CH2: Celebrate Hilton Head - January 2010

JANUARY 2010 $3.95

FEATURES

CONTENTS

JANUARY 2010

50 P12 A FULL PLATE Bonnie Lowrey takes the reins of the Lowrey Group.

P20

MEET TROY AHYO, C2’S BACHELOR OF 2010!

He is well traveled, has worked in lots of professional arenas and has vast personal interests, ranging from skateboarding to cooking.

P34

P62

MAN ON A MISSION Tim Singleton has something to say about Strive to Excel.

LET’S GO FLY! You may have seen it in the skies over Hilton Head, its bright yellow wings and fuselage against the blue backdrop of a clear, Lowcountry sky. Or maybe you heard the distinctive sound of the 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney radial engine as it pulled the one time, open cockpit U.S. Army Air Force trainer through humid ocean air. Meet Scott Martin, the man in that little yellow bi-plane.

P58 GET HITCHED ON HILTON HEAD... ALL EXPENSES PAID! Are you preparing to pop the question?

This year, the thought of an engagement, much less a full-blown wedding may be daunting no matter how whipped you are over your significant other. Enter C2’s new contest, Get Hitched on Hilton Head, and the expense of your wedding may be one less thing to worry about.

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P69 DEA SERIES: PART 2 In the second of a three-part series, we delve into the origins of the Columbia cartels and the increased use of marijuana and cocaine in the United States.

P75 A WINNING BID VanLandingham Rotary to host 16th annual charity auction.

P84 FROM HEAD TO TOE As the New Year gets off to another fresh start, these local professionals give you some health and beauty tips to start you off on the right track.

P91

63 P26 LIFE’S LITTLE PILES Every so often in a man’s life, something happens that causes him to shut out the external world for a brief, yet strikingly honest, period of self-examination. My “Life Tivo” moment came on a cold Friday the 13th as I waded through knee-deep horse excrement while a stranger took pictures of me dressed up like a nineteenth century European lady.

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RESTAURANT WEEK 2010 The Chamber of Commerce’s restaurant week is back, and local eateries are scaling down prices to help your personal economy.

>>> ON OUR COVER pg. 20

pg 84 pg. 58 pg 69

pg. 62

pg 32

P29 ROGER PINCKNEY AND HIS REEFER MOON A book review of local writer Roger Pinckney’s latest literary exploit.

Photography

by Mark Staff

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JANUARY 2010

EVERYTHING ELSE

CONTENTS

JANUARY 2010

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BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS

P40 CALLAHAN’S SPORTS BAR Hilton Head Island’s Home Town (Sports) Bar

P50 BISTRO 17 While this may not be your favorite time of year to pack a picnic and head to the beach, Shelter Cove Harbour beckons you to Bistro 17, where alfresco dining is in season all year round.

LOWCOUNTRY SPORT AND SPINE An Honest Practice That Gets Patients Better

Everything Else

P10 EDITOR’S NOTE. Projecting Perfection.

P17

P54 GLOBAL FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Gus Perez believes preventative care is the best medicine, from diapers to Depends!

P81 HILTON HEAD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Dr. Madeline Chatlain is an occupational therapist who specializes in complete decongestive therapy and myofascial trigger point therapy, with an emphasis on patient education. While it is not her job to diagnose or “fix” the underlying condition, she offers hope—and help—for people suffering from lymphedema and people who are in pain.

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HE SAYS, SHE SAYS The ins and outs of online dating!

P44 MONEY MATTERS What you need to know… about Roth IRA Conversions.

P99 C2 AFTER DARK Who’s playing where and when, along with trivia nights, movie reviews and other reasons to stay up past 10 p.m.!

P104 GOLF 101 Club fitting the Proper Way-Part III Golf Shaft Flex and/or Frequency

P106 DISCOUNT CARD AND DISCOUNTS! Why in the world would you NOT show your CH2 card to get these fabulous discounts? If your issue doesn’t have one, e-mail us your mailing address and we’ll send you one! Card requests to m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com.

P98 CELEBRATE JANUARY A few things you might not want to miss this month. Believe it or not, there are things to do on Hilton Head in January.

>>> IN THE DOG HOUSE

DECEMBER 2009

>>> ON OUR COVER pg. 20

pg 84 pg. 58 pg 69

pg. 62

pg 32

Photography

by Mark Staff

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FROM THE EDITOR

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief: MAGGIE WASHO Art Director: KELLY STROUD Art & Production: CATHERINE DAVIES Director of Sales: MORGAN O’BANION Advertising Sales: HELENE STEPHENS STAN WADE Contributing Writers: LAURA AGUIAR FRANK DUNNE JR. PAUL DEVERE LINDA S. HOPKINS CRAIG HYSELL KEITH KELSON CHRIS LANE PAULA MAGRINI

Photography by Anne

Projecting Perfection

Photography by Anne

COURTNEY HAMPSON NAUGHTON

PETE POPOVICH LEW WESSEL JEAN WHARTON Contributing Photographers: PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNE JOHN BRACKETT PHOTOGRAPHY MARK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY DANA ROSE MINE STUDIOS Art Direction: TOM STAEBLER

P.O.Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658

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Lately I have noticed yet another bad tendency I have that always sets me up for some sort of disappointment in the long run. When I first meet someone of whom I initially think highly, I tend to project perfection upon them. Brilliant, isn’t it?

So, when (inevitably) that person does or says something that I find less than admirable, I’m suddenly scratching my head and thinking, “Wow! How could that have happened? He/she was supposed to be perfect.” It’s understandable, because we continually run into perfect people in our everyday travels, right?

I guess I’m still looking for someone who will never let me down, always say and do the right thing, and act in the most altruistic manner under any and all circumstances.

What is that you say? There is NO such person out there? Really?

Which brings me to my only resolution for the New Year: to stop projecting perfection and accept people for who they are. I will try to embrace imperfections, quirks and bad intentions. I resolve to look for the good in people, even if it is hidden in a tiny nook, in the smallest pinkie toe.

My friends and colleagues all put up with me, so it’s really the least I can do. However, if anyone happens to come across the perfect person, please e-mail me his or her location.

I would still like to think that person exists.

M. Washo Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

JANUARY 2010

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FULL PLATE

ARTICLE BY PAULA MAGRINI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

BONNIE LOWREY TAKES THE REINS OF THE LOWREY GROUP

Impeccably dressed, perpetual smile beaming, arms loaded with assorted binders, utensils, laptop and one neatly-wrapped birthday gift, Bonnie Lowrey steps into another day. One of the island’s most vibrant hospitality ambassadors, the owner and new president of the Lowrey Group restaurants, Celebrations Catering & Events and CH2 and CB2 magazines has a daily agenda that would easily exhaust her industry peers.

“Staying busy gives my life definition,” she explains. “I will continue to be in touch with my staff, my guests and potential clients all day long! When the momentum stops, that’s when I’m sad.”

Lowrey’s life did temporarily slow down when she lost husband, Pierce, in October. The two originally moved from Atlanta to Daufuskie Island in 1987 to retire from the demanding career of electronic publishing. Instead, they found themselves moving over to Hilton Head Island and embarking on a whole new career in the restaurant business, which later expanded to include a catering and event planning division and most recently a thriving lifestyle publication. A stable, well-loved company for more than 15 years, it was Pierce Lowrey’s pride and joy when he passed away.

Overnight, the Lowrey Group leadership became Bonnie’s alone. Even in the midst of two standing-roomonly memorial services (one on Hilton Head Island and one in Buckhead), and while accommodating the needs of a large extended family in Atlanta, she didn’t miss a beat, conducting business as she traveled back and forth along Interstate 16 and orchestrating a major island fundraiser for military families just a few weeks after she lost her husband to a three-year-battle with skin cancer.

Amazingly resilient? Remarkably productive? Yes, but until now, Lowrey has avoided sharing any secrets to her success. “I do NOT want to be in the spotlight,” she repeatedly tells curious reporters. “Give the credit to my team. They’re the ones who make it happen.”

With some coaxing from her A-team and in response to an outpouring of notes and e-mails following the death of her dynamic other half, Lowrey recently agreed to shed some light on the shape of the Lowrey Group to come now that’s she’s minding the helm on her own. In the following interview, she shares her vision for extending the prosperity of a company that is both a legacy and inspiration for Hilton Head Island entrepreneurs.

Paula Magrini: Now that your official role is president of the company, how has your daily focus changed?

Bonnie lowrey: Well there’s certainly a lot more ground to cover, but I see it as a wonderful opportunity to keep my hands-on approach to our business as we move forward with our goals. We’re trying to create the ideal paradigm in a tricky economy, allowing us to maximize the many resources of our company, from our growing catering and events team to our evolving publications. The year ahead will be exciting, with tremendous opportunity to reach out and touch the community, whether it be through events like the Concours d’Elegance and the Verizon Heritage or through the outstanding guest service we offer at all of our restaurants.

PM: The Lowrey Group is in the process of redefining its branding for the restaurant group. What steps are you taking to accomplish this?

Bl: Last year, we decided to sell the Boathouse II restaurant, a move that will allow us to focus on the restaurant profile that has performed best for us. That profile is clearly reflected by the caliber of menu and service that is offered by Old Fort Pub, CQ’s, Antonio’s and the Ocean Grille.

Additionally, we manage Backwater Bill’s Grill at the private club community, Hampton Lake. We were pleased to close on the Boathouse in the fall as we pursue new opportunities.

PM: How will the sale of the Boathouse II impact your day-to-day operations?

Bl: We’ve been fortunate to relocate many of our Boathouse II staff members to various posts at our other restaurants, while we continue planning for the launch of a new island restaurant concept this spring. We’ll reshuffle our company talents once we open the doors to our new dining experience. I feel lucky to have such a talented, versatile family of employees who constantly go the distance to make our customers feel special, regardless of their job titles.

PM: Can you elaborate on this new dining concept?

Bl: I could tell you about it, but I’d have to ____ you! (she laughs, just kidding). It’s safe to say that the new offering will be very family oriented and casual but with a metropolitan flair—very hip and relaxed. We are working with the backdrop, which isn’t lacking in its views. There.

I’ve told you more than I was supposed to.

PM: Any other changes or debuts on the company’s horizon?

BL: you bet! We’ve just introduced a new logo name and service mission for our catering and events group, Celebrations.

The catering service that began years ago with a one-man-band approach, headquartered at the Boathouse, is now a conciergestyle company that offers brides-to-be and corporate event planners an incredible array of options for planning their events. not only do we offer fantastic exclusive party venues, like our Windows on the Waterway, we’re now partnering with resort management companies, photographers, limousine services, florists—you name it—to create unforgettable events. you know, it’s all about creating great memories here on Hilton Head! (wink, wink).

PM: Speaking of memories, it’s been about 15 years since you and Pierce launched your company on Hilton Head Island. What kind of perspective does that give you?

BL: I’ve gotten to know the heart and soul of Hilton Head, and you might be surprised at exactly who that is. I was. Who would imagine that former CEO’s, sports stars, performing artists and other prominent leaders who have landed on the island through the years would be the ones to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to elevate our community. The volunteerism that happens here is amazing, and Pierce and I discovered that when we left our retirement cocoon and began our restaurant business. We weren’t the only ones who were supposed to be relaxing on the golf course but instead became devoted to building a better Hilton Head!

PM: The Lowrey Group is known to support a number of local charities. Which causes have won your heart and your support over the years?

BL: The first board on which I served was the March of Dimes, handling fundraising events and development. That led to other causes and a couple of board assignments. near and dear to my heart are groups such as the Coastal Discovery Museum, Hospice, The arts Center, american Heart association, Hilton Head Hero’s, South Carolina Hospitality association, Hilton Head Hospitality association and recently Operation rest and relaxation.

PM: Obviously someone in your shoes wants to bolster the efforts of the Hospitality Association, but you take your commitment to a higher level because…?

BL: It’s the best way to set an example for other island businesses who forget that we’re only as strong as our destination’s appeal. Hilton Head Island has always had a certain cachet that draws families from up and down the East Coast and from Midatlantic states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. They travel long distances because we have the right mix of climate, amenities and accommodations for wonderful family vacations and other gatherings. We need to continue marketing this formula despite the downturn in the economy. If we pull together through organizations like the Hospitality association and the Chamber, we can collectively reach out to our repeat guests and generate new guests through special events and collaborative advertising. On behalf of our business, I’m promoting the island’s unique culinary experiences.

It’s the best way to build interest in the shoulder seasons, through 14

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events like the Seafood Jazz and Brew in September and the Food and Wine Festival, March 1st through the 15th.

PM: As a successful businesswoman who has owned several companies and has survived previous economic downturns, what is your advice to other business owners?

BL: Keep the faith and be willing to adjust. attitude has a lot to do with survival and, good or bad, it’s contagious. Times like these can be frightening and stressful, so staying on top of industry developments and continuing a dialogue with business colleagues are vital efforts. That’s why groups like the Hospitality association exist and thrive.

PM: you sound as though your life goes on as it always has, but there have to be some surprises as you pick up the reins of the company?

B L : Th e re h ave b e e n s u r p r i s e s … incredibly thoughtful ones. Members of my staff have stepped up in ways I didn’t expect, on a personal level and at a time when I couldn’t have pulled everything together without them. They are like family to me. I turn around and they are right there, anticipating what is needed without words or direction. It has meant so much to me over the past few months and always will as we move forward, positive and passionate about what we do.

PM: So despite the change in your life, the passion is still there and you plan to carry on the Lowrey Group mission?

BL: absolutely. Change is permanent.

Thankfully, it inspires the process of re-evaluating the ways in which we reach our goals or achieve our mission. We’re not always prepared for life’s transitions, but how we react to them is what’s important. I’m flexible and openminded, and I know when we all recover from this recession, we will be operating with a new business model and facing more discriminating customers. So my work is cut out for me and my team in the months ahead…and yes we do accept the mission.

PM: All work and no play?

BL: Heck no. I’m ambitious, but I believe in balance. I admit I’m up at 4:30 each morning and climbing into bed at midnight, but sometimes that’s because my grandchildren are visiting and one of them happens to be camping out in my bedroom. not a day goes by when I don’t receive a text message from one of my kids or grandkids (I have seven). One minute I’m emailing a company memo, and the next minute I’m reading “I LuV u” on my cell phone, courtesy of my 17-year-old grandson in atlanta. Our family gets together as often as possible, and we know how to have fun!

PM: Your energy level is impressive. Would you elaborate on how you manage to maintain that enthusiasm?

BL: Let’s blame it on the genes. Of course my staff keeps me hopping, from menu planning and budget meetings to greeting guests and sampling the latest cooking class concoction. I think my next stop is lunch with the publisher of CH2 today at noon… and Bonnie Lowrey is off and running. It’s going to be another productive day!  January 2010

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JANUARY 2010

T

his month’s topic is a doozy: online dating. While the Internet is semi-useful in everyday life, having to resort to online dating sites is a cry help. Especially if you’re a man. That’s surefire way to get weeded out of gene pool.

Women can use online dating s without being ridiculed, but it’s something I’d recommend. After adies, if he’s using an online dating vice, is he really someone you’d want meet?

I may come off sounding like a mpy old man, but I have to point out grumpy old men tend to be right 95 cent of the time. I say, if you’re using Internet to find true love, you really d to step away from the mouse and out and meet some people in real life.

D o n ’ t b e s u c ke re d by t h o s e rtwarming ads—you know, the rable commercials showcasing the pily married couples that supposedly online at one of the gazillion dating b sites that promises to find you true . My personal favorite is the one that s Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be” for kground music. Now, of course I’d er actually suggest that anyone use r service unless radioactive zombies e running amok snacking on people, I really like that song.

Some people will point out that e other than the world famous Dr. himself is okay with being associated ne dating. I would be, too, if some mpany backed a dump truck filled h money up to my house. I might be taken, but I think Dr. Phil also endorses y litter, pimento spread and those e pine tree-shaped air fresheners that hang on your car’s rearview mirror. le kitty litter and an air freshener t makes your car smell like a pine st are useful products, being a shill pimento spread and online dating is son enough to distrust Dr. Phil. Well, and the fact that he’s a mental health ofessional” with a television show.

I’m always amazed when people willing to toss aside what has literally ked for centuries for the latest and atest fad to come down the interstate. at’s so revolutionary about using a mputer for dating? Online dating is cyberspace equivalent of putting r picture and phone number on upermarket’s community bulletin rd. Truth be told, the supermarket’s m m u n i t y b u l l e t i n b o a rd wo u l d bably yield better results given the or stories I’ve heard from people who e actually paid money to use those ng websites. Why pay to meet people yberspace whom you would avoid at osts in real life?

UARY 2010

Maybe it’s the lure of the computer’s efficient and logical approach to finding your perfect match. We’re constantly reminded that computers are perfect and efficient. Newsflash: Computers are built and programmed by human beings, and humans are rarely efficient or logical.

Just ask Mr. Spock and he’ll tell you that Captain Kirk and the rest of the crew on USS Enterprise were some of the most illogical beings he had the misfortune of working with. The same holds true for the cats who program computers for a living.

I don’t know about you readers, but whenever I meet a computer programmer, I always marvel at how socially competent they are and how they have love lives that even a rock star would envy. I’m kidding, of course. Most of those cats are terrified of women, so I would be more than a little hesitant if I had to put my love life in their hands.

I mean, if they knew anything about dating and finding true love, would they be programming computers for a living?

That’s another surefire way to make women avoid you.

Long before computers or the Internet, people met the old fashioned way—by being set up by friends or family members or simply striking up a conversation with someone of the opposite sex. Now it may seem quaint and perhaps even ancient by today’s gigabyte-driven society, where people are more concerned with how many “friends” they have on Facebook, but I’ve found that the old ways are best.

The electronics stores may be filled with really cool useful gadgets, but when it comes to finding love, stick to interacting with people without using cyberspace.

After all, if you’re a woman looking for love, it’s been proven that your social network of friends, family and even co-workers is far more effective than any dating Web site will ever be.

There’s nothing wrong with letting folks know that you would like to meet someone. Chances are there are more than a few prospects that you might have overlooked.

Men have to be a little more proactive. Sure, you can try to use your social network like women do; but when men are trying to find love, they have to remember that finding love is just like fishing. You don’t question what kind of bait the fish responds to or what motivates the fish. Give the fish what the fish wants if you want to catch that particular fish, dude.

B u t m ay b e my a d v i ce wo u l d resonate more if I had a catchy song like Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain” or “Super Freak” by Rick James playing in the background. 

PhOTOgraPhy By aNNE

a man’s point of view www.celebratehiltonhead.com 17

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JANUARY 2010

 a woman’s point of view

by Jean Wharton

I

f I think long and hard, I can remember life without the Internet.

Many CH2 readers may not have memories back that far (nor do they know a life without cell phones, iPods or personal computers).

But even more readers have years of Internet-free memories (and also possess the skills to look something up in the phone book, use a dictionary and even handwrite a letter). I can remember the first time I used America Online, hearing that fuzzy dialing sound as the computer took me to the “information superhighway.” Once I was there, I sort of remember scratching my head and asking, “Now what?”

I am dependent on the Internet in a multitude of ways. I would be clueless as to how I would make airline or hotel reservations without the Internet. I love reading maps and looking at guide books, but when I’m looking for the fastest route to a new destination, I am very rarely found pouring over the atlas with pen and paper. I love milling through the Sunday Times for hours, but we don’t get the paper delivered to our house daily, and when I want to go to the movies, I check show times online.

On an Internet dependence scale of one to 10, one being a person who is able to check and send e-mails and 10 being blog-following, twitter-updating, YouTube-posting, stock-trading, message board reader who has multiple online identities, I’d say I’m about a six and a half.

Being a six and a half means that I have lost more than my fair share of hours doodling around on the Internet, but honestly, sometimes it overwhelms me. The sheer amount of information, opinions and personal accounts available on every subject is enough to flare up anyone’s attention deficit disorder. Of all the areas of our now exceedingly fast lives that the Internet has revolutionized, dating has to be one of the most radical.

But not everything the Internet has to offer is beneficial and, in my opinion, online dating is one of the areas that needs careful scrutiny. The problem is that many users with an eight or higher level of Internet dependency lack the selective scruples to safely date online. Let’s not forget that I am a single girl, so clearly I’ve dipped a toe (albeit a tentative one) into the online dating pool. So, in this case, I speak from some experience when I say it is not as easy as the cute match.com ad makes it look. Nor is it as easy as my married friends think.

First of all, you have to present yourself in a very flat way, with very little room for miscalculation. There are pictures to post, questions to answer and self descriptions to elaborate on which all leave you very exposed to interpretation and judgment. A typo or grammatical error could alienate the more scholarly online dater. A strong political or religious stance might scare off the less assertive, but no less sweet, interesting and attractive searcher.

