofthe-art culinary center designed to provide the environment for learning skills and techniques for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

Orleans Plaza | 37 New Orleans Road | Suite L | Hilton Head Island 843.785.6272 | michael-anthonys.com MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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eats LOVE YOU BERRY MUCH! Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. The dessert is a popular dish and an important part of the national cuisine of both Australia and New Zealand and, with its simple recipe, is frequently served during celebratory and holiday meals.

This berry pavlova, paired with a berry cute Jell-O cocktail, has “I love you� written all over it.

VINEYARD

Berry Pavlova (SERVES 6)

INGREDIENTS 4 egg whites 1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon corn starch 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 cup Greek yogurt Skin of 1 zested lemon 1 pint assorted berries 2 tablespoons rum 1 tablespoon honey DIRECTIONS [1] Marinate the berries in rum. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, slowly.

[2] Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the lemon juice, corn starch and whisk for 2 minutes or until glossy and combined. Add the lemon zest. Spoon 6 rounds of the meringue onto a large baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. [3] Using a small spoon, make an indent in the center of each meringue. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees and bake for 30 minutes or until crisp to the touch. [4] Cool in the oven for 1 hour. Whisk the yogurt and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Top meringues with the yogurt cream and rum-marinated berries.

Drizzle honey and dust with powdered sugar.

VINEYARD

Sip & Slide (MAKES 6 GLASSES)

HELP US HELP OUR NEIGHBORS Eat and drink like a local with LOCAL Flavor, a LOCAL Life cookbook filled with recipes from local chefs and restaurants. Buy a cookbook for $15 and we will give $10 to the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund. Purchase a copy online at LocalLifeSC.com.

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INGREDIENTS 3 cups Jell-O (assorted flavors) 1 bottle sparkling wine DIRECTIONS Make the Jell-O as instructed on the package. Pour into a separate shallow tray so you can cut into 1-inch cubes. When set (and when the wine is cold), scoop the Jell-O into the glasses, add ice and the cold sparkling wine. Enjoy!

NUNZIO RESTAURANT + BAR

Oven Roasted Golden Beets with Goat Cheese & Pistachio (SERVES 6)

INGREDIENTS 2 bunches of local beets, washed and peeled 1 handful of baby arugula 6 slices of goat cheese, medium log 3 ounces roasted pistachio, cracked 1 ounce balsamic vinegar 2 ounces extra virgin olive oil 1 ounce honey 3 shallots, sliced Salt and pepper

JUST BEET IT If your special lady loves beets, this recipe from Nunzio Patruno of Nunzio Restaurant + Bar is sure to please. The roasting technique brings out the taproot’s natural sweetness, which is enhanced by tangy goat cheese and crunchy cracked pistachio. You can’t beet it!

DIRECTIONS [1] Heat oven 400 degrees. Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast in the oven until tender (20 minutes). Next, remove from oven, cool down and slice the beets. Set aside. [2] Cook the shallots in olive oil until golden. Add the honey and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and set aside. [3] In a mixing bowl, season the arugula with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and extra virgin olive oil. [4] Place the arugula in a large serving platter and arrange all the sliced beets around the salad. Place the slices of goat cheese on top of the arugula. Then, place a teaspoon of the shallots dressing on each slice of goat cheese. Finally, sprinkle with cracked pistachios and serve.

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I ONLY HAVE PIES FOR YOU While most moms choke down overcooked Mother’s Day fare with a smile, a few are lucky enough to have their special meal prepared by somebody who actually knows what they’re doing. Be like Christopher Carge, executive chef at Poseidon, who had a blast creating this simple tomato pie with his little girls.

POSEIDON

Tomato pie & herbs (4-6 SERVINGS)

INGREDIENTS 1 unbaked pie crust (directions below or store bought) 5 large tomatoes (different colors, if possible) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh basil 1 tablespoon fresh oregano ½ pound fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1 inch strips Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar INGREDIENTS (pie crust) 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of unsalted butter, diced, chilled 1/4 cold water

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DIRECTIONS [1] Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees. Making the pie dough, add flour and salt to a stand mixer and mix. Next add the butter and continue to process until it resembles crumbs. Slowly add cold water a tablespoon at a time until a dough ball is formed. [2] On a floured surface, roll dough out for a 9-inch pan. Press the dough into the pan and prick the bottom with a fork, don’t worry if it’s not cookbook perfect. I had my kids help make the dough. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or a weight. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool. [3] For the filling, slice the tomatoes and lay them on a kitchen towel for 10 minutes to release water, then line crust with a single layer of tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over top of tomatoes. Chop herbs and sprinkle over tomatoes, then add sliced cheese over top. [4] Bake for 30 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and the cheese starts to bubble. Let cool, then season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle with aged balsamic. Cut and enjoy!

GROW YOUR OWN Fresh basil is essential to home cooking, but those packages at the grocery store really add up quickly. It is much cheaper in the long run to buy an established basil plant and grow your own leaves. Each plant will produce about 1/2 a cup of basil each week. If garden space is an issue, simply pot the plant in a sunny windowsill to enjoy fresh basil for months.

GO AHEAD AND STARE. KEY INGREDIENT

NELLIE & JOE’S 100% KEY LIME JUICE Nellie & Joe’s has long been considered the consummate lime juice of choice for discerning chefs who rely on quality, consistency and convenience. In addition to this recipe, it’s also a great marinade for meat, seafood and poultry dishes, or as a pop of flavor in mixed cocktail drinks. Purchase a 12-pack of 12-ounce bottles for $60 at keylimejuice.com.

LIME YOURS Show your love with this tart classic, which is named after the small key limes that are naturalized throughout the Florida Keys. WiseGuys chef Chaun Bescos kicks this delicious but surprisingly simple dessert up a notch by using Nellie & Joe’s 100% Key Lime Juice. Life is short. Eat dessert first!

JEWELRY, FINE GIFTS, TREASURES F

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Mariposa • Caspari • Le Cadeaux John Medeiros • Crislu • Meghan Browne

WISEGUYS

Key Lime Pie

INGREDIENTS (CRUST) 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons sugar

2019

Best of Hilton Head Awards in the category of Gift Shop

DIRECTIONS [1] Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. For the crust, melt your butter and mix together with sugar and graham cracker crumbs. The mixture will feel like damp sand.

[2] Press the crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch spring form pan, making sure to press it in well and to go up the sides of the pan like for a cheese cake. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and set aside for the filling.

INGREDIENTS (filling) 2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk 6 egg yolks 1 cup key lime juice (Nellie & Joe’s is great) DIRECTIONS [1] For the filling, whip the egg yolks until pale and and foamy. They should double in volume. This makes a lighter finished product which is nice in the deeper format.

[2] After the yolks are right, whisk in the sweetened condensed milk. Once well incorporated, add the lime juice and mix well. [3] Pour into your springform crust. Bake it for twenty minutes at 350 degrees. Let rest for 20 minutes before eating. It is best lightly chilled.

HARBOUR TOWN | 149 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD

843.671.3643

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libations

Signature cocktail

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PHOTOS BY MIKE RITTERBECK

Each month, LOCAL Life features a must-try signature cocktail from a local establishment.

This month, we highlight the Felony Margarita at WiseGuys. It’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo. It was created by Tony “Cheetah” Chism, the managing partner, GM and bar manager at WiseGuys.

“This drink is a riff of a margarita, with the addition of green chartreuse, and infused pineapple and serrano pepper tequila,” Chism explained. “The green chartreuse adds herbaceous, earthiness and a bit of spice. The pineapple adds some sweetness to offset the tartness of the lime juice, and the serrano pepper adds a touch of heat. The torched lime tops the drink, and the salted rim rounds it all out.”

The cocktail is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. Mix one up to start an instant fiesta and properly commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. LL WISEGUYS

Felony Margarita

INGREDIENTS 1/2 fresh lime, juiced (save the lime) 2 ounces infused pineapple and serrano pepper Luna Azul Blanco Tequila (recipe to the right) 1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse 1 teaspoon Organic Light Agave Nectar 1/2 ounce Don Q 151 Rum Kosher salt for rim DIRECTIONS Combine lime juice, tequila infusion, Chartreuse and Agave Nectar in a Boston cocktail shaker with a rocks glass amount of crushed ice.

Shake well. Pour contents into a rocks glass, salted rim if preferred. Take the lime that was juiced and place on top of cocktail. Fill it with 1/2 ounce of Don Q 151 rum and light it for presentation.

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INFUSED PINEAPPLE AND SERRANO PEPPER TEQUILA INGREDIENTS 1 750 ml bottle of Luna Azul Blanco Tequila (save the bottle) 1 fresh soft pineapple, skinned, cored and cut into small bite-size pieces.

1 serrano pepper (cut off the stem, and cut into rings, leaving the seeds) DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients into a glass or plastic container and let rest for 1 week. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and pour back into the saved bottle. This drink also can be made without doing the infusion, by muddling the pineapple and serrano pepper.

Establishment: WiseGuys Bartender/mixologist: Tony Chism

Cocktails for the quarantined

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With bars across the Lowcountry temporarily closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, we libations-loving locals are forced to raid our liquor cabinets to mix our own drinks. If you stocked up on booze but were disappointed to learn it’s not a great substitute for hand sanitizer, fret not. Put those spirits to good use by recreating these recipes from Hilton Head Distillery and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Find more local cocktail recipes online at LocalLifeSC.com.

GREEN LIGHT

Drink your greens with a splash of your favorite juice.

Just mix Tito’s Handmade Vodka, ginger ale and muddled fresh greens for a light and refreshing Tito’s Green Ginger. During a crisis, you know, cocktail hour can be almost any hour.

TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA

Tito’s Green Ginger INGREDIENTS 3 cucumber slices 2 mint leaves 2 basil leaves 1 1/2 ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka 1/2 ounce lime juice 3 ounces ginger ale

DIRECTIONS Gently muddle cucumber slices, mint leaves and basil leaves in a shaker.

Add vodka, lime juice and ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Top with ginger ale.

A TASTE OF THE TROPICS

Make a little time for Tiki Time between loads of laundry. Maria Vertucci of Hilton Head Distillery created this concoction at home with her husband-to-be, Pat. The key ingredient is HHD’s fan favorite, Toasted Coconut Rum. Mixed with pineapple juice, guava nectar and Coco López, it’s sure to transport you to a happier place (until the dryer buzzer sounds).

HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY

Maria’s MasterPiece INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Hilton Head Distillery Toasted Coconut Rum 4 ounces pineapple juice 1 ounce guava nectar 1/2 ounce Coco López

DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients and pour into your favorite cocktail glass. Garnish with whatever you have lying around the house. In this case, a straw with a cute little umbrella does the trick. It adds just enough class to justify enjoying in your jammies while the sun is still up.

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DISTILLED & BOTTLED BY FIFTH GENERATION INC. 40% ALC./VOL © 2020 TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA. MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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SECRET SPOT OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Unnamed islands in the Wright River STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE ROLDÁN-SHAW

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When it seems the world has gone crazy, it’s nice to go out in nature and find everything just the same. And by the same I mean constantly changing — stable in its instability, certain in its uncertainty, stripped of the illusion of security. Life is serious business and we can all get swept away in an instant. Nature is brutal. Existence is fragile. Reality spares no one.

And yet, paddling alone through vast emptiness of the estuary, knowing that if anything goes wrong out here I’m in big trouble, I feel closer to and at peace with the hard truth. Amidst gently lapping saltwater, ruffling marsh grass and shorebird cries, danger and serenity coexist. Back onshore, everybody’s freaking out about a pandemic. Actually, death stalks at our heels all the time; it’s just normally we ignore the fact. You can’t ignore it when you share the water with alligators.

I’m fortunate to have this unfrequented wilderness in my backyard, where I’ve yet to see another human. It was the perfect place for a sanity paddle, a little laidback float to escape the coronavirus craziness for a few hours. I didn’t intend a more ambitious expedition to the pair of unnamed islands that have beckoned

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“Paddling alone through vast emptiness of the estuary, knowing that if anything goes wrong out here, I’m in big trouble.”

ROW YOUR BOAT If you're looking for an adventurous paddle, consider exploring the two unnamed islands near Turnbridge Landing.

PEACE AND QUIET This bottomland swamp in Jasper County is full of cypress knees, bald cypress and Lowcountry wildlife.

How to get there Location: Levy, S.C. Mode of transport: Kayak Directions: From Turnbridge Landing you can see a pair of tiny islands way off in the marsh to your left. Good luck trying to get there. You’ll need GPS. If you go: You’re on your own, so act accordingly.

for so long, visible from shore as palmy green smudges on the horizon. Satellite reconnaissance showed them as being accessible by a little creek, maybe, though I doubted I could get that far without a motorboat. But wind and tide were with me. The morning wore on and I realized I was in range. A little chop kicked up and sandpipers shrieked into the void. I paddled with all my might. At last I reached the cut (according to my blue dot on the Google Maps phone app) and felt a surge of anticipation as the creek snaked around — would it reach the islands and a suitable landing place?

Yes and no. Imprisoned below mud bluffs at half-tide, I could only look up longingly at the tiny islet of my dreams. A stiff breeze rattled palmettos overhead, and the sun beat down through parched branches of an old cedar. Still sitting in the kayak, I braced my paddle against the bluff to avoid being swept into a barnacle-encrusted snag just upstream. I ate an orange and plucked two pieces of ancient Indian pottery out of the mud. I enjoyed the peace of a gorgeous spring day with death stalking at my heels — just what the doctor ordered against COVID-19 panic. Soon I’d be back on land, staying sane in self-quarantine. But nature always will be there to remind me that despite apparent chaos, there is order to life, and that fact is immensely comforting. LL

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Nature without the crowds

WHERE TO SAFELY GET OUTSIDE DURING A PANDEMIC

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STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MICHELE ROLDÁN-SHAW

As the world faces a novel and frightening situation, people are looking for healthy ways to entertain themselves. One option is outdoor recreation — but only if it’s done appropriately. At the onset of quarantine measures, parks and beaches were shut down because people continued to gather despite warnings about the unchecked spread of the virus.

Many of the less popular areas remain open, however, so with a little planning, ruggedness and spirit of adventure, these beautiful environments can still offer safe and therapeutic fun. All the locations below were open at the time of this writing (although amenities such as visitors centers and restrooms are closed) but check online for recent changes. Remember to observe social distancing — do not gather in groups, try to go at low-traffic times, and look for less frequented access points. Pack a picnic and hand sanitizer, download a map and strike off into the unknown! In case you don’t make it out during quarantine, save this article for better times ahead.

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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge This well-known local spot is beloved for its birding, hiking and biking opportunities. While it does get plenty of traffic, most tend to congregate around the rookery ponds that are an easy walk from the parking lot. But there is so much more to explore! Grab a free map or download one onto your phone, then spread out over 14 miles of trails through maritime forest and salt marsh habitat. Watch for deer, alligators, armadillos and abundant bird life, including wood storks and painted buntings.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Despite being in easy range of Bluffton and Hilton Head, this spot remains mostly off the beaten track. The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive allows visitors to meander in their vehicles through former rice fields now managed for waterfowl, including the lovely purple gallinule, wood ducks and hosts of chattering redwing blackbirds. Alligators are abundant and bobcats stalk the bottomland cypress forests. There is also plenty of hiking and biking along the dike system, accessible from a trailhead across from Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive or from Kingfisher Pond on Highway 17 outside Hardeeville. (Don’t go to the Visitor Center—it’s closed and there is no trail access from there.) Watch vigilantly for reptiles, and keep a respectful distance from gators at all times.

God’s Acre Healing Springs For the less wilderness-y types and those just wanting an easy country drive to a point of curious interest, allow us to recommend the Healing Springs in Blackville, South Carolina. You’ll pass cotton fields, country stores and Southern backroad sights galore. The spring itself is a legendary artesian well that has been revered

by Native Americans, early settlers and many a modern-day citizen for its healing powers.

And yes, the reason it’s called God’s Acre is because it is legally owned by God! Read this fascinating history on a plaque before filling your jugs for free with the delicious water (frequently tested for purity) and perhaps even soaking your toes in runoff that flows into a quiet forest stream. The locals who frequent the springs are friendly and often share stories of miraculous cures they’ve gotten by drinking the water.

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Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge On the untrammeled Georgia coast 45 miles south of Savannah, Harris Neck has a variegated history of Native American usage, cotton plantations, Geechee settlements, a tobacco magnate’s lavish estate and a former Army airfield. Today it is a wonderfully quiet world of fields, forest, salt marsh and freshwater ponds that provide habitat for every signature species of the Lowcountry. Be on the lookout for ruins of the old estate garden and don’t miss the historic cemetery by Barbour River Landing. The best way to cover ground here is by bicycle or on the circular wildlife drive, but be sure and observe social distancing around the fishing pier at the entrance to the refuge.

Webb, Palachucola and Hamilton Ridge Wildlife Management Areas These quiet, decidedly un-touristy areas just inland, which form a contiguous swath of over 25,000 acres, are mostly known only to hunters. But there is plenty of hiking, biking and even golf-carting (if you’re willing to trailer it over there) in the many miles of dirt tracks through the forest. Just be forewarned that roads often flood, bog and become otherwise impassible, so print out a map and pack your sense of adventure. Look for snakes, turtles, turkeys, hogs and adorable fox squirrels. Be sure to check for scheduled hunts when portions of the area are closed, keeping in mind that there is no hunting on Sundays in SC public lands.

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outdoors

Ebenezer (Rincon, Ga.) There are two attractions here: Ebenezer Creek, perhaps the most impressive virgin bald cypress swamp in the state, and New Ebenezer, a historic site that is home to the Georgia Salzburger Society. The former is an unforgettable canoe or kayak paddle between Long Bridge and Tommy Long boat ramps, along which you will pass ancient trees of unbelievable size. The latter is a self-guided tour of pioneer cabins, an old sugar cane mill, working hand pump well, outdoor amphitheater on a gorgeous high bluff over the Savannah River, the first orphanage in Georgia, and the Jerusalem Lutheran Church, the oldest church building in the state made from antique local bricks.

Just wandering around this peaceful, fascinating site makes a great educational trip for kids even if all the museum programs are shut down, so pack a lunch and plan to spend a few hours.

Francis Marion National Forest If you are looking for max solitude, this is the place to roam wild and free. All the developed recreation areas, visitors centers and shooting ranges are closed until further notice. But the nearly 300,000 acres of woods and wetlands in this huge coastal tract north of Charleston remain open to trail use and dispersed primitive camping. The I’on Swamp Interpretive Trail and Sewee Shell Ring Boardwalk are great places to start, as are sections of the 50-mile Swamp Fox Trail that runs through the forest from Awendaw to Monck’s Corner. If you’re the spontaneous type, just drive anywhere into the Francis Marion, park where it looks interesting and go from there. Be sure you have a good map, bug spray, plenty of food and water, and whatever else you may need because there are absolutely no services out here. Add extra dimension to the trip by studying the history of Francis Marion, a.k.a. “Swamp Fox,” South Carolina’s legendary guerilla general who helped turn the tides of the American Revolution in these very woods.

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Okefenokee Swamp It may take a little more planning and driving, but visiting this famous American landmark is worth it. There are three main entrances and two secondary entrances to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and plenty of helpful information is posted on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Okefenokee webpage under “Plan Your Visit.” (The Okefenokee Swamp Park, thus far still open, is a family friendly access point.) There is limited hiking in the refuge on boardwalks and through upland forest, so canoeing is the best way to really dive into this watery world. Carnivorous pitcher plants, wild orchids and irises, black bear, gopher tortoise, sandhill cranes and reptiles galore populate this brutal yet magical wonderland. LL

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culture

“What would you do if you were not afraid?”

ARTIST CHRISTY KINARD HAS THE ANSWER

BY CAROLYN MALES

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Carolina Camellias

Standing in a room of Christy Kinard’s glossy floral paintings is like walking deep in a sun-lit garden, exuberant with color, texture, and passion. Bouquets radiate across canvas in a kaleidoscope of hues, drips, layers, and patterns.

Little surprises –– pencil marks, scraps of fabric, and polka dots pop out like wildflowers among the blooms.

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LL Find additional works of art online at LocalLifeSC.com

“I love to get uncomfortable and get out of my comfort zone and embrace fear, pressing through its barriers. I have so much passion for what I’m doing that I feel that fear is not an option. I’ll get an idea in my head and it will lay on my heart and if feel like that has to be done, I’ll pursue it.”

