CH2 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025

LAUGHS ABOUND IN CHRISTMAS BELLES AT SEA GLASS STAGE

PEDALS, POSSIBILITY, AND CHRISTMAS MAGIC

DECK THE HALLS Holiday Stores That Bring Christmas Home HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM, HER AND EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!

MIRACLE POP-UP BAR MAKES SPIRITS BRIGHT THIS SEASON

Kandace Cunningham, Kim Crouch, Jevon Daly, Maggie Washo and Morgan Ambler

GENIUSES AT WORK

Ambassador of Buzz Maggie Marie Washo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Chief Chatter

Kim Conrad Crouch

Sales Rockstar “Just Kandace” Cunningham

Head of Schmoozing Morgan Ambler

Wizard of Light Bulb Moments Jevon Daly

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

Comic Sans Annihilator Catherine Davies

Error Eradicator

Lynne Cope Hummell

Aspiring Novelists

Jesse Blanco

Courtney Hampson

Lynne Cope Hummell

Barry Kaufman

Brooke Peck

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Larry Toomer

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Photography by M.Kat

Photography by Brooke Peck

Photography by Heather Guy

Photography by Lisa Staff

Find Us Here

PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

How did we get here?

By here, I mean December 2025. I was scrolling Facebook this morning, looking for videos of the Sixth Annual Lantern Parade (which I unfortunately had to miss), and as I watched those sharks and sea turtle eggs march down the beach, I remembered when Jevon Daly and I were asked to be the pelicans for the 2021 Lantern Parade in Place event held at Mitchelville (during that time that shall not be mentioned – but it starts with C and ends with a D and it has five letters).

How was that FIVE YEARS AGO?

CH2 magazine’s 20-year anniversary has me feeling some type of way about life in this piece of paradise we call home, and so, as we head into 2026, we’ll be featuring some local businesses that have also been around for 20-plus years. We kick it off in this issue with some reminiscing about the Big Bamboo. Take a trip down memory lane with Tristan O’Grady and Barry Kaufman on page 113. I particularly love the title, “Fuzzy Memories of the Big Bamboo.”

If it’s holiday cheer you’re here for, we have plenty of that, too. The island is dressed in all its glorious twinkly lights for the season and new contributor Brooke Peck writes about three events you should put on your calendar this month. On page 61, you can read about Hilton Head Fire Station 3’s merry and magical drive-through experience, which has been happening for more than 20 years now. And while we are on a tour

of lights, pack the kids into the car and head on over to Mitchelville’s Sixth Annual Holiday Nights & Lights display, which happens December 6-8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Then, deposit the kids back at home and Uber over to Starbird’s Miracle Pop-Up Bar, spreading Christmas cheer five times a week through December 30. This year, Starbird’s Shane McEnery brings that “Christmas in your face” experience to the Lowcountry that those from bigger cities might already know about (see article on page 64).

Of course, we remember the reason for the season, and so we continue to highlight local organizations and community members who are giving back. Swing on over to page 46 to read interviews with some of our neighbors who have learned that there truly is more happiness in giving than in receiving.

Lastly, I hope to see you at the Arts Center’s production of Frozen this month – or at Sea Glass Stage Company’s Christmas Belles. This is an excellent month to get out and about and enjoy a bit of quiet as locals – and support our local thespians. Wishing all of you a safe and happy holiday! See you next year! 

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Photography by Maggie Washo

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

Spotlight on Local Volunteers

Let it never be said that the Lowcountry doesn’t know how to give back. Ours is a community built on a spirit of volunteerism, where any need that should be filled will soon find itself with a small army of helpers ready to work. When we set out to spotlight a few of the legion of selfless locals who call our area “home,” we knew the hardest job would be in limiting our search. While the volunteers you see here are to be lauded for their generosity and spirit, know that for every face you see here, there are hundreds more ready to make life a little better in our community.

LINDA RUSSELL - DEEP WELL PROJECT

What is the organization’s mission?

Deep Well focuses on addressing basic needs for area residents experiencing some kind of emergency or crisis. The assistance is immediate and is intended to provide clients with a hand up, not a handout. The organization also offers longer-term programs to help people get out, and stay out, of poverty, through its Circles program.

How long have you been in the Lowcountry?

We have lived on Hilton Head Island for 20 years. What makes the organization special to you?

I have volunteered with Deep Well for 15 years in the Wellness Food Pantry, and it continues to warm my heart to see the difference this organization makes through all of its programs. Working in the pantry brings me joy – seeing the smiling faces and hearing the gratitude from families as they leave with food for their tables. I am also grateful for the amazing staff and volunteers who are so committed to helping those in need. Most of all, I am inspired by our wonderful community whose generosity through donations makes everything we do possible. Deep Well truly shows

what can happen when a community comes together to care for their neighbors.

How many hours do you spend volunteering each week?

I volunteer four hours a week in the pantry plus food drives, Christmas Santa Shop, and anytime they need extra help.

What are the organization’s most urgent needs currently?

The greatest need currently is food, given the current high food costs and changes to SNAP and WIC programs for our clients. Food has substantially risen in cost, so financial donations allow us to purchase critical food items like protein (meat, eggs, and milk), and fresh produce. Also, community connections through food drives and individuals dropping food off helps immensely.

Our wish list can be found online at deepwellproject.org.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy playing golf and tennis. I quilt, do family genealogy, love traveling, gardening, walking, fishing, and being with family and friends.

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

GINA AND STEVE MILELLA HILTON HEAD HUMANE ASSOCIATION

What is the organization’s mission?

To improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats while also working to substantially lower the number of animals reproduced or relinquished.

How long have you been in the Lowcountry?

We have called the Lowcountry home for the past seven years, and for much of that time, we’ve been devoted volunteers at Hilton Head Humane. This no-kill shelter holds a special place in our hearts, thanks to its unwavering commitment to the welfare of homeless dogs and cats.

How many hours do you spend volunteering each week?

Each week, we dedicate 15 to 18 hours to walking dogs, escorting them to training classes, and helping with cleaning duties whenever needed. We’re grateful to be part of it all and give back to our community.

What do you do in your spare time?

We enjoy everything the Lowcountry has to offer, from beach days and dinners out to soaking up the beauty of the island being by the water!

STEVE AND KAREN DRESCHER MEMORY MATTERS

What is the organization’s mission?

Providing support, education, and fulfilling programs for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

How long have you been in the Lowcountry? Seven years.

What makes the organization special to you?

Karen: My parents had dementia and Steve and I were their caregivers for 10 years. We understand what a caregiver and loved one with dementia feels like on the journey and we love making a positive difference in someone’s life.

How many hours a week do you spend volunteering?

Karen: I volunteer an average of 12 hours a week. Steve: I spend around 2 to 4 hours volunteering weekly.

What can we do to help?

Financial donations are always welcome, along with more volunteers.

What do you do in your spare time?

Karen: I read and enjoy spending time with my family.

Steve: I golf and spend time exercising at the Island Rec Center.

JILL YOUTSEY - SECOND HELPINGS

What is the organization’s mission?

To fight hunger and food waste in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties.

How long have you been in the Lowcountry?

My husband, Phil, and I relocated to Hilton Head Island from Charlotte, North Carolina, in the fall of 2019.

What makes the organization special to you?

Second Helpings collects and distributes food that would otherwise end up in landfills. In 2014, we delivered 3.3 million pounds to 54 agencies across Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties, serving more than 13,000 clients each week. Under the leadership of Amy Colin, Second Helpings has fostered a strong sense of community and mutual support among its volunteers.

How many hours do you spend volunteering each week?

I am responsible for recording collected food weights and distribution data, coordinating monthly schedules for drivers and volunteer helpers, and communicating policy or route changes as needed for the Tuesday volunteers.

What are the organization’s most urgent needs currently?

At present our greatest need is supporting our food pantry partners in keeping their shelves stocked, not only through the holiday season, but also as we face increasing demand from families affected by the recent SNAP benefit suspension and uncertainty surrounding the program’s future funding.

Donations can be made by mailing a check payable to Second Helpings at PO Box 23621, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29925 or securely online at secondhelpingslc.org/donate.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I’m actively involved in our local community garden, where I serve on the board and help support neighborhood engagement initiatives. I also make time to stay active and enjoy daily walks on the beach with my husband, Phil, and our dog, Cooper, along with biking and practicing Pilates.

JOYCE GODSHALL VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE

What is the organization’s mission?

The organization’s mission is to assist those who have underserved healthcare needs.

How long have you been in the Lowcountry?

I arrived in early 2021, so almost five years.

What makes the organization special to you?

At a time when customer service seems to be lacking a bit, I find that all the staff goes out of their way to assist the clients. As a retired nurse it is so nice to be able to be around the clients and they are so nice and appreciative.

How many hours a week do you spend volunteering?

Two to three hours on Mondays and two to three hours on Tuesdays. Mondays, I work at the hydroponic farm with the “veggie squad.” We grow different lettuces, collards, and herbs. There are 16 large towers that we rotate crops with. Each tower requires harvesting, cleaning, reassembling, and planting with more seedlings. It is fun to see it grow week to week.

Tuesdays, I work in the clinic as a retired nurse doing intake and assisting a gynecologist. They are always adding more ways to assist the clients, such as eye exams, blood sugar monitoring, dentistry, etc.

What can we do to help?

We need a lot of volunteers to keep things moving, and monetary donations are always welcome so they can keep up with the ever-changing needs. One great example of this is the language app and the iPads needed to assist with interpreting between the clients and staff. We can connect with interpreters online to ensure good communication and understanding happen.

What do you do in your spare time?

Walk my dog and meet so many interesting people, garden in a shared plot, Bible study, and biking to the bluff.

SETH FRIEDMAN BLUFFTON SELF HELP

What is the organization’s mission?

To empower and advocate for Lowcountry neighbors to improve their lives through education and training, basic needs, and guided access to a network of community resources.

How long have you been a resident of the Lowcountry?

In November 2019, we made the move to Latitude Margaritaville in Hardeeville, leaving behind Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where we’d lived for most of our lives.

What makes this organization special to you?

Bluffton Self Help is close to my heart because they’re dedicated to helping people build better lives. I believe our beautiful state grows stronger when more families have the chance to succeed – and Bluffton Self Help provides the support and resources that make that possible.

How many hours a week do you spend volunteering?

I volunteer in The Market at Bluffton Self Help four hours a week, and every so often I’m happy to help out a bit more during the holidays or for special projects, such as Thanksgiving meal prep and the Holiday Toy Shop.

What can we do to help? What are the organization’s most urgent needs currently?

I’m asking each of you to give a little of your time each week – volunteer, donate, or contribute what you can. Together, our small efforts can make a huge impact and bring our organization’s vision to life.

What do you do in your spare time?

My wife, Sue, and I live in a wonderfully active community that keeps us on the go! Most days you’ll find us out and about – taking part in community events, swimming, playing bocce ball, and doing our best to stay healthy and fit. We also love to travel and just got back from an incredible trip through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. When we’re not exploring new places, we’re spending time with our three amazing daughters – Michelle, Kacey, and Dana – who always keep life exciting. And of course, we’re die-hard Gamecock fans! You’ll catch us at games and events in Columbia all year long, cheering on our Gamecocks!

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Pedals, Possibility, and Christmas Magic

THE HUNT FAMILY’S HOLIDAY

LEGACY IS RIDING HIGH

Every December, as the Lowcountry fills with twinkling lights, cool breezes, and that unmistakable sense of holiday warmth, Jeff and Christine Hunt prepare for the season in a way unlike anyone else. For more than three decades, Jeff, a longtime Hilton Head Island Realtor with Dunes Real Estate, has poured his heart into giving away brand-new bicycles to local children who might otherwise never experience the thrill of owning one.

What began as a simple act of kindness has become one of the region’s most beloved Christmas traditions, growing each year through generosity, community partnership, and a deep commitment to helping kids feel seen, valued, and hopeful.

Jeff traces the origins of this annual project back to his own childhood. “I didn’t have a bike when I was a kid,” he said. “I actually built my own from parts we found at a junkyard.” The memory stayed with him. Years later, when a local organization asked whether he might be able to contribute a bicycle or two, he didn’t hesitate. “I bought about five bikes,” he said. “Next thing you know, five turned into 50, into 100, into 300.”

This season, the Hunts will donate 400 brandnew bicycles, each paired with a helmet, and each representing freedom, joy, and a spark of possibility.

For Jeff, the meaning behind these bicycles reaches far beyond childhood fun. “These kids don’t have a lot of choices,” he said. “To give them the freedom of having a bicycle is exciting for me.”

He and Christine realized early on that the need extended far past young children. “We buy bigger bikes for older kids now,” Jeff said. “Sometimes that bike

Jeff and Christine Hunt will donate 400 new bicycles to local children this Christmas, in what has become a yearly tradition for the couple.

means they can get to a job, or even college classes. You never know what the smallest things can do to change somebody’s life.”

Christine has seen firsthand the joy this work brings her husband. “He loves Christmas,” she said. “This is his favorite part of the season – he is all about the bikes. It makes him so happy.”

Deep Well, Boys & Girls Clubs, and a Growing Need

The Holiday Bicycle Giveaway began through The Deep Well Project on the island. No one has witnessed the long-term impact more clearly than Patricia Kenworthy, volunteer with Deep Well.

“One of the most exciting and memorable holiday presents a school-aged kid can receive is a brand-new, shiny bike,” she said. “Since 2015, Jeff Hunt has donated an astonishing total of 1,100 bicycles and 1,100 helmets for our Santa Shop. His generosity now extends beyond the bridge to Bluffton and Ridgeland. Jeff is clearly one of Santa’s best helpers.”

From the initial impact at Deep Well, the word spread quickly. The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton asked for support.

“When we first donated there, nobody had ever given them even one bicycle,” Jeff said. “And now we give them 100.”

Most recently, the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head reached out, bringing the 2025 total to an incredible 400 bikes.

Few know the impact better than Coach Gene C. King, social recreation director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lowcountry on Hilton Head Island.

“Mr. Jeff plays such a huge role during Christmas time for so many kids in the Beaufort and Jasper County area,” Coach King said. “He has blessed children of all ages with bicycles. I’ve never seen anything like it. His love for the community – and especially for the kids – is impeccable. He even has an amazing relationship with the local Walmart here on Hilton Head, and they assist with building all the bicycles.”

Christine and Jeff Hunt will deliver bikes in early December to Deep Well and the Boys and Girls Club of Bluffton.

A Wave of Generosity

In Jasper County, where resources are limited and opportunities scarce, the impact of Jeff’s kindness can’t be overstated. Surenda Burrison, executive director of the Antioch Educational Center, shared how the Hunts’ generosity has transformed the holidays for hundreds of local families.

“Because of the extreme generosity of Dunes Real Estate – especially Jeff Hunt – literally hundreds of children from Jasper County’s low-income households have awakened on Christmas morning to find a shiny new bike and helmet under their tree,” Burrison said. “So many of these children often get nothing or just a very small token to recognize the holiday season. However, since Jeff stepped into the AEC organization, that scene has changed completely.”

For a county whose entire population is less than 30,000, Jeff’s contribution of 100 new bikes and helmets makes a huge difference in the quality of life for so many children. “A bike is not just a short-lived gift; it’s something they can use all year long,” Burrison said. “And the gratitude felt by our families lasts just as long.”

Jeff’s generosity has inspired many others, including colleagues across real estate brokerages.

Clay Oliver, Jeff’s colleague at Dunes Real Estate, contributes funding each year. “Jeff’s one of those people who had an immediate positive impact on me,” Oliver said. “He tries to have a positive impact on everyone – client, colleague, stranger. What he’s doing now is amazing. It’s not for show. That is the real Jeff.”

Oliver shared how Jeff influenced his own career. “Real estate is tough,” he said. “But Jeff’s always encouraging. We collaborate constantly. Instead of seeing each other as competition, we look at each other as colleagues. I know I can call him for business advice, life advice – anything.”

Over at Charter One Realty, fellow agent Richard MacDonald has watched Jeff’s efforts ripple outward in unexpected ways, recently inspiring his entire church.

“Jeff is a friend and fellow Realtor,” MacDonald said. “When Hilton Head Presbyterian learned about this generous bicycle donation, we thought it would be meaningful to complement it by contributing accessories – helmets, locks, bike pumps, things like that.”

The church created a display featuring a bike and helmet, inviting congregants to donate supplies and write heartfelt notes to accompany the bicycles. “The minute they announced it,” MacDonald said, “I leaned over to my wife and said, ‘You know who the generous donor is? That’s Jeff Hunt.’ He’s been doing this for years.”

Another Dunes Real Estate colleague, Jenny Filkins, summed it up perfectly: “As someone who has worked alongside Jeff for several years, I’ve seen that his generosity knows no limits. His leadership reminds us that success means nothing unless you’re lifting others along the way.”

Quiet Giving, Big Emotion

Jeff and Christine never deliver the bicycles personally. “It’s their day, not our day,” Jeff said. “I just pretend to be a worker bee helping load bikes.” But the emotions are strong. “Some parents are crying – they’re just so happy,” he said.

Christine understands. “We all remember something someone gave us when we were young,” she said. “Generosity stays with you, even 50 years later.”

Jeff hopes these gifts spark not only joy but also hope. He encourages others to reach out to their church or favorite charity. “There’s always somebody less fortunate,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a bicycle. It can be a set of clothes or a toy. The smallest thing can change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

One of Jeff’s favorite possessions is a framed print from a former assistant. It depicts a little boy repairing his bicycle with the caption, “Once upon a time there was a boy who really loved bicycles. That was me. The end.”

Christine laughed. “That is Jeff to a T.”

This Christmas, because of Jeff and Christine’s dedication – and because of an entire community stepping forward in support – 400 children across Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Jasper County will wake up to the freedom of their very own bicycle. It is a gift wrapped not in paper, but in kindness, community, and the true spirit of the season – rolling forward, one joyful child at a time. 

Volunteers line up grocery carts filled with food to be distributed to families with food insecurity free of charge at the Church of the Cross Food Bank in Bluffton.

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell

FOOD BANK FEEDS COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH FOOD INSECURITY

Every Monday, cars start lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. in front of God’s Goods Thrift Store in Bluffton. The drivers aren’t waiting for the store to open, though. They are awaiting the opening of the weekly Food Bank and the drivethrough pick-up that will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Like God’s Goods, the Food Bank is a ministry of The Church of the Cross, powered by volunteers. Both ministries are located at 15 Centre Drive in Bluffton, in a building known as the Mission Mall.

Each week, 50 to 60 volunteers will hand out bags of food to an average of 400-plus families.

Leading the sizable group of volunteers is George Stephani, ministry leader for the Food Bank, and seven Leadership Team members. In the midst of service on a Monday afternoon, Stephani stayed busy answering questions from volunteers, straightening food storage bins inside, and showing a visitor around the premises.

Near the front door, in a large pantry, are cases of nonperishable goods. Stephani explained the process of gathering and then distributing the food. “Some of this food is donated by Second Helpings, and most we purchase from Lowcountry Food Bank at a discount,” he said. “We bag up any meat we get in, often in bulk from Second Helpings.”

Perishable foods are stored in refrigerators and freezers in another room.

Every Saturday morning, after volunteers from Second Helpings drop off several hundred to several thousand pounds of food, 15 to 20 Food Bank volunteers sort and set it up by category on racks and

Photography by M.Kat

On Monday mornings at 9 a.m., Stephani gathers all volunteers for a job briefing and prayer.

tables in the main room of the Food Bank. On Mondays, additional deliveries of food are received, averaging 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, in addition to donations from parishioners from Church of the Cross and private donors bringing bags of food from Moss Creek, Colleton River Club, and other communities.

On Monday mornings at 9 a.m., Stephani gathers all volunteers for a job briefing and prayer. “We are a God-driven ministry,” he said. Then, volunteers start their day by filling grocery carts with bags of whatever food has been sorted in the bins and on racks – typically canned and jarred goods, boxed cereals, pasta, spaghetti sauce, breads, fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, and dessert. Some days there might be a special item or two, such as watermelons in the summer or pumpkins in the fall.

As opening time nears, volunteers roll their carts, each loaded with several bags of groceries, out the door and down the sidewalk to the curb, where guests in the lined-up cars await.

As a volunteer guides drivers to slow and stop, they exchange pleasantries and determine their needs. A prayer is offered, then volunteers load the bags of food into the backseat or trunk of each vehicle.

Use the QR Code above to make a donation directly to the Food Bank.

Diapers and cereal are available from a separate blue tent ahead of the food line. This ministry was started by and is managed by a church parishioner who saw a need for young families.

As guests line up in their cars, those with babies living in their household can ask for the size they need. An average of 40-plus families per week request diapers.

Those receiving food may also receive a ticket to shop at God’s Gifts, a no-charge pop-up shop located in a room adjacent to the Food Bank. The tickets are handed out to keep track of numbers of people served.

Here, shoppers can choose whatever they want from clothing and shoe racks, kitchen and housewares, a jewelry table, an accessories area, and toys.

Near the entry of the shop, yet another ministry is available. A prayer circle is marked by a few chairs and tables pulled together, where volunteers are available to talk or pray with any guests upon request.

The slogan on many of the volunteers’ T-shirts, and the mission of the ministry overall, is “Each One Reach One That None Should Be Lost.”

“We are all boots on the ground for God,” Stephani said.

The Food Bank began in the Parish Hall at the Historic Campus of Church of the Cross at the end of Calhoun Street, overlooking the May River. The opening date is easy to remember, Stephani said – September 11, 2001.

In 2016, the church moved the Food Bank from the Parish Hall to the building on Centre Drive, and God’s Goods Thrift Store moved there as well. Since 2020, adapting the distribution process for Covid-19, the drive-through system has worked very well and continues.

The Food Bank is open to the public every Monday, yearround, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., and again from 4:30 to 6 p.m. (except on Christmas). No questions are asked, and everyone who comes through the line is served.

Donations of food (and grocery bags) from the community are welcome and are received from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to noon Mondays at the Mission Mall, 15 Centre Drive in Bluffton. Donations can also be dropped off at God’s Goods Thrift Store during their operating hours, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, to donate, or to ask about volunteering, visit thechurchofthecross.net. 

Fire Station 3 glows with holiday lights as the community gathers for the Station Lighting event.

makes his way through Shelter Cove during one of Fire

Article and Photography by Brooke Peck

FIREFIGHTERS SPREAD HOLIDAY JOY

Firefighters are known for extinguishing fires but on Hilton Head Island, they are also known for spreading holiday joy each December. From decorating Fire Station 3 to Santa and Sirens, and hosting a Santa’s Mailbox at each fire station, the firefighters help make Hilton Head a magical place to experience throughout the holiday season.

Kenzie Hrobar serves as the marketing and communications specialist for Hilton Head Fire Rescue. “All year long, we deliver help when it’s needed most,” she said. “At Christmastime, we deliver holiday magic.”

Thanks to planning, hard work, and patience, the crew at Fire Station 3 transforms it into a merry and magical drive-through experience. This tradition started more than 20 years ago when all of the island’s fire stations competed to see which one could create the best holiday lights and decoration display. The firefighters

at Fire Station 3, led by Lt. Scott Lowther, Fire Apparatus Operator Doug Hubbard, and Senior Firefighter Robert Scott, were determined to win the competition. They recruited extra decorators and worked hard to claim the victory.

Every December since securing the win, the team at Fire Station 3 decorates the exterior of the building with lights, inflatables, and animated creatures to create the colorful experience. The display is free and open to the public all month.

Lt. John Majorkiewicz has been at Fire Station 3 since 2017. “Community and visitors look forward to the decorations every year and sometimes plan their vacation in order to see the lights,” he said. In 2024, almost 8,000 cars visited the fire station to enjoy the month-long visual spectacle.

“We’re often responding to our community in a

Santa

Rescue's Santa & Sirens routes.

Fire Rescue Fleet Manager Keith Tison and Senior Fire Inspector Danielle Tison assist in decorating Fire Station 3 for the Holiday Light Display.

FIREFIGHTERS SPREAD HOLIDAY JOY

time of tragedy or sickness, whatever it might be, so to be able to bring joy in a different aspect, is something that is very important to us,” Hrobar said. “We know that the Christmas lights do that for the community. To be able to welcome them in and interact with us and see us in a different way is really important.”

Annual preparations begin in early October by unloading the storage trailer, checking for broken lights, organizing decorations, and coming up with a decoration layout plan. All this hard work is completed by the station’s firefighters between responding to emergency calls, required training, continuous public education events, and other commitments.

Additional groups help with the big effort, with installation assistance from Fire Rescue administration employees, funds and support from the Town of Hilton Head Island, the Hilton Head Firefighters’ Association (HHFA), and help with decoration removal from Boy Scout Troop 245. It’s estimated that about 1,000 people-hours are needed each year to hang the strands of lights, set up outdoor decor, and make the remaining magic happen.

Fire Rescue partners with The Deep Well Project to collect unwrapped toys and nonperishable food from the community to be distributed to families across the island. Donations can be dropped off at the outdoor collection area next to Fire Station 3.

Financial donations can also be made to the Hilton Head Firefighters’ Association (HHFA) to support the holiday light display and many other community programs. HHFA is a nonprofit organization that fundraises through community outreach to give back to the community through local charities and programs.

Santa and Sirens and Santa Mail

Another popular island-wide contribution from Fire Rescue is Santa and Sirens. Started in 2017, the Christmas tradition features Santa riding on a fire engine all over Hilton Head Island on various nights in December. Neighbors

often gather with hot cocoa on street corners to wave at Santa and watch the brightly decorated fire vehicles pass by. Santa’s helper, Senior Firefighter Gabe Yacso said, “I make it a point that every house gets a wave, a ‘Merry Christmas,’ and a “Ho ho ho.’”

Santa and Sirens kicks off on December 1 this year. The nightly schedule and routes are posted on the Hilton Head Fire Rescue social media accounts. A new Santa Tracker tool, the Glympse app, will help residents and visitors keep an eye on Santa’s arrival time at their location. His route begins each night at 5:30 p.m.

Throughout December, each fire station is equipped with a Santa mailbox where children of all ages can write and deliver a letter to Santa. Letters that include a return address might receive a response from the big man himself. “Every letter dropped into a Fire Rescue Santa Mailbox carries a little Christmas magic,” Hrobar said. “We make sure each one finds its way to the North Pole – and back again.”

Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

Unfortunately, a rise in preventable fires happens each winter. The Keep the Wreath Green campaign works to bring awareness to prevent fires from occurring.

Here are some important fire prevention reminders from the Hilton Head Fire Rescue:

• Never leave food unattended when cooking; keep your stove clear of clutter; and clean any grease buildup.

• Remember to always keep your grills clean and at least 10 feet away from your home.

• Never dispose of cigarettes, hot embers, or electronic devices with batteries in trash cans. These items can easily ignite trash and cause a fire to spread rapidly.

• Provide fresh water to your Christmas tree frequently.

• Never use extension cords for appliances or space heaters.

• Remember that space heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from any heat source.

• Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. Extinguish all candles when you leave a room.

For more information about any of these holiday events, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/firerescue, follow Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue on Facebook or @HHIFireRescue on Instagram. 

The Christmapolitan is an extra festive cosmopolitan served in a coupe with a sprig of rosemary.

Article by Brooke Peck

MIRACLE POP-UP BAR MAKES SPIRITS BRIGHT THIS SEASON

Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town this Christmas. Known for kitschy decor and cheery cocktails, Miracle Pop-Up Bar has festively exploded onto Hilton Head Island’s bar scene at Starbird Spirits & Bites, and it will be open through December 30.

Shane McEnery, Starbird’s bar manager and co-owner, describes the Miracle Pop-Up Bar experience as “Christmas in your face.” They’ve decked the halls with over-the-top Christmas decor, twinkling lights, festive music, and memorable cocktails. Seasonal drinks are expertly crafted to order and served in caricature mugs perfect for posting on social media. “It’s like your Christmas office party on steroids,” he said.

As McEnery started telling his customers about the upcoming Miracle Popup this fall, some were familiar with the concept. “Coming from big cities, a lot of people have heard of Miracle bars,” he says. “They come from Charleston, Atlanta,

Dallas, and New York, and they all have Christmas pop-ups, but we haven’t had one here yet.”

The first Miracle Pop-Up opened more than a decade ago in the East Village of New York City. It was so popular that more bars wanted in on the festive action the following year. Fast forward to 2025, and more than 150 Miracle bars are popping up from Australia to Canada to London and all across the United States. The Hilton Head pop-up is one of only four locations in South Carolina.

Miracle’s Merry Menu

With a strong focus on holiday-themed drinks served in festive glasses, the Miracle menu features traditional cocktails with a twist, along with some fresh creative concoctions. Served in a Santa mug, the Coconut Hot Chocolate takes the North Pole to the Caribbean with Jamaican rum, amaretto,

hazelnut, coconut, and whipped cream. Candy Cane Lane is a creamy mint delight offered in a happy unicorn mug.

The Gingerbread Snowball Old-Fashioned is a popular drink. “It’s like a packed-up snowball sitting right in your glass,” McEnery said. Miracle’s Jingle Balls Nog is their version of eggnog with cream sherry and cognac blended with almond milk and heavy whipping cream making spirits bright. The Cheery Cherry Chocosaurus is served in a dinosaur mug topped with brandied cherries.

New to the 2025 Miracle drink lineup, the Miracle Mouse features bourbon, vermouth, strawberry, and a slight citrus punch. The KoalaLala is a cute cocktail. “That one’s going to be fun,” McEnery said. “It comes with a little koala bear hugging the straw and you get to keep it when you get the drink.” Run Run Reindeer is a sparkling cocktail with

Shane McEnery behind the bar at Starbird Spirits & Bites.

MiracleCocoaHotChocolate: The Coconut Hot Chocolate will warm everyone up with rum, amaretto, chocolate hazelnut syrup, and coconut whipped cream.

MiracleKoala: The adorable Koala Lala is a refreshing tequila cocktail shaken and served on the rocks with a furry friend garnish.

MiracleSnowball: Snowball Old-Fashioned with Rittenhouse, gingerbread syrup, and snowball ice.

mulled wine and bitters.

The normal Starbird menu will be on pause during the Miracle Pop-Up, but their wine and beer menu will still be available.

For non-drinkers, Miracle has three festive mocktails served in a fun Christmas mug. The Snow Day Sipper is hot cocoa served in a Santa Mug. Delivered in the Christmasaurus Mug, the Silent Night is a shaken mocktail on the rocks. Rounding out the non-alcohol options is the Mellow Mouse, a citrusy shaken juice concoction served over ice.

Starbird is new to the island cocktail scene, having just opened in May, and specializes in perfecting the cocktail lounge experience. “It turned into that speakeasy-ish feel, just because it's kind of like a darker spot in a more lit-up island life,” McEnery said. The lounge opens early to welcome folks for a pre-dinner beverage and stays open late as a night cap locale.

Tucked into The Village at Wexford, the cozy spot attracts visitors and residents with consistent and wellcrafted cocktails. “We measure everything,” McEnery said. “Some people laugh at it because they’re not used to seeing it, but I’m a perfectionist when it comes to a balanced cocktail.”

The staff works hard to elevate each component of the drinks, including developing their own flavored syrups and infusions to eliminate artificial flavorings and reduce sugar content. Tonic water and ginger beer are also made in-house. The cocktail crafters are consistently making a list and checking it twice by tasting, testing, and standardizing their menu.

His team recognizes that the smallest details slowly add up into a well thought through product. The bar stocks three varieties of ice: pebble, half-inch cubes, and 2-inch blocks for drinks served on the rocks. Mixologists measure every drop to keep ratios balanced and paired with the correct ice to prevent drinks from being watered down. More than a dozen glassware options line the back of the bar to serve the perfect sip.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas by adding the Miracle Pop-Up to your Christmas list. Pop in for a fun date night, after work drinks, festive family time, or to reunite with old friends this holiday season. The vibe is fun and festive with a range of outfits from Ugly Christmas sweaters to cocktail attire. They will have everyone agreeing that it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

For more information, visit starbirdhhi.com or follow them on Instagram at @starbirdhhi. 

Aratta London coat. Floral Jacquard fabric with removable brooch. Elegant button details. $248. Charlie

B straight denim $94. Burgundy brami $34

STYLED BY REBECCA MANCINI & KANDACE CUNNINGHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT MAGGIE & ME

WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR THE LADIES ON YOUR LIST OR YOURSELF, HERE ARE A FEW FASHION-FORWARD IDEAS FROM MAGGIE & ME IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON.

Special thanks to our models Concetta Corrado, Kristin Archbold and Maggie Rose Pergola-Skonberg

Elan black/ white polka dot blouse. Tie front

$84. Free People ankle barrel Jean

$98. Crossbody black with scarf

$48. Free People leather grommet belt $48

Coastal cowgirl blazer by Kirbe Collection. $254. Elan cable knit cream sweater vest $74. Dark wash full jean by Charlie b $94.

Diba True ivory silver boot $140

Chocolate knit dress by Elan

$110. Boat neck or off the shoulder. Burgundy

oversized faux suede bag $88. Diba True boots

$140 in snake/ cognac

Faux leather/ sherpa black/ beige jacket $168. Charlie B medium wash full leg jean $94.

Diba True boots in ivory silver $140

Charlie B leapard sweater $98. Vegan leather skirt with front slit $88. Vinyl tan crossbody $48. Calilou clay earring $34

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell

Hilton Head Choral Society continues 50th season celebration

As Hilton Head Choral Society honors its 50th anniversary season, one highlight of the celebration – a visit from the charming and famed Vienna Boys Choir – will be a bit of a departure for both groups. Though it will be the fourth time the esteemed children’s chorus has performed locally at the invitation of the Choral Society, this is the first time they will perform in Bluffton.

“This is the first time in 50 years we will present a performance across the bridge,” said Mona Huff, chair of the anniversary celebration committee. Two performances will be held, February 23 and 24, 2026, at Lowcountry Community Church.

Planning for the season of events began in January. “In March, we sent an initial letter of intent to the Vienna Boys Choir,” Huff said. Once the invitation was accepted, and word got out, the response exceeded expectations. “We started with one date, but the response was so great that we expanded to two nights – which is another first for us.”

Hilton Head Choral Society’s regular concerts have been held at First Presbyterian Church for decades. The committee recognized that a larger venue with more seating would be required for the Vienna Boys Choir performances, so they began looking around the area.

Enter Lowcountry Community Church. “They have been so welcoming and helpful with us,” Huff said. “We are excited to partner with them. We all just want to share the joy and the talent.”

“In the past, the Choral Society has performed in other churches, as well as outdoors on Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” said Maureen Duffy, a Choral Society board member and marketing director. “We have stepped up our marketing efforts,” she said, to fill the large auditorium at Lowcountry Community Church. “It’s a tremendous venue. There is no bad seat. They have been wonderful to work with, and I would love to perform there again.”

Because the larger venue will accommodate more

Hilton Head Choral Society performs their annual Holiday concert

The HHCS presents the Vienna Boys Choir ,with performances on February 23 and 24, 2026.

people, Duffy said the hope is that families will attend together. “We are hoping to encourage young people who attend to try out choral music,” she said.

While HHCS holds the distinction of being the longest-running performance group on the island, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the longest-running continually performing groups in the world. Their history dates back nearly six centuries when, in 1498, Vienna’s Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I established an Imperial Chapel. He decreed that boys must be among the regular singers in the chapel, thus creating the beginnings of the modern-day choir.

Founding Artistic Director Martha Gregory in 2025

Those early choristers followed their emperor on the road to sing at various parliamentary meetings, state processions, weddings, and feasts. Over the years, members included Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydn, and Franz Schubert. The choir is said to have attracted the attention of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was in Vienna in the 1700s.

Today’s Vienna Boys Choir includes 90 members divided into four chorus groups, with each performing under the Vienna Boys Choir title. Altogether, the choirs perform about 300 concerts per year. On Sundays, the choirs rotate appearances at the Vienna Imperial Chapel, singing mass along with the men’s chorus of the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The first local concert by the Vienna Boys Choir was held in November 2006, as the inauguration of the Hilton Head Choral Society Presents series, created by then-artistic director Tim Reynolds. The choir returned in March 2012 and again in October 2017.

The 2026 concert will be the first “Presents” concert since Dr. Dustin Ousley took the reins as artistic director of the Choral Society in 2022, after Reynolds retired.

BUT FIRST, A HOLIDAY CONCERT

The excitement about the February performance has not diminished the Choral Society’s enthusiasm about its annual holiday performance, slated for 7 p.m. December 5 at First Presbyterian Church. (At press time, tickets were nearly sold out.)

Photography by Lukas Beck

“The holiday concert has special meaning for us,” Huff said. “The Choral Society was formed specifically to sing Handel’s Messiah, and it was several years before we added a spring concert. In tribute to the fact that we started with the Messiah, the first half of this year’s program will feature pieces from that work.”

The humble beginnings of the chorus in 1976 were due to the efforts of Martha Gregory, who had moved to the island in the late 1960s. Trained in choral music at Wesleyan Conservatory in Macon, Georgia, and later in New York City, Gregory longed to be part of a singing group in her new locale.

“I have always been in music. I did well with oratorio in New York,” Gregory said in a recent interview from her home in Anderson. “After I married, we moved to Clemson, where I worked in the music department at the school. I also did theatre and sang in the church choir. I sang the Messiah

in various choirs up there – as I had in other places I had lived. I just loved it so much and I wanted to do it here.”

But how would she find other singers on an island with a population of just a couple thousand residents?

In the early 1970s, Gregory had become news editor of the Island Packet newspaper. “Being at the paper, I could put in anything I wanted, so I put a little ad in: ‘Come learn and sing the Messiah,’” she said.

The first night, 55 people showed up; the next week, that number increased to 80. “We had only about six weeks to prepare,” Gregory said. She found an accompanist to come down from Charleston; her brother brought in musicians from Greenville for the orchestra; and Principal Isaac Wilborn said they could use the 400-seat cafetorium at Hilton Head Elementary School.

That first concert in 1976 was a smash hit. The following Christmas, the numbers grew, and continued to grow each year. Gregory sought donations from local businesses to help with expenses. “Everything I asked for – anything –they always gave it,” she said. “People realized real fast we were going to do something big. Lots of great things happened, and lots of people helped.”

Gregory stayed on as director through 1986. Subsequent directors continued to produce portions of the Messiah each year at Christmas for a number of years.

In addition to beloved selections from the Messiah, this year’s program will celebrate the season with traditional favorites and contemporary holiday classics. Special guest performers will add to the voices of the membership, accompanied by the orchestra and led by Dr. Ousley.

Tickets for all performances may be purchased at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or by calling 843-341-3818. 

Artistic Director

Dr. Dustin C. Ousley

GIFT GUIDE 2025

Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

1. Robert Trent Jones navy puffer vest for him $91; available at Robert Trent Jones Golf Shop; 2. Jellycat Bunny Large $50, Jellycat Rose Bouquet $55, Jellycat Jolly Gingerbread Fred $28, Jellycat Christmas Tree Ricky Rain Frog $65; available at Gifted Hilton Head; 3. Wanderlust plane pendant $80; available at Collage in the Village at Wexford; 4. Western hat, clove $315; available at Monkee's; 5. Black piano crossbody bag $98; available at Evelyn & Arthur; 6. The gift every girl actually wants under the tree – a safe, professional ear-piercing experience. Sterile gun and needle, both offered in a medical setting, it’s the perfect mix of sparkle and self-care for all ages. $109 and up; available at The Beautique; 7. Res REi eyewear featuring MOSAIC $465; available at Eyeland Optique; 8. Jacqueline Kent rhinestone holiday tumblers $98; available at Currents; 9. Jean Dubost Laguiole knives $102, Glass Pinch Pots, set of 6 $33.95, Natural scalloped cake stand $145; available at Le Cookery. *Prices change and human error occurs.

Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

1. Club Car CRU street legal vehicle; available at Club Car of Hilton Head; 2. Give the gift of beautiful looking hair and skin with assorted products from Totality Med Spa; 3. Hilton Head Oils & Balsamics gift pack $58; available at Hilton Head Oils & Balsamics; 4. Floral dress $315, Brown boots $365; available at Palmettoes; 5. Cool Grapes chiller bag $19.99, Rollers Lowcountry Burgandy $21.99, Driftless Glen single barrel $67.99; available at Rollers; 6. Roberto Coin Princess, 18K yellow gold, diamond outline large flower necklace; available at Forsythe Jewelers; 7. M-Audio M-Track solo $49.99, M-Audio M-Track dup HD $99.99; available at John's Music; 8. Bird feeder $74.99; with owl seed $21.99; available at Wild Birds Unlimited; 9. Pouf beanies, nutmeg, taupe, juniper, ivory $88; available at The Haven; 10. Clover pendant necklace $58; available at Evelyn & Arthur. *Prices change and human error occurs.

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

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*Prices change

human error

Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

1. Red lounge set, available at Gigi’s; 2. Men’s black hat, available at Brims on the Bluff; 3. Emerald bracelets, top, with single emerald, Emerald tennis bracelet, see pricing at Quinn's Diamond Jewelers for pricing; 4. Puzzled sweater, gold bangles, long gold ring necklace, available at Coastal Bliss; 5. Olive wood abstract lantern Holy Family $80, Wooden Nativity scene $50, Nativity cave olive wood branch $80; available at Hilton Head Oils & Balsamics; 6. Lighted spinning water globe $49.99; available at Wild Birds Unlimited; 7. Fringe dog crossbody $98; available at Evelyn & Arthur; 8. Southern Tide perfume $80, Southern Tide candles $44 each; available at Southern Tide; 9. Matte natural horn bangles, set of five $74, Natural horn double necklace $110; available at Outside Hilton Head; 10. Tag Heuer men’s sunglasses; available at Optical Solutions.

and

occurs.

1. Mitchies matching red and black scarf $118, Mitchies matching fingerless gloves $59.75; available at Currents; 2. Diamond necklace, see Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers for pricing; 3. PRS 40th Anniversary 24 Satin Limited Edition electric guitar in cobalt smokeburst $5,400; available at John's Music; 4. Booties, black and taupe $170 each ; available at The Haven; 5. The gift every girl actually wants under the tree – a safe, professional ear-piercing experience. Sterile gun and needle, both offered in a medical setting, it’s the perfect mix of sparkle and self-care for all ages. $109 and up; available at The Beautique; 6. Sea Love black label candle, Sea Love tin candle, Hilton Head baseball hat; available at Sea Love; 7. Burnt orange vest $175, Plaid shirt $115; available at Palmettoes; 8. Real Housewives of Hilton Head candle $32 each; available at Collage at the Village at Wexford; 9. Sun Drifter comfort cruiser with foot geometry $669; available at Bike Barn. *Prices change and human error occurs. Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

1. Sweatshirt $78, Top $69, Leggings $99, Sneakers $49; available at Local Kollective; 2. Orange V-neck polo $100, Floral jacket $160; available at Robert Trent Jones Golf Shop; 3. David Yurman chain, men’s sterling silver, 8mm curb chain bracelet, size medium; available at Forsythe Jewelers; 4. Myla haystack scarf, white, brown $125; available at Collage in the Village at Wexford; 5. Heart Pendants + Chains available at Collage in the Village at Wexford; 6. Mystic Marsh PJs set $98; available at Maggie & Me; 7. Emerald earrings, see Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers for pricing; 8. Green Electric Guitar & Strap; available at John's Music; 9. Golf shirt, purple $120; available at Robert Trent Jones Golf Shop; *Prices change and human error occurs. Please see store listed for final pricing on all items.

Article by Brooke Peck

Mitchelville’s Sixth Annual Holiday Nights and Lights

Back by popular demand is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s annual Holiday Nights and Lights event. Everyone is invited to drive through the park to view the illuminated winter wonderland from the comfort of their own vehicles December 6-8 from 6 to 8 p.m. The sixth annual event brings holiday cheer to all ages and is free and open to the public.

For many years, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park has hosted annual holiday events, including the lighting of its big oak tree where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the lights burning bright. The tree lighting evolved over time to become Holiday Nights and Lights in 2020, a drivethrough experience that was a safe way to savor holiday cheer during COVID-19.

“That first year, it was so overwhelming with people, which was a great thing,” said Lola Campbell, a native islander and board chair for the nonprofit Freedom Park organization. “There were no events happening, nothing to go to especially for the holiday because we couldn’t have these large events at that time. People were driving from Savannah to come and drive through and see the lights.”

After experiencing an incredible turn out and receiving positive feedback, organizers decided to make it an annual event.

Campbell and her family enjoy volunteering and driving through the holiday event each year. “I have to drive through because my son has to be in the car and drive through and see it,” she said. Oftentimes she has already had a sneak peak of the festive display from volunteering, but she still enjoys driving the loop with her son. “I love to experience it from the view of our supporters,” she said.

Her son’s favorite part is the snow at the end of the event. “Sometimes that’s the only snow that you might see on Hilton Head in the holiday season,” she said.

This year’s theme is The Gullah Village, which showcases the joy of “going visiting,” Gullah-style, during the holiday season. The drive-through exhibit reimagines Christmastime when families walked from house to house to visit neighbors, spread holiday cheer, and catch up with one another. Through lights, displays, and special nods to local cultural partners, The Gullah Village honors the way Gullah families have long celebrated the holiday season with presence, community connection, and quality time.

As cars slowly wind their way through the park, the experience will feel warm and inviting, reminiscent of front porch greetings, with intergenerational storytelling, and the feeling of close-knit community. Campbell said the theme vividly reminds her of her childhood, when people visited her family’s home “to get their Christmas.”

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Volunteers will greet visitors in their cars and help guide them through the route. Attendees are encouraged

to turn on holiday music and bring hot cocoa to enjoy in their vehicles as they drive through the festively decorated park. The event is free and open to the public, but donations will warmly be accepted to help support the park’s mission.

More about Historic Mitchelville

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a significant historical location for American History. It is home to the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people, established in 1862 during the Civil War. Currently, the park welcomes visitors each day to experience its history, beauty, and legacy, and hosts events to celebrate Gullah culture.

Many new visitors to the island – as well as some longtime residents – are unfamiliar with the park's past. Campbell is committed to sharing its history with others. “I am passionate, truly, because I still cannot get over the fact that I grew up here and I didn’t know about Mitchelville,” she said. “I didn’t know about this story that I think is such a significant part of our American history. I just don’t want any other kids, especially on this island or in this area, to grow up not knowing about it.” Her hope is to share the story of the historic location with locals, visitors, and the entire world. “I think the story that hasn’t been told needs to be told wide and far,” she said.

The park has been proud to host the Traveling Harriet Tubman Statue, "The Journey to Freedom," exhibit this past year and served as host of the exhibit longer than any other locale to date. Folks who have not yet seen the statue in person are encouraged to do so soon because it will be rehomed in January.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is also home to an active archaeological site. Recent excavations have located pottery from indigenous people along with Civil War era artifacts. This past summer, the organization broke ground on a 4,000-square-foot facility that will showcase and support the ongoing archaeological preservation efforts.

Another December event at the park is a Garden Ribbon Cutting & Quilt Showcase on December 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate and explore the new educational garden, which features heritage plants and highlights traditional gardening techniques.

For more information about Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and its events, visit exploremitchelville.org.

Photography

by M.kat

LAUGHS ABOUND IN

Christmas Belles at Sea Glass Stage

Anyone looking for some belly-laughing holiday fun this season is invited to set a date at Sea Glass Stage at Coligny as the live theatre company presents Christmas Belles December 4-14.

Join your neighbors in seeing this laugh-a-minute play, set in the Fellowship Hall of Tabernacle of the Lamb in the small town of Fayro, Texas, where the Futrelle sisters are a bit overwhelmed with life as Christmas Eve approaches.

Honey Raye is struggling with hot flashes and her first directing job for the annual church Christmas pageant at Tabernacle of the Lamb. Frankie is way past due with her second set of twins and her patience is running low. Twink is on work detail at the local jail where she is incarcerated for accidentally torching nine mobile homes when she set fire to her ex-boyfriend’s NASCAR collectibles.

Meanwhile, the cheating boyfriend is missing; Miss Geneva, the town florist, is mighty miffed that she was

Playing some of the kooky cast of characters in the Sea Glass Stage at Coligny production of Christmas Belles are, from left, Tracey Graves as Twink, Alex Clark as Gina Jo, Dan Franke as John Curtis, Lynne Hummell as Geneva, Christa Fortney as Rebecca Lynn, Heather Adams as Patsy, Ashley Gonzalez as Frankie, and Marianne Blaine as Honey Raye.

“Christmas Belles” December 4-14 Sea Glass Stage at Coligny sgstage.org

Goofing off between scenes and costumes are Dan Franke and Lynne Hummell.

Surprise! It’s two newcomers to the Sea Glass Stage: reindeer Christa Fortney and angel Heather Adams.

Ashley Gonzalez “nose” her lines as Frankie, and Alex Clark is such a “deer” as Gina Jo.

Honey Raye Futrelle, played by Marianne Blaine, has frazzled herself to death trying to pull off her version of the church Christmas program.

not asked to direct the pageant after a 27-year run; Santa Claus is enduring the gut-wrenching pangs of a kidney stone on the move; and half the cast of the pageant are suddenly overcome with food poisoning from the school’s pancake supper the night before.

Toss in a deputy sheriff who is asked to fill in for Elvis, a young pastor who is giddy about a parishioner – who seems averse to his attention, the town’s sassy rich gal, and a decades-long family secret that is about to be revealed.

The only calm resident is Raynerd Chisum, who loves his red wagon as much as he loves Christmas, and just wants to help.

The comedy is directed by Jessica Walck, who earlier this year directed the company’s production of The 39 Steps. She also appeared in the casts of Dinner With Friends last year and Next to Normal earlier this year at Sea Glass Stage.

“Christmas Belles is such a fun, heartfelt ride – the perfect night out for the holidays,” Walck said. “The characters are hilarious, the actors are exceptional,

and there’s so much thought and care in every detail. It’s witty, warm, and a little wild – think Golden Girls meets Designing Women, pure Jones Hope Wooten magic.”

Walck refers to the celebrated writers of the play, the comedic team of Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, credited in bylines as Jones Hope Wooten. The trio is widely known in American theatrical circles as award-winning creators of laugh-outloud comedies, having written 27 shows together. Their plays have entertained millions of theatregoers worldwide.

For this production, Sea Glass welcomed four local actors new to the company: Marianne Blaine takes on the role of Honey Raye Futrelle, Tracey Graves will play Twink Futrelle, Christa Fortney plays Rhonda Lynn Lampley, and Heather Adams portrays Patsy Price.

Additional cast members are Alex Clark as G.J. Dubberly, Dan Franke as John Curtis Bunter, Chris Hoffer as Dub Dubberly, Ashley Gonzalez as Frankie Futrelle Dubberly, Shea Hiscock as Justin Waverly, Mark Erickson as Raynerd Chisum, and Lynne Hummell as Geneva Musgrave. Ellie Friedman is stage manager for the production.

The show will run December 4-14, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at sgstage.org.

Sea Glass Stage Company is a nonprofit community theatre located in the former Coligny Theater at Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Unit I-5, between The Frozen Moo and Life Is Good. Follow the company on Facebook and Instagram @seaglasscoligny. 

Photo by Celia Carroll

Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by M.Kat

Deck the Halls

Holiday Stores That Bring Christmas Home

For those who believe the most wonderful time of the year deserves a little extra sparkle, there’s nothing like a stroll through a Christmas store. These magical boutiques are brimming with twinkling lights, festive scents, and endless inspiration for decking the halls. Whether you’re searching for a special ornament to commemorate the year, a collectible to add to your display, or simply a dose of holiday spirit, Hilton Head Island’s specialty Christmas shops offer a treasure trove of seasonal cheer. Together, they capture the island’s unique blend of Southern hospitality and coastal magic – reminding us that Christmas isn’t just a season to celebrate, but a feeling to carry all year long.

The Christmas Mouse Coligny Plaza

1 N. Forest Beach Drive, A-9 (843) 715-0808 ChristmasMouse.com

When The Christmas Mouse opened its doors on Hilton Head Island, it brought with it four decades of tradition and holiday magic. Established in 1985 in Williamsburg, Virginia, this beloved brand now has nine locations across Virginia, the Carolinas, and, new this year, the Lowcountry.

“We’re really excited to be in Hilton Head,” says Rob Marshall, whose family has operated the business since

its founding. “It’s our first year here, and we wanted to bring a little piece of that Christmas Mouse magic to the island.”

While most Christmas Mouse stores average 7,000 square feet and feature up to 55 themed trees, Hilton Head’s cozy 1,100-square-foot space offers a carefully curated smaller version. Inside, visitors are greeted by the comforting scent of cinnamon, the sounds of Christmas classics, and thousands of ornaments to choose from. “People walk in and say, ‘I’ve never seen a store with this many ornaments,’” Marshall said. “I tell them, ‘You should see one of our big stores!’”

Every inch of the Hilton Head shop celebrates the joy of collecting and memory-making. From nautical and storybook themes to sports, hobbies, and Baby’s First Christmas ornaments, there’s something for every tree and tradition. Shoppers will find “sit-arounds” as well, like nutcrackers and Highland cows – this year’s trending décor. “It’s funny the things that become popular,” Marshall said. “Part of the fun for me is predicting what’s next.”

Beyond the merchandise, what truly sets The Christmas Mouse apart is its heart. For generations, families have visited their stores to select that one special ornament that marks a milestone – whether it’s a new home, a wedding, or a favorite hobby. “We’ve been around so long that we now have parents bringing in their kids who used to shop with their own parents,” Marshall shares. “It’s become a family tradition.”

This season, The Christmas Mouse invites locals and visitors alike to make new memories and rediscover the joy of Christmas, one ornament at a time.

Neil Castellane, owner of A Coastal Christmas, displays his major award at his Shelter Cove shop.

Mingles

Coligny Plaza

1 N. Forest Beach Drive, B-1 (843) 785-3500

MinglesOnHHI.com

For four decades, Mingles has been a holiday staple in Coligny Plaza, where owner Sandy Toomer and her family have shared their love of Christmas with generations of locals and visitors alike. What began as a fashionable clothing boutique has evolved into one of Hilton Head’s most beloved destinations for holiday décor, coastal keepsakes, and oneof-a-kind Christmas treasures.

“When I first started after college, we were all clothing,” Toomer said. “My mom used to have a Christmas store here, and she told me it was something worth doing again – so she’s really the one who got me started.” Today, that motherdaughter inspiration still glows in every corner of the shop.

Mingles’ holiday collection captures the island’s spirit perfectly, with coastal Santas in beach chairs, ornaments shaped like palm trees and lighthouses, and locally handcrafted pieces that celebrate Lowcountry charm. “We carry a lot of locally made items,” Toomer said. “Oyster-shell ornaments, Christmas trees, and angels – people love them.”

Beyond the coastal décor, Mingles offers collectible lines such as Department 56 villages, Karen Didion Santas and angels, and Mark Roberts fairies, each brimming with personality and sparkle. “He has a fairy for everything,” Toomer said. “We pick the ones that feel right for our customers.”

After 40 years, Mingles remains a family affair and a reflection of the community it serves. “We’ve grown up here, and we love being here,” Toomer said. “It’s exciting every day. We love Christmas, and for us, it’s Christmas every day.”

Branches

88 Arrow Road (843) 785-2535

BranchesDesigns.com

For 30 years, Branches has been transforming homes and hearts through its breathtaking, unique home décor. Sisters Sarah Perry and Lauren McAvoy took over the familyrun business, founded in 1995, from their mother, Vicki Ventimiglia, about a decade ago. This female-owned business has become one of Hilton Head’s most creative destinations for distinctive home design and holiday inspiration.

“Branches is really a one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” said Celia Carroll, the store’s creative coordinator. “We specialize in what we call our ‘faux-real’ florals and botanicals – beautiful, lifelike arrangements for your home or office that stay fresh-looking season after season.”

While Branches delights customers year-round, Christmas is when the shop truly shines. Each holiday, the store transforms into a winter wonderland of wreaths, garlands, ornaments, and sparkling accents that embody classic holiday elegance. “We go all out for Christmas,” Carroll said. “The entire store becomes a celebration of the season.”

Branches also hosts a Holiday Market on December 13, featuring local artisans, bakers, and makers – a festive way to shop small and support the community. “We have customers who plan their trips around visiting us at Christmas,” Carroll said. “They come back year after year, and we get to see their families grow. To be part of those memories is really special.”

A Coastal Christmas Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

32 Shelter Cove Lane (843) 785-1291

ACoastalChristmas.com

As Hilton Head’s oldest Christmas shop, A Coastal Christmas has been part of the island’s holiday landscape since 1982. When Neil Castellane and his wife purchased the store in April 2024, along with partners Tammy and Duke Novak, they saw an opportunity to honor its legacy while giving it new life. “It’s been a Hilton Head staple for over 40 years,” Castellane said. “We wanted to refresh it, restock it, and make it shine again.”

The newly revitalized shop, located in Shelter Cove, might span only 600 square feet, but it is bursting with festive charm. “Everything in the store is shoppable,” Castellane said. “Every ornament, every garland, even what’s on the trees – it’s all for sale.”

Visitors can browse a dazzling mix of coastal and classic décor, from collectible Karen Didion Santas to Hollywood Nutcrackers, Old World Christmas designs, and unique sandcast ornaments handcrafted for Hilton Head.

A Coastal Christmas also carries coveted Christopher Radko ornaments, including an exclusive, custom-designed piece commissioned each year. “We work directly with Radko to create an ornament just for us,” Castellane said. “This year’s design is a pirate, because who doesn’t love a little holiday mischief?”

Though the store is relatively new under its current ownership, Castellane is already seeing longtime customers return to continue their collections. “We get a lot of repeat visitors who come in every year,” he said. “That’s the magic of Christmas stores. You’re not just selling ornaments; you’re helping people build memories.”

A Coastal Christmas

A Coastal Christmas now offers online shopping, extending its reach to customers near and far. Whether it’s a $15 keepsake or a $1,300 five-foot-tall Father Christmas, each piece carries the same spirit of wonder. “We didn’t want to be just another trinket shop,” Castellane said. “We wanted to be something special, something people remember.”

Harbour Town Christmas 149 Lighthouse Road (843) 363-9359

HarbourTownChristmas.com

Few places capture the warmth and wonder of Hilton Head Island’s holiday spirit quite like Harbour Town Christmas, a beloved Sea Pines boutique that has been delighting visitors for 25 years. Owners Mike and Linda Oliver, along with their son Craig, have turned their family passion into a festive institution that celebrates the joy of Christmas all year long.

“We initially came to Hilton Head in 1971. After that, we enjoyed many other visits to the island prior to our decision to reture here, and the opportunity to buy Harbour Town Christmas just sounded like fun,” Mike said. “It turns out it really is fun, and it’s become a true family adventure.”

Inside the store, guests are greeted by the cozy glow of twinkle lights, the scent of pine, and now the soft hum of a toy train that circles above the front door. “I’d always wanted to have a train in the shop,” Mike said. “We built the platform, installed the tracks, and it just adds that extra bit of magic.”

The Olivers recently refreshed the store with new lighting, cabinetry, and a charming display window featuring a glowing fireplace scene that burns around the clock. “We wanted to make it feel warmer and more personal,” Linda said. “It’s a place people can step into and instantly feel Christmas.”

The shop is best known for its ornaments, especially those that celebrate Hilton Head and Sea Pines. Craig hand-personalizes many of them, adding names, dates, or “Hilton Head Island 2025” to turn keepsakes into cherished memories. “It makes people smile,” Mike said. “They’re taking home a little piece of the island.”

Among their most popular creations are custom designs inspired by the Harbour Town red rocking chairs and the Gregg Russell anniversary ornament.

Recently, a bride discovered another special use for their ornaments, ordering more than a hundred to give as wedding guest gifts. “It was such a fun idea,” Linda said. “We loved helping her share a bit of Hilton Head with her guests.”

For the family, the store is about more than décor; it’s about connection. “We see families come back year after year,” Linda said. “They tell us about their children, their traditions, their memories. What they buy here becomes part of their story.” 

Harbour Town Christmas

A LINE IN THE SAND

Topic:

Skip the Politics of the Shutdown; Let’s Just Help Our Neighbors

COURTNEY’S THOUGHTS

As deadline loomed, I texted Barry and candidly shared that the only thing I had the bandwidth to write about was what I was currently seeing at my day job as CEO of Bluffton Self Help. He gamely agreed to yield his word count to me to “tee off as someone directly affected by this BS.”

I am going to be a little nicer than that … you get more bees with honey … and maybe just share the facts.

Yes, the government shutdown and the politics of the current situation have directly affected thousands of our neighbors who were blindsided by the elimination of November SNAP benefits. This crisis, paired with the upcoming holidays, compounds stress and leaves little room for celebration.

This beautiful paradise that we get to call home, and that many assume is an affluent area, is actually a community struggling. Nearly 45% of households in Beaufort County and approximately 59% in Jasper County are economically at risk. Not earning a livable wage (approximately $75,600 for a family of three in Beaufort County and $65,800 in Jasper), they are just one mishap away from a financial crisis.

At Bluffton Self Help, we have been working quickly

and tirelessly to ensure our neighbors have uninterrupted access to quality food, resources, and hope – because the need is real, and it’s growing every day.

But there is good news. The Market at Bluffton Self Help is a free grocery store for anyone who lives or works in Bluffton, or lives in Jasper County and receives social security or disability benefits. When a family shops with us for their weekly groceries, they can save $500 a month, allowing families to either stay afloat or begin gaining traction forward as they are able to reallocate those dollars to another part of their budget.

Food is non-negotiable at Self Help. We know how hard it is for a family to walk across our threshold for the first time and we also know that we have just one opportunity to create an experience that leaves a neighbor in need feeling met with dignity, ambiance, and choice vs. stigma, shame, or guilt.

While food pantries do a great job helping combat hunger, our model is different. We are a free local grocery store providing equitable access to nutrient-dense, healthsustaining food for those who would otherwise go without.

But it’s not just about accessibility. We also:

• Empower neighbors to make choices that benefit and strengthen their families. We always have eggs, milk, meat, and fresh produce. When families have the freedom to choose the items that work best for them, we help ensure that everyone gets the foods that truly meet their needs, supporting both physical health and overall well-being.

• Offer a welcoming space that conveys confidence and dignity. When neighbors step into The Market, they enter a

bright, encouraging, and positive space that looks and feels like a quaint, local grocery store; the only difference is that there is no exchange of funds.

• Prioritize a positive experience through genuine warmth and hospitality. The Market is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers that serve as an important point of connection for our neighbors. The smiles from behind the Red Aprons combined with the ongoing conversations and greeting our neighbors by name are just as important as the food on the shelves. From the moment a neighbor arrives until the moment a volunteer helps load the groceries into the car (or bike or backpack), our neighbors know someone is cheering for them. And that level of support and encouragement during a difficult time is profoundly important to meeting someone, holistically and without judgment, where they are.

We treat our neighbors how we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes. We meet our neighbors with grace, ensuring that they feel comfortable and empowered to utilize The Market. They have the opportunity to chat, connect, and maybe share a laugh.

In a sea of politics and policies that affect our families directly, our goal is simple. We stick to the mission to empower and advocate for our neighbors to better their lives. We simply cannot do this work alone.

So, when Barry offered to put his column where his mouth is I invited him to come in and see behind the scenes of Bluffton Self Help. And he did. He worked side-by-side with two seasoned volunteers, sorting and stacking non-perishables in anticipation of the holiday crush.

Last week, 1,323 individuals were nourished because The Market exists. No politics, just people.

The generosity of our community allows us to continue this work. And we are grateful. We can’t do it without you. If you are inclined and able to help, please visit our website, blufftonselfhelp.org, to donate and/ or shop our most needed items list.

PS: Because collaboration is far more powerful than competition, supporting our partners at The Deep Well Project on Hilton Head Island is another way to give back this season. 

Scan to visit Bluffton Self Help's website and learn more about how you can help!

BARRY'S THOUGHTS

Yeah, what she said.

All I will add to Courtney’s brilliantly eloquent statement, which contained far fewer curse words than was probably warranted, was that we as a nation need some grownups. I don’t care what your politics are, the people you root for on whatever side of the aisle you root for have been reduced to catty teenagers. I don’t know when this started, but it definitely didn’t just begin in 2015. I say this as a person who has no less than three action figures on his desk – the people in charge need to grow the hell up. Spend more time helping people and less time being sassy at each other on social media. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Twinkle Lights for the Soul: How to Spot Your Glimmers

Article by Sheila Tucker / Photography by M.Kat

I’ll be the first to tell you that I approach the time change like a toddler being put down for a nap. I fight it all the way. As much as I love the idea of an extra hour of sleep, I never seem to get it.

Simply put, I’m not a fan of the shorter days and longer nights. Even a month in, I’m still not used to it. However, there is a part of this season that I do love: It’s the twinkling of holiday lights and sitting in front of a fire. Everything is so pretty in the firelight, and any time twinkling lights are involved. For me, these lights symbolize togetherness, coziness, and connection. Just thinking about over-the-top, Clark Griswold-inspired decorations brings a smile to my face.

I also know you don’t have to limit looking for twinkling lights only in darkness. Dare I say, you can also look for light in your everyday life.

I call them “glimmers.”

One day, as I was sitting in my office with the sun shining through the windows, the sparkling remnants of a glitter-infused project caught my eye. I immediately smiled, remembering all the fun and the quick mental health lessons that happened that day. Because, yes, there can be a mental health message in glitter.

I describe glimmers as the times when something brings you peace or a smile to your face, even if it’s only slight.

Although I excitedly thought I came up with this original idea, the term was first coined by Deb Dana, a clinician and author known for her work with Polyvagal Theory. She describes glimmers as “micro-moments of safety, connection, and regulation that help a person’s nervous system feel calm and centered, even amidst suffering.” They’re the small, often fleeting moments that quietly remind you and your nervous system that safety and connection still exist.

And they’re literally everywhere, yet so easy to miss. Especially when life feels like a nonstop to-do list.

Your nervous system is constantly scanning the environment for cues of safety and danger. This

process happens below your conscious awareness and influences everything from how easily you connect with others to how you process stress.

When you notice a glimmer, even for a second, your body gets the message: You’re safe right now. There’s a slight release of your muscles. Your breathing begins to steady. Your shoulders move ever so slightly away from your ears. Your capacity for connection and curiosity expands.

Glimmers help us feel grounded and more present, which is particularly powerful for those who live in a state of chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional vigilance.

To be clear, noticing glimmers doesn’t mean pretending everything’s OK when it isn’t. Unfortunately, they’re not erasers, wiping away your negative experiences or feelings. Instead, it’s about recognizing that safety and calm can coexist with uncertainty and chaos. Even during hard seasons, your body can learn to find its way back to steadiness, one small signal at a time.

It takes practice to notice the subtle.

Our brains are wired with a negativity bias. It’s a survival mechanism that prioritizes potential threats over pleasant experiences, like focusing on that one thing that went wrong today, instead of the many that turned out OK. Thousands of years ago, this helped us stay alive. Today, it can steal your time and happiness, rather than allowing you to sit in the glow of a sunset or be present with the people you love the most.

But the incredible thing about the nervous system is that it can be retrained. Each time you recognize a

There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not suggesting the concept of glimmers to a client. I do it because it’s an easy win. In real time, you can have proof that you don’t have to overhaul your life to feel a sense of ease or tap into your curiosity.

glimmer, you strengthen neural pathways that make calm and safety easier to access in the future.

Here’s a quick practice to get you started: As you go about your day, be on the lookout for situations that make you smile, even slightly, or make you utter “yes” under your breath.

Notice what it feels like in your body.

That’s your glimmer.

Here are a few of my personal examples:

• Hearing my dog snore (especially after a really long walk)

• Watching the birds visiting my bird feeder

• Catching a green light at an intersection known for a long red light

Yours could be:

• Feeling a gentle breeze on your face

• The sound of your children giggling

• Hearing your favorite song while driving to work

By acknowledging these moments, you’re teaching your body that peace is possible, even if it’s fleeting. Over time, your awareness expands, and instead of looking for glimmers, they begin to appear in the most unexpected places, like when you’re pumping gas or grocery shopping.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not suggesting the concept of glimmers to a client. I do it because it’s an easy win. In real time, you can have proof that you don’t have to overhaul your life to feel a sense of ease or tap into your curiosity. You just have to notice what’s already there.

When you ignore these micromoments, life can start to feel like an endurance test. It can be easy to spiral into a state of doom and gloom or hopelessness.

When you pause to see them, you begin to experience yourself and your situations differently. Your world starts to widen. You become a little more open and a little more curious. Relationships have the capacity to deepen because you can connect from a regulated place rather than a reactive one. (I often say, “No one wants to hug a cactus.”)

Glimmers remind us that joy and peace don’t always arrive in grand gestures. They live in ordinary, often overlooked moments, the ones that make up most of our days.

Each small noticing is an act of care. Each moment of awareness is a soft reminder to your nervous system that safety, connection, and goodness still exist.

The more you notice glimmers, the more you feel them.

The more you feel them, the more they grow.

And perhaps that’s the quiet magic of glimmers.

They will teach you how to come home to yourself, one ordinary, extraordinary moment at a time. Especially during these longer nights of winter. 

The more you notice glimmers, the more you feel them.

The more you feel them, the more they grow.

Evelyn and Arthur's store manager, Cristy McKenzie, welcomes guests to their Hilton Head Island location in the Village at Wexford.

Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by M.Kat

Evelyn & Arthur

Forty Years of Style, Comfort, and Confidence

When Cristy McKenzie, store manager of Evelyn & Arthur on Hilton Head Island, talks about the brand, her pride is unmistakable.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of the very first Evelyn & Arthur store,” she said. “That’s a big milestone for a fashion company, especially one that has stayed true to its mission all these years.”

In 1984, Evelyn and Arthur Lewis left the hustle of New York City for the easy charm of Palm Beach, Florida. Evelyn soon realized that her existing wardrobe didn’t fit her new lifestyle, so she created one that did. From that spark of inspiration, the first Evelyn & Arthur boutique was born.

Today, the company remains family-owned and operated by their daughter, Adrianne Weissman, and her husband, Fred. Under their leadership, the brand has expanded to six stores across Florida and one special outlier on Hilton Head Island.

“This December marks our eighth year here on Hilton Head,” McKenzie said. “We’re the only Evelyn & Arthur location outside of Florida, and that makes us pretty unique.”

While the industry has changed dramatically over the decades, Evelyn & Arthur’s mission has not. “They’re committed to providing fashion that fits the real lives and real bodies of today’s women,” McKenzie said. “Style should never come at the cost of comfort or confidence.”

The collections are designed with intention, offering pieces that move with women through every part of their day, whether it’s a relaxed brunch, a busy afternoon of errands, or a night out on the town. “Our customers are confident women who love timeless style with a little edge,” McKenzie said. “They want to elevate their look without sacrificing ease.”

One of the things that sets Evelyn & Arthur apart is the store’s blend

of exclusive in-house labels and beloved designer brands. “We have about eight exclusive brands with our own label,” McKenzie explains. “Holland Avenue is one of our most popular. Frederique makes beautiful statement jackets, and we also carry customer favorites like Emily McCarthy, Nic & Zoe, Liverpool Jeans, Habitat, Planet, and Sympli.”

Each season, the buyers curate an eclectic mix, always searching for pieces that are fresh, flattering, and a little unexpected. “Our accessories buyer doesn’t just go out to find jewelry,” McKenzie said. “She’s hunting for the kind of jewelry everyone else doesn’t have – something unique, with a touch of whimsy.”

The store’s playful side shines through in its selection of gifts and accessories. “You’ll find funny tea towels, cocktail napkins, pickleball accessories, even IBKÜL golf clothes,” she adds. “We like to make shopping fun. You never know what you’ll discover.”

As the holidays approach, McKenzie says one line in particular has everyone talking. “Our exclusive brand Frederique has these incredible statement jackets with relaxed fits and adjustable wire collars,” she said. “They’re perfect for holiday parties, cruises, weddings, or any occasion where you want to look chic but feel comfortable. They never go out of style.”

It’s that balance of sophistication and practicality that keeps customers coming back. “These pieces last,” McKenzie said. “They’re timeless – just like our brand.”

Beyond fashion, Evelyn & Arthur is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves. “We believe every woman deserves to feel confident, supported, and seen, no matter her circumstances,” McKenzie said. “That’s why we partner with local organizations and women’s shelters to support underserved women in our area.”

The store also hosts private shopping events and fundraisers known as Sip & Shop. “Groups can bring their charity in for a private event,” McKenzie said. “Guests get 10% off their purchases that day, and we donate 10% of the profits back to the organization. It’s a win-win. It’s fun, it’s social, and it gives back.”

For a boutique with such a personal touch, Evelyn & Arthur

The Hilton Head location has cultivated a loyal following of locals and repeat vacationers alike.

Patty Walling, at Evelyn & Arthur for 7 years, since opening day.

Each season, the buyers curate an eclectic mix, always searching for pieces that are fresh, flattering and a little unexpected.

is surprisingly tech-savvy. “Our owner, Adrianne, hosts a show on Mondays and Fridays on Facebook called ‘Almost Live with Adrianne,’” McKenzie said. “She showcases new arrivals and demonstrates how to style them with effortless sophistication. She’s funny, she’s authentic, and she puts her heart into it. I learn something every time I watch.”

This mix of tradition and innovation has allowed Evelyn & Arthur to reach new generations of women while staying grounded in the values that built the brand.

If there’s one thing McKenzie wants people to know about the Hilton Head store, it’s the commitment to customer service. “This story is all about customer service,” she said. “We want you to come in, see a friendly face, get expert guidance, and have that personal touch. That’s our signature.”

That personalized experience extends beyond the sales floor. The store’s loyalty program rewards shoppers for their continued support, offering $25 gift certificates for every $500 spent, early access to sales, and special birthday surprises. “We know there are other places to shop,” McKenzie said. “But our customers choose us, and we don’t take that lightly. We treat them like family.”

The Hilton Head location has cultivated a loyal following of locals and repeat vacationers alike. “We might be on a tourist island, but we have visitors who come back year after year,” McKenzie said. “They make a point to stop in and see us every trip.”

At its core, Evelyn & Arthur isn’t just about clothes; it’s about connection. “I think people come back because of my amazing staff,” McKenzie said. “These ladies are known in this community. We’re part of the Village at Wexford family, and we truly care about our customers. It’s more than a job for us – it’s a joy.”

As the boutique celebrates eight successful years on Hilton Head and 40 years as a brand, that sense of joy, confidence, and authenticity continues to define the Evelyn & Arthur experience.

Whether you stop in for the perfect statement jacket, a fresh accessory, or simply a good laugh over a funny tea towel, you’ll walk out feeling seen, styled, and supported –exactly as Evelyn Lewis envisioned all those years ago. 

Locals Love Coligny: Christmas Edition

As the holidays approach, we find ourselves slowing down a bit and enjoying this wonderful beach town we call home. We caught up with a few islanders who shared their affection for Hilton Head Island’s downtown, as they cocktailed, shopped for Christmas gifts, or just spent a day enjoying the seasonal vibes at Coligny.

Matt Bauman, Founder of Island Toy Drive for Deep Well Hilton Head Toys

“If you’re looking for that perfect item to donate to the Deep Well Santa Shop, they’ve got Melissa and Doug puzzles for the younger kids, the super popular Squishmallows, Hot Wheels, stuffed animals – you name it! This is the one-stop shop to get that special item to make sure kids have a magical Christmas morning.”

Lola Campbell, owner of Binyah Carolina Coffee and Crumbs

“I love coming to Carolina Coffee because my friend and neighbor Erica owns it – and I love that it’s a woman-owned bakery! You get great coffee, great desserts, and it’s right across the street from the beach. Who wouldn’t love that?”

Ayanna Lee, Quiet Storm

“You will find my friends and me at Quiet Storm all summer long! We love coming here to shop for fun colorful swimsuits and sundresses! In the winter months we stock up on cozy sweaters (like this fish one!) hats, and cool bags.”

Alison Schreiner Pops Candy Shop

“Even though I have adult children, I still love to come shopping down at Coligny to Pops, to purchase all kinds of candy for their Christmas stockings every year. It’s one of my favorite places – they have candy for kids of all ages, and my very dear friend owns the store. I love locals supporting locals!”

Amber and Alexis Cole Island Girl

“I love shopping at Coligny because they have ALL the stuff. From Island Girl having the matching pajamas for me and my daughter to Piggly Wiggly supplying everything I need for our holiday meals – it’s just … it’s home. It’s local and it’s comfort and I love being here.”

Jessica Gibbons, Hilton Head Livin’

The Christmas Mouse

“I always get a Christmas ornament when I go on vacation - so I love the Christmas Mouse because even though we live here now, it makes me feel like I’m on vacation! Today, I’m getting a little sea turtle because Hilton Head Island is known for their sea turtles!”

Michelle Brockway, owner The Frosty Frog

“My favorite time of year in Coligny Plaza is Christmas! Patrick Taylor, the previous owner of Frosty Frog, was a huge fan of Christmas. He always started decorating and playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. As the new owners, my husband and I like to carry on that tradition, so we’ve already got the lights up! We love to host locals and tourists this time of year, so come on down to the Frosty Frog for a little holiday cheer.”

Amy Colin, Director of Second Helpings Piggly Wiggly

“This is the oldest grocery store on Hilton Head Island and I’ve been coming here for years – first as a tourist and then when we moved here. Not only do they have everything – and they’re fun – but Dave Martin, the owner, contributes heavily to this community. As someone who works with Second Helpings, a local food rescue organization, we currently are feeding about 13,000 people a week. Piggly Wiggly has just been invaluable as a partner in this endeavor. They are always there for us when we need to purchase proteins and produce for our neighbors in need. Coligny has been a great partner, throwing yearly events like the Souper Bowl of Caring and Rock ’n’ Ribs, of which Second Helpings is the beneficiary.”

Denice Brown Mingles

“I love Coligny for the specialty shops! There are so many different places that you can get creative gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself) – and beautiful keepsakes like this oyster platter I found at Mingles.”

Article by Barry Kaufman

Fuzzy Memories of the Big Bamboo

If these walls could talk, most islanders would ask them to keep quiet around the kids.

Everyone has a Big Bamboo story. The problem is, most of those stories aren’t exactly what you’d call fit for publication.

That’s not necessarily intended to paint the venerable bar, restaurant, music venue, and social hub as some kind of raucous keg party. After all, you don’t make it to 30 years in business by just keeping the drinks flowing.

You do it, as “The Boo” has proven, by creating something more than just a place. The Big Bamboo is the lunch spot where locals know they can grab a quick bite to eat that will be as easy on the wallet as it is pleasing to the palate. It’s the historic throwback where WWII junkies can pretend they’re grabbing chow during shore leave. It’s the electric stage that has hosted some of the most iconic performances in Hilton Head Island history. It’s the beachadjacent hangout where we can listen to some reggae, smell the salt air, and remind ourselves why we moved here in the first place.

“It’s really created a deep- rooted connection for many islanders over the years. I’ve had a lot of people who met their loved one in the Big Bamboo and now they’re married with kids. I hear it all the time,” said Tristan O’Grady, who purchased The Big Bamboo with his brother Kieron and his wife Stacey 25 years ago. “This is the locals bar. There’s something special about it. There’s something in the walls there.”

It is, quite possibly, the most multi-dimensional

experience on the island. If you ask people to share their stories of the Big Bamboo, most people will tell you, “I have a bunch.” And yet, if you ask them to share them in print, they will suddenly find someplace else they need to be. Fortunately, a few brave locals were willing to step up and do what others wouldn’t – share their love for one of the island’s true institutions.

“I’ve got a couple I can’t talk about, but a few I can,” relented area Realtor Rick Saba with COAST brokered by eXp Realty. His tales of the Big Bamboo come from a different perspective than most. Like all of us, he’s celebrated a few nights there, but he’s also led the celebration as the frontman of White Liquor. One night, his dual lives as a Realtor and rockstar came together under the thatched palms and camo netting of The Big Bamboo.

“This was back when we’d play from 10-2 and then I’d be up showing property the next morning at 9 a.m. I had a client drive down from Atlanta to meet, and she called me in the morning asking if we could move our appointment back,” he said. “When she came by the office, she looked a little worse for wear. She told me she’d been at the Big Bamboo and there was this guy performing, jumping off tables and everything, so she’d stayed late.”

He showed her a few different properties that morning, never letting on that he was the guy jumping off tables. “When we finished up, I said, ‘I’ll tell you when our band’s playing again,’” he said. “She put two and two together and

The Big Bamboo, located in Coligny Plaza, recently celebrated 30 years of serving up fun for locals and visitors on Hilton Head Island.

her jaw just dropped.”

Like a lot of local musicians who have played the stage at Big Bamboo, Saba is full of great memories. Opening for regional touring bands, jumping in and out of windows, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of musical mayhem. Coming from the music business, O'Grady wanted to fill the Big Bamboo with sound, bringing in big acts like Candlebox and giving local acts like The Beagles, Cornbred, Lowcountry Boil, The Mundahs, and PATWA a friendly stage.

“PATWA would always take a break between sets in this big red minivan they’d park right in front of the Big

Bamboo. And when they’d take a break there’d always be a cloud of smoke,” O’Grady said with a laugh. “They did that for 20 years and never got arrested.”

And yet it’s not just the loud, raucous, potentially illegal moments that define this place. Sometimes it’s the quieter evenings at the Big Bamboo that stay with you the longest. For Caitlin Lee, co-host of the popular Hilton Head Island is (Still) Fun podcast, one quiet evening led to a love for the restaurant that continues.

“Picture this. It’s January 2010, in the middle of recession and I was out for my birthday. January 13th, which is the

worst birthday to have, since it’s two weeks after New Year’s and everyone is on a diet and broke,” she said. “Back then there was literally nothing open on Hilton Head after 9 p.m. The Big Bamboo was literally the only place open, but we had so much fun. And I got very drunk… but the point of the story is, the Big Bamboo has always been there for us.”

That goes beyond simply latenight parties for Lee. “It could be a dreary January birthday or a reggae night where you’re nuts to butts in there or a Thanksgiving where you need to take your mom out to eat. It’s always been there.”

Lee’s own evolution mirrors many of our own, from the Big Bamboo being the place to really let your hair down to being the place you create family memories in.

“We’ve tamed it up a little bit as we’ve grown up,” O'Grady said. “When Kieran and I bought the place, I was in my 20s and we didn’t have any kids at all. Now my oldest kid, Lucas, is 25 and one of the managers. My youngest kid, Lily, just started working there as a host, and my other two will come from college and work every once in a while.”

That enduring appeal, particularly vibrant to those of us who have had the opportunity to grow alongside the venerable institution, is part of the charm. You walk in more mature, but immediately the atmosphere of the place takes you back to those glory days of late nights. Sally Zuniga, owner of Tio’s Latin American along with her husband Lynden, is one such local who has been there every step of the way.

“The best bar and restaurant (curry fries, hello?!) that we’ve enjoyed in our 20s, 30s and now in our 40s,” she wrote. “We got to know Zach Deputy more than 20 years ago, after completing a national tour, Zach came back to the island and played at the Big Bamboo to a crazy packed house; the energy was electric.”

Along with her story, she shared a photo of her and Lynden from 2015, a night that she calls “the best night with the best friends.”

“The entire O’Grady family is one you’d want to emulate,” she added. “Good, salt of the earth people who have raised wonderful kids and care deeply for our community. Congratulations on 30 years, fam! Cheers and we love you.”

So cheers to 30 years of the Big Bamboo, and to many more. May future generations come to this place, discover why we fell in love, and create a few of their own unprintable stories. 

Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by Heather Guy

Local Kollective

Where fitness and community connect

When you walk into Local Kollective, you immediately sense that this is more than a fitness studio. It’s a space where movement, connection, and community come together in perfect rhythm. Founded by Katie Knowles, a professional dancer-turned-fitness-innovator, the studio is the embodiment of her passion for wellness, creativity, and collaboration.

“I wanted to bring down this idea that fitness was more than just what you see on the surface – it’s about connection,” Knowles said. “We’ve created a place where people can feel supported, instructors can find a home, and everyone can grow together.”

Knowles’ journey into fitness began in the New York metro area, where her background as a professional dancer evolved into a love of movement-based disciplines. After years of teaching barre and Pilates, she noticed an opportunity on Hilton Head Island for something new. “When I moved down here, I was originally bringing a barre studio,” she said. “But I saw there was a niche for indoor cycling – so I went for it.”

Her early work in the fitness industry included creating instructor training manuals and developing nine signature templates for group exercise classes. Over the past seven years, she has trained countless instructors nationwide, combining her deep expertise in barre, Pilates, and dance cardio with an intuitive understanding of what motivates people.

Local Kollective represents the next evolution of Knowles’ vision – a boutique fitness space that merges her love of movement with a mission to uplift others. The studio offers a range of classes designed for all levels, from core and arm mat workouts to dance cardio, cycling, and fusion formats like Hero Board, which is a mobile reformer-style class that blends Pilates and barre-inspired movements. Recently, Knowles introduced a cycling and arms class that transitions seamlessly from strength work off the bike to high-energy rides on it.

Each class at Local Kollective emphasizes form, balance, and fun, but above all, community. “We always say our tagline – ‘Where fitness and community connect’ – because that’s what it really is,” Knowles said. “It’s not just about working out; it’s about being part of something meaningful.”

Empowering Instructors and Expanding Horizons

A standout feature of Local Kollective is its Instructor Residency Program, which spotlights talented local teachers by giving them a dedicated platform and studio support. Current residents are teaching a Hot HIIT class as well as reiki and yoga. The program provides marketing, digital

outreach, and logistical support – everything instructors need to focus on teaching rather than overhead.

“I’ve been an instructor for so long, and I know how hard it can be to find a place that truly supports you,” Knowles said. “So, I wanted to build something where instructors could just come in, teach their class, and know everything else is taken care of.”

This spirit of collaboration extends beyond fitness. Knowles has also built partnerships with local entrepreneurs, such as The Marmalade Baking Company, whose freezer now sits inside the studio as part of Local Kollective’s commitment to promoting local talent.

Looking ahead, Knowles is launching the Konnect Series, a program of roundtable discussions that explore deeper wellness topics. The first event, planned for January, features Jaclyn Taylor APRN-BC, a nurse practitioner specializing in GLP-1 treatments, focusing on women’s health during pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. “It’s about showing that fitness connects with every part of our wellbeing,” Knowles said.

The retail side of the studio continues to grow as well. A new Shopify store launched in November will feature preand post-workout gear, from shoes and accessories to chic bags that fit seamlessly into an active lifestyle.

Standing in her beautifully designed studio, Knowles reflects on how far she’s come – from professional dancer to local fitness leader. “I had this vision in my head, and to see it come to life – it’s just awesome,” she said.

Local Kollective isn’t just redefining fitness in Hilton Head, it is redefining what it means to belong.

The studio is located at 11 Palmetto Bay Road on Hilton Head. For more information, visit localkollective.com, email info@thelocalkollective.com, or call (843) 715-2009. 

Mark Creamer, owner of Vehicle Vault.

Article by Cheryl Ricer

Photography by Maggie Washo and Lisa Staff

THE VEHICLE VAULT

Exclusive automotive social club brings luxury, camaraderie, and a speakeasy vibe to Hilton Head Island's car enthusiasts.

When Mark Creamer opened Vehicle Vault, he wasn’t following a business trend. He was fulfilling a personal passion. A lifelong car enthusiast with a background in both automotive work and luxury homebuilding, Creamer saw an opportunity to combine his two worlds: fine automobiles and refined spaces.

“I’ve always loved cars, racing, and that whole world,” Creamer said. “But I also wanted to create something on the upper level – a place for car enthusiasts to come and enjoy themselves in a truly exclusive setting.”

The result is Hilton Head’s first private automotive social club, a speakeasy-style lounge where membership is limited, access is controlled, and the experience is elevated. Social clubs are a concept that is catching on in major cities across the country, but for the island, Vehicle Vault is something entirely new.

Creamer’s automotive roots run deep. “In my early days, I owned a Corvette restoration company in South Florida,” he said. “That’s where my love for sports cars really took hold.” Later, he built a successful career designing and constructing luxury homes, work that sharpened his eye for detail and craftsmanship.

“When I started thinking about this project, it just made sense to merge those two things – a beautiful, high-end space and a love of cars,” he said. What began as an idea among friends quickly became a full-fledged venture.

The Club Experience

Membership is intentionally capped at 100, preserving an atmosphere of privacy, comfort, and genuine connection. The result is a community of individuals who share an appreciation for craftsmanship – whether it’s found in a finely tuned automobile, a well-prepared meal, or a thoughtfully designed space. “It’s about surrounding yourself with people who value quality and experiences that feel authentic,” Creamer said.

Members can store their prized vehicles on-site within a secure, climate-controlled environment featuring a custom lift system hidden behind mirrored sliding doors.

A conference room provides the ideal setting for private meetings

Members can store their vehicles within a secure, climate-controlled environment featuring custom lift systems concealed behind sleek mirrored doors. “I’ve never been drawn to facilities where cars sit out in the open,” Creamer said. “At the Vault, everything is kept behind closed doors – private, protected, and meticulously maintained. It’s a space designed for peace of mind as much as for presentation, where every detail reflects the same level of care as the cars themselves.”

Beyond storage, the club offers a suite of amenities designed to blend business, leisure, and lifestyle. There’s a fully appointed lounge, conference room, and coffee bar, plus bartenders on-site Thursday through Sunday. Members purchase private lockers for their wine or spirits, and bartenders mix and serve their drinks with all the necessary accompaniments.

“We wanted it to feel effortless,” Creamer said. “A place where members can relax, share a drink, or talk cars without pretense – just genuine connection and good conversation.”

Aesthetic and Atmosphere

Crossing the threshold of Vehicle Vault feels like entering a hidden speakeasy where craftsmanship meets horsepower. “My vision was to create something timeless and refined –

The space exudes understated luxury, with sleek finishes, warm lighting, and artfully displayed racing photography.

a space that celebrates the art of the automobile without feeling like a museum,” Creamer said. “No neon signs, no vintage clutter – just clean lines, subtle lighting, and an F1-inspired sense of precision.”

The space exudes understated luxury, with sleek finishes, warm lighting, and artfully displayed racing photography. “It’s got that true speakeasy vibe,” Creamer said. “When you walk in, you’re stunned. You don’t expect to find a place like this on Hilton Head.”

That shock factor is part of its charm. “People walk through the doors and say, ‘Where am I?’” said Courtney Daniels, director of operations. “It’s just not what anyone expects from a warehouse exterior. That’s the magic.”

A Community of Enthusiasts

While the design may impress, it’s the sense of community that keeps members coming back. Vehicle Vault is built as a gathering place – somewhere to unwind, network, and connect with others who share a love of fine automobiles.

Members can drop in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. using keycard access, whether for a morning espresso or an evening cocktail. “There are so many people who work from home now; this gives them somewhere sophisticated

to relax or even conduct business,” Creamer said.

A conference room provides the ideal setting for private meetings, while the lounge is perfect for casual gatherings. And for those seeking entertainment, racing events stream every weekend, giving members another reason to stop by and socialize.

Events and Experiences

Beyond its role as a private auto club, Vehicle Vault has quickly become a coveted backdrop for exclusive gatherings and celebrations. “It’s the kind of space that naturally draws people in,” Creamer said. “We’re being approached to host an array of gatherings from corporate and holiday events to private dinners, wedding celebrations, and charitable functions.”

Most recently, the venue welcomed the acclaimed singers and songwriters of the Hilton Head Island Jam Festival – an experience that perfectly captured the Vault’s signature blend of sophistication and energy. Soon after, it served as the setting for the VIP Wrap Party of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance, where guests praised both the venue and the event itself as the perfect finale to an extraordinary weekend celebrating automotive excellence.

As word spreads, Vehicle Vault is steadily becoming one of the island’s most sought-after destinations for hosting private events as distinctive as the setting itself. With a full kitchen available for

caterers, the space is flexible enough to accommodate gatherings from elegant dinners to lively celebrations. “We provide bartenders, glassware, and everything needed to make hosting seamless,” Creamer said. “Those who see it once usually start planning their next gathering before they leave.”

Special member events, such as champagne tastings, wine dinners, and holiday celebrations, further elevate the experience. Creamer said, “It’s about creating moments that feel personal and exclusive.”

A Growing Trend

The concept of a private social club isn’t entirely new but it’s gaining traction fast. “Mark’s twist on it was to make an automobile social club rather than just a social club,” Daniels said. “You have them in Charlotte, Jacksonville, even West Palm Beach. There’s clearly a demand for something more upscale and private – and Vehicle Vault brings that to Hilton Head.”

For Creamer, though, it’s not about following the market; it’s about fulfilling a vision. “I wanted to give people a space that matches their passion,” he said. “Cars are more than machines – they’re art, they’re history, they’re part of who we are. And I wanted a place where people who understand that could come together.”

With membership filling quickly, Vehicle Vault’s future looks bright. As for what keeps him inspired, Creamer doesn’t hesitate. “When I see members sitting at the bar, talking about cars, laughing, and having a great time, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s the camaraderie. It’s the appreciation for something beautiful. That’s what Vehicle Vault represents.”

Vehicle Vault isn’t just a club; it’s an experience – one that blends sophistication, craftsmanship, and shared passion into a single unforgettable destination. For Hilton Head’s most discerning car enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate drive into luxury.

To inquire about membership or private events, visit VehicleVaultClub.com.

Courtney Daniels behind the bar at Vehicle Vault.

A group from Pockets

Kerry Davis, Drew Davis, Fuzzy Davis and Kim Davis

Jason Friedrich and Brian Ciccantelli

Gary Kashishian and Fuzzy Davis holding a sheepshead

Andrew and Merrill Roberson of Still Playin' with Jeremy Hall seated left, and Paul Green, seated up front

Full of Sunshine ready to reel in the big one!

Article by Cheryl Ricer

FISH WITH FRIENDS

A Day on the Water That Changes Lives

Each fall, when the tide rises just right and the Lowcountry light spills across Skull Creek, something extraordinary happens on Hilton Head Island. Dozens of charter captains trade a day’s profit for something far more valuable – the pure joy on the faces of those who might never otherwise experience the thrill of being on the water.

It’s called Fish With Friends, a one-of-a-kind fishing event for individuals with special needs. For more than three decades, the event has been the heartfelt mission of Fuzzy and Kim Davis. “Fishing has been really good to us,” said Fuzzy, owner and boat captain of Silva Dolla Charters. “We wanted to give something back. What better way than to share the experience of being out here, on the water, with people who may never have had that chance?”

The idea began in 1993, when Fuzzy was already a seasoned backwater guide with nearly a decade of experience. One afternoon, a few clients asked if he might take their special needs children along. The transformation he witnessed that day stayed with him. Children who arrived shy and quiet left grinning ear to ear.

“They lit up,” he said. “It was like seeing the sun for the first time. They loved every second of it, and we thought, ‘Wow, what if we could do this for more kids in our community?’”

The seed was planted. With Kim’s help, and a bit of encouragement from Rose Fotia of the Children’s Relief Fund, one of the island’s earliest organizations serving children with special needs, Fish With Friends was born.

“We didn’t know if anyone would come,” Kim said. “That first year we had maybe six boats and a dozen participants. But from the very beginning, it felt right.”

Today, the event has grown into a massive collaborative effort involving 28 boats and about 75 participants, each paired with a caregiver. The day includes two hours of fishing in the creeks and calm backwaters around Hilton Head, followed by a community picnic that rivals any island celebration.

“It’s incredible,” Fuzzy said. “We’ve got charter captains giving up one of the best fishing days of the year, completely volunteering their time. But every single one of them tells me the same thing at the end of the day: ‘Put me down for next year.’”

The Evolution of a Tradition

When the Davises first began, the event was primarily for children. But over the decades, those

Jonah Zagahri, Brian Sanniota, and Jacob Eddy hold a large black drum.

Jaclyn Martz holds a redfish.

kids have grown up, and many have never missed a year.

“We still call them ‘kids,’” Kim said. “Some of them are in their 30s now. One of our participants, Timmy Hall from Bluffton, started fishing with us when he was 5. He’s 35 now and still comes every year.”

As the children matured, so did the partnerships. Organizations like Pockets Full of Sunshine, PEP, and SOAR – each devoted to empowering adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities – have become integral to the program. While reaching children has become more challenging due to changes in school-system regulations, the Davises have embraced the event’s natural evolution.

“The heart of it hasn’t changed,” Kim said. “Whether they’re 5 or 45, it’s about giving someone the chance to feel free on the water, to experience that sense of wonder.”

The event launches from the Hilton Head Boathouse, where volunteers line the docks to help participants into their assigned boats. Each vessel carries a small group – no more than three or four participants plus their caregivers – to ensure a comfortable, safe experience. Once they set off into the creeks and marshes, the excitement builds.

“We do whatever bites,” Fuzzy said. “Trout, redfish, bluefish, flounder – whatever wants to play that day. Sometimes the big boats go out into the sound if it’s calm, and they’ll hook these 30-pound redfish. You should see the smiles when that happens!”

While most of the day’s catches are released, the thrill of reeling in “the big one” never gets old. Some participants keep a small trout or mackerel to take home, a tangible reminder of the day’s success.

“Honestly, they’re just as happy catching a sand dollar,” Fuzzy said. “Anything that tugs on that line is a victory.”

A Captain’s Perspective

Among the many captains who volunteer each year is John Werner of Outside Hilton Head, who has been part of Fish With Friends for as long as he can remember.

“Just being invited to take part is a huge honor,” Werner said. “If you know Fuzzy and Kim, you know they’ve been giving to this community for a long time. Fuzzy’s one of the kindest guys on the island – always willing to teach, always ready to help. He’s just that kind of person.”

Werner said the event gives something back not only to the participants, but also to the captains themselves.

“You’re donating your time, but you’re getting so much more in return,” Werner said. “It’s not really about what you catch; it’s about the time you spend together. You’re out there sharing the joy of being on the water, and for a few hours, everybody just lets go and has fun.”

Werner also pointed out the ripple effect the event has beyond the boats. “It’s amazing for the parents too,” he said. “There’s a time when everybody just gets to let go – no stress, no limits – just laughter and sunlight and salt air. You can’t put a price on that.”

Last year, when Werner was unable to participate after the passing of his father, Fuzzy honored both men – his own friend Frank Fowler and Werner’s father – by printing their names on that year’s event T-shirt.

“He didn’t have to do that,” Werner said. “That’s just who he is. That’s what this family and this event are all about. It brings out the best in everyone.”

No one captures the deep-rooted spirit of Fish With Friends quite like Collins Doughtie, whose family moved to Hilton Head in 1961, long before the island became a bustling destination.

FISH WITH FRIENDS

“Our home was the eighth house in Sea Pines,” he said. “I’m an original islander, and I’ve always been addicted to fishing and the ocean.”

Doughtie, who introduced Fuzzy to Kim decades ago, has been part of the event since its earliest days. His connection to one participant in particular, Riley Lewis, has spanned more than three decades.

“I’ve taken the same kid for 32 years,” Doughtie said. “Riley was about 6 when we started, and now he’s in his 30s. We’ve stayed in touch all these years, and he’s always pumped to fish in this event.”

For Doughtie, Fish With Friends isn’t just a day of giving back. It’s a tradition that celebrates friendship, mentorship, and the timeless joy of being out on the water. “I love teaching new boaters,” he said. “This event is a reminder of why we all fell in love with these waters in the first place.” Everyone’s a Winner

Unlike most fishing tournaments, Fish With Friends isn’t about competition. Every participant receives a trophy, a T-shirt, and a hat, donated by generous local sponsors like AFTCO Tackle, Cousins Dental, and with help from Steve Hughes and the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory.

“It’s a fishing event, not a tournament,” Kim said. “Nobody’s comparing what they caught. They’re all cheering for each other, and that’s what makes it so special.”

The fishing itself lasts about two hours, but by the end of that time, there’s always one question echoing from the boats: When’s the picnic? “They know the picnic is a big deal,” Fuzzy said. “That’s when the feast begins.”

The post-fishing picnic is hosted and donated by Skull Creek Boathouse, led by partner Rob Jordan, with Chef Brad Blake and Kristen Benoit, director of catering, providing an impressive cookout spread, complete with desserts, sodas, and all the fixings. Not only do they feed the captains, volunteers, and participants, but they invite the participants’ families as well.

“We have been a proud supporter of Fish With Friends since 2010, when SERG opened Skull Creek Boathouse,” Jordan said. “When the boats come in from fishing, everyone gathers for lunch at Sunset Pavilion, prepared by our catering crew. The fish stories and pictures of their catch are shared by the participants, their parents, and the boat captains. It truly is a special day to see how much joy this event brings to all involved.”

Jordan added that Fish With Friends also introduced him and SERG to Pockets Full of Sunshine, expanding their partnership with the local special needs community even further. “It’s been a blessing for our team,” he said. “Every year, we leave with full hearts.”

The Boathouse staff also shuts down their busy boat ramp for the day to ensure safe loading and unloading for participants. Golf carts shuttle guests between cars and docks, and volunteers line the area to help wherever needed.

“It’s truly a community effort,” Kim said. “From the captains to the servers, everyone gives so much of

themselves. You can feel the love.”

Supporting Cast

No Fish With Friends celebration would be complete without Lollipop the Clown, known offstage as Christine DeLong, who has been part of the event for 25 years. A professional clown for more than four decades, DeLong brings not only her bright costumes and balloon animals, but a contagious joy that lights up the dock.

“Seeing my Fish With Friends friends each year is indeed a cherished time,” she said. “I bring sunshine, lollipops, and the famous Wagon Full of Fun. My favorite part is seeing forever friends and meeting new friends. The special needs guests look for me every year, just like I do them.” Her presence is as much a part of the tradition as the fishing itself.

That sense of connection is exactly what Mandy Jimenez, director of dry storage and the bait and tackle shop at the Hilton Head Boathouse, treasures most about the event. “Fishing With Friends is just another example of this wonderful community we are so blessed to live in,” she said. “Our fishing community is extraordinary. The captains, the families – everyone is so genuine. It’s one of the highlights of my year.”

Having known the Davis family through her work and through carrying Pockets Full of Sunshine merchandise at the Boathouse, Jimenez has seen firsthand how the day brings people together. “Your face hurts by the end of the event from constant smiling and laughter,” she said. “On this day, no one is left out. Everyone cheers each other on, and so many beautiful friendships and memories are made. Your cup will be so full and overflowing after spending the day with these amazing humans.”

From those first six boats to today’s 28, the ripple effect of Fish With Friends reaches far beyond the docks of Hilton Head Island. Participants return year after year; caregivers find community; and volunteers often describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

“You can’t put a price on what it gives back to you,” Fuzzy said. “Seeing those smiles – it’s worth more than any charter you could ever book.”

The legacy of Fish With Friends lives not just in the joy of one beautiful day each year, but in the lifelong friendships, family traditions, and the unspoken bond between those who call Hilton Head home. 

Steve Schidrich, principal at Hilton Head Island High School, looks over the building plans for the school's recent expansion.

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by Maggie Washo

New Changemakers program adds choices for local public school students

For the longest time, there were few factors that impacted a child’s future more thoroughly than their own ZIP code. Rather than exploring the opportunities that might be waiting for them just the next town over, they were forced to stay where they were planted and hope that there was enough educational nourishment for them to bloom.

Through its Choice Program, our own Beaufort County School District operates a little differently. This learning model essentially empowers kids who live in the county to act as free agents, charting their own educational course at the school of their choosing.

Of course, that also means that our schools now must find unique offerings and value propositions to court these potential students. Thanks to a Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant they’re calling Changemakers, Hilton Head Island schools have opened the door for students across the district to experience the difference of their wildly successful programs.

“We’re investing in the future of Hilton Head Island’s public schools by providing resources and support to build up the programs and make them the absolute best in our

A CHANGE IN THE AIR

district. And that commitment is not only the education that our students are receiving. We’re investing in our teachers and their development and their experience,” said Megan Jarrett, the district’s MSAP project director. “There are a lot of options that our parents have out there. We want them to know that Hilton Head is really committed to building the best educational opportunity for not only parents on Hilton Head, but in any part of our district.”

Essentially, the Changemakers magnet program serves as a boost to the offerings that already set our public schools apart, granting them better funding and more resources as Hilton Head Island High School prepares to open its doors on a brand-new, state-of-the-art school in Fall 2026.

“We are nearing our current building capacity,” said Steve Schidrich, seventh-year principal at HHIHS. “With the new building, we have the opportunity to really open up school choice widespread.”

Granted to just a handful of school districts across the country, the grant that made the Changemakers program possible was the second such grant awarded to Beaufort County School District, hot on the heels of the success of the MedTech7 Program. Offering learning opportunities in

Principal Schidrich visits with students playing chess in the library.

the medical and technology fields to K-12 students at seven schools North of the Broad, the Med Tech7 Program set the tone for more opportunities to invest in our schools.

With Changemakers, the island’s schools have been given crucial funds to create their own magnet program, pioneering new programs and improving on the programs that already set them apart. Educational pathways through Changemakers include dual language immersion in Spanish and Chinese at the elementary level, the STEM-focused Project Lead the Way at all levels, and the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at the middle and high schools.

The new wing of the Hilton Head Island High School is scheduled to open in August of 2026.

“We’re getting a lot of things off the ground. One thing I’m particularly excited about is the AVID program,” Schidrich said. “We find that sometimes kids who have a lot of promise don’t reach their full potential, and AVID teaches them the skills they need to be successful. … We went to a conference this past summer and met a lot of students who were enrolled in an AVID school in Florida and you could just see the confidence these kids had. They’re learning at a high level, but they’re also learning how to ask questions, take notes, and advocate for themselves.”

Another beneficiary of Changemakers will be the already vaunted International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Long the shiniest jewel in the crown of Hilton Head’s public schools, IB takes an international approach to education.

“We want to be able to develop students who are able to thrive in an ever-changing, globally connected world,” Jarrett said. “The IB continuum at Hilton Head Island – from elementary through high school – helps students grow into thoughtful, well-rounded learners who understand how their education connects to the world. In the high school’s Diploma Programme, they take on a rigorous curriculum that positions them as competitive applicants

Cheryl Dopson, School Counselor, and Megan Jarrett, MSAP Project Director.

to the colleges they’re aiming for, Ivy Leagues included.”

“I can honestly say there is no better program to prepare your kid for college than IB,” Schidrich said. “These kids are learning to adapt, they’re learning to collaborate, and they’re learning to manage their time, so when they get into college, they’ve already been operating at that level for the last two years.”

Having spent 27 years in Beaufort County schools as a teacher and administrator, Schidrich has built strong ties to the community, and that fuels his excitement for the Changemakers program. But the biggest perspective he brings to the discussion is that of a father. Having put his daughter through BCSD schools, he knows the choice

that now lies before parents.

“You have so much choice here. Even within the IB diploma program there are science, math, or art focuses. But whichever one you pick, you come out of IB better prepared,” he said.

That choice is valuable, especially for parents. And as they begin to eye their options for BCSD Choice this month, the Changemakers program has made enrollment in the island’s public schools more valuable than ever for them and their children.

To learn more, visit beaufortschools.net/families/schoolchoiceprograms/changemakers. 

Steven Schidrich with fellow staff members

Article by Barry Kaufman

Another Crown for Kinghorn

Local insurance professional named SC Agent of the Year

To anyone outside the industry, the annual convention of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of SC (IIABSC) might just be another dinner. But to those in the sector, they know how this one night a year lets this important group of professionals catch up, compare notes, and –as one local agent found out – honor their own.

Playing a key role in strengthening the state’s insurance industry, the IIABSC supports independent agents through education, training, and professional development, ensuring they can provide clients with informed, reliable guidance. It also advocates at the state and federal levels for policies that protect consumers and promote a fair, competitive insurance marketplace. By offering resources, compliance assistance, and a unified voice, IIABSC helps agents serve their communities with professionalism and integrity.

Once a year, during an annual convention they call “The Big I,” they pick one agent who exemplifies both the vital work they do and the spirit of service in which they do it to receive the Hayne P. Glover Jr. Agent of the Year award. Named for the only South Carolinian to serve as the national association president, the award has highlighted those agents who share in a spirit of service since it was first launched 29 years ago.

And when the 127th such convention named its winner at the Westin Resort & Spa on Hilton Head this year, the spotlight fell on the Lowcountry’s own Bill Fuge II.

“Something like this was never even on my radar. I’ve been involved in the Big I as long as I’ve been in insurance, but I haven’t been involved in that process in any way, shape, or form,” Fuge said. “It’s not why I do this at all, so that’s why this really took me by surprise.

One look at his resume should tell anyone that he shouldn’t have been so surprised. One of the biggest factors that the IIABSC considers for the Glover Award is service, and Fuge has

Bill Fuge II was recently named SC Agent of the Year

shown time and time again during his 20 years in the industry how important that is to him. As one of the oldest and largest independent insurance agencies in the Lowcountry, Kinghorn Insurance Agency has long valued deep roots in the community.

Fuge took that notion and ran with it, serving as an active insurance advisor on the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association board, where his insight and support benefit local businesses and homeowners. He has also lent his time and talents to boards of directors including First Tee – The Lowcountry and the Boys & Girls Club.

Within the industry, he’s served as an equally tireless advocate. He’s not only worked to build The Big I as a member of the Annual Convention planning committee, he has also supported InsurPac and served on the Coastal Property Task Force. It’s an involvement that, to hear Fuge tell it, is all just part of the job.

“When you get involved, you help other insurers through being an advocate. It’s part of our culture at Kinghorn. Jimmy Rowe was my mentor, and he won this award at one point as well. He is the one who hired me in 2003 and I give him tremendous credit for making me the insurance agent I am,” Fuge said. “And behind every good man is a great woman. No truer words describe my wife. Thank you for supporting me every day, you are my foundation and the greatest blessing in my life.”

When asked about an acceptance speech, Fuge simply laughed and said once again that he doesn’t do what he does for any award, simply stating “I love what I do.”

The partners and staff of Kinghorn Insurance Agency are extraordinarily proud to honor the Managing Partner, Bill Fuge, for receiving the prestigious 2025 award. As they said in a release following his win, “Bill truly embodies the values of dedication, service, and community connection that define excellence in our industry. His deep roots in the Lowcountry have shaped not only his professional path but also his unwavering commitment to the people and businesses he serves.” 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Finishing Strong, Building Game Changers

This time of year, we all tend to look back at the year we’re about to wish farewell and count our blessings. We also tend to spend this month getting our ducks in a row for the New Year, setting out our plans and establishing the goals that will drive us forward. And First Tee – The Lowcountry is no different.

As First Tee – The Lowcountry reflects on a year defined by growth, gratitude, and meaningful progress, the organization is reminded of a central truth: When a community invests in its young people, transformation follows. The achievements of 2025 showed how much can be accomplished through generosity, partnership, and a shared belief in the power of character-driven youth development.

This year, more than 14,000 young people across Beaufort and Jasper counties participated in First Tee’s life skills and character education programs. The chapter welcomed more than 8,100 visitors to its Gumtree Road facility. It served more than 600 youth in its Life Skills Experience classes and students from 24 schools in the First Tee School Program, a remarkable expansion that also included the opening of a new administrative office in Bluffton.

Additional growth in LPGA/USGA Girls Golf, the Junior Golf Partnership, and in-school curriculum programs highlighted how golf continues to serve as an accessible pathway to confidence, resilience, and personal growth. The chapter also awarded a total of two post-secondary scholarships, totaling three overall, as students take their next steps beyond high school.

As the chapter concludes its Finish Strong, Build Game Changers campaign, First Tee – The Lowcountry celebrates the donors, partners, volunteers, and families whose support made these milestones possible. Strengthened relationships with the Hilton Head Island Rec Center and the Boys & Girls Club contributed to greater program access, and more than 300 Life Skills Program Scholarships ensured that financial barriers never prevented a child from participating.

These accomplishments belong to the entire Lowcountry.

“This support means everything,” said Pat Zuk, executive director of First Tee – The Lowcountry. “We can’t do this without support from the community and we’re so very grateful that we have so many great friends who are willing to help us help the kids.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the organization is preparing for its most ambitious year yet. An existing golf facility in the Greater Beaufort area is undergoing renovations supported by First Tee – The Lowcountry, creating improved spaces for our programs and for the community. The project reflects the chapter’s commitment to expanding access, adapting to regional growth, and ensuring that local families have welcoming environments where young people can learn, play, and thrive. With ongoing generosity from donors, sponsors, partners, supporters, families, and friends, First Tee – The Lowcountry is focused on several key priorities: expanding to five new school partnerships, funding more than 300 additional Life Skills Program Scholarships, strengthening Girls Golf and Junior Leadership pathways, and fully completing and activating the upgraded Beaufort-area facility.

These goals are driven by the stories and successes of the young people who participate in First Tee’s programs. “First Tee helped me find my voice,” said Jeep Patrick, a scholarship recipient and collegiate golfer. “It taught me to stay focused, lead with courage, and believe in the next shot, even when the last one didn’t go in.” Testimonials like Jeep’s reflect the heart of First Tee’s mission: To give every child who steps onto the tee box the confidence to step forward in life.

As 2025 comes to a close, First Tee – The Lowcountry invites supporters – past, present, and future – to help shape what comes next. Whether through monthly giving, sponsorship, mentoring, volunteering, or simply sharing the organization’s message, every contribution strengthens the foundation on which young people build their futures. The chapter remains motivated by the impact already made and inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead.

To make your year-end contribution or learn more, visit firstteelowcountry.org.

First Tee 2025 Board of Directors

Article by Jesse Blanco

Best of 2025: Simply Keeping it Simple

Once the leaves begin to change colors and the hoodies come out of storage, I usually start thinking about some of the eats I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying throughout the course of the year. If I wanted to get a little more psychoanalytic about the reasons why, I would guess it has something to do with the traditions associated with the holiday season. I know there are other reasons, but I will spare you my time on the couch. Maybe I will take a deep dive on the podcast (episodes drop twice a week on Apple Podcasts and Spotify).

But I digress. We are here to see what my favorite eats have been over the course of 2025. It used to be I would share my absolute best of the best. You know, A-number one, top of the heap? I got away from all that years back, because telling you about an amazing Mofongo I had in Washington Heights, New York City, offered readers in this area little to no value. Right? Right.

With that in mind, my favorite eats of 2025, Lowcountry edition. As is always the case, this is not a ranking. It is a list.

Asado by the Sea (at the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival)

This one-night event at the Beach House was one of the best outdoor dinners I have ever enjoyed here on the island. There were grills scattered, there was fire, there was a beautiful setting, and there was delicious food provided by Del Sur of St. Simon’s Island. As you might expect, there were lots of meats – a lot of them carved to order – and, of course, grilled whole fish. There were grilled vegetables and there were wonderful wine pairings.

It was the first time they held this event, so I had no idea what to expect, but every bite was exceptional. The good news is this event is happening again February 25. If this sounds like it’s your speed, you owe it to yourself to take a look at hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com.

Sundown Saloon’s Saloon Burger

If you are a regular follower of my doings here, then you know we held a first of its kind Burger Bash event over the summer. That was quite an endeavor. We thought it would start small and grow in subsequent years, but it started quite big, which was great, but it also had me eating two or three or more burgers a week from July 6 until about August 28. No complaints from me, except those couple of nights I had trouble sleeping. (Part of the gig. I’m used to it.)

A few burgers stood out during that eight-week run that I shared at the time. But a major standout for me was the Saloon Burger at Sundown Saloon. It wasn’t any special topping that made this burger a standout. It was the use of prime beef (which many I know do) but it was prepared perfectly with tasty toppings as well. If you need a fix and are looking for something besides Tin and Tallow, then you need to take a peek at Sundown’s Burgers. Very, very well made.

Firemost Pizza Food Truck

One big story over the summer food scene was the debut of the Firemost Pizza Food Truck. Tavern-style pies (cracker thin crust) with good quality toppings made these

pizzas among the best on the island on Day One. That is, of course, if you like that style of pizza. Like I said, crunchy, cracker-thin crust is what sets these apart. My go-to has become the Honeymoon in Vegas (pepperoni, ricotta, and hot honey).

I know the guys have set up with the delivery services around town, but if you are trying it for the first time, try it there at Broad Creek Marina during regular business hours (find those on Instagram). I’m sure the pies travel just fine, but like any pizza, they won’t be nearly as good as when they are right out of the oven.

Una Jaltera Puerto Rican Food Truck

If you follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook, you know I made a very big deal out of my chance encounter with this food truck at Lot 9 Brewing Company earlier this year. I had no idea such a food truck existed and the fantastic flavors of that beautiful island were fresh on my mind because I had just visited a couple of months before. I tried to eat it all, but that was a tall order.

Everything I had was as good as my Puerto Rican grandma used to make in the Barrio back in the day. Well, almost. Bottom line, this food was simply outstanding Puerto Rican comfort food. Find Una Jaletera (translated “a pig out”) on Facebook. She’s based out of Port Royal, but she is South of the Broad quite often.

Breakfast Sandwiches at The Hidden Egg, Okatie

This was very literally a late addition to the list, but a worthy mention. There’s a tiny sandwich counter inside of Daddy O’s Beer and Wine shop in Okatie that is doing breakfast and lunch to order. It’s delicious – as are the fresh-baked goodies they offer next to the register. I had a Pumpkin Pecan Muffin that about knocked me on my backside. So much so, I grabbed the baker’s business card from the rack. He’ll be hearing from me soon.

How good was all of this? I’ve added it to the list, haven’t I? Go check them out. Most of the menu is $5 to $7, which is a super-duper bonus.

Speaking of bonuses: The Carrot Cake at Buffalos in Palmetto Bluff. Run, don’t walk.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! I’ll be waiting for you on the other side. We’ve got so much to discuss! Peace and love. 

Sundown Saloon’s Saloon Burger

IT’S THAT MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN...

It’s that most wonderful time of the year again, when holiday gatherings quickly populate our calendars, neighbors go all Clark Griswold on their homes, and we realize we missed the opportunity to get ahead on gift-giving (yet again). Across the island, we anticipate the increase of love and light associated with Christmas and Hanukkah and it never fails to make the heart swell a few extra sizes.

Hilton Head Island holiday season is special. From the fourth annual Town of Hilton Head Island Official Christmas Tree Lighting event in Lowcountry Celebration Park on December 5 and the Island Recreation Center’s Winter Wonderland Festival at Shelter Cove Community Park on December 6, to the transformation of Mitchelville Freedom Park into a festival of lights December 7-9, the third annual Menorah Lighting at Shelter Cove Community Park on December 14, and the month-long light show offered by our own Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Station No. 3 at 534 William Hilton Parkway, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit of the season.

It’s an excellent time of year to support your local businesses, restaurants, and shops by purchasing unique gifts that reflect and recall our awesome island character all year long. It’s also important to remember that while it is a joyous, fun, festive, and gift-giving time for many, it can also be challenging for others.

So, fill up that blessing box outside your church. Include a new organization as part of your end of the year giving. Adopt a family in need of presents and a dinner for their holiday table. Practice spontaneous and random acts of

MAYOR

YEAR IN REVIEW: BLUFFTON’S 2025 MILESTONES

As this year ends, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Bluffton has grown and changed in many ways, but what inspires me most is how our community continues to come together – neighbor to neighbor and family to family – to shape the future of this special place we call home.

One of the highlights of this year was opening new places where people can gather. The historic Squire Pope Carriage House at 111 Calhoun Street found new life as the town’s Welcome Center, offering visitors and residents a warm introduction to Bluffton. It’s our way of saying, “This is who we are, and we’re glad you’re here.”

The town also opened New Riverside Barn Park, a 37-acre space with trails, open fields, and a playground that includes a hill (one of the highest points in the Lowcountry), a zip line, and equipment for all ages. The restored barn on the property is set to open for event rentals in February 2026, providing a new gathering space for weddings, reunions, and celebrations.

And at Oscar Frazier Park, the town’s first splash pad quickly became a favorite spot for families. These places aren’t just projects; they are where neighbors gather to make memories.

This year, the town also took meaningful steps to protect the natural landscape that defines Bluffton. The town became the first in South Carolina to adopt a wetlands protection ordinance, strengthening buffer requirements so new development better respects our environment. We continued progress on the Historic District Sewer Project, which will

A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry

A Note from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer

kindness, big and small. Provide comfort and compassion in the face of grief and strife. Remedy conflict through forgiveness and fortitude. Welcome the new year to come with community and friendship in your heart.

As 2026 quickly approaches, Kathy and I hope you are blessed as you embrace another year of opportunity and new beginnings. 

I am a fourth-generation Blufftonian and this work is personal to me. My family is here. My history is here. And I want Bluffton to remain a place where every family can build their story.

replace aging septic systems to safeguard the May River. And in partnership with Beaufort County’s Green Space Program, we’re working to preserve nearly 300 acres in Buckwalter that might otherwise be developed. Protecting this land means protecting water quality, open space, and the sense of place that is uniquely Bluffton.

At the same time, we are working to ensure Bluffton’s economy serves the people who live here. Through the town’s Economic Development Incentive Program, the town supported projects that brought more than $56 million in private investment, nearly 90,000 square feet of new commercial space and around 150 jobs to our community. This program is strategically designed to bring medical, childcare, and professional services closer to the fastest-growing neighborhoods.

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI), the town’s economic development arm, continued helping entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, keeping talent and opportunity here at home. Next year, DRCI will open a second facility in Buckwalter Place, providing space and support for new businesses as they get established.

All of this progress connects us back to a simple idea: We plan with purpose. Bluffton doesn’t grow by accident. Our strategic plan guides how we invest in infrastructure, housing partnerships, parks, and quality-of-life priorities – so we build a future that reflects who we are and what we value.

I am a fourth-generation Blufftonian and this work is personal to me. My family is here. My history is here. And I want Bluffton to remain a place where every family can build their story.

Thank you for your care, your pride, and your partnership. 

A Note from Alan Perry continued

A Note from Larry Toomer continued

Dec. 2025 Calendar

TUESDAYS

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Farmers & Makers Market

The Shops at Sea Pines Center

TUESDAYS

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hilton Head Farmers Market

Coastal Discovery Museum 70 Honey Horn Drive

WEDNESDAYS

Wick It Wednesday

Sea Love Candle Bar SeaLoveHiltonHead.com

SATURDAYS

Hilton Head Community Market

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Shelter Cove Community Park

Local artists, makers, farmers

JEVON DALY KIDS’ SHOW

December 5,12,19, 21, 22 & 23 & 26 Coligny Center Stage, 11:30a.m. -1p.m.

FIRST

THURSDAY

ARTISAN ALLEY 4-7 p.m. Shops at Sea Pines Center

3 Wednesday

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY 5-7 p.m.

Village at Wexford

Benefits Hilton Head Humane

6 Saturday

WINTER MARKET 10a.m. - 2p.m. Harbour & Home 2 Greenwood Drive, Building A

4-14

Thursday - Sunday

“CHRISTMAS BELLES”

Hilarious Southern Comedy Sea Glass Stage Company sgstage.org

5 Friday

JB STAR TRUNK SHOW

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Forsythe Jewelers Shops at Sea Pines Center

5 Friday

“CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS” 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church HHI HiltonHeadChoralSociety.org

7 Sunday

CHRISTMAS PET PICTURES Noon-4 p.m.

Hilton Head Humane campus 10 Humane Way

11 Thursday

SPARKLE, SIP & SHOP 4-7 p.m.

Coastal Bliss Music and fun!

13

Saturday PALM TREES & PISTONS 9-11 a.m.

Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill 14 Folly Field Road Free Car Show

13 Saturday

SANTA MEET & GREET For HH Humane 6-8 p.m.

Top Dawg Tavern Hilton Head Island

16 Tuesday PUPS ON THE PATIO 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Starbucks Shelter Cove For HH Humane

21 Sunday JINGLE JINGLE BRIDGE RUN 8 a.m. Crossings Park bearfootsports.com

23 Tuesday

GREGG RUSSELL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

7:30-9 p.m.

Harbour Town Liberty Oak Santa 5:30-7 p.m.

24 Wednesday

CHRISTMAS EVE UNDER THE STARS 6:30p.m.

Oyster Factory Park in Old Town Community Candlelight Service

28 Sunday

PAWS & CLAUS PARADE All breeds & sizes of dogs

Registration 12:15 p.m.

Harbour Town Liberty Oak

31 Wednesday

NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Harbour Town Lighthouse