THE HOUSE ON THE HILL / THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED: A WILDERNESS ADVENTURE MOLLY & ME PECANS / FLOWERTOWN PLAYERS: AN ARTISTIC LEGACY / M&G JOEY HARRIS ELIOTT BAG COMPANY / LOWCOUNTRY FISH CAMP / ST. TIMOTHY’S PHOTO EXHIBIT
Field Day On a cattle farm in Summerville
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When it comes to your eyes‌
What’s important to you, is important to us!
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Dr. Reuther is Board-Certified in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery and is President of the Charleston Ophthalmology Society.
Dr. Reuther offers state-of-the-art eye care, including advanced cataract surgery, diabetic eye care, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Robert G. Reuther, MD
Call (843) 873-5577 to schedule your exam! CarolinaEyecare.com | 296 Midland Parkway | Summerville, SC 29485
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64 S O UT HE R N C O M F ORT
Move over, heavy coats and fur-lined boots. The mild climate of the South allows for a varied winter wardrobe full of classic and experimental combinations.
2015
78 THE T RAI L L ES S TRAV EL ED
A wilderness adventure strengthens the bond between a father and his children.
82 RU M CRU MBS
For over a century rum has been used to flavor food. Here are three sweet recipes that just might add a little spice to the season.
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THE H O U SE ON T H E HILL
Friendship, small town charm and the perfect house draw a family back home to Summerville.
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31 07 Editor’s Letter 12 Contributors FIELD GUIDE A brief look into our local culture 17 Seasonal The Pine 18 Q&A Joey Harris 20 Apothecary Salt 22 Etiquette Guide to Tipping SOUTHERN LIFE 25 Southern Spotlight - Food 31 Southern Spotlight - Art 35 Southern Spotlight - Craft 39 Southern Spotlight - Faith 40 Southern Spotlight - Food
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COLUMNS 45 Natural Woman by Susan Frampton 49 Kids These Days by Tara Bailey
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 57 Beachy Vibes From boots and sunglasses to stone ground grits and napkin rings, we found something local for just about anyone on your list
53 Life & Faith by Will Browning
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96 THE VILLAGE POET - Firsts
O N T H E C O V E R : Jacket and blouse available at Maggie Rose, Jeans available at FLY Modern Apparel / Photograph by Dottie Langley Rizzo 4
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ARCHITECTURE IS A GIFT TO THE STREET. It’s the reward you get for simply taking a ride around the block. It’s the delicious combination of form, color, texture and Lowcountry flavor that makes you love your neighbor’s home as much as you love your own. Almost. New homes from the mid $200s to $400+ | MOVE IN NOW Front Porch Info Studio | 142 Brighton Park Blvd. | Summerville Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice.
nexton.com | 843-900-3200
Historic Downtown Summervile, SC 1 1 4 A Ea st R i c h a rd so n Ave. a n d o n l i n e a t flymodernapparel.com
E DI TOR’S LETTER
The Call of the Wild
I
just might be the worst hunter on the face of the earth. I have come to the conclusion that if faced with an apocalyptic scenario, I would starve to death long before some exotic disease or a zombie would get me.
In my defense, I did not grow up hunting. I started going with friends a few years ago—picking up tricks of the trade along the way. I bought a rifle, plenty of camo clothing, waterproof boots, bug repellent, a head lamp, a couple of tree stands and enough corn to feed a small army—in my case, an army of squirrels. I understand that hunting takes preparation and plenty of patience, but after four seasons in the woods I expected to have a freezer full of meat. That has not happened. I have not killed a deer yet, but for some reason I keep going. I enjoy my time in the woods. With the amount of digital devices we have vying for our time and the stresses that come via the 24/7 new cycle, it's nice to unplug—to get away. I am in no way anti-technology. I have no plans on tossing my iPhone® in the lake or to start producing Azalea on a typewriter, but I need to feel the wind on my face—to have the sun in my eyes. We live in a part of the country that feels like it was custom made to enjoy the wild. Whether you prefer the water, the woods or the sidewalk, step away every once in a while. You may never get that proverbial deer, but what finds you might be better than what you were looking for.
Will Rizzo Editor in Chief
Seasonal Wreaths & Decorations Commercial & Residential
www.atmyf rontdoor.com • 843.327.9484 Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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PROM OTION
Give the gift that keeps on giving. Subscribe Today. a z a l e a m a g. c o m palmettomagazine.com
Will Rizzo Co-Publisher and Editor in Chief will@azaleamag.com Dottie Rizzo Co-Publisher and Managing Editor dottie@azaleamag.com Susan Frampton Senior Editor Jana Riley Senior Editor Will Browning Faith Editor Charlie Sweeney Copy Editor Lewis Frampton Distribution Manager
Contributors
Tara Bailey Elizabeth Donehue Ellen Hyatt Ashley McGee Margie Sutton Charlie Sweeney Jason Wagener
Advertising Susan Frampton susan@azaleamag.com 843.696.2876 Susie Wimberly susie@azaleamag.com 843.568.7830 Dan Riley dan@azaleamag.com 843.709.2464
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10 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Reshape your Body Reshape your Life latest minimally invasive procedure Smartlipo uses a combination of laser technology and liposuction to target and disrupt fatty tissue, causing “high definition� body contouring by extremely individualized, targeted fat elimination, then the laser technology continues to promote skin tightening and fat liquefaction.
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SUSAN FRAMPTON / Writer
Susan is a writer who has happily called Summerville home for over thirty years. When not at her desk, she spends as much time as possible with her hands in the dirt, or thinking up new projects for her husband, Lewis—who wishes she would spend less time thinking.
DAN RILEY / Writer
Dan lives in Summerville with his wife and circus of children and animals. An avid singer songwriter and occasional ultra-athlete, he can often be found playing live shows around town or running trail races across the southeast.
MARGIE SUTTON / Writer
Margie is a Stylist with over 30 years of experience in the Beauty and Fashion Industry. She is owner of MOD Beaute Studio and FLY Modern Apparel in Downtown Summerville. She raised her 3 sons in Summerville and still resides in their childhood home with her husband and family pet, Critter, aka Isabelle.
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JASON WAGENER / Illustrator
Jason started his illustrious art career when he won a coloring contest in third grade, subsequently entitling him proud owner of a Mickey Mouse dry erase board. He moved to the Lowcountry in 1990, and save an education at The Savannah College of Art and Design.
CHARLIE SWEENEY /Writer
Charlie is a high school teacher by trade and a husband, father, writer, and editor by night. A transplant to South Carolina, he has happily called Summerville home for the last 8 years. When not at his desk, Charlie is out adventuring with his wife, Jewel, and two kids, Caleb and AJ.
ASHLEY MCGEE /Writer
Ashley is a marketing professional and writer living in Summerville with her husband, David, and daughter, Lorelei. She is a selfproclaimed DIY-er and an avid outdoorswoman that enjoys hunting and fishing.
Flu & Colds come in all shapes and sizes
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EMERGENCY www.tridenthealthsystem.com Trident Medical Center | Summerville Medical Center | Moncks Corner Medical Center | Centre Pointe EMERGENCY
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AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Joye
Joye
Be a part of the
EIGHTH ANNUAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
March 5-12, 2016 FEATURING
Artists from The Juilliard School including Grammy-winning organist PAUL JACOBS
And a host of other world-class artists WWW.JOYEINAIKEN.COM This project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
A BRIEF LOOK INTO OUR LOCAL CULTURE
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1847
The percent of South Carolina’s forests that are pine.
The year Summerville passed its first law prohibiting the cutting of certain-sized trees without permission, and fining offenders a then hefty $25. That ordinance, one of the oldest of its kind in the United States, is still on the books.
All Heart
Longleaf lumber—or heart pine—was used to build much of the nation.
Breathe Easy The International Congress of Physicians in Paris, France declared Summerville as one of the two best places in the world for the treatment and recovery of lung disorders. Such belief was founded in the purported healing aspects of that tree's turpentine scent.
Sacred The Town of Summerville's official motto is "Sacra Pinus Esto" (The Pine is Sacred.)
300 The number of years Longleaf pines have been known to live.
Royal
The Pine
In the South, the Live Oak is king and the Magnolia, queen, but it's the Pine that truly reigns supreme
King George II saw the value in pine trees. He claimed ownership of all straight pines with diameters over two feet. The king’s decision left a lasting mark on South Carolina geography. The town of Kingstree got its name in 1732 when its settlement grew around one of the king’s trees on the banks of the Black River.
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I am a huge fan of Tim Tebow because of the way he proclaims his faith through everything he does. Who or what are you a fan of ? I am a huge fan of Tim Tebow because of the way he proclaims his faith through everything he does. Coffee or tea? Tea
Q& A
Jo e y Ha rris
Senior at Summerville High School
What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry? I love the weather down here in the Low country. During the summer you can go to the beach and during the fall the humidity stops and it is the best feeling in the world. What is your dream job? I have always dreamed about playing in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons. Is there a motto that you live by? One of my high school football coaches always says one thing that I live by, "If it ain't hard, it ain't worth doing."
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What's one thing you've bought in the last five years that you couldn’t live without? My hats. What's one thing you've bought in the last five years that you could go the rest of your life without? A basketball hoop that you hang on the back of a door and comes with a little basketball. What is your favorite music? Christian music is my favorite music. What is your dream vacation? If I could go on vacation anywhere I would go to Australia. What is your fondest memory of living in Summerville? My favorite memory is growing up Summerville watching the football games on Friday nights during the fall and drinking hot chocolate. AM
PALMETTO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS has been a proud member of the Summerville community for over 15 years. As the largest outpatient physicians group in South Carolina, we have over 32 offices and over 100 medical providers. And just as Summerville has grown, so have we. With primary and specialty offices in 5 counties, there is sure to be an office for you. Primary Care Endocrinology • Gastroenterology
Neurology • Pediatrics • Ear, Nose and Throat Imaging and Women’s Health www.PalmettoPrimaryCare.com
(843) 572-7727
Palmetto Primary Care
Apothecary
Salt of the Earth
Salt is a bountiful mineral. Primarily we use it to add flavor to food, but the uses of salt go far beyond the kitchen table
20 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Nine unexpected ways to use salt Prevent Fruits And Vegetables From Browning Drop fruits and veggies into lightly salted water while you're cooking to prevent them from browning. Exfoliant If you have stinky hands or tired, calloused feet, rub them with a little salt to lift off the top layer of dead skin and leave fresh, smooth skin behind. Relieve Itching Soak a cloth in saltwater and apply it as a compress to keep your skin cool and relieve the irritation of bug bites. Oral Care Gargle with saltwater to relieve sores and keep your mouth feeling fresh. Fire Management Keep salt close to the stove for extinguishing grease fires.You can also use salt to tone down a barbecue or bonfire without making a mess and a lot of smoke. Set Colors Add 1/4 cup of salt to the first couple of washes to set the color so they won't bleed out and get dull with repeated washings. Scrubber A little salt and water paste and some elbow grease can go a long way when it comes to buffing away grease, stains, and burned-on debris. Deodorize your sneakers Knock down the odor and soak up the moisture by occasionally sprinkling a little salt in your canvas shoes. Revive overcooked coffee Before you throw out the brew, try adding a pinch of salt to a cup.
Fine art and gifts by local artists A gallery of fine art and crafts all made by local artists. Located in Historic Downtown Summerville. Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm Open until 8pm on Third Thursdays
130 Central Ave. 843.871.0297 artcgalleryltd.com
Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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ELIZABETH DONEHUE
Arbiter of social graces, with a heart for simple hospitality and a tendency for adventure, Elizabeth lives in Summerville with her husband Wesley, baby boy Harlowe, and yorkie Gucci.
Tipping didn’t catch on in America until after the 1860s, when wealthy Americans traveled to Europe and brought back the practice. Some states even passed anti-tipping laws in the early 1900s.
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Etiquette
General Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is a customary way of showing appreciation for services. Here are a few general tipping guidelines for the most common times tipping is expected. by Elizabeth Donehue
RESTAURANTS Wait Service (sit down):
15-20% Gratuity is usually included for groups of six or more Wait Service (buffet): 10% Take Out:
No obligation; 10% for extra service or a large, complicated order Home Delivery:
10% In bad weather 15% Bartender:
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab Tipping Jars:
No obligation; tip if you are provided a little something extra or if you are a regular customer SPA/SALON
15-20% split among the people who provided you with service TRAVEL Bellhop:
$2 first bag, $1 per additional bag Taxi driver:
15-20% of the fare Doorman:
$1-$4 for carrying luggage. $1-$2 for hailing cab. Housekeeper:
$2-$5 per day- left daily with a note marked “Housekeeping – Thank you” Concierge:
No obligation for answering questions. $5-10 for tickets or restaurant reservations. $15 for hard-to-get tickets or reservations. MISCELLANEOUS
IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BUSINESS. The subject of divorce is uncomfortable for many, but an open dialogue can help you to clearly identiy where you are and where you want to be. The Maes Law Firm provides thoughtful consideration and a personalized approach in matters of family law, small estate planning, and probate. If you’re seeking answers, please call us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
www.maeslawfirm.com Melanie A. Maes, Owner Attorney and Counselor at Law Certified Family Court Mediator Amanda M. Leviner Attorney and Counselor at Law
Restroom Attendant: $1 Valet:
$2-$5 when car is returned to you Coat Check: $1-$2 per item Remember, a tip is not a substitute for thanking a person for a service received. The tip and the thank you go hand in hand!
207 W Richardson Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483 (843) 501-0602 / info@maeslawfirm.com
Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Charleston Ch ar l es ton Ga s tro e nte ro lo g y S p e cia l is ts Cha r le s to n E nd o sco py Ce nte r S umme r vi ll e E nd o sco py Ce nte r
SUMMERVILLE ENDOSCOPY CENTER Our brand new, state of the art facility provides a more convenient, lower cost option for outpatient colonoscopies in the Summerville area as well as surrounding counties. Summerville Endoscopy Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC) and certified by Medicare. Our procedure rooms meet or exceed the same rigorous standards imposed on major hospitals.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY (843) 722-8000 | www.CharlestonGI.com With over 100 years of combined experience, 11 GI physicians, 3 locations and the best equipment at their fingertips, Charleston GI is the first and largest group of gastroenterology specialists in Charleston.
WEST ASHLEY
SUMMERVILLE
MT. PLEASANT
1962 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
328 Midland Pkwy Summerville, SC 29485
180 Wingo Way, Suite 305 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Southern L I F E & C U L T U R E from O U R L I T T L E S L I C E of T H E S O U T H
Sweet Treats
A charming new downtown shop offers a unique twist on a Southern staple—candied pecans. by Ashley McGee
Hey Sugar Molly and Me Pecans offers fresh treats daily
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Sweet Treats
T
he next time you take a stroll down the sidewalks of Summerville’s South Cedar Street, you may notice the air is slightly sweeter. The faint smells of cinnamon and sugar are enough to tease your senses. Guided by your nose and watering taste buds, you’ll suddenly find yourself surrounded by pecans, not knowing how you got there. Welcome to Molly & Me Pecans. Owned by Lowcountry native Kay Holseberg, Molly & Me Pecans has been serving up mouthwatering variations of the southern delicacy since 2008, after she decided to trade in her corporate business attire for an apron and start cooking. Born into a military family, Kay grew up on military bases throughout the United States. When it came time to decide her next move, she found the answer by getting back to her roots. “I’ve always loved to go for walks around my family’s farm,” she said “One day I just started picking up pecans wondering to myself why no one had ever done anything with them before.” After experimenting in the kitchen, she began sharing her bounty with family and friends. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-fledged business. With her 8-year-old mastiff, Molly, in tow, 26 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Kay continues to harvest pecans on her 18-acre farm in Holly Hill. Her companion since the start, it was only fitting to name the business after her beloved canine. Molly & Me Pecans quickly became a staple at the Charleston and Bluffton farmer’s markets. With the amount of visitors from all over the country and the world, setting up an online retail store was the most natural progression. Sweet Shop Owner Kay Holseberg; candied pecans come in a variety of flavors
“For me, it’s not just about the pecans,” said Holseberg. “It’s more about the way pecans have allowed me to meet and connect with so many people from all over the world, each from different walks of life.” Though still available at both farmers’ markets, through the online store and at nearly 25 various retail locations throughout the Southeast, Holseberg decided it was time for Molly & Me Pecans to set up a permanent home base. Summerville’s charming historic downtown district was a perfect fit. With each variation of pecans prominently on display for sampling and a comfortable seating area, the shop is both warm and inviting. Roasted and dressed in splendid blends of spices, salts and sugars, Molly & Me Pecans currently offers six signature flavors to choose from including Praline, Roasted & Salted, Sugar & Spice, Cinnamon Sugar, Sneaky Hot and Sweet Heat. Additional offerings also include a chocolate dipped variety and
Something profoundly else. The seeds have been planted. And great things are happening here. A community is forming that celebrates gathering and gardens. Water and woods. And getting back to the pure power of real. This is Summers Corner. New homes from the high $200s. Dorchester District Two schools.
Come Tour Our 6 Model Homes
summerville, sc Hwy 61 & Summers Drive | SummersCorner.com Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice.