I don’t care what anyone says about their hobbies, interests, hopes and dreams in their profile, it’s the pictures people care about most. I understand that makes me sound shallow, but anyone who tells you different is just being polite. That’s why a quick perusal of any one of the dating dot-coms reveals shirtless fellas and glammed-up ladies. No one with a legitimate desire to have their online dating experience work out well is going to post an unflattering picture to their account. For reasons unbeknown to me, there are countless pictures of guys standing next to their cars and boats and sitting on motorcycles. Apparently, for some women, mode of transport is important, and they want to know upfront what the guy’s got parked in the garage or docked at the marina; but I venture to guess that most girls online aren’t pictured next to their Hondas.

On the subject of online dating, I may come off sounding like a hater.

I know the success stories are out there (please see the November issue for my opinion of what deems a relationship successful). There are dating sites dedicated to even the most specific subculture; it boggles the mind. If it wasn’t working for somebody, the digital dating scene wouldn’t be booming, as it appears to be.

Online dating is to relationships as browsing is to shopping. It’s nice to look in the windows of your favorite shop, imagine getting everything you want, and enjoy some time laughing with a friend at a ridiculous item, but rarely do you try something on or make a purchase. Hey, the Match.com ad told me, “It’s okay to look.” There’s someone out there for everyone, right? That’s what single girls have to believe on a Saturday night when, donning mascara, tight jeans and high heels, they hit the town with friends. Maybe the Internet dating scene is easier? That’s what people said in the ’70s about personal ads in local papers. 

JANUARY 2010

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Meet C2’s 2o1o

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Bachelor of The Year

W

hat makes a bachelor? On the most basic level, a bachelor has no wife, girlfriend or steady fling. Beyond that, a true bachelor has an intangible sense of freedom, matched with a unique swagger that can only stem from a life not tied to specifics.

It is year four of C2’s Bachelor of the Year contest on Hilton Head Island. Our fourth go at throwing a nomination party, showcasing the fellas in a photo shoot and opening up the voting to the public. This year’s winner seemed to relish in all of the steps leading up to winning Bachelor of the Year, yet has kept a humble air about him. He is well traveled, has worked in lots of professional arenas and has vast personal interests, ranging from skateboarding to cooking. Troy came to Hilton Head in 1995 for a few years, left the island, but came back within the last year (they always come back).

I met our BOTY at the south end Wild Wing Café on a rainy night in December. Without further ado, we present Troy AhYo.

The Rundown

Name: Troy AhYo Age: 46 (at time of interview in December, but he’s an Aquarius so you do the math) Occupation: Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Jester Communications and Urnge.com Hometown: Stanford, California Drink of Choice: Sam Adams Winter Lager (same as the esteemed writer) Meal of Choice: Salad with bleu cheese dressing followed by 12 wings (Chernobyl and Slayer) Ensemble: Black T-shirt, jeans and sneakers C2: You’re 46, still single. Gotta ask...do you want to be married, do you believe in marriage, is that a goal for you?

TrOY AHYO: Yes, I do. All the members of my family are married. I believe in marriage. My parents were married for 30 years, got divorced and remarried... each other. They parted for about a year and then got back together. I believe in marriage in the sense that it’s important in our society. I expect to be married someday.

C2: Kids?

TA: Yeah, I would have kids. I enjoy my time around kids—nieces and nephews, friends’ kids. There have been more than a few times that I’ve been told I’d make a great dad. Both my brothers are great dads, so I know I have it in me.

C2: Is it difficult living away from your family?

TA: I am very close to my family and talk to them multiple times a week. But I’ve lived most of my adult life away from them.

C2: You work in Internet marketing; you could do your work from anywhere...

TA: Yeah, I could. Luckily, I can work from somewhere as beautiful as Hilton Head. I’ve had the opportunity to live in some amazing places: Hawaii, San Francisco, New York, LA, Vegas and a bunch of other places.

C2: What exactly do you do?

TA: I do Web site development and online marketing for Jester Communications and Urnge.com.

C2: How do you think you were able to secure the win?

TA: It has been an excellent learning experience for me. I have a lot of people who care a lot about me who will go way out of their way to do things that would benefit me. Friends and family did heroic things to get me votes. No online magic, just talking to the people who cared about me, which was really humbling.

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Photograph by Mark Staff

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Article by Jean Wharton



C2: Who nominated you?

TA: Lynn Anderson (Core Pilates), my old boss’s wife. I was really hesitant at first, but she thought it would be great for me, and I am very grateful to her for doing it.

C2: How did you feel about your plantation-esque photo shoot in the December issue?

TA: I’ve gotten my fair share of razzing. Mark Staff is such a talented photographer, and he was laughing the whole time, so I didn’t take it too seriously. It was a lot of fun. I’m not a professional model, and I have no experience doing a look, like in Zoolander.

C2: Where did you grow up?

TA: I was born at Stanford University Hospital in California and lived there through high school. I joined the Coast Guard after high school. I got my travel bug in the Coast Guard, living in Hawaii, Connecticut and New Jersey.

C2: Anyone could get bitten by the travel bug living in New Jersey.

TA: Huge life lesson for me—one of those times when life gives you a lesson when you’re in an extremely uncomfortable situation. I was from the West Coast, never been off the West Coast. Living on the East Coast now has opened up my mind.

Californians think it is the most beautiful place on the planet but there are LOTS of beautiful places. I didn’t know that until I was exposed to other places by being forced, through military, to live somewhere else. I learned to appreciate different people and different places.”

C2: Ever been married?

TA: Never been married. Certainly thought about it. I’m surprised that I’ve never been married. Really surprised. Sometimes, it is surprising how fast the years go by. I’ve been best man six times.

It just hasn’t happened to me yet—and I do mean yet.

C2: How have you found the dating scene on Hilton Head?

TA: I haven’t really dated here. I think that it’s a small town.

I have a lot of really close friends here, so I fill my time with that.

I’m not lonely. I was in a long-term relationship for six years prior to moving here. It has been a yearlong re-evaluation. It was a wonderful thing; it just didn’t work. So I haven’t been that motivated to go out and date much.

C2: Where do you like to hang out on Hilton Head?

TA: Jon and Kim at Mellow Mushroom are great friends, I go there a lot. I go see Steve and Bo at the bar at 211 Park. Not so much the Triangle, because that’s not really my scene. Mostly, I work a lot and play outside, so there’s not much room for nightlife.

C2: What did you do when you got out of the Coast Guard?

TA: I went to Fresno State and graduated with my degree in physical therapy. I worked in physical therapy for six years and, from there, started working in the dot com industry. I helped take an online business public and had the opportunity to make a lot of money, but it only lasted a few years.

C2: Where is your family?

TA: My parents live in the Bay Area in California. My whole family is in California, and none of my brothers and sisters have ever lived outside of California. My sister spent a semester in New Hampshire, but other than that they are all there.”

C2: Where are you in the pecking order?

TA: I’m second. I have an older brother, younger sister and younger brother—all married with kids.

Photography by anne

C2: Wow, that must be hard to look back on. Any regrets?

TA: Well, you can either look back with regret or with humor. I try to look back with humor. Some unbelievable opportunities were afforded to me as part of doing that, such as being on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. I opened I believe in marriage. My parents were married for offices in NYC and San Francisco, ate at 30 years, got divorced and remarried...each other. the best restaurants, flew all around the country. I just didn’t manage to hang on to C2: California boy, do you surf? the money. To whom much is given, much TA: Yeah, I surf. Wish the waves could be better around here, is expected. I (like a lot of people who were part of the dot com but I have lots of friends who surf as much as possible. Compared bomb) didn’t make it out with the money. to Hawaii or California, there is really not that much surf, but I’m Just another growth opportunity [he says with sarcasm]. It learning other things, like kite boarding. When the waves aren’t was sort of like winning the lottery. I worked 100 hours a week for there, you’ve always got the wind. I’m sure I’m going to get out over a year to win, but it was much the same thing. I still have great there and hurt myself a bunch of times, but less now as I get older. friends from that time and strong business connections from that time. You could look at anything and see failure or success.

C2: You ride a skateboard?

TA: It does take more time to heal when I hurt myself, but C2: You’re into martial arts?

I still ride a skateboard, because I enjoy it and I figure I’ll start TA: I trained for many years with an amazing teacher. I’m not playing golf in my 60s or 70s. I’m sure I could play golf; my dad is training or teaching right now, but it is one of those things that an excellent golfer, but I don’t feel the need to play it yet. gets into your blood. It allows me to relax a little bit.

C2: Living in the South different than simply living on the East Coast?

TA: I love the people in the south and the beauty of this area. It is so much different from the West Coast, but it has its own unique flavor to it. I would really appreciate it if the water was blue and I could go out diving, but you can drive a few hours from here to do that.

C2: If you could be the best at something, world renowned, what would it be?

TA: “I think that I’d like to be the best doctor or surgeon. I worked in the medical field for a long time as a paramedic in the Coast Guard and as a physical therapist. To be the best healer in the world, to save a person’s life, is an amazing high, and to do that every day would be really rewarding.

> photography by Anne



C2: Why did you get out of physical therapy?

TA: I really enjoyed patient care and the profession in general, but I had financial goals and aspirations that I wanted to achieve.

C2: What would be your ultimate job?

TA: An acquaintance of mine, who lives on the Big Island of Hawaii, is heir to a family fortune. His job is to manage the philanthropic side of things for the family. He spends 10-20 million a year on what he deems appropriate philanthropic endeavors for the family. I think that would be amazing—to get to spend time identifying a need before allocating funds to the people and institutions that would benefit most.

C2: You mentioned that you don’t have cable at your house. What was the last movie you watched?

TA: Embarrassing. I rented the latest Transformers movie, for the special effects stuff. The dialog was complete garbage.

I like great movies. I recently saw, Se Nombre. It’s a brilliant movie. I tend to like a movie that is reasonably intelligent, but also entertaining.

C2: What kinds of music do you listen to?

TA: I like a lot of variety. Sinatra—there is time for Sinatra, but there is also time for hard core ’80’s punk, classic rock or salsa. I love Latin music; it always reminds me of the great times I’ve had on vacation in Latin American countries. Classical music—always on the weekends.

C2: Do you play any instruments?

TA: Badly. The ukulele and guitar, but I haven’t dedicated the time it would take to be competent. I would love to play.

C2: Do you cook?

TA: I love to cook. I see cooking as an expression of love. It shows that you’re going to take care of someone. I love to cook socially, for big parties. On holidays, I can be found with the men in my family, cooking.

C2: Describe the perfect, no limit date...anywhere.

TA: “It’s difficult to say perfect date. I think that it would be with someone I’m really comfortable with whom I’ve dated a while—a reasonably exotic location—a tropical locale at sunset with gorgeous weather and seafood.

C2: What would be a perfect date on Hilton Head?

TA: I love the idea of spending a lot of time on the beach— talking, riding bikes or being on a boat—just getting to spend time together in a beautiful setting. Then cooking for each other or going to a nice restaurant. I do like to cook for a woman. Then again, I like going to a great restaurant.

C2: What is the first thing that you notice about a woman?

TA: A woman who catches my eye is laughing and enjoying herself, with a figure that I find attractive and strong eyes. There are plenty of intangibles about a woman that attract me to her—a confident woman who is sure of herself. There are times when I see a woman across the room and I go, wow! I don’t think there is one attribute to which I’m more attracted. I’ve typically dated women with really strong eyes who take care of themselves.

C2: When dating a woman, what’s a deal-breaker for you?

TA: Insecurity. If I’m attracted to a woman and she has issues with herself, that reflects on me. A woman with no sense of humor is incompatible with me. At the very least, she’s got to find me funny. 

reality

Life's little Piles photography by anne

Written by C2’s 2010 Second Place Bachelor, Chris Lane

E

very so often in a man’s life, something happens that causes him to shut out the external world for a brief, yet strikingly honest, period of selfexamination. In this reflective state, he hits the hypothetical “rewind button” to review the many life choices that led him to the very moment in which he now exists. For many men, this moment may come at the front of a church as the veil is lifted from his beautiful bride. For others, it may come as his first born child smiles at him in its mother’s arms.

My “Life Tivo” moment came on a cold Friday the 13th as I waded through knee-deep horse excrement while a stranger took pictures of me dressed up like a nineteenth century European lady. I am speaking, of course, of the CH2 Bachelor of the year photo shoot.

“What am I doing here?”

“How did I get here?”

“How do I get out?”

These questions raced through my brain as I took each dungladen step towards the photographer, being careful not to look at him, as per my instructions. I made every effort to do as I was told and walk like I was “on a mission,” so that he could capture the “masculine” shot. I could not help but laugh to myself as I drew a mental parallel between wading through horse droppings and wading through my love life. Each squishy, stinky step forced me to consider how I had gotten to that particular pile.

The first few unpleasant feet, I thought about my high school flame and first love, alison. We said that it was going to last forever. We got along very well for years, and, who knows? We

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may have made it. But she had to move to D.C. shortly after college began. Forever turned into just a few short years. young love is cruel like that.

Squish.

Throughout the second leg of the journey, I thought of Pretty Brunette in Literature Class (PBLC). PBLC was amazing. We may have ended up together forever, thus sparing me the agony of my Bachelor Death March, but it is hard to have a lifelong relationship with someone when you lack the testicular fortitude to introduce yourself.

Squish. after adjusting my nether-regions to make sure they were still there (the costume was excruciatingly tight from head to toe), I continued on my journey towards the photographer. The nagging discomfort reminded me of Melissa. Enough said.

Squish.

Finally, I thought of Jennifer. Sweet Jennifer. all she wanted to do was love me. But I was too immature to handle something serious. So there I was, up to my totally numb waist in horse crap.

In that moment, I was a living reminder that the world is small and karma’s icy grip is far-reaching. reality has a way of hitting a man hard after these moments of epiphany.

Somewhere between dodging horse feces, llama spit, and wallet-curious Clydesdales, I snapped out of my trance and realized that this contest could actually be the end of my social life as I once knew it. I began my public relations campaign immediately following the Friday the 13th Massacre at Lawton Stables. The effort was not one to garner votes, but rather a Hail Mary attempt to mitigate the inevitable harassment that was to be directed

January 2010

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towards your humble author once the pictures were released.

The dream that once took root in my heart of hearts had now I had to get “ahead of the story.” I knew that this could not become a nightmare. new scenarios began to play out in my mind. be something that friends and acquaintances just stumbled upon; Dark, evil scenarios. they had to hear from me before they “OMG Jessica, it’s the Hilton Head saw the pictures. This would give me Willy Wonka of the year guy! Did you a chance to put my spin on the whole see that green, floral pattern jacket situation and shift attitudes about the that he wore in the picture? ugh. as Somewhere between final result. It turned out to be one of if. Go back to the chocolate factory, the more unsuccessful endeavors in the creep. Oh, and that video online: what dodging horse feces, course of human history. was that? It looked like he was giving I first called my best friend, ryan, to birth to a riding boot. I was LMaO, but llama spit, and wallettell him about the photo shoot. ryan is not with him, at him. Let’s mock him one of the funniest people I know. He is publicly in this bar and make sure that curious Clydesdales, I the comical lynchpin among my group he is miserable for the rest of his days.” of friends. If he thinks he can get laughs The social stakes had never been snapped out of my trance at my expense, he will not hesitate to higher. To say that I was paralyzed by a do so, and my other buddies would sense of impending doom would be the and realized that this surely join in for a roast-style session understatement of the century. But all that could last for years. With ryan, I of that changed when I was struck by contest could actually be attempted my, “This is SuPPOSED to yet another epiphany. be Funny” defense: “ryan, we were We all know that the Lowcountry the end of my social life going for funny pictures. In no way, at has a vast array of wildlife, and no any point, did we ever consider trying species is more prevalent on Hilton as I once knew it. to be serious, even when I was told to Head than the cougar. My revelation grow my facial hair for three days and came about the third time that one of to look wistfully off to the left of the these majestic creatures approached photographer for every other shot.” me with something to the effect of: With just about everyone else, I played the, “I Have no Idea “Hey! I saw you in that magazine! If you’re THaT lonely, I’ll show What Maggie Was Thinking” card: “I mean, Maggie is cool, but you a good time!”

I don’t know what she was thinking. I guess she has a thing I laughed for about 10 minutes. I realized that this whole sloppy for dudes in top hats and green jackets. I will say this: I rocked situation was very, very funny. My dreams of women throwing the outfit. She must themselves at my feet have been fantasizing were as ridiculous as perception about having tea and my costume. If it did crumpets with me not happen before the instead of considering contest, it certainly alternative costumes.” would not happen The campaign after it. and, besides, of denial is the LaST h ow m a ny t i m e s i n thing I thought I would the course of a life be doing when I first d o e s o n e h ave t h e found out that I was opportunity to dress a f i n a l i s t f o r C H 2 ’s up like an Englishman Bachelor of the year. and have embarrassing In fact, I joked with pictures shoved in the my buddies that I had face of all of his friends just gotten the perfect and family? pickup line for meeting So I stand before women in bars (which, the Isle of Hilton Head by the way, has never as a full-on owner of all actually happened. This of the ridiculous things harkens back to the that I have done since aforementioned lack of this contest began. testicular fortitude.).

The costumes, the The scene played Clydesdales, the horse out repeatedly in my crap, this article…I own mind: all of it. The odds of me photography by mark staff “Hey good lookin’. winning this contest How are you? So, you come here often? I do. I live here. and I are slim to none, but I will enjoy my moment. and, when it’s all was a finalist for Bachelor of the year here, so…you may touch me over and everyone has forgotten about my Willy Wonka-esque now if you feel so inclined. What’s that? Oh, I respect the fact that shenanigans, I will do what I have done since long before CH2 you want to take it slow. Feel free to just marinate in my aura. It’s made me do it on that cold, lonely Friday morning: keep plodding magic, baby. Pure Hilton Head magic.” along to the next pile. 

January 2010

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REEFER

MOON

bookreview

By ROGER PINCKNEy

H

e lives his life by the tide, the sunrise, and the sunset.

His way of life is the Daufuskie Island way. Laid back.

Sand and sea soaked. Preservation focused.

With a gruff exterior and a questioning eye, Roger Pinckney may not endear you at the outset. However, I warmed to him almost immediately the first time I met him three years ago. When he calls you “dear” in his sweet Southern twang it’s hard not to.

But, I think it’s fair to say that some folks may be put off by his pointed commentary regarding those who have invaded his beloved Lowcountry, where he was born and raised.

“My people have been here for seven generations,” he said.

“I am the voice of the dispossessed, white and black. Between the developer and the tax man, the things I love are vanishing…

Everybody who comes here loves the very things they are destroying by their presence: the clean water, the woods, the wildlife. I’d like to send all the more recent arrivals back to where they came from, but barring that, I’d like those who remain to tread lightly on this land I love.”

Now, even as a so-called “recent arrival,” I tend to agree with him. The man has a point. More importantly, he walks the talk.

Pinckney has been a farmer, a teacher, an editor, award-winning writer and I’d venture to say, poet. The focus of his essays and books, to this point, has been on the cultural, historical and environmental aspects of the Lowcountry.

But Reefer Moon was written to entertain. Namely to entertain women, who he hopes will get caught up in the novel while sitting around the pool sunning themselves. Yes, he’s gone

Article by Courtney Hampson Naughton

to the dark side, writing pop-fiction. and he is honest about the reason why… as a freelance writer and novelist, you don’t have a regular payday. In fact, according to Pinckney, “It is downright financially precarious.” So, he is looking to build his retirement fund courtesy of the ladies at the pool.

He tells me that Reefer Moon started as a different story but blossomed into part love story, part tale of a drug smuggler. and, he magically makes the two storylines work in tandem.

Reefer Moon (available at www.rogerpinckey.com or major book sellers) is the first book in his “Lowcountry Trilogy”— he just finished the second, Blow the Man Down, and is working on the finale Mullet Manifesto (I love it already!). and, with this trilogy, he’ll build his portfolio of mass appeal and his retirement portfolio to boot. He is currently negotiating the movie rights to Reefer Moon, which should also help pad the portfolio.

With a sharp wit, a keen sense of self, and an admirable love for the Lowcountry, it is easy to love Pinckney and his writing.

But lest the ladies come a knockin’, he tells me he has a “little young thing in Houston, a gorgeous Texas aristocrat, who was just too good to say no to.” They met on the beach on Daufuskie, not coincidentally where most of his stories begin.

About the Book

“Unforgettable! Roars with life!”

– Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Coastal activist, novelist, and give ‘em hell writer of environmental essays, Roger Pinckney is our Tom Payne of the tides, and this time he’s really done it – Midnight in the Garden of Kiss my Ass.” – John Lane, author of Chattooga and Circling Home

Cover design by Gill Guerry Printed in the United States US $25.95

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“Nobody knows the South Carolina Lowcountry like Roger Pinckney, hunter, fisher and voodoo man. He’s the real thing. When Pinckney writes about love on a moonlit beach, you know he’s been there. Facing down a wild boar in a briar patch, you know he’s been there too. Reefer Moon is a cry for wild places, on the earth and in the heart. Unforgettable! Roars with life!”

– Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times Bestselling Author of Lowcountry Tales, including Sullivan’s Island

The writing is deliciously vivid.

Pinckney weaves a compelling Y story about a tomato farmer, a drug smuggler, and an atlanta businessman’s wife who spends six months out of the year on Daufuskie and has a penchant for playing moonlight golf in her negligee, skinny dipping in the clubhouse pool, and climbing naked into bed with her male friends (but it’s okay in her mind, because they are gay). a not so subtle distaste for the yankee “in his golf shirt and two-toned shoes” is a recurring theme, as is reference to the Good Book and a good stiff drink. Throw in a little gator tail and some ju ju (that’s voodoo in the Lowcountry) for good measure, and you’ve got all the fixin’s for a fun read, fraught with lust and lore.

Pinckney swears the story is absolutely all true, simply couched as fiction (probably not a bad idea). This makes figuring out who the characters are almost as enticing as trying to figure out the ending. after all, if this is a true story, that means we need to start combing the Beaufort County family histories for a local tomato farmer who fell in love with a married-moonlight-golfplaying-skinny-dipping-spooning woman who spent the majority of her time on Daufuskie. (There can’t be more than one!) and, while we are at it, let’s check the record books for known dope smuggling local who may have lost a few hundred pounds of product in a little smuggling snafu.

In the end, Pinckney stays true to his roots and tells an honest story of the Lowcountry—“a world where the river always runs.

The tide always changes. The porpoises blow just beyond the surf line. and the sun always sets”.  Reefer Moon

By Roger Pinckney

ancey Yarboro is home from the war and growing tomatoes on his father’s ground. Susan Drake, married, beautiful and neglected, lives in a beach house not far away. They have never met, at least not yet. When real estate developers come looking for land to expand a golf course, Yancey wonders if he is about to lose everything. But Yancey has four hundred pounds of marijuana salvaged from a dope run gone awry. And he has Gator Brown, near-sighted hoodoo doctor, whose spiritual machinations sometimes fly wide of the mark.

It’s the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

The jasmine is blooming and the moon and the magic are working overtime.

ROGER PINCKNEY

Roger Pinckney was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry. He graduated from University of South Carolina and earned an MFA through the Iowa Writers Workshop.

Pinckney has farmed, taught school and written award-winning features for Minnesota and North Dakota newspapers. His first successful book was Blue Roots, a history of South Carolina voodoo. Since then, he’s produced several collections of essays and his novel, Little Glory has been purchased by a Hollywood independent film maker.

Pinckney is a two-time winner of the South Carolina Fiction Project and Orion Writing Circle Award. He lives on Daufuskie Island, one of the last free and wild barrier islands, where he writes and works diligently to preserve land and culture.

“For the soft sleepy islands that graze the coast of South Carolina, Roger Pinckney is the sure-enough lightning, his writing like the ozone crackle of the drown-you-in-the-ditch thunderstorm that blows in just ahead of a hurricane full of drug runners and real-estate developers and decent people trying to stay that way in a damned indecent world.”

– James R. Babb, Editor, Gray’s Sporting Journal

REEFER MOON

Praise for Reefer Moon

EVENING POST PUBLISHING COMPANY with Joggling Board Press

www.jogglingboardpress.com

January 2010

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

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informed decisions about postsecondary life and career choices by enhancing self-esteem, providing academic enrichment, and developing social skills.

While it may seem obvious to some of us that we will graduate from high school, go to college and get a job, that is not the case for hundreds of students right here in our own backyard. If students and their parents aren’t being exposed to a conversation about “what’s next,” they aren’t going to telepathically find the answers.

And that is where Strive to Excel becomes so valuable.

The program focuses on academics—tutoring, mentoring, college preparation, parent-teacher-student counseling; social skills—public speaking, emotional stability, time management, etiquette; and college and career exposure—internships, jobshadowing, résumé writing and field trips to colleges and universities.

But, perhaps even more important than all of the above is that Strive to Excel looks at each student individually with a goal of understanding everything about that child: where he or she lives, who’s at home, who’s paying the bills. This is more than academics, this is community—a community that deals with difficult issues every day—a community that recognizes that what is happening at home will have a direct impact on what is happening at school. If a family needs help buying groceries, S2E is there. If a student needs new glasses, S2E is there. If a parent can’t make a mortgage payment, S2E is there. If you need something, S2E is there. “It is a human thing to want to help,” Singleton said.

“We want to help.”

But before you think that Strive to Excel is giving away the farm, know this. You have to want it. You have to work for it. You have to make things happen. Key to the success of this program is buy-in from the students and their families. And if you buy-in, and you complete all that is required of you, you will receive scholarship money. (In 10 years, S2E has distributed $300,000 in scholarship money.) But the reward is far greater than just the money.

Amy Metzger, Singleton’s executive assistant, student advisor, girl Friday, event planner, fundraiser, and all around “right hand,” says it best: “The program has become a ‘home away from home’ for so many of our kids—a place for the kids to escape or vent, to feel accepted and nurtured when the day seems heavy and hard, a safe haven. We encourage the students to come by our office any time. Our door is always open for them, and we encourage them to ask if they are in need, be it academic or personal. Their respect and admiration for the program is a lifelong gift to all of us. The program gives them hope when perhaps they felt they had none. I have seen firsthand the difference Strive to Excel has made in the lives of our students, academically, emotionally and socially, preparing them for a successful and bright future!”

Selling hope There is no “typical” student in Strive to Excel. S2E is reaching students of diverse backgrounds, each of them better for the experience. According to Singleton, “Color goes out the window when you are talking about helping people. Color goes out the window when you are selling hope.”

And, he does need to sell it.

Strive to Excel is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT TOP ROW: DANIEL GARCIA, FOREST BRYAN, PATRICK CARROLL, TIM SMITH, CLIFFORD MORROW SECOND ROW: RICHARD JEKINS, RUDOLPH GRAYSON, RAY HARRINGTON, TIM SINGLETON, SAMANTHA PARIS THIRD ROW: LAUREN PENCE, KENNY ROBINSON, BRIAN DARAZS, TIFFANY MILLER, ZACHARY FRAZIER FOURTH ROW: MIGUEL LOPEZ, NATALIE ROBIAN, TIM SINGLETON, DESMOND JENKINS, LESLIE LAYNE FIFTH ROW: DEVANA STEWART, VICTOR FRAZIER, SEAN SHACKELFORD, STEVEN BRADLEY, BRIANA LOCKHART

t

“Strive for Success”; “Chamber Recognizes Year’s Best”; “Just One of the Guys”; “Intriguing Islanders”; “Good Men”; “Fruits of His Labor”…These are just a handful of the headlines that decorate the walls in Tim Singleton’s office at Hilton Head Island High School. After spending time getting to know Singleton, his colleagues, his students and his supporters, you realize that no headline is an exaggeration.

The man Singleton’s story didn’t begin as a headline. It began in the very halls that surround his office today. It was the late ’80s; he was a high school football star, athletically gifted, and he “loved to walk these halls.” He also loved his teachers. Whether they were laughing at his jokes or giving him a D, he remembers the impact they made.

As college loomed, when his guidance counselor (shame on her) told him, “You don’t need to fill out the SAT application, you need to fill out a McDonald’s application,” the jokes were over. He didn’t realize at the time that he was being insulted, but that insult paved the way.

Singleton was recruited by Clemson University, who sent him to Taft College, a community college in California, to work on his academics. So there he was, “a little black boy from the East Coast on the West Coast” in what he describes as the worst experience ever.

Soon after his arrival in California, he was on the phone with his coaches and mentors back home, asking for their help, begging, “Find me a place to go to school.” One semester later, he was back in South Carolina, attending Newberry College. Newberry was a small, liberal arts college in a town that was no stranger to racism—a town where blacks and whites stayed on their own side of the tracks. Literally. An experience that made Tim “the man he is today,” he said. “I learned to deal with different types of people from all walks of life.”

There, Singleton was a star quarterback on the football team, breaking records and receiving publicity for his prowess on the field, yet doing nothing in the classroom. And it wasn’t until one of Singleton’s professors told him just that, and embarrassed him into the realization that he needed to get his act together, that he finally developed a full understanding of the college experience—the need to balance work and play.

Singleton was the first in his family to graduate from college, and with that degree in business and sports management, he was off and running—right back to his hometown where his first job, as transition coordinator with the school district, was waiting. In that role, Singleton really began to make his mark, helping at-risk students bridge the gap between high school and the “afterlife,” whether it was college, the military or the workforce. Working collaboratively with Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Excel program and the privately funded Strive program on Hilton Head Island, he eventually merged the philosophies and created Strive to Excel in the fall of 1999. His first class, the class of 2000, saw all 16 seniors in the program go on to college. With a 100 percent success rate in the first year, it was imperative to keep this ball rolling.

The mission Admittedly, when Singleton headed off to college, he had no idea what to expect. Not coincidentally, the mission of Strive to Excel (S2E) is to prepare students and their families to make

SCOTT SCOTT F. EVANS, F. EVANS, STRIVE STRIVE TO EXCEL TO EXCEL BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER. MANAGER. KEITH KEITH HAMILTON, HAMILTON, STRIVE STRIVE TO EXCEL TO EXCEL COORDINATOR COORDINATOR AT BLUFFTON AT BLUFFTON HIGH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL

means its support comes from local benefactors, community partnerships, regional and national foundations, and local volunteers, each of whom has to believe that Strive to Excel is offering hope.

The VanLandingham rotary supports S2E because, in simple terms, they show results. “They have created a small unit—a mentoring unit—within a very large school that prevents students from getting lost,” said rotarian Lew Wessell. “Strive to Excel is an organization that achieves things. When we see continued results, we know we’ve made a good investment.” and the rotary’s investment continues to grow each year. More than a monetary contribution, the rotary members work as mentors and have even partnered with S2E on their “rotary readers” program, in which rotary members and S2E students read to first graders. The relationship is not a one-way street, and that just increases the value.

Simon Fraser of the Heritage Foundation feels strongly that S2E is filling a much needed niche. “I pick up the paper and I recognize the names of people who went to school with my children, and they are on the wrong track, getting arrested,” he said. “But Strive to Excel is successfully mentoring kids through high school, pushing them to have a plan, whether it is college or work, and making them into contributing members of society.

Strive to Excel creates a better citizen.”

Tom Gardo has known Singleton since his high school days, and serves as a volunteer on the S2E board of directors. Tom calls Singleton an innovator, a motivator. “Tim has a big heart.

He wants to do the best for other people—it’s his strength,” said Gardo. “He loves his community and could have done anything, but he chose to pass his gift along right here where he grew up. We are lucky.” as a board member, Gardo plays counselor to Singleton, applying a business perspective to the non-profit organization and opening the doors of fundraising. Singleton regards Gardo as his mentor. and there is something poetic about that as Singleton’s legacy is as a mentor to so many.

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The lasting impact When Singleton talks about his former students, it is apparent that he truly knows them. While we were together, he flipped through a binder of student records from years past to show me the level of detail they maintain on each student—and with every flip of a page he had another story.

“Oh, rebecca. She was loud, obnoxious, had bad English, spoke out of turn. She was lost. She participated in Strive to Excel and became the first person in her family to ever graduate from high school—high school! We achieved our mission. She is now a productive, tax-paying member of society.”

Flip.

“West Point,” Singleton says as he taps the page and a huge smile spreads across his face. “I remember the day he came into the office waving that West Point acceptance letter in the air.”

Flip.

“Sierra. I never thought I reached her until she sent me a letter thanking me. It’s still there on my desk.”

Flip.

“Liz! This girl raised her SaT score by 300 points. That’s unheard of!”

Flip.

“I receive college graduation invitations, wedding invitations.

I never go. I want to, but if I start …” Singleton trails off.

In their words Chris Monroe graduated from Hilton Head Island High School in 2004. He participated in Strive to Excel at his mother’s insistence. “She saw the benefits of it when I entered high school. It was the first year S2E had opened up the program to underclassmen, and I was in the first group that completed four years in the program,” he said. and while he ponders the most valuable lesson he learned, it isn’t because there weren’t lessons; it is that there were so many. He credits Singleton’s “key words and phrases” that he drilled into them frequently: “Stay proactive” and “Shoot January 2010

for the moon.” Monroe believes that perhaps the lesson best learned is to do just that.

“I can recall my first time hearing Mr. Singleton speak; he kept reiterating and reinforcing the idea of being ‘proactive’ (his favorite word). So, when I hear ‘Strive to Excel’ or ‘Tim Singleton,’ I would tell you ‘stay proactive.’ This one word can tell you a lot of what is defined in the culture of S2E. The thought of what you want to be when you grow up or how to get there can be very intimidating. S2E gave me options to think about and the help and guidance to get where I wanted to go. It taught me to be assertive and stay focused,” he said. “‘Shoot for the moon’ is a phrase that was constantly reinforced by Mr. Singleton. He would tell us to set our goals high, because anything is possible. But S2E taught me that it’s not just about setting goals, it about defining them too. anyone can set a goal, but you need to take it one step further and plot out the course for how you plan to get there,” Monroe continued.

It has been five years since Monroe’s graduation, and he is constantly calling upon reminders from his involvement with Strive to Excel. “This goes to show the impact it has had on my life and the way I approach my future,” he said. “One thing to understand is that S2E is there to guide you and educate you, but in the end, it is you who has to want it. and S2E helped to build that desire to succeed. The name pretty much says it all: Strive to Excel.”

Monroe has since graduated from Clemson university (class of ’09) with a double degree in construction science and management (CSM) and architecture with a minor in business administration. “S2E was there to help me to get my foot out the door, by preparing me for what to expect in college,” he said. “Going into college, I knew the responsibility would be on my shoulders, and I can give credit to S2E for emphasizing the importance of time management—work first and play later, because there is never a deadline to have fun.”

Monroe also credits his mother saying, “For a single mother, raising three kinds can be a lot. Much of her work ethic and determination has carried with me throughout the years and has made me into the person I am today.” after graduation, Monroe was hired by Holder Construction Company as their preconstruction/operations engineer. Mom should indeed be proud.

Kendra Franklin grew up on the island and graduated from Hilton Head Island High School and S2E in 2008. She attributes her inspiration to apply for the program to Singleton. “He walked into the middle school and he just commanded respect. It was clear that he was serious about his mission, and he had an aura about him that made people want to listen,” she said. Franklin remarked that getting a room full of middle schoolers to be quiet and to get an assembly to start on time is unheard of, but once Singleton walked into the room, everyone was listening.

So, Franklin applied for the program and started as a seventh grader with a C average.

With each passing year, she gained more confidence and a better understanding of who she was, which yielded big results.

Franklin’s C average jumped to an a-B average. and she found her voice. When she wasn’t running the basketball court with the varsity team, she was the commentator for the junior varsity games. She learned that she liked public speaking and sought that same respect that Singleton got that first day in the middle school auditorium.

Franklin also learned the importance of people and relationships. “I bonded with people I never would have met if it wasn’t for Strive to Excel,” she said. “We were extremely diverse groups, yet I ended up knowing my Strive classmates better than some of my friends because of the time and effort we put in together.”

Franklin said the most valuable lesson for her was that 38

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January 2010

“good things come with hard work.” She is still working hard as a sophomore at the university of South Carolina where she is majoring in broadcasting with an eye toward radio or television and the opportunity to use that confident voice that Strive to Excel helped her find.

Bluffton born and bred, Chane Brown graduated from Hilton Head Island High School and Strive to Excel in 2002.

He credits S2E with showing him that “there is opportunity.”

Brown first heard about S2E through his football teammates.

Then he heard a little more about the college preparation that the program offers, and he was sold.

It is easy to get lost in the process of college applications, financial aid, SaTs, campus tours, but Brown found that S2E helped him to narrow his focus. “Strive to Excel took the big picture, the wealth of information, and helped me find the information that I needed, that I was looking for,” he said.

When asked about the impact Singleton made on his high school experience, Brown was at no loss for words. “Mr. Singleton is a great person, easy to talk to, laid back yet still an authority figure. I feel like he can reach anybody,” he said. But, it wasn’t just a relationship with Singleton that formed. Brown made connections with his fellow classmates—bonds that won’t be broken. “I know I can rely on them for anything,” he said.

With the tools in hand, Brown found his focus, went on to university of South Carolina, received his undergraduate degree in physical education and is currently pursuing his master’s degree, also in physical education. and he is weighing his future, which he knows will include coaching, teaching, and involvement in youth enrichment programs, with a goal of giving back to the community that he calls home.

The bottom line at 10 years old, the program boasts a 96 percent success rate, meaning 24 of every 25 Strive to Excel students go on to college. The remaining one enters the military, trade school, or begins his or her career. Two hundred-sixty students have graduated from the program since the 1999/2000 school year.

Since that time, the program has expanded well beyond the halls of Hilton Head Island High School. This year, nearly 500 kids are participating in S2E at schools including Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, Hilton Head Middle School, McCracken Middle School, and the two elementary schools on the island. all of this is a direct result of the tenacity and drive of S2E’s fearless leader, Tim Singleton. admittedly, his approach is not always the smoothest. “The gift isn’t always in the right paper, but I love what I do; we love what we do.” and that love is evident.

Singleton is not a man who cares. He is a man who cares with every fiber of his being. He remembers every student, their personal story, what made them special, what made them a pain in the ass, and where they are today. But that is not all. He has garnered a mutual respect from each student who has walked those same halls that he walked—and beyond.

But, he can’t do it alone. He needs—Strive to Excel needs— the help of the community in order to continue to flourish. He needs your time, your talent, your treasure.

He is in the business of selling hope. and, he sold me. 

www.strive2excel.org Writer’s Note: I am especially impressed by Tim Singleton, the S2E program, and the legacy that he has created. Tim brought me to tears more than once during our interview. He moved me. and as we wrapped up, he extended his hand, but I needed to hug him. I found myself overwhelmed by the impact that one man, in two hours, could have on me. Then I thought about a child who starts the Strive to Excel program in elementary school and how he or she will benefit from eight or nine years of that impact. If only everyone could be so lucky.

January 2010

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

Hilton Head Island’s Callahan’s

  Let go Cowboys!

Tony Romo is sooo hot.

R it’s not unusual to find a famous face or two at the bar chomping down a large Callahan Burger (a favorite) and sipping a draft beer.

 I think I need another beer!

emember those television commercials featuring Victor Kiam for Remington? “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.” The same could be said for Vic Neely. For years, Neely, then working for the Waffle House Corporation in Western North Carolina, came down for the Heritage. On one of those trips he “discovered” Callahan’s and loved it. And six years ago, he bought it.

“It took a lot of faith to leave a secure career of 24 years and make a change. But it was worth it,” Neely said. “Our company owned a condo in Harbour Town. I used to bring my district guys down here all the time. We would come down for the Heritage.

That was probably 15 years ago. Every night we would eat seafood, go to the Crazy Crab and CQ’s and have a nice dinner. After about five days, we were down at the Quarterdeck; I was talking with one of the wait staff, one of the ladies there, and said, ‘Look, we just

 Article by Paul deVere



Photography by John Brackett

Why is there is there black paint on my face?...oh well...go team!

 What game are they watching?

^

Home Town

want a locals’ place to go have a hamburger and a beer.’

She said, ‘We go to Callahan’s.’ Every year after that we’d come to Callahan’s. We had a little pool tournament, and just a burger and beer,” Neely remembered. Callahan’s became a regular stop when Neely was on Hilton Head, and Neely became a regular.

Neely might also be compared to “Frank Druffel,” the fictional CEO-type featured in commercials for Post Shredded Wheat, who proclaims, “We put the ‘no’ in innovation.” The actor very cleverly suggests that once you’ve got something right, why change it. Since its opening in the mid 1980s, Callahan’s Sports Bar and Deluxe Grill (while that happens to be the official name, everybody has always called it simply Callahan’s), its menu is substantially the same as are its environs. It started out, and remains today, a local watering hole.

Even its location on New Orleans Road, is truly “local.”

“If that girl at the Quarterdeck hadn’t told me, I’d never have known it was here. I’d have never been on New Orleans Road. I had to get directions,” Neely laughed. “Tourists go down Pope Avenue, into Sea Pines and on 278. That’s kind of it.”

As to change, Neely said, “We still do what we did six, ten years ago: hamburgers, chicken wings, draft beer. We’ll keep the same menu, we’ll keep our prices moderate, and we’ll keep buying the highest quality food. There’ll be no change in that.”

Regular customers, and Callahan’s has had a strong “regulars” following for years, are a mixed bag, young and old(er), bankers, lawyers, food and beverage staff, retirees. “We serve a full menu until 2:00 a.m., so we get a lot of F&B people when everybody else closes down,” Neely said. “We get football and basketball people (Callahan’s displays a number of wide screen televisions and subscribes to a number of sports packages). In the daytime, we get business people having lunch. Any time you go somewhere on vacation, you see people advertising ‘the locals place.’ Well, I think we really are,” said Neely.

There are exceptions. During the Celebrity Golf Tournament in September, it’s not unusual to find a famous face or two at the bar chomping down a large Callahan Burger (a favorite) and sipping a draft beer. “It’s Hilton Head. You get all kinds of people. Jerry Springer has been here a couple of times. He brings his family in, shoots pool for a couple of afternoons,” Neely said. He

(SporTS) Bar

added that because of the atmosphere at Callahan’s, the notables fit right in with the regular folks.

With seating for about 150 people, six pool tables and dozens of televisions, including 1 0 l a rg e s c re e n s , t h e “sports bar” description definitely fits Callahan’s.

Part of the customer base is the presence of local WithWith seating seating for about for about 150 people, 150 people adult teams, celebrating including 10 large screens, the the including 10 large screens, a soccer or rugby victory.

But a few years ago, neely remembered one older customer he found fascinating. “I had a guy, probably in his 90s, used to come in once a week with his son-in-law. He’d come in for a hamburger and one glass of red wine. He was president of General Dynamics. His project was Polaris submarines. I heard stories,” neely recalled.

One of neely’s biggest challenges is keeping up with technology. “We’re always upgrading electronics. We have all the sports packages. We keep trying to stay up with quality.

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January 2010

e,

now we have nTn Buzztime trivia games.” nTn games include everything from fantasy football to card games on the big screens. nTn is now a “must” in sports bars.

Two facets of the business neely likes best are the fact that his two sons are part of his bigger picture. six pool six pool tables tables and and dozens dozens of televisions, of televisions, n e e l y a l s o ow n s “sports description definitely fits Callahan’s. “sports bar”bar” description definitely fits Callahan’s.

Plantation Café and Deli, with locations on Pope avenue and in Port royal Plaza, and both sons help out, though the younger son is still a student at uSCB. not surprisingly, both restaurants are frequented year round by local residents. neely described the other aspect he most enjoys. “Sometimes I’ll buy regulars a beer. I might even pick up their tab. They’ll say, ‘you don’t have to do that.’ and I’ll say that one of the very few advantages of owning a restaurant is where you can be around friends and be a host. I’m here because of the people.” 

January 2010

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 43

 w ha ty ou

ne ed

to

kn ow

Article by Lew Wessel • Photography by Anne

roth ROTHira IRA conversions CONVERSIONS TRUST ME! I KNOW THIS MONTH’S TOPIC SEEMS A BIT NARROW AND TECHNICAL, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY THE HOTTEST TAX AND PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING ISSUE OF 2010. EXPECT, STARTING JANUARY 1, TO BE INUNDATED WITH NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, MAILINGS AND EVEN DIRECT PHONE CALLS URGING YOU TO “CONVERT.” HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

TRADITIONAL IRA VS. ROTH IRA The Traditional IRA account was first authorized in 1974 with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It is a special tax-favored account, designed to help taxpayers save for retirement. Two key attributes of the account are: a) The taxpayer reduces his/her adjusted gross income (AGI) by the amount of the contribution made to the IRA, so that there is an immediate tax savings; and b) Earnings from investments in the account grow tax-free until distributed, so that, with compounding, the investments grow significantly faster than in a taxable account.

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Once you begin to take your money out to live on during retirement, EVERYTHING that comes out of the IRA is taxed—for the first time—at ordinary income rates.

The Roth IRA, first conceived in 1997 and appropriately named the “American Dream Savings Account,” is also a taxfavored account and shares many attributes of the traditional IRA, but is different in two critical ways: a) The taxpayer does not reduce his/ her AGI by the amount of the contribution made to the IRA, so that there is no immediate tax savings; and b) Earnings grow tax-free, as in a traditional IRA, but, unlike the traditional

IRA, they are NEVER taxed.

Cutting to the chase, the difference between the Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA is that the former gives you an immediate tax deduction but eventually taxes all contributions and earnings; with the Roth IRA, there is no immediate tax benefit. The original contribution is with after-tax dollars, but, in return, earnings are never taxed.

THE ROTH CONVERSION The ability to “convert” an existing Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has been around since the birth of the Roth IRA. The basics of a “conversion” are that JANUARY 2010

Cutting to the Chase, the differenCe between the traditional ira and the roth ira is that the former gives you an immediate tax deduCtion but eventually taxes all Contributions and earnings; with the roth ira, there is no immediate tax benefit. the original Contribution is with after-tax dollars, but, in return, earnings are never taxed. the taxpayer moves all or part of his/ her Traditional Ira into a roth Ira and adds the amount that has been moved to his/her taxable income in the year of the conversion. From the date of the conversion onward, the account is now a roth Ira and thus will never be taxed again, even when amounts are later taken out of the account at, say, retirement. up until the end of 2009, “conversions” were only available to those taxpayers, single or joint filers, with adjusted gross incomes (aGI) under $100,000.

Starting January 1, 2010, The Tax Increase Prevention and reconciliation act of 2005 (“TIPra”) eliminates the $100,000 conversion ceiling, opening up

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the conversion possibility to all taxpayers.

In addition, to sweeten the deal even more, TIPra allows for a one-time election, for those converting in 2010 OnLy, to add one-half of the converted amounts to their 2011 and 2012 returns instead of having to stack it all on top of 2010 taxable income.

Why is this such a big deal? Beyond the obvious point that millions more working taxpayers will now be eligible to make a “conversion,” affluent retirees who have rolled their large 401K’s into equally large Traditional I ra’s now have an option to convert these savings to roth Ira accounts and thus significantly change their retirement income and estate planning situation.

DECISION FACTORS Before we get into the details, keep in mind that the essence of the “conversion” decision is simply whether to pay taxes now or later on the amounts in your Ira account. Convert to a roth: Pay nOW. Don’t Convert: Pay LaTEr. Time Value of Money: a general rule of finance is that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow due to inflation and other risks. Therefore, as a general rule, one would rather pay taxes later than sooner. This general rule obviously favors nOT converting. Having said that, there are so many other factors involved, many favoring the roth Conversion, that this general rule becomes just one more complicating factor that must be included in your Conversion Calculator (see below).

How Taxes Are Paid: a good rule to follow is that, if you do a conversion, pay the additional taxes that will result from the conversion with funds nOT inside your traditional Ira. This will allow the full amount to roll forward and increase the non-taxable distributions you will have in the future.

January 2010

Tax Rates Now VS. Future Tax Rates: If you believe tax rates will be higher in the future, this favors a conversion and, perhaps, nOT deferring the resulting taxable income increase to 2011 and 2012.

With the sun-setting of “the Bush tax cuts” in 2011 and with a large national debt to pay off, it’s a pretty good guess that tax rates will be higher down the road.

Your Own Current Marginal Tax Bracket VS. Your Future Marginal Tax Bracket: This is really the key issue and not nearly as simple to determine as general tax rates. Even if you are “sure” that the top tax rate is going to 39.6 percent or higher, that doesn’t mean your marginal rate will be that high. Often, during retirement, taxable income decreases along with that marginal rate. another factor to keep in mind here is that if you convert a large sum, you may move yourself right into an alternative maximum tax (aMT) situation which is a whole other ball of wax.

Your Future Income Needs: a key advantage of roth Ira’s is that there is no minimum required distribution (MrD) after age 70.5, as there is with a Traditional Ira.

Thus, if you don’t need to use your Ira savings for all your income as you grow older, a conversion may add tremendous flexibility to your financial plans.

Estate Tax issues: Similarly, if you want to leave a tax-free lifetime income stream to your heirs, converting will clear the way to do just that. In addition, by converting and paying the income taxes now, you will remove dollars out of your taxable estate.

Investment Performance: you only pay tax on the amount you convert, so, if the portfolio inside your Traditional Ira has taken a beating in the past couple of years, you can make a little lemonade out of those lemons by converting now when your portfolio value is low. Once converted to a roth Ira, your portfolio will be poised to hopefully recover to its pre-slump values, this time tax-free.

STRATEGIES There are some VEry sophisticated strategies involved with conversions that excite the heck out of a room full of CPa’s like me. at the heart of these strategies is the fact that conversions can be legally

undone and then redone, over and over and over (with some timeline restrictions). as an example, let’s say I do a conversion of an Ira of $200,000 on January 1, 2010. at this point, because of the conversion, I will have to add $200,000 to my taxable income for 2010, or, if I make the one-time special election described above, $100,000 each to my taxable income for 2011 and 2012. Let’s further suppose that the stock market immediately tanks and by november, 2010, my portfolio, now in a roth Ira, has sunk to $100,000. This is a horrible situation since not only have I lost $100,000 in my portfolio, but since I converted earlier in the year, I am stuck with recognizing $200,000 in income on my 2010 return.

Or am I? Believe it or not, current tax law allows me to “recharacterize,” or completely reverse, my conversion. This is, of course, exactly what I do, leaving me, once again, with a Traditional Ira, now worth $100,000 and nO additional taxable income for 2010. I’ve still lost $100,000 in my portfolio, but at least I don’t have a tax hit as well. a good deal? you bet!

But wait, there’s more. In January of 2011, I can “reconvert” my Traditional Ira into a roth Ira. The difference is that this time I only have to add to my taxable income the current $100,000 value. This cycle: convert-recharacterize-reconvert can be done over and over until you finally get your money into a roth Ira with the optimum tax result.

Should you or shouldn’t you convert, and, if so, how much? as discussed above, there is no simple answer. you’ve got to run the numbers on this one. Every factor mentioned above, particularly your assumptions concerning tax rates, return on investment and withdrawal schedules will have a dramatic effect on the bottomline. Fortunately, along with your tax professional, there are literally thousands of on-line sites with “roth conversion calculators” that can help you come to a sound decision.

A FINAL CAVEAT I have not covered here some of the complicated and tricky rules as well as very specific timelines and procedures involved with conversions, recharacterizations of conversions and reconversions that must be followed in order to avoid a potential financial disaster. In addition, since each step must be done as a trustee-totrustee transfer, you must make sure you coordinate properly with your trustee (e.g. bank, brokerage firm, etc.) I urge you, as always, to consult with a tax professional as you pursue this very powerful tax planning tool in 2010 and future years. 

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article by linda S. hoPkinS



A Plan for All

Seasons Warm up to Winter at Bistro 17

T here’s someThing magical abouT dining ouTdoors, especIAllY here ON hIltON heAd IslANd Where the BeAutY Of NAture ABOuNds. “But It’s JANuArY,” YOu sAY. “Brrrr…” WhIle thIs MAY NOt Be YOur fAvOrIte tIMe Of YeAr tO pAck A pIcNIc ANd heAd tO the BeAch, shelter cOve hArBOur BeckONs YOu tO BIstrO 17, Where AlfrescO dININg Is IN seAsON All YeAr rOuNd. thANks tO A NeW, stAte-Of-the-Art retrActABle AWNINg, feAturINg crYstAl cleAr IsINglAss; dINers cAN eNJOY AN uNOBstructed vIeW Of sceNIc shelter cOve hArBOur WIthOut the pOssIBle dIstrActION Of WINd, rAIN Or gOOse BuMps.

A

ccording to owner, Anna Buckingham, the awning is one of the best investments she has made since opening the restaurant. On warm days, it is rolled up, allowing Mother Nature to reign supreme. But when Old Man Winter comes to town, customers can still take in the magnificent view while maintaining a sense of being outdooars.

It takes the worry out of planning, Buckingham explained. You can reserve an outdoor table without fear of a last-minute need to duck inside or worrying about being uncomfortable.

In addition to the awning, Bistro 17 is equipped with gas-powered portable heaters for extra warmth as needed, she said.

Wh i l e B u c k i n g h a m a n d h e r staff put a high priority on making customers feel comfortable, they also take pride in serving some of the finest french cuisine this side of the globe. consistently, chef chris carge indulges patrons with fresh, seasonal menus and creative specials. this winter is no exception, with a new prix fixe menu, inspired by last year’s successful restaurant Week, designed to please palates as well as pocketbooks. the 2010

PhotograPhy by anne

restaurant Week, sponsored by the hilton head Island-Bluffton chamber of commerce, will take place January 24-31. But Bistro 17 is getting a head start, offering a four-course dinner menu, including a glass of wine, for only $25.95 throughout the whole month of January. (the lunch menu remains unchanged.) to top it off, on fridays, saturdays and sundays, you can enjoy live entertainment by Jake, who will perform acoustic guitar solos on the patio from 6-9 p.m. Jake has a pop/rock vibe that is contemporary with an ’80s edge (think eagles or van halen). “It’s nice background

Easy Giving It’s no secret that anna Buckingham has a soft spot for dogs. at Bistro 17, she caters to dog owners and their four-legged friends by inviting them to dine together on the patio. Canine kids are offered a water bowl and dog biscuits, on the house, while their “parents” peruse the special doggie menu. Bistro 17 offers three menu choices for dogs.

The all-natural, homemade meals are provided by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, owner of *Lucky Dog Cuisine, and are served in special ceramic dishes provided by the art Café. The cost of each doggie meal is $6, half of which is donated to Best Friends animal Society, a nationwide outreach program, dedicated to building no-kill programs and partnerships to provide homes for pets.

In addition to the sale of doggie meals, Buckingham hosts special events throughout the year, including her annual Halloween costume party for dogs and their owners, donating a portion of her profits to local animal charities such as Maranatha Farms, Jasper animal rescue Mission, Palmetto animal League and the Hilton Head Humane association. She also maintains a donation box for customers who wish to make cash contributions. Over the past two years, she has raised over $2,000 for charity.

“It’s so easy. More restaurants should do it, especially if they have an outdoor venue,” said Buckingham. “Why not do something good while you’re working?”

While Bistro 17 is providing a way for customers to give to charity, Buckingham insists that the animals are not the only ones benefiting. “Dog owners love it. They ask for menus to take back home,” she said. But even those who claim to be “non-dog people” find themselves drawn to the animals and their owners. “Whenever a table has dogs, it promotes conversation, fosters new friendships and creates an atmosphere of relaxation,” said Buckingham.

Come see for yourself. Visit Bistro 17 today. Bring your appetite, your best friend and your heart. For reservations, call (843) 785-5517. *Lucky Dog Cuisine is available for retail sale at select local businesses and online. For more information, visit www.luckydogcuisine.com or call (843) 227-5900.

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(continued from page 50)

music—no vocals to interfere with conversations,” said Buckingham.

If you prefer to dine indoors, Bistro 17 offers a limited number of tables, set with crisp white linens in an elegant wine bar setting— perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering or small group event.

Indoors or out, a warm welcome awaits at Bistro 17, Hilton Head Island’s all-season favorite. 

Bistro 17 is located at 17 D Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove Marina (to the right of the Neptune statue as you face the water). The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11 am - 5 pm, dinner from 5 pm - 9 pm. For reservations or more information, call (843) 785-5517 or visit online at bistro17hhi.com.

Four Course Tasting Menu for January Includes a glass of La Vielle Ferme red or white wine

Course One - Choice of

Low Country She Crab Soup Tomato Basil Bisque

Course Two - Choice of

Bistro 17 Salad Mixed greens tossed with tomatoes, onion, dried cranberries, pine nuts with house balsamic vinaigrette.

Poached Pear Salad Field greens, candied pecans and Maytag blue cheese finished in a port vinaigrette.

Classic Caesar Salad

Course Three - Choice of

Chicken Paillard Pan-fried chicken breast, pencil asparagus, chevre mashed potatoes and lemon.

Almond Encrusted Salmon Served over pommes puree, micro carrots, fresh pomegranates and a pomegranate buerre blanc.

Moules Marinere Mussels sautéed with shallots, garlic, brown butter, white wine and a touch of crème, with a side of white truffle pomme frites.

Icelandic Cod Zucchini squash, tomatoes, rosemary, white wine and garlic, steamed in parchment.

Boeuf Bourguignonne Boneless short ribs, carrot, pearl onion, mushrooms and bacon, all braised in red wine.

Course Four - Choice of Classic Crème Brulee Pot de Crème January 2010

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 53

Preventative care is the best medicine from

Diapers to Depends!

If prevention is to work, it still rests with the patient to make it work.

“When you’re a smoker, all bets are off. Stop smoking.

People need to take responsibility also. They don’t exercise, or follow proper diets - there are so many couch potatoes,” Perez said. “Prevention takes a lot of time, a lot of education.”

“Y

ou can diagnose a problem, fine.

You can treat the problem, fine. That makes a good doctor. What makes the best doctor is when you can prevent it from even happening. There’s nothing better,” said Dr. Gaston Perez. As a primary care physician, prevention is what he is all about. “The best medicine is prevention,” he said.

But Perez believes prevention is a two-way street.

“Part of prevention is motivating the patient. They have to do it themselves. If they aren’t compliant, all bets are off. However, you have to make it easy for them to take it (treatment). And then there’s the money. If it’s

Perez sees patients of all ages: children,



teens, their parents and grandparents. But when he opened his clinic, Global Family Medicine, five years ago, he looked at the main health problems people face today—problems that are preventable.

A R T I C L E B Y PA U L D E V E R E

•

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

expensive for them, they’re not going to do it. So you’re going to have to find out where they stand. To make prevention work, all of that has to be in the mix. If one thing is out of that formula, then there’s no prevention. The biggest problem we have in health care today is compliance.

Prevention won’t work unless the patient wants to do it,” Perez explained.

Perez sees patients of all ages: children, teens, their parents and grandparents. But when he opened his clinic, Global Family Medicine, five years ago, he looked at the main health problems people face today— problems that are preventable. “I looked into the main things that kill people. That’s basically heart attacks and strokes,” Perez said. “These are not necessarily the most common medical problems, but ultimately the things that cause heart attacks and strokes are the three things I see the most

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here: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. So it all ties in,” he explained. among other weapons Perez has in his arsenal to repair and prevent harm from those conditions, he relies on two tests that are truly state of the art and new to the Lowcountry. For cholesterol, he uses what is known as the Berkeley Test. “It’s the most advanced cholesterol test in the world. They actually genotype you. you have seven bad ‘cholesterols.’ Four will kill you and the three others are so worthless they are not going to do anything to you,” Perez explained.

I n t h e B e r ke l ey te st , t h e to t a l cholesterol number is analyzed together with the particle size of the HDL and LDL cholesterol and percentages of each, as well as genetic markers that are indicators of potential coronary artery disease.

“Five years from now, people won’t

ask, ‘What’s your cholesterol?’ They’ll ask, ‘What’s your apoB?’ The apoB (the scientifically accepted measurement for a more accurate reflection of the total bad cholesterol burden) is one number, and we know that if you can get that number below 60, you’re going to start to get plaque regression,” Perez explained.

(Plaque in blood vessels is a major cause of coronary heart disease.)

“If we catch it (plaque) early, we can reverse the process. We can do things about it now, like putting you on high dose statins, which we know in evidence-based medicine are proven drugs to reverse the process and prevent huge amounts of problems,” Perez said. another tool Perez uses is the METTEST. It is a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) that assesses how well the heart, lungs, and muscles are working

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individually, and how these systems are working in unison. unlike traditional stress tests, where a treadmill is used, the METTEST is done on a bicycle.

“It’s the most sensitive test for congestive heart failure. The highest cost to Medicare is congestive heart failure. It’s not because of heart attacks. It’s because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Congestive heart failure is basically separated into two types. One, called systolic, is where the heart muscle is just weak. you get that because you get heart attacks. But that makes up only 5-7 percent of the people who have congestive heart failure.

“The biggie, the one that really is a problem, is called diastolic dysfunction.

The heart muscle, if anything, is strong too thick. It’s built up. What happens is you get a stiff heart. So when it tries to fill up with blood, it can’t. It’s stiff. When

January 2010

it tries to relax, it can’t. It’s stiff. So the blood starts backing up. That’s purely from uncontrolled hypertension. When you do the MET-TEST, because you’re exercising the heart at the same time, the test is able to pick up a problem. “you can detect blockages at the microscopic level. There’s lack of blood going to the heart. you’re actually seeing it. Basically, the left ventricle—the bottom part of the heart—is just acting freaky when it starts asking for blood. What we see in the MET-TEST is a decrease in the output,” Perez explained. The test allows him to take preventive measures well before any symptoms occur.

For diabetics, Perez said that he treats them like they’ve already had a heart attack.

“If you’re diabetic, you’re already going to go on cholesterol and blood pressure drugs—drugs to cover three systems. If you treat a person as if they already had a heart

attack, even though they haven’t had one, they won’t have a heart attack. a diabetic is at a super high risk for heart attack. all these people are going to need blood pressure pills, cholesterol pills, and medication to control their sugar,” Perez said.

If prevention is to work, it still rests with the patient to make it work. “When you’re a smoker, all bets are off. Stop smoking. People need to take responsibility also. They don’t exercise, or follow proper diets - there are so many couch potatoes,” Perez said. “Prevention takes a lot of time, a lot of education.”

He admitted he will do just about anything to help with patient compliance. He smiled and said, “as a doctor, I’ll scare you so you’ll do the things you need to do.”  For more information about Global Family Medicine, visit www. globalfamilymed.com or call 843.815.6468.

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Photograph Photograph

by Rob

by Rob Kaufman Kaufman

Get GetHitched HitchedononHilton HiltonHead...

Head...

ALL ALL EXPENSES EXPENSES PAID! PAID!

Photograph by Scott Moody

SPECIAL SPECIAL TOTO CH2 CH2

Are you preparing to POP THE QUESTION? Or are you ANTICIPATING A PROPOSAL with Valentine’s Day around the corner? This year, the thought of an engagement, much less a full-blown wedding, may be DAUNTING NO MATTER HOW SWEPT OFF YOUR FEET YOU ARE OVER YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. The cost of the perfect engagement ring, ultimate reception, fairy tale honeymoon and custom-engraved invitations to your family and one hundred of your closest friends is staggering, and in this economy, PERHAPS IMPOSSIBLE, UNTIL NOW.

Photograph by Kacey’s Impressions

S

oon-to-be brides and grooms, take your mark and get set… your entire wedding weekend could be cost-free! That is, provided you are the lucky couple with the winning tale of true romance and a wedding proposal that

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beats the competition. Celebrations Catering and Events and CH2 invite you to share your unique story with us via the online entry form at www. wecelebrateyou.com. Then stay tuned for updates. Hundreds of area couples have already inquired about the entry application, and these contestants, along with you and others from Hilton Head, Charlotte, Atlanta plus fiancés and fiancées from around the country, will be narrowed down to five finalist couples this April by our select circle of judges.

CH2 readers will be the judges when the final five couples compete on the island for the coveted prize, a totally complimentary wedding weekend, from rehearsal dinner to bridesmaids’ brunch

JANUARY 2010

and spa, groomsmen’s golf and, of course, the deluxe resort ceremony and reception following. We’ll even throw in the farewell brunch following the nuptials. Accommodations for the lucky couple will be covered, as well as those of immediate family members. Discounted accommodations will be extended to wedding guests. Courtesy transportation will be provided. Could it get any better for the chosen couple?

Actually, yes. Once the winning couple is selected in May 2010, all wedding details that would normally plague the

Photograph by Anna & Spencer Photography

Please Register at: www.wecelebrateyou.com

by Feb. 14th, 2010

new bride, her mother and potential wedding planners will be handled flawlessly and for FREE! The winning couple will be offered four themes from which to choose their dream wedding backdrop. Will they wed on the beach, under a grove of live, moss drapped oaks, or poolside? Or will they say “I do” in a more traditional setting? The choices will cover a wide range of preferences and tastes, emphasizing the true versatility and charm of one of the Southeast’s favorite wedding destinations, our own Hilton Head Island.

Once the theme for the prized November 2010 wedding is selected, our readers will once again determine the shape of the rewards of Get Hitched on Hilton Head. We’ll ask for your input regarding decisions such as which is the perfect wedding cake? Who should photograph the sacred event? What will the bride-to-be wear? From gown to jewels, to invitations, venue, cuisine (and more), the details offer the opportunity for numerous island businesses to showcase their wares and services. All participating businesses will strut their stuff on the pages of CH2 and voting will occur throughout the coming summer months. We’ll share all final results with you via the pages of the magazine and online. Our media partners will also keep you informed of the latest developments as the winning couple prepares to Get Hitched!

So what are our judges looking for in the winning couple? There are few limitations in the run for the coveted, costless island wedding. First and foremost, all entry forms must be received by February 14. All couples qualify, regardless of their ages, location, p ro fe ss i o n s o r b a c kg ro u n d s . * Th e compelling factor will be their story… what brought them together, kept them united and led to the decision to marry.

Perhaps the two met through a blind date they resisted, or amidst the trauma of serving time with a military division overseas. Maybe they’ve known each since the sixth grade with hopes of one day reuniting. Or theirs could be a story of daring passion, kept secret against all odds! The winning story will be published in the May edition of CH2 (and online) as we congratulate the two lucky-in-love and initiate the planning of one of Hilton Head’s most memorable weddings ever.  Please go to www.wecelebrateyou.com to register for Get Hitched on Hilton Head.

All entry forms must be received by February 14, 2010.

JANUARY 2010

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Article BY PAul deVere PhotogrAPhY BY MArk StAff



Y Let’s Go FLy



You may have seen it in the skies over Hilton Head, its bright yellow wings and fuselage against the blue backdrop of a clear, Lowcountry sky. Or maybe you heard the distinctive sound of the 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney radial engine as it pulled the one time, open cockpit U.S. Army Air Force trainer through humid ocean air.

“The jet is the science of flying. The Stearman is the art of flying,” said the biplane’s owner, Scott Martin. Martin also happens to fly jets, something he’s been doing for a long time.

He is a test pilot for Gulfstream Aerospace and a resident of Indigo Run. He was with the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, flying an F-16 the entire time and zooming around, checking out the supersonic, stealth F-22 as an Air Force test pilot.

The reason he is at Indigo run? “I had to be close to the airplane,” Martin said, who keeps the plane at a hanger on the general aviation side of the Hilton Head airport. Talking about his plane draws an easy smile from the test pilot.

He outlined its history.



“Before the start of World War II, the Army Air Force had Boeing build 10,000 Stearmans in (Wichita) Kansas. The one I ended up with, kind of middle of the pack, was built in 1943. It ended up in Phoenix, AZ at Luke Air Force Base. Left there in 1951, was a crop duster to ’81.

There are still 2,500 registered. They had a viable economic use after war. It’s a 75-year-old design, yet there’s not a part on that airplane that is not still being manufactured,” Martin explained.

Because of its crop duster background, Martin’s plane has a 450hp Pratt & Whitney engine, much more powerful than the 220-hp Continental the original training planes had. “A typical Stearman climbs at 400 feet a minute. Mine does 2,000 feet a minute,” said Martin. But it wasn’t the power that

first caught Martin’s attention. “What first drew me to it was the sound. When that thing is in flight, it’s not that little whiney ‘buzz’ sound you get from a Continental. Some people like the sound of a Harley driving by. Well, this is the whole biker gang. It’s not too loud. It’s perfect.” Martin said, grinning.

Martin’s father was a test pilot for NASA for 30 years. “He didn’t bring his work home with him a lot, but I saw it,” said Martin. When he was about 12 years old, a family friend, who happened to be the lead test pilot for the F-16, took Martin out to a hanger and sat him down in the cockpit of the brand new aircraft.

He fondly remembered the occasion.

“There were only six (F-16s) in the whole world back then, and they were all at Edwards (AFB). I said to myself that I

think I want to do this when I grow up.”

But Martin didn’t start to fly until he was 19 and a student at the Air Force Academy with the ambition to become a fighter pilot. “I had help doing this. I had to forgo a lot of the typical teenager, early 20s type of things because it’s nothing but work and competition to get into. I had a lot of good guidance,” Martin said. “I was one of those people who, at a fairly young age, figured out what I enjoyed doing. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do. If I wasn’t flying professionally, it would be my hobby,” he said.

Getting to fly the F-16 was a big step in Martin’s career. There were over 4,000 made with about 2,500 in the U.S. Airforc. But becoming a test pilot was huge. Martin explained that there are

fewer than 1,000 in the world. Even though test pilots still can’t buy life insurance, the job of test pilot today is much different than when Chuck yeager and neil armstrong (Martin met both men) were seeing if a new plane could actually fly. “They took a lot more risks. It used to be kick the tires, light the fires. If you came back and gave it a thumbs-up, to the war it went. nowadays, it’s much more risk adverse,” explained Martin.

The first time a Stearman entered Martin’s life was simply happenstance. When he was at Eglin air Force Base in Florida, they had an open house and invited owners of both civilian and vintage military planes for a show. “One of them was a Stearman.

“I was one of the organizers of the air show, and my boss said to pick one of the airplanes.

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January 2010

He said, ‘I’ll buy the gas for it; see if one of them will give you a ride. I wanted to fly that Stearman. I wanted to fly in that open cockpit. So this guy from Ocala threw me in the seat of his Stearman.

We were in that plane for about 20 minutes, but it felt like five seconds. It was the best time I’ve ever had in an airplane. I said I’ve got to have one of these,” Martin said.

That was in 1999. In 2002, he found himself in Dayton, Ohio, working on the business side of the F-22 program. “My job was to apply real world flight test expertise to the program. Decisions were made that made absolutely no sense in the field. It was my job to kind of be a filter. I started flying when I was

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19 and here I was, 36 years old, and for the first time in my life I’m not flying.

It seemed like I was the only test pilot who didn’t get to fly,” Martin said with a laugh.

So he started looking for a Stearman and found one in southern California. “It was located near Salinas and Monterey, John Steinbeck country, right where I grew up, at the Flabob airport in riverside,” Martin said. He only had one small problem: He had never flown a Stearman. His good fortune held. Just a short hop south of Dayton is the red Stewart airfield outside of Waynesville, Ohio. It is a family-owned grass field, run by the founder’s son, “Cub” Stewart and his

son, Emerson. not only were they flight instructors, they owned a Stearman.

“I went down there and told them, “There’s this airplane out in California I want to buy and I have no idea how to fly it, and I’m about to fly it 1,500 across the country. Can you guys help me out here? They got me really comfortable.

I put in 12-13 hours in a Stearman. I owe Cub and Emerson. They taught me the real way to fly a Stearman,” said Martin. It was then, Martin suggested, he became an artist.  (Author’s note: At the end of our interview, Scott Martin finished up his Starbuck’s coffee, looked me square in the eyes and said, “Let’s go fly.” And we did.)

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Open

Illustration by Dana Rose, Mine Studios

Article By Frank Dunne, Jr.

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Article By Frank Dunne, Jr.

The Colombian

Cocaine Cartels DEA

Last spring, it was my pleasure and privilege to interview former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, Larry McElynn, and share my account of those conversations— Larry McElynn’s Stories from the DEA, in CH2’s May issue. This past October, Larry introduced me to several of his former colleagues at the Association of Former Federal Narcotics Agents (AFFNA) annual conference, held at Hilton Head’s Westin Resort. This second part of a threepart series taken from my interviews with those outstanding people takes a look at DEA’s battle to dismantle the infamous Colombian cocaine cartels in the 1980s, with perspectives from Bob Nieves, who served as DEA’s Director of Major Investigations during much of that time. Many thanks to Larry, Bob, Jack Lawn, Richie Fiano, John Costanzo, and Chuck Gutensohn for their contributions.

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n 1975, President Gerald Ford’s Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force issued a White Paper addressing drug abuse in America. The White Paper stated: “Cocaine…usually does not result in serious social consequences such as crime, hospital emergency room admissions, or death.” Thus, the Task Force recommended de-emphasizing cocaine (and marijuana) investigations and giving higher priority to heroin cases.

Later, President Jimmy Carter’s drug advisor, Dr. Peter Bourne, was quoted as saying: “Cocaine is probably the most benign of illicit drugs currently in widespread use. At least as strong a case could be made for legalizing, it as for legalizing marijuana.”

The administrations’ state of denial belied the reality that, during the 1970s, cocaine and marijuana had become the main drugs of choice in the U.S., and Colombian drug traffickers were

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more than happy to oblige the market. While drug enforcement agencies were being told to focus their attention on heroin, marijuana and cocaine from Colombia was coming into the country by the ton. With this lackadaisical attitude toward marijuana and cocaine, traffickers in those drugs faced little opposition to their operations.

By the mid 1970s, South Florida had been overrun by violent, Latin American marijuana and cocaine traffickers, establishing Miami as the drug capital of the Western Hemisphere. In 1979, illegal drug trade was the state’s largest industry, said to be worth $10 billion per year.

That year, the American public received a rude awakening when two men were killed and a clerk was wounded in a broad daylight liquor store shooting at the Dadeland Mall, Florida’s largest shopping center. The dead men were identified as a Colombiabased cocaine trafficker and his bodyguard.

The Ford Administration White Paper’s claim that cocaine “usually does not result in serious social consequences” was starting to look pretty stupid.

Despite their orders to focus on the heroin trade, drug enforcement agents were nevertheless observant of an increase in the volume of cocaine coming into the country. Around 1974, DEA agents began to notice a connection between many of their cocaine seizures. What had been thought to be a series of isolated, unconnected trafficking operations was starting to look more like an organized network. DEA estimated that 70 percent of the cocaine coming into the U.S. was coming from Colombia. Investigations were increasingly uncovering networks tied to Colombia, and it was happening all over the country.

Former DEA agent, Bob Nieves, was there, and he saw it all.

“In the 1970s when I first came on, the people who were doing most of the cocaine business—at least from our perspective in New York City—were Chilean. Then around 1973 was the overthrow

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of the Chilean government,” said Nieves. Although that particular coup d’etat resulted in years of violent military rule, it did have a negative effect on Chilean organized crime. “The Colombians saw an opportunity to fill the void. And they did.

“The first time we saw Colombian cocaine traffic of any relevance in the United States was around 1972 in New York City. At that time, we saw Colombian traffickers engage in smuggling, using clever techniques like concealment in coat hangers, concealment in a bird cage, concealment within double-sided suitcases…these kinds of things.”

But drug trafficking is a growth-oriented enterprise, and as the traffickers perfected their craft, the volumes of cocaine shipped into the U.S. grew. “We realized how organized they were becoming,” said Nieves. “Over the course of my career, I had the experience of watching Colombian cocaine trafficking evolve from the point where they were doing one or two kilos, to Boeing 727 airliners loaded with five, six, or seven tons of cocaine. The first big indictment we got against these guys was about 1974-75 when we indicted about 35 well-organized people engaged in cocaine smuggling.”

These guys turned out to be what would later become known as the Medellin Cartel, one of the most ruthless and powerful criminal syndicates the world has ever seen.

During the 1970s, a friendship developed between a marijuana trafficker by the name of George Jung and Carlos Lehder, who had ties to Colombia, while both were in prison. Jung had been smuggling massive quantities of marijuana into the United States using private aircraft before his arrest and conviction, and the pair concocted the idea to do the same with cocaine.

When both men were released from prison, Lehder purchased Norman’s Cay in the Bahamas to serve as an air base for smuggling cocaine into the United States.

Colombian traffickers, based in the city of Medellin, took advantage of this pipeline into the U.S., and by the early 1980s, the Medellin Cartel was shipping 125 tons of cocaine per year to the United States. “By the late 1970’s they were doing—at any given time—routine 50-kilo shipments to a place like New York City,” said Nieves. This was up from 10, 20, 30 kilos per week in the earlier part of the decade.

It was now pretty clear that cocaine was not as relatively harmless as earlier conventional wisdom suggested. Drug use and abuse had reached an all time high in 1979 in the U.S., and the now-entrenched Medellin Cartel was exporting other evils of drug culture to the United States in addition to the product.

The Cartel not only controlled the Colombian cocaine industry, it controlled Colombia. Murder, intimidation, and assassination were the preferred methods for keeping the press and government officials quiet.

By 1985, Colombia’s murder rate was the world’s highest. Over 1,600 people were murdered in Medellin alone that year, and twice as many the following year.

But the violence and mayhem were not confined to the South American country. The drug traffickers had become so well organized and so pervasively networked in the United States that they were able to infiltrate legitimate business sectors like banking and import/export. Drug gangs formed on the streets of American cities and towns, bringing violence and terror to communities. Pablo Escobar and Fabio Ochoa became household names in the United States.

“We were not strategically organized within the government to deal with that,” said Nieves. The cartels had, by this time, perfected the distribution of cocaine. They had their cell groups in place throughout the United States, and they were importing as much cocaine as they wanted, notwithstanding the fact that we were seizing hundreds of kilos at a time.

“The initial national response was to create a big task force, but even the way it was structured was fragmented. It was still being dealt with as a regional problem, even though, by that time, it had become a global problem.

“And then around 1980 the crack cocaine epidemic hit the United States and changed the whole perspective of priorities at DEA.” Thanks to the nearly unabated flow of cocaine—“We couldn’t even work cocaine cases from about 1977 to 1980 because heroin was our priority, said Nieves”—supply of the drug eventually exceeded demand, despite its rising popularity, and the cocaine industry had surplus inventory on its hands.

Astute marketers that they were, the traffickers needed a way to boost demand so they could move excess supply. A cheaper, more addictive form of cocaine would make the drug available to a wider market with a bigger appetite. The revolutionary new product was crack, and the cocaine business was about to have a fire sale.

“Along with crack came addiction,” said Nieves. “Most cocaine abuse prior to 1980 in the United States was snorted and used recreationally. When crack hit, the drug was no longer confined to the jazz and art community—was no longer only a part of the sub-culture of the pop generation, so to speak. Now it’s all over the United States.

Now it’s in the Midwest. Now it’s in rural America. Young kids are smoking a form of cocaine that’s as addictive as heroin.

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“By then, because of so many years of inattention, the cartels had really gotten a foothold in the United States. It wasn’t until about 1984 that we took our first shot at trying to get organized to fight them. I was fortunate enough to wind up in a job where I could have some impact on the policy. We began to organize ourselves in such a way that treated it as a national and international threat and created coordination at the headquarters level to attack the problem. That’s when we focused on different leaders of the cartels and put in programs to bring them down. We did this over the course of the next several years.”

The cartels were very highly organized and, in many ways, were no different than any other corporate enterprise that manufactures and markets a product. Their business required raw materials, plant and equipment, transportation, financing, communication, and a leadership hierarchy. DEA adopted a new strategy aimed more at attacking the corporate structure and less at seizing drug shipments.

One tactic was to disrupt the flow of chemicals used in the manufacturing process. “They’re essentially a commodity and were delivered in tanker trucks for the most part,” said Nieves. So it was not very difficult to find and block chemical shipments, but this wasn’t enough to deliver a real knockout blow. “Resilient as they are, if you were putting a damper on their shipments of acetone, they would switch to an acetone-like substitute.”

DEA also targeted the money. To do that, they established undercover money laundering operations, which allowed them to follow the money and seize accounts all over the world.

The real targets, though, were the bosses—the kingpins. To get them, DEA needed to infiltrate the cartels’ communications.

“We mandated that everyone was going to use wiretapping,” said Nieves. “You can’t penetrate these cartels at a certain level because anybody in a position of authority isolates himself. Intercepting their communications was the only way to get that information without an informant.

“In order to do that well, you had to be sure that everybody was on board. The key cities in the U.S. were New York, Miami, Houston, and L.A. You had to have all these people talking and sharing information, which prior to that was a rarity. Breaking that mold was hard, but we were able to do it. This got the DEA effort running like a fine-tuned machine. Over time it worked. The bottom line is, over the next three or four years the cartels as we knew them were pretty much done.”

In the early 1990s two of the Medellin Cartel’s three top leaders, Fabio Ochoa and his brother, Jorge Luis, surrendered to Colombian authorities. This left Pablo Escobar. However, by that time, the Cartel had crumbled to a point where Escobar’s primary pursuits in life were paranoia and self-preservation. The final years of his life were spent running and hiding from the law, enemies in the drug trade, and any former friends whom he hadn’t gotten around to killing. It ended for Pablo Escobar when the Colombian National Police took him out with a fusillade of bullets on December 2, 1993.

“He came to his rightful end if you ask me,” said Nieves. “The only rewards you get in the police business are the recognition of your peers, the recognition of a job well done, and a sense of accomplishment. So were there a lot of people celebrating the day Escobar got killed? You bet there were.”

While a major victory for drug enforcement, the demise of the Medellin Cartel obviously did not forever eradicate the cocaine trade. “There’s always somebody waiting in the shadows to step in,” said Nieves. Case in point: the Cali Cartel, which operated parallel to Medellin, but eventually shifted much of its business to post Cold War Eastern Europe. Today, Mexico is the U.S. market’s primary source of cocaine.

Does it frustrate the men and women of DEA to know that the drug trade continues despite their efforts? Perhaps on a certain level it does, but it’s a job that requires a pragmatic viewpoint.

“Jack Lawn (former DEA Administrator) said, ‘There is no law enforcement solution to the drug problem,’” said Nieves. “But we play our own small role.”

DEA will keep doing its part, but cultural attitudes need to change if the drug problem is to be solved.  JANUARY 2010

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A WINNING BID

VanLandingham Rotary to Host 16th Annual Charity Auction What’s more fun than eBay, more lucrative than the lottery and more satisfying than writing a check for charity? The VanLandingham Rotary auction, of course—an event that combines the thrill of the hunt with the excitement of competitive bidding, all for the benefit of children. Does it get any better than that? by Linda S. Hopkins

I

f you’re thinking, “Ho-hum…another fundraiser,” think again, because this is one you don’t want to miss.

The 2010 auction will be broadcast live on WTOC television (Savannah’s channel 11), Sunday, February 28, from noon-3 p.m.

Online bidding begins Wednesday, February 24.

According to Rotarian Brian Goode, the club expects to auction off approximately 300 items, with an estimated total value of over $250,000. The auction typically yields at least 50 percent of value, allowing the club to make substantial contributions to area children’s charities, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Children’s Center.

This year’s primary beneficiary is the Children’s Center.

Goode, who along with local auctioneer and fellow Rotarian, Sonny Huntley, “dreamed up” the first auction in 1994, says the JANUARY 2010

key to this wildly successful event is the practicality of the items up for bid. “It’s an every man’s auction, meaning that we have items that appeal to everybody: landscaping services, cable TV for a month, pool cleaning, dental cleaning, chiropractic care, eye exams…and restaurants and golf, of course! Invariably, we have a few high falutin’ things like exotic trips, but the emphasis is on goods and services that everybody can use,” he explained.

The other key is the ease of participation, said Goode, citing advances in technology that makes bidding as easy as a mouse click. “You never have to leave your house. You can sit there with your newspaper, watch it on TV and play along on your laptop computer,” he said. “Anyone can bid from anywhere.” www.celebratehiltonhead.com 75

A WINNING BID

THEN AND NOW Describing the early days of the event, broadcast on Joy 108 radio and WHHI TV, Goode said, “When we first did it, the auction was a tremendous amount of physical work…much more manual. We had a dozen or more people answering phones, taking bids, as well as a live component to the auction. We had a huge ballroom and a platform. At the end of every interval, Sonny Huntley would do his dog and pony show with the live auction participants. It looked like controlled chaos, but it worked.”

“It was crazy,” said Huntley, describing plywood boards displaying auction items with hangtags for the bids, primitive software, people management issues, power outages and other assorted challenges. “It’s come quite a long way.”

Successful from day one, the auction has grown into “a huge money maker,” said Diane Fornari, current president of the VanLandingham Rotary club. “Rotary clubs throughout the world try to raise money for charity. When they hear what we’re able to do, they’re overwhelmed.”

“I don’t know that there’s another Rotary club around that generates more funds, per Rotarian, per one event,” added Goode. “In three hours, we gross over $100,000.”

Today, the event is broadcast from the Westin Hotel, and without the live auction component, it runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine. “They [WTOC] have turned it into a major, beautiful TV production,” said Goode.

According to WTOC news anchor, Sonny Dixon, who serves as auctioneer, the television station is thrilled to produce the show. “The greatest sense of satisfaction comes from seeing so much money raised for a good cause in such a short amount of time,” he said. “But the greatest personal satisfaction probably comes from working with the members of the VanLandingham Rotary Club and with Carol Kavanaugh [administrator] all these years and seeing just how well-organized it is. I do a lot of events for non-profits and I readily say that my favorite, hands down, bar none, is the

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“IT’S AN EVERY MAN’S AUCTION, MEANING THAT WE HAVE ITEMS THAT APPEAL TO EVERYBODY: LANDSCAPING SERVICES, CABLE TV FOR A MONTH, POOL CLEANING, DENTAL CLEANING, CHIROPRACTIC CARE, EYE EXAMS… AND RESTAURANTS AND GOLF, OF COURSE!”

VanLandingham Rotary Auction, because it makes good on every promise.”

The day’s live action is “exponentially more frenetic” than his usual morning talk show, Dixon said, but that’s what makes it exciting for him. “There are numerous metaphors I can think of. Probably a NASCAR race driver is happiest if he gets into a machine that really runs. Well, it’s fun for me to climb into that thing for three hours and drive it,” he said.

AND THE WINNER IS… Sponsors, donors and bidders alike agree that the VanLandingham Rotary

JANUARY 2010

auction is a win/win opportunity. Consider the benefits of donating an item for auction or buying a sponsorship. Here is a chance to advertise your business in print, on the Web and on television. As Goode points out, it’s also an ideal association.

“Your business gets to be on TV—on a CBS affiliate, broadcasting to 700,000 people—with the Rotary Club and the Children’s Center. That’s like Mom and apple pie.”

“When we put something on the Web site, there are photographs from the company and a link to your Web site,” added Rotarian Bruce Yeager, who has

also been involved in various capacities since the auction’s inception. “The site gets an unbelievable number of hits,” he said, explaining that each item up for bid is also shown and talked about on television at least twice during a 15-minute segment of the live broadcast.

If you choose to sponsor a segment, your business is advertised on the scrolling banner at the bottom of the screen throughout one of the 15-minute auction segments. Segment sponsors are also listed on the Web site with links to their Web sites. During the live broadcast, there is interplay with the technology, so

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 77

A WINNING BID

“I DON’T KNOW THAT THERE’S ANOTHER ROTARY CLUB AROUND THAT GENERATES MORE FUNDS, PER ROTARIAN, PER ONE EVENT.”

the Web images are shown on television as well, explained Goode.

On the flip side, bidders have the opportunity to pick up bargains on goods and services they would ordinarily purchase outright and do something good for the community at the same time. “Even if you pay full price for the item that is being auctioned, you would have spent that money anyway. There’s a certain amount of satisfaction in doing something you would ordinarily do but funneling that money to a charitable cause,” said Yeager.

THE REAL PAYOFF Without a doubt, the biggest winners are the children who benefit year after year. In the beginning, auction proceeds were pledged to the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island.

According to Goode, in 1997, the VanLandingham Rotary club wrote the check for $250,000 which bought the land upon which the facility operates today. Since that time, the Rotarians

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JANUARY 2010

have continued contributing to the Boys and Girls Club and other children’s charities. In addition, a portion of the funds raised is earmarked for college scholarships, awarded annually to area high school graduates.

For the past five years, auction proceeds have been pledged to The Children’s Center, with a total commitment of $300,000. Only $50,000 short, the VanLandingham rotary Club anticipates this year’s auction will easily close out that commitment. The Children’s Center, which has locations on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, has already broken ground on its new facility across from Jarvis Creek Park, which will open next summer.

“We like to do sticks and bricks as much as possible,” said Huntley, explaining that the club prefers the money to go for something tangible rather than operating capital.

“We all have a sense of accomplishment, especially when we see buildings go up and know that we were instrumental in making those things happen,” said yeager. “It’s a sense of being able to empower and give opportunities to young people, because, they are the future.”

TO PARTICIPATE: Bargain hunters and bidders, rev up your engines; watch your local newspaper or log on to www.vlrauction.com for a list of hot ticket items that are sure to be going, going, gone. If you would like to donate items for auction or sponsor a segment, please call Brian Goode at (843) 681-9325 or e-mail brian@ goodevacationrentals.com. 

January 2010

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 79

HILTON HEAD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WHERE HOPE HAPPENS Article by Linda S. Hopkins

I

magine living in a recliner for six months. While that might sound relaxing, it was anything but for Jeanette Donnelly of Walterboro, whose recliner was her prison cell from May-November of 2009. Overweight and suffering with multiple infirmities, she could not walk or even sleep in a normal bed.

It was a lump in her groin area that sent Donnelly to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with lymphedema— an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the

body. After a round of antibiotics and traditional physical therapy which did not significantly improve her well-being, she did some sleuthing on the Internet to learn more about her condition. That’s where she found local occupational therapist and nationally certified lymphedema specialist, Dr. Madeline Chatlain. With a referral from her doctor, in August, she made the appointment that would change her life. Thanks to the treatment she has received from Dr. Chatlain at Hilton Head Occupational Therapy, Donnelly was able to travel to Santee State Park where she enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with family and friends who were camping there.

“This morning, I walked about 14 steps with a walker, which for me is an improvement. I can at least spend a few hours in bed now in the evening, and the swelling is down so that I can put on a pair of shoes,” said Donnelly.

Fellow lymphedema sufferer, Diana Brown, whose neurologist referred her to Chatlain, shares a similar story. “I went to one other physical therapist, with no results. But I went to Madeline, and after four weeks of treatment, it’s down. I’m in compression garments 24/7 (that’s something I have to do all my life). But for now, it is gone. I’m so glad I found Madeline. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

Sun City resident, Kate Conte, visited Dr. Chatlain for a different kind of problem: chronic back pain. “I had a shoulder problem at the time,” said Conte.

“Madeline showed me what to do. It was wonderful. Then I told her about my back.

She said, ‘What do you mean you’ve got something wrong with your back? You’ve got something wrong with your feet.’ She pointed out to me where my left leg turns out to the left. She showed me exercises to get my big toes aligned, explaining that

the problem comes from my feet up to my back.”

With education, stretches, the right exercises and proper footwear, Conte is feeling like her old self again. “I’m like a new person!” she said.

MEET THE MIRACLE WORKER D r. M a d e l i n e C h a t l a i n i s a n occupational therapist who specializes in complete decongestive therapy and myofascial trigger point therapy, with an emphasis on patient education. While it is not her job to diagnose or “fix” the underlying condition, she offers hope— and help—for people suffering from lymphedema and people who are in pain.

“It’s about helping patients heal themselves and putting them on the most logical, sequential path to do that. Breaking the pain cycle is only the beginning. We work with patient to analyze what they are doing in their daily life (mechanical, nutritional, psychological) that perpetuates the pain cycle,” said Chatlain. “Our approach is somewhere between Sherlock Holmes and Monk. We are investigators and problem solvers, trying to find what small or large factor is

eluding our patient’s success and correct it.”

Using state-of-the-art equipment along with her knowledge, experience and critical assessment skills, Chatlain tailors a program specifically for each patient.

“Everything here is highly personalized.

You give me the three most important things you want to do that you can’t do now, and I’ll give you the information and resources to help you do it,” she said. “No exercises are mass produced. I take pictures of you. You actually have a notebook customized to you.”

“What I like about Madeline is that she treats what you have now, but she’s also looking ahead to make sure that you understand why you got it, how you can avoid getting it and what you can do right now. So it’s past, present and future,” said Donnelly. “Madeline looks at you as a whole lifestyle. She taught me how to sit properly, how to sleep in a correct position and how to get up and out of bed in the morning, how to open a door… its small things that make the difference,” said Brown. “This weekend, it was wonderful to feel semi-normal again with my back.

I’m biking again!”

“That’s the beauty of occupational therapy. It brings it to the real world.

It’s not about coming in here and doing 15 sit-ups,” said Chatlain. “It’s a top down to bottom up approach. You’ve got a diagnosis out here. I can give you information to help you deal with it so we meet it in the middle.”

Because of the extensive time and energy she invests in each patient, Chatlain sets some strict standards. Her patients concur that her program works when they do.

“If she tells you to do something, you

BEFOrE TrEaTMEnT

aFTEr TrEaTMEnT

OPPOSITE PAGE: LEFT: Dr. Chatlain (far right) welcomes guests to her open house. rIGHT: Local patient and Dr. Chatlain work on breathing exercises.

PICTURED ON THIS PAGE: Before and after Treatment images of a HHOT, Lymphedema Patient

better do it,” said Donnelly, with a chuckle.

“She knows what she’s doing,” added Conte. “yes, she’s tough, but she’s a very caring person. She’ll do anything to help you, but don’t waste her time. you’ve gotta be motivated,” said Brown.

“The number one modus operandi is personal responsibility. I can only have X amount of people a day, so I want those

January 2010

people to want to get better,” explained Chatlain. “If they’re onboard with that, then the sky’s the limit.”

If you are in pain or if physical limitations are interfering with activities of daily living, Chatlain encourages you to ask your doctor for a referral. “People will sit out there doing nothing because they think there’s no hope or they think it’s their fault,” she said. “Whatever your condition

is, there’s hope for you. If I don’t have the answers, I can help you find them.”  Hilton Head Occupational Therapy is located at 29 Plantation Park, Suite 502, Bluffton, SC.29910. For more information, call (843) 757-9292 or visit online at lymphedematreatment.com.

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 83



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 A Lesson i

  From Head to toe!

c2//January 2010

As the New YeAr gets off to ANother fresh stArt, these locAl professioNAls

give You some heAlth ANd beAutY tips to stArt You off oN the right trAck.

NewNew Year, Year, NewNew You!You!

> >>> alth Health & & eauty Beauty

*

for the smile

(Is yours less than perfect?)

Loss of natural teeth, whether in an accident or as part of the natural aging process, can be traumatic and affect your outlook on life.

With the help of a Prosthodontist, there are many options if you have lost some or all of your teeth.

Crowns, bridges and full or partial dentures are just some of the procedures that can help you regain your smile, and improve your appearance Prosthodontists are and self confidence. experts in the restoration Another option is and replacement of dental implants, a teeth. They make smiles more permanent look beautiful and solution that has function the way they improved greatly should. After completing over the last twenty four years of dental years. Whether you school, Prosthodontists need to replace receive an extra three one tooth or many, years of specialized a Prosthodontist training in an American will work with you Dental Association through every step (ADA) accredited of dental implant graduate program. treatment, from initial

*

Are of Your heArt!

ly have one.)

udy shows that over 50% of th “normal cholesterol” still eart attacks.

DL are (HDL – high protein w protein) , not cause heart oproteins ers that olesterol blood. oteins cause o penetrate all more ng the artery

consultation through follow up care.

Cosmetic Dentistry is obviously a big part of dentistry today, and patients should research their options for cosmetic or reconstructive dental work before making a decision.

Prosthodontists provide patients with a range of services including: Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implant restorations, bridges, veneers, crowns, veneers, complete and removable partial dentures, TMJ or jaw joint problems, teeth whitening, cleft palate care, oral cancer reconstruction, snoring and sleep disorders.

 Brought to you by Dr. Davis of Distinctive Dental Services. For more information the web address is www.distinctdentalservices.com

ar we think, terol”, LDL, ost of us he LDL is HDL” is good l cholesterol nder 200. e those 50% till having e and heart

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Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA.

to clog. These lipoprotein plaques become inflamed and rupture, causing a heart attack. Lipoproteins come in different sizes.

Since 1996, studies have shown that the “larger” the lipoprotein, the safer it is.

HDL particles, especially large ones, help clean out the artery wall, reverse the blockages and carry cholesterol back to the liver. Large HDL particles are your arteries vacuum cleaner. If you have small HDL particles, it is a sign that your “vacuum cleaner” is not working and your artery continues to build up plaque and becomes more diseased.

LDL particles are large, they cannot penetrate the artery wall and cause damaging plaque.

Also, the smaller the LDL particle, the more you need to carry your cholesterol. The more LDL particles, the higher the risk of heart disease.

The size of the particle can be reversed with diet, exercise and certain cholesterol lowering medicines. It has been available for 10 years and is covered

by Medicare and other health insurances. Most doctors may know it is available, but may not know the extensive research that supports the reasoning behind LDL particles deliver using it and therefore cholesterol to your cells. may not recommend it to Your cells need cholesterol their patients. to make cell membrane.

If LDL particles are small, If you have a history or they penetrate the artery risk of heart disease, it is wall more readily, causing worth it to you to have damaging plaque. If the this test.

in Lipoproteins from the Hickey Center

*

for the skiN

(the body’s largest organ!)

Body treatments are essentially a facial for your whole body. It is just as important to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin on your body as it is the skin of your face. The most popular body treatment is a body scrub. A body scrub will actually help to remove all the dead skin off your body and expose a supple layer of younger skin, making you feel fresh and rejuvenated. the general steps of a body scrub are:

Dry brush to prepare the skin by removing dead skin cells and stimulating circulation.

Scrub the body with the body scrub of your choice. Most body scrubs have these three ingredients 1. An exfoliant: This is the abrasive material like salt, sugar, rice bran, etc. that rubs away the dead skin cells on the surface, revealing the softer, younger cells just below.

2. oil: This holds the

mixture together so it can be applied to the skin.

3. fragrance: Ideally, the fragrance comes from high-quality essential oils.

Lotion to hydrate the skin and keep it fresh and supple.

You want to be careful not to perform a body scrub too often because frequent scrubbing can damage the young skin layer once the dead skin is off the body surface.

Once every other week to once a month is sufficient.

 This tip brought to you courtesy Cheryl Izworski of Spa Soleil, Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa - (843) 686-8420 Continues on page 86



*

GREEN HAIR?

Everyone knows “green” is good for the planet, but when it comes to hair care, it may not be a bad thing for you either.

Chris Spado and Kim Piedmonte, co-owners of Total Exposure, switched to the organic product line Onesta about six months ago. “We knew that it would be better for our clientele as well as our environment. It’s one of the Greenest and Cleanest products that we found through our research,” said Kim.

It would stand to reason, when you think of what actually goes into most shampoos, conditioners and styling aids. Take the following ingredients, for instance (found in most hair products): Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/ Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Is your hair really THAT dirty?

Parabens (menthyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl): Preservatives which extend shelf life.

Exposure to which has been linked to breast cancer.

Synthetic Colors and Dyes: Also known as FD&C Red No. 6 or D&C Green No. 6 Animal studies have shown almost all synthetic dyes and colors to be carcinogenic. (noun. any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer).

So the next time you buy that shampoo, take a look at the back first. Just think to yourself, do I really need to wash my hair with the same product I wash my car with?

 For more information go to www.onestahaircare.com.

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 From Head to toe!

FOR THE MUSCLES...AND THE SOUL! We all know that massage therapy helps you relax, realign and rejuvenate.

But what you may NOT know, is that massage can help you feel better if you are plagued with migraines or arthritis...read on!

c2//January 2010

* PILATES balance and stability. Pilates – by design – prevents “workout burnout” by focusing on an integrated approach to fitness. It emphasizes the mind-body connection and integrates breath, focus and fluid movements and targets multiple muscle groups at once. With more than 3000 different moves, exercise boredom is not an option.

Start your New Year with some simple, regular Pilates moves. Increase strength and flexibility, reduce muscle tension and stress, improve balance, coordination and circulation, lose weight, drop a dress size and enjoy higher energy levels! Take a look at these beginner Pilates exercises and stretches and experience the benefits. No matter your age or fitness level, Pilates never met a body it didn’t like.

Are you ready for 2010?

Did you reach all of your fitness goals for 2009?

Well here it is, time again to make those resolutions and write down your good intentions for getting into shape this year. As we leap into a new decade, try taking a different approach to fitness that won’t have you burned out by week three. Take a cue from the popular workout method, Pilates, which focuses on core strength, a healthy spine, and flexibility. In as few as 15 sessions, Pilates can transform your body dramatically – and quickly – improving the way your body looks, feels and performs.

Pilates movements build long and lean muscles without creating excess bulk, while simultaneously improving body awareness, good posture, better

HEaD 2 TOE

Migraines: Message therapy is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension - two of the main causes of migraines.

Research at The Touch Institute in Miami School of Medicine found that massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms while increasing serotonin levels in adults with migraine headaches.

Prenatal: Massage can relieve the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as back aches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, and edema.

Arthritis: In 2006, researchers from Yale Prevention Research Center held a 16-week clinical trial involving 64 individuals with arthritis. This trial showed that massage therapy improved flexibility, lessened pain and improved range of motion in the participants. This is the first clinical trial of its kind in this country and it validates what many massage therapists have experienced anecdotally. Researcher Adam Perlman, MD says that,” Ultimately, massage may be shown

to lessen a patient’s reliance on medications and decrease health care costs”.

Geriatric: Massage is also a beneficial tool in fighting many of the symptoms of aging as it increases blood circulation, combats depression, improves balance and flexibility, reduces pain, increases joint mobility, and improves posture.

Sports Injuries: Sports massage can accelerate the healing process, increase range of motion, reduce adhesions, and reduce swelling, bruising and pain. Areas of stress in other muscles, created through compensating for an injury, can be eased with a regular massage regimen.

Sports massage can partially compensate for the lack of exercise during inactivity while recovering from injury.

It’s also used to relieve muscular spasms and fatigue-related injuries.

Here’s the beauty of massage: Not only does each session feel great, but the therapeutic benefits are compounded when massage is utilized as a frequent therapy.

The more you go, the healthier you feel.

MOVES >>>

1. Stand with feet wider than your hips with your arms extended to the side.

Make sure your belly button is pulling in to your spine and your shoulders are relaxed away from your ears.

2. Twist your torso to the left and reach your right hand down to the outside of your left foot.

3. Stand up and repeat to the other side.

4. Do 5 repetitions to each side.

*This is a fantastic stretch for golfers and will really improve their rotation and flexibility in the back.

1. Sit with legs extended out in front of you about shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly if your hamstrings are too tight and prevent you from sitting up straight and tall.

2. Round your spine from the top of your head all the way down to your tailbone and reach your arms forward as far as they will go comfortably.

Make sure your belly button is pulling in to your spine to engage your abs.

 Compliments Crystal Hodge of Massage Envy. 

JANUARY 2010 SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Compliments of Core Pilates.

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 86

Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis. ~Jack Handey

87

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c2//January c2//January 20102010

A diFFeRent kind oF mASSAge....

Raindrop Massage Therapy is a sequence of anointing the body with oils combined with massage work to the back, feet and spine that brings greater structural and electrical alignment in a relaxing and invigorating manner through the power of therapeutic grade essential oils. The oils used in Raindrop Massage Therapy must be of high quality and therapeutic grade in order to receive the desired therapeutic results. Raindrop Massage Therapy is a combination of various aspects of conventional bodywork,

adaptations of Oriental acupressure & reflexology, native American healing techniques and aromatherapy using a variety of therapeutic grade essential oils. The purpose of Raindrop Massage Therapy is to stimulate every organ, muscle and bone of the body at a cellular level through the oils, boosting the immune system, bringing the body into structural and electrical balance, and cleansing bodily toxins including those impurities lodged in the mind and emotions.

Raindrop Massage Therapy uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils synergistically combined to simultaneously kill viral and bacterial agents as well as reduce inflammation. The principle single oils used include Oregano,

Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Wintergreen, Marjoram, and Peppermint. The oils are dispensed like little drops of rain from a height of about six inches above the back and gently massaged along the vertebrae and back muscles. The session culminates with a heavenly hot

towel compress, encouraging the essential oils to reach deeply into the tissues and fluids of the body for thorough therapeutic saturation and ultimate relaxation.

Although the entire process takes only about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete, the oils will continue to work in the body for up to one week following treatment, with continued re-alignment taking place during this time.  Brought to you

by Carla Golden, Golden Touch Massage Therapy

*

SiCk oF FRizzy HAiR in tHiS Humidity?

1.5 to 4 hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair. After application of the product, it is infused with a 450 degree flat iron, which seals in moisture, hydrates the hair, and creates a glossy finish. Results are visible immediately after treatment is completed.

Clients will be amazed to say the least. Hair looks shiny and beautiful resembling the hair of a young child.

Management of hair after La-Brasiliana Zero Keratin Treatment with Collagen is effortless. The amount of time required to style hair will decrease dramatically.

This treatment restores hair resiliency. Humidity, rain, or perspiration will no longer affect the hairstyle.

No more frizzy hair!

The results last two to four months; the treatment dissipates gradually as hair is shampooed. As clients repeat the treatment every two to four months, they will be able to observe a continuous improvement of their hair.

 Brought to you by Dawn of Fifth Avenue Salon.

 From Head to toe!

Cosmetic dermatology treatments surpass traditional spa techniques because of their longerlasting, highly targeted results. And while the number of cosmetic procedures performed in spas has risen dramatically in the past several years, patients may be forgoing safety for convenience and price. The American Academy of Dermatology urges patients to select a board-certified physician for cosmetic procedures.

The medical training these doctors receive makes them uniquely qualified to evaluate the skin and determine which cosmetic procedures can safely and effectively diminish your signs of aging.

Cosmetic dermatology treatments include laser treatments, fillers, vein treatment, laser hair removal and cosmetic surgery. They all share a common goal - to make you look and feel better.



La-Brasiliana Zero Keratin treatment with collagen is a revolutionary process that transforms the hair.

The treatment is keratin based. Keratin is the primary protein of the hair, skin, and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, shiny, smooth state while collagen improves the elasticity of the hair.

Unlike other products available on the market, such as crème relaxers or the Japanese straightened system, La-Brasiliana Zero Keratin treatment with Collagen replenishes the condition of the hair without damage or change to the molecular structure. The treatment can be used on all hair types such as chemically treated hair, colored, permed, relaxed, straightened, highlighted, and bleached.

The application process takes anywhere from

A Few woRdS on CoSmetiC deRmAtology

Fraxel, as seen on The Today Show and Oprah, offers smoother, fresher, younger looking skin, improved tone and texture, reduced wrinkles around the eyes, improved appearance of acne, surgical scars, and sun damage. For most people, good results are realized in 3 treatments with Fraxel Re:store, and 1 treatment with Fraxel Re:pair. Fraxel Re:store and Fraxel Re:pair differ in the amount of downtime.

Fillers: Botox can erase years from the face or neck by reducing the

eyes and to theto the eyeselasticity and elasticity appearance of lines and - correcting wrinkles, - correcting wrinkles, wrinkles – specificallyjoints joints facial contours, and and facial contours, targeting crow’s feet,lifting lifting lips. lips. enhancing forehead lines, frown enhancing Juvederm is used to to Juvederm is used lines between the smooth out wrinkles, smooth out wrinkles, eyebrows and neck lips, remove lip lines, lips, remove lip lines bands. The injectionsplump are plump nasolabial and correct nasolabial quick, side effects areand correct folds folds (“smile lines”lines” or or (“smile minimal. and acne “parentheses”) and acne Sculptra is a synthetic“parentheses”) It is a Ithyaluronic acid acid is a hyaluronic and biocompatible scars.scars. gel that injected into into gelisthat is injected material that is injected areasareas of theofface. the face. below the surface of thesethese is a dermal filler filler Radiesse is a dermal the skin in the area ofRadiesse adds adds that immediately fat loss. It provides a that immediately volume to safely contour, volume to safely contour, gradual and significant correct, and beautify correct, and beautify increase in skin facial features for a soft, facial features for a soft, thickness, improving the natural look. look. natural appearance of folds and sunken areas.

The more information you you The more information Restylane is composed will help a willyou helpmake you make a of Hyaluronic Acid, knowknow better-informed decision better-informed decision which is found naturally the dermatology the dermatology in your skin and otheraboutabout procedure you are procedure you are tissues. It gives volume considering. considering. to the skin, shape to the

 ThistipThis brought tip brought to you to byyou Oswald

by Oswald L. Mikell, L. Mikell, MD MD Dermatology Dermatology associates Associates of theofLowcountry the Lowcountry

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January 2010

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 89

A R t i C L e

b y

L A u R A

A G u i A R



 A Menu of Great Dining Options as Chamber Restaurant Week Returns

L

ast year’s inaugural Chamber Restaurant Week was a “first course” in a new tradition that met with delicious success. Area restaurants will be presenting even more great cuisine for the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Chamber Restaurant Week, January 23-30.

During Chamber Restaurant Week, when participating restaurants offer speciallypriced, or prix fixe, menus, signature dishes, new entrées and old favorites will be offered at reduced prices. Area residents can take advantage and enjoy great meals at a wide range of restaurants while the seasonal crowds are away.

“Bistro 17 had a great response,” said Anna Buckingham, the restaurant’s owner. “Our phone rang off the hook for reservations last year at a time when we could have been empty.”

Executive Chef Russell Keane of WiseGuys said all of the SERG Group restaurants will be participating again this year. “A lot of people were doing $20.09 multi-course dinners to mark the year last year,” said Keane. “I expect that there will be even better deals this year as the economy is still tough. You give up a little bit of profit

margin, but it’s better to have a full house than empty seats.”

More than 50 restaurants participated in the inaugural event in January, 2009. From lunch at the neighborhood deli to fine dining on gourmet fare, Restaurant Week offers great deals on a broad range of cuisine.

“Chamber Restaurant Week was a soaring success,” said Buckingham. “The island was abuzz that week–going from being dead to everybody going out!”

Summers are always busy for restaurants on the island. It’s during the winter, when things slow down for the whole island that restaurants can focus on the home crowd.

“Chamber Restaurant Week is a chance for us to welcome our locals back with great deals on cuisine,” said Katie Manley, marketing director for Alexander’s, Red Fish and Old Oyster Factory Restaurants. Regular patrons may even find several new selections on the prix fixe menu that have been added especially for Chamber Restaurant Week.

“We’re always trying to offer our customers something new,” said Manley. “We currently have a winter crop at our home farm, so there’s always something fresh from the garden.”

 Even when eating out, many people tend to fall into a rut, going to the same place and selecting the same entrée. “If you are a regular at red Fish, alexander’s or The Old Oyster Factory, maybe there’s something on the prix fixe menu that you haven’t yet tried,” said Manley.

The best thing about Chamber restaurant Week is that it’s a win-win for diners and restaurants. The first Chamber restaurant Week was a success with positive feedback from both residents and participating restaurants.

“Customers told us that the offerings from the restaurants were generous,” said Lisa Bryan, owner of Deli by the Beach. “It gave them a good opportunity to try new places.”

Hosted during the area’s s l ow s e a s o n , L owc o u n t r y residents can take advantage of the special meals without worrying about the visiting crowds.

“There was a great show of support from locals,” said Keane. “Everybody understood what it was about. During a troubled economy, residents came out and supported their favorite restaurants.”

“Our members receive a great return on their investment by being a part of the event,” said Bill Miles, chamber president and CEO. “This is an easy way for restaurants to attract diners during the slowest time of the year.”

The Black Marlin Bayside Grill at Palmetto Bay Marina offered prix fixe menus throughout the winter season last year. Manager Kim Keppell noted that participating in Chamber restaurant Week really tipped the scales. “ Th e i n c re a s e d p u b l i c i t y boosted sales for the entire week,” said Keppell. “For example, our Friday night sales doubled that of the previous year for the same night in January.”

Chamber restaurant Week is modeled after similar events in new york City and Los angeles, 92

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January 2010

encouraging residents to dine out for lunch and dinner. “ I k n ow p e o p l e w h o w i l l g o to n ew yo r k C i t y j u st to go to restaurant Week,” said Buckingham. “They told me I should participate and I’m glad I did. I have friends in the industry that didn’t and regretted it.”

C.Q.’s chef Eric Sayers said, the Lowrey Group’s C.Q.’s, antonio’s and Old Fort Pub are excited to participate this year. “restaurant week gives our local folks an opportunity to experience our passion for the culinary arts,” said Eric.

Considering the success of the inaugural event, the chamber expects even more area restaurants to participate this year.

Other area establishments participating include Frankie Bones, Truffles, La Famiglia and aqua Grille & Lounge. The chamber will be gathering menu information as more member restaurants jump on board for Chamber restaurant Week. a web page at www.hiltonheadchamber.org will be updated with new menus and new ideas for dining out in the Lowcountry.

Chamber Restaurant Week will be held January 23-30, 2010.

For more information on Chamber Restaurant Week, including a list of participating restaurants, visit www.hiltonheadchamber.org.

The Sandbox – An Interactive Children’s Museum

January “Parent’s night Out” Events Partner with Local “restaurant Week” Programs The Sandbox, an Interactive Children’s Museum, is partnering with the South Carolina Hospitality association and the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce by hosting “Parent’s night Out – Kid’s night In” events during their respective “restaurant week” programs.

Both events take place on the final Saturday of each organization’s week-long program. The first event, January 16, partners with the South Carolina Hospitality association’s statewide program and the second event, January 30, is in conjunction with our local Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd annual restaurant Week.

The “Parent’s night Out” events enable parents to enjoy an adult dinner or night out while their children are supervised and entertained in The Sandbox’s interactive museum. These “dropoff” events are offered from 6:00-9:00 pm, are geared for children 3 to 9 years of age (all children must be potty trained) and include a pizza dinner, special arts and crafts projects, supervised play throughout the hands-on museum and a fun take home toy for each child. Cost is only $30 per child, with a reduced $25 fee for siblings and Sandbox Members.

“These restaurant Weeks are wonderful programs supporting our local dining establishments,” states Executive Director, Carol Pfeffer. “We feel The Sandbox is a kids’ favorite and partnering with both weekly programs is a great way to support our local restaurants during the off-season.”

Space is limited so call (843)842-7645 for more detailed information or to make a reservation. Release forms may also be downloaded from The Sandbox’s website, www.thesandbox.org.

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Lowcountry

Spine& &Sport: Sport: Spine an Honest Practice That Gets Patients Better!

Article by Craig Hysell

D

r. John P. Batson, MD, FACSM, has a resume that reads like a gogetter’s grocery list. He is a cum laude graduate from the College of Charleston with a BS in Biology. He completed his medical training at USC School of Medicine in Columbia and his internship and residency at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, SC. He was a former primary care physician for the USC Gamecocks and the SC State Bulldogs sports teams and currently volunteers his time on the sidelines of local high school games. He has co-authored several books, taught at the USC School of Medicine and lectures to his peers two or three times a year.

He is a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine (no easy task) and the only physician in South Carolina to be board-certified in Pain Medicine and Sports Medicine. Not bad for a guy who spent most of his time growing up on Hilton Head Island as a competitive windsurfer.

Of course, you can get all of that information on Lowcountry Spine and Sport’s Web site. What you won’t see about Dr. Batson is that beyond his highly qualified nature, he is a man who has somehow combined passion, knowledge and enthusiasm with humility, temperance and a certain degree of mellow humanity— perhaps all this stems from his younger

Photography by john Brackett

days spent on the beach taking in the lessons of sun, wind, sand and ocean.

He listens intently without judgment. He is opinionated without being arrogant. It seems he has an incessant need not to be right, but rather to get his patients better, which speaks of confidence coupled with empathy and compassion.

Dr. Batson pursues “aggressive, non-operative treatment options” and believes in “minimizing medication for patients and maximizing physical therapy treatment, behavioral coping strategies and procedures that help with pain control.” Dr. Batson wants to get his patients better, and to that end, he keeps them thoroughly involved and even accountable to a degree. He is a big believer in physical therapy, flexibility, p ro p e r n u t r i t i o n a n d p reve n t a t i ve education as a means to that end. “as a personal philosophy,” said Dr. Batson, “I believe we can do a good job with other alternatives. not everyone needs a shot; not everyone needs pain medicine; not everyone needs therapy.” His assessments a re s t ra t e g i c a n d c o m p re h e n s i ve ; his staff is friendly, professional and understanding; his treatment options are patient inclusive.

Dr. Batson explains a typical visit like this: “I’ve got a great staff who are used to seeing people in pain and used to 96

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dealing with tough issues. So, hopefully, when you come into the office you are greeted in a fashion that makes you comfortable and lets you say, ‘Okay, I’m in the right spot.’ Then, what I’m going to do is give the patient a very thorough exam on whatever area is giving the patient the trouble. Then we are going to look at imaging, whether that be x-rays, MrIs, that type of thing, and then we are going to come up with a plan together.”

Dr. Batson says he discusses the options he has assessed, asks patients where they think they fit and they determine, together, the best route to get the patient back on track. after all that, Dr. Batson calls his patients personally a few days later to see how things are progressing.

“People think I’m a telemarketer at first sometimes,” said Batson with a grin. “The conversations can be kind of interesting until they realize who I am.” a doctor who actually cares enough to call his patients personally to see how they are doing? That explains Dr. Batson’s character in a nutshell.

Beyond his seemingly impeccable character are Dr. Batson’s aforementioned credentials and his specializations in spine, sports medicine and pain medicine.

When it comes to the spine, Dr. Batson, has completed 12 months of additional training in interventional spinal care in the form of a fellowship with Mount Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, from some of the top spinal physicians in the country.

His practice runs the veritable gamut of age groups and spinal issues. “I see some adolescent groups with back pain, and usually those are more developmental issues or stress fractures. In the middle age crowd, we typically see disc problems, herniated discs that pinch nerves and you get the sciatic in the leg or nerve pain in the arm; and then you see the shift after 55 where you’re dealing more with degenerative problems like arthritis, degenerative disc disease and stenosis. By far, the majority of my practice is 55 and up when it comes to the spine.” Everything Dr. Batson says and does seems affable, measured, efficient, exacting and geared toward one thing: patient improvement.

What more could you want in an elite-level physician?  For more information, visit www. spineandsportmd.com or call (843) 2082420 and get better honestly.

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CALENDAR

JANUARY UPCOMING EVENTS

This Month’s BIG EVENTS That Should Be On Your Calendar Too! Celebration’s Learning Kitchen Interactive Cooking Classes Wednesday, January 13th -Starting at 5:30 PM The Journey: Large Format Photography by Ben Ham Through Friday, Jan. 22 Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Tickets: FREE Nationally known landscape photographer Ben Ham’s work includes arresting images of the Southwest, the Rockies, the vineyards of California and the beauty of the South. ALSO, Ben Ham will hold a lecture on techniques in large-format photography 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9.

Wednesday, January 27th -Starting at 5:30 PM 12 Capital Drive

(On The Corner of Captial Drive & Marshland Road)

VISIT US ONLINE: www.wecelebrateyou.com OR CALL: 843.689.7526 For information About Class Themes And All The Details!

Inner Landscapes Exhibit opens Jan. 14, 4:00-8:00pm Picture This Gallery With “Inner Landscapes,” young contemporary artist Ruth Hunter manages to brilliantly convey the connection between raw human emotions and the interplay of color and texture. Hunter’s exhibition coincides with The Island Writers Network book signing at Picture This Gallery from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and the Island’s popular gallery hop, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. The Gallery Hop includes shows at jcostello gallery, Camellia Art Framing Gallery, and Picture This Gallery.

For more information call (843) 842-5299.

OR Visit Us Online: picturethis@hargray.com

Contact: www.artshhi.com / 843-842-ARTS

10th Annual Low Country Living Home & Garden Show January 15-17, 2010 Savannah International Trade & Convention Center 1 International Dr, Savannah GA 31402

Turn your house and garden dreams into reality! With thousands of square feet of exhibits you’ll find the latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays/materials, kitchenware, and much more.

Call 210-408-0998 or http://showtechnology. com/shows/Savannah/Savannah.html.

American Ballet Theatre II Sunday, Jan. 16 Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Tickets: $54 This extraordinary company brings a varied repertoire from the traditions of the American Ballet Theatre.

While firmly rooted in classical ballet, it also includes innovative contemporary choreography.

Contact: www.artshhi.com / 843-842-ARTS

Boeing-Boeing Feb. 3-21 Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Tickets: $27-$43 Casino Night January 30, 7:30pm – 11:30pm The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Cost: $80 per couple or $45 for a single ticket The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association & the Hilton Head High All Sports Booster Club are excited to announce “Casino Night” sponsored by K&K Plumbing! “Casino Night” will include an assortment of authentic gaming tables with professional and volunteer dealers, live entertainment and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

An assortment of great raffle prizes including golf and travel packages with a grand prize, donated by Island Management: One week stay at one of RCI’s 3,700 Resorts Worldwide! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Island Recreation Center & S.H.A.R.E. Center. For additional information visit www. islandreccenter.org or call 843-681-7273.

A successful architect juggles three international stewardess fiancées, until unpredictable circumstances brings them all together for a madcap weekend at his Paris suite. The Wall Street Journal called it, “The funniest play to hit Broadway in ages!”

Contact: www.artshhi.com / 843-842-ARTS

Hilton Head Snow Day January 23 from 11 am – 4 pm Shelter Cove Community Park Admission is $10 for children 3 to 17 Come frolic in the snow that day when the park will be converted into a winter wonderland. Plus check out all the inflatable rides which will truly make this fifth annual event a winter carnival. Street Meet is once again taking care of concessions that will also include hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza from Giuseppi’s.

There will be a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and the Junior League’s “Kids in the Kitchen” will be showcasing food from around the USA. Coca-Cola and Budweiser can also be purchased. Admission includes the snow field and all the rides you can ride.

We recognize the tough economic times which is why this year adults and children 2 and under get in free.

2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour Saturday - Sunday, May 29 - 30 Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Show Hours: Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM - Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM Free, no gate.

Take America’s greatest place to getaway and throw in a juried fine Art & Craft Fair and it just doesn’t get any better. Howard Alan Events, the country’s largest producers of fine art & craft fairs, is proud to bring a juried art fair to Hilton Head, SC. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the most unique and amazing fine arts & crafts the city of Hilton Head has ever seen. On display will be millions of dollars of artwork ranging from larger than life sculptures, gorgeous paintings, handmade jewels, and much much more. Take the opportunity to meet the artists and even customize your own special keepsake.

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Get An EARLY Start On These!

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AFTER DARK Monday

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Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453 Monday night Football (Hilton Head) Movie night (Hilton Head) Family Guy Trivia (Bluffton) Remy’s Bar & Grill 843.842.3800 Big B Karaoke 9:30pm

Tuesday

Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453 Mike Korbar acoustic (Bluffton) Trivia night (Hilton Head) Casey’s Sports Bar & Grille 843.785.2255 Ladies night, Karaoke Quarterdeck 843.842.1999 Harborside Café 843.842.1444-Live Music

Wednesday Mellow Mushroom Pizza 843.686.2474 Trivia night Jock’s Bluffton’s Sports Bar & Grill 843.815.7474 Tommy Sims Live 9pm Big Bamboo 843.686.3443 reggae night with Patwa Prana International 843.785.7762 Cheese Factory– Classics- 70’s, 80’s & 90’s Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453, Trivia with Dave (Bluffton) XO Lounge 843.341.8080 LIVE Entertainment Brick Oven 843.686.2233, Singer / Songwriter night

Thursday Kingfisher Seafood, Pasta & Steakhouse 843.785.4442 Classic rock with David Wingo The Smokehouse 843.842.4227 nEW LOCaTIOn COMInG In FEB. Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453 College Football! (Bluffton) Trivia & College Football (Hilton Head) XO Lounge 843.341.8080 LIVE Entertainment Jock’s Bluffton’s Sports Bar & Grill 843.815.7474 WII Bowling & Dart Tourney

Friday

The Electric Piano 843.785.5397 Sterlin & Shuvette or Permanent Tourist Brick Oven Café 843.686.2233 Chris & Christian Live Casey’s Sports Bar & Grille 843.785.2255 Karaoke Jock’s Bluffton’s Sports Bar & Grill 843.815.7474 rockit Entertainment, (Mellisa), DJ/Karaoke Big Bamboo 843.686.3443 The Beagles play the Beatles Kingfisher Seafood, Pasta & Steakhouse 843.785.4442 Jazz & Blues with Earl Williams Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453 B-Town Playaz (Bluffton) Live Music (Hilton Head) XO Lounge 843.341.8080 LIVE Entertainment

Saturday The Electric Piano 843.785.5397 Chris Stevers and Christian young: Southern rock & roll Jock’s Bluffton’s Sports Bar & Grill 843.815.7474 DJ Tanz - all request XO Lounge 843.341.8080 LIVE Entertainment Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453, Live Music (Hilton Head) Big Bamboo 843.686.3443 Live Music Brick Oven 843.686.2233, rotating Live Music

Sunday Brick Oven Café 843.686.2233 Jessie Watkins and Friends Wild Wing Café 843.785.9464 or 843.815.9453, Football

We want to know what you’re doing tonight! email info to

h.stephens@celebratehiltonhead.com January 2010

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CanCer Does noT Live Here Circle of Health is not a medical clinic. It is a place for people who have voluntarily decided to take ownership, partially or in full, of their health care.

T

he eyes are the window to the soul. They’re also a pie chart of the body. I learned that through a demonstration of iridology, which examines a person’s state of health by the colors, patterns and other properties of the iris.

According to Page Hamson, proprietor of the health food store, Circle of Health, “Iridology is based on the presumption each organ has a corresponding region in the iris. Thus, their proper functioning can be examined by simply examining the iris.”

Iridology and sclerology—the study of the red lines in the white of the eyes and how they relate to stress patterns in a person’s health—are just two of the methods by which Hamson and Adele Alden help Circle of Health customers answer the question: What’s ailin’ me?

At first glance, Circle of Health appears to be a health food store just like any other. The shelves are stocked with all kinds of vitamins and herbal supplements, organic foods, herbal teas, and natural personal care accoutrements. At the smoothie and juice

article by Frank Dunne, Jr. • Photography by anne

bar, Hamson and alden serve up fresh “Prescription Smoothies” such as the Hibiscus High Blood Pressure Smoothie, Cinnamon Chai Smoothie for Diabetics, and rainbow Ginger Smoothie for cancer patients.

But Hamson takes her business beyond selling products off the shelf. rather, she sees it as her role in life to help people figure out what’s wrong with them and what can be done about it naturally. Especially when it comes to cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t live here,” declares Hamson. “What sets us apart from other stores is that we focus heavily on working with cancer patients.”

It is important to note that Hamson is not a doctor—nor does she claim to be—and Circle of Health is not a medical clinic.

It is a place for people who have voluntarily decided to take ownership, partially or in full, of their health care.

For example, a cancer patient who goes to Circle of Health is necessarily not there at the direction of a physician. “It’s more people coming in who have been through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or whatever, and they are doing that, but want to do as much as they can. So they’re looking for other therapies as well,” said Hamson. “The information that I provide is for educational purposes. I don’t give medical advice or recommendations.”

And now, for something completely controversial…

a great deal of research has gone into vitamin B-17’s ability to treat—and even kill—cancer cells. The results of some of that research are positive.

On the other hand, the u.S. Food and Drug administration (FDa) views vitamin B-17 as an unapproved drug and restricts representations of the product as a cancer cure.

That said, this article’s purpose is not to endorse or oppose, prove or disprove, or represent as the position of this publication, any claims about the efficacy of vitamin B-17 (a.k.a. Laetrile or amygdalin) as a cure or treatment for cancer.

Ditto for the FDa’s position on the subject. as with all health related issues, it is your responsibility to do your own follow up and due diligence, and decide for yourself what you believe.

What does that have to do with Circle of Health? Glad you asked. a very potent natural source of B-17 is the apricot kernel, which is the seed at the core of an apricot’s pit. It looks like a small almond, but all resemblance ends there. I had the opportunity to taste apricot kernels while visiting Circle of Health…and it wasn’t pretty: a hint of amaretto to start, with a profoundly bitter finish that hits like a sledgehammer and lingers. and lingers. and lingers…

Hamson explained that the necessary B-17 dosage is seven apricot kernels per day. “Cancer patients were coming in for the B-17 kernels,” she said, but the bitter taste made it difficult to persuade folks to scarf down seven a day. “People were complaining, but I wanted them to eat these because they’re so important. There is an entire nutritional protocol that goes with the B-17 apricot kernels, and we can help customers with that.”

One day a customer diagnosed with leukemia came into the store. “She was following mostly mainstream treatments,” said Hamson, “but her boyfriend had convinced her to try some natural remedies. I had a hard time getting her to eat the apricot kernels because of the bitterness. I just wished there was a way I could make those things taste better so people would eat them.”

Call it divine inspiration, or simply an “aHa!” moment, either way something remarkable happened shortly thereafter. “Three days later, I sat up straight up in bed and I had the formula for 102

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these B-17 Bars,” said Hamson. The B-17 Bar is simply a chocolate bar made from Hamson’s proprietary formula. “Every single ingredient in there has cancer fighting properties,” she said. “I made my first batch and they were actually enjoyable.”

Each bar contains seven apricot kernels, so one a day gives the recommended B-17 dose, and the chocolate flavor offsets their bitterness and makes a B-17 regimen more palatable.

Hamson explained that she carefully researched every ingredient to make sure nothing would be harmful to a cancer patient while being plenty harmful to cancer.

at the smoothie and juice bar, Hamson and alden serve up fresh “Prescription Smoothies” such as the Hibiscus High Blood Pressure Smoothie, Cinnamon Chai Smoothie for Diabetics, and rainbow Ginger Smoothie for cancer patients.

We are Traditional Medicine

although Hamson realizes that she faces an uphill battle to gain mainstream acceptance for what much of conventional, or allopathic, medicine considers “alternative medicine,” she believes that the tide is slowly turning. “If you think about it,” she said, “natural cures and healing were around long before allopathic medicine. Herbs existed before drugs. We are traditional medicine.”

“People are self-educating themselves now—especially with all of the information that is available on the Internet,” said alden. “They’re already pretty well-informed by the time they get to the doctor’s office or come in here.”

“I don’t think they (doctors) can deny nutrition anymore,” added Hamson. “Things just aren’t being cured with drugs. you might be able to get on an even keel with your symptoms, but they never go away. Drugs treat symptoms, but they don’t cure the cause.”The bottom line is educating people to help them get well and stay well. Circle of Health and other health food stores are not out to displace doctors or put anybody out of business.

“Some people want to do only natural therapies, and some people want to do both,” said Hamson. “Whatever they would like to do, we help them achieve their goals. We want to put healing and health in the hands of the people.”  Circle of Health is located in Sheridan Park at 70 Pennington Drive, #19, Bluffton, SC 29910. Phone: (843) 815-2060.

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 Golf Tips From a Pro Pete Popovich, Golf Performance Academy

Club fitting the

The Proper Way Golf Shaft Flex and/or Frequency

[Part 3 of a 3 part series]

T

he shaft is the engine of the golf club. It is the most gullible when it comes to the advertising of golf equipment. influential factor in club performance and, ultimately, To many of them, golf ads in magazines are looked upon as the golfer’s performance. at the same time, the shaft gospel. Television ads featuring tour professionals convince is one of the most misunderstood and neglected thousands of amateurs that if they buy a certain tour pro’s brand factors in all of golf as the majority of people that play golf have of equipment, they will hit the ball as well as the tour pro hits it. little or no idea how shaft flex and/or shaft frequency affects Major golf companies and their advertisers realize, and count on, shaft function. golfers making purchase decisions In the past few years, shafts of based upon emotional responses to certain colors or color combinations advertising. unfortunately, emotional have sold well and shafts that tour purchases do not improve your swing players use have sold well. yet, any or your game.

The shaft is the of these criteria is a very poor way to ( r e g a r d i n g a d ve r t i s i n g , a engine of the golf select a shaft. Colors do not determine common term used somewhat loosely shaft function, and tour players are today is “frequency matched” clubs. club. It is the most professional athletes who have a much The frequency of a shaft is measured influential factor in higher ability to load and unload the in cycles or vibrations per given rate shaft than the vast majority of amateur of time, usually “per minute,” and for a club performance golfers. set of clubs to be frequency matched, and, ultimately, The golfing public is generally the variance in frequency from one the golfer’s uninformed about shafts and how shaft to the next as one progresses shafts actually function. Consumers through a set of different length clubs performance. cannot be held totally accountable for must vary in a consistent manner. being uninformed, however, because In order to accomplish frequency they have very little access to accurate matching, the raw frequency of each information. What they think they know about shafts is often shaft must be determined prior to cutting. If the raw frequency what they have heard—from a friend, a country club employee, an of the shafts is unknown, it is often impossible to frequency assistant golf professional—or what they have read in magazines match the clubs once the shafts are cut. at the same time, if the or seen on television. golfer’s swing is not optimized by a capable instructor, matching Oddly enough, many consumers who are usually cynical or shafts to the golfer is rarely realized.) suspicious about advertising claims in general are surprisingly a simplistic explanation of shaft flex and frequency and 104

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January 2010

how they apply to shaft function is: “Flex” in a shaft is the ability of the shaft to “load” during the back swing, and “Frequency” of a shaft is the ability of the shaft to “unload” during the forward swing.

With this in mind, it follows that, to golfers of all skill levels, the flex and frequency of the shaft must match the physiology of the individual golfer. Why is this so? Because, during the back swing elasticity allows us to pull or stretch our muscles to the point commonly referred to as the “top of the back swing” or the “transition point.” at the point of transition, it is imperative that the shaft is fully loaded and ready to go forward at precisely the same moment that we are physically loaded and ready to go forward. The forward motion of “downswing” occurs as the body physically unloads itself at a level of power and rate of speed unique to each golfer, and this is why each shaft or set of shafts must be fit to each golfer’s unique swing.

During the downswing, the shaft goes through a series of movements. For each movement the right hand (for right-

] ] A simplistic explanation of shaft flex and frequency and how they apply to shaft function is: “Flex” in a shaft is the ability of the shaft to “load” during the back swing, and “Frequency” of a shaft is the ability of the shaft to “unload” during the forward swing.

handed golfers) makes in the forward motion, the shaft MuST move in a direct correlation and ratio. When a shaft does not have the ability to load and unload at the same rate and power level as the golfer, swing flaws will occur. Some of the swing flaws created by improper/incorrect shaft flex and/or frequency are: Slicing Hooking Loss of control or lack of control Excessive body movement during the swing “Over the top” move Loss of distance Deep divots Low trajectory Inconsistent yardages “Sliding” or “Swaying” Extremely long back swing Excessive energy required to perform the golf swing Fatigue setting in before round has been completed I hope you have enjoyed our three-part series on club fitting and now have a better understanding of how precisely clubs can be fit to an individual, how the body and club work during the golf swing, and how clubs that are truly custom fit improve the interaction between the body and the club. To learn more about club fitting and golf instruction, contact the Golf Performance Academy at (843) 338-6737 or visit us on the Web at www.golfacademyhiltonhead.com.

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THE LOCALS INDEX >>>>>>>>>>>YOUR TOOL FOR FINDING THE BEST DISCOUNTS IN TOWN<<<<<<<<<<<

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EATS • SWEETS • SPIRITS

Antonio’s Fine Dining, p. 31 Village At Wexford, 842-5505 (See Ad For Details)

Kingfisher, p. 42 Shelter Cove Marina, 785-4442, 10% Off Food

Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe, p. 108 (Back Cover) 69 Pope Avenue, 785-7700 Receive 10% Off

Longhorn Steakhouse, p. 16 South Island Square. 686-4056 FREE Appetizer with purchase of any Entree

Captain Woody’s, p. 90 Palmetto Bay Marina, 785-2400, 10% Off Food

Marley's Island Grille, p. 92 35 Office Park Road, 686-5800 Buy 1 Get 1 FREE, See Ad for Details

Bella Italia, p. 90 10% Off Catering 689-5560

The Market Street Café, p. 102 Coligny Plaza, 686-4976 10% Off Entire Check

BrightStar HealthCare, p. 83 Plantation Park, 837-3773 Complimentary Consultation

Bravo Pizza, p. 90 342-7757 Large 1 Topping Pizza - $10.99

Mellow Mushroom Pizza, p. 90 Park Plaza, 686-2474 10% Off

The Clinic, p. 96 157 William Hilton Parkway, 338-1598 10% off any service with Ad

Brick Oven, p. 97 Park Plaza, 686-2233 (See Ad For Details)

Montana's Restaurant & Grizzly Bar, p. 93 16 Kitties Landing Rd., 815-2327 Special Sunday Brunch Pricing (See Ad For Details)

Coolidge Plastic Surgery, p. 67 208-2808 See Ad For Details

Murphy's, p. 90 842-3448 Free Irish Coffee with Entree Purchase

Core Pilates, p. 87 32 Office Park Road, Suite 306, 681-4267 10% Off Classes and Packages, Holiday Gift Certificates Now Avaliable

Callahan’s Sports Bar & Deluxe Grill, p. 18 New Orleans Rd. At The Sea Pines Circle, 686-7665 10% Off Food Captain Woody’s, p. 90 Palmetto Bay Marina, 785-2400, 10% Off Food Carolina Cafe in the Westin Resort 2 Grasslawn Ave., Port Royal Plantation, 681-4000, 10% Off Chocolate Canopy, Ltd., p. 56 Palmetto Bay Rd, 842-4567 10% Off Non-Sale Items (with minimum purchase) Conroy's at Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, p. 70 One Hotel Circle 843.686.8411 See Ad For Details Cookies By Design, p. 103 Sea Turtle Cinemas, 706-9505 15% Off

Old Fort Pub, p. 31 Hilton Head Plantation, 681-2386 see ad for details Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe, p. 46 Palmetto Bay Marina, 686-3232 10% Off Monday-Friday Plantation Cafe Heritage Plaza, 785-9020, Port Royal Plaza, 342-4472 10% Off Food Only Reilley’s Grill & Bar, p. 108 (Back Cover) Hilton Head Plaza, 842-4414, Port Royal Plaza, 681-4153 10% Off

CQ’s Restaurant, p. 31 Harbour Town, 671-2779 See ad for details

Rollers, p. 18 Coligny Plaza, 785-3614 Port Royal Plaza, 681-8454 Free Mini Bottle with Purchase

The Electric Piano, p. 99 Park Plaza, 785-5397 10% Off

Skillets Café, p. 90 Coligny Plaza, 785-3131 10% Off Any Purchase $6.95 Or Higher

Fancy Q: Sushi Bar & Grill, p. 16 435 William Hilton Pkwy, Northridge Plaza, Unit G Hilton Head, 843-342-6626 20% Off with your CH2 Card (See Ad for Details)

The Smokehouse, p. 46 102 Pope Avenue, 842-4BBQ (4227) Free Chips And Dip With Purchase Of Two House Specialties

The Island Fudge Shoppe, p. 46 Coligny Plaza, 842-4280 or 1-800-497-1470 10% Off

Street Meet, p. 72 Port Royal Plaza, 842-2570, 10% Off Food

Jocks Blufftons Sports Bar and Grill, p. 80 95 Baylor Dr. (Publix Shopping Center) Bluffton, 815-7474 please see ad for details Jump & Phil’s Bar and Grill, p. 46 Hilton Head Plaza, 785-9070 10% Off Food Kanaley's Pub, p. 90 Park Plaza at Sea Pines Entrance 686-5123 Happy Hour 7 days a week until 8pm 10% OFF all food with C2 Card

Sweet Indulgences, p. 102 689-2414 See Ad for Details Turtles Beach Bar & Grill in the Westin Resort 2 Grasslawn Ave., Port Royal Plantation, 681-4000, 10% Off Wild Wing Cafe, p. 9 Hilton Head, 843.785.9464 or Bluffton, 837.9453, 10% Off Lunch with C2 Card

HEALTH  FITNESS BEAUTY

Dermatology of the Low Country, p. 87 Hilton Head: 689-5259 Bluffton/Okatie Outpatient Center: 705-0840 Beaufort: 525-9277 Now Offering Saturday Appointments (call for details) Dr. Shelly, p. 78 Red Cedar St., 837-5553 FREE New Patient Exam Faces Day Spa, p. 89 The Village at Wexford, 785-3075 - (See Ad For Details) Heavenly Spa by Westin, p. 19 2 Grasslawn Ave., Port Royal Plantation, 681-1019 Most Popular Treatments $75, (See Ad For Details) Hilton Head Occupational Therapy, p. 77 32 Office Park Road - 843-785-7727 FREE Brochure Hilton Head Regional Hospital, p. 4 877-582-2737 Call and Receive a FREE Physician Directory Hyperbaric Therapy Of The Lowcountry, p. 25 94 Main St., Suite E, 681-3300 Complimentary Consultation Island Family Dental, p. 74 Professional Building, Suite 202, 842-3555, Receive 20% off of ZOOM! The Sanctuary - A European Day Spa, p. 83 Park Plaza 843.842.5999 - See Ad For Details Stephens Pharmacy, p. 78 2 Marshland Rd. in the HH Health & Wellness Building, 686-3735 Receive $5 Off Your First Prescription FREE New Patient Exam

SPICE OF LIFE!

Be Sure to try Amigos Belfair SPICY Mango Habenaro Salsa!

AMF Main Street Lanes, p. 43 Main Street, 681-7750 Buy 1 game get 1 game for Free Gullah Tours, p. 42 681-7066 -$2 Off Regular Tours

Drop anchor with Bottomline Yacht Company

Home And Garden Show, p. 32 ShowTechnology.com See Ad For Details Mulligan's Golf Balls & More, p. 105 102 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton 815-2621, See Ad for Details North Ridge Cinema, p. 103 342-3800, See Ad For Details

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SHOPS, BOUTIQUES GALLERIES & MORE

ACTIVITIES

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USE THIS CARD TO SAVE ON LOCAL DEALS!

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Rose Hill Golf Club, p. 105 4 Clubhouse Drive, Bluffton, SC 843-757-9030, See Ad For Details

Circle of Health, p. 105 Village at Sheridan Park, 815-2060 10% Off first purchase Discount Fabric p. 19 Corner of Hwy. 278 & 170, 705-2626 20% off Storewide (See Ad For Details)

SERVICES

Don Caster / Tanner Outlet, p. 72 Pineland Station- 689.6494 25% OFF any single item The Great Frame Up, p. 86 Belfair Towne Village 815-4661 40% off framing, 25% off first Curse Scan Heritage Fine Jewelry, p. 74 107 Pineland Station, 689-2900 Free Professional Jewelry Cleaning & Inspection

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Savannah Motorcycle Rentals, p. 18 6 Gateway Blvd. West, Savannah, 912-925-0005 $20 Per Day Discount For Repeat Renters

Affairs To Remember, p. 56 154-E Beach City Road, 342-9338 - 10% Off

Epperson, p. 60 681-9297, See Ad For Details

American Wood Reface, p. 76 40 Pennington Drive, Suite C, Sherridan Park Bluffton, 843-815-6700 $500 Instant Discount to First 10 Customers (See Ad for Details)

Island Car Wash, p. 56 Hwy. 278, 785-9274, Kitties Crossings, 815-4666 - $5 Off Gold Wash

Legends Sports Gallery, p. 47 Main Street Village, 681-4444, 10% Off

Auto Spa, p. 45 30 Palmetto Bay Road, 842-2001 $25 Off Any Service (Excludes Hand Wash)

Patricia’s, p. 97 The Village at Wexford, 785-7795, 10% Off non-sale items

Beachside Tire & Auto, p. 24 26 Hunter Rd., 342-7876 $20 Off Any Auto Repair (See Ad For Details)

Tail-Waggers, p. 43 Coligny Plaza, 686-3707 10% Off Purchase, excluding Cat & Dog Food

Brooke’s Bed & Biscuit, p. 80 25 Buck Island Road, 757-PETS (7387) Receive A Free Toenail Clipping

Tanger Outlets, p. 5 Free Coupon Book

Bruno Landscape & Nursery, p. 80 109 Dillion Rd. 843-682-2624 15% Off Nusery Purchase

Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe p. 103 Harbour Town, 671-2810 Receive 10% Off or A FREE Miniature Lighthouse with a minimum purchase of $10

Celebration Events Catering, p. 47 689-7526, Call For Details Covert Aire, p. 97 706-5090 See Ad for Details

Kinghorn Insurance, p. 47 Hwy. 278, 785-9274, Kitties Crossings, 815-4666 - $5 Off Gold Wash Mark F. Winn, Attorney at Law, Master of Laws (LL.M)in Estate Planning, p. 45 10 Pinckney Colony Road, Suite 306, Bluffton 843-815-8578 - Complimentary Initial Consultation, (See Ad For Details) Mattress Firm, p. 7 1172 Fording Island Road, 837-FIRM (3476) Save up to $400 on Tempur-Pedic Limited Time Offer (See Ad For Details) Quality Golf Cars, p. 105 212 Okatie Village Drive in Sun City, Bluffton 843-706-6655 - Check out our New Electric Vehicles That Qualify for a $5,475 Federal Tax Credit (See Ad For Details) Reel Screens, p. 45 422-1789, Free In-Home Demonstration

DHS - Tax and Business Center 843-290-8080, 20% Off 2009 Tax Prep Fees

Smith Barney, p. 47 600 Main Street, 689-7215, Complimentary Consultation

E.A.C., p. 41 681-3999 - $250 Off a new Trane System Replacement

Superior Heating & Air Inc, p. 43 39 Persimmon Rd. Unit 202, 682-COOL (2665) Free Furnace, See Ad For Details

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER! BECAUSE THERE IS NO ACCOUNTING FOR HUMAN ERROR...ADVERTISERS AND C2 ARE NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCOUNTS AND INFORMATION LISTED ON THIS PAGE.

NEED A C2 CARD? CALL 843.342.9190 TO START SAVING TODAY.

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