MOMPRENEURS 2026: Meet a few local supermoms, juggling it all and trying to stay sane.
Danyela Fusi earns national recognition using her talent to give back
How a good night’s
GENIUSES AT WORK
Vibe Manager
Maggie Marie Washo
Master of Coin
Marion Elizabeth Bowser
Chief Chatter
Kim Conrad Crouch
Head Unicorn Wrangler
“Just Kandace” Cunningham
Collector of Business Cards
Morgan Ambler
Employee of the Year Jevon Daly
Mascot in Training
Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard
The Gatekeepers
Greta Von Bowser
Vincent Von Bowser
Kerning Queen
Catherine Davies
Punctuation Prodigy
Lynne Cope Hummell
Innovation Sherpas
Jesse Blanco
Courtney Hampson
Lynne Cope Hummell
Barry Kaufman
Rick Monroe
Brooke Peck
Alan Perry
Cheryl Ricer
Larry Toomer
Sheila Tucker
Lighting Experts
Photography by M.Kat
Photography by Lisa Staff
Photography by Kristin Scott
Find Us Here
PO Box 22949
Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
843.816.6247 maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com
We made it, y’all. Survived through festival season, Easter Week (although it seemed like two, based on the crowds), the RBC Heritage, and all the local kids’ spring breaks and proms. Now it’s time for a month of calm and serenity before the heat picks up and the summer throngs arrive, eager to explore all that is the Lowcountry with their families this summer.
I, for one, am headed to Disney World for a few days of relaxation with my mom. Speaking of moms, there are a lot of them in this issue (but, of course). Our fashion spread stars WJCL’s Riley Miller and her sweet Baby Zsa Zsa, and was shot at a beautiful home in Spanish Wells. Generally, I find babies and children a tad hard to photograph – because they have minds of their own and don’t necessarily smile on demand like grown humans. Not this baby though. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever met such a happy tiny tot. Cruise on over to page 44 to check out all the beautiful outfits available at our local boutiques.
Our special Mompreneurs issue returns after a two-year hiatus, with local supermoms giving tips on how they juggle it all and stay sane in the chaos. Flip to page 56 for that feature. In that same vein, head over to page 81 for our annual listing of Summer Camps for Kids.
EDITOR'S NOTE
MAY 2026
It’s Cinco de Mayo month, so of course we have features on two of our local favorite Mexican eateries, Java Burrito (page 96) and Cactus Cantina (page 127). And don’t forget to grab your favorite tequila for the margs at Rollers – see their feature on page 114. Of course, we were photographing the entire Rollers team while they were in the throes of delivering massive amounts of liquor to Sea Pines Resort for Heritage Week. The timing couldn’t have been worse for them to host three photoshoots, but as you can see by their smiles in the pictures, they are true professionals.
This issue also highlights a few organizations doing good things in our community. Check out our story on the Pregnancy Center (page 72), Women in Philanthropy (page 68), and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (page 93).
Finally, Staying Power returns, with a special feature on the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s 30-year run of bringing quality entertainment to town – month after month.
We are already working hard on our Summer Fun content for June through August, from shark tooth finding expeditions and biking through Sea Pines to birding in Port Royal and beach bar hopping.
See y’all next month!
MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Photography by Jevon Daly
5 REASONS TO CELEBRATE BROOKE PECK,
Writer · Photography by Maggie Washo
1
From fishing to crabbing to shrimping, Brooke loves any reason to be on a boat. Marinating in a golden sunset, watching frolicking dolphins, and spending time at a sandbar all bring a smile to her face. Her favorite stories to pitch and write take place on Lowcountry waterways.
3
Brooke’s husband has given her the nickname “Hilton Head’s hype gal.” She LOVES island life and is grateful to live in paradise. Being surrounded by the island’s natural beauty energizes Brooke and she enjoys sharing it with larger audiences through social media and her writing.
4
She loves a reason to have fun. From local festivals, to live music, to Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, she also loves a reason to dress up for the occasion. She’s convinced that the secret to a full life is quality friends with lots of laughs.
2Mahjong has become one of Brooke’s favorite pastimes. She recently bought a floating table for lots of Mahjong in the pool this summer!
5
Her family keeps her busy and her heart full. Being a mom challenges her math, taxi, and meal planning skills. Being married to a Hilton Head Rugby player keeps the washing machine going, a full social calendar, and a strong demand for ice packs. She’s also the family CFO, house manager, yard guy, calendar guru, and travel planner.
The cast of 42nd Street wows the crowd in a song and dance number.
Article by Cheryl Ricer
STAYING POWER:
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 30
A Small-Town Stage with Big-City Soul
While beaches, fairways, and laid-back coastal rhythms are the most obvious calling cards for Hilton Head Island, something extraordinary has been quietly unfolding for three decades.
Inside a 349-seat theater next to Shelter Cove, Broadway-caliber productions are built from the ground up and a community gathers - night after night - to experience the transformative power of the arts.
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina did not arrive overnight. It was imagined, pursued, funded, and ultimately realized through persistence, vision, and a belief that Hilton Head Island deserved more than sun and sand. It deserved a cultural heartbeat.
That belief has sustained the organization for 30 years.
A VISION TAKES ROOT
The story begins, as many great ideas do, with a conversation.