And there vying for your attention in the midst of all lush blossoms sits a large painting of a tipsy birthday cake, its candles tilted at crazy angles while origami-shaped stars, flowers, hearts, and triangles dance on its slanted rainbow layers.

It’s often said that one of the biggest fears artists face is confronting the blank canvas.

In Kinard’s case, this is not a problem. The 42-year-old Hilton Head artist has carved out a routine that keeps her creative spark ignited. The night before she paints, she gathers inspiration from publications, social media, and photos she’s taken of flowers.

Using this process, she decides on an idea and a dominant color. “If I really want to get out of my comfort zone, I might pick a color I don’t usually use and build a palette around it,” she declares.

The following day she preps with an affirmation. “I tell myself I’m going to create something that is wonderful and uplifting –– something I’ll love. I keep negative thoughts out of my head.”

Then with classic rock as background music, she strides up to her easel, sets a timer for thirty minutes and goes at it building layers with acrylic-loaded brushes, graphite pencils, spray paint and stencils, all the while collaging in scraps of fabric and paper she’s laid out on her worktable.

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Fresh Flowers

“I didn’t choose art.

Art chose me.”

Carolina State Of Mind

When the timer chimes, she stops and puts the canvas aside, turning it toward a wall or moving it to another room to clear her mind. Minutes later she begins the process anew, either finishing up a previous piece or starting another. As a result, she may have five works in progress at any one time.

Most days, her studio is her screened-in back porch overlooking a lagoon and the 18th hole of the Ocean Course in Sea Pines. She shares this space with her husband, artist Jon Davenport, whose mixed-media pieces build on iconic American advertising and Hollywood images. Not surprisingly, the couple meets the challenge of a dual workspace in a unique way.

“When we both have a show going, we have to draw a line with a little paint and paper or anything we have lying around. It means: You cannot cross over. This is my space. If you’re coming over to bother me, you have to ask permission,” Kinard says with a laugh. On inclement weather days or when pollen threatens to add an unwanted patina to her paintings, she retreats to a guest bedroom she’s converted into an alternative work area.

Kinard’s boldness and her love of color are embedded in her DNA. In fact, the Dalton, Georgia, native admits “I didn’t choose art. Art chose me.” Her first “studio” was the family kitchen table where her mother encouraged her and her sisters to paint and do simple crafts like sculpting from flour dough. Her colorist bent came from wandering through her parents’ and grandparents’ gardens. Soon she would have a small plot of her own planted with sunflowers, wildflowers, or any kind of seed she could get her hands on. “I would daydream about coming home from school to see what bloomed.”

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Moonbeams

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Teenage forays into nearby Chattanooga to study works by favorite and fearless artists Robert Rauschenberg and Jean-Michel Basquiat, then art school, a stint in England, marriage, and three children followed. Through it all, Kinard painted and pushed to get her work into galleries. Nothing stopped her. And certainly not rejection. Today her work is in galleries in Boston, Napa, Charlotte, St. Simons, and Bluffton’s Red Piano Gallery.

The latter was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. As a girl vacationing on Hilton Head with her family, she would drive past The Red Piano (then on Cordillo Parkway) and vow “someday my work will be hanging there.” Determined, she first approached the gallery when she was eighteen. “Not ready,” they told her. Undaunted, she tried two more times with the same result.

Last fall, armed with a portfolio of vibrant floral paintings, she approached Ben and Lyn Whiteside, now owners of The Red Piano. Taken with her originality and brilliant use of color, they began displaying her work in a dedicated section of the gallery. Collectors were immediately smitten. A recent collector, delighted by Kinard’s rich palette and free-flowing design, plucked one to bring back to her Midwestern condo, declaring, “I just wanted something joyful.”

Recently, Kinard and Davenport have branched out into textiles, taking details from their paintings for designs on household goods like pillows, aprons, towels, rugs and even women’s leggings. Wallpaper might be the next frontier they tackle. Who knows what other new worlds they’ll dare to conquer? LL

To view Christy Kinard’s work, go to christykinard.com or redpianoartgallery.com

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Home Art

culture

HOME IS NOT A PLACE … IT’S A FEELING It’s where you make it.

It’s where your heart is. It’s home sweet home. For this “Close to Home” issue, we asked our favorite local galleries to share their favorite works inspired by home. While many locals are the opposite of homesick at the moment, just remember — it feels good to leave but even better to come back.

Grandmother's Garden by Dan Gerhartz (Red Piano Gallery)

LL Find additional works of art online at LocalLifeSC.com Cabanas Grande by Craig Ford (Camellia Art)

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Singleton Beach by David Randall (Fast Frame)

Blue Cathedrals by Rose Cofield (La Petite Gallerie)

Tern by Murray Sease (La Petite Gallerie)

Sanctuary by Dottie Leatherwood (Camellia Art)

Screened-In by Mark Boedges (Red Piano Gallery)

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Maddie's Room by Bill Winn (La Petite Gallerie)

The Blues by Stephen Scott Young (Red Piano Gallery)

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Glory by Stephen Scott Young (Red Piano Gallery)

Mother and Child by Louanne LaRoche (Camellia Art)

LOCAL ART Reflection by Alex Sharma LOCAL POETRY

SaturdayThe Weekly Appointment From a week’s worth of memories with my grandmother, who has dementia I’m in the chair again, and I release the clasp that holds the loose chignon of memories off of my nape.

Pieces tumble down...

“Your hair looks stuck to your head.

You need a bodywave and a trim, but don’t get it all cut off.

A woman’s hair is her crowning glory.”

So my grandmother’s hairdresser, Ruby, pulled bobby pins from her pinched lips, strapped down my unruly strands around hard curlers, doused my head with solution, and placed me on a telephone book to dry under the hood.

Now, I think about the curls I no longer have.

I don’t protect my head as Grandmother did — by sitting outside the pool, or as Mom did — by keeping her head above the water.

No, I only worry over the heads on pennies my children and I dive to find.

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Close to home THE ESSENTIAL INSIDER’S GUIDE TO HILTON HEAD, DAUFUSKIE, BLUFFTON, BEAUFORT AND THE SEA ISLANDS

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The beautiful thing about living in the Lowcountry is there’s always something new for you to experience.

In creating this handy guide for locals, we avoid the most popular tourist attractions and focus on the best kept secrets of the Lowcountry.

Before we can truly dive into the experience that awaits you in these gems of the Carolina coast, we need to address the elephant in the room.

As of this writing, the state of South Carolina is under a mandatory stayat-home order with exceptions for essential travel like going to work or buying groceries. We don’t know what the situation will be when you read this, so use your best judgement. If the order has been lifted, you are free to roam about the Lowcountry. If not, here is your must-see list when you’re finally allowed to leave the house.

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©PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

©PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

Historical attractions

©PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

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Fort Howell Fort Howell was the last of four forts built on Hilton Head Island, after the Union forces made an early attack and subsequent occupation on Nov. 7, 1861. After the battle was over and the Confederate troops and plantation owners retreated, the occupying Union soldiers freed all the slaves on Hilton Head Island, making them the first slaves to be freed during the Civil War. Mitchellville Freedom Park In 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and most of the formerly enslaved African-American population was trying to adjust to their new post-war freedom, the people of Mitchelville were busy creating a completely new, self-governed culture that would be the guidepost for generations to follow. Mitchelville was established in 1862, shortly after Hilton Head’s fall to the Union in November 1861.

Gullah Museum The mission of the Gullah Museum is to revive, restore and preserve the Hilton Head Gullah history for the benefit of all – lest we forget. The museum is committed to maintaining Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures.

Rediscover the hidden side of Hilton Head

BY EDDY HOYLE

Soon we will tentatively stick our heads out of our tortoise shells, step outside, look around and rejoin the world (post COVID-19). We will be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, the invigorating social interaction, and the opportunities to simply have fun here in the Lowcountry.

After all, that’s why we live in this richly diverse, stimulating, and incredibly beautiful location. So get out and re-energize, renew and rediscover Hilton Head. Be a tourist and see our community as if it was your very first time.

The North End of Hilton Head has a laid-back vibe with nooks and crannies of fun and relaxing spots. Many are hidden gems to experience tucked away on back roads. Relax, explore, and appreciate what travelers from around the world come to experience. From visiting tabby ruins to the excitement of riding a jet ski or taking a cruise on a pirate ship, there is something for everyone.

There’s rowing and sailing, dolphin watch cruises, and you can even rent a pontoon boat for a group adventure on the water. If you want to learn more about our ecosystems in the Lowcountry, there are plenty of workshops offered at the Coastal Discovery Museum where you can learn about dragonflies, right whales, oyster shell recycling, hummingbirds, and bird-friendly backyards.

Jarvis Creek Park has a cool walking trail around a lake and pavilions for picnics — and it’s the perfect place to see alligators. The quiet, serene beach at Mitchelville is away from the bustling crowds and most tourists don’t even know it exists. There are tons of shells to collect and the beach faces Port Royal Sound rather than the Atlantic, so even the water is calmer with fewer waves. There also are significant historical places. It’s easy to imagine that hallowed places exist only in remote or exotic locales. Yet many interesting historical sites are easily accessible, and visiting these lesser-known sites can be a profoundly moving experience for the hands of men and women have built sites that are now repositories of wisdom.

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Gullah Heritage Tours Learn about the culture of Gullah people during a two-hour bus tour narrated by native Gullah who are descendants of enslaved people. You will travel through the Gullah communities as the distinctive Gullah language, traditional foods and recipes, music, religion, social structure and folktales are woven into an interactive educational and entertaining experience.

©PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

Coastal Discovery Museum Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum where you can explore the 68-acre Historic Honey Horn property, learn about our region’s history, culture and art, and discover how to make a difference by actively caring for our environment. A trail system takes you through multiple environments and past many historic structures. Enjoy the ancient trees, take in the view from the boardwalk, see the Marsh Tacky horses grazing in the wide-open fields, and envision what the island was like before it was developed. Visit the butterfly habitat, the carnivorous plant bog and the heritage garden.

©PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

Cultural attractions

White Point Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, go fishing, and explore over 14 miles of hiking and bicycling trails. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wading and shorebirds in the salt marsh. Brightly colored painted buntings are fairly easy to spot and nesting is in full-swing at Ibis Pond during the spring and early summer. For those who make the long trek to White Point (7.8 miles round-trip), a small, primitive beach and breathtaking views await.