Sweet Treats
"Right now I’m experimenting with rum- and whisky-infused pecans"
Pick and Eat Clockwise from left: By the slice, a sampling of the goods, served with a smile
recipes to make sure they’re just right before rolling them out in time for the holiday season.”
a rotating assortment of baked treats including cowboy cookies, pecan pie bars and cupcakes. “Hands down, pralines have consistently been our most popular,” said Holseberg. “Sweet Heat trails behind a close second.” Each variety is perfectly balanced in their own right. The pralines are sweet enough, but aren’t too sweet—as they often can be. Sweet Heat has just the right amount of cayenne pepper to leave you with a nice tingle, but not so much that you’re frantically searching for a glass of milk. Sugar & Spice is the epitome of fall in one bite, coated in a blend of sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. They can each be enjoyed as a snack on their own, but can also be used in a variety of other ways. In place of croutons, Sneaky Hot pecans will add texture and a little kick to your salad, Roasted & Salted are great mixed into your favorite brownie batter, and the Cinnamon Sugar pecans can be sprinkled on top of a heaping bowl of ice cream. Made fresh each week in small batches in a
little red cookhouse on her farm, Molly & Me’s pecans are not only gluten-free, but they are also free of additives and preservatives. Since pecans are only harvested during the small window between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the family farm only yields about one-third of the pecans Holseberg needs to keep up with the ever-growing demand. The rest are sourced from a nearby farm in Cameron, South Carolina. The pecans are then taken to an Orangeburg mill to be cracked and blown of their shells before being frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure high-quality all year long. Based on the season and taking suggestions from the company’s loyal customer base, Holseberg still continues to experiment with new flavors. In the spring and summer, citrus flavors, including a vegan-approved orange variety, are added to the lineup. “Right now I’m experimenting with rumand whisky-infused pecans and a ‘slow burn’ Chex mix,” she said. “I’m still tweaking the
When asked if flavor experiments are ever a bust, Holseberg recalled her failed attempts at trying to use honey and maple syrup. What sounded like great ideas in theory, turned out to be “nothing but a big, sticky mess.” But, with an everpresent positive energy she cites those mishaps as being part of the beauty of owning her own business. As for the flavors that have made the cut, if you’re somehow able to refrain from devouring them all yourself, Molly & Me Pecans make the perfect gift for any occasion. A large shelf displays an assortment of beautifully packaged gift items covering an entire wall of the quaint Summerville shop. Customers can choose from multiple sizes ranging from 1.5-ounce glass sampler jars to pecans in bulk by the pound. For those who can’t just choose one flavor, Molly & Me Pecans also offers sampler boxes featuring five of the company’s six signature varieties. If you’d like to share with a larger crowd, the company will cater to the needs of your wedding, special occasion or corporate event. They offer three styles of wedding bags or boxes that are ideal as favors, each adorned with a colored-ribbon of your choice to compliment your event theme. You can also request a pecan station for your event, which includes set up, serving and several different pecan flavors. For Thanksgiving, the company has partnered with a local chef to offer madeto-order desserts to accompany your turkey. A limited time offering, Bourbon Pecan Pies and Pumpkin Praline Cheesecakes can be pre-ordered by calling or visiting the shop. With so many delectable treats to choose from, Summerville’s newest little shop on the block is certainly making a lasting impression. AM
Hometown Healthcare Roper St. Francis Now in Summerville
There’s no place like your hometown. You know the faces at the store and your favorite restaurants. There’s a sense of trust and connection that you can’t find anywhere else. Roper St. Francis is happy to announce that we are now a part of Summerville. This summer, we will be opening three new locations, and we are excited to be a part of the Flower Town in the Pines. To make an appointment with a Roper St. Francis family doctor in Summerville, call (843) 727-DOCS. Express Care Open Late, Walk-ins Welcome 1114 N. Main Street Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Roper St. Francis Primary Care Partners 9500 Dorchester Rd., Suite 362 (near Wescott Plantation) Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Roper St. Francis Primary Care Partners 1112 N. Main Street Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.rsfh.com/hometownhealthcare
Act One The newly renovated marquee; Artistic Director JC Conway
SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Flowertown Players:Art
Setting the Stage
The James F. Dean Theatre and the Flowertown Players continue an artistic legacy in Summerville that started eighty years ago by Charlie Sweeney
The James F. Dean Community Theatre sits nestled on Hutchinson Square at the intersection of Main Street and West Richardson Avenue, a beacon of local theatre that has served the Summerville community for more than sixty years. Known by locals as “The Show”, long time residents have seen this building flourish, fall into disrepair, and reemerge arguably better than ever.
The Summerville Theater, built in 1935, embodied the artistic spirit of its owners and housed local theatre productions for many years. With the emergence of the film industry and other forms of entertainment, the theatre was forced to adapt to the times and was converted into a movie theatre in the 1950s. The movie theater had a successful run into the 1960s, but closed its doors while remaining privately owned until the 1980s. A group of local, upstart theatre enthusiasts decided to join together and created the Flowertown Players during the summer of 1976. They negotiated use of the building from the building’s owner and, armed with
the necessary tools and new recruits, restored the building as a viable theater in three short months. The group produced four to five shows a season for the next seven years, with all money made going directly back into building maintenance and purchasing needed equipment. Unfortunately, after seven years of residency for the Flowertown Players, the building’s condition became dire enough that the group was forced to vacate its home and the Town of Summerville took ownership of the space in 1983. Although removed from the Summerville Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Setting the Stage
Theatre, the Flowertown Players continued to follow their passion for theater and eventually negotiated purchase of the building with hopes of restoring it to its former glory. In 1986, like the proverbial phoenix, the Summerville Theatre reemerged from disrepair as the James F. Dean Community Theatre, named for one of the Flowertown Players’ founding members. In 2014, the building received a facelift with the unveiling of a new marquee, which pays tribute to the building’s original design from the 30s and stands out among the Main St. facades. Now celebrating their 40th season, the Flowertown Players continue to offer quality community theater in the same building that has stood for 80 years. At the helm of the Flowertown Players is Charleston native JC Conway, who took over as artistic director in 2013. With a long history in Charleston theatre, Conway has seen the local scene blossom from virtually nothing into an ever expanding and growing group of creative minds nurturing a love for the arts. After working locally with Footlight Players Theatre, Midtown Productions, Threshold Reparatory Theatre, and Theatre /verv/, Conway had a strong vision for what not only was, but what could be for local theatre. “I had moved back in Charleston in 2000, had worked for professional theatre companies, and saw how Charleston Underground filled a void in current local theatre (in 2000). In the past 15 years, theatre in Charleston has really blossomed. As of 2009-2010, I didn’t know about a niche for something different in the local scene.” This passion for all artistic endeavors, both traditional and alternative, drove Conway’s artistic journey from acting in Piccolo Spoleto as a child to college to study theatre to Kentucky to artistic director of the Flowertown Players. This return home may never have occurred had it not been for social media and its long reaching arms. While working with a playhouse in Dansville, Kentucky when a local friend
Back Stage Pass First Row: Killing time before the start of the show, on stage; the actor's entrance; tricks of the trade; ready for the show; the opening scene of Mousetrap; going over lines; last minute touch-up; actors wait backstage for the call
Facebook messaged him that a director job with Flowertown was open and encouraged him to apply. He applied, but heard nothing back. After three months the job still was not filled and was reposted as an artistic director position, which was much more to Conway’s liking. He reapplied, interviewed, and found himself coming back to the Charleston area. As one of two full time Flowertown Players employees, Conway focuses mainly on the “back of the house” production like play selections, auditions, set design, etc. Flowertown’s other full time employee, Heather Pallay handles administrative duties like ticket sales, memberships, etc. As a necessity, those boundaries may only exist in theory, as both are ready and willing to step in wherever needed. Conway’s driving force as artistic director is “cultivating the artistic integrity of the theatre” with each and every show and each and every season. Because the Flowertown Players have been a consistent presence in Summerville, certain expectations exist and are taken into account with every team decision. One major challenge lies in balancing the traditional expectations of theatre with the desire to grow and engage new audience members. “Flowertown serves as a cornerstone for culture and art. For me it is important that we consider ourselves a community theatre—where anyone can come in and participate. Some people hate the word, but amateur and amateur theatre means you do something for the love of it. I embrace the term and think it fits with our purpose—to serve the whole community and not just part of it.” A major portion of this mission involves the group’s focus on education and ways to involve community members. The Flowertown Players offer classes, workshops,
and internships designed for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Conway hopes to see the space expand in more of a community arts center, and the group has already leased the building behind the theatre in an effort to expand operations. “The Annex” as it is affectionately called, currently houses theatre classes, workshops, and art classes all designed to embrace opportunities for the community to be involved in the arts and to learn together. The Flowertown Players three tiered education program mainly targets those from ages six to college age, but workshops are offered to involve all ages. In order to thrive, art, like business has to expand to stay alive. Expansion in art means broadening the audience and reaching the maximum number of people possible. The creation of Flowertown’s newest addition, Flowertown Underground, revolved around a straightforward, yet complex question for Conway: “How do you reach people who want to sit around and watch Game of Thrones?” The outlet supplied by Underground gives Conway and company the chance to present the edgier, more alternative theater that pushes traditional expectations and boundaries and is close to Conway’s heart. By attacking the gap between the traditional and the new, Conway has opened the doors of the James F. Dean Theatre to a whole demographic that may have been previously disengaged from what the Flowertown Players were doing. Now, whether it is through sketch comedy, improvisational acting, or slightly edgier plays like Matt and Ben or Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the theatre and their mission can spread to a younger audience while maintain the Main Stage presence that Summerville residents know and love. The Flowertown Players and the James F. Dean Theatre have been, and will continue to be, at the center of Summerville theatre. At the heart of Conway’s vision for the future revolves around this sense of community— “My goal is to continue to see Flowertown as a part of the community, to maintain a great relationship with the municipality and the town itself and to see the theatre to remain a jewel in Summerville’s eye.” AM
Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Eliott Bag Co.:Craft
A Pattern for Success
Entrepreneur Scott Halter follows a surprising pattern to sew together a successful new business by Susan Frampton
We all have that one thing in our lives we feel is the embodiment of who we are. It is often an inanimate object; irreplaceable for the memories it carries, the people it represents, and the once-
Tee Time Owner Scott Halter in his shop, the logo patch on a finshed checkered bag
in-a-lifetime moments it has witnessed. For one it might be a baseball glove, worn smooth from a thousand afternoons on a diamond studded field. For another it could be a dog eared, smudged book; or a shotgun glowing with a patina borne of generations of hands. For Scott Halter, it is a golf bag. The feel of the butter soft leather against his hand carried him back twenty years; back to a young, golf teaching professional who scrimped and saved up $450 to buy himself a leather walking bag. It was an outrageous extravagance at the time, but it served the Walterboro native well as his career took him from a golf course in New Jersey all the way to Kiawah Island, where he would help develop the resort’s current caddie program. It also rode his shoulder as he went from single life to that of a married man with a young son.
The years had taken their toll on the well-used bag, and Halter knew that it was time to retire it from play. When a night of searching the internet for a comparable bag confirmed that a replacement wasn’t in the family budget, his eye fell once more on the companion that had accompanied him over hundreds of miles of greens. Halter was struck with an idea. “I can do that,” he thought. Stroking the worn leather one last time, he took out his pocket knife. Stitch by stitch, seam by seam, he began dissecting his beloved golf bag. Zippers, brads and pulls were examined and catalogued. Panels and pockets were marked and set aside. When morning dawned, Halter’s wife Lainey awoke to 23 pieces of leather laid out on the dining room table. With her enthusiasm and his determination, they embarked on what Halter refers to as, “the family carousel of crazy
For the Love of the Game Clockwise: A finished bag ready for delivery, headcovers destined for Kiawah, the leather hangs ready
The company quickly outgrew his mother-in-law’s den. Setting up in a workshop behind his West Ashley home, Halter searched for someone who could sew a larger volume of bags and customize them to suit the needs of a steady stream of clients. Ironically, his search led him to a professional upholsterer just a few doors down from his home, whose skills were a perfect fit with the detailed work Halter had in mind for his upscale golf bags.
ideas and costly mistakes.” Having an initial pattern was critical, but it was only half of the battle. The heavy duty sewing machine they purchased was useless without someone capable of sewing the intricate construction the bag would require. Neither Scott nor Lainey knew their way around the machine, but Lainey’s mother, Marsha Huggins, was an accomplished seamstress, and she was willing to take on the challenge. It was in the den of her home in Summerville, amidst bolts of calfskin, scattered brass brads and zippers that the first bag came off their improbable and impromptu assembly line. If they could make one bag, they could make more, Halter reasoned. In May of 2011, Eliott Bag Company was formed and named for the young son Halter hoped would share his love of the game.
36 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find Halter hard at work in the backyard workshop, where he himself has now learned to sew, filling orders for clients around the world. Both individuals and clubs contact him regularly for the vintage-styled walking bags produced by his company. From Australia to Singapore, California to Florida, clients have come calling, as word of the Eliott Bag Company’s quality and craftsmanship has spread. Prestigious club names like St. Andrews, Askernish and Crystal Downs adorn bags created for an impressive list of businessmen, professional athletes and golf pros. “You can’t believe it. People send private jets to pick up their orders,” Lainey says. “Our bags travel in style!” There are several styles of bags to choose from, in either leather or waxed canvas, and each is fully customizable. One client’s blog chronicled his custom bag’s journey from basic Holstein cowhide to finished bag. The result was a fabulous and quirky one-of-a-kind black and white golf bag, personalized right down to its silk lining.
Despite the national and international acclaim his bags are garnering, Halter’s operation is still primarily a family business. The couple both have full time outside jobs, and he works an additional 30 to 40 hours per week out back in the shop to help fulfill orders. His canvas bags start around $500 and leather bags can run close to $2,000 depending on the customization. In addition to the golf bags, the company produces shoe bags, head covers and a ladies leather tote bag. “We’re growing slowly and carefully,” Halter says, “and we’re only adding pieces, products and people when they are a great fit, and will contribute to our reputation.” Halter looks at his calendar, reminding himself that he’ll be meeting a client who is flying in the next day. “He wanted to meet me at my shop,” Halter laughs. “It’s hard for some people to grasp that my ‘shop’ is in my backyard, and that we don’t operate out of a factory or big warehouse somewhere.” Halter looks outside to his son, Eliott playing just outside the door of his workshop. He is quick to acknowledge that it is the sacrifice, support and love of those around him that have brought him this far. Recently, an order for 200 head bags kept both Halter and his wife working long into the night on several consecutive days to complete. The long hours and hard work are worth it to Halter. “We’re small and really Southern,” Halter says. “We’re all about tradition and building relationships.” It is a philosophy that is working for the entrepreneur, assuring that success for Halter and his family is most certainly in the bag. AM
Visit eliottbagcompany.com or on Facebook to see more.
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"...the idea of living differently means finding different ways to be the church" Fleshing It Out Beson in his home office, a sample a images from the exhibit
Everything, it turns out, when viewed in the context of St. Timothy’s own vision statement: "…to expand the Kingdom of God by supporting each other in living differently and intentionally to create a community of faith that serves as a witness to Christ." For Beson, the idea of living differently means finding different ways to be the church, not just on Sunday, but more importantly on Monday through Saturday. Reaching out to ask the stories behind people’s tattoos, a concept that originated at a church Beson and his wife attended in Pittsburgh, has allowed those who have joined him on the project to grow friendships and relationships in unlikely places, and to tear down barriers by simply listening. SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Saint Timothy's:Faith
Listening to Ink
In artwork from a unique photo exhibit, St. Timothy’s allows us to recognize the underlying desire in all of us to be heard by Susan Frampton
There must have been those who thought Reverend Gary Beson had gone off the rails when he suggested St. Timothy’s, a newly planted church in Summerville, put together and host Hear Me, Too—a photo exhibit of tattoo art. Though we are assured by the Lord, “I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16), what possible connection could a collection of ink have to do with the church?
By recognizing a tattoo as an indication that those who choose the form of expression want to be heard, the exhibit speaks to humanity’s universal entreaty, “Hear my prayer, oh God. From the ends of the earth, I cry out to you” (Psalm 61:1-2). “We want to hear the stories," Beason says. “This is not an evangelistic effort by the church to recruit members.” He is emphatic on this point. “We are more interested in relationships and friendships than in simply bringing people to a building.” The creators of Hear Me, Too believe the exhibit to be a message of hope for all mankind, that we are all heard, and known, and loved— and truly tattooed on the hands of God. AM For more information on this exhibit and the church, visit www.st-timothys. org or www.hearmystory.org Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Lowcountr y Fish Camp:Food
Happy Campers
Summerville’s newest culinary destination is a great way to spend an afternoon in the fresh South Carolina air by Charlie Sweeney
Anyone who regularly drives Central Ave. has seen the newest addition to Summerville’s culinary collection, Lowcountry Fish Camp. The building stands adorned with a colorful mural depicting a coastal scene easily visible from the street and serves as a clear beacon for local foodies. The Lowcountry Fish Camp team, including Chris VanZile, Michael Del Signore, Ginny Bradford, has transformed what was 40 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Fish Tale Chris VanZile; the building's new facade
once a convenience store into a local hotspot for food lovers of all ages.
Upon entering through the screen door, you will invariably be greeted by a smiling face. The staff members clearly have the types of personalities and attitudes that make a restaurant inviting and the kind of place you want to revisit. Whether it is answering questions or making sure all is well at your table, you can expect high quality service with a smile. The restaurant sign, wooden fence, picnic tables, and high top tables all capture the feel of a rustic camp environment. Patrons can sit inside the building at a high top table, outside at a spacious picnic table under an umbrella, or “on the deck” in a screened in outdoor area. Each of these locales offers friendly service, fresh food served to you quickly, and an atmosphere second to none. Sitting outside, patrons experience the perfect venue to enjoy great food and a beautiful afternoon or evening. The wooden picnic tables enhance the camp feel of the restaurant and manage to transport visitors from a restaurant in Summerville to an outdoor haven. Enjoying the sunlight is easy as you sit alongside wooden fences,
The fish camp team has transformed what was once a convenience store into a local hotspot for food lovers of all ages flowers, and wall hangings.
Using high quality local products allows the restaurant to serve first rate food that shows their commitment to one of the tenets of the restaurant: For the love of Lowcountry Seafood. All seafood, rice, grits, and produce used in the restaurant are locally caught or harvested, making it truly a Lowcountry restaurant from the natural environment to your plate. All of this deliciousness appears in lunches, dinners, and brunches that can compete with any seafood restaurant in the Lowcountry. Food is served through three main platforms: platters, po boys, and salads. Regardless of your personal preference, Lowcountry Fish Camp offers delicious food for all appetites and sophistications featuring the best local ingredients possible. No matter what your tastes, the hush puppies, served with honey mustard, offer the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. An order of hush puppies is perfect for groups no matter what size and is a great sampling of what the kitchen has to offer. The po boy, available with shrimp, oyster, flounder, scallop, or catfish, features a remoulade that perfectly complements the freshness and flavor of the seafood. The dinner menu features platters and sandwiches alongside Lowcountry Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Check out our website for boot camp schedule and locations
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AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Lowcountry Fish Camp
crab cakes, seafood pasta, shrimp and grits, fried duck legs, a captain’s platter, and blackened pork chops, any of which will appease your hunger. Whether you have a hankering for seafood or an option more land based, you are guaranteed to find something on the menu that meet your needs. To make their food even more available, Lowcountry Fish Camp offers a full to-go menu and calling ahead to order is always an option. Your search for a great local eatery that will give you high quality fresh seafood is over, look no further than Central Avenue and Lowcountry Fish Camp. AM Lowcountry Fish Camp is open TuesdaySaturday 11am-9pm and Sunday for 10am-2pm brunch. For more information, visit lowcountryfishcamp.com or find them on Facebook. Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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N AT U R A L WOMAN
Burning Daylight
T
by Susan Frampton
here are those among us who take great pleasure in rising to meet the day. Eyes crinkled with joy, these people embrace the morning with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. Some whistle as they shave, chuckle at the morning paper’s comic strips, jump into their running shoes to hit the pavement, or simply meditate over a good cup of coffee. These people are what I like to call irritating. To say that I am not a morning person is an understatement, and one that is best not said to me until well after the sun has risen. Whether I go to bed early or stay up late, my internal timekeeper finds something
inherently wrong about starting the day while bats are still at work, and birds haven’t yet given a thought to chirping. I catch a lot of grief about this from the eternally cheerful early risers, who just don’t get it. These people take great pleasure in calling me at 7 on a Saturday morning, starting the conversation with, “Oh, did I wake you?” Well, duh. It’s 7 on Saturday morning. Unless I’m booked on a 5am flight to Paris or George Clooney is popping over for breakfast, it is a pretty sure bet that I am sleeping. Though I am fairly certain that sleeping to a reasonable hour is not a punishable offense in any of the 50 states, the implication is that being asleep at this hour reflects a serious character flaw. My husband refers to this offense as a crime of “burning daylight,” so when I get a call, I pretend to have been awake
ILLUSTRAT IONS BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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N AT U R A L WOMAN
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for hours; putting on a bright chirpy voice as I shake the cobwebs out of my head and squint at the clock. Then I hang up and go back to sleep. That is not to say that I am incapable of functioning before dawn. Like most of us, I have run miles on the treadmill of life that requires rising ridiculously early. I was once a working mother; one of the many required to accomplish more before daybreak than others do in a day. I wondered then and wonder still, who came up with the bright idea of sending children off to school before chickens crack their eyes? I personally know of a child, who having dressed herself in the pre-dawn hours, was spotted getting on the bus with her pants on backwards. Her mother noticed just as the folding doors closed; sadly too late for a switcheroo. I’m still apologizing for that one. But I also know for a fact that same child’s mother once hobbled half a day at the office before realizing that she wore two very different shoes. Contrary to popular belief, getting up early does not make people like us better at anything; it simply makes us cranky, and badly dressed. It gives me great empathy for what my mother endured when I was growing up. For years, she brought my breakfast to me on a tray, gently calling me to wake to the smell of bacon and eggs or cinnamon toast, only to have me snarl and pull the covers over my head. I’m ashamed now for having been such a brat, but karma paid me back in spades when my own daughter came along; a child who did not sleep through the night until she was two, and had to be dragged from the bed kicking and grumbling until she was about twenty. Breakfast on a tray didn’t make her a ray of sunshine, either. My husband is so exasperatingly cheerful in the morning that on many occasions I’ve had to restrain myself from punching him. He always awakens before the clock goes off. Where mine is beaten and scratched, he has no earthly idea where the snooze button is located on his alarm clock. Even the dog sees something wrong with this
46 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
behavior; raising his head and opening one eye before snorting with annoyance, and burrowing under the covers. You can always spot the early risers at a party. They’re the ones nodding off into the baked brie at about 8 o’clock. Pop culture is lost on them. When the music signaling Jeopardy’s final question is the cue to break out your jammies, it’s a pretty sure bet that you have no idea that Gray’s Anatomy is not just a medical book, or that if you kill someone in Washington, your first call should be to someone named Olivia Pope. This knowledge is only available to those willing to stay awake until 9 o’clock. You can’t just DVR yourself into that loop. How to Get Away With Murder over breakfast is just not the same. Mock those burning daylight if you must, but where would the world be without us—the Cinderellas and the Paul Reveres? Punching your pillow right after dinner makes for a pretty dull fairytale, and if you’re asleep at midnight, you better hope we’re up to let you know the British are coming. I make allowances, however, for brain surgeons and airline pilots required to start their days before dawn. I don’t want them to even be awake for the evening news, much less able to pick Jimmy Fallon out of a lineup. They should be fully rested before they crack open my head or fire up a 747. The early birds might see a lot more sunrises, but given that I have no desire to catch a worm, I have no cows to milk and no one is waiting for me to deliver their paper or brew a Venti espresso, I can’t think of much that requires my participation before the sun comes up. No matter what time the day begins, there are still twenty-four hours in every one. Surely, we can live together in peace. If the early risers will agree to occasionally stay awake for some late night TV or a lunar eclipse, I guess I can acquiesce to hearing the occasional rooster crow or watching a sunrise or two. I will do my very best to be embrace the morning with a smile on my face and joy in my heart—but there’s a better than average chance that I’ll have my pants on backwards. AM
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Me, Myself and Middle Age
M
K ID S THESE D AY S
by Tara Bailey
y late thirties were stupid. Maybe yours were, too. Even the first couple of years of my forties were steeped in ego, trying to prove to the world—really, myself— that I was immune to biology and reality. I know this isn't true for everyone, that there are a lot of people content with who they are at all stages. To those people I can finally say, I am now one of you. But for a few years I was turned inward, taking care of my family and responsibilities, all the while panicking over facial creases and the newfound knowledge that armpits can have
cellulite. See? Stupid and self-centered. I don't know that it was pure vanity guiding my ship to the rocky shores of skincare products called Hope Is Not Enough or just the shock of noticing that my neck could use a bra. Maybe I was simply confused; I had just figured myself out not too long before, finally understanding how I was comfortable going through life, and now I had to reroute. This is all so shallow, I agree, but it wasn't just my appearance that had me wound up. I had changed jobs a few times, each time thinking something larger than myself —something akin to destiny, maybe—had placed me there instead
ILLUS TRAT IONS BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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KIDS THESE D AY S
of practical circumstances and the appreciation of a paycheck. Could destiny be wrong so many times? I finally determined there was no such thing as destiny, which is probably why BeyoncĂŠ went out on her own. And look at her now. This phase of introspection, let's call it, manifested in all the great ways that today's world allows such fools to publicly demonstrate self doubt. Social media was fantastic in giving me a way to showcase images of myself engaged in activities that surely cemented my place in perpetual youth. "Here I am paddle boarding with dolphins!" "Check me out - I'm on a plane, TRAVELING!" "Hey, I got another t-shirt with clever text and graphics!" Does anybody care about my leisure time other than...well, myself ? To be fair, the things I love to do and share with others are sincere. Paddling with dolphins is indeed cool; it just doesn't make me any cooler than anyone else. And it's certainly not an activity reserved for the young. Neither, of course, is traveling, enjoying wine, running races, or hiking mountains. The problem is that as much as I love doing these things, while in my thirties, I was equally as focused on the image of doing them. Who was I without a mirror? And what better mirror than other people's (likely insincere) praise and positive comments? Middle age is a strange place to be, at least initially. It's the life phase people laugh at the most, and with reason. No one laughs at the elderly. People may patronize them by marveling when they continue to enjoy life in their advanced years, but older people don't appear to be emotionally lost if 50 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
they behave younger than they are. Wear ridiculous hats, and you get to be in a club full of other ridiculous hat-wearers. But a forty-fouryear-old woman riding a skate board? That earns sneers. I should mention that I am a forty-four-year old woman who sometimes rides a skate board. So how do we midlife folk navigate these mockable years? We don't want to give up our favorite things just because we may now look funny to others while doing them. I think this is why so many of us seem to be working so hard on our images. My solution is that we keep doing the things we love or want to do before we die, but drop the self-consciousness and self-marketing. I love to try new adventures and make a point of doing something each year that makes me feel sick with nerves, but I can just as easily do that without the approval of my peers. In other words, I can have fun and adventure and document these moments without eclipsing it all by trying to capture it with a unique, gasp-worthy phone pic. I have discovered in the past few years that it is a lot more satisfying to focus on what I'm doing instead of whether or not I look cute doing it.
I am embarrassed to be admitting so publicly that I was ever so vain, but I can clearly see that I am not alone. Not that I am judging those who are going through the identity struggle that I recently decided to abandon, but I am just glad to be out of it. It's a little like exiting a doctor's office and seeing a full waiting room on your way out. I don't know what made me finally feel comfortable in my sagging skin, but it is likely that I got distracted with my family, particularly teenagers, whose needs seem infinitely greater than young children's, and also the realization that I was bored with myself. The people around me are much more interesting than the body parts I was spending so much time attempting to reshape. I am very happy with my family, my friends, my job and am thankful to be in good health. I have gray hairs that I can cover if I get around to it, but I am a busy woman and rarely consider my hair anymore. Maybe this is what "letting oneself go" feels like. If so, that's okay. I admit I'm not quite ready to give up my t-shirt collection, but that's okay, too - as long as I wear my shirts for me and no one else's approval. AM
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L IF E & F A IT H
Choosing to Cheat
I
by Will Browning “If something doesn’t change soon, our marriage is over!” Have you ever heard these words from your spouse? I have, and it jolted me quickly to reality. In 2007, I was living my dream and my wife was living a nightmare. We had moved to Summerville, SC to start a brand new church. My life was crazy, but it didn’t bother me because I was doing what I felt I was created to do. Sixty-hour work week? No problem. Giving away every weeknight to meet with potential church partners? No big deal. Living on a shoestring budget? Just part of the deal.
ILLUSTR AT ION BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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LIFE & FA I T H
While I was living out my dream, my adventurous wife, Tarah, felt trapped at home and bamboozled by her husband. I, however, hadn’t noticed what I was doing. I was asking her to carry a very heavy weight, a weight I was intended to hold—full responsibility for our family’s wellbeing. I had shirked my responsibility in hopes of achieving my dream. Then, dejected and exhausted, she had held the extra weight long enough. With those infamous words in 2007, she made it clear— things must change! After weeks of conversation, I came to realize I had chosen to cheat my family.1 The people I loved the most, I had neglected the most. The people who loved me the most rarely saw me reciprocate love towards them. My attention, my time, and my passions I was choosing to invest elsewhere. Here is what I learned from the difficult days that followed: I have only a finite amount of time and energy, thus I must spend it purposefully. If I give extra time to work, I must cheat time from
I have only a finite amount of time and energy, thus I must spend it purposefully. If I give extra time to work, I must cheat time from somewhere else. 54
AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
SERVING THE COMMUNITY WE CALL HOME. somewhere else. If I am giving all my energy to a hobby, I must cheat giving energy to something else. In 2007, I learned that I had chosen to cheat my family by giving away the best of me to everyone else while leaving those that love me the most merely the scraps of my time and energy.
For each of our clients, we take the role of 'advocate' seriously. We are here to serve–to help our clients avoid the many stresses often associated with legal issues. -Brandt Shelbourne
Attorney & Counselor at Law
Here are the changes I needed to make:
1. Frequently ask those I love what they need from me and be willing to give them what they ask for. 2. Decide that, if I am going to give extra time or energy to something, I can borrow from work, hobbies, and friends, but I will not steal the time or energy from my family.
1 3 1 E. Ric hardson S u mmer v il l e / 843.871.2210 / shel bou r n e la w. c om
3. At the end of my life, there are four people who will stand beside me: Tarah, Piper, Ethan, & Jedidiah. They deserve more than the scraps of my life; they deserve the best of me. In 1 Timothy 5:8, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy that a man who does not make his family a priority is a failure in life. I do not want to get to the end of my life and notice that I wasted my focus on lesser things while neglecting the people I love. To ensure that is not my future, I must make my family the priority of my time and my energy. AM 1
Idea borrowed from Andy Stanley in When Work
and Family Collide. Multnomah Books, 2011.
Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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The country is calling. It starts as a simple desire to get away. To a place where the sounds of the city give way to the sounds of nature. Where time shifts to a lower gear. And where adventures become the stuff of family lore, handed down from generation to generation. Find your place here. Just a half hour from downtown Charleston, in the heart of the East Edisto Rural District, large properties are now available for the first time in over a hundred years. We welcome your inquiry.
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Wrappers Delight From handmade boots and sunglasses to stone ground grits and sweetgrass napkin rings, we found something local for just about anyone on your gift list
Buzz Worthy From the farmers market to a cocktail party, this bag can go anywhere Piazza $189.50
Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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For Her
Clockwise: The Mellisa Button Short Boot from Frye Boot Co. will go perfectly with anything in your closet. The BootJack $259.99; This crochet adorned chambray scarf is both vintage and whimsical, Simple to Sublime $26.00; These sweetgrass napkin rings add Lowcountry flair to whatever is for dinner, Four Green Fields $40.00 Set of 4; With Smith & Cult nail lacquer there is a perfect color for any occasion, MOD Beaute Studio $18.00; Available in black and brown, these leather wrap around belts are super versatile, Fly Modern Apparel $31.50
58 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
November 27–December 30
6–9:30 p.m.; Closed Dec. 24-25 Holiday Fairs: Friday–Sunday, Nov. 27–Dec.20 Santee Cooper HQ and Old Santee Canal Park | Moncks Corner, S.C. www.celebratetheseason.org Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Save The Date & Sponsorship Saturday, April 30, 2016 Wescott Golf Club
www.puttingforparkinsons.com
t o n e We’r or f just ! s r e golf
Benefiting Parkinson’s Research being done at The Murray Center for Research in Parkinson’s and Related Disorders. (part of The MUSC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization)
60 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
For Him Warming Up This Drake synthetic down vest is both warm and versatile. The Bootjack $99.99
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For Him
Clockwise: These Smith Tioga sunglasses are a modern take on a classic shape, Jackson Davenport $119.99; This classic Case single blade pocket knife is hand-crafted to be passed down for generations, Tractor Supply $49.99; This wicker cocktail set looks just as good as it performs Piazza $75.95-$112.95; Collared Greens ties are crafted from fine imported silk and hand-made in the U.S.A., Maggie Rose $55.00-$58.00; Carolina Plantation grits and fish fry not only taste great, but also make a handsome looking gift, Four Green Fields $10.95-$12.95
62 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
We don’t just
BUILD HERE, we live here. At Sabal Homes, we take immense pride in being an award-winning
Moncks Corner
26
builder but our true sense of accomplishment comes from being a local
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builder. We don’t just build here. We live and play here. The Lowcountry
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Summerville
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MOV E OV ER, HEAV Y COATS AN D F U RLINED BOOTS. T HE MILD CLIM ATE OF TH E SOUT H ALLOWS FOR A VAR I ED WI N TER WARD ROBE FULL OF C L AS S I C AN D EXPERIMENTAL COMB I N ATI ON S . styled by M A R G I E S U T T O N photography by D O T T I E R I Z Z O florals by O N A L I M B
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Lay of the Land Faux Fur Vest $58 Savvy Rose Floral Printed Pencil Skirt $41.99 Fringe bootie $87.99 FLY Modern Apparel White Button Down Shirt $98 Maggie Rose
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Second Nature Grey Duster $119.99, Distressed Flare Jeans $89.99, White Pullover Blouse $39.99 Fly Modern Apparel Stone & Tassel Necklace $136.00 Maggie Rose
76 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Greener Pastures Plaid Poncho $38 Savvy Rose Skinny Jeans $88.99 Fly Modern Apparel Buckle Wrist Warmers $12.95 Piazza
Summer 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM 77
By Susan Frampton PHOTOS BY DOTTIE RIZZO FOLLOWING THE LURE OF TOURNAMENT BASS FISHING, S U M M E R V I L L E ’ S P AT R I C K W A LT E R S N E T S F I R S T P L A C E I N T H E C O L L EG E F I S H I N G N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P
The Trail Less Traveled
A W IL D E R N ESS A DVE N T U RE ST RE N GT H E N S T H E BON D BE T W E E N A FAT H E R AN D H I S C H I L D RE N
by
Dan Riley
M
y son's tears flowed like a river. He sobbed as if he had just seen our beloved dog get hit by a car. What was I thinking? How could I have done this to my children? What kind of father was I?
I never feel more at home than I do when surrounded by nature. Whether it's on a trail, the peak of a mountain, in a kayak navigating our Lowcountry black waters, or on the ocean without land in sight the more remote and removed from civilization the better. These places are where I meet my true self, where my heart feels most whole, where everything else slips away and I feel alive, as I am meant to live. In those moments the clarity seems unending. This is what I wanted my children to experience, even if it was for just a few seconds. My wife and I take a few camping trips with the kids every year, but this was the first time that I really felt my two older kids, Noah (my daughter, age 12) and Jude (my son, age 10) were old enough and capable of handling an overnight backpacking trip. I had been looking forward to this moment since the kids toddled their first steps. So, I hatched a plan. I’d never backpacked with kids before, so after calling the Ranger station, checking maps, and brushing up on trail safety and backpacking tips through online articles and YouTube videos, I finally decided on a route that started at the top of Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We would hike down about two miles the first day to a place that we could camp called Commissary Hill. The next day, we would hike the remaining approximately three miles to the base of the trail at Black Mountain campground and spend the night there. The final morning, we would hike the Green Knob trail back to the Blue Ridge Parkway where my wife would pick us up. All in all, it was about eight miles, and didn’t look to be too extreme for the kids' first backpacking adventure. We drove from our home in Summerville directly to the top of Mount Mitchell. The family had a quick PB&J lunch, we walked around the park a bit with my wife and youngest daughter, who would be staying nearby during our hike, and then it was time. We strapped on our backpacks, said our goodbyes, and headed off into the unknown. Our journey began on a paved, fairly steep incline, which led to the start of the actual trail. About a hundred feet up the paved trail, we came across our first bench. Both Noah and Jude immediately expressed their need to make use of the bench. “It’s so steep!” “Will it be this steep the whole way?” It was at this point that I patted myself on the back for planning a mostly downhill trip. I knew that we only had a few hundred yards to reach where the trail went off road and downhill. So I let them take a break, and managed to work a pep talk in there at the same time. I acknowledged that they had never carried 15-20 pounds on their backs while walking up a steep incline, and encouraged them that they’d get used it, and end up feeling stronger as a result. After we rested for a minute, we headed back up the trail and both Noah and Jude rejoiced once the trail turned downward. About a mile down the trail, I spotted a small sign nailed to a tree
that read “North Carolina Wildlife Bear Sanctuary.” My first thought was to keep my observation quiet so as not to bring up any unsettling feelings or cause them undue fear. But as it is my hope that one day they too will want to venture into the woods on their own, I also wanted to take advantage of all teaching opportunities. So, I pointed out the sign, reminded them to always be on the lookout for signs along the trail, and reviewed some bear safety information with them. And as a reward for my due diligence as a father and mentor, I spent the next hour listening to them frightfully question if every snap of a twig and rustle of brush was, in fact, a bear. On the subject of bears—does a bear poop in the woods? Yes, he does, and so did we. I have to admit, this was one of the things I thought that I would get some complaints about. After all, squatting over a small hole that you have dug with a trowel, out of sight of the rest of your party, alone in an unfamiliar forest, shortly after discussing the proliferation of bears in the area is a far cry from the safe and sanitary comforts of home. Instead of complaints though, if you asked Noah and Jude what one of their favorite things about hiking was, pooping in the woods would be pretty high up on the list. They loved it. It seems kind of strange, but I can only guess that this act made them feel like legitimate adventurers. After about two (bear-free) hours that first day, we made it to Commissary Hill, our camping spot for the night. Noah and Jude set up the tent and sleeping bags while I prepared dinner. As we ate, a few more hikers meandered in to pitch camp and they seemed to bring rainclouds with them. Just as we decided to get in the tent, the rain began, the sound on the rain cover was both beautiful and entrancing. The symphony of rain all but drowned out any conversation we tried to have and it wasn’t long before we had all drifted off to sleep. I awoke just before sunrise, happy to discover that we and our provisions remained dry all night. After a quick pancake breakfast, we set off again down the trail. Less than a quarter mile into the day’s hike, we came to a breathtaking view: standing above a lush valley, we took in the surrounding mountain vistas and sunlit clouds in between. It was a scene from a postcard, or screen saver, or maybe one of those motivational posters you see hanging on office walls, except we were living it. We all stood there in awe, soaking in the moment. This was why we were there. Both of the kids talked about how they had never seen anything like that. That is a moment that will stick with me, and I hope with the two of them. But like they say, there are highs and there are lows in any journey, and the lows were still ahead. After a day spent hiking three miles, the murmur of the South Toe River was a welcome sound as we approached the Black Mountain campground at the bottom of the Mount Mitchell trail. The river was pretty shallow, so I let Noah and Jude wade while I went and arranged a campsite for the night and spoke to the campground host about our plans to hike the Green Knob Trail the next day. “Oh, you’re pretty brave, aren’t ya?” she quipped. I hesitated, not expecting this response. “Why do say that?” “Well,” she smiled, “I have been host at this campground for 15 years and never hiked that trail. Everyone that comes through here who has been on that trail says that it’s a tough one. They say it’s all uphill, and in some places you have to climb hand over hand up some rock faces.”
As we ate, a few more hikers meandered in to pitch camp and they seemed to bring rainclouds with them. Just as we decided to get in the tent, the rain began, the sound on the rain cover was both beautiful and entrancing. I thanked the woman, bought some ice cream for the kids, and strolled across the street to check out the Green Knob trail head. It was then that I saw a sign I hadn’t seen before. On my National Geographic trail map, this trail was marked as “difficult.” The sign here was just slightly different, it read “Green Knob Trail – MOST DIFFICULT”. I pondered the implications of this sign and what the campground host had said to me as I walked back to where I could see Noah and Jude playing in the river. Did I make a mistake concocting this perhaps slightly ill-conceived plan? Should I call my wife to come pick us up? I decided to press on, and the next morning, we headed up the Green Knob trail. Now, when I say up, I mean up. The trail was as steep as a “MOST DIFFICULT” trail rating would have you expect. I knew that this would be difficult for the kids, so I prepared myself to stop for frequent breaks. It wasn’t long before we were stopping every ten minutes, then every five, then three, two, one, and then every hundred feet or so. The complaining was intermittent but intense. I tried to encourage the kids by telling them about the cool fire tower that we could climb at the top of trail, but that didn’t seem to be much of a motivator. I debated turning around, but we had plans to meet my wife at the top of the trail later, and there was no cell signal in the area to get ahold of her. We had to keep moving. Jude finally snapped. “I want to go home. I don’t want to be here. I want someone to come get us,” he cried as tears rolled down his face. Noah was keeping it together, but had similar feelings about the matter. We took off our packs and sat down. It was at this moment that it occurred to me that this hike was quite literally the most difficult thing the kids had ever done. In fact, the physical effort that they were putting forth was probably more than they could have ever imagined would be asked from them. I went over to Jude and wrapped my arms around him. “I love you buddy, and I’m so sorry that this is so difficult for you,” I said as his sobs softened. “I didn’t mean to pick a route that would be so difficult, but I know that you can do this. It’s just putting one foot in front of the other until we get to the end of the trail.”
“I don’t think I can do it.” Jude replied, doing his best to hold back his tears. “We can take as many breaks as you need,” I promised. “We can stop every twenty feet if we need to. But I promise you that you can do this, and when we get to the end of the trail, you are going to feel something that you probably haven’t felt before; you will know that what may seem impossible is possible.” Jude wiped his tears and we soldiered on. Every twenty feet or so, we stopped: sometimes for seconds, sometimes for minutes. Sometimes we had to hang on to a tree or tree branch to help steady ourselves against the incline of the trail. Noah chimed in every so often with encouraging comments like, “You can do it Jude” and “We’re getting closer with every step.” Jude needed a few more pep talks from me, and I used every analogy I could think of to help him. Eventually, it happened. The sobbing subsided, his breathing calmed, and his mindset changed. Jude had broken through the wall, and I couldn't have been more proud of him. And then, it was Noah’s turn. Only about a half mile from the end of the trail, Noah became upset at the strenuousness of it all. So my pep talks turned to Noah, and Jude began to encourage her like she had done for him. Cheering erupted from both kids as we reached the top of the trail. We spotted the fire tower a little way off and we raced to get there. The kids ran up the steps off the fire tower only to find that it was locked and we couldn’t go out on to the decking surrounding the small enclosure atop the tower. I expected to hear remarks of disappointment, but Noah and Jude just sat at the top of the steps and smiled as they remarked about how great the view was from there. Had I known how difficult the trail would be for the kids when planning the trip, I probably would have chosen a different route. In hindsight, I’m glad I made that mistake. Even months later, if either of them start talking about how difficult something is, all I have to do is mention that hike, and they push through. I think I speak for the three of us when I say it was worth taking the trail less traveled. AM
TO AT D TH E US IPES SON N C A E BE T RE E SE S E HA WE O TH S M S T VI RU REE ICE DA Y P TA UR E TH E S ET T H L N R R by CE A TT ion rat A ERE A LI a p pre ER . H DD O V Z D O Z R OO T A RI E I FO R F IGH T OT VO T M A yD b S y ph FL JU gra oto ph
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84 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
RUM APPLE PIE Ingredients
Preparation
cut vents in top of the pastry to
2 refrigerated pie crusts
Peel, core and slice apples
allow steam to escape. Bake at
3 Gala apples
and place in large bowl. Add
400° for 15 minutes. Reduce
3 Granny Smith apples
rum and toss to coat. Combine
heat to 350° and continue to
2 tablespoons rum
sugar, flour, salt, apple pie spice
cook for 40 min or until apples
½- ¾ cup sugar
and pecans and add to apples
are soft and crust is brown.
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
and toss to coat well. Line a
¼ teaspoon salt
greased 9” pie plate with pie
Tip: To keep the edges of the pie
1 ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
crust and pour in apple mixture.
from getting too brown, cover
Dot top with butter. Roll out the
them with 1-1/4 inch wide strips
remaining pastry, place on top of
of foil; remove 15 min before
the apples, flute the edges, and
end of baking time.
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PUMPKIN PIE WITH RUM WHIPPED CREAM RUM WHIPPED CREAM
Ingredients
evaporated milk. Line a greased
2 refrigerated pie crusts
deep pie plate with pie crust
3/4 cup granulated sugar
and pour in pumpkin mixture.
ingredients
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Roll out additional pie crust and
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
using cookie cutters, a knife
3 tablespoons confectioners’
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
and some imagination, decorate
sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
pie top as desired. Bake in
1 tablespoon rum
2 large eggs
preheated 425° F oven for 15
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin
minutes. Reduce temperature
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50
Preparation
Preparation
minutes or until knife inserted
Just before serving, beat cream
Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt,
near center comes out clean.
with sugar in a medium bowl
ginger and cloves in small
Cool on wire rack for 2 hours.
with an electric mixer until soft
bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl.
Serve immediately or refrigerate.
peaks form. Add rum and vanilla
Stir in pumpkin and sugar-
Top with rum whipped cream
and continue to beat until stiff
spice mixture. Gradually stir in
(right) before serving.
peaks form.
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BUTTER RUM TARTS Ingredients 1 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup butter 2 eggs 2 cups brown sugar 2 teaspoons rum flavoring 1/2 cup chopped pecans Pie pastry for 2 dozen or more tarts Preparation Soak raisins in boiling water for 5-10 minutes or until soft. Drain. Beat butter until soft. Add eggs and brown sugar and beat until foamy. Add rum flavoring, chopped nuts and reserved raisins. Roll pastry and cut out to line tart tins. Fill tins ½ full, and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbling. Cool until warm enough to remove from pans to wire racks.
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T H E
H O U S E
O N
T H E
H I L L
Friendship, small town charm and the per fect house draw Canadians Henr y and Kelley Johnson back home to Summer ville by S U S A N F R A M P T O N photos by D O T T I E
RIZZO
T
he home on the corner of South Main and West Fifth South Street has seen many changes come to the town since its construction in the 1920s. From its perch atop the area’s highest point, referred to as Clay Hill by Summerville natives, the stately white house watched as Azalea Park was planted with its trademark flowers and saw Main Street move from dirt road to paved highway. Time has been very kind to the house on the hill, and through the years its walls recall the happy sounds of several generations of Summerville families. 92 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2015
Originally from Canada, Henry and Kelley Johnson first came to Summerville in 2000. Avid tennis players, they lived in Pine Forest for seven years. But when they had the opportunity to transfer with Henry’s job to Brussels, Belgium, they jumped at the chance. After five years abroad, they returned to the area, and though they could have chosen the beach or Mt. Pleasant, Summerville called them back. “There is just something about Summerville. People stay here. And we had so many good friends here,” Kelley says. When the Main Street house became available, the timing could not have been better. It was an ideal location for them to settle with their two children, Charles and Grace, with the park and tennis courts right next door and downtown just a short walk or bike ride away. “We rode our bikes everywhere when we were in Europe,” Kelley says, “so having the farmer’s market and downtown close by makes us feel right at home in this neighborhood.” “We knew wanted to be in old Summerville, but we weren’t in the market for a fixer-upper,” Henry says. The house had undergone an extensive renovation in 2000. In addition to upgrading the electrical and HVAC systems, a new family room and master suite rounded out the new and improved floorplan. The home also features a full basement—a rarity in the Lowcountry. Throughout the house, a lovely collection of antique pieces the couple acquired in Belgium provide functional duties as well as a European flavor. “These older houses don’t have much closet space, so the large pieces work beautifully,” Kelley says of two Hungarian armoires in the master bedroom. The two worked with interior designer Laura Jones to create a
Sitting on almost an acre of beautifully landscaped property, the home also boasts what is thought to be the oldest in-ground pool in Summerville perfect blend of comfortable elegance throughout, with contemporary art adding a modern touch. Sitting on almost an acre of beautifully landscaped property, the home also boasts what is thought to be the oldest in-ground pool in Summerville; completely restored in 2000. Several years later, the existing pool house was demolished to make room for what some might consider the property’s pièce de résistance—a 966 square foot pool/guest house with tongue and groove walls and ceilings, and exposed wooden beams, repurposed from a textile mill. In addition to a spacious bedroom, the airy, open space features a custom built bar, sauna, steam room and state-of-the-art entertainment system. The couple’s love of art is obvious here, where a stylized bulldog—Kelley’s nod to Henry’s passion for the Georgia Bulldogs—hangs not far from one of their favorite acquisitions, a watercolor by Canadian artist Daniel Barkley. “We sat and looked at this painting for 2 hours before we decided on it,” Henry says of the oversized piece. With their son Charles attending school in Montreal and much of their family in Canada, Kelley returns north often. Though Henry’s work regularly takes him back to their native country, it seems that Summerville has worked its magic on the couple, and they are happily settled in the house on the hill. “We are very happy to be back.” AM Winter 2015 AZALEAMAG.COM
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FIRSTS by Ellen E. Hyatt When the calendar bolts from November, catalogues arrive. Wishing Books, the twins named them. The two of them, in luscious luxury, dog-eared corners, circled their wishes with crayons. Whit used red; Woody, green. Not this year, their tenth, the first without their mother. And you, their father, lost in loss. Sorrow pours in. Grief brims the house. No pumpkin rum pie aroma fills the air. The cozy spices of cinnamon and ginger in the pantry, stockpiled. Her collection of snow globes on the mantelshelf, stock-still. What to do to make it all better? Ready the twins. Drive. Upstate. To her cherished spot. Twin Falls. First flurries are falling. You drive a route leading to a T, where you turn right, pass Road Kill Grill, cross a bridge, bear left, continue to the parking lot where the quarter-mile trail is yours to walk. A makeshift sign makes you and the twins laugh: Mama says, “Y’all be careful! Gravity is a force.” Within a fine slice of Eastatoe Valley, Twin Falls pitch themselves separately over rocks before merging to Reedy Cove Creek. The hiking trail alongside the creek offers you a prized spot. Your sons, twinned in warm-cold silence, lie next to you upon white winter wonder. First dusting. Fresh and enough of it. You each sweep arms and legs across the snow. You three Snow Angels stare at a Cirrus sky. At once, you see. Her. She’s making cloud people.
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Lowcountry Orthopaedics -&- Sports Medicine
Get back in the Game! X-ray, Occupational Therapy, MRI, Physical Therapy and Outpatient Surgery Center. By offering the newest techniques and most advanced technology, we have the knowledge to offer our patients an accurate diagnosis for the best possible treatment. David Jaskwhich, MD James McCoy, Jr., MD A MEMBER OF
Adam Schaaf, MD James Spearman, MD
North Charleston 2880 Tricom St. (843) 797-5050
Downtown Summerville 130 E. 3rd North St. (843) 879-9699
Summerville/Oakbrook 93 B Springview Ln. (843) 285-6060
Occupational Therapy 2881 B Tricom Street (843) 797-5050
styled by margie sutton makeup by jenna tucker photo by Brats Photography