At a cocktail gathering hosted by Helen Racusin, wife of Hilton Head Island’s first mayor, a simple yet profound observation was made: the island, originally envisioned by the Fraser family as both a resort destination and an artist colony, was missing a dedicated arts center. Author John Jakes, who lived on the island for many years, overheard the conversation - and the idea began to take shape.
“It took 17 years from that initial idea to opening the doors,” said Jeffrey Reeves, president and CEO of the Arts Center. “That tells you something about the level of commitment it took to make this happen.”
The effort brought together an unlikely but formidable team. Cartha “Deke” DeLoach, a former high-ranking FBI official and later an executive with PepsiCo, was recruited to lead the charge. John Lawless helped spearhead fundraising efforts, while financial oversight came from Dudley King. Together, along with a growing network of community supporters, they raised the funds needed to bring the vision to life.
When the Arts Center opened in March 1996 on a 4.6-acre parcel in Shelter Cove - land secured through collaboration with the Self family and their development group- it did so with a statement: a two-night performance by Broadway star Bernadette Peters.
MORE THAN A THEATER
From the outside, the Arts Center may appear to be a single venue. Step inside, however, and it reveals itself as something far more complex—a living, breathing creative ecosystem.
There is the main stage, where five annual productions anchor the season. There is the intimate black box theater, used for smaller productions and rehearsals. There are education studios, administrative offices, and flexible community spaces that host everything from donor receptions to birthday celebrations.
“There’s something happening everywhere in this building at any given time,” said Andrea Gannon, vice president of marketing.
That energy is by design.
The Arts Center operates on a season that runs September through August, producing five mainstage shows - typically four musicals and a play - while also presenting a diverse lineup of guest artists throughout the year. From comedy and concerts to specialty performances, the goal is to offer something for every audience.
“We want people to come here and discover something new every time,” Gannon said. “It might be a Broadway-style musical one week, a comedian the next, or a concert that introduces them to something they’ve never experienced before.”
Recent seasons have welcomed an impressive range of talent, from Tony Award winners to nationally touring comedians and musical acts. And when the stage isn’t being used for Arts Center productions or presenting artists, it becomes a platform for the community.
Local organizations regularly rent the facility for performances, recitals, and events, gaining access to professional lighting, sound, staging, and technical expertise.
“That’s part of our mission,” Gannon said. “To provide opportunities and facilities for people to experience and participate in the arts.”
What truly sets the Arts Center apart is its role as a multidisciplinary arts hub.
“We’re not just producing shows,” Reeves said. “We’re creating an environment where the arts can flourish in every form.”
The facility is home to visual arts programming, exhibitions, and workshops, reinforcing its identity as more than a theater. Painters, performers, students, and audiences share the same space, creating a dynamic exchange of creativity.
This collaborative spirit extends throughout the building. Rehearsals
BY THE NUMBERS: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
•30 Years of serving the Lowcountry arts community
• Opened: March 1996
• 349 Seats in the main stage theater
• 4.6 Acres in Shelter Cove
• 240+ Performances & Programs annually
• 360 Days of operation each year
• 5 Mainstage Productions per season
• 1.8 Million+ Visitors since opening
• 11,000 - 13,000 Students Served annually through education programs
AT A GLANCE: What Happens Here
• Mainstage Theater: Broadwaycaliber productions built in-house
• Black Box Theater: Rehearsals, intimate performances, special events, summer camps, workshops, and auditions
• Presenting Series: World-class artists, comedians, and concerts
• Education Programs: School residencies, field trips, workshops, summer camps
• Community Rentals: Local performances, events, meetings and celebrations
• Festivals & Outreach: Including the Voices of Gullah Celebration and the Town’s Official Holiday Kickoff festival
• Visual Arts: Exhibits, classes, and partnerships with local artists
Intrigue and danger take center stage in Dial M for Murder.
take place in one room while classes are taught in another. Designers build sets while dancers refine choreography. At any given moment, multiple layers of artistic work are unfolding simultaneously.
“There’s something going on everywhere,” Gannon said. “It’s constant.”
The numbers tell the story. The Arts Center produces or hosts more than 240 performances and programs each year and operates nearly every day of the year.
“And they wonder why we look tired,” Gannon joked. “But we do it out of love.”
BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP
One of the most surprising aspects of the Arts Center is that its productions are not touring shows.
“We’re an Actors’ Equity professional theater,” Reeves said. “Everything you see on our stage is built here.”
That process begins in New York City, where casting calls can attract thousands of submissions. For a recent production, more than 8,500 actors applied before the creative team narrowed the field.
“A lot of these actors have been on Broadway or are going to Broadway,” Gannon said. “And many of our alumni have gone on to major careers.”
From casting to set design, costumes to choreography, each production is created specifically for the Arts Center’s stage. The result is a level of quality that often surprises first-time audiences.
“They’ll ask, ‘Where does the show go next?’” Reeves said with a smile. “And I tell them- it doesn’t. It’s ours.”
That commitment to producing theatrical excellence has elevated the Arts Center’s reputation and positioned it as a serious player in the regional theater world.
What audiences see onstage is only a fraction of what it takes to bring a production to life.