Queen Chapel African Methodist-Episcopal Church The AME denomination experienced rapid growth after the Civil War and Queen Chapel was among the early churches founded. In 1865, Charleston-born AME Bishop D.A. Payne brought a group of missionaries to Hilton Head Island. They met with Rev. James Lynch, who had come to South Carolina in 1863 to perform missionary work among the freedmen of Mitchelville.

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©PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

Cherry Hill School Cherry Hill School is an historic school built for AfricanAmerican students in 1937. It is a simple, weathered schoolhouse. The community built and helped maintain the school to educate the descendants of the former slave town of Mitchelville, the first community to mandate education in the South. This one-room schoolhouse operated until 1954. St. James Baptist Church purchased the school in 1956, and it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

©PHOTO BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT

Must-see landmarks Eat and drink Hilton Head’s North End is no slouch when it comes to food and drink. Directly from the docks to the dinner plate, fresh seafood abounds. Sweet local oysters are served up fried, steamed and raw. Shrimp is a mainstay of the fishing industry, and whether you love coconut shrimp, scampi, fried or grilled shrimp, or shrimp burgers, it’s widely available. There are restaurants that offer fine Italian cuisine, good old-fashioned burgers, barbecue and Southern fried chicken. If sushi and Asian food interests you, the North End has you covered. There are tapas, steak, and great Mexican food and pizza. Whether you like a waterfront venue or an eclectic pub setting, fine dining or a casual atmosphere, your desires, cravings and taste buds can be satisfied in this locale.

©PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

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Local secrets Veteran’s Memorial A pristine tribute to the fallen and missing soldiers involved in past wars is tucked away along the Broad Creek marsh on Shelter Cove Lane. You’ll find a stone monument with the inscriptions of the wars the U.S. has been involved in, benches for viewing and reflection, open spaces and a small observation dock overlooking Broad Creek. It’s a great place to exercise with a pet.

Hilton Head Island Farmers Market Find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and local goods at this underrated weekly market at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Products are locally grown or prepared. Many popular family farms have a presence there, including Three Sisters Farm, Brant Family Farm, Ebenezer Greens and Whippoorwill Farms.

Check it out from 9 am. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday.

Beach parking pass If you live or own a home within Hilton Head town limits, consider purchasing a $30 Beach Parking Pass.

The sticker, placed on the driver’s side rear bumper, gives you prime shaded parking at Islanders Beach Park and Driessen Beach Park, and will pay for itself in just a few beach days. Plus, it instantly identifies you as an island resident to other island residents.

You matter!

“Today you are You, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” — Dr. Seuss

Real Estate . 843.785.7111 HiltonHeadProperties.biz Vacation Rentals . 843.785.2242 HiltonHeadPropertiesRandR.com

Real Estate . Vacation Rentals . Property Management

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Uncover the secrets of Hilton Head’s South End

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It’s a happening place on the South End of Hilton Head Island – it’s where the St. Paddy’s Day Parade takes place, and it’s the home of the PGA Tour RBC Heritage Golf Tournament that brings in thousands of spectators each year (with the exception of this year, of course). The beach at Coligny is flanked by restaurants and shops, and there’s usually a large volleyball game near the everpopular Tiki Hut. The South End has a different vibe that draws young and old alike with a variety of nightlife, from jazz and dueling pianos to acoustic music and rock ‘n roll. There are family-friendly activities like biking and miniature golf. Plenty of art galleries and upscale shops grace this locale, and there are interesting historical sites for the curious.

©PHOTO BY ARNO DIMMLING

BY EDDY HOYLE

Stoney-Baynard Ruins Circa 1790 Captain Jack Stoney built a magnificent antebellum plantation house overlooking Calibogue Sound, and now the remnants of the house and slave quarters are tabby ruins. The property changed hands when Stoney lost it to William Baynard in 1840. The plantation was raided and served as Union headquarters during the Civil War before it was burned. The ruins are located in Sea Pines and are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Numerous ghost stories and reports of paranormal activity surround this historic site.

Sea Pines Shell Ring This mysterious landmark dates back 4,000 years and is the oldest known archaeological site on Hilton Head Island. The ring is made up of hundreds of thousands of oysters, clams and mussels. It is one of 50 known shell rings found along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, all of them dating back 3,000 to 5,000 years. It is located inside of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Braddock's Point Cemetery This historic cemetery is not too far from the famous 18th fairway of Harbour Town Golf Links inside of Sea Pines Resort. Many of the tombstones in the cemetery are made of hand-inscribed concrete.

The grave of Emory Campbell’s great-grandmother dates back to 1861. The site was restored in 2014 by retired manufacturing engineer J. Wendell Grayson and Richard "Skeet" Williams Jr., who has family buried there.

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Historical attractions

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Must-see landmarks

Liberty Oak The majestic and graceful limbs of this centuries-old, moss-draped oak tree form a stunning setting along with the sparkling waters of Harbour Town Yacht Basin and the Harbour Town Lighthouse in the background. Under the tree you will find the Charles Fraser Memorial, a commemoration of eco-development pioneer Charles Fraser.

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Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum Built beside the first church on the island, Zion Chapel of Ease (now long gone), the Baynard Mausoleum is the oldest standing structure on the island. This 2.8-acre plot of land is an outstanding source for insights about our community’s history. The names of each person cut into the headstones are the names of people who left their marks on this island, including several Revolutionary War patriots.

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Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse Hilton Head Rear Range Light is the island’s one true lighthouse. Standing on ground that was once part of Leamington Plantation, the tower is also known as Leamington Lighthouse. In the mid-1980s the lighthouse was incorporated into the Arthur Hills Golf Course. The lighthouse also boasts a resident ghost. During a fierce hurricane in 1898 keeper Adam Fripp died while tending to his light.

Biscuit of the Month: The Usual Hilton Head’s South End has options galore. From takeand-bake pizza to the finest steakhouses, every palate can be satisfied. There are Cajun and Creole, Chinese, Japanese and Thai. And what makes dining on Hilton Head so special is that there are very few chain restaurants – most establishments are private and proud – and that means exceptional cuisine. One of the many unique establishments is Bad Biscuit on Dunnagans Alley. This month’s featured biscuit is “The Usual." You always wanted to say “gimme the usual” when you walked into a place, right? This biscuit special changes sometimes. Just say you will have “The Usual” and go for it! Learn more at bad-biscuit.com.

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Audubon Newhall Preserve Hidden off Palmetto Bay Road, these 50 acres of walking trails will connect you with nature. Just be sure to go on a dry day, unless you’ve got a good pair of mudders. Along the different trails, you will see many types of plants and trees that include native and non-native flora. A must-see within the preserve is a pocosin, a wetland area that was once a characteristic feature of barrier islands.

A boardwalk located at the end of the Newhall Trail will lead you right to it.

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Lawton Stables Lawton Stables is a place the entire family can enjoy. Horseback riding might be one of the best ways to get a true feeling for the Lowcountry. Trail rides wander through forests in over 600 acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Pony rides are available to children 7 and under, and the animal farm provides a wonderful collection of small animals to feed and enjoy. Don’t forget to bring quarters for the feed machine.

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Areas to explore

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Local secrets Arrow Road bike path Near the entrance of Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort, a 2-mile bike path is tucked away between Arrow Road and Wexford Plantation. It links back up with Arrow Road near Helmsman Way, giving South Enders safe bike access to Crossings Park and Palmetto Bay Marina. With no threat of traffic and plenty of straight, smooth asphalt, it’s a great spot to see how fast you can peddle.

VILLAGE AT WEXFORD 843.686.KIDS

Vanishing Swamp Explore a secluded forest on the boardwalk through the Vanishing Swamp. Getting there is half the fun. Start at the Greenwood entrance of Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and follow the dirt trail to the Rice Field Boardwalk wooden platform.

When you come to a fork, take a left and follow Bridle Trail. When you reach Fish Island Trail, hang a right and follow the boardwalk over the swamp.

Pedestrian Underpass Bridge Avoid biking across busy U.S. 278 by using the bridge underpass that connects the public pathways of the Shelter Cove area and the Palmetto Dunes area. If you are on the Palmetto Dunes side, follow the “bike path to Shelter Cove” sign. If you are on the Shelter Cove side, follow the “bike path to the beach” sign.

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The truly interesting thing about today’s Bluffton is that it is many things to many people. A decade or so ago, you’d probably define it as a sleepy little river town in the midst of unprecedented growth. A decade before that, it stood out mostly as an enclave for artists and eccentrics who marched to their own beats. A decade before that, it was a small town where a handful of residents all knew each other and would ask after your mama when they saw you at the Piggly Wiggly.

Today, it’s still all of those things on some level. The difference being, of course, that we no longer have a Piggly Wiggly. What we have are thriving mixed-use living and shopping areas supporting a vibrant community of newcomers, with a dash of Lowcountry sophistication, thanks to the influence of Palmetto Bluff just up the road from Old Town. You can call it progress, you can call it change, but ultimately, it’s something that defies definition. And there’s nothing more Bluffton than defying definition.

Bluffton is full of charm and personality

BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Historical attractions Palmetto Bluff ruins During the gilded age, Astors, Whitneys and Vanderbilts regularly made their way down to the opulent four-story, 72-room mansion of Richard T. Wilson Jr. on the banks of the May River, which he named Palmetto Bluff.

Destroyed by fire in 1926, its stone ruins make for a captivating scene on the Wilson Village Green in Palmetto Bluff.

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The Heyward House Museum Headquarters for the Historic Bluffton Foundation (formerly the Bluffton Historic Preservation Society), the Heyward House has been maintained to offer a glimpse into antebellum life in Bluffton. Spared during the “Burning of Bluffton,” the Heyward House still houses a mirror etched with a warning from a Union soldier: “Flee, rebels. Hell is here.”

The Secession Oak On July 31, 1844, a group of planters huddled under the boughs of a live oak tree to hear Robert Barnwell Rhett speak. His impassioned speech spurred the crowd toward secession, igniting the “Bluffton movement” which would lead to South Carolina leaving the Union. NOTE: While viewable from the road, the Secession Oak is on private property. Please be respectful of that.

