CH2 Magazine: May 2022 by CH2/ CB2 : Celebrate Hilton Head / Celebrate Bluffton

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

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NAMASTE SPA OPENS SECOND LOCATION AT MARRIOTT’S GRANDE OCEAN RESORT

ERIN ERENBERG

SUPER ENTREPRENEUR, SUPER WOMEN’S ADVOCATE, SUPER MOM

CHILDCARE OPTIONS FOR VACATIONING FAMILIES WHEN YOU NEED A VACATION FROM YOUR VACATION

MOTHERLESS ON MOTHER’S DAY C2 GIFT GUIDE FOR MOM

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CH2 SPECIAL SECTION:

LOWCOUNTRY MOMPRENEURS

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SH WOULD L A W R IKE TO D CA

ISLAN

SAY

ISLAND CAR WASH HAS BEEN WASHING THE VEHICLES OF RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ON THE ISLAND FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS. THEN, THE BLUFFTON AND OKATIE WASHES JOINED THE FAMILY. WE ARE BEYOND GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PATRONAGE OVER THE YEARS. YOUR LOYALTY AS RETURNING CUSTOMERS HAS MEANT THE WORLD TO OUR FAMILY AND OUR INCREDIBLE EMPLOYEES.

Sincerely, The Island Car Wash Family join us in welcoming the new owner, zips!

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32 ERIN ERENBERG Super entrepreneur, super women’s advocate, super mom

WHAT’S INSIDE

DEEP ROOTS, HIGH AMBITIONS: LOLA CAMPBELL

MOTHERLESS ON MOTHER’S DAY

LOVE NEVER DIVIDES …IT ONLY MULTIPLIES: LIFE LESSONS FROM A MOTHER WHO’S FIGURED OUT LOVE’S PERFECT EQUATION

LINE IN THE SAND: MOTHER'S DAY EDITION

C2 GIFT GUIDE FOR MOM

PARENT'S REJOICE: IT'S TIME FOR SUMMER CAMP!

MORE ZEN: NAMASTE SPA OPENS SECOND LOCATION AT MARRIOTT’S GRANDE OCEAN RESORT

59 C2 SPECIAL SECTION: Lowcountry Mompreneurs

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A BETTER BACKYARD: UPDATES FOR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

A SKY FULL OF STARS

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WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT: FIVE TRENDS TO EMBRACE AND FIVE TO FORGET

Alliance Dance Academy’s celestial dance has created whole constellations that burn brighter than ever.

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ALL SAINTS GARDEN TOUR RETURNS FOR THIRTY-THIRD SEASON

O N O U R C OV E R S

92 A PALMETTO BLUFF EXPERIENCE ON THE CH2 & CB2 COVERS Coastal Bliss's Blake Schmid with her two children JP and Gia. Photography by M. KAT

Designing a new perspective

GENIUSES AT WORK

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My sister Amy and I wait for the ferry to Magic Kingdom with our mama. Yes. That’s a tiara on my head. A fashion must-do for all Disney Princesses.

The Referee Maggie Marie Washo

Miss Livin' My Best Life Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Cunningham Lead Door Knocker Morgan Ambler Talent Delivery Specialist Kaila Jeffcoat Mascot in Training Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard The Tony Robbins of Pickleball Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Catherine Davies Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Amy Bartlett Jesse Blanco Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman John McCann Lisa Sulka Lighting Experts Alexandria Paige Photography Abri Kruger Photography Krisztian Lonyai Lyndi Leary Photography Mindi Jo Photoography Two Lights One Stand Photography Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.816.6247 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

EDITOR'S NOTE M

e put out a post on Facebook about six weeks ago, asking our readers to educate us about some remarkable mothers that we could feature in this, our special Mother’s Day edition. The response was overwhelming, and we could have put together six issues with the number of emails I received. I still owe some of you a reply, and we are trying to figure out a way to showcase some of the incredible women who didn’t make it into this edition in upcoming issues. I’ve always thought being a mother was the most important job in the world. Although it was not a path I was destined for, I watched my own mother raise five children, and as I’ve gotten older, the enormity of that feat becomes even clearer. Who chooses to have five children anymore?! I just saw a meme the other day that said, “Plants are the new pets. Pets are the new children, and children are just for rich people.” Although comical, when you think about what it costs in time, energy, and money to raise just one child, it’s a wonder we keep doing it as a species. I always say hormones and the general lack of common sense and foresight among younger people is what keeps the population climbing. ;-) This issue is dedicated to all those selfless moms who are raising future generations while also building

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careers, contributing to their churches and communities, and in some cases, getting “Wife of the Year” awards. In Jesse Blanco’s article on Amanda Cifaldi, he comments that she must be a cyborg considering the amount of energy she has as a mother, wife, entrepreneur and more. I’m going to echo those sentiments and say that every mom must be part machine to keep up with the way society has changed. More is expected of women every day, and they continually rise to the occasion. So, in closing, don’t forget to celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day—and EVERY DAY. That includes all the stepmoms out there as well. That’s probably an even harder role for a woman to be thrust into (and the subject of a future article in our magazine). My sister and I will be taking our mama to Walt Disney World to celebrate the occasion next week. (Shocking, I know.) Cheers to all the mothers!

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Deep Roots, High Ambitions Lola Campbell M

ention the name Campbell in the Lowcountry, and you are likely to hear stories—stories of Hilton Head Island’s rich history, stories of community, of kindness, generosity, and hard work. And it is upon this foundation that Omolola “Lola” Campbell, Esq. perpetuates her family’s legacy and the Gullah heritage she credits for her strength, her character and her success. A native islander and sixth-generation Gullah person, Campbell is the daughter of the late Solomon “Sol” Campbell III and his wife Della, both of whom set a strong example of work ethic, entrepreneurship, and indefatigable faith. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Solomon Campbell, was the grandson of an enslaved man living on Hilton Head Island during the Union capture in 1861; her grandfather, Solomon Campbell, Jr. was an early craftsman of boats and homes on Hilton Head Island. With firmly established roots and an attitude of determination, Lola Campbell continues the tradition of preserving the Gullah history and culture that is so deeply ingrained in her, while embracing opportunities to raise the bar for future generations. A lawyer by trade and entrepreneur at heart, Campbell has made it her mission in life to use her experience and wisdom to inspire others. In her book, Writings on the Wall, she writes: “I truly believe I was meant to offer a lot more to this world than legal advice. As a result of navigating my own destined journey to discover personal empowerment, peace, happiness, and most important, my purpose, I am able to share my moments of joy and frustration, breakthrough moments and life lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) with others. My hope in doing so is to give you inspiration to find your own peace, passion

Lola Campbell and her son Jaylen

Lola Campbell’s new store, Binyah, is located at the corner of Marshland and Spanish Wells Road in a building behind the fresh vegetable stand. and purpose, while living unapologetically.” Profound words for a 43-year-old, who acknowledges that living her unapologetic truth isn’t always easy. As a single mom of a nine-year-old boy, an attorney working for a major financial institution, a writer/poet, and a small business owner/entrepreneur, Campbell admits she’s overwhelmed at times and occasionally retreats to the bathroom for a cry. “Sometimes I feel like I’m running for it with my eyes closed, because if I open them, I might be afraid of what’s coming,” she said. “It’s not always happy and joyous, but my faith continues to get me through—plus a really supportive community of friends and family.” THE JOURNEY Before leaving home to embark on her adult path, Campbell mapped out a plan. But as is often the case, her trip got rerouted a few times along the way. As a small child, she remembers her father asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She, in turn, posed the question, “Who makes the most money?” He answered, “Doctors and lawyers,” setting his little girl’s mind in motion. Fast forward a few years when, fresh out of Hilton Head Island High School, Campbell headed to college, intent on becoming a doctor. But then came chemistry. “That second chemistry just knocked me out of being a doctor. I thought I liked science…,” she said with a laugh. “I knew pretty quickly that was

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not going to be my track.” Campbell changed over to the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in international business. After graduation, she lived in Atlanta, Ga. for a year, working for SunTrust, before making her way to Howard University School of Law in D.C. “I knew I needed a second degree. I felt like I had diverse options if I went to law school. As a lawyer, I could still go back and work in business. I’m glad I chose it,” Campbell said. After obtaining her J.D. degree, Campbell set out for the Big Apple, where she lived and worked from 2005-2017, her first job with Lehman Brothers as a derivatives attorney. “I knew I didn’t want to do anything that was litigious or be in a courtroom. I wanted to go back to the business side of things,” she explained. When Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008, she went to work for HSBC in a contract position and, through a connection with a former co-worker, was later hired fulltime with Nomura, a Japanese financial holding company. “After the contract position I never had to look for a job again,” Campbell said. “You build relationships along the way, you do good work, and you keep those relationships,” a lesson that harkens back to her upbringing. In 2012, Campbell gave birth to her son, Jaylen, in New York City. By the time

he was four, she was exploring schools for him and found the options limited. So, in 2018, she began making her way back South, taking a position as Senior Markets Council for Wells Fargo in Charlotte, N.C. “I wanted to find a role in the South. The move was about education, family, and deciding to give my child the upbringing I was afforded,” she said. “It was a smart move. I am a single mom and have been since he was one. It didn’t make sense to stay in New York. I wanted to be back in the Lowcountry, and the closest I could get was Charlotte, [the second largest financial center in the U.S].” FINDING THE WAY HOME By March 2020, Campbell’s path took another miraculous turn. Thanks to COVID, she came home “temporarily,” she said with air quotes and a laugh, and by July was contemplating a plan to stay. Again, the question of school for Jaylen was a deciding factor. She negotiated with her manager to continue working remotely and immediately put a contract on a house. “That was walking by faith a little bit,” Campbell said, “but I took that leap, and here I am.” In addition to her work for Wells Fargo, Campbell wears a few more hats these days, as her entrepreneurial spirit never rests. Her latest ventures include Gone Gullah, a lifestyle brand that represents the Gullah heritage; and Binya, a newly-opened retail shop where she displays and sells her Gone Gullah merchandise and other Lowcountry- and Gullah-inspired items such as sweet grass baskets, books, local art, candles, tinctures, and more. “I was born into a community and family of entrepreneurs. Many of my family members have started a business of some sort, and that influence has helped me to blossom—to feel strength and confidence moving forward,” Campbell said, citing her son as the primary force behind her drive and ambition. “Being a parent is not easy, and being a single one is even harder,” Campbell said. “Being a single mother has really pushed me to do more. I feel an obligation to inspire my son to be all that he can be and do whatever he wants to do.” All parents think about their children first, Campbell pointed out, and that becomes magnified when you’re going it alone. “As a single parent, you think about that child first, but you have to always take care of yourself—mentally and physically. You put yourself first to a degree, because if you can’t operate, you can’t take care of or provide for that child.” Campbell says her latest endeavor is a way of modeling for her son the world of possibilities ahead. “I would love for him to be an entrepreneur. That is what I see in him. I don’t see him sitting at a desk from 9-5. He is an active, very intrigued child.” Jaylen is currently enrolled at Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts and is enjoying theater. “He has a big personality; we may ship him off to Hollywood,” Campbell joked. “TRAVEL” TIPS Campbell’s road trip continues as she blazes the trail for her young son. She doesn’t pretend to know where she’s being led next, but she walks in faith. “I feel like God has made this path for me, and as I continue to progress through life, I’m believing it more. I pray about what I want, and things don’t always happen the way I want. But it ends up being the best thing for me.” While Campbell’s early mentality was to have the job that makes the most money, today she knows that money isn’t everything. “I’ve come to appreciate happiness and what I do and putting out something that benefits more than just myself,” she said. Her best “travel” tips? “Never say the words, ‘I can’t.’ In all you do, take chances. Have faith. Display determination. Embrace the journey.”  Connect with Lola Campbell via her inspirational website, livingforlola.com or stop by and meet her in person at Binya, located at 556 Spanish Wells Rd. Learn more at www.binyahhi. com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. C2 MAGAZINE MAY 2022

ARTICLE BY BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

Motherless on mother’s Day I

t was a warm summer day in June, and I was high on wedding plans. With less than 48 hours until my walk down the aisle to say “I do” to the love of my life, I got the call that would shake the rafters of my soul. My mother has been gone now for more years than I knew her. She died unexpectedly of a heart condition two days before my scheduled wedding date. While I knew she wasn’t feeling well enough to travel to Hilton Head for the ceremony (she had called two days earlier to say that her blood pressure was low and she didn’t think she could make the trip), I had accepted the

disappointment and planned to stop by her house in Atlanta during a flight layover on the way to Hawaii. I even arranged to take her the corsage I had ordered for her to wear in the wedding along with a birthday gift, as she would be celebrating while I was away on my honeymoon. I had no inkling that my 57-yearold mother was anywhere near death until my aunt phoned to say that she was in the hospital. Within 15 minutes of that first call came the second: she was gone. No words can describe the shock, disbelief, and sheer devastation I felt in that singular moment. I remember

Losing our mother is among the most emotionally fraught of human experiences. Although we may understand intellectually that the loss is inevitable in the context of life’s circle, that knowledge doesn’t lessen the grief when a mother dies. falling to the floor, beating my fists on the carpet and wailing, “God must hate me.” In that moment, nothing seemed less fair as I dipped from the highest high to the lowest low, unpacking my colorful resort wear in exchange for a black funeral dress. In the days and weeks that followed, the anvil on my chest was so heavy, I could barely breathe. My heart pounded and my throat closed as myriad emotions came together as one—the most profound sadness I had ever known. Life was a fog, consuming me with guilt for not being there to hold her hand or say goodbye. Then came deep regret over words both said and unsaid. (She and I had our differences over the years.) Fear came into play as I contemplated my own mortality: If it could happen to her, what would stop it from happening to me? There was a bit of anger and resentment, too—how

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Motherless on mother’s Day could she do this to me? But at the same time, I was overwhelmed by the clarity and depth of her love, gaining a keen awareness and new appreciation of the many sacrifices she made to provide opportunities for me to live a better life than what she had known. Looking back, all the emotions I felt and still feel are normal and expected. What’s also normal is feeling fine one minute and the next minute being sucked back into the riptide of grief. Small reminders can still take me there, like a book, a movie, a joke, a poem, a flower, a whiff of her favorite perfume … or a glance at the Mother’s Day card aisle. THE PAINFUL TRUTH ABOUT MOTHER LOSS Losing our mother is among the most emotionally fraught of human experiences. Although we may understand intellectually that the loss is inevitable in the context of life’s circle, that knowledge doesn’t lessen the grief when a mother dies. Regardless of her age (or ours), health status, circumstances of death, or even the closeness of the relationship or lack thereof, it is a traumatic and transformative event that permanently alters us. If you weren’t particularly close to your mother or even if you were estranged, you may have been surprised by the depth of grief you

felt when she died. After all, we only get one mother, and despite her imperfections, no one will ever love us in quite the same way. While there’s no way to replace your mother’s presence in your life, there are ways to honor her memory and regain your sense of self. We can honor our mothers every day in the way we conduct our lives, allowing them to live on by perpetuating their example, spring boarding off their love and support to new levels of happiness and success, or, in some cases, striving to break cycles of family dysfunction or put behind us any sense of anger, guilt or regret that may remain. If there were things between you that needed forgiving or healing, now is the time to work towards release. You might write a letter or simply speak your truth out loud. A licensed therapist can also help. If you are reading this and are fortunate enough to still have a living mother, for your own sake and hers, cherish her, spend time with her, enjoy her, and say the things you need to say while you can. Because someday it will be too late, and nobody knows when someday will come. 

REMEMBERING AND HONORING YOUR MOM Whether it’s been four days or 40 years since your mother died, Mother’s Day can put a squeeze on your heart. The motherless among us may struggle to get past the cheery displays of cards and flowers or to ignore the constant media reminders of a holiday we can no longer celebrate in the traditional sense. But while the celebration may look different, many people find that taking specific actions offers a measure of comfort. Here are some ideas to help you honor a mother who is no longer here for Sunday brunch: • Establish a small home memorial with photos and mementos and/or create a video memorial. • Write her a letter or poem. • Leave flowers at her gravesite. • Light a candle in her memory. • Pick out a card for her; leave it at her gravesite, tuck it away in a box of keepsakes, or set it next to her urn or cremains. • Talk about her with friends or family; share stories and memories; ask questions and reveal pieces of her that made her unique. • Plant her favorite tree or flower in your yard. • Recreate one of her favorite meals to share with your loved ones. • Use your mom’s dishes to serve food at a Mother’s Day meal with your family. Set a place for her and display her picture. • Create a cookbook out of your mom’s recipes. • Repurpose her jewelry into something you will wear. • Continue work she found meaningful, like volunteering or other community service. • Donate to her preferred charity or organization. • Celebrate other important female figures in your life: an aunt or grandmother, a teacher, mentor, or friend. C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y 2 L I G H T S 1 S TA N D

ERIN ERENBERG SUPER ENTREPRENEUR, SUPER W O M E N ’ S A D V O C AT E , S U P E R M O M

t’s not often you hear the word “matrescence” dropped in casual conversation. But Erin Erenberg, an attorney, mom of three, and former tech and entertainment executive, is so committed to improving the experience of modern mothers that she’s made maternal advocacy her profession, complete with a lexicon to articulate mothers’ needs so that they can relax and feel more whole. In 2017, having just given birth to her third baby, Beau, in Los Angeles, Erenberg also birthed Totum, a company that initially provided products, resources and events for new mothers—women going through “matrescence,” or the physical, emotional, hormonal, and social transition to becoming a mother. Erenberg launched this business, a big pivot from her work as an executive inside tech companies, talent agencies and the music industry, because she was shocked by how few resources existed for a woman who’s become a mother. Totum means “whole” in Latin, and choosing that company name was intentional for this trademark attorney. Erenberg’s mission is to help modern mothers be whole, not “balanced,” which she believes implies perfectionism and leads to disappointment. “There’s so much attention on a pregnant woman, then plenty of infant care,” she said. “Both are important. But when a woman welcomes a baby, she’s just gone through a massive physical event. Her postpartum hormone drop is considered the single largest hormone change in the shortest amount of time for any human being at any point in their life

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Erin Erenberg is photographed with her children Beau (4), George (9) and Arabella (7) in her home.

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cycle. And yet, there’s not even a routine healthcare visit for a new mother before six weeks postpartum. Most new mothers will tell you that they feel entirely discombobulated in their minds, bodies, ambitions and relationships. That experience requires acknowledgement and support.” In 2018, the Erenberg family moved to Hilton Head Island, which has been a second home for Erin’s parents since the early ’90s. “I grew up coming here on vacation when I was 11, and I met so many wonderful people who’ve come back to Hilton Head to raise their families. When my husband Victor fell in love with Hilton Head, we began coming here regularly as a family. As our family grew, we knew we wanted to raise our kids in an environment where they could grow up more slowly than they might in L.A,” she said. Victor is now the owner of Island Holistic Veterinary Hospital in the Village at Wexford. Just as they established roots on Hilton Head, the global pandemic hit, and the

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Erenbergs were hit with another unexpected difficulty. Their now nine-year-old son, George, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes the day after Mother’s Day, 2020. George is doing well now, but the lifelong diagnosis shocked and scared the Erenberg family, who have no history of the condition. “When George got sick, I was still operating Totum as a consumer products business,” Erenberg said. “But I was hurting, and I was hearing from the nearly 17,000 mothers in our online community that they were fed up with shouldering the burdens of unpaid labor at home, losing or stepping away from their work to become Zoom teachers, keep up with laundry, and keep their families safe.” Just as Erenberg had noticed an unsupported sore spot in matrescence, she saw a different one during the pandemic. Mothers were feeling burned out, resentful, and depressed, and over 2.5 million mothers were edged out of the workforce to prioritize care, all while feeling uncared for themselves. As a result, Erenberg pivoted Totum’s focus and created a series called “Totum Talks,” a monthly webinar on Zoom to connect mothers to experts in everything from postpartum pelvic health to money management to how to equitably divide household labor with partners. She also launched Totum Work, a consulting practice to help companies retain and advance their working mothers.