Behind the curtain, the Arts Center operates with the precision of a much larger institution, yet with a surprisingly lean team. Sets are constructed in-house, often from raw materials, shaped and painted by a production crew that blends technical skill with artistry. Costumes are fitted, altered, and sometimes built from scratch. Lighting is programmed to the second. Every cue, every transition, every detail is intentional.
“The production crew is the heartbeat,” Reeves said. “They’re doing extraordinary work that most people never see.”
That work is often as creative as the performances themselves.
For the spring production of Hairspray, a massive, ornate arch - more than 20 feet wide- was hand-carved entirely from floral foam, then finished to resemble intricate gold detailing. From the audience, it will appear seamless and grand. Behind the scenes, it is the result of hours of craftsmanship and problem-solving.
“It’s amazing what they can create,” Gannon said. “And they’re doing it right here.”
The same level of detail extends to every element of a show. During rehearsals, actors cycle through multiple spaces within the building - choreography in one room, music in another, staging in yet another- while crews simultaneously prepare the main stage for installation.
“There’s a moment when everything finally comes together,” Reeves said. “And that’s when you realize just how many moving parts there are.”
LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY
Reeves’ own journey with the Arts Center reflects the organization’s evolution.
Originally hired as director of finance, he brought a background in business and financial management, along with a personal passion for the arts shaped by volunteer work in Kentucky. Over time, his role expanded- first to chief operating officer, then to executive vice president- before the board ultimately named him president and CEO.
That trust, he said, speaks to the strength of the Arts Center’s leadership structure and the role of its board.
“I serve at the pleasure of the board,” he said. “And we’ve had some incredible people guiding this organization.”
Many trustees have deep ties to both the arts and the community, bringing experience from industries ranging from finance to philanthropy. Some have supported the Arts Center since its earliest days, while others continue to shape its future through strategic planning and fundraising.
“These are people who believe in asking the right questions,” Reeves said. “And that’s how we grow.”
That culture of thoughtful leadership extends throughout the organization.
SMALL TOWN, BIG VISION
For all its sophistication, the Arts Center remains grounded in its setting- a small island community with an outsized appreciation for the arts.
“You’re on Hilton Head Island,” Reeves said. “It’s a smalltown feel. But we’re doing big things.”
That contrast is part of what makes the Arts Center special. Artists come from New York. Productions rival those
Murder on the Orient Express
The Arts Center's production of Noises Off.
STAYING POWER:
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 30
in major cities. And yet, the experience remains intimate, accessible, and deeply connected to the community.
It is also sustained by a staff that wears many hats.
“There are departments here that are one person, maybe two,” Gannon said. “And they’re doing the work of what would be much larger teams elsewhere.”
Despite those constraints- or perhaps because of themthe level of commitment is remarkable.
“They’re passionate to the nth degree,” Reeves said. “I walk through this building every day just to see what people are doing. And I’m constantly in awe.”
That passion is what allows the Arts Center to do more with less- and to continue raising the bar.
DEFINING MOMENTS ONSTAGE
Over the years, certain productions have marked turning points in the Arts Center’s evolution.
For Reeves, one stands above the rest: Les Miserables. In 2006, the Arts Center was one of only a handful of regional theaters granted permission to produce the iconic musical.
“We had 700 people show up for auditions in New York,” he said. “And we realized- we’re in the big time now.”
The production exceeded expectations, earning praise from audiences who had seen the show on Broadway and in London.
For Gannon, The Color Purple remains unforgettable.
“It was exquisite,” she said. “From front of house to backstage, everyone was completely invested in telling that story.”
Other standout productions include Kinky Boots, Noises Off, Red, Clue, and Come From Away—each reflecting the Arts Center’s willingness to take creative risks and deliver meaningful experiences.
“It’s not just about entertainment,” Gannon said. “It’s about connection.”
EDUCATION AT THE CORE
While the productions draw audiences, education lies at the heart of the Arts Center’s mission.
“The goal has always been to integrate the arts into everyday life,” Reeves said. “Especially for young people.”
Each year, thousands of students participate in Arts Center programs, from field trips and workshops to in-school residencies. For many, it is their first exposure to live theater.
“A lot of these kids have never been inside a theater,” Reeves said. “That first experience can be life changing.”
Through outreach initiatives, teaching artists travel into schools across the Lowcountry, bringing creative instruction directly into classrooms. The Arts Center also offers year-round classes and summer camps that allow students to explore visual and performing arts in a handson environment.
“These aren’t just activities,” Gannon said. “They’re experiences that build confidence and creativity.”
The Arts Center’s long-standing partnership with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts further amplifies its impact. Through this collaboration, the organization supports arts integration in schools and provides specialized programming for students with disabilities.
“It’s some of the most important work we do,” Gannon said. “Because it ensures that the arts are truly for everyone.”
POWERED BY COMMUNITY
Like arts organizations across the country, the Arts Center faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Productions were halted, audiences disappeared, and uncertainty loomed.
Yet the organization endured.
“We were able to keep everyone on payroll except for about six weeks,” Reeves said. “And even then, we made sure people were supported.”
Through virtual programming, creative adaptations, and a carefully managed return to live performances, the Arts Center maintained its connection with audiences.
“We just kept doing what we do, in a different way,” Gannon said.
That resilience was rooted in leadership, but also in the dedication of a staff deeply committed to the mission.