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Rose Hill Mansion An antebellum estate that has stood silent watch over Bluffton’s history, the mansion is today open to tours. As you stroll its rooms, you’ll absorb the tale of how a former plantation home housed Union troops, was destroyed by fire, then abandoned and has risen anew each time.

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The Garvin-Garvey House Perched on the bluff at Oyster Factory Park, you’ll find a beautiful reminder of Bluffton’s past and a tribute to one man’s march to freedom. One of the finest examples of a freedman’s cottage, the house was built by Frederick Garvey following his emancipation and was restored to tell his story for generations to come.

Cultural attractions Calhoun Street If there is one place that best encapsulates the breadth of Bluffton’s charms, it’s Calhoun Street. Here you’ll find the quirky art galleries that give the town its eccentricity, the restaurants that define its recent culinary prominence and the small-town Southern charm that has captivated the world.

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Live Oak Community Arts Center This one you might need to wait for, as it hasn’t been built yet. But when it is completed, this facility will house Live Oak Christian Church and Main Street Youth Theater, giving Bluffton another venue for outstanding live theater.

May River Theatre A long-running institution in Old Town Bluffton is its own community theater located in Ulmer Auditorium inside Town Hall. Staging smaller productions with a cast of local talents, May River Theatre always has something new and exciting on the schedule.

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Church of the Cross Of the buildings spared from the Burning of Bluffton, none is as iconic as Church of the Cross. Nestled on a high bank overlooking the May River, the unique Southern Gothic architecture of this church is best seen against the rays of the setting sun over the water.

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Must-see landmarks

Hilton Head Preparatory School

2020 Niche Rankings #1 College Prep Private High School in South Carolina #2 K-12 Private School in South Carolina #1 Boarding School in South Carolina #1 K-12 Private School in Beaufort County Top 13% of all K-12 Private Schools in America Inspiring Students to Be Exceptional

Eat and drink Bluffton’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, offering everything from gourmet cuisine and farm-to-table fare that has earned national acclaim. Whether it’s classic slow-smoked barbecue or oysters and shrimp fresh from the water, there’s a flavor to Bluffton you won’t find anywhere else.

Hilton Head Preparatory School

Please Call for a Personal Tour | www.HHPrep.org 8 Fox Grape Road | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Mrs. Bobbie Somerville, Director of Admissions bsomerville@hhprep.org | 843.671.2286 A private, independent school serving students in preschool through twelfth grade

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Farm fresh The Farmers Market of Bluffton continues to be closed during the pandemic but is offering an awesome “get & go” option, with one person at a time at a table, social distancing at all times. Check out farmersmarketbluffton.org or find them on Facebook for the latest offerings.

Local secrets As you stroll through Old Town Bluffton, keep your eyes open for tiny bronze crab sculptures tucked away in public spaces. There are 10 of them in all.

While you're exploring Oyster Factory Park, be sure to follow the stretch of oyster shells and spartina that leads away from the public dock. This winding trail takes you by the remains of an old staircase leading up to the Garvin-Garvey House.

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88A Main Street | P.O. Box 23783 | Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.681.4340 | Fax: 843.681.8373 | SeacoastInsurance.com kboardman@seacoastinsurance.com MAY 2020 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Journey back to a simpler time on Daufuskie Island

BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOS BY HOLGER OPDERBECK

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Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie Island always has been an island unto itself. Its residents exult in the quieter lifestyle this isolation provides, content with the knowledge that their neighbors are friends and that the island they share remains one of the few unspoiled sanctuaries in the modern resort era of the Lowcountry. It’s a lifestyle that prizes serenity and demands a certain amount of self-sustainability of its residents. But that’s not to say Daufuskie is a hermitage. Residents welcome visitors every day, happily showing them around.

While you’re here, expect to find yourself moving at a slower pace. You’ll see the odd car here or there, but by and large the transportation is by golf cart. And as you explore, you’ll find an island defined by its colorful cast of characters, its unique history and the charm of a culture that could only be found on this little island on the edge of the world.

Historical attractions

Bloody Point Lighthouse & Museum A fascinating building in its own right, the island’s biggest museum is housed inside the old two-story lighthouse, where a light in the front dormer window would guide ships toward Savannah Harbor. After being purchased by Wick Scurry, the building was transformed into a walk-through love letter to the island’s unique history.

Billie Burn Museum Established in 2003, the Billie Burn Museum honors one of the island’s most cherished icons while sharing the story of how Daufuskie residents made their living off of the land in the days before the oyster canneries set up shop.

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First Union African Baptist Church Notable not only for its beautiful architecture and 135 years of history, the First Union African Baptist Church is also the site of a replica “praise house” built in 2002. Tours run regularly, letting you see how native islanders worshipped and lived.

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Freeport Marina You can’t really ascribe a “downtown” to Daufuskie, but Freeport Marina is as close as it gets. Amazing views over the water, open space to sit and bask in the sunlight and all the shopping and dining you need to fill up before exploring await.

The Iron Fish Gallery and Studio Daufuskie’s artist in residence Chase Allen has captured national headlines for his studio tucked away in the trees. His handcrafted sculptures of fish, crabs, sea turtles and mermaids speak to the waters surrounding Daufuskie, and the fierce creativity it fosters.

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Cultural attractions

Must-see landmarks Oyster Union Society Hall It’s not much to look at now, but at one point this two-story building was the social nexus of Daufuskie. Until the canneries closed in the 1950s, the oyster industry was king and it was here that workers met to celebrate and socialize.

Mary Fields School Seeing it from the road, it might be easy to miss the significance of this squat two-room structure. However, it was here that Pat Conroy served as a schoolteacher, inspiring his novel, “The Water is Wide.”

©PHOTO BY HILTON HEAD ISLAND VCB

Daufuskie Community Farm Pet the goats and stroll the grounds as you immerse yourself in the selfsustaining lifestyle of Daufuskie. Here, residents grow their own food and raise livestock. Be sure to check out the artisan village over by the “wacky shack.”

Silver Dew Winery On the grounds of the Bloody Point Lighthouse is a small green shed that once served as oil storage for the rear lighthouse. Today, it makes delicious varietals, some of which originate in the nearby vineyard where native scuppernong grow.

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Native Americans had a strong presence on Daufuskie Island, with residents finding arrowheads, shell rings and even “boat holes,” tidal docks around which fishing villages were built.

Beyond its historical significance, Bloody Point Lighthouse has a darker reputation as a hotbed for hauntings. Be on the lookout for the spirits of lighthouse keepers long gone.

Eat & drink As you’d expect from the culinary scene of a place where everyone has a boat by necessity, seafood is king on Daufuskie. Only a handful of restaurants call Daufuskie home, but on their menus you’ll find the freshest shrimp around as well as the iconic Daufuskie delicacy, deviled crab. Perfectly spiced and served right out of the shell, you’ll be coming back for seconds.

And when you want to whet your whistle, you’ll find Daufuskie has a long history of potent potables. Try some of the local scrap iron, moonshine that earned its name from the scrap iron that distillers would hide their wares in when smuggling it into Savannah during prohibition. Then of course there is Daufuskie’s very own rum from Daufuskie Island Rum Co.

Along the walls of Daufuskie Island Crab Co. you’ll find a slew of memorabilia from Wick Scurry’s collection.

Among the items you’ll find Confederate currency, historic finds from Daufuskie’s beaches and Native American artifacts including a hand-carved canoe.

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Old Sheldon Church Ruins

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destinations

Hanging out in Beaufort?

You lucky thing, you.

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BY LISA ALLEN PHOTOS BY THE BEAUFORT-PORT ROYAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU When people first see Beaufort, their reaction is similar. Mouths fall open, eyes widen, and soft ‘wows!’ are uttered in reverence that a place like this still exists. Gorgeous antebellum mansions, Spanishmoss-draped trees, horse-drawn carriages, and a 1700s-era main (Bay) street that sidles up to an impeccably maintained park alongside the saltmarsh-lined Beaufort River.

Sailboats bob in the bay near a sentry-like bridge that swings rather that arches open for passing Intracoastal traffic.

But Beaufort isn’t just a pretty face. It embodies pivotal North American history from the past 500 years. No, not a typo. Beaufort is home to one of the first European settlements in America; excursions

by Blackbeard the pirate; Union Army hospitals; and the first schools for free slaves. Its modern history includes the settings for iconic films; great American author Pat Conroy; and well-earned perches atop the best of whatever categories for travel and leisure lists.

Tucked around town are nooks and crannies that reward explorers with awe-inspiring views, stunning architecture and food you’ll never forget in a location you can’t remember. That’s the point. Beaufort is ripe with secret spots for locals and a few lucky adventurers.

Downtown Marina

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History you can touch

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Reconstruction Era National Monument, 712 Craven Street The National Park established in 2017 highlights local efforts to integrate millions of formerly enslaved African-Americans into society during and after the Civil War. The monument really is a string of locations throughout the area in which that work was done.

The Arsenal, 713 Craven Street The Arsenal was built in 1798 to house the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery and its weapons after the Revolutionary War. It now houses the Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort Visitors Center.

Places unlike any other National Cemetery Beaufort, 1601 Boundary Street Initially for Union soldiers who died at nearby hospitals, the cemetery later included Confederate soldiers and black Union soldiers. Military burials continue there.

Santa Elena Historial Center, 1501 Bay Street The museum gives the back story on one of the earliest European settlements in America just a few miles away at Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

It was there that Spain set up the capital of La Florida in 1566, an area that extended to today’s St. Augustine, Fla.

Richard V. Woods Memorial Swing Bridge Named after a state trooper, the 1959 swing bridge is one of the few of its kind still in operation.

The Point The neighborhood is really why Beaufort is so darned memorable. Street after street there are enormous live oaks beside breathtaking homes that illustrate the best architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. See it on foot, bike, carriage or car. Just see it.

John Mark Verdier House, 801 Bay Street The Federal-style mansion was built around 1804 by John Mark Verdier. He built his wealth by trading indigo and growing 1,000 acres of Sea Island cotton. The wellappointed house served as Union headquarters during the Civil War.

Shh!

Don’t tell them who told you There are quiet, our-of-the-way places to call your own all over town. Here are three.

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Explore the tiny park at the Pigeon Point boat landing.

There’s a swing and observation deck that are perfect for a mini mental vacation.

Wander through the graveyard at the Parish Church of St. Helena at 505 Church St. Some headstones date back to the 1700s.

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How you should spend an afternoon Grab a swing in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and watch the river.

Yes, the ocean isn’t far away, but it’s there and you’re here and you can’t think of a single good reason to move.

Bike the Spanish Moss Trail. Ten miles of former railway go through marshes, woods, and neighborhoods. The trail is quiet and well-maintained.

Signs along the way give insights into what you’re seeing.

Walking or carriage tour of historic Beaufort, led by tour guides who know their stuff. It’s a good way to get an overview of how Beaufort changed the country.

Fish off of the community dock on Lady’s Island right over the Woods bridge, past the boat landing.

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Sea Islands are perfect for breathing and easing

BY LISA ALLEN PHOTOS BY THE BEAUFORT-PORT ROYAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The best part of the Sea Islands in Beaufort County is that they are much as they’ve been for hundreds of years, a combination of agriculture and wildness.

Generations later, family farmers continue to plant tomatoes, watermelons and U-pick produce and berries. Watermelon buses, still yellow from their days carting schoolchildren, chug up and down US 21 in season, their windows and part of their roofs removed so conveyor belts can load them up with hundreds of melons.

Horse Island has wild horses. Morgan Island has monkeys. (It’s a federal research center closed to the public.) Pritchard Island is accessible only

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by boat. St. Phillips is now part of Hunting Island State Park; its future is being drafted. Island upon barrier island, some still unnamed, means miles of water and marshes, woods and fields.

They invite exploration via car or bicycle to discover old plantation homes, pecan farms and tiny convenience stores. Look for boat landing signs to treat yourself to beautiful views of the web of rivers and creeks alive with wildlife, from sea birds to dolphins to little fiddler crabs. Send out a fishing line or cast net and see what arises.

It’s what coastal South Carolina once was: Rich farmland surrounded by an untamed palette of maritime forests, fields and saltmarshes.

History well preserved The Hunting Island lighthouse It was built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889. It’s again visible from the beach.

Fort Fremont The fort was built in 1899 on Lands End across the Beaufort River from the Naval Station to protect the dry dock and coaling station during the Spanish American War. It was decommissioned in 1921.

Penn Center It was built in 1865 as the first school for freed slaves. Today, it is a resource for education, historic preservation, and social justice for Gullah-Geechee people, who are descendants of formerly enslaved West and Central Africans.

Plantation culture still permeates Avenue of Oaks leading to Coffin Point Plantation The stunning half-mile archway of oaks leads to the imposing tabby-based plantation home built in 1801.

Brick Baptist Church Built in 1855 by enslaved people for white plantation owners, it was taken over by African-Americans when all the whites fled the Civil War in 1861.

Prayer houses The Eddings Point, Mary Jenkins and Coffin Point Community Praise Houses were built around 1900.They continue the practice of small places of worship built on plantations during slavery.

You won’t see these anywhere else The Lands End Light It’s there. I’ve seen it. About midnight on some nights, you can see a light floating along Lands End Road on St. Helena. Local lore is that it’s Pvt. Frank Quigley, who was shot in 1910 by a jealous husband.

Pickup truck vegetable and shrimp markets As you travel around St. Helena, you’ll occasionally see a pickup truck loaded with greens, head-on shrimp, or okra. Can’t get more farm to car than that.

Lands End beach It’s a quiet, locals-only spot for fishing or lazing while overlooking Parris Island and Hilton Head in the distance.

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Build some memories Walk the Boneyard The south end of Hunting Island is eroding, taking down tree after tree, which are “the bones.� It creates an unforgettable landscape.

Bike the trails on Hunting Island The state park has eight miles of beautiful trails through maritime forest and along the lagoon.

Go oystering All you need are Wellies, a hammer and a bucket.

Oh, and a saltwater fishing license.

What your stomach will find From soul food to seafood shacks to fine dining, you can find it all here. Most of the area restaurants have been here for years and they just keep getting better.

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Secret places for the locals Russ Point Boat Landing While there are wonderful views from every boat landing, you’re most likely to see dolphins swimming here in the Fripp Inlet.

The marsh boardwalk across from Hunting Island Look over the siderail to see scores of fiddler crabs. If you have children in tow, you might not get any farther.

Harbor Island beach Even though it’s a gated community, there is very limited access to its beach. When the few parking spots are taken, you have to wait for someone to leave or try another day, early.

No motel signs here This is a vacation mecca, from the sold-out-a-year-in-advance campground at Hunting Island to scores of rental condos and houses on Harbor and Fripp islands. Without a doubt, you can find an accommodation that suits you. But you won’t find a hotel or motel.

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Coronavirus Chronicles

Times like these PROFILES IN HUMAN SPIRIT DURING CRISIS AND QUARANTINE.

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It came in whispers, then it came in waves, and then it came in leaps.

COVID-19 had an indelible impact on the Lowcountry, but everywhere you looked through the misery and the fear you found heroes. You found those who wanted nothing more than to use this crisis as an opportunity to help. Whether they were putting food on someone’s plate, money in their pocket or a smile on their face, these heroes stared down the uncertainty of the virus and found determination in spreading hope.

These are, by no means, all of their stories. Much as this community witnessed the best in our shared humanity in the days and weeks following Hurricane Matthew, nearly every one of us found some well of courage during these trying times.

Our hope is that these stories can inspire you as you seek your own opportunity to be a hero.

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Acts of kindness

In any crisis, there are those who find their light shining just a little bit brighter than usual.

These are folks who tend to approach every day with a passion to give and to help out, and as the need for their help intensifies, so too does their passion.

Hilton Head Heroes has long provided no-cost vacations to Hilton Head Island for families in dire straits, and when the stay-at-home order precluded any new visits, the organization found itself with a surplus. Thanks to generous donations from the community, they found themselves with a stock of gift cards that normally would have gone to the families they host. “We give each arriving HERO $100 weekly for groceries,” said founder Lindy Russell. “Since we canceled six families, we had $600 to distribute.” Russell put a notice on Facebook, and within one week the gift cards had been distributed to families in need and workers who suddenly found themselves out of a job all across Beaufort County.

This kindness was everywhere. Local Sharon Brown started up a Facebook page, Good Samaritan Shopper, to offer her services as a personal shopper to anyone who needed it. The Black Sabbath Beaufort Goddesses Motorcycle Club loaded up their bikes with meals from area churches to distribute. Local barber Joseph Gancio helped the elderly order groceries online.

Lucy Rosen is providing families with free portraits, shot on their front porch at a safe distance, in exchange for a donation to a charity of their choice. The service is part of The Front Steps Project. This desire to give back, HOW SWEET IT IS To thank the workers to help, became more infectious than the disease could at Coligny Piggly Wiggly, The G-Free Spot ever hope to be. dropped off this delicious coffee cake.

Idle hands

As we’ve celebrated time and time again in this space, this is a community of makers, artisans and craftsmen. Shut down the avenues by which these creators usually express their art, and they’ll still find a way. And when it emerged that medical professionals and everyday people were facing a shortage of masks to keep themselves and others healthy, these area creators got busy.

Ridgeland’s Fire and Pine, a shop that generally produces engraved works of art for sale all over the world, reacted to the crisis by converting their shop to a mask factory. “After racking our brains on what we can do to help with the COVID-19 outbreak, we realized that our business is uniquely set up with all the proper tooling to manufacture a significant amount of medical face shields. Face shields help protect medical professionals from infectious spatter while also helping to keep critical N95 masks in good shape,” they wrote on their Facebook page. “By retooling our facility, we will be able to not only help our front line medical professionals, but also retain our workforce and hire many more local folks who may have recently been let go.”

Like many costume designers around the country, the Arts Center’s Costume Shop donated its time and talents to making masks at home for medical professionals in our community due to the supply shortage. The team worked on masks made from Arts Center fabric remnants. The Arts Center’s Cyber School of Art offers free arts learning experiences for teachers and students to enjoy online. Each lesson includes a PDF that you can share or print, along with an accompanying video tutorial.

Community coming together to take care of someone has never been more important for patients under hospice care during this special time of need. The heartfelt generosity of one community that went above and beyond won't be forgotten.

“Typically for many people living in the Lowcountry, we find that most family members live elsewhere. It’s common for our nurses to be the only daily contact for some of our patients,” said Lindsay Roberg, executive director at Friends of Caroline Hospice Care.

So when Roberg experienced a face mask shortage, and the members of Callawassie Island heard, the need was met with an overwhelming response. Callawassie members were able to make well over 250 masks for the unsung heroes who serve people during their final moments.

Diane Vande Burgt saw her thriving Etsy business all but shut down as the crisis unfolded. Unable to ship orders through the post office, and with the craft site urging member artists to craft masks for a profit, she decided to go a different direction and make masks to give away. Between her and her husband, Tom, the couple had made 300 masks as of this writing, using what materials they had on hand whether it was bark cloth or an awning from an old camper. They then distributed their masks free of charge to area police departments and whomever else needed them, from neighbors across the street to Facebook acquaintances. “We want people to live. We could care less what we’ve spent on materials,” said Tom.

ABOUT FACE Fire and Pine has converted its engraving shop in Ridgeland into a face shield factory to help protect medical professionals.

COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER

Spring Island has responded to social distancing by offering virtual tours, online golf tips, nature videos and outdoor fitness circuits.

Sea Pines Resort has created a special package to raise funds for resort employees whose jobs were impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and for the Heritage Classic Foundation. The Sea Pines Care package costs $250. Of that, $125 per purchase will go to affected employees and $50 to the Heritage Classic Foundation. Purchasers of the gift card receive a $100 Sea Pines Resort gift card redeemable for dining, golf, activities, and accommodations at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town or The Sea Pines Resort’s homes and villas; an amenity card worth 20 percent off food purchases (fourguest limit, excludes alcohol) at resortowned restaurants, retail purchases at resort-owned outlets, bike rentals, golf, tennis, and recreation activities.

BEST FRIENDS The Friends of Callawassie member group took it upon themselves to gather two truck loads of food and $1,200 in cash to donate to local food banks. They are also making face masks for donation.

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For the kids

While parents watched their 401Ks vanish and faced furloughs, layoffs and economic peril, it was easy to forget the toll this crisis took on our youth. Without the familiar structures of school and friends, these young people felt an even greater sense of uncertainty than their parents. Fortunately, our community’s heroes were there.

Red Cedar Elementary school bilingual liaison Rosana Hellstrom hit the ground running once school closed down, making home visits to deliver devices for students so students could continue their education on-line, plus bringing groceries and comfort to the families of her students. “She gives her all to the families of this community,” wrote Red Cedar teacher Kyra Hartley. With students learning exclusively on-line, locals like Jennifer Gillikin Hasta and Catherine Keith Donaldson sounded the call on Facebook to make sure every kid who needed one had a device. The movement quickly went viral. “When friends started to share this, people just jumped on it, seeing the true need,” said Hasta. “There’s been such a devastating change to lifestyles, and the disruption to education can be devastating for these kids.” Working with superintendent Frank Rodriguez, Hasta and Donaldson had donors purchase Kindles and devices on Amazon which were then shipped to them for distribution at Red Cedar Elementary and Whale Branch. All told, they purchased more than 70 in the first two weeks.

One of the most novel ways that Beaufort County School District was able to care for its students was by using school buses to deliver meals to children in need. And here we again see the community getting involved to help out. Heather Rath has a long history of involvement in the Lowcountry, and when she learned that schools would be offering meals at their own facilities, she saw a problem. Many children throughout Beaufort County had no way of getting to the school to receive their meals. At 10 p.m. on a Sunday night, she hatched a plan with her friend Alex Brown, and they were immediately on the phone with Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. Despite the hour and not knowing either of them personally, he mobilized, and by the next morning, he’d put the plan to use school buses as delivery vehicles into action. “That’s what government is supposed to do.

It’s supposed to respond to the needs of the people,” said Rath, who takes no credit for the idea. “You can pat us on the back all you want, but this was all about Frank Rodriguez.”

Pockets Full of Sunshine filled 20,000 Easter eggs for the Island Rec Center for its community Easter extravaganza. When the event was canceled, the eggs were donated to school children and soup kitchens. The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton set up a drive-through pep rally for members and their families, giving them the opportunity for a fun activity to get them out of the house while maintaining social distancing. Staff members positioned themselves outside of the building and held signs of encouragement while parents rode along in their cars.

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Food & Beverage

If there was one group of people who suffered the most from the economic fallout of the crisis, it was the area’s hospitality workers.

With dining rooms and bars closed down, these workers saw their wages slashed as tips dried up and businesses were forced to furlough or lay off employees. But as this community has shown us time and time again, our hospitality industry takes care of their own.

As profiled elsewhere in this issue, Leah McCarthy of Downtown Deli and Downtown Catering Company was quick to act, forming the Hungry Hearts Restaurant Worker’s Relief Fund. The organization collected funds which the Lowcountry Strong Foundation would use to purchase meals at area restaurants, giving displaced workers free meals daily across a network of participating restaurants. “Really, for hospitality it was two-fold crisis – we wanted to set this up to provide meals for free to workers, but also put money into restaurants at the same time.” With Easter, it became three-fold: using the Downtown Deli’s kitchen, the McCarthys helped create Easter dinners for more than 200 displaced diners.

Easter in particular brought out the best in area chefs, like Chef Mick Connors of Perfect Storm Fine Dining and Catering, who prepared nearly 100 free dinners in his condo such as South Carolina fresh peach and bacon glazed ham, slow roasted pulled pork, roasted chicken with a balsamic glaze, homemade Mac and cheese, roasted vegetables and homemade cakes and cookies.

One of the most visible efforts in the restaurant community was the launch of Help 4 Hope by the Watterson Family Foundation and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. Through the program, donors invest in funds which are used to provide community investment cards to organizations like Bluffton Self Help, the Deep Well Project and Campbell Chapel AME. These cards, good for $50 to feed a family of four, are then distributed to those in need and redeemed at one of 40 participating restaurants. Those restaurants are then reimbursed through the fund, helping not only feed people but stimulate the local economy. “The idea is that a person is coming in for need, but when they leave they’re empowered to invest that in our restaurants,” said Billy Watterson. “It makes them part of the solution.”

The restaurant community as a whole proved their immense generosity throughout this crisis. FISH Casual Coastal Seafood offered free meals to all takers, as did Dave Peck, owner of A Lowcountry Backyard and Bad Biscuit. Clayton Rollison of Lucky Rooster let customers buy meals for hospital workers on the front lines that he and has staff delivered throughout the crisis. SERG Group launched the SERG Community Strong VIP Package, selling packages of gift cards and SPECIAL DELIVERY Clayton discounts, then giving the proceeds directly Rollison and his staff at Lucky to their workers, to Bluffton Self Help and to Rooster dropped off meals for hospital workers. the Deep Well Project.

Businesses giving back “Coming from humble beginnings, I know the sacrifice small business owners have to make to survive under normal conditions. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the people in this community who helped me one way or another,” said advertising agency owner Ryan Lockhart who used his company, group46, to give back to local BUSINESS CLASS Ryan Lockhart hosted a live businesses in April by hosting a live webinar on navigating businesses through the webinar on navigating your business COVID-19 shutdown. through the COVID-19 shutdowns.

After making a few calls and a week of planning, Ryan was able to bring together local vendors, some being competitors, to help put on the presentation to offer small business strategies, packages, and special programs.

All with the purpose to help them survive the major shifts in their businesses.

Working with Accurate Lithography, The Sun Publications, WSAV, LOCAL Life, and DX-Print, the webinar ran for about an hour and taught attendees the three phases of managing the COVID-19 crisis.

“We were able to reach thousands of businesses during the week and share some key strategies for businesses to survive. I am so grateful to be able to use my experience to make a difference in our community.” Lockhart plans on another webinar scheduled for May 14, Business Recovery – What to do after COVID-19, viewers can register at www.HHIWebinar.com.

StoneWorks partnered with The Deep Well Project to feel neighbors in need. “We wanted to help. Our community is in need,” StoneWorks founder and president John Baltzegar said. “We started collecting food donations for The Deep Well Project several weeks ago. We sent out an email to our customers and vendors in the area and in our residential community, Hampton Hall. The response was immediate!”

StoneWorks has already delivered one large shipment of food to Deep Well and continues to collect more.

Vineyard has been working hard in helping support its community partners, Bluffton Self Help, by donating paper bags and helping spread the word about their COVID-19 Family Relief Fund.

Simpson Construction hosted several unique fundraisers for the Hungry Heart Restaurant Worker’s Relief Fund, including a silent auction for the last remaining print of “Oyster Factories of Beaufort County.”

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME StoneWorks owner John Baltzegar and his family set up donation drop-off bins at the StoneWorks showroom and in his home community of Hampton Hall.

THERE ’S MORE TO

OU R STORY Now more than ever, it is apparent how important our healthcare workers are. Jessica Lesesne, Clinical Liaison and Admissions Nurse at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, is one of those special people.

Her devotion to her patients and their families is unparalleled, and we are lucky to have her on our team. Thank you, Jessica and all healthcare workers for all that you do. We are forever indebted to you for your expertise and dedication!

To learn more about Jessica’s story, please vist

hospicecarelc.org/clinical-liaison-qa-with-jessica-lesesne

To support us, call 843-706-2296 7 Plantation Park Dr, Unit 4, Bluffton, SC | www.hospicecarelc.org Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, Inc. is a registered 501-C(3) nonprofit organization. Serving Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties since 1982.

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©KIM SMITH

news

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC The Live Stream Concert Series at Coligny Theater featured several top local acts, including national recording artist Angie Aparo and pianist Martin Lesch.

Keep them smiling As the stay-at-home order kept us indoors, for many one of the biggest side effects of this crisis was boredom. It seems silly to worry about something like that in a time of crisis, but don’t discount the toll that this traumatic event took on all of us. Just as important as feeding the hungry and helping the disadvantaged was lifting spirits.

And the Lowcountry’s entertainers stepped up to the mic in a big way.

Local musician John Cranford has served as the long-time frontman for Cranford Hollow, and has recently taken up the helm at Coligny Theater. When the crisis effectively shut down his theater, while hitting local musicians in the pocketbook as gigs dried up, he saw an opportunity to bring the two worlds together. He’d been holding music events in the theater, but now he was going to debut them to the world. Their Live Stream Concert Series not only gave people stuck at home some entertainment, it kept musicians in tip money. Over the course of 12 concerts they raised close to $13,000 until the mandatory stay-at-home order shut down the theater.

“Whenever we’re allowed to reopen, we have another two weeks of shows scheduled,” said Cranford. “In the long run what we realized is it’s a neat format to see a show in.”

Live streaming proved to be a popular format to bring people together. The World Affairs Council of Hilton Head hosted its April guest lecture with H.R. McMaster using Zoom. Southern Barrel Brewing livestreamed its usual trivia show over Facebook. Local

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musician Jevon Daly was on Facebook Live nearly every CHALK IT UP The Town of Hilton Head Island's Chalk day taking requests.

Sometimes keeping people the Walk event was a smashing success. entertained was a matter of getting them out of their homes at a safe distance. Culture HHI and The Town of Hilton Head Island launched Chalk the Walk, which saw homeowners and businesses all over the island decorating their driveways and parking lots with colorful messages of hope and support for medical workers working in the trenches of COVID-19.

And a pair of Lowcountry entertainers took their show on the road – literally. Gary Lucca and Jamie Bodie are co-owners of a company that hosts 500 events a year from dance parties to trivia nights, and they were able to rig up a mobile DJ booth on a pickup truck to play for their neighborhood. On the setlist were topical anthems like “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by the Police and “House Party” by Sam Hunt. “The whole point of it was, ‘What can we do to make people smile today?’” said Lucca. “We were hugely successful in getting people to come out, dance and forget the virus.”

There were heroes big and small to be found throughout this crisis.

And when the damage has been done and this whole quarantine is a painful memory, what we’ll remember most is what these heroes did.

How they helped us through dark times. How they fed those in need.

How they made us smile, if only for a moment. And in that memory, maybe we will remember to help others when the time comes.

©ARNO DIMMLING

Heritage rescheduled for June 18-21, without spectators The PGA Tour recently announced changes to the balance of the 2020 tournament schedule. The revised schedule includes the 52nd RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, which will now be played June 18-21 at the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head.

The well-being of the Hilton Head Island community remains of utmost importance and as a result, the tournament will be played without spectators or sponsors. The PGA Tour, RBC and the Heritage Classic Foundation will continue to work directly with local, state and federal government agencies to ensure the health and safety of the select constituents — players included — who are allowed on the grounds during the RBC Heritage.

“It has been a whirlwind of emotions over the past month,” tournament director Steve Wilmot said. “We’re excited and grateful for the opportunity to host the event we work so hard for every single year and thank the PGA Tour for trusting us with this decision. We’ll be ready to host the 52nd RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing in June and hope the world tunes in to experience South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event.”

The PGA Tour made the decision to cancel the 2020 RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing just 23 days prior to tournament week April 13-19.

“Save the date. We’ll give you a great RBC Heritage tournament. It won’t be the same as other years, but I’d take this alternative any day,” said Wilmot. “The secondbest thing to being at Harbour Town during the RBC Heritage is to watch it from the comfort of your homes, plaid outfits on and drinks in hand!”

CHEERS TO 52 YEARS! While not being able to watch the tournament live is kind of a bummer, make the most of it by recreating this award-winning cocktail created by master mixologist Paul Rabe.

PAUL RABE

Tartan Thyme

Noteworthy business offerings

In an effort to support local businesses, Hargray is sharing its Hargray Smart Office video conferencing and collaboration tools for free until June 30. If you have issues with the security or the 40-minute time limits associated with Zoom, this is a great option.

Hargray Smart Office features include video and screen share collaboration for up to 10 participants, office chat and voicemail to e-mail technology.

Palmetto Running Company has collaborated with Brooks Running for tech tee special.

For every shirt purchased, PRC will donate $30 directly to the local running store of your choice. Simply enter the name of your favorite shop at checkout. Learn more at runlocal.org.

Sprout Momma Breads has new hours for its curbside pickup and take-out — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Several new menu items have been added, including vegan curry and chicken pot pie. Learn more at sproutmomma.com.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Tito's Handmade Vodka 1 ounce pomegranate shrub 1/2 ounce orange juice 1/2 ounce Campari 1 sprig of thyme, leaves stripped 1 sprig of thyme (for garnish) 1 orange peel (for garnish) DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a shaker, except for garnish. Shake to chill and double strain into a Collins glass over ice. Express orange peel over and drink and garnish sprig of thyme. Top with soda.

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STEM CELL THERAPIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC STORY BY HEATHER HINSHELWOOD

Outside offering membership program to support local workforce

In the spirit of #HHIStrong, and with inspiration from The SERG Group, Outside has created Community Strong – Club Outside, a membership program to support the community workforce and the over 100-person Outside Team of which many are out of work. The $250 membership includes a $100 Outside gift card, for use on any Outside recreation or retail purchases, 25 percent off all Outside recreation experiences, 25 percent off all merchandise at any Outside locations or online at shopoutside.com. It also includes 25 percent off group team and leadership development programs. $100 of each purchase goes directly to an Outside Employee relief fund to support Outside team members. $50 of each purchase will be donated to the Lowcountry Community Covid-19 Response Fund to assist local workers in need of financial support. Learn more at outsidebrands.com

VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation is hosting two free Zoom Webinars May 7 and 12, geared to provide strategic business insight and tips for professionals throughout all industries. Topics are “How to Manage Your (Newly) Remote Workers” and “What Customers Want: It’s Not What You Think.” To register, visit facebook.com/ DonRyanCenter.

Hilton Head Dermatology is utilizing Telehealth for its existing patients and using Hepa air filters for urgent office visits. You can also set up a virtual appointment so you can stay home.

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I have been utilizing stem-cell therapies at the Fraum Center for Restorative Health for the last two years. I have seen firsthand the hope and life-altering changes this therapy has brought to my patients: Patients who couldn’t lift their arm past 30 degrees come in the office waiving that same arm wildly above their head to show me what they haven’t been able to do for years.

Patients who couldn’t walk upstairs without excruciating knee pain are able to get on the floor with their grandchildren and take motorcycle tours of Europe. Patients are sleeping through the night because they are finally not being woken up by an aching back.

But I am an emergency physician by training and at heart. And right now, I am one of many on the front lines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I am diagnosing the low-grade infections and telling people to go home and follow the CDC guidelines for self-quarantine. I am also the one going to the ICU to intubate the patient with COVID-19 pneumonia who can no longer breath without the assistance of a ventilator.

The problem with COVID-19 isn’t the virus itself. It’s the severe internal dysregulation that fighting off the virus can trigger in some people. Our own internal signaling system gets out of control and damages our own organs.

In patients with severe COVID-19 disease, their own inflammation is doing the damage. As we recognize the important role interrupting this out-of-control inflammation may play in treating COVID-19 disease, we are now looking for ways to cause the interruption.

We have known for years that stem cells have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, and it has been well studied in rheumatoid arthritis (another disease caused by out-of-control inflammation). And now, we are looking to the hope of stem cells in the setting of COVID-19 disease. A recent study out of China published this month in the journal, Aging and Disease, showed improvement within 48 hours in all 7 patients with severe COVID-19 disease who received the IV stem cells.

Just this week, two separate human trials testing stem cells in COVID-19 disease were announced here in the United States. This is amazing not just because of the hope they offer in the setting of a disease that we are struggling to treat, but also because one is the first phase-two clinical trial in the U.S. for any stem cell therapy. It is a puzzling and heartbreaking turn of events to me that my two passions in medicine (emergency medicine and stem cell therapies) would collide in this way. It’s something that I could never have imagined prior to this pandemic. But in the midst of all of this sorrow, I am also hopeful for the possibilities these stem cell studies offer in our fight against COVID-19 disease.

A little insider information.

HOW CAN YOU HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES? 74% of our readers* report they do business with companies they see advertising in Local Life. More than ever, these businesses need your business so keep up the good work and tell them Local Life sent you.

Eat good, do good

We may not be able to sit down at our favorite restaurants, but many continue to offer curbside pickup, take-out and delivery options. Here are a few of our favorites.

TAKEOUT & CURBSIDE PICKUP SERG Takeout Kitchen Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar Nunzio Restaurant + Bar Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana ELA’S On the Water The Pearl Kitchen + Bar Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks Sprout Momma Breads G-Free Spot Kilwins Shelter Cove Signature Catering DELIVERY & CURBSIDE PICKUP Skull Creek Dockside Giuseppi’s Holy Tequila One Hot Mama’s Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack Frankie Bones Salty Dog Cafe Chocolate Canopy FREE SHIPPING Hilton Head Distillery

WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR LOCAL LIFE? Did you know that 65% of our readers* keep their Local Life copies on their coffee table?

Send us a photo of where you keep yours and we may feature it in a future issue.

Email: Info@wearelocallife.com.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO KEEP GETTING LOCAL LIFE IN YOUR MAILBOX? About 50% of our mailed copies are sent to people who filled out a subscription card or subscribed online. The remaining copies are mailed to a curated list that is updated each month to include new homeowners, small businesses and a variety addresses in the Lowcountry. Since the list changes each month, if you want to ensure you always get a copy, please subscribe. Visit LocalLifeSC.com and click ‘subscribe’ at the top right of your screen. * Source: CVC Circulation Verification Council thirdparty, independent audit and survey 2019/2020

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marketplace REAL ESTATE

Million dollar dream homes Looking to live in luxury? LOCAL Life is offering readers an exclusive passport to the most exquisite and unique real estate listings available in the Lowcountry. Here are a few homes you are sure to love.

We feel these luxury properties — located in Colleton River Club, Sea Pines and Long Cove Club — are the epitome of opulence. We’re calling this section the Real Estate Marketplace. If you are looking to purchase an amazing Lowcountry home, these properties should be at the top of your list.

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95 Inverness Drive, Bluffton Charter One Realty Angela Barbic, Broker 843.227.2526 $2,375,000

Real Estate Marketplace

26 Wood Ibis, Sea Pines

24 Turtle Lane Club, Sea Pines

Oceanfront living at it's Finest! Custom made in 1996; present owner since 1998. Never rented. Quality throughout. Continually updated over the years.

4 Bedroom, 6 Bath, 5500+ sq.ft., elevator, 3 gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchen.

Large screened porch overlooking beautiful heated pool with covered patio.

It really doesn't get any better than this, especially at this price! $4,390,000

Very seldom on the market! The desirable way to enjoy Oceanfront living – be one of only eight direct oceanfront townhouse owners in exclusive Turtle Lane Club behind private gates with the Atlantic at your back door! Has been only permanent residence, totally rebuilt in 2004, being sold furnished, ready to move in, enjoy, then just "Lock it and Leave!" Architecturally stunning, 4 Bedroom, 5 Bath, 2 car garage & so much more. $3,250,000

Barbra Finer 843.384.7314

Barbra Finer 843.384.7314

www.BarbraFiner.com

42 Turnbridge Drive, Long Cove Club

www.BarbraFiner.com

11 Pine Island Road, Sea Pines

Extensive renovation and expansion transformed this home into a 5 bed 4.5 bath Tuscan inspired residence exuding quality and breathtaking views! Welcoming foyer and great room opens up to a gourmet kitchen w/top of the line appliances, dining area and cozy Carolina room. Relish the addition of bed/bath over garage and large bonus flex space, first floor master suite, and wonderful outdoor living space w/enclosed pool & spa. Situated on the most beautiful lagoon lot in all of Long Cove. $1,099,000

Relax by your in-ground pool & outdoor bar with stunning marsh & Calibogue Sound views. Cathedral ceiling living room with fireplace. Freshly painted library with fireplace opening to screened porch. Chefs dream kitchen with high end appliances.

Butler & walk in pantry. Newly carpeted master on 1st floor with dressing room. 2 bedrooms with ensuite baths, hobby room/office easily converted to 4th bedroom.

Outdoor bath & shower and metal roof on a dead end street. $1,300,000

Becky Herman 843.301.3355 Monica Davis 843.384.4473

Bill Buryk 843.422.4431

www.HermanAndDavisProperties.com

HiltonHeadBill@yahoo.com

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#partingshot

The Silent Sentinel of Skull Creek

“I like the tight cropping, but mostly the eye of the hunter.”

- GREG GEELHOOD, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT Are you an amateur photographer with a great local photo?

Send your high-res image to info@wearelocallife.com or upload it at locallifesc.com/partingshot.

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