Totum Work offers policy review, workshops, consulting and coaching to companies who want to improve their culture, particularly where working mothers are concerned. Erenberg has been hired as a speaker and subject matter expert on topics like work/life balance, mindset, overcoming burnout, and achieving equity at home and at work, by companies like ErgoBaby, Ritual Vitamin, Hatch, Norwegian Cruise Line and Montage Hotels. Her work has been featured in Goop, LA Times, and Parents, and she has spoken as an expert on over 15 podcasts. Erenberg explained, “In 2020, mothers were isolated and concerned like most everyone else, except they also took on a disproportionate amount of unpaid labor in the form of managing Zoom school, never-ending laundry, housework, and parenting children who were bored, scared and confused about the new abnormal way of life in a pandemic. The result is that moms don’t want to go back into workplaces that don’t acknowledge their value as people outside of work—workplaces that would rather keep that kind of humanity invisible.” Erenberg has also reestablished her intellectual property legal practice after getting so many requests during the pandemic, mostly from mothers who wanted to start new businesses or find a way to negotiate through a one-sided business contract. She now practices with Belzer, PC. “Nathan Belzer (owner of Belzer, PC) is the kind of boss that everyone should have,” she asserted. “He’s supportive, kind, and puts his family first. If everyone ran their business the way Nathan does, there would be no need for my services through Totum Work.” Of all the advocacy projects she’s leading these days, Erenberg is most excited about a new nonprofit organization she co-launched called The Chamber of Mothers. When paid family leave was cut from the infrastructure bill in late November, Erenberg and eight other women who run successful motherhood platforms came together to unite mothers across the country to advocate for their interests. The Chamber of Mothers assembled in 48 hours, taking the lead of lobby organizations like Paid Leave for All and PL+US to inform American mothers on the personal implications of federal paid leave being cut from legislation. The U.S. is one of only nine countries in the world who don’t provide federal paid family leave. According to Erenberg, when the proposed 12-week policy in the Build Back Better initiative was cut by lawmakers to four weeks, a lot of mothers recalled how they were feeling and how their healing was barely over at four weeks postpartum. “One of my colleagues said, ‘We need something like the Chamber of Commerce, but for mothers.’ The notion behind the Chamber of Mothers is to align mothers’ interests, pool our spending and voting power, and work toward the kind of change we need,” Erenberg explained. In 48 hours, the Chamber of Mothers amassed over 1,300 active advocates and gained a social media following of more than 8,000 followers, including celebrities, influential motherhood platforms, and brands. The nonprofit is now established to unite mothers as advocates to create the kind of America they want to live in and bestow to future generations. “That last part of the mission is inspired by something our babysitter, who’s just 21, said to me,” Erenberg said. “She got excited about the traction we immediately received with the Chamber of Mothers. She sent me a note saying, ‘This moves me because I realize all of you who are working on these issues are finished having children of your own. You’re doing this for us.’” Erenberg says she’s motivated to create a better experience for younger women including, eventually, her daughter Arabella, who’s now just seven years old. While much of Erenberg’s advocacy work takes place on a national level, including her trademark practice, she is enthusiastic about the possibilities of working with more local organizations and mothers. Recently, Erenberg held a fundraiser in her home for the Chamber of Mothers. “My greatest joy in work comes from connecting with other mothers in real life, creating meaningful things together,” she said. “There is so much local talent, so much heart. I’m thrilled for what we can create when local mothers come together to support one another.” To find out how Totum Work can help your company, visit totumwork.com. To join the Chamber of Mothers, head to chamberofmothers.com. To gain support and encouragement as a mother, follow @totumwomen on Instagram. And to work with Erenberg directly, reach her at erin@totumwomen.com or erin@belzerlaw.com.  C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY AMY BARLETT

LOVE NEVER divides … I T O N LY M U LT I P L I E S

LIFE LESSONS FROM A MOTHER WHO’S F I G U R E D O U T L O V E ’ S P E R F E C T E Q U AT I O N

“I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE IN LOVE THAN WHEN I HAD MY CHILDREN. IT BECAME THE FOUNDATION OF MY LIFE.”

veryone wants my mom to be their mom,” Ann Connors said. It’s a sentiment you could dismiss with a smile thinking many would say that of their own mother. Then you discover it’s more than a loving daughter’s bias. When Deanna-Lyn Reilley begins to talk, you find yourself taking notes on life, love, faith, and strength. Before long, you realize, she’s mothering you, mothering the moment, and according to her children and a host of others blessed by her influence, “it’s what she was born to do.” Motherhood for Reilley was no ordinary road. It would take her through the brief life of a child with a disease so rare it was unknown at the time. It would lead her to adopt grown children from across the

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globe. It would strengthen her to complete that adoption despite a cancer diagnosis. She’d even open a daycare and later homeschool to stay close to her children. “I’ve never been more in love than when I had my children,” Reilley said. “It became the foundation of my life. I became alive when I had my children. Life was more important on many different levels—to provide, protect, teach, learn from, be an example.” In all of these, Reilley understood the assignment. “When you travel down the highway of life, there are mile markers of learning, discovery, experience, becoming,” she said. “The privilege and responsibility I felt towards my children of turning back so I can explain what’s around that next corner, what’s over that hill when you encounter certain people or things in life where you don’t know what to do—it’s like someone telling you what’s going to be on the test. You have this true relationship with a human where you get the inside opportunity to tell them what’s coming and how they might be able to handle it.” Before she would mother so well, Reilley lived openheartedly, gathering great maternal wisdom that came across her path. “When Ann was in my arms as a brand-new baby, an older woman was coming toward me on the street, stopped me, and asked, ‘Can I see your baby?’ I was so proud, I gushed, ‘She’s beautiful, isn’t she?’ “The woman asked, ‘Are you going to have any more children?’ When I told her, ‘Oh no absolutely not, I just can’t imagine sharing and dividing my time and the love I have for this little baby,’ her face got so soft; she tilted her head and said, ‘Oh my dear, don’t you know? Love never divides; it always multiplies.’ “I never forgot that. Now I have five more children.” She added children in every decade of her adult

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life: She was 29 when she had Ann, 32 Joseph, 40 Patrick, 42 Rose, and adopted Hanna and Candace in her 50s. She would endure the loss of her son Patrick, but to that choice of words, Reilley’s husband replied soon after Patrick’s passing, “We didn’t lose him; we know exactly where he is.” Patrick was diagnosed with an impossibly rare disease and needed a heart transplant. Reilley shares in total transparency the difficulty of praying for her son’s healing if it would mean another parent’s pain. “I’d tell God, ‘How can I pray for someone else’s child to die? You have to decide and give me strength to walk through Your decision.’ So, when Patrick died, and the hospital came to me and asked me about organ donation, it wasn’t a hard decision to make at all.” She talks about this tenderly, with the bravery of motherhood still in her voice. “I couldn’t pray another child would die; but my own hopes were changed to a different kind of answered prayer where Patrick’s life would help other children to live.” How few of us could walk this road with this sense of grace and giving? But here again, love was multiplying. Reilley doubled down on the equation that love multiplies, saying she was reminded through Patrick, “how much bigger God is, and eternity, than who we think we are, and what we think God is for.” This was a lesson learned ahead of time, unknowingly being prepared for the road she’d soon walk, when at a church’s women’s event, the pastor’s wife was speaking about her daughter who died in an accident on Hilton Head Island. “She explained how deep a hole she fell into with her faith, to the point of feeling she hated God, railing against Him, and how long it took for her and her husband to crawl out of that. She talked about shock and honesty with God asking, ‘We’ve loved You, served You, how could you do this to us?’ I was pregnant at the time, and little did I know that in a minute, I’d face the exact same question. “She went on to ask, ‘Do you love God only when things are going your way? Can you really throw the Bible out the window because something happens?’ “Losing Patrick was a monumental catastrophe beyond anything I’d experienced, but this woman’s readiness to tell her 38 MAY 2022

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LOVE NEVER DIVIDES Deanna-Lyn Reilley’s children from left to right; Rose, Candace, Ann, Hannah and Joseph Deanna-Lyn Reilley Patrick, who passed away at 22 months from a rare disease.

story and let her faith be examined by a group of her peers was brave. Look what it did for my life. When Patrick died, my heart was so broken that it opened a little bit. It’s not about what you’ve lost; it’s about when you get to the end of what you can stand and realize how much love you have.” It was in that place of broken-openness when Reilley was at a gathering where she saw a video on adoptions from Ethiopia and almost immediately began the adoption process on two older children. In the middle of the process, Reilley faced a new mountain, being diagnosed with cancer. Not deterred, Reilley’s trademark tenacity shone through. “You keep going,” she said, “You just keep going—it’s called life. You adopt those children, and you keep going. My family reminded me, ‘They’ll be in this country, and they’ll be with you,’ and that’s all that mattered in the end.” It mattered a great deal according to Connors, Reilley’s oldest, who celebrates her sisters. “Hannah graduated valedictorian with a full scholarship to Clemson University and gave a speech at graduation that went viral, and Candace also graduated valedictorian and is working on her application to Harvard to become a physician,” she shared. “My mom would rather care for others than herself, and this is the kind of thing it turns into. She’s rescued me on so many levels. It’s how she’s made. Her purpose in life was to be a mom.” “Broken heart, faith, purpose,” Reilley says of adoption. “The decision wasn’t about any one thing. If everyone would do something in the direction of helping someone beyond themselves, it would be a different world. If there’s something on your heart to do for others, don’t hold back. Stick your neck out; go for it. Life does hurt, but it hurts worse if we keep to ourselves what we have to give.” 

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AR T I C LE BY LINDA S . H O PK INS

Childcare Options for Vacationing Families WH E N YO U N E E D A VACAT IO N FRO M YO U R VACAT IO N

here’s an old saying: “The family that plays together stays together.” But let’s face it. Sometimes all that togetherness can be downright exhausting. Vacations are a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and spend time bonding. Plus, they provide a break from work and daily routines. But if you spend the entire time chasing after your kids, you may feel more like you’re working overtime than on holiday. Hilton Head Island is an ideal location for family vacations because there are so many activities that families can enjoy together. But if you want to enjoy a date night with your partner, a few hours or adult recreation, or just a brief escape and some child-free R&R, you’ll need to find a sitter. Fortunately, the Lowcountry is blessed with options. Hotels/Resorts: Many area hotels and resorts offer access to babysitters, daycare and kids’ clubs. The concierge service should have a list of childcare services along with reviews or references from past patrons. Many hotels also offer on-site childcare or evening babysitting. Check out the details in advance of your stay to know what is offered and what is most appropriate for your family. Hilton Head Nannies: Hilton Head Nannies provides inroom services at all island hotels and resorts. This service gives you the flexibility to create your own hours on vacation. Professional caregivers provide one-on-one childcare in the comfort of your hotel room, resort, rental, or vacation villa. Whether you are off to a meeting, out to dinner, playing golf, or getting massage, you can enjoy peace of mind. (843) 2273196. hiltonheadnannies.com The Childcare Concierge: This destination childcare and event planning service offers newborn care, babysitting, nanny care, corporate event childcare, pet sitting, and more. Care can be provided in the comfort of your home, hotel, or rental

property. (843) 793-7272. Thechildcareconciergehhi.com Guardian Angels Sitting Service: Guardian Angels Sitting Service, LLC places highly qualified nannies, babysitters, pet sitters and elderly companions with families residing or vacationing in the Lowcountry and beyond. (877) 470-4277. guardianangelssittingservice.com/hilton-head-island-sc. Quality Nanny Services, Inc.: This nationwide placement agency provides both full- and part-time nanny services. Hotel nannies can plan a day out with the children to do fun activities while you enjoy some adult time, or they can plan a fun night in while you have an evening on the town. Whether you are away from home for a convention or a vacation, nannies can help with all your childcare needs. Pet nannies are also available and can stay with your pooch while you are out for the day. (352) 556-6191. Qualitynannyservices.com. Care.com. Prefer to browse individual listings? Care.com is the world’s largest online destination for care, providing information and tools to help care seekers and care providers connect and make informed decisions. On this website, local babysitters and nannies post their pictures, rates, experience, and range of services. Much like an online dating site, you must create an account to see complete profiles and to contact the caregivers. There is no charge to join. care.com/babysitters/hilton-head-island-sc. NannyPod. Travel frequently? There’s an app for all your childcare needs. Headquartered in Charleston, S.C. and often dubbed the “Uber of childcare,” NannyPod is one of the leading childcare platforms in the U.S., founded in 2015. The NannyPod app allows families to request childcare on-demand and get responses instantly. Parents pay $8 per month to make unlimited childcare requests. Parents can find childcare via the NannyPod Boutique (register online at nannypod.com/family-registration) or the NannyPod App (download on the App Store or get it on Google Play).  C2 MAGAZINE

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Ê LINE IN THE SAND One Topic Ê Two Opinions S)

ETIME

(SOM

(WELL

, THEY

Yo Mama

OPINION 1: THE KAUFMAN BOYS

ot that long ago, Courtney decided once again to come out of retirement and present me with a gift: another opportunity to squabble with her on the printed page. I always treasure these opportunities, but to be honest I was a little taken aback by her choice of topics. Now I want to make it very clear that I have never met Courtney’s mom, so I have no basis of comparison on which of our moms is “the better mom.” I will say if Courtney’s mom is anything like her daughter, she’s a lovely person. A lovely person who never answers emails. But, as I pointed out to Courtney, my mom’s name is on the wall of fame at Bluffton Self Help, Courtney’s new office. She’s up there because of the work she did to help the neediest and most vulnerable in the community. Courtney, in all her modesty, pointed out, “Yeah, her name’s right below mine.” Touché, Hampson. But there is one key detail I omitted. Until I told her, my mom had no idea her name was up there. Whatever it was she did to earn that spot, she didn’t do it for the recognition. She did it because it

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y friend Jen’s mother passed away last week after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Jen texted me midday with the news and I crumbled. I didn’t know Jen’s mom, had never met her, but my heart ached for my friend and the idea of never talking to my mom again. My mom will tell you that I am not much of a talker. I prefer to write my feelings … and as the readers here have been witness to, I don’t shy away from sharing the tough, uncomfortable stuff. Admittedly, sometimes my mother learns things at the same time as my readers. To that end, my mom will likely learn something reading this that I haven’t told her before. And that is why we are here. Barry and I return to the debate stage to argue who has the best mom. Now, I know Barry’s mom, Linda. I met her more than a decade ago when we served on the Bluffton Self Help board together. She is smart, committed, selfless and no-nonsense. She is vibrant and funny, and I have nothing but respect for her. But, if we’re stacking Linda against Eileen Hampson, in the life of Courtney

OPINION 2: COURTNEY HAMPSON Hampson, how could Eileen not come out on top? I learned everything I know about doing the right thing from my mom. My most vivid memory is three decades old. It was 1990, I was a senior in high school, and I got called down to the principal’s office. My mom (a teacher in the same school district) was there when I arrived. You see, the night before, I had stood up at a Board of Education meeting and demanded that girls’ sports teams get the same support as the boys’ teams. I talked about the condition of our fields versus the boys’ fields and how our varsity team would take off our uniforms for the junior varsity players to wear after we had just sweated in them

was the right thing to do. She did it for the same reason she’s been stuffing her garage with household goods to give to an Afghan refugee family she’s helping relocate and the same reason she has been teaching English to refugees from the Congo. She did it because she is the best person I know and, by extension, the best mother. There’s something else I didn’t mention to Courtney. I have brothers. And while historically we have never agreed on anything, we agree on this: Linda Kaufman is a saint. Gentlemen, take it away. Rob’s up first. Rob: First, there’s is no such thing as the “best mother.” The best C2 MAGAZINE

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Barry mother is your mother. I’m a father, and I take a knee to the mothers of the world. They all do the heavy lifting. We are just here to work the BBQ. But why is my mom the best? For brevity’s sake, I will say it’s the humor and strength she has instilled. Along with our beloved Willy, she raised three boys. I am the eldest, Bryan in the middle and Barry, the instigator of this article, the youngest. I would argue that many within the greater Bluffton area have met either Barry or me, and one thing that seems universally agreeable to all: we make people laugh. Bryan lives in Cleveland. And there’s nothing funny about that. We are working on him. (NOTE: Comments like this are why Bryan and I pushed him down the hill in a trash can once. —Barry) But Mom was the one who would always laugh at our antics, encourage us to be ourselves, get us into theater and school plays and simply realize: “have no fear.” Poor Willy was the one who had to hear us try our jokes out and insult each other in ways that would make a shock jock blush. I recall one time at the dinner table when Barry and I were trading barbs and he made me spit-take milk all over my dad’s outstretched arm. I’m 10 years older than he is, but the two of us sat in time out in the stairwell for that infraction. But Mom was the one who laughed with us. Maybe it was at us, I don’t know. But the strength she imparted

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through that type of encouragement can’t be measured. We each have our own kids now, and I see that strength in each of them. That’s so cool to see and scary at the same time. As the one that my mom repeatedly calls her “golden child,” we’ll let my brother Bryan have the last word. Bryan: I’m hesitant to wade into this exchange. Can’t we just make a few “Your Mama” jokes and call it a day? I’ve never met Courtney or her mother. I’m sure they’re both lovely people. However…. As an ADHD kid in the 1980s (where the solution was to “throw Ritalin at it!”), I put my mother though indignities and embarrassment that don’t bear repeating here. Suffice it to say that my jackassery resulted in regular calls from the school and angry neighborhood parents. In short, Mom was the “fun police,” and conviction rates were high. Thankfully, I eventually got older and far less prone to impulsive hyperactive fits of moronic behavior. Our relationship eventually became something akin to the deep friendships that are formed in foxholes—a battle-hardened bond salved with love and humor. I guess what I’m getting at is this: my mother’s patience and perseverance during the period from 19831987 alone should qualify her for sainthood. As a parent myself, I (almost) feel guilty that none of my kids have put my wife and me through anything close to what my mom and dad endured on my account. Perhaps it’s because they, too, have a wonderful mother who loves them no matter what. I guess that’s what being a mom is all about. But what do I know? I’m just here to work the barbecue.

Courtney for more than hour. The story was in the newspaper the next morning. And the school district was not pleased with me or my mom, by association. While the principal and my guidance counselor grilled me for not following the “proper chain of command,” my mother held eye contact with me and silently smirked. I knew then that speaking my mind, standing up for what I believe, and calling attention to what is wrong will always be right. I didn’t get in trouble. In fact, 15 years later when my mother packed up her house to move to Bluffton, she still had that newspaper story in her kitchen drawer. My mom’s badassery didn’t start—or end—there. She was the first person in her family ever to graduate from college and eventually went on to get her master’s degree. She was a working mother, who never missed a soccer game, softball game, field hockey game, band concert, chorus concert, and that one dance recital before we all decided that dance was not going to be my money maker. She was there for everything. She lovingly accepted my friends as her friends and despite a couple decades of questionable relationship choices, she always made my partners feel like they belonged (even if she knew they didn’t). She nursed me back to health after my first (and second) pregnancy loss, and I learned later that she had suffered the same. She helped me buy my first house and stored all my furniture in her garage when I sold my second one. She has painted at least one wall in every house I have lived in. She also pulled every carpet staple from a 100-year-old hardwood floor. She was at my first press conference, for my first real job, and made sure Senator Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) knew she was my mom. And when she walks into a store that sells a book with my name on the cover, she makes sure everyone knows that is her daughter. She made a big deal of every birthday, holiday, lost tooth, graduation. She still does. And she instilled in me the importance of a generous heart. She still offers to dog sit, even after being dragged down the street by every dog I’ve ever had. When I was little, she would sing “You Are My Sunshine” to me every night before bed. Hearing that song still brings me to tears. Those words are painted over my kitchen window, so when she isn’t with me, she is. She’s made me laugh. She’s made me cry. And as each year passes and I do something that makes me think, “You’re turning into your mother…” … I couldn’t imagine anyone else I would like to be. 

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*Prices change and human error occurs, please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items

mother’s day gift guide 1.

11.

12.

10.

13.

14.

1. Able Leather Clutch - $85 from Coastal Bliss 2. Handmade Custom Bracelets - $20 each from Coastal Bliss 3. E Lawrence Decorative Book Set - $105 from Radiance Boutique 4. Kooringal Beach Hat - $35 from Radiance Boutique 5. Olukai Flip Flop (Petal Pink) - $75 from Maggie and Me 6. Gone Gullah Decor Pillow - Medium $35, Large $40 from Binyah 7. Evocateur Athena Necklace - $338 from Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers 8. Oyster Shell Beads - $55-$75 from Binyah 9. Able Leather Handbag - $158; Saylor Betty Earrings - $22; Beaded/Sequin Headband - $38 from Haskins 10. Chocolat Blu Cork Wedges - $155 from Palmettoes 11. Ruff House Recipe Journal - $22 from Egan + Ella 12. l.a. Eyeworks Unique Frame (Purple) - $495 from Eyeland Optique 13. Evocateur 22kt Gold Leaf Hilton Head Island Bracelet - $398 from Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers 14. Kooringal Tropical Hat - $42; Rheos Polarized Sunglasses - $78 from Fresh Produce C2 MAGAZINE

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*Prices change and human error occurs, please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items

mother’s day gift guide 2.

11.

1. Marie Oliver Top - $265; Marie Oliver Shorts - $245 from Palmettoes 2. Organic Groceries Tote - $88 from Birdie James 3. Virgin Saints and Angels Labradorite Lux + Bespoke Necklace (handmade) - $289 from Copper Penny 4. Olukai Sneaker (Black) $105 from Maggie and Me 5. Mama Bracelet by Hart Hagerty - $68 from Birdie James 6. Hammitt North Wallet - $195; Hammitt North Small Wallet - $145; Hammitt AJ Crossbody Clutch - $325 from Radiance Boutique 7. Oliver Goldsmith Green Bold Frame Sunglasses - $375 from Eyeland Optique 8. CC+Co by Catherine Canino: Large Pebble Earring - $98; Large Pebble Bracelet - $120; Pebble with Wrought Hook Necklace - $170 from Eggs’n’Tricities 9. Daytime All Stars Set - $87.50 from Merle Norman 10. The Kelly Dress in Purple Butterflies - $445 from Kelly Caron Curated 11. Dolce Vita Braided Sandal - $75 from Coastal Bliss C2 MAGAZINE

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*Prices change and human error occurs, please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items

mother’s day gift guide 1.

10.

11.

12.

1. Hammitt Daniel Large Handbag - $645; Hammitt Montana Pocket - $95 from Radiance Boutique 2. Nighttime All-Stars Set - $87.50 from Merle Norman 3. Tropical Palm Leaf Clutch and Lemon Clutch - $70 each from Kelly Caron Curated 4. Match Sticks with Glass Display Jar - $58; Volcano Signature Candle - $48 from Birdie James 5. Market & King Gold Link and Key Charm Necklace - $38 from Egan + Ella 6. Vintage Havana White/Multi Sneaker - $130 from Copper Penny 7. Jackson + Wyatt Soy Candle - $24 from Egan + Ella 8. Hobo Clutch - $138 from Palmettoes 9. Funny Mom Kitchen Decor Towel - $10.95; Mom Cards - $6 from Haskins & Co. 10. Mom Life Bag - $44 from Fresh Produce 11. Southern Tide Pink Hat - $25; Navy Flip Flops - $59.50 from Southern Tide 12. Newton Bracelets - $38-$86 from Radiance Boutique C2 MAGAZINE

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The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina June 13- July 29 ARTSHHI.COM/CAMPS Art Around the World June 13-17 Ages 6–8: 9:30am–12pm Ages 9–14: 12:30–3pm Price: $145 Join us for a fun-filled week of art as we “travel” the world and explore art from different cultures. From famous fine artists such as Claude Monet and Georgia O’Keefe to traditional art from Australia, Africa, and Asia you’ll fill up your portfolio passport with original art in a variety of mediums on this journey of authentic learning. Theatre Camp Session I: June 20-24 Session II: July 11-15 Ages 9–14: 9:30am–3:30pm Price: $330

Make a cast of new friends during this fun-filled week! Campers will experience a mini-production and will not only be the cast but will also be the writers and production crew. Learn how to create characters, develop storylines, craft simple sets, props, and costumes, then perform for loved ones on the final day. Take the Stage Session I: June 27-1 Session II: June 18-22 Ages 6–8: 12:30pm–3pm Ages 9–14: 9:30am–12pm Price: $145

Join us as we explore music, dance, and drama in this one-week camp. Students will work with professional artists and will be exposed to a variety of performing art forms in our Black Box Theatre and will create a mini showcase. Mixed-up Masterpieces Session I: June 27-1 Session II: July 18-22 Ages 6–8: 9:30am–12:00pm Ages 9–14: 12:30pm–3:00pm Price: $145 In this one-week camp, students will study folk and fine art from all around the world that will inspire both traditional and unusual 2D and 3D masterpieces. A final exhibit and reception will be held on the last day. Art with Amos: Sound Garden July 11-15 Ages 9–14: 9:30am–12pm Price: $175 Work alongside local artist Amos

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Hummell to create mixed media wall hangings in the style of the artist himself! Participants will explore a variety of painting and mixed media techniques using paint, wire, beads, modeling clay, and other embellishments to morph a wooden board into a “musician.” Lowcountry STEAM July 25-29 Ages 9–14: 1–3:30pm Price: $175 Use the S.C. coastal region as your muse, exploring concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math while making Art! (STEAM!) Learn about circuits to create a lighthouse painting that lights up, experiment with carboard engineering to create an underwater themed assemblage, and even create a virtual reality painting of your favorite shorebird. Rock of Ages Camp July 25-29 Ages 11–18: 1–3:30pm Price: $175 Play your part this summer as the Arts Center! Throughout the camp week, students will learn a variety of dance* and drama techniques while working with the cast of the Arts Center’s production of Rock of Ages. *Intermediate dance skills required. Adaptive Performing Arts July 25-29 Ages 11–18: 9:00am–12pm Price: $175 Explore the world of performing arts with our master teaching artists to create an original one-act play. Students will build self-esteem as they explore the art of theatre, enjoy a collaborative team building project, and meet new friends! Open to independent creative learners with mild to moderate learning and/or development disabilities. Alliance Dance Academy Summer Princess Camps Every day is filled with activities based on the princess of the day. Celebrate with crafts, books, movies and dances. Ages 3 and up. Princess Camp I July 11-15 Monday-Friday, 11a.m.-4p.m. Price: $225 Princess Camp II August 8-12 Monday-Friday, 11a.m.-4pm Price: $225 Summer Dance Camp July 11-15 Monday - Friday from 11 a.m.-4pm Includes ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and musical theatre Ages 7 and up. Price: $225 54

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Sizzling Summer Session July 19-28, Tuesday & Thursday Tiny Stars Ages 2.5 -3yrs 5:30-6:30 p.m. Creative movement, ballet and tumbling Price: $45 Twinkling Stars Creative movement, ballet, tap and tumble. 6-7pm Ages 3-5. Price: $60 Shining Stars Ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and tumble. 7-8pm Ages 5-8. Price: $60 Hip Hop Workshop August 1-4 Bring a water bottle and enjoy an entire month of dance in just four days. Classes can be taken in the studio or online. Ages 5-9 from 6-7pm, Ages 10-12 from 7-8pm Ages 12 and Older from 8-9pm Price: $60 Cheer/Acro Workshop August 1-4 Bring a water bottle and enjoy an entire month of dance in just four days. Classes can be taken in the studio or online. Ages 5-9 from 5-6pm, Ages 10-12 from 6-7pm Ages 12 and Older from 7-8pm Price: $60

First Tee – The Lowcountry Campus Cost of All Classes: $80 Registration Fee Cost of All 4-Day Camps: $160 Registration Fee In order to ensure a quality learning experience, class size minimums and maximums may vary by location and/or type of class. If there are not enough kids registered for a class, we will contact you to discuss other options. Ages 7-11 9-11:30am June 6th-9th June 20th-23rd July 11th-14th July 18th-24th Ages 12 and Up 9-11:30am June 13-16th June 27th-30th

2022 KIDS CAMPS

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The Island Rec Center Kids Karate Camp June 13-17, 2022 6-9pm Price: $175 For more information visit Mcelroysmartialartsacademy.com. The Island Academy June 13 - June 17 9am-12pm - STEM: Island Engineers 12:10-3:10pm - Dreaming: Art Camp Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/y86EVytLaA6knaa77 June 20 - June 24 9am-12pm - World Exploration 12:10-3:10pm - Dolphin Tank: Invention Camp Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/y86EVytLaA6knaa77 June 27 - July 1 9am-12pm - Plants and Animals 12:10-3:10pm - Leadership Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/y86EVytLaA6knaa77 July 11 - July 15 9am-12pm - Design 12:10-3:10pm - DIY Camp Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/y86EVytLaA6knaa77

July 18 - July 22 9am-12pm - Health and Fitness 12:10-3:10pm - Community Service Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/ y86EVytLaA6knaa77 July 25 - July 29 9am-12pm - Island Scientists 12:10-3:10pm - Speak - Art Camp Location: The Island Academy of Hilton Head, 5 Dunmore Ct., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Register Here: https://forms.gle/ y86EVytLaA6knaa77 Low Country Shrimp and Knits Kids Knitting Camp Dates: June 22, July 6, and August 11 from 5-7pm Class fee is $75 for a two hour class, knitting needles, yarn, pattern, polyfil, and a pom pom. Please arrive at Low Country Shrimp and Knits 10 minutes before the start of class. All classes will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Review Low Country Shrimp and Knits’ full class policies at the bottom of the Classes and Events page before registering. https:// shrimpandknits.com/collections/classes. Moss Creek Equestrian Center June 20- August 5, 2022 Monday - Friday 8am- 12pm Price: $500/week Campers must be at least 5 years old and up, and ALL levels are welcome, and prior equestrian experience is not necessary. All aspects of the equestrian world will be taught, and will include: horse safety, tack, horse care, barn maintenance, and riding. Please visit our website to reserve your SPOT and for more details. MossCreekStables.com The Sandbox June 6 – August 5, 2022 The Sandbox Children’s Museum offers a weekly summer camp program for children ages 4-12 years (4-12 years at Hilton Head & 6-12 years at Tanger 2). Through the guise of play and exploration we offer 9 weeks of exciting activities through a variety of themes that integrate hands-on learning with S.T.E.A.M. activities as well as daily staff supervised play with the museum exhibits. Pre-registration is required by no later than Wednesday of the previous week. • Children will be supervised according to a 1:5 ratio of staff to children. • Children will be divided into groups according to age. • A minimum number of children are required each week to hold camp.

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KIDS CAMPS Weekly: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (half day) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (full day)—Tanger 2 only Member Half Day $175, Full Day $300 Member Sibling Half Day $140, Full Day $240 Non-Member Half Day $225, Full Day $390 Non-Member Sibling Half Day $180, Full Day $312 Please call (843) 842-7645 to reserve your spot. Hilton Head Themes June 6 – June 10 – Nature explorers! This week we will explore all things in nature, our sensory garden, butterflies and bees. We will learn about the parts of a plant andd flower and even bring home plants for our own home garden. We will make art using natural materials. And cook with fresh vegetables and fruits. June 13-June 17 – Water, Water Everywhere This session will not only explore bodies of water but also the composition of water with activities such as sink and float in different substances, exploring bubbles and viscosity, build a boat that floats with our engineering challenge and learn about ocean animals, and salt versus fresh water. June 20 – June 24 - I’m an Engineer! We will create structures, bridges and other items using their imagination. Children will plan, sketch, and then create. We learn about Rube Goldberg structures and build one as a group. June 27 – July 1 Earth and Space Exploration Come and explore our planet Earth with a study of the continents, conservation and biomes. We will also look at planets in the solar system with activities from the NISE

network including shadows, orbits, and eclipses! July 5-July 8 – Life in the Lowcountry! (No Camp on Monday the 4th) Come and explore our rich culture and natural setting of the Lowcountry. We will explore our Gullah exhibit and the language and culture. We will also learn about the local shrimping industry. July 11 –July 15 – Master Tinkering! Using all the materials in our Makerspace children will be able to build and create with a variety of materials. We will explore force and motion and simple machines. Bring your creativity! Jul 18 – 22 – Messy Creations Everyone has an opportunity to show their artistic skills as explore the visual arts through painting, weaving and clay. Art can be fun and messy. We will also introduce famous and local artists. Jul 25 – 29 – Cooking Up A Storm! This session will take us around the world in food while also exploring healthy eating habits. How do we build a healthy menu and why our bodies need good foods. Children will leave this week with basic cooking skills and a few fun recipes! August 1 – 5 – All Aboard! This week we will have fun exploring flight and other modes of transportation. Have you ever wanted to know how a plane fly’s or design your own car? Work with the wind tunnel and create an object that will float in air or create your own self-propelled car.

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2022 lowcountry

MoMpreneurs Ashley Wilson

Featuring

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Taylor Hubbard

Lori Tyson  Amanda Cifaldi The Salinas Family

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Cassie Clayshulte

Afton Ryan

The Circle of Life/Gardenias Moms Ginny Whitehead

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Tess Luechtefeld

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Blake Schmid

Alison Melton

Emily Boatwright  Kim Crouch  Morgan Ambler Sally Zuniga

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Cassandra Schultz

ASHLEY WILSON LOWCOUNTRY TUTORING & TEST PREP What mantra do you live by? “This too shall pass” is probably one of the ones I find myself saying over and over for the longest. However, I don’t believe it has to do with just hard times. It reminds me that all the wonderful things or stages of business and motherhood will soon change, and while there may be hard times or struggles along the way, the struggle will pass quickly, and joy will return. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? As a stay-at-home mom during the day and a tutor in the evenings and on weekends, free time is something that doesn’t come around often when trying to grow your new business that is booming. But when we do manage free time, you can find me at the house just relaxing and enjoying time with my family or friends. And with warmer weather now here, you can catch us out on the May River enjoying the water, fishing, and exploring.

Photography by: Lyndi Leary Photography

How do you balance your work/ home life, or is there even such a thing?

Honestly, I am still continually searching for that balance as I’m sure many momprenuers do all the time. You can never turn off being a mom, and to find success in a new business, it’s also hard to turn that off as I pride myself on being there for all my clients whenever they may need me. Some days I fail at this, but I try to plan every day and week and spend at least two days a week off from work where I can truly just focus on my family. What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you? I want my children to remember how much I love them more than anything. (I find myself saying “I love you” anytime I can find, and they are always getting the biggest hugs and kisses.) I also want them to know that I will always be their biggest advocate and fan. I want them to remember me for working hard, following my dreams, and always helping others, too. 1 Marianna Way, Suite 102 Bluffton, SC 29910 (256) 557-2912 lowcountrytutoring.com

MORGAN AMBLER CH2/CB2 MAGAZINE AND N-HANCE What mantra do you live by? Lead by example, treat people with respect, and work hard. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration is my mom. When I was growing up, she was an incredible multitasker, raising four kids. She worked fulltime, insisted on having consistent family dinners, and attended every sporting event possible. She is extremely loving, positive, and encouraging. My siblings and I were told that we could be successful at anything we put our minds to doing. What business-related book has inspired you? How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences & Paragraphs for Every Situation, by Rosalie Maggio. Also, The Present, by John Spencer. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?

I love to go for runs. Something about putting on my tennis shoes and air buds and getting my adrenaline pumping, helps this momma get through a day! What is the one thing you want your children to remember about you? I want my children to say that I was a fun, supportive, and loving mom. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? The biggest challenge for me, as a mom, has been making sure I slow down and enjoy each moment with my children because in a blink, they grow up! What are the apps you can’t live without? Google Drive, Family Calendar, and Under Armour Map My Run.

(843) 422-0486 nhance.com/lowcountry

Photography by: Mindi Jo Photography When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to do? I love to go to the beach, on the boat, or anything outside. I really enjoy a nice run on a beautiful day. Working out keeps me going no matter how busy the schedule gets. What business-related book has inspired you most? When I was working on my MBA, I read Who Moved My Cheese, which helped me understand the value of embracing change. Our industry is constantly evolving, so being willing to go with the flow is critical to our success. I love Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential. How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing? I have noticed that I am most successful when I effectively determine my priorities and say no to other obligations and distractions. Being present in the moment is also big for me. I always want to finish the day knowing that even if my to-do list didn’t get completed, it’s okay, knowing that I was the best studio owner for those around me and loved my kids with everything in me.

TESS LUECHTEFELD C A R O L I N A CO L L E C T I V E DA N C E What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? I balance everything by using a combination of my digital planner, a paper planner, a running to-do list, a daily itemized plan, and Post-it Note reminders. I color code everything with highlighters and colored pens to categorize my tasks. I have the greatest staff that supports me. I feel confident in delegating important tasks to them, which allows me to focus on the tasks I need to take care of that are unique to me as a business owner. My office manager, Kensley, my receptionist, Caitlyn, and I work really well together which helps with the efficiency of the business.

What’s the one thing you want your children to rememeber about you? I want them to always remember how much I love and adore them. They are my entire world and I am so proud to be their mom. What mantra do you live by? “Be captivated by your purpose.” I have it written on the back door of the studio, so it’s the first thing I read when I arrive and the last thing I see when I close up. It makes difficult decisions easier when you see the bigger picture and believe firmly in your purpose. 4371 Bluffton Parkway, Suite 104 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 290-3955 carolinacollectivedance.com C2 MAGAZINE

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What business-related book has inspired you most? My education has not come from an actual textbook but has come from the “book of life.” I was very fortunate to live many years in Europe; I became fluent in French, and much of my current art and design influence was cultivated by my experience while living there. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Besides spending time with my husband and son, I have become passionate about playing tennis and singing with my husband (drummer) in his newly formed band. I love cooking and, of course, anything design oriented. Love shopping auctions and markets to find special pieces. How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing? For me, the key to work/home balance is to be in the moment, taking time for the things that matter most even when I’m going Mach 5 non-stop! What’s one thing you want your child to remember about you? I hope my son will always remember my love, passion for life, drive, and sense of humor. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? Again, it’s making sure that I spend time with my husband and son. Quality time is key, and that’s putting everything down and focusing on the moment. What are the apps you can’t live without? There are zero apps that I could not live without, but Alexa and I have become good friends!

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What mantra do you live by? For me being successful and happy in life has always been about maintaining a positive attitude and a proper perspective. I try to turn negatives into positives, obstacles into opportunities with any adversity I face. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration comes from my six-year-old special needs son. Despite the daily challenges he faces being on the autism spectrum, he brings joy and positive energy to virtually everyone he encounters.

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What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? My husband will tell you I am OCD about keeping a calendar, and I try to document every appointment. I also make lists for goals and activities daily. What is your favorite vacation spot? Seriously, vacation? We live in paradise on Hilton head Island! That said, we do like to go to Colorado for skiing. (843) 422-6577 loritysondesign.com

AMANDA CIFALDI P O M O D O R I I TA L I A N E AT E RY

y three-year-old son Milo is changing every day, in every way, and it absolutely delights me. His curiosity and sense of wonder are pure magic, and I often find myself wondering how the coming years will change him into the person he’ll someday become. We are all shaped and honed by the passing days, by experiences good and bad, by milestones and by stones left unturned. Milo is my first born, but Pomodori is my first child. I remember the day I signed the lease 10 years ago, inheriting the old red carpet and beige walls, the red rafters and four-top tables with the Greek postcards lacquered on top. My brother Ben and I ripped the carpet up and stained the floor as I tried to make this old space my own.

While our little eatery has always been charming and homey, I can say that our recent renovation by Lori Tyson Design has brought my truest vision for Pomodori to fruition. We hope that we continue to evolve and grow with our community, and we are so excited to share our new space with you. Come join us for delicious food, wonderful service and a level of sophistication that can only come with age. Thank you so much for your continued support and for your help in raising both of my “babies.” 1 New Orleans Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 gopomodori.com (843) 686-3100

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CASSIE CLAYSHULTE CASSIE CLAYSHULTE PHOTOGRAPHY/THE SOUTHERN CHILD

ust one step into her photography studio and your jaw will drop. Everything a parent could ever dream for in their session is pristinely displayed in color order. From princess crowns and gowns to baby blankets in every color and texture imaginable, it’s no wonder moms all over the Lowcountry are lining up to book with Cassie Clayshulte Photography! Cassie’s passion for photography, attention to the tiniest detail,

and dedication to go above and beyond for her clients shine through in not only her photos but in her clients’ glowing reviews and the countless awards she wins. Everyone knows Cassie as the Lowcountry’s BEST newborn, maternity, and children’s photographer, but she’s also a designer for a leading backdrop company, a photography educator encouraging female business owners all over the country, and the creator of a luxury baby blanket line, The Southern Child, that will be available locally this summer. “I could never get everything done if I didn’t have amazing childcare and an incredible husband. As a photographer, it can be difficult to set boundaries when everyone wants to book with you, but quality time with my family is my priority, especially after my struggle with infertility,” Cassie said. “I limit the number of sessions I take and set aside normal work hours for editing, marketing and all the other neverending tasks that come along with owning a business so that I can make the most of every moment possible with my baby boy.” 102 Buckwalter Parkway 3Q Bluffton, SC 29909 (843) 540 4934 cassieclayshultephotography.com

SALINAS FAMILY ISLAND BAGEL & DELI What mantra do you live by? From an early age, I always told myself be someone, never give up, and always keep an eye on the prize. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My mother is my biggest inspiration; she showed me everything I needed to know to be the woman I am today. What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you? I want them to remember me as a loving, hardworking mother who always tried her best in everything she did. What is your favorite vacation spot? Austin, Texas is my all-time favorite. And, of course, my own backyard with the beach and sun. 841 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 686-3353 17 Sherington Dr. #6039 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 815-5300

Photography by: MKAT Photography

for the billionth time, plan hypothetical vacations to faraway lands, and peruse the aisles of Target. How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing? No matter how demanding work and home life get, I make time for self-care. It makes me a better mom, business owner, and better human by taking the time to focus on my own mental and physical needs first. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? Figuring out childcare during school breaks. Where are they supposed to go? Who can I get to watch them? Guess they’re going to work with me?! It’s a dilemma I never thought about until I had kids.

He never missed any of my basketball games and is the kind of parent I strive to be. Love you, Dad!

What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? I write a daily to-do list. Sometimes the tasks are things like “don’t forget to pick kids up from school” or “brush my teeth.” But no matter how large or small the task is, visualizing it and checking it off the list tricks me into thinking I’m productive.

What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Curl up with a book, take a long bath, re-watch The Office

135 Towne Dr. Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 707-9820 eganandella.com

AFTON RYAN EGAN + ELLA BOUTIQUE Who has been your greatest inspiration? My dad, Kurt. Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, I witnessed him work incredibly long and physically demanding hours. His work ethic is unmatched and truly inspiring. And no matter what, he still managed to put family first.

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How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing? Organizing, scheduling, and time for ourselves. What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you? Resilience, love, work ethic, and silliness. RESPECT, principles, unconditional love. Work hard/play hard; nothing in life is free. What are the apps you can’t live without? Google, Alexa, Amazon, Plant It, music, and TikTok.

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE/ GARDENIAS TEAM CIRCLE OF LIFE LLC & GARDENIAS EVENT FLORAL What mantra do you live by? Life is a circle. What you put out will come back at some point. “Ooosah” Calm the hell down! We can do this! When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to do? Sit by the water and reflect on life. Set new goals. Laugh! Garden. Enjoy life!

What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? A calendar, journal, and LOTS OF POST-ITS! What is your favorite vacation spot? Chicago, Virgin Islands, Deer Valley, YMCA Family Camp in Pennsylvania. Costa Rica and Cancun. 14 Vine Street Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 837-6602 circleoflifehhi.com gardeniashhi.com

CASSANDRA SCHULTZ C A S S A N D R A’ S K I TC H E N What business-related book has inspired you most (or what is your favorite book)? I dive into anything that Brené Brown writes. Everything I learn from her can be used in any of my relationships, business or personal. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? My family loves the beach/boat life. I love to play beach volleyball, but there is no actual free time in my life right now. How do you balance your work/ home life, or is there even such a thing? If you’re trying to grow your business, I don’t think there is such a thing as balance. As a busy mom and busy business owner, you do the best you can. I realized that everything is a phase with my kids, and I’m in the drive-mykids-around phase. In 10 years, that phase will be over. So, I try to attend everything I can right now. I do my best to solely focus on my kids when I’m with them. What is the one thing you want your children to remember about you?

There is nothing more important than my children remembering how much I loved them. And I want them to remember that more by my actions than my words. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? As a business owner, you want to do it all. There are so many ways to grow your business, and you’re excited about it. But it’s impossible if you want to be involved in your kids’ day-to-day life. I won’t give up the 10 minutes in the car with my kids, and I try not to miss their games. So, the hardest part is accepting that you can’t do it all. What is your favorite vacation spot? East Hampton, NY, where I’m from. It’s a mix between vacation feels and the feeling of being home. I get to see family and friends and go to the beaches I was raised going to. 258 Red Cedar St., Unit 17 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 815-3500 cassandraskitchen.com

Photography by: MKAT Photography

What mantra do you live by? Everything happens for a reason. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Go to the beach and take family bike rides. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? Wanting to be two places at the same time. I absolutely adore being with my children. However, I love what I do, which means I also love being at work and helping customers. It is a constant struggle. However, with the help of our families and a great staff, I am able to do both. What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? I am a list maker. I always have an ongoing list. I also take everything one day at a time. Sometimes, I joke, one hour at a time.

BL A K E S C H M I D C O A S T A L

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38 Shelter Cove Ln. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 802-4050 coastalblisshiltonhead.com

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GINNY WHITEHEAD Taylor Whitehead, Ginny Whitehead, Brittany Scheriff and Stacey Whitehead

T H E A R T C A F É : P OT T E RY PA I N T I N G S T U D I O What mantra do you live by? Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My children’s father, Rocky Whitehead. He is the master entrepreneur and supporter. What business-related book has inspired you most (or what is your favorite book)? Quick as a Cricket, an imaginative book about the different characteristics a child can have. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Spend time with my family. What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you? That I always made time for my children.

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What is the app you can’t live without? Amazon.... Shopping lol What is your favorite vacation spot? Sanibel, Florida. We are working on four generations vacationing there. The Art Cafe is truly a family-run business. All of Ginny’s children and now grandchild, Breckin have helped with the family business and worked there at some point in time. This makes her business even more special because of this time with her family.

5 Lagoon Rd. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 785-5525 artcafehhi.com

Photography by: Abri Kruger Photography

SALLY ZUNIGA T I O ’ S L AT I N A M E R I C A N K I TC H E N What mantra do you live by? Just keep swimming. And “It’s like eating an elephant…one bite at a time” or “Make sure to eat your green frog in the morning” … all mantras of determination, resilience, stamina. If we’ve worked together or you have asked my advice, I’ve said at least one of these. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My family has been my inspiration on who I am. I’ve always wanted to keep up with my older brothers; my parents have always made me believe I could do anything. My husband is my inspiration on who’ve I become. Failure is never an option, and we work until the job is done. No excuses. What business-related book has inspired you most? 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Who Moved My Cheese. I’ve read both more than once. Knowing how to manage, being a leader, and adapting to change keep you relevant in any line of work. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? It’s not as much about the hobby as it is about the people. I’ll catch a quick bite with a friend, even go on a Target run just to hang out. I crave the relationships in my life: my husband, kids, family and friends make my world go round. How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing? In the restaurant industry, there is no such thing. I start looking at emails between 5:30-7am every day and touch base with the closing manager sometime around 11pm each night. We absolutely love our teams and I truly love what we do every day!

What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you? I hope my kids remember me as being fun. I try to say yes as much as possible and allow them to be their own person. I also want them to remember me as someone who gets things accomplished and that they, too, feel empowered to tackle issues head on and solve those issues. And I hope they always know we do it all for them. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? The biggest challenge is juggling the hours and all the places I need to be at once—multiple kids, multiple activities, appointments, etc., etc. I’m exhausted thinking about it, LOL. But I know I’m not alone … and that keeps me going. We’re all in the same boat. What are the apps you can’t live without? Apps I can’t live without. I assume you don’t mean appetizers. Just kidding. For traveling: Skiplagged. For work: Google, HotSchedules, Revel. For fun: Facebook, Tequila Matchmaker. What is your favorite vacation spot? I love Vail, Colorado in the summer. But truly, it’s being wherever with the people I love. Time with family and friends, whether a day or week, always feels like a vacation. I relax, reset, refocus and am ready for the next challenge ahead. I prefer warm climate by a body of water, so you’ll typically always catch me in the South. The Lowcountry is the perfect place because I can always be in paradise. 40 Shelter Cove Lane #181 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 7 Venture Drive #106 Bluffton, SC 29910 tioshhi.com C2 MAGAZINE

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when you have free time? We are a big beach and water family! So, anytime with my friends and family at the beach or on the boat is my favorite time! How do you balance your work/ Home life, or is there such a thing? One of the reasons I love working for CH2/CB2 magazine is because I can balance my work and be the best mom I can be. When the kids are in school, I take advantage of that time to get things done; when the kids are home from school, all my effort goes into hanging out and taking care of them. What is the one thing you want your children to remember about you? How much I loved them. They always come first. They are my entire world! What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? When I had my son Jackson, I gave up a corporate job to be a stay-at-home mom, which was an amazing gift to be able to do at the time. But it did take away the opportunity to move up in the company and pursue a corporate career. Thankfully, I found CH2/ CB2 magazine and am able to make my own schedule now and be home after the kids get home from school. I have the best job in the world!

KIM CROUCH C H 2 /C B 2 What mantra do you live by? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My mother. She has always been such a hard worker and instilled that in

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M AG A Z I N E me at a very young age. Nothing comes easy; you have to work hard for the things you want. I started working when I was 13 years old at Main Street Theater and saved and saved to buy my first car at 15. What is your favorite thing to do

What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and make time for everyone and everything? Hunter Kostlyo. She helps everyone at the magazine stay organized. Without her keeping up with all my business, I would be lost. What is your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere in the Caribbean. We love going to St. Thomas, exploring the BVIs by boat, and relaxing at the resorts. (843) 298-2073 kim@celebratehiltonhead.com

ALISON MELTON THE MELTON GROUP, CHARTER ONE REALTY What mantra do you live by? “Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion.”—Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos. If you don’t absolutely love what you do and are not passionate enough to put the effort into your business, you will never be successful. What business-related book has inspired you most? The Sell, by Fredrick Eklund. What resonated most is that every Realtor can “sell” similar services, but clients choose to work with you because of who YOU are and what YOU represent. A personal brand matters. What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? Time! As a Realtor, the “work” schedule is a bit unconventional as I’m helping clients throughout the evening and on weekends. Therefore, we plan a lot of special outings when I’m not working—ladies’ lunches,

Photography by: Abri Kruger Photography

day trips to Charleston, or even just ice cream (for dinner) in Old Town. What are the apps you can’t live without? My calendar, MLS-Touch, LandGlide, Bambino, DoorDash, Amazon … and, of course, NY Post, and Jeopardy. When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to do? Ride! Both my daughter and I are competitive equestrians and spend quality time together at the barn and traveling to horse shows throughout the southeast from Tryon to Wellington. There is no better way to decompress from this exciting real estate market than taking a spin around the ring with my chocolate unicorn, Sully. 1024 Berkeley Hall Blvd. Bluffton, SC 29909 (843) 290-3640 luxelowcountry.com

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Photography by: Alexandria Paige Photography

for them and create a career where I did have flexibility if they were sick and have something tangible to pass down to them. My grandpa tells me constantly that I became a different person when my first son was born. I will always be thankful for my boys providing me that reason for the personal and career growth I’ve experienced in the last seven years. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Our family loves spending time with our friends. We have an amazing support system of other families in our town. We are always at the beach, on our boat, kayaking, fishing/shrimping or just cruising to Daufuskie or the sandbar for the day. What’s one thing you want your children to remember about you? I want them to remember that I love them. I want them to have good memories of vacations, soccer games, cooking together and of just being together. My husband always says, “We are a family; we do everything as a family.” This may sound cliché, but I love the thought behind it. Obviously we all have separate activities, and we don’t do everything together. At the end of the day, we prioritize our family and make sure we are a unit. We want them to remember they can always come to us, and we will always love them.

TAYLOR HUBBARD REALTY ONE GROUP LOWCOUNTRY CO-OWNER & COASTAL RENTAL COMPANY OWNER What mantra do you live by? “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one”—Dolly Parton. Who doesn’t love Dolly? Who has been your greatest inspiration? My family. Having children forced me to grow up and think beyond myself and the present. I had to start thinking about what I wanted their future to look like and what I needed to do to provide that for them. My life was not easy growing up; we struggled, and I didn’t want that for my sons. I moved back to my hometown because I knew I wanted to raise them in the Lowcountry. I wanted to be present

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What is your biggest mom vs. career challenge? It takes a strong woman to maintain a work/life balance, especially in real estate and property management. My son told his teacher that I was the strongest woman he knew, and hearing that made me cry. I want him to realize that they are my priority so when I’m not able to make it home for dinner, it’s because I’m doing something to better his life. The hardest challenge is just that: it’s being responsible for multiple babies, so to speak. Realty One Group is also a baby to me. I have to nurture and grow our agents, our brand, our clients and our community. It’s knowing when to say no, when to not over-extend yourself. I’m going to miss some functions and make compromises. I just hope, in the end, both my children and my companies understand and are taken care of with the level of quality I expect. 21 Promenade Street Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 301-0916 roglowcountry.com

EMILY BOATWRIGHT, ESQ. B O AT W R I G H T L AW F I R M , L L C Emily: Opening my own law firm allowed me to have the independence needed to be more flexible for my family while still highlighting my professional strengths and commitment to my clients. I am a serviceoriented, results-driven, diligent, Type A person and have to balance that with my complete devotion to my sons, AJ and Jack. They are amazing in every aspect. I struggle to develop and adhere to boundaries at work that keep me from putting down a file until late in the evening because I need to solve the problem at hand or resolve ‘one more issue’ before packing up for the day. I truly do believe that you get what you give and that hard work and long hours also have allowed me to take the kids on some great trips and spend time out of town together, which really is the best way for us to all completely unplug, relax and enjoy dedicated time with one another. We enjoy each other’s company and look forward always to our next trip. At the same time, we work constantly to create a peaceful, calm home life that is welcoming so that when we each walk in the door it is our sanctuary and we can shrug off the world, hang out and share our day with each other before it starts all over again the next day. AJ: I like my mom’s business because many people work in real estate on the island, so almost everyone knows my mom. And they always say great things about her or her company. My mom really cares about her performance, so often she’s leaving for work when I’m waking up for school and getting home late because of the long hours she puts in to make sure everything is how it needs to be and everything runs smoothly. We all have busy lives, so it’s rare that we are all three at home to chill for the night. But it’s great when it does because then mom is happy; and when mom is happy, everyone is happy. Jack: My mom is amazing in everything she does. She has the biggest heart I know and always cares for others first. “We the three” is what we call each other (my mom, my brother, and me). She has raised both of us so very well. During the week, I don’t get to see her as much because she leaves for work by 8 a.m. and gets back late. Some nights, we don’t get

to eat with each other because she is so busy; she works 12 hours a day and more when I go to bed. She has busted her ‘tail’ for 15+ years to get the life she deserves. She has faced hard times, and we help her get over them. I get to see my mom most on Saturdays because I don’t have school or sports, and so we will spend the whole day together. Some weekends, when we go out of town, she is free of work. One of our traditions is when we go out of town, we try to go to a professional sports game. We have been to MLB, NBA, and NFL games with her; all of those were the best experiences of my life. She is amazing in everything she does and continues to be a better mom and lawyer every day. Her having her own business inspires me to get and own my own business when I’m older. I see the struggle she has with the amount of work she does, but she overcomes the challenge every time. Emily: I hope AJ and Jack’s biggest take away from me being a business owner is that hard work begets success and that the long hours were never me choosing something else over them. They are always first on my list, but out of necessity to be successful and make sure I can take care of them, sometimes time together is sacrificed. It’s the biggest challenge, especially being a single parent, that you can’t be in more than one place at one time. I love, admire, respect, and truly cherish each of my boys as individuals. Watching them grow into young men with caring, resilient, humorous, intelligent hearts and minds brings me peace. Our ‘We The Three’ team has done alright for ourselves. We have overcome some intense times but have come through with grace; we always have each other’s backs, and we work together, chaotically as it may seem at times, to support each other in every way we can. 1000 Main St., Suite 100 G Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-3031 boatwrightlawfirm.com

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ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

LOVE Motherly

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ears ago, I used to joke that I was no one’s mother except the cat’s. That earsstatement ago, I usedis to was I no one’s nojoke jokethat in Ithat have not except carriedthea cat’s. childThat in statement my womb, mother is no although have twonot stepdaughters, jokeI now in that I have carried a childfour in my grandsons andI one granddaughter. I claim womb, although now have two stepdaughters, two no bloodand relation to these on charming, grandsons one granddaughter the way. Ilifeclaim enhancing human beings birthedlife-enhancing by other no blood relation to these charming, mothers, butbirthed they are by my marriage, human beings by family other mothers, but they are and I love as my own. In this I am In family by mythem marriage, and I love themsense, as my own. a mother this sense, I and am agrandmother. mother and grandmother.

Similarly, I did not give birth to any of the cats who have graced my life over the give birth to them any of all the with cats who past Similarly, 65 years,I did yetnot I have loved have graced my life over the past 60 years, I have undying devotion. I chose to be a cat yet mom loved them allto with devotion. I chose to be a cat as opposed theundying mother of human children, mom while as opposed to thenever mothersuggest of humanthat children, and I would one and while I would never that one is asay substitute is a substitute for suggest the other, I can from for the other, I canthat say from experience mothering experience mothering anthatanimal is an is a viable alternative and,to to some extent, satisfies aanimal viable alternative and, some extent, the maternal to protect and nurture. Unfortunately, satisfies theinstinct maternal instinct to protect and nurture. Unfortunately, some women do not

I’m a baby!

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 Linda and Tom Hopkins with their “child,” Bentley, celebrating a recent anniversary. Bentley is a five-year-old purebred red Persian. Photography by Rob Kaufman.

have a choice in the matter, and pets can help fill a significant void. In my lifetime, I have loved many cats, and each has stamped its paw print on my heart, never to be erased or replaced. In January 2017, my cat Dixie, who shared my life for 18 years, crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge, as we pet people like to refer to the place where our beloved animal friends wait to join us again in route to heaven. She was a loyal companion, and yes, I considered her “my child,” even though there were times when she mothered me. In 2001, not long after my husband passed away, when I was struggling to make myself presentable to go out of the house, I had spent the morning putting ice packs on my eyes and applying makeup, only to sit on the side

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of the bathtub, sobbing it all off in a towel. (A box of Kleenex could never contain my tears. It took a bath towel to absorb the river of sadness.) Hearing my cries, who came along but a precious angel wrapped in fur. As she rubbed against my legs with sweet purrs and head nudges, I believe she understood my grief and was offering her version of care and compassion. She never gave birth to kittens, but she certainly knew how to mother. I guess you might say we mothered each other. It has come to my attention recently that quite a few mothers of human children get their panties in a wad when those of us who are not parents of human babies refer

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Y to our pets as “fur babies” or “children.” I’m not saying ears ago, I used to joke that I was no one’s mother except the cat’s. That statement is no joke in that I have not carried a child in my womb, although I now have two stepdaughters, two grandsons and one granddaughter on the way. I claim no blood relation to these charming, life-enhancing human beings birthed by other mothers, but they are family by my marriage, and I love them as my own. In this sense, I am a mother and grandmother.

Similarly, I did not give birth to any of the cats who have graced my life over the past 60 years, yet I have loved them all with undying devotion. I chose to be a cat mom as opposed to the mother of human children, and while I would never suggest that one is a substitute for the other, I can say from experience that mothering an animal is a viable alternative and, to some extent, satisfies the maternal instinct to protect and nurture. Unfortunately,

in any way that raising a child is as simple as caring for a cat, but I have to wonder why anyone would question another person’s capacity to love. The scope I’m a baby! of responsibility is much greater with human babies, of course, but since love cannot be measured, who are any of us to judge the depth of a person’s feelings for one of God’s creatures? In March of 2017, I brought home a new bundle of joy—yes, another fluffy cat. Words cannot describe the bond I feel with this animal. He has brought me more happiness in the last five years than I could ever have hoped for or dreamed of. We have an unspoken agreement that I will take care of him for all nine of his lives. I house him, feed him, pet him, play with him, clean up after him, bathe him, groom him, teach him, and provide medical care. I treat him as my child, call him my baby, and do my best to meet his every need, just as any mother would care for her offspring or an adopted child. I am pretty sure he knows I’m his “mom,” or the closest thing he’s going to get to a mama. In

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LOVE Motherly

THE SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY IS MUCH GREATER WITH HUMAN BABIES, OF COURSE, BUT SINCE LOVE CANNOT BE MEASURED, WHO ARE ANY OF US TO JUDGE THE DEPTH OF A PERSON’S FEELINGS FOR ONE OF GOD’S CREATURES?

some women do not have a choice in the matter, and pets can help fill a significant void. In my lifetime, I have loved many cats, and each has stamped its paw print on my heart, never to be erased or replaced. In January, my cat Dixie, who shared my life for the past 18 years, crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge, as we pet people like to refer to the place where our beloved animal friends wait to join us again in route to heaven. She was a loyal companion, and yes, I considered her “my child,” even though there were times when she mothered me. In 2001, not long after my husband passed away, when I was struggling to make myself presentable to go out of the house, I had spent the morning putting ice packs on my eyes and applying makeup, only to sit on the side of the bathtub, sobbing it all off in a towel. (A box of Kleenex could never contain my tears. It took a bath towel to absorb the river of sadness.) Hearing my cries, who came along but a precious angel wrapped in fur. As she rubbed against my legs with sweet purrs and head nudges, I believe she understood my grief and was offering her version of care and compassion. She never gave birth to kittens, but she certainly knew how to mother. I guess you might say we mothered each other. It has come to my attention recently that quite a few mothers of human children get their panties in a wad when those of us who are not parents of human babies refer to our pets as “fur babies” or “children.” I’m not saying in any way that raising a child is as simple as having a cat, but I have to wonder why anyone would question another person’s capacity to love. The scope of responsibility is much greater with human babies, of course, but since love cannot be measured, who are any of us to judge the depth of a person’s feelings for one of God’s creatures? In March, I brought home a new bundle of joy— yes, another fluffy cat. Words cannot describe the bond I feel with this animal. He has brought me more happiness in a few short weeks than I could ever have hoped for or dreamed of. We have an unspoken agreement that I will take care of him for all nine of his lives. I house him,

return, he acts like a cat: he plays, cuddles and purrs. That’s pretty much all I need or expect from him. It puzzles me when some people try to convince IT PUZZLES ME WHEN SOME PEOPLE TRY TO THAT LOVING A “less PET IS others that lovingCONVINCE a petOTHERS is somehow than” loving SOMEHOW “LESS THAN” LOVING ANOTHER another human HUMAN being. How can one kind of love be BEING. HOW CAN ONE KIND OF LOVE BE BETTER THAN ANOTHER? AND HOW better than another? And any BY form of love be CAN ANY FORM how OF LOVEcan BE ANYTHING WONDROUS AND AMAZING? anything but wondrous and amazing? feed him, pet say him, play withthat him, clean up a after him, bathe him, groom him, teach Some people woman shouldn’t call him, and provide medical care. I treat him as my child, call him my baby, and do my best to meet his every need, just as any mother would care for her offspring—or herself a mother unless she has human children. They an adopted child, for that matter. I am pretty sure he knows I’m his new “mom,” or the closest thing he’s going to get to a mama. In return, he acts like a cat: He plays, might be more ifor expect I called myself a pet cuddlescomfortable and purrs. That’s pretty much all I need from him. It puzzles me when some people try to convince others that loving a pet is “less than” loving another human being. How canto one kind of loveowned. be better owner. But my somehow cat is not a “thing” be He is a than another? And how can any form of love be anything but wondrous and amazing? Some people say that abeing woman shouldn’twhom call herself a mother has living, breathing, unique I unless amshe privileged to human children. They might be more comfortable if I called myself a pet owner. But my cat is not a “thing” to be owned. He is a living, breathing, unique being whom I am know. I would do inin mymy protect and privilegedanything to know. I would do anything power topower protect and care forto him, and isn’t that the root of every mother’s love? If youisn’t are a better person for the love of another, whether it of is a child, a puppy, care for him, and that the root every mother’s a kitten, a hamster, a turtle or an orangutan, happy Mother’s Day. love? If you are a better person for the love of another, whether it is a child, a puppy, a kitten, a hamster, a turtle or an orangutan, happy Mother’s Day. Article by Linda S. Hopkins

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FRIENDSHIP: Love that Lasts

ost adults have a broad circle of acquaintances and a much smaller circle of close friends—you know, the ones who would drop everything to drive us to the airport or the hospital; the ones who show up with soup when we’re sick, Kleenex (and emergency hugs) when we’re sad, and champagne when we’re celebrating. Do you ever wonder what compels them to stay? Friendships are voluntary. Unlike marriage partners or family members, friends have no obligation to stick around. They don’t sign papers or take vows. They’re always free to go. So, why do some friendships flourish while others fade away? Most people think friendships are based on mutuality—things they have in common like hobbies, children, specific interests, or causes. While friendships are often initiated through a shared activity or interest, that foundation can be fragile, because people’s interests, activities, and schedules change. THE EPITOME OF BFFS When I think of “best friends,” I have several, but the truest example is my Atlanta friend Beth. We met in nursery school and are in our mid-60s now, so you do the math. Beth and I attended school and church together through eighth grade then lost track for a few years during high school and college. We reconnected down the road, picking up where we left off. We’ve been down separate paths over the decades, and we are vastly different in some ways. Yet an invisible thread connects us—our upbringing and shared history, of course, but

more important is a long record of acceptance, reliability and mutual caring. She has seen me through every happy and sad occasion of my life, sharing my joys, bearing my sorrows, never judging my mistakes. She keeps in touch, knows what’s going on in my life, and is supportive of my hopes, dreams, opinions, and crazy ideas, whether she agrees with them or not. And, of course, it works both ways. I will never forget seeing Beth at my door when my husband passed away in 2001. She brought food to my hotel room the night before the funeral (I had not eaten or slept in two days), wiped my tears, and tucked me in bed—yes, tucked the covers around me like no one other than my mother has ever done—before turning out the lights and heading to her own room. We’ve had a few misunderstandings over the years, but we’ve always addressed them with kindness, compassion and forgiveness. Regardless of the miles between us, time between visits, challenging life events, or shifting circumstances, she is my friend, and I cannot imagine life without her.

FRIENDSHIPS ARE VOLUNTARY. UNLIKE MARRIAGE PARTNERS OR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO STICK AROUND. THEY DON’T SIGN PAPERS OR TAKE VOWS. THEY’RE ALWAYS FREE TO GO.

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WHAT I SAW IN OUR 2016 POLITICAL ARENA AND MORE RECENTLY IN THE PANDEMIC RESPONSE HAS DRIVEN HOME THE NECESSITY OF RESPECT AND TOLERANCE WITHIN THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE. I HAVE FRIENDS OF MANY PERSUASIONS, AND I CAN PROUDLY SAY THAT I STILL HAVE THOSE FRIENDS, MOSTLY BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO STAY OUT OF CERTAIN CONVERSATIONS—IN PERSON AND ONLINE. THE CHOICE Time has taught me that I can have friends who are vastly different from me in age, appearance, lifestyle and beliefs. Take my friend Nancy. She’s an outdoorsy, shorts-and-flipflops kind of girl from upstate New York. I am a “fancy” girl with a Georgia drawl who dresses up and applies lipstick to go to the gym. None of that matters. We met on Hilton Head Island in 2008 when I was sent to interview her for a local publication. Of course, we share a few superficial interests such as a love of sushi and a rousing game of Yahtzee, but that’s not enough to sustain a 14-year-going-on-lifetime friendship. About eight years ago, she moved to Tennessee. I rarely get to see her or spend time with her now, and neither of us is a big phone talker. It would be easy to let the friendship ride off into the sunset, but we have chosen to hitch our horses to the same post (texting and sharing images of our daily lives, with an occasional phone chat for good measure). Why? Because we genuinely enjoy each other and treasure the ease of our relationship. The bottom line: friends are friends because we want to be. STAYING POWER What I saw in our 2016 political arena and more recently in the pandemic response has driven home the necessity of respect and tolerance within the

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FRIENDSHIP friendship circle. I have friends of many persuasions, and I can proudly say that I still have those friends, mostly because I choose to stay out of certain conversations—in person and online. Yes, I have an opinion, but I value my friendships far more than any political party, social issue, or clever meme. It doesn’t mean we can’t have a lively discussion, but I have found that friendships have a better chance of survival when we can close a subject or simply agree to disagree. It also helps to be curious about and consider my friends’ upbringing and life experiences, which, of course, influence spiritual beliefs, political leanings, social standing, financial attitudes, family attachments, etc. Understanding and respect form a firm foundation for any relationship, especially friendship, which lends itself to an easy exit if the ground gets shaky. I look around and see the closest friends in my life today and am amazed by the eclectic group of people who have chosen to stay. Ironically, these lifetime friends are not necessarily the ones who call or text every day. A few do (like Beth), and the communication is appreciated. But just as important are the friends in the background—the solid ones I may not speak to every day, but who would come running should I need them. And then there are new friends. At a certain age, it’s easy to close the circle and overlook a potential new friend. Most recently, I stumbled upon an angel. Although I was introduced to Robin only a few months ago, it feels as though I’ve known her my whole life. We’ve laughed about our crepey necks, cried over past losses, and commiserated over life’s daily challenges. Our interests, talents and backgrounds are somewhat different but compatible, and the commonalities are undeniable. It may be too soon to tell, but I believe she and I will “grow old” together. For me, the most important criterion in friendship, old and new, is the ability to communicate freely and not withhold parts of myself. Of course, there is reason to discern how soon to disclose personal details and how much to tell, but most times, I find that opening up is worth the risk. “Me, too,” is such a rush, isn’t it? A real friend will accept you just as you are and keep your private information private. As my 30-year confidant Karen often says, “It’s in the vault.” Friendship is to know and be known. It is pure love with no strings attached. 

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HOW TO CREATE FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST Maintaining a long-term friendship takes time and effort, which may ebb and flow as changes occur and life’s demands shift. Here are some tips for developing lasting friendships and keeping them fresh: • Get real. If you want to be loved for who you are, stop pretending to be someone you’re not. Open your heart. Let your hair down and show some vulnerability: dare to reveal a fear, a dream, a secret, or a mistake. By acknowledging your weaknesses, you invite conversation that feels supportive and safe. • Celebrate the good times. It’s easy to be sympathetic when your friend is struggling, but it’s equally important to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and good fortunes. There is no room for petty jealousy, comparison, or competition. • Accept differences. Cherish the things you have in common but honor your friends’ idiosyncrasies. For these are the qualities that enrich relationships and render each one irreplaceable. When we look deeply into the heart of another, we often find that we are more alike than different. • Honor communication preferences. You can establish and maintain closeness through phone calls, texts, emails, video calls, instant messages, and social media platforms. With so many options for keeping in touch, it pays to discover which one or ones your friend prefers. Of course, there’s no substitute for sharing time and experiences, but the ongoing flow of communication is essential. • Respect time and energy. Equally important as discovering the desired mode of communication is understanding how much contact is enough. Too many touch points can feel smothering or annoying, especially when a response is expected. Too few communications can signal a lack of interest in maintaining the friendship. Aim for the sweet spot, which will vary from friend to friend. • Hold the advice. If your friend is calling to discuss a problem or a pending decision, more than likely he or she simply needs to be heard, not lectured or advised. Listen with the intent of understanding rather than crafting a response or solving the problem. Your first response should always be empathy with a side of kindness and compassion. Express concern where appropriate and offer counsel only when asked. • Be there as best you can. Friendship requires emotional give and take. Be sensitive to who is most in need of an ear or a shoulder and be there—if not in person, always in heart and spirit. C2 MAGAZINE

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Article by Cheryl Alexander Photography by M.Kat

ZEN Namaste Spa opens second location at Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort

amaste Spa’s first location at Marriott’s Barony Beach Club has always been one of Hilton Head Island’s most luxurious retreats, offering clients a certain level of well-appointed service. Soon, however, islanders will be able to enjoy another location of this locally owned and operated boutique spa, opening this spring at the Marriott Grande Ocean. Now more than ever before, locals and visitors alike can enjoy even more Zen. “The new Grande Ocean location will be just as beautiful and fabulous as the Barony Beach Club spa with the added appeal of an oceanfront view,” said Sarah Metzger, spa director. Namaste Spa at Grande Ocean will offer clients five treatment rooms (three massage rooms and two aesthetic treatment rooms), and its own signature style. Where the Barony Beach Club spa is warm and cozy, the Grande Ocean spa will be very white and bright with lots of natural light. As well, the Grande Ocean location will offer clients an outdoor lounge area where they can enjoy the ocean view and sip champagne and mimosas. “Both of our locations have their own unique appeal, including different signature services, so we encourage clients to visit both,” Metzger said. “One special service that clients can look forward to at our Grande Ocean spa is outdoor massages.”

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The Dermalogica line on display at Namaste.

Pink and black t-shirts sport the flowered Namaste logo.

Adjoining rooms are perfect for couples massages.

The entrance to Namaste Spa

Holistic Ayurvedic services, including Shirodhara and Abhyanga, are client favorites. “During Shirodhara, clients lie down and relax while the therapist pours a continuous light stream of warm oil from a copper vessel onto the forehead and scalp, where our nerves are highly concentrated,” Metzger said. “This treatment serves to calm the nervous system and promotes a deep state of relaxation, like meditation. Abhyanga is a full-body massage with warm Ayurvedic essential oils, good for lymphatic drainage, cleansing, rejuvenation, and relaxation. Each essential oil is custom selected for each client according for their specific dosha, or body type.” If you’ve got an entire day to spend at the spa, then seriously consider the Namaste Spa Day, currently available at the Barony Beach Club spa. This lavish treatment begins with a bubble bath, then an exfoliating body brush treatment and nourishing shea butter wrap, followed by

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an 80-minute Swedish massage. After that, you’ll receive the famous Namaste signature facial, which includes a customized facial plus a scalp, hand, and foot massage with herbal hand and foot wraps. If you’re unsure about what treatment to get, Metzger says her go-to recommendation is the Surf Watch Package, which is a Swedish massage with a foot scrub, classic custom 50-minute facial (includes deep cleansing/ extractions, custom mask and facial and décolleté massage, serum, moisturizer, and SPF) and an herbal hand wrap. “Every client who experiences this package leaves happy,” Metzger said. Clients at Namaste always have the option to add on special enhancements with any treatment. Though there are several to choose from, one is a stand-out: the LED light therapy add-on to any facial, which is currently the most requested.

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The Eagle's Nest is a great place to enjoy a relaxing view of the ocean in between treatments. Namaste Spa is located in the Seahorse Building on the second floor of the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort. There are three LED options to consider: blue, red, and infrared. The calming blue LED kills bacteria and treats redness and inflammation; the stimulating red LED is good for collagen production, elasticity and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage; the healing infrared LED is good for tissue repair, inflammation, and pain relief. The Barony Beach Club spa location offers an additional “most requested” add-on: the bubble bath, which comes two ways, with aromatherapy or Epsom salt. Either will help you relax and loosen up your muscles before any treatment. Additionally, a hot bath will prep your skin by softening it, allowing you to absorb the nourishment more fully. If a special occasion is on your calendar, then consider booking a side-by-side service. For an additional $20 per couple, you’ll enjoy side-by-side services with your special someone. Choose any two services of the same type and length to enjoy in the Namaste couples’ suite. As well, Namaste Spa will accommodate groups, such as wedding couple groups or employee appreciation groups. Specialized service is the norm at Namaste. The employees make every service a specialty with the expertise and passion

they bring to their work. Metzger asserts that Namaste aestheticians and massage therapists are the best on the island, as they are rigorously vetted and hand-picked to maintain the highest quality of service. “Something we look for when we are hiring our professionals is the level of passion they bring to their craft,” Metzger said. The employees at Namaste’ Spa are extremely knowledgeable of the new trends and modalities within the industry. They are always upgrading the level of expertise they offer by bringing new services to the menu and providing quality experiences that infiltrate all five senses. “The Namaste mission is to make clients feel and look their best,” Metzger said. “We want to provide our clients a place to relax, get relief from pain, and leave with real results. We make our clients feel important and special, and we give them our undivided attention while they are with us.” Along with attracting tourists, Namaste Spa is deeply committed to their local clientele and is open to everyone, not just guests of the Marriott. “Like all of our clients,” Metzger said, “we treat our locals like VIPs because we want them to return.” Two levels of monthly self-care memberships are available to island residents: The Lotus membership is $175 to join with the first 50-minute treatment free. Thereafter, the member can experience any 50-minute service on the menu for only $100. The Nirvana membership is $224 to sign up with the first 80-minute service free. After that, the member can experience any 80-minute service for only $149 or any 50-minute service for $100.  To learn more about the serenity, space, and specialized service offered by Namaste, visit namastespahhi.com.

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MISS ROCHELLE SURROUNDED BY HER BRIGHTEST STARS AT THEIR BLUFFTON STUDIO LOCATION.

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ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

ALLIANCE DANCE ACADEMY’S CELESTIAL DANCE HAS CREATED WHOLE CONSTELLATIONS THAT BURN BRIGHTER THAN EVER.

t’s not easy to make a star. In the cosmic sense, it’s a process of time and pressure, a cosmic ballet of swirling dust and gasses that coalesce into something dazzling. This can take millions of years, the forces of gravity coaxing this magnificent heavenly spectacle into being. It’s not easy to make a star, but it’s worth it. Without this heavenly dance, the night sky wouldn’t be anywhere near as beautiful. Here on earth, making a star takes a similar amount of time and effort. It takes discipline, it takes motivation, it takes a skilled teacher, and it takes decades of experience. It starts with a gift, natural talent ingrained in a child from birth. It takes coaxing that gift to its fullest potential. And, yes, it takes time. It’s not easy to make a star here on earth, either, but the resulting supernova of talented expression makes the whole process worth it. Few people know this better than Rochelle Clarkson, owner of Alliance Dance Academy. For her, it’s not just about the entire constellation of STARS she’s helped create. It’s about the journey they go on as they shoot skyward.

“A lot of our STARS, our competition dancers, start out just dancing recreationally. When they walk through the door, they’re here because mom said this is where they’re going,” she said. “And some of them fall in love with it and do it their whole life. Some of them dance until they join soccer or karate or something else, but some of them end up making a living at it. I’ve taught kids who have done all those things.” For those kids who are just in dance for a time before chasing that next interest, Alliance represents a chance to have some fun, explore the art of movement and learn from some of the best. But for those who pursue dance, Alliance Dance Academy represents the best environment for starting their journey. And just as the stars in the sky are formed from a precise mixture of cosmic dust, gasses and gravity, the STARS at Alliance are forged using a specific recipe. Does it always start with innate talent? No, but that helps. Perhaps the most fundamental starting point is the desire for greatness. “It’s got to be their passion. It has to be something they just can’t live without,” Clarkson said. “They have to have the work ethic to make it happen.” Whether born innately or cultivated through studied practice, this passion for dance requires one key ingredient. It’s the one ingredient Alliance can’t provide directly, but Clarkson has learned that parents need just as much discipline as kids to create real success. “You have to have the parents’ support and trust,” she said. “If parents are trying to cut corners, and this is what the child wants to do for a living, it’s probably not going to work.” But a desire to dance and the support of family are just the beginning. To truly create a star takes experience and a willingness to expose a young student to the wider dance world that exists far beyond the boundaries of the Lowcountry. It’s in this that Clarkson and the entire team at Alliance Dance Academy truly shines. “I’ve taught dance since I was 18 (for over 40 years). And just like any other business, it’s all in connections. It’s all in who you know,” she said. “I have to offer my students opportunities outside of here, and those opportunities come from the people I’ve met through the years.” Before moving to the Lowcountry to found Alliance Dance Academy, Clarkson taught for decades at a large studio outside of Orlando she owned, training the future dance 88

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The youngest Stars are her favorite and bring joy to her teaching Alliance Dance Academy owner, Rochelle Clarkson.

stars of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Some of those students wound up as some of the industry’s brightest stars. She has former students that have danced on Broadway, Cruise ships, and with numerous conventions. Casper, a one-time student/teacher of Clarkson’s has gone on to be a master hip hop dance teacher and returns to teach regularly at ADA. “I call him a kid, but he’s 40 now. He teaches internationally,

choreographs for Disney, travels with conventions … teaching dance is his life. That’s all he does,” Clarkson said. The same story goes for Katy another star Clarkson helped create. A dancer/choreographer/ producer with credits, including Cirque shows in Vegas and working with Jennifer Lopez, she is a regular visitor and master teacher at ADA. “She’s come every summer since we opened,” Clarkson said. “She’s a crazy busy person who only guest teaches at a handful of studios, and we happen to be one of them.” Hearing her speak about these former proteges turned stars, the pride is palpable in Clarkson’s voice. She places just as much value on the talented dancers she has created as she does on the young stars who come to her studio every day. Some of them will go on to greatness. Some of them will simply have a great time. But either way, the opportunity is there for them. The ingredients are all in place. The passion and parental support are what they bring with them. The experience, the discipline, the training and the exposure to some of the dance world’s biggest talents is what they’ll receive in return. It’s not easy to make a star. And yet, it happens every day at Alliance Dance Academy.  Alliance Dance Academy is located at 39 Persimmon St., Suite 404, Bluffton. Call (843) 757-8277 for more information or visit alliancedanceacademy.com.

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Don’t let uninvited guests ruin your backyard fun this summer. Give Mosquito Hunters a call today.

It’s Time to Bite Back BITING PESTS RUINING YOUR COOKOUT? IT’S TIME TO CALL IN MOSQUITO HUNTERS. Article By Reed Simons Photgraphy by 2Lights 1Stand

ave you been enjoying this cooler spring? Isn’t it pleasant to step outside, breathe in the crisp unseasonably cold air and enjoy your outdoor spaces? Enjoy it while you can—the mosquitos are coming. “We’re still in the preseason right now,” said Tino Villani, owner of the local Mosquito Hunters franchise. “What we’re going to experience in May is a bloom. It’s been a delayed seasons because of the cool weather, but mosquitos don’t die off in winter; they go into what’s called diapause.” During this diapause, the eggs lay dormant until the time is just right. And when the mercury starts to rise above 70 or so, you’re going to see exactly what the right time looks like. “With this bloom, you’re just going to be tortured by mosquitos,” Villani said. “Because we’ve been so cool for so long, it’s going to happen very dramatically.” Villani is entering his first full season as owner of the Mosquito Hunters of Savannah – Hilton Head, serving Beaufort to Richmond Hill and everywhere in between, but he’s studied the mosquito from every angle to make his company that much more efficient at eradicating them. Coming from the health care field, he brought a strong scientific focus to a franchise that stood out to him as a great choice for a guy not ready to retire. “I was a little bored with retirement,” he said. “And then my youngest son in Tampa, Nick, and I started talking about doing a business together.” Tino found Mosquito Hunters and was immediately impressed by what the company offers. “They were young. They were hungry, and they had a good attitude and a great product,” he said. That youthful energy comes through in the relentless service Mosquito Hunters offers. For starters, and you’ll swear we’re making this up, they are committed to same-day service. “You call today, we’ll be there today,” Tino said. In a market where service calls are often scheduled weeks or months in advance, that’s unheard of. As is their “Happiness Promise,” offering you a free treatment if you’re unsatisfied in any way. And with a price point firmly in the middle between bargain basement “you get what you pay for” treatments and top-of-the-line “you pay what we tell you”

Gunther, the Mosquito Hunters mascot. treatments, Mosquito Hunters offers a slick and intelligent approach to mosquito mitigation. “This is a comprehensive strategy,” Tino said. “The concept that you’re just going to spray and think that’s effective is faulty.” Like any good hunter, Mosquito Hunters works by outthinking their prey. In areas of flowering plants where butterflies and bees play a vital role in the ecosystem, a gentle natural solution keeps bloodsuckers away. As they’re repelled from the plants, mosquitos, ticks and no-see-ums are corralled towards areas where a synthetic spray has been administered, killing them dead on sight and saving your outdoor spaces. They even treat areas of moist soil and standing water to prevent young eggs from becoming adults. “The process allows us to kill a number of adult insects and also disrupt their lifecycle from egg to adult so you don’t have breeding populations. At the same time, you don’t want to interfere with butterflies and bees,” Tino said. “The applications process is something unique to what we do. Plus, we only use natural and synthetic ingredients found in home and pet treatments.” It may be calm now, but the mosquitos, ticks and no-see-ums that plague the Lowcountry every season are on their way. Before they get here, call in the big guns. Contact Mosquito Hunters at (843) 301-1159. C2 MAGAZINE

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A PALMETTO BLUFF EXPERIENCE Photography by 2Lights 1Stand Article by Cheryl Alexander Builder: Matt Bader Architect: Michael Kronimus - KRA Interior Designer: Kelly Caron

The great room uses blended materials with great expansive views of the courtyard.

DESIGNING A NEW PERSPECTIVE

t Palmetto Bluff, it all begins with the land. Nestled between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, this master-planned community is the most classic of Southern neighborhoods. The 20,000-acre expanse extends from the headwaters of the May River near Bluffton, hugs up to Bull and Daufuskie islands via the Cooper River to its east, and finally gives way to the ancient freshwater rice fields of the New River on the west. Palmetto Bluff is a Lowcountry community unlike any other. It is a vibrant residential and recreational preserve enriched by wilderness and wildlife, unspoiled rivers and salt marshes, and the sounds and smells of nature. This extraordinary setting is the platform for Palmetto Bluff’s higher purpose: to allow people to live among the magic of the Lowcountry in its ultimate form. When Michael and Jennifer Kronimus decided to move to Palmetto Bluff, they were seeking to accomplish several goals. Previously, they had lived in a community of only 10 homes amid 500 acres, so the idea of “community” offered by Palmetto Bluff was appealing. Their two girls are leaving for college, so these soon-tobe empty nesters were looking for more activities and events to occupy their time. And they were attracted to life on the river. As well, Michael Kronimus is an accomplished architect and owner of KRA architecture + design, a residential and

The natural feel of the master bedroom includes reclaimed wood accents in the double pyramid tray ceiling along with the built-ins. 94

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commercial architectural firm. His creative spirit thrives on the inspiration offered by Palmetto Bluff and all the beauty afforded by the natural landscape as the backdrop for his work. “In 2002, Jen and I decided to make Bluffton our new home,” Kronimus said. “Coming from the quiet east end of Long Island, Bluffton reminded me a lot of where I grew up. I wanted this to be our town where we would start a family, enjoy our time with neighbors, and eventually grow old together. And I wanted to build a home where I was able to showcase the creative and cuttingedge talent of KRA.” Once he and Jen decided on Palmetto Bluff, Kronimus’ desire became to create something that was dynamic, timeless, and a little outside the box. And that is just what he did. The design and build process took four years to complete, and the finished home is approximately 5,700 square feet of heated space with four and a half car garages, and three separate structures. Upon approach, guests understand they are in for something special. With its clean, modern lines, the style of the home is considered industrial modern, with a distinct nod to farmhouse roots. The features and materials used—metal, steel, large wooden timbers, large frame posts, glass— the front elevation, including the natural and installed landscape, immediately captures the eye with purposeful elemental appeal: earth, water, and fire. The situation of the home on the wooded lot, the unique use of tabby on the

Michael and Jen Kronimus have spent many evenings enjoying the courtyard with friends and family. The elements of fire and water make this space an oasis. Cooking in this kitchen is purposeful. Double islands and back to back sinks ensure that the family has plenty of room to cook and prep meals.

A PALMETTO BLUFF EXPERIENCE

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Michael wanted a space in the house that gave the feel of an Italian grotto. Here you will find reclaimed wood countertops, smoked glass, corked ceiling and a fabulous assortment of bourbon. With black stacked tile backsplashes, pure white countertops and custom cabinets, the master bathroom has the feel of a spa. The steam shower includes a computer-controlled massage system.

exterior, the water wall … all foreshadow the progression to follow. Each new reveal offers the significant inclusion of wood, steel, tabby, brick, lanterns, and more. As you move deeper into the structure, the design begins to resemble the layout of a riad, a traditional Moroccan home or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Riads are inward-focused, with windows and balconies looking inward to the courtyard, rather than outward facing. This keeps the focus on the courtyard as the center of the home’s activities. The courtyard is invariably square or rectangular in shape, set around the sebil, or fountain,

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or in the case of the Kronimus home, the pool. The importance of the water in the riad design cannot be understated. Water is a symbol of life in the desert lands as in the Lowcountry, and as such is considered sacred. It represents the vital life force inside the home. Thus, the courtyard is the focus of the house, and the water element is the focus of the courtyard. Entrances into these types of homes are a major transitional experience and encourage reflection because all the rooms open into the central atrium space. The Kronimus home is no exception. As soon as guests step inside the front gate and enter the loggia, the stunning view into their inner sanctum is breathtaking. Two fire bowls and a firepit serve as bookends to the plunge pool, which is 50 feet long and three feet deep with an island at the midpoint that makes crossing to the other side much easier. Kronimus explained his fascination with the courtyard. “Our outdoor space is literally like the other works of art in our home. As clouds pass over during the day and as the gaslights flicker in the evening, an aesthetic is created that evokes a response. The outdoor spaces, like the indoor spaces, are as visual as they are functional.” The courtyard was generated due to the constraints of the lot and because the lot didn’t offer many views. Kronimus’ design reflects his desire that his family be together in one spot enjoying not only the inside of the house, but the outside. As you enter the loggia, a two-car garage sits to the right, and above it is

Kenzie and Morgan (their daughters) get to enjoy their own living space directly off of their bedrooms. The wall detail and chandelier makes this a stand-out lounge in the house.

With hints of grey, Morgan’s bedroom has elegant floor-to-ceiling tapestries as well as diamond shaped wall detail.

Jen wanted a space to showcase their wedding china and glassware as well as family Waterford crystal. There is beautiful back lighting that highlights all of this at night. Guests have enjoyed staying in the one-bedroom apartment above the garage. With a living room as well, there is plenty of space to feel like they are on vacation.

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A PALMETTO BLUFF EXPERIENCE Fondly known as Club K, their entertainment venue includes pool table, shuffleboard, movie screening area as well as a full kitchen. From watching football and playing Golden Tee to entertaining family on holidays, Club K has so many memories. And not to mention, the pizza oven from Italy!

the guest quarters. The intent for the guest suite was to offer visiting friends and family a comfortable space all their own. It is equipped with several sleeping options, its own washer and dryer, a comfortable ensuite, and a nicely equipped coffee bar. At the back of this structure is what the Kronimus’ call “Club K.” It houses another two-and-a-half-car garage and offers all the amenities they need for entertaining. “It is truly a multi-use space that takes on the personality of who is using it and for what occasion,” Jen said. They’ve hosted everything from the girls’ prom parties to Michael’s football parties, to women’s wine club, and girl’s movie night. There are six TVs—three downstairs and three upstairs—along with a full kitchen, including a pizza oven, and full bar area. Upstairs, there is a pool table, shuffleboard table, and a

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Golden Tee video game. The wood floor is reclaimed hardwood, and the metal spiral staircase has extra wide treads so that people can go up or down at the same time. It carries the same modern industrial aesthetic with the factory vibe of a New York City loft. It also offers easy access to outdoor kitchen through a secret door in the garage that makes outdoor grilling easy, whether you’re in the club or the main house. To the left of the courtyard is the main living quarters, which is about 3,300 square feet. As you enter, everything is glass—glass entry doors, porcelain Italian tile, even glass features on the roof. The chef’s kitchen is designed to be both a work of art and entirely functional. Two islands with stunning quartzite countertops allow for plenty of prep space and the ease of moving around without bumping into anyone. Just behind the cooktop are the back kitchen, which houses all the incidental appliances (microwave, convection oven, toaster, etc.) and serves as the pantry and the spacious laundry room, with built-ins for the furry family members. To the right of the kitchen is the “grotto” with an extraordinary bar whose reclaimed wood is from Estill. The ceiling is purposefully low and lined with cork wallpaper to resemble an Italian grotto. Kronimus opted to coat the bar top with polyurethane to preserve the beauty of the wood. The industrial accents, the smoked glass mirror, a wine refrigerator housing their exquisite collection and the impressive display of their bourbon and whiskey collection makes this room one of the home’s most inviting. To the left of the kitchen is the kids’ wing, where the two girls have their own lounge space to hang out, watch movies, and host their sleepovers, as well as their

own private bedrooms with ensuite. Progressing through the house is the great room, with 10x4-foot panels of glass reclaimed shelving, where you can watch television and enjoy the large modern fireplace or simply savor the view of the courtyard. The wooden truss system overhead paired with the earth, water, and fire theme make this an extremely cozy space despite its large size. Beyond is the master suite. This soft, romantic space has a lofty double pyramid ceiling, the same 10x4-foot

windows, a pop-up television at the foot of the large bed, and beautiful artwork. It also offers up an unrivaled view of the courtyard with French doors that open onto a deck with comfortable seating around the firepit. The master bathroom is spectacular with modern subway tile, separate lavatories, and separate closets. Her closet is Jen’s favorite. Along with being simultaneously comfortable, beautiful, and organized, it also sports its very own champagne frig for those days when glamming up includes some bubbles. Oh, and the 8x8-foot steam

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shower is fabulous. With simple controls on one side and on the other a computer-controlled heated bench, there are eight rain heads and massagers, a steam generator, and music, so that “relaxing after work” takes on a whole new meaning. This project represents the hard work and focus of the last four years of this family’s life together. The pride of craft and workmanship are evident at every

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turn. Their Palmetto Bluff experience offers an entirely new perspective of Lowcountry living and reflects the heart they put into the design and build out of this home. To learn more about the Kronimus’ Palmetto Bluff experience, visit krasc.com/my-palmetto-bluffexperience where you can watch detailed videos of the project from concept to buildout. 

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Article by Cheryl Alexander

A Better Backyard UPDATES FOR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

pring weather has a way of waking everything up including your inspiration to create new and improved outdoor spaces. For those of us who reside in the Lowcountry, our outdoor access is barely limited by our short winter exposure, so giving a little attention to where we live outside adds not only value to your home, but lots of enjoyment, too. GRILL-OUT, CHILL OUT A great backyard paradise addition is an outdoor kitchen, complete with a high-end grill, sink, bar, fridge, and lots of counter prep space. And you can complete this project in phases to make it work with your budget. Everything tastes better when cooked outdoors, and everything seems easier, too, because … well, it’s just more fun. Today’s grills are simpler to operate and clean and everyone will love the outcome. Entertaining family and friends will never be the same.

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A Better Backyard

POOL-TIME, PLAY TIME Nothing says summer fun like a backyard pool or spa. Even if your yard is small, there is an option for you. Whether you want to swim or just have a place to get wet, there is something for every preference and space. Pools have become easier to care for and less expensive to operate over the years. Variable speed pumps offer energy upgrades for pools and spas that translate into excellent savings on energy costs and are even quieter than older models. Perhaps this spring is the time to jump on in. GET DECKED OUT Upgrading what’s underfoot is a great way to add value and enjoyment to your outdoor space. Options abound. There are pavers, stone, slate, and more, as well as stamped concrete that can enhance your deck or patio. If you don’t have one, but want one, or if your existing wood deck

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needs some TLC, there are materials resistant to weather that simulate wood, but that last longer and are easier to maintain. SUN’S OUT, FUN’S OUT The addition of music, TV and games is a popular outdoor upgrade. If you do decide to incorporate these elements, though, it’s best to house them inside a weather enclosure made specifically to protect your valuables from the elements. Look for one that includes a fan that can distribute heat outside. Also, perhaps consider a distributed audio system. These speakers can be disguised to blend with the outdoor environment and don’t even resemble speakers. Underwater speakers are a lot of fun, too. Ping pong and foosball tables, old school pinball machines and pool tables are great outdoor additions when you want to up the fun factor. Many of these can also be “flipped” to double as dining tables, too. LOUNGE IN STYLE This might be the year you throw out the tired, old patio furniture and upgrade your leisure style. Today’s patio furniture is more sophisticated and durable than ever, and color and material selections will dazzle you.

Select from prints, color splashes, or neutrals that go with everything, and you’ll find that everyone will want to lounge outdoors. KEEP IT COOL Controlling your outdoor climate is a smart way to spend your money outside. The addition of a screened or open porch, palapa, awnings or gazebo will add shade to your retreat. Ceiling fans will create a nice breeze, too, when things get muggy, and there are outdoor mist systems—some even with mosquito fogging systems—that relieve the heat and keep the uninvited guests at bay while you and your friends and family play. VERTICAL GARDENING Not every backyard is luxuriously expansive. So, for those with smaller spaces and a big desire for more plants and even some vegetables,

vertical gardening is the solution for you. Vertical gardening allows you to utilize a wall of your deck or fence and grow plants one on top of the other. You might have seen these as living walls or those DIY projects with pallets and herbs. You can shop online for vertical gardening gear or YouTube lots of DIY options you can build and assemble yourself. Either way, growing flowers or veggies vertically allows you to enjoy gardening without taking up lots of space. OUTDOOR OFFICES As the working from home trend becomes more and more the new normal, folks are transforming patios, balconies, and terraces into outdoor offices. To make an outdoor workspace, you’ll need access to a strong Wi-Fi connection and a quiet spot. Fill this space with comfortable weatherproof outdoor furniture and an outdoor umbrella for shade. Go for accessories that help you stay relaxed and focused, such as subtle water features or wireless weather-resistant speakers that play soft music while you work. A SUSTAINABLE BACKYARD Creating stylish outdoor spaces is great and making them sustainable is even better. It’s easier than ever to find recycled plastic outdoor furniture, eco-friendly décor, and natural materials for building projects like reclaimed wood and bamboo as more brands embrace sustainable practices. Search online for businesses that sell upcycled and eco-friendly décor as well as sustainable building materials. Thrift shops are a good place to start. Many furniture pieces can be found for a reasonable price. They’ll have furniture for the outdoors, such as desks that are already a bit worn and would look excellent in an outdoor office. You can also find flowerpots there for your container garden and even materials for a vertical garden project. A fall spruce up will come in right on time and will add value to your most prized possession and turn your home into a resort where you and your loved ones will have lots of memories. 

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The Prince of Tides Ryan Moore and his team of highly qualified professionals at High Tide Restoration and Cleaning are here to bring you back from disaster.

Article By Barry Kaufman

wenty years ago, Ryan Moore was like anyone else who had come to Hilton Head Island, drawn by the allure of beachside living. Unlike anyone else, however, he had a dream to build something from the ground up—quite literally—on the island he had come to call home. “It all started forever ago when I moved to Hilton Head and started cleaning carpets as a summer job,” he said. “Next thing I know, I took a chance and started my own carpet cleaning company, and 20 years later, here we are. It really is amazing how time flies.” As you would imagine of a 20-year journey, there’s a little more to it than that. Over the past two decades, Moore transformed his carpet cleaning company into the gold standard of disaster remediation companies in the Lowcountry. More than just cleaning carpets, High Tide Restoration and Cleaning offers water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, smoke damage restoration and basically anything that’s needed to get your home back after the worst. “We are a full-service restoration and cleaning company offering 24/7 emergency services, fire, mold, smoke, and water restoration, COVID sanitizing, and a multitude of cleaning services including carpet, tile and upholstery,” Moore said. “We pride ourselves on customer service and make sure each client is treated with respect.” It’s a charge they don’t take lightly, with the entire team pursuing a goal of professional excellence through Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration certifications. Moore himself is an IICRC certified Master Textile Cleaner, Journeyman Water Restorer and Journeyman Fire & Smoke Restorer, and all of his techs are likewise IIRC certified. “I’ve always enjoyed the education, training and certification that goes into being a leader in this industry,” he said. “I put a real value on it, and so does my team. This is industry is constantly evolving and we make sure our technicians and staff have ongoing training and certification. We proudly display all our team members’ many certifications in our office. Having all our certifications definitely helps with the claim processes, not to mention requiring all of our crews to have their individual certifications allows us to provide the very best services on every single job.” In addition to hosting multiples networking events throughout the year, we offer two accredited continuing education classes for insurance agents. And it’s that team that has made all the difference for a guy who launched his dream 20 years ago. “Our team is the backbone of our company,” Moore said. “I take a lot of pride in

High Tide Restoration and Cleaning owner, Ryan Moore

hearing compliments from homeowners about our team members and the professional jobs they do every day. In an economy where everyone has a hard time finding staff, we are fortunate to have multiple team members that have been with us for more than a decade.” Those long-time team members can tell you exactly how valuable their expertise can be, having put it to good use during one of the island’s darkest chapters. “Hurricane Matthew hit our community hard, and we were one of the first companies allowed on the island to begin cleaning up,” Moore said. “We worked tirelessly around the clock for over six months, helping our customers get their homes and businesses back to normal. We are always open for our customers, 24/7, 365 days a year.” Whether it’s a disaster as overwhelming as Matthew or something as simple (yet still disastrous) as a burst pipe, islanders have been turning to High Tide Restoration and Cleaning for 20 years to get their homes back in order.  To learn more, visit hightiderestoration.com.

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ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT FIVE TRENDS TO EMBRACE AND FIVE TO FORGET

rends are … well, they’re trends. They come and go. They are the benchmarks that keep us either fresh or stale. So here are some exciting ideas that are on point and some to which you should wave goodbye. First, consider the top interior design trends that we’re most enthusiastic about. These ideas will re-energize your spaces and make living in them more practical and fun: 1. Retro furniture and décor. The boldness of retro is about to make a comeback with a modern twist. We all kind of low-key love the look of the bold patterns and mesmerizing walls made famous in the ’70s and ’80s. The highlights of the decade will be making a comeback, including deep, warm colors (like mustard, burnt orange

Many homeowners now desire multifunctional spaces that call for multipurpose furniture and ease of storage. For example, during the day, playrooms must fit both the kids’ requirements for fun and their homeschooling needs. For the adults, home offices need to double as home gyms or entertainment centers. and sage) and mid-century furniture. Invest in some one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that highlight the era’s best design elements, from peg legs to highly textured fabrics. Think about replacing that tired occasional chair with a super cool pod chair. Upgrade your staircase with floating stairs. Teak wood cabinets and tables will really pull a space together and nail the reimagined classic look. Look for exposed brick and textured walls with unique molding. Adventurous and down-to-earth, retro is always welcome in some form. 2. Multifunctional living spaces. We are still feeling ripples of the pandemic, even in home design. Many homeowners now desire multifunctional spaces that call for multipurpose furniture and ease of storage. For example, during the day, playrooms must fit both the kids’ requirements for fun and their homeschooling needs. For the adults, home offices need to double as home gyms or entertainment centers. Innovative storage solutions are the best way to fully utilize your space. Storage ottomans can be used to tuck away unused

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blankets, pillows or other items while also acting as seating options. Similarly, desks with many drawers, shelves or bookcase attachments can help make the most of a small room. Additionally, next-level smart furniture is sneaking on the scene. 3. Metal elements. Modern industrial is in, and that means the use of metal in design and décor. In this aesthetic, metal often frames expansive windows. And while you may think of metal as cold, in small doses, it can actually add warmth to your home. Implement metal elements by electing to expose some pipes or by selecting gold, copper or bronze light fixtures or lamps. To make the metal elements really stand out, use a simple backdrop that will keep the attention focused on the shiny elements in the room. 4. More sustainability and organic designs. One huge and growing interior design strategy is sustainability. Incorporate sustainable design methods easily with these ideas: Conserve water with low-flush toilets and waterconserving faucets; use LEED-certified products with low carbon footprints; choose low-VOC materials to reduce dangerous chemical emissions; buy energy-efficient appliances, insulation materials, windows, doors, and solar panels; and use retractable glass walls for your indoor-outdoor spaces; add plants to bring your spaces to life as well as freshen the air naturally; utilize natural light during the day and save on electricity; and finally, support companies who promote and adhere to methods of sustainability. 5. Wallpaper. Popular last year, too, wallpaper is easy to find in any color and style, and it is an easy way to decorate your walls without a permanent commitment. Its appeal

is predicted to increase, with grass cloth specifically surging due to trends leaning to ’70s retro design. FIVE INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS YOU’LL SEE DISAPPEARING: 1. Modern farmhouse. While the love of all things Magnolia is far from over, the Gaines’ Fixer Upper signature modern farmhouse look is a dwindling aesthetic, and most designers feel it’s due to oversaturation. Initially, the homey vibes and white-washed furniture was a fresh, less-frilly evolution away from the shabby chic/French country look, becoming a more modern farmhouse version by blending country and industrial. However, after years of signs and initials in every room and buffalo-check everything, this design trend is beginning to feel tired. 2. Open floor plans. Once a soaring interior trend, you may see open-floor plans tapering off. One thing we learned during the pandemic is that just maybe the kitchen, home office, dining area, great room and living room should not be all the same space—mainly due to lack of privacy and lack of functionality afforded by this design. Those who do have big open spaces may be looking for ways to add separation through wall dividers and other forms of privacy screening. 3. Fast furniture. Cheap, semi quality pieces of furniture that you buy online and build at home will not be popular moving forward. Our rooms now see daily multifunctional use, and people are customizing them to provide flexible and adaptive living spaces, opting for better pieces that have a greater purpose beyond quality for the sake of longevity. 4. Open shelving. Open shelving had a major moment, but it might be coming to an end. Because people have really been at home the last couple of years, using their kitchens, it has become obvious that open shelving doesn’t work as well as we once thought. It tends to end up looking messy and cluttered and offers much less storage than cabinets. It’s predicted that a combination of upper cabinets and decorative shelving are on the way in. 5. Faux design. Wood tile and other faux finishes are going out of style. Faux design—from wood tile floors to marble porcelain—has been big for years now. And although they are budget-friendly, many times they are poorly installed and honestly just look fake. Trends indicate that people are ready to keep it real. In this supervirtual world we now live in, it seems that the importance of real, genuine spaces is gaining ground. Genuine luxury is replacing faux, as it seems there’s no true replacement for the real thing.  C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY SANDRA HARLEY COUNTS, PHARMD

TIPS FOR TREATING SEASONAL ALLERGIES

id you know that pollen season in the Lowcountry can start as early as February and trail on as late as November? Ugh! Pollen avoidance is important when treating seasonal allergies, but often meds are needed. There are many choices on the allergy relief aisle. Here are a few tips for navigating your choices: Reduce pollen exposure. Check pollen counts daily and adjust outdoor activities. When counts are high—typically on dry, windy days—minimize time outside. Additionally, wear sunglasses and mask while gardening/working outside; exercise outside when pollen counts are lowest (usually early and late in the day); don’t bring pollen inside; shower, wash hair, and change clothes after time outside—and rinse the dog; keep windows/doors closed in your house and car; and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. C2 MAGAZINE

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ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Start with a steroid nasal spray. The most effective treatment is a steroid nasal spray. Many avoid them due to bad taste, dripping down the back of the throat, and nasal stinging. Luckily, both problems can be solved. Although most people choose Flonase, the No. 1 brand, it is the worst when it comes to stinging and bad taste, and perfumed scent. The lesserknown brand, Nasacort (triamcinolone) works equally well with less stinging and no scent. Rhinocort (budesonide) is another brand that may be preferred over Flonase. Steroid sprays are available as generics, and since there’s competition, coupons and/or in-store discounts can be found. Studies show most people use incorrect technique with nasal inhalers. This is why yucky tasting stuff goes down the throat. The sprays must be aimed at the outer fleshy part of the nose, not the septum. Many people erroneously aim the spray either right up the nose or toward the center of the face, not towards the sides. Google ‘Mt Sinai and steroid nasal spray’

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for detailed info and a video on proper technique. It can make a huge difference. Remember it may take one to two weeks to feel the max effect of sprays. If you can predict what time of year your problems begin, start treatment with a nasal sprays two weeks before. Don’t confuse nasal steroids with nasal decongestants such as Afrin. Be sure you have the right product. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine. Non-sedating antihistamines are most effective for seasonal allergies. Experts avoid older products such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) because they’re no more effective but more sedating. Non-sedating antihistamines include Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and the newer Xyzal (desloratadine). Zyrtec is the most effective of the group and since it’s the strongest, it can lead to sedation in one in seven people and is labelled as ‘low-sedating.’ I recommend trying Zyrtec first, see if you’re that one in seven, and if not, then you are already using the most effect med. If you do experience sedation, switch to Claritin, which has a sedation rate equal to placebo. Allegra can also be used and causes no sedation but comes with the unique problem of being less effective if used with certain antacids or with fruit juices. Xyzal, the newest one on the market, offers no advantages over any of the others for efficacy or side effects. Try combining pills and nasal

spray. You may get even better relief using a spray along with a pill. Try a combo tab with a decongestant. Combo tabs such as Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, etc. are also available on the shelves alongside the plain versions. The D adds a decongestant, usually Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). This added boost can help if you still feel congested/stuffed up or fullness in the ears after a two-week trial of the non-D product. Since the D is a stimulant, it may cause jitters or insomnia or aggravate heart conditions or high blood pressure. One way to avoid this is to take a 12 hour D (combo) pill in the morning, and the plain non-D pill at night. Add an eyedrop for itchy eyes. Although the oral tablets and nasal sprays can lessen the symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, you may need to add an eyedrop for maximum relief. Try an OTC brand before going to the expensive prescription options. My top choice is OTC generic ketotifen (Zatidor, Alaway). As with nasal sprays, correct technique with eyedrops is key. Pull out the lower lid and make a sack for the eyedrop. Apply only 1 drop (the eye can’t hold more) at a time and apply slight pressure to the little drain holes along the nose for one to two minutes, with eyes closed after placing the drop. If you are still miserable after trying these self-treatment options, see a board-certified allergist. C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Spin the Wheel THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND BRINGS BACK ITS PRIZE-HEAVY SWEEPSTAKES TO FUND LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.

on Farsetti loves numbers—especially when those numbers reflect the amazing work that the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island does in improving lives in the Lowcountry. Now celebrating its first year as a 501(c)3, our local Rotary puts up some serious numbers: $56,000 in the scholarship fund, with a plan to raise funds and facilitate giving away $75,000, with generous sponsors throughout the community chipping in towards a good $7,000 of that. And as they proved last year, the magic number was one. As in one huge idea that helped raise a truckload of money for area students despite the effects COVID had on fundraising.

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JOIN THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILTON HEAD FOR A FREE FESTIVAL ON MAY 21ST FROM 12-6PM AT LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK. “We lost a lot. Any service organization cannot run all their programs and have the impact on the community that they want without fundraisers,” Farsetti said. Their plan, launched last year, was pitched as part raffle, part sweepstakes. Through the promise of great prizes including vacations and a three-year lease on a new car, Rotary was able to sell 800 tickets last year. Ever the numbers

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guy, Farsetti pointed out that the mix was about 60/40 in terms of Rotary members and the public buying tickets. “When we got close to the drawing date, we had members buying 18 tickets at a time.” This year, odds are good that the public is going to want to snap up even more tickets. That’s because this year, the prizes have increased to a degree that seems to defy statistics. “We’re giving away so much, your odds of winning are probably better than your odds of losing,” Farsetti said. “Your odds are maybe 1 in 800 of winning the top prize, but they are around 1 in 14 of winning something great.” We’ll trust his math on this one, because the prize list is simply mind-boggling. Rounds of golf at some of the island’s top courses. Stacks

“WE’RE GIVING AWAY SO MUCH, YOUR ODDS OF WINNING ARE PROBABLY BETTER THAN YOUR ODDS OF LOSING,” FARSETTI SAID.

upon stacks of gift cards to area businesses and restaurants. Clubhouse badges to next year’s RBC Heritage. Staycations and vacations to places like Branson, Missouri and New Orleans. And the grand prize, valued at $10,000, a year membership in Freedom Boat Club. It's an extraordinary outpouring of support from the community, reflective of Rotary’s massive impact on the island. You may not see them handing over checks to Deep Well, giving bikes and books to area youth at need, or helping fix roofs for locals (the day after Christmas, on one memorable occasion), but they’re out there every day doing the work to make the Lowcountry better. “What we do in the community is a real commitment,” Farsetti said. “This sweepstakes supports just a few of our programs.” They’re even inviting you to enjoy a completely free festival from 12-6 p.m., May 21 at Lowcountry Celebration Park. “We’re planning on doing this every year,” Farsetti said. “We’re giving away free food and drinks; there will be stage performances for children, and then we’ll begin drawing for winners. It’s just a good chance to interact with the community.” If you enjoy winning prizes and supporting great programs in our community (and really who doesn’t?), track down a local Rotarian and snap up your tickets before they’re all gone. A donation of $100 will get you one ticket, with special scholarship packages, which get you six tickets and an additional entry for the top prize, at $500. To learn more, visit hiltonheadrotary.com.

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The backyard oasis of an Indigo Run resident participating in this year’s All Saint’s Garden Tour.

Gerber daises bloom and seem to smile in a garden on Hilton Head Island

A ghost plant thrives in a Port Royal garden.

Special to C2

“THROUGH THE BEAUTY OF A GARDEN … A GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY” All Saints Garde n Tour re turns f or thirty - third se ason

W A water feature adds interest to this Port Royal garden.

e’re back! The thirty-third Annual All Saints Garden Tour on Saturday, May 21, 2022, has something for everyone: gardens of various sizes, most located on the water. Some are designed and maintained by professional landscapers; others are lovingly created by the owners—newly created or nurtured for many years—with stunning views! This self-guided tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (note we are starting and ending earlier) includes six distinctive gardens, all of which are new to the Tour, located in four different gated communities on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton. C2 MAGAZINE

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Each garden is unique! Both Moss Creek Gardens have amazing views. The focus of a new, professionally designed garden is the natural beauty of Blue Heron Sanctuary and the Rookery. All the beds in the backyard were created to enhance that view. The unique assortment of plants provides year-round interest with multiple blooming plants each season. Another Moss Creek garden with an expansive marsh view holds a surprise behind the home: the 350-yearold Angel Oak that is on a listing of the 150 largest/oldest trees in Beaufort county creates a sanctuary for the owners. There’s quite a contrast between two gardens in Port Royal. One has an esteemed garden design of laissez faire. Certainly no grand master plan was followed there where frivolity rules! This plot of vegetative eccentricity is entirely reflective of the owners’ travels and whimsical natures. The gardens can be described as unique, eclectic, and quirky! The other garden is a professionally designed, structured beachfront property with multiple outdoor living areas. An assortment of lush greenery defines various settings for relaxing, sunning, eating, and recreational activities including a basketball court, swimming pool, bocce ball court, and putting green. Other DIY gardeners in Indigo Run have created a charming, relaxing environment installing flagstone and paver paths, patios, fences, raised beds, fountains, pots, benches, and a large pergola, all enhanced by a shimmering lagoon view of herons, ducks, turtles and, of course, alligators. A charming assortment of Lowcountry plants including gardenias, camellias, assorted ferns and terrestrial orchids enhance the garden. (Quilters will enjoy benches filled with appliqué and pieced pillows made from old raincoats.) In Hilton Head Plantation, Lowcountry surroundings inspired a newly renovated landscape with four design styles, including an expansive walkway with a fountain and a perennial flower-cutting garden. On the side of the house, a formal boxwood hedge ends with a Charleston Garden which transitions to a tropical shade area. The garden then wraps around the lanai where it transitions to a poolside tropical oasis with tons of annual color and a layered living screen designed for its beauty and privacy. 122

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A gorgeous 350-year-old Angel Oak in Moss Creek will be part of this year’s tour. Yellow garden roses in Hilton Head Plantation bloom in time for the May event. A garden path in Port Royal leads to a stunning view of the beach. In 2019, the tickets sold out, so get them early! Tickets are available online at allsaintsgardentour.com. If ordered by May 6, they will be mailed to you. Tickets ordered online after May 6 through midnight Thursday, May 19 can be picked up at All Saints Episcopal Church between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Participants need to be able to safely walk on flagstone pathways and through gardens. Your $35 ticket includes the Tour only. In view of the uncertainties COVID has created, there will be no lunch, boutique, or bake sale at All Saints Episcopal Church this year. A master gardener will be available in one of the gardens to answer questions. Tickets can be purchased at All Saints Episcopal Church, garden centers, and other businesses on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton (cash or check only) through 10 a.m. Friday, May 20. (Look for the Garden Tour posters with the colorful red geraniums.) If tickets remain, they can be purchased the day of the Tour at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3001 Meeting Street, from 8:30 a.m.-noon. For tickets and updated information, please visit allsaintsgardentour.com or call (843) 681-8333. Tickets not picked up by noon on May 21 are forfeited. Net proceeds from the Tour are donated to local charities. 2022 grant recipients will be Backpack Buddies of Bluffton, Backpack Buddies of Hilton Head Island, Jasper County Backpack Buddies, Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour, St. Stephens United Methodist Church Outreach Foodbank, and Family Promise. All charities address issues of hunger, homelessness, aging, or literacy. Over the years, more than $500,000 has been given to local charities from this annual event bringing validation to their logo “Through the Beauty of a Garden … A Gift to the Community.” All who attend the 2022 Garden Tour add to this legacy.  For tickets and updated information please visit our website allsaintsgardentour.com or call (843) 681-8333. C2 MAGAZINE

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Hilton Head Island Mayor

M A Y O R

Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

REDISTRICTING A NECESSARY PROCESS FOR ISLAND WARDS & NEIGHBORHOODS

n government, there are actions you are required to take for the benefit of the community. They may not always be exciting, but they are necessary. One such act is redistricting, the once-in-a-decade process we undertake to determine which neighborhoods are grouped into wards. Last month, Town Council approved the final reading of an ordinance that redraws the boundaries for Hilton Head Island’s six Town Council wards. This was last done in 2011. The new ward boundaries became effective on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Redistricting utilized data from the 2020 federal census to ensure each Town Council member represents about the same number of constituents. The redistricting process ensured: • Maximum public participation from our residents. It is important to note that we involved our residents in the process through a series of community forums and Town Council meetings. From the outset, Town Council worked to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and thorough process. • Island wards were kept as contiguous and compact as possible. We heard from residents who advocated for keeping or putting communities in certain geographic areas within the same ward. This input played an important role in shaping the ward boundaries. • Island neighborhoods and other communities of interest remained connected with each other within the same Town Council wards.

< Bluffton Mayor

The result of our efforts is a ward map that combines input from the community with recommendations from staff and Town Council. Neighborhood populations in our wards range from 5,400 residents to 6,890 residents. They reflect a diverse mix of black, white and Latino residents. With approval of the ordinance, town staff submitted the adopted ward map to the Beaufort

A Note from Lisa Sulka

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PRESERVING OUR SENSE OF PLACE

he town is currently offering a Historic Preservation Grant Program to owners of “contributing resources” to the Old Town Bluffton Historic District to financially assist in the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of these structures so, collectively, these will continue to represent the history of Bluffton. Bluffton currently has 82 structures on its list of contributing resources, which means these homes, churches, schools, and other resources (i.e., non-structures which include Heyward and Huger Coves,) significantly contribute to Bluffton’s history and tell a story about our collective past. Without these resources, meaningful components of Bluffton’s history would be lost. Whether you are on Broadway or in Bluffton, the template to attract tourism and economic development all starts with historic preservation. Decades ago, New York’s Broadway District was crime-ridden, then historic preservation of theatres began, and now look at its decades-long prosperity. It’s the same template with Bluffton. Preserve your “sense of place” with historic preservation; tell the story of your community, and pride and prosperity follow. Bluffton’s Historic District represents our town’s past,

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, which is responsible for providing our citizens with new voter identification cards. The cards will have updated information on wards, voting precincts, and polling locations. For more information on voter identification cards, visit beaufortcountysc.gov/vote. Most of our 37,000-plus residents remain in their existing wards. Others may have moved into a new ward with a new town council representative. It is important that you know if you have been shifted to a new ward and now have a different town council representative who will represent the interests of your neighborhood. Our town staff has created an interactive map on our website to show new ward boundaries. You can search for your ward by entering your street address into that map on the town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/redistricting. Search results will display your ward and town council representative. Redistricting not only happened at the town level, but it also took place at the county level. Beaufort County also has an interactive map on its website (beaufortcountysc.gov), where you can enter your street address and see if there have been any changes to your county district and representative. A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

present and future. Owners of qualifying structures in the Bluffton’s Historic District can now apply for up to $30,000 for residential structures and up to $20,000 for nonresidential/commercial structures. The owners of the 82 contributing structures, as well as any member of the public, are invited to the May 12 Open House where Glen Umberger, the town’s historic preservationist, will detail the program. Please RSVP by May 6 by contacting Umberger at gumberger@townofbluffton.com. The open house will be held at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in Council Chambers. For applications: Historic Preservation Grant Application (Residential) townofbluffton.sc.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/2874/Residential-HP-Grant-ProgramApplication Historic Preservation Grant Application (Non-Residential) townofbluffton.sc.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/2873/Non-Residential-HP-GrantProgram-Application.

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Lowcountry

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FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SECTION

This & That

C2 Magazine • May 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

Meet Amanda Cifaldi

A R T I C L E

B Y

J E S S E

B L A N C O

hen you do what I do for a living, you naturally have the pleasure of meeting a lot of people. Before I became a full-time food journalist, I was a traditional television news reporter and anchor—a sports reporter before that. If you’ve been around here long enough, you remember. I know this because I'm frequently reminded by people at Publix that they remember my days in sports at WSAV. That is what originally brought me to this area way back in 19 hundred and 99. As you might imagine, I’ve seen a lot. I’ve also been around long enough to happily abide by a largely unwritten rule in journalism. Yes, journalists have taken an unfair beating the last few years, but we do have rules and a large majority of us follow them. Integrity, you know. The rule is to never display too close of a relationship with people you cover. The rule is intended to protect a journalist’s credibility. If I were best friends with Tom Brady and shared photos with him and his family every day on social media, would anyone believe me if I told you he was not guilty of wrongdoing? Probably not. It’s a natural check and balance. Sure, we all have friends in the industry we cover, but we largely keep our closest relationships in the shadows. It’s just how a wise journalist works. There’s a trust factor as well. Today, for the first time in my career, I am here to smash that rule to bits. With a sledgehammer. How so? I want to tell you about Amanda Cifaldi. The Lowcountry knows Amanda as chef/owner of the incredibly popular Pomodori Italian Restaurant. She’s a Michigan girl who moved here after her formal chef training in Italy because her family had set up shop here. The Michigan girl who had the … how can I put this? Onions? To open an Italian restaurant a pitching wedge away from two very well established Italian powerhouses at the time: Michael Anthony’s and Ombra Cucina Rustica. She’s more than made a name for herself. That’s how and where we met half a dozen or so years ago. We featured her on our TV show. The chemistry was instant, though it didn’t take long to realize that Amanda has never met a stranger. Over the years, when business came up, we’d speak. That happened maybe every two and a half years. I love to tease her about the time I called the restaurant and left a voice mail asking “Allison” to call me back. Clearly we were besties back then. Last year, Amanda called me out of the blue. She invited me to dinner to discuss an idea she’d been mulling. We met at Chez George on June 26. It was the first time we’d ever spent time together outside of “work.” We ate like savages and laughed like pirates. An unforgettable evening. The idea was to create a pilot for a television show called Destination Wellness—a travel/food show that featured healthy eats and activities at a particular destination. Have you ever heard of such a thing? No, you haven’t because it doesn’t exist. The idea was (and remains) brilliant. The work started almost immediately. The plan was (and is) to shop the concept around and hope someone with deep pockets bites. Just like anything else, sometimes it was fun, sometimes it

was not. Most times we laughed, sometimes we wanted to cry. It has been an amazing experience. But the best part of it has had zero to do with television production and everything to do with the woman who has now become one of my dearest friends. I’ve spent more time with Amanda and her family than I ever thought was going to happen when I agreed to help with this project. I’ve sat in her kitchen and watched her chase her little boy Milo around the family room. I’ve been out to dinner with Amanda and her wife Robin. I’ve heard countless stories of her generosity with her staff at Pomodori. I’ve seen their loyalty to her on display. It says a lot about the boss when pretty much every employee has been there since day one, roughly 11 years ago. On this island that’s close to an impossibility. During the pandemic shut down, she started a catering company. It has become a second full-time job. Or should I say third? She takes Milo to school every single day and picks him up as well—sometimes on her bike. Our mid-day conversation is many-atime built around his naps. She just wrapped up a significant renovation of her restaurant—a very tall order when you consider some of the chairs that were ordered were being shipped from Ukraine. Yeah, really. She tells me I will love the new look. I’m sure I will, though as I write this I haven’t seen it yet. Oh, and while you and yours are perusing where to hold your Mother’s Day brunch this year, she’s preparing to give her mom one of her kidneys. Yeah, really. During the busiest time of the year at the restaurant. I honestly don’t know where she gets the energy, never mind the stamina to do everything I’ve shared with you to this point, but the zest with which she engages every single islander she encounters … I’m convinced she’s part cyborg. For the record, she can cook too. Duh. Her “come over I’m whipping something ups” are some of the best things I’ve eaten the last 12 months. I’ve watched her go from a tough-cookie businesswoman to a soft, kind and loving spouse with a wave of a hand like something out of Star Wars. I’m regularly bumfuzzled by how easy she makes it all look. She’s also a fiercely loyal friend, one of the most genuine I’ve had in my 53 years. That’s saying something. It’s more than likely that a majority of the food and beverage industry on the island knows the Amanda Cifaldi I know. I decided to share this because the average guest at her restaurant (and there are a lot of you) likely does not. I think you should. Hilton Head Island is lucky to have her. I don’t suspect you’ve heard the last of Destination Wellness, either. With any luck, it will be coming soon to a streaming service near you. In the short term, forgive me, but I need to hook a gal pal up. Stop by Pomodori and grab a bite. You will eat it and like it.

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This & That

Tickets for the second annual Lowcountry Derby for The Celebration Projects are on sale now. The fundraising event for the 501c3 charitable organization, The Celebration Projects, will be held on Derby Day, Saturday, May 7, from 4-7 p.m. In its second year, the fundraiser will be held under a large tent located on The Paddocks Green in The Paddocks neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, overlooking the stables and horses. Attendees will enjoy live music by The Alan Price Trio, catering by The SERG Group, a best dressed contest, a best hat contest, and giveaways. The event is presented by Coastal Pediatric Dentistry and is sponsored by many local businesses including Maginnis Orthodontics, Mikkelson Law Firm, Lux, ~ A Medical Spa, The Melton Group with Charter 1 Realty, and King Tide Custom Homes. The benefit raises money for The Celebration Projects, Inc., which gives local children in need the gift of a birthday party. The Celebration Projects gives kids ages 3-12 a birthday party complete with an event location, activity, food, drink, cake, and presents—all at no cost to the family or guests. Tickets are $140 each and cover the cost of the event and a donation. There are no auction items, silent or live. Tickets can be purchased at lowcountryderbyparty.com. Several sponsorship opportunities are still available. For inquiries, please email libby@thecelebrationprojects. org or call Libby O’Regan at (843) 415-9156. For more information about The Celebration Projects, please visit thecelebrationprojects.org.

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Dennis Lake, Lowcountry artist and art teacher, will be showcasing his work in a variety of media at Art League Gallery this May and June. Lake’s work is known for its intricate detail, traditionally realistic style, and subtle colors. His subjects range from portraits and wildlife to landscapes and still life. “I look at the world around me as a constant source of inspiration,” Lake said. “My hope is that the viewer can see the beauty that I have tried to preserve for a time.” Lake earned his BFA and worked briefly as an art director, but only returned to art after spending 20 years as an Air Force pilot. After retiring, Lake earned his master’s degree in art education and began painting, exhibiting, and teaching art in Tennessee, where he won numerous awards in juried shows. Since relocating to the Lowcountry in 2009, Lake has taught art and exhibited at Art League Academy and Society of Bluffton Artists and has served on the board of Art League of Hilton Head. He has won Best of Show at SOBA and People’s Choice at Art League’s annual show. People, Places and Things runs May 24-June 25 at Art League of Hilton Head. An artist’s reception, free and open to the public, will be held Wednesday, May 25, from 5-7 p.m.

Have you seen the new and improved Pomodori? Interior designer Lori Tyson helped Amanda Cifaldi give this local Italian eatery a new look. “It feels like we’re in the West Village now, with the clean, crisp white and the warm wooden tables,” Cifaldi said. According to Tyson, the back of the restaurant speaks NYC, allowing the street vibe to come in, while mirrors and updated lighting expand the space. The front is more of a farm-to-table vibe, the space surrounded with shelves, old pasta machinery and such. A new bar was added to seat four additional guests. Check it out, but plan ahead. They’re booked out about two weeks. “Our food is fresh, our wine is old, our recipes are timeless, our family is yours,” said Cifaldi.

This & That

The Hilton Head Choral Society will celebrate its forty-fifth season and the twentieth year with artistic director Tim Reynolds in a special concert “For We Wish You Music.” The concert, to be held May 13 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, will celebrate the long history of the HHCS as the oldest performing arts organization in our community and look back at the last 20 years with Reynolds. The 2021-22 season is the maestro’s final season with the HHCS. This walk down memory lane will celebrate music of Gershwin, Sondheim, Handel and much more. Tickets are $15-$40 and may be purchased online or at the door, if available. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (843) 341-3818, visit hiltonheadchoralsociety.org, or email tickets@ hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

The Hilton Head Choral Society will present “Celebrate Memorial Day! America Sings” on May 29 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Join the chorus, the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, and a special guest speaker in an all-American musical program including a tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, current and past. Tickets are $15-$40 and may be purchased online or at the door, if available. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (843) 341-3818, visit hiltonheadchoralsociety. org, or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

Dunes Real Estate is pleased to welcome Jaclyn Orlando to their real estate family. Orlando, who has called the Lowcountry home for more than 20 years, is a full-service, licensed agent and works with both buyers and sellers.

The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island Youth Community Service Award Program has been the organization’s most visible community effort since its inception. The Award began in 1980 to recognize and encourage local students. Now in its forty-second year, the program has recognized over 100 deserving students and awarded thousands of dollars. This year WAHHI has recognized five area high school students for their community service by awarding one thousand dollars to each of them. The 2022 Youth Community Service recipients are: Addie DeVaney, May River High School; Beckett Jones, Hilton Head Preparatory School; Edy McGoldrick, Hilton Head High School; Theodore Oldham, John Paul II Catholic School; and Jennifer Richardson, Bluffton High School.

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MONDAYS

CELEBRATING LIFE & LOVE WITH GABRIEL & CO. TRUNK SHOW

FREE GOLF DEMONSTRATION

Forsythe Jewelers May 5 & 6, 10am-5pm Bring your best to your relationships every single day and to special moments in life with Gabriel & Co.’s beautifully curated selection of designer brand jewelry.

Robert Trent Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes Participate in a free golf clinic & demonstration at Palmetto Dunes’ Robert Trent Jones course every Monday from 4:00 - 4:50 p.m. Volunteer for a chance to receive a free lesson or win a prize!

JAKE, THE SALTY DOG VISITS SOUTH BEACH Daily 5pm He loves taking pictures and lots of high fives! saltydog.com

SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

MEET THE ISLAND’S TURTLE TRACKERS

THURSDAYS MUSIC & TASTE ON THE HARBOUR Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Thursdays (through May 19) Admission is free, but please bring a canned good donation for the Deep Well Project. All concerts are weather permitting and subject to change. www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/music-and-taste

19 “A NIGHT IN NAPA” WINE DINNER Alexander’s Restaurant To register or call 877-567-6516 daily after 12 noon.

IN THE HEIGHTS Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Regular tickets are $61/$56 for single adults/children. 843-842-2787 [ARTS] www.artshhi.com

ALEXANDER’S COOKING DEMO: SPRING ROLLS & POKE BOWLS Alexander’s Restaurant $25 per person. 877-567-6516

MONDAYS

Mon,Wed & Fri Create a one-of-akind souvenir with the help of our tie dye experts! saltydog.com

South Beach 6:30-8:30pmW Watch Island juggling expert, Ben the Juggle saltydog.com

South Beach Sunday; 5-7pm Learn about the amazing sea turtles that call Hilton Head home.

25 TIE DYE FUN AT SOUTH BEACH

LEARN TO JUGGLE

31 CAPPY THE CLOWN Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Monday-Friday through Labor Day weekend 6-9pm

LIVE MUSIC WITH ROSS2 Stormy’s Showtime 6-9pm 61A Riverwalk Blvd, Ridgeland

843.671.7070

EVERY TUESDAY!

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PREAKNESS PARTY South Beach Marina Enjoy Marylandinspired food and drink specials as we watch some good ol’ fashioned horse racing on all of our screens.

THE LOWCOUNTRY DERBY 4-7pm The Paddocks Green on Hilton Head Tickets $140 each (covers the cost of event and donation.

21 LIVE MUSIC WITH ROSS2 Stormy’s Showtime 6-9pm 61A Riverwalk Blvd, Ridgeland

28-29 HILTON HEAD ISLAND ART FESTIVAL Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sunday, May 29 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m Rain or shine event admission is free!

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BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Green Street in Old Town Bluffton Every Thursday 12-5pm