“They make it happen,” Reeves said. “Every single day.”
If there is a single factor that explains the Arts Center’s longevity, it is community support.
“It’s easy,” Reeves said. “The residents believe in what we do.”
Over half of the organization’s revenue comes from ticket sales. The rest is generated through donations, sponsorships, and philanthropic support.
“Without that, ticket prices would be through the roof,” he said.
That support extends to a dedicated board of trustees and a network of long-time advocates who have helped guide the organization through decades of growth.
“These are people who could be doing anything,” Reeves said. “And they choose to invest in this.”
Gannon agreed.
“This community shows up,” she said. “They support us, they engage with us, and they believe in the value of the arts.”
Dance Theater of Harlem
THE NEXT ACT
As the Arts Center celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is also looking ahead.
One of the most pressing needs is the building itself. After nearly three decades of continuous use and more than 1.8 million visitors, the facility requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
“The building wasn’t endowed for long-term upkeep,” Reeves said. “So a significant portion of our budget goes to keeping it running.”
Future plans include facility improvements, expanded education programming, and continued investment in production quality.
“We want to take everything up another notch,” he said.
At the same time, the organization is focused on growing its staff and resources to meet increasing demand.
“We do a lot with very little,” Gannon said. “But there’s so much more we could do.”
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
In many ways, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina embodies the very idea of staying power. It has weathered economic shifts, evolving audiences, and a global pandemic. It has grown from a bold idea into a cornerstone of the Lowcountry’s cultural landscape.
And it has done so without losing sight of its purpose.
“This place is about more than performances,” Reeves said. “It’s about people, community, and creativity.”
For Gannon, the impact is visible every day.
“You see it in the kids who come through our programs,” she said. “You see it in the audience when the lights go down. You see it in the staff who pour their hearts into this work.”
Thirty years after that first conversation, the Arts Center continues to fulfill its original promise: to bring art, culture, and connection to an island that has embraced it wholeheartedly.
On any given night, as the curtain rises and the stage comes alive, it is clear that this is no small-town theater.
It is something much bigger.
And it is just getting started.
An American in Paris
Like the characters they play, the cast of Steel Magnolias have formed bonds of friendship during rehearsals.
Article by Lynne Cope Hummell . Photography by M.Kat
Steel Magnolias
A SOUTHERN CLASSIC COMES TO SEA GLASS STAGE
It’s a busy day at Truvy’s beauty shop in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana. The neighbor ladies – friends for decades –regularly gather here on Saturdays, but this is a special occasion. It’s the wedding day of Shelby Eatenton, daughter of M’Lynn, one of Truvy’s regular customers, and everyone is stopping by to support the bride.
Annelle, the shy new employee at the salon, tries to stay in the background. Claree arrives a bit windblown after a football stadium dedication to her late husband, the former mayor of the town.
Conversation flows like sweet syrup, with lots of laughs, friendly questions about Shelby’s plans for her
overwhelmingly pink wedding, and jokes about a strange choice for the groom’s cake. Then, Ouiser, the town curmudgeon, bursts in with accusations involving gunfire and missing magnolia blossoms.
If that isn’t enough to engage an audience, consider that Annelle is uncertain about her marital status, M’Lynn is anxious about her husband’s bird control strategy, Claree discovers a gun, Shelby is worried about Annelle’s social life, Ouiser is upset about her dog, and Truvy just wants everyone to calm down so she can take care of Shelby.
So begins the much-loved play, Steel Magnolias, coming to Sea Glass Stage Company at Coligny Theatre May 1-17.
Mother and daughter M’Lynn (Amy Dauplaise) and Shelby Eatenton (Julia Sotas Mattis) face life’s hardships with style, grace, and a smile.
Truvy’s beauty shop is where the Saturday regulars gather. Claree (Heather Adams) and Ouiser (Lynne Hummell) share a laugh in their chairs while Truvy (Christa Fortney) and Annelle (Ashley Casstevens Gonzalez) share gossip.
Directed by Jessica Walck, with Evan Walls as assistant director and Lyndsay Malphrus as stage manager, the play is the second in the 2026 season for Sea Glass.
While the nuances of the story become obvious fairly quickly, the thread woven throughout is the beauty and wonder of longtime relationships among the women. The telling of their story and the relationships among them are primary reasons local women wanted to be part of the production.
“What speaks to me most about Steel Magnolias is the deep sense of sisterhood among these women,” Walck said. “The beauty shop isn’t just a place to get your hair done – it’s where they come to be together, to talk, to laugh, and to support one another. I love that they can jab at each other one moment and offer a heartfelt compliment the next. These women are layered – they are strong and vulnerable, sharp and tender.”
Walck pointed out that these women are the real deal. “They are not caricatures of Southern women; they are fully realized people navigating real joys and real hardships together,” she said. “At its core, this play celebrates what life is truly about: the people we meet and the relationships that carry us through.”
Building the relationships of fictional characters requires actors to relate not only to the characters, but to their fellow performers. This is accomplished by having real-life conversations and interactions apart from the lines they are learning.
As rehearsals progressed, the cast members became closer as friends, not just castmates. Though four of the
THE CAST:
Truvy Jones: Christa Fortney
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto: Ashley Casstevens Gonzalez
Claree Belcher: Heather Adams
Shelby Eatenton: Julia Sotas Mattis
M’Lynn Eatenton: Amy Dauplaise
Ouiser Boudreaux: Lynne Hummell
THE CREW:
Director: Jessica Walck
Assistant Director: Evan Walls
Stage Manager: Lyndsay Malphrus
women have worked together before, two newcomers to the company have seamlessly melded into the dynamic.
Walck allows – even encourages – time for sharing stories before or after rehearsals, celebrating the day’s wins or disappointments, elevating and celebrating one another – like fast friends do.
“Really taking time to discuss our characters’ backgrounds and relationships with each other has helped to develop well-rounded characters,” said Christa Fortney, who plays Truvy. “Sharing personal stories and having the freedom to crack up, tell jokes, and support one another without being rushed during rehearsals also helps the cast to bond – which is paramount for a show like Steel Magnolias.”
Heather Adams, who plays Claree, agreed. “I so appreciate this group of ladies in the cast. I feel that all of us want to support each other personally and to be generous on the stage, and that makes a big difference in the overall experience and results,” she said. “I think we already feel very safe together to share bits of our lives.”
Walck carried this blending of actors into characters through her direction. “What are you feeling right now?” she asks – not of the character, but of the person. “Tell me about something that upset you recently.” She uses the answers to point out universal truths, especially among women.
This aspect of Walck’s directing has been a catalyst for deep connections among the actors.
“Building camaraderie with my fellow castmates has created such a fun, supportive, and utterly enjoyable environment,” said Ashley Casstevens Gonzalez, who plays Annelle. “It’s been a truly fulfilling process both artistically and personally. I love my castmates and our wonderful crew.”
Walls has been the lone man at rehearsals, and he loves the show as much as anyone else. “What drew me in was not just the material itself, but the process and intricate work of building connection, trust, and authenticity within an ensemble,” he said. “Theatre, at its core, is about people. It is about witnessing vulnerability, resilience, and the subtle exchanges that define human relationships. This production provided a space to observe and support that exchange in a meaningful way.”
What audiences will see will be the telling of a wonderful story through the characters, played by a group of women who will have become family long before the lights go up on the first performance.
Steel Magnolias runs weekends May 1-17, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at sgstage.org.
Find
Find
Riley's ensemble at Collage.
Zsa Zsa's ensemble at Moonlit Lullaby.
Styled by Kandace Cunningham
Photography by Maggie Washo
Special thanks to Tony and Patsy Nimmer for hosting our shoot at their beautiful home in Spanish Wells
IN FULL BLOOM: Mommy & Me Edition
We asked Riley Miller, WJCL reporter and new mom, to model some of the prettiest spring looks along with her adorable mini me, the effervescent Zsa Zsa!
This season’s fabrics are bursting in peaches, pinks, greens and blues - and sets are back in 2026.
Find Riley's ensemble at Pink Pineapple.
Find Riley's ensemble at The Haven.
Find Riley's ensemble at Palmettoes.
Find Riley's ensemble at Coastal Bliss.
Find Riley's ensemble at Evelyn + Arthur.
Find Zsa Zsa's ensemble at Island Child.
Find Riley and Zsa Zsa's ensembles at Maggie & Me.
Find Riley's ensemble at Currents.
Find Riley's ensemble at Jean-Pierre Klifa
Find Riley's ensemble at Monkees.
Find Riley's ensemble at Palmettoes.
Find Riley's ensemble at Gigi's.
CH2 / CB2 SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL
MOMPRENEURS
AMANDA O'NAN
Strictly speaking, Amanda Williams-O’Nan is the mother of three children. That said, as owner and Head of School at Heritage Academy, she considers herself more like a mother to 150 or so children.
“It’s a second home for these kids, and we’re here to help them find their passion, their happiness, and their path,” she said. “And that looks different for every kid. We have kids that participate in sporting clays, tennis players who also train and play at the public schools, students working on pilots’ licenses or in animal science … a lot of things you typically wouldn’t find in a school this size.”
Each student who matriculates to Heritage Academy joins this family, entrusting their future with O’Nan and the staff she has built since taking over the school. That trust is held sacred, as a duty that each educator has to giving each student the best chance at success.
11 New Orleans Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-8600 heritageacademy.org
It’s something O’Nan established honestly, as her own children make their way through the school.
“My son graduated in 2023, and my twin daughters are both sophomores. They’re my entire world and life and I built all of this really to make a good school for them,” she said. It’s a skillset she had already developed as a long-time educator in the Lowcountry’s public schools, an experience that also provided her with a more nuanced perspective on what makes a quality education. “I saw a lot of great stuff in public education, and a lot of stuff that frustrated me. I was able to build the school based on what worked best.”
The results speak for themselves. Heritage Academy graduates have gone on to attend Cornell, lead industries, and prove themselves as capable stewards of the future. And those who know the numbers behind education know what a stunning achievement it was when all eight AP Literature students enrolled at Heritage Academy achieved passage.
“The numbers don’t lie,” O’Nan said. “I’m hiring the right people.”
Starting with just 32 students when O’Nan purchased it, she has seen the student population explode based on an approach that restores the human connection of learning that has been frayed since COVID.
“A lot of teachers are trained with online platforms, and we do quite a bit with those programs,” O’Nan said. “But what I pride myself on is how our teachers pursue good old-fashioned teaching. They build relationships with students, share their intellectual passions, and encourage them to ask questions, rather than teach them through a device. Education as a whole has moved to more computer-based babysitting, almost, but we really stress teaching, interacting, and truly talking.”
That approach isn’t just one that Amanda Williams-O’Nan cultivated to impress parents or court new students. It’s one that she mindfully created to offer the best education possible to her children – all 150 or so of them.
LAUREN DEMBECK
BRIMS ON THE BLUFF
The life of a mompreneur, and indeed the life of any mom, doesn’t often come with pats on the back. You do your best, face each challenge head on, and hope that you made all the right decisions on the way, but you don’t often get a sign you’re doing this whole thing right.
Lauren Dembeck was fortunate enough to get her sign one day in Walt Disney World’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
KRISTY GONZALEZ
As much as it is portrayed as a balancing act, there are advantages to being a mother and an entrepreneur. Especially, as Kristy Gonzalez has learned, when you’re a mother to two teenage boys and your business is the high-stakes world of real estate.
10C Johnston Way, Unit C Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 949-8126 brimsonthebluff.com
“I brought my daughter Piper in there to look at dresses, and she picked out one from Princess and the Frog’s Tiana. I told her, ‘I thought Elsa was your favorite,’ and she told me she picked Tiana because she works hard for what she has, like I do,” Dembeck said. “That meant so much to me.”
It stands to reason, though. Piper has been a fixture in her mother’s store, Brims on the Bluff, since it opened. The unique hat-making experience and “hat bar” is one of two companies that Dembeck runs, the other being a corporate gifting company, but it’s far and away Piper’s favorite.
“She’s been involved since Day One, picking out paint colors for the store, coming to events, trying out her sales skills. She’s an inspiration and very hands on,” said Dembeck. “She’s definitely a part of the Brims family.”
She’s not alone. Since opening its doors, this unique Old Town experience has fulfilled its goal of serving as just as much of a social hub as it is a boutique, with people of all ages grabbing a seat and putting together a custom hat that suits their style.
“It’s something that no matter who you are, male or female, everyone can enjoy with friends, coworkers, or family,” Dembeck said. “It’s for anyone who wants to have fun.”
14 Church Street, Suite 102 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 298-3808 . Kristyhhi@gmail.com
“My boys are going through tremendous shifts in their life, and it’s the same thing with my clients,” she said. “Just like my sons are getting ready for graduation and the real world, the people I work for are usually in the middle of a big life change. Maybe they’re downsizing after kids move away, or they’re moving to be closer to family. It can be a lot.”
Nurturing both kids and clients through this oftentumultuous period requires many of the same skills, and Gonzalez brings them to bear with equal skill personally and professionally.
“There can be a lot of unexpected events, and in both cases, you need to learn to pivot quickly,” she said. “You need to be there for them, support them, and respond to all of it with kindness and caring.”
As a full-time active Realtor and associate broker at ERA Wilder Realty, Gonzalez has spent the past 20 years serving hundreds of clients with this same measured approach. From beachfront mansions to starter homes for first-time buyers, everyone gets the same care, support, and grace. She has learned that not just as a professional, but as a mom.
ANGELINA CARPER
90 Capital Drive, Suite 103
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 802-0743
rchconstruction.com
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My husband, Donnie Carper. I have never met anyone more capable in my life and am incredibly fortunate to have him as my partner in business and in life. I have no idea how he manages to accomplish as much as he does each day, but I certainly reap the benefits of it. He is always thinking of how we can improve the services that we provide at RCH along with our lives for our children.
How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing?
It takes a village! I would not be able to do what I do without the support of our family and the team at RCH. We welcomed our daughter, Camellia, in July and I was not expecting that adding a second child to the mix would change so much. It can be a juggling act as we manage anything from flu season to material delays, but keeping a thankful outlook has been critical to keeping a level head during the chaos.
Tell us a bit about your business and what you do every day.
How has being a mom helped you to be a better businesswoman?
Being a mom has given me a new perspective that absolutely stays with me at work. When I first started working with Hugh Hobus, the founder and former owner of RCH, I was always amazed at how he never sweat the small stuff and could let anything roll off his back. I was pregnant with our first child at that time and can confidently say that Philip and Camellia have taught me his ways over the past three years.
We are a home builder that specializes in new home construction as well as additions or renovations. Anyone who has ever done construction on their home can probably imagine that my days tend to be exciting. My planned activities will usually include reviewing estimates, permit submissions, jobsite coordination, etc., but I still have not figured out how to eliminate surprises. As we encounter issues during a project – or problemsolving opportunities, as I like to call them – I am typically involved in getting things back on track as quickly as possible.
FREDERIKA FEKETÉ
JAVA BURRITO COMPANY
Every mom who has built a career will inevitably hit the same wall of self-doubt. At some point, certainty will give way to second guessing and a great well of guilt will open beneath them. It could be something as mundane as needing a few minutes to breathe, but to some working moms it could feel like a personal and professional failure.
Working alongside her husband Michael in running their Java Burrito restaurants, Frederika Feketé can sympathize.
1000 William Hilton Pkwy., Suite J6
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-5282
420 Broughton Street Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 298-5282
javaburrito.com
“I think all women have this internal battle of never feeling like they’re doing enough for their work life or their kids. It’s something we all struggle with and just hope we’re doing enough,” she said.
Feketé speaks from experience. While she and Michael were launching Savannah’s Java Burrito, they lived above the restaurant for several years, blurring the line between work and home. Now back on Hilton Head Island, she returns with a greater perspective.
“I always seek out advice from older moms, and I’m lucky enough to know some really cool women who have been through this season of life,” she said. “The recurring theme of what they all tell me is that you have to mother yourself while you’re mothering. You’re not taking time away from your kids, you’re filling your cup to take care of your kids.”
She’ll be the first to tell you that it isn’t always easy. As one of Hilton Head’s most treasured restaurants, Java Burrito as a business is a machine that never stops. Having built the business from the ground up, the couple remain hands on with operation, requiring their utmost attention. As proud parents, they want to ensure they are giving their kids everything they need to develop into their best selves. That alone is often the hardest part of the job.
“Kids go through different seasons,” she said. “As soon as you have something down, it changes.”
Striking a balance between the two is where so many working moms feel the most stressed. But Feketé is here to tell you that sometimes it’s OK to be there for yourself first.
“I do think as a mom you get so guilty going to yoga or something like that just for you,” she said. “But you have to shift that perspective.”
How has being a mom helped you to become a better businesswoman?
Jillian: It has helped teach me patience, scheduling, prioritization, and more. My children even inspire my buying as well.
Jordan: Motherhood gave me purpose and a renewed sense of who I am, and entrepreneurship has done the same. It has given me the confidence to build a life, and a business, on my own terms.
What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you?
Jillian: I want them to remember that I always try my absolute hardest to put them first. Every decision I make is for them.
Jordan: I couldn’t agree more. I want Ellie to remember that I was there – for every awards ceremony, every dance competition, every lost tooth.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Jordan: My parents. They instilled everything that I am into me. They are to credit for who I am today. I see them every day in who I am as a mother, a partner, a sister, and a business owner.
Jillian: My parents. Throughout my life they have been an amazing example of love and perseverance. They have always encouraged me to follow my dreams.
Tell us a bit about your business and what you do every day.
Wildflower Girls is our Tween Girls Boutique located in Old Town Bluffton. Every day looks a bit different for us, but we always make sure to have fun. Whether we are filming social media, merchandising our new finds, helping our customers find the perfect outfit, or planning our next event – we are always laughing. That’s the perk of doing business with your bestie!
Jillian: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Jordan: In the middle of the mess, there’s still so much magic.
JILLIAN ATKINSON & JORDAN BRIMACOMB
ASHLEY ADAMS BROWN
BUTLER & COLLEGE, LLC
Ashley Adams Brown, mother of three and COO/Equity Partner at Butler & College, a regional law firm, often spent time with her grandparents on a quiet inlet in North Carolina. Her grandfather was an engineer and woodworker and her grandmother was an excellent cook and golfer. Whether in the kitchen or workshop, they always emphasized the mantra “Measure twice, cut once.”
Brown has taken that to heart, applying it to every aspect of her orchestrated life. The litany of challenges she faces on any given day may seem mind-boggling to most. For Brown, it’s simply a matter of planning mindfully and executing efficiently.
In her professional role, Brown has been instrumental in the firm’s remarkable expansion since joining in 2019. Her responsibilities extend beyond traditional legal work. She identifies promising markets, opens and staffs new offices, and handles operations and training initiatives, while maintaining her own caseload.
The firm maintains, or will be opening shortly, locations throughout North Carolina (Wilmington, Calabash, and Ocean Isle Beach), South Carolina (Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Summerville, Wando, Port Royal, Okatie, and Bluffton), and Georgia (Savannah and Pooler).
Brown said that the first local B&C closing began at her kitchen table, but this area has grown into one of the firm’s busiest, thanks to an amazing local team built over the past seven years.
Beyond geographic expansion, Brown has helped the firm’s practice areas to include comprehensive real estate services, including buyer and seller representation, borrower services, builder takedowns, land-banking, and land acquisitions, as well as estate planning and probate. With a staff now approximately 60 people strong, the firm’s structure allows each local office to feel like a boutique law firm deeply rooted in its community, while providing the benefit of being part of a larger law firm.
Propelling the careers of others is a priority. “I want B&C to be a place where professionals are cultivated for the longevity of their career.” She proudly points to two local attorneys, Tom McNutt and Natalia Chandler, both of whom she brought on as associates and who have earned significant promotions. McNutt directs estate planning across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, while Chandler leads the real estate division covering Beaufort, Jasper, and Chatham counties.
While scaling a multi-state law firm would be enough to keep anyone’s calendar full, for Brown, it represents just 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Her 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. represents “real life;” where she is ever devoted to her three daughters, ages 5, 3, and 2.
Brown remains conscious to take in what she can and credits her grandparents’ dock for her decision to create a life for her girls along the coast. She recently captured a video of the last remnants of baby fat on her 2-year-old’s legs to remind herself that these moments aren’t forever.
Whether with her girls or at work, she refuses to be half-in on either front. Helping to run a rapidly growing multi-state law firm while making time for special moments with three precious daughters, it all comes down to measuring twice.
152 State Street, Suite 201 Bluffton, SC 29910 (877) 279-3433
ashley@bandclawfirm.com bandclawfirm.com
JACKIE MATHISEN MA, LPC, LPC/SC
COASTAL THERAPY GROUP
How has being a mom made you a better businesswoman?
Being a mom of three has taught me flexibility in the truest sense. You can’t be rigid when life is constantly shifting, and that lesson carries
LOUISE CONROY
How has being a mom helped you to be a better businesswoman?
My mom role has given me so many skills! On a daily basis, I can be part nurse, part taxi driver, math tutor, and referee. Being able to quickly adapt to the needs of the moment is a huge business skill.
directly into business. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, let go of perfection, and focus on what actually matters. Where locally do you take the kids to burn energy?
The beach – always. We’re lucky to live somewhere so beautiful, so we lean into it as much as possible. Nothing resets everyone quite like some fresh air, sand, and “vitamin sea.”
How do you balance your work/home life?
Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. And being very honest about them. I set clear expectations – with clients, with family, with myself – that I’m human, not perfect, and not everything is urgent. That mindset keeps things grounded and sustainable.
Tell us a bit about your business and what you do every day.
As a therapist, I like to think of myself as a professional hype woman. I validate, challenge, and encourage my clients to recognize they already have the tools they need. My job is to help them get out of their own way and actually use those tools.
What mantra do you live by every day?
Know yourself best in dysfunction. If you can identify your patterns and blind spots, you can start to change them – and the less they control you, the more freedom you have to be the best version of yourself.
1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Suite J13
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 422-7786 glowpilateshhi.com
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My husband. We have been married for almost 20 years. When we were younger, he asked his bosses for a raise. They laughed at his proposed number. Within a year he had set up his own company and achieved great success. He inspired me to open Glow Pilates. How do you balance your work/home life, or is there even such a thing?
Week by week, day by day, sometimes hour by hour. I try not to get overwhelmed by the amount that has to get done in a day and concentrate task by task. I focus on being in the moment and not let my mind worry about the next task.
Tell us a bit about your business and what you do every day.
I’m in the studio by 7:15. I work out before I teach. I make my lesson plans different every day. I try to take some downtime in the afternoon.
What mantra do you live by?
Dream big! I was born and raised in London, England (the dodgy end!). If someone had told my younger self that I would move to America, live by the beach, become a US Citizen and teach Pilates all day I would have thought they were nuts. But yet, here I am!
KRISTIN FACKLER
THE CAROLINA TASTING ROOM & COASTAL SUNGLASSES
By the time you read this, spring break will have long passed. Wherever you spent it, whether it was a lavish four-star resort, a rustic beachside getaway, or just a staycation right here in the Lowcountry, we can promise you one thing. Your spring break was not as amazing as the one that Kristin Fackler’s kids recently enjoyed.
Her children Laine, 11, Lee, 9, Linden, 7, and Lola, 3, didn’t just go somewhere to ride rides or meet their favorite animated characters. They went somewhere to get a taste of the thrill their mom experiences with the opening of a new store.
“Our kids are so excited for our Destin location to open and they haven’t even seen it since the construction phase,” said Fackler in early April. “We’re doing a candy bar down there, which is something we’ve never done before, and they really helped with the design of that. We’re going down for the ribbon cutting for spring break.”
That Destin shop, The Florida Tasting Room and The CANDY Bar, will be the latest in an empire built by Kristin and Jason Fackler that includes Savannah’s The Georgia
1 N. Forest Beach Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 341-2999
Tasting Room as well as The Carolina Tasting Room and Coastal Sunglasses, both in Coligny.
“I’m originally from Portland, and with Jason having the Coastal Sunglasses kiosk in Coligny, I wanted to bring in a wine tasting concept that was very popular there,” said Kristin. “But the whole local aspect is the biggest part of it. I only buy wine that’s true to the region, so wines that actually come from South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.”
Each branch has stayed true to that original vision, sourcing bold, unique, and memorable offerings from wineries across each of the three states. Because they have grown from one Coligny location to a southeast chain, you might think that Kristin and Jason Fackler were spending each weekend at different wineries, exploring new offerings. But perhaps you’ve forgotten that they have four children.
“That would be really fun, but for now we get a lot done over email and through samples we get shipped to us,” Fackler said. “That frees up time to be the kind of next-level mom that would make most people dizzy, shuttling kids to cello concerts, school plays, skateboarding, basketball, volleyball, tennis, flag football, gymnastics, ballet and coaching multiple kids in soccer. “We’re very involved with our kids and make sure we don’t miss the important things. Thankfully, I have an incredible support team at all of my locations, and incredible managers.”
Four kids would be enough for most people. Four stores strewn across three states would be enough for most people. For Kristin Fackler, it’s just what needs to be done to create success both as a mother and as an entrepreneur.
SKYLER GRIFFIN
YELLOW TRANSPORTATION
If you’ve lived on the island for any amount of time, you’ve seen Yellow Transportation’s vehicles traversing the Lowcountry. Launched in 1989 as a taxi service with the classic yellow cabs, the company has evolved along with the industry, expanding to include
(843) 686-6666
yellowtransportationhhi.com
Hilton Head & Bluffton, SC Beaufort County, Jasper County & Surrounding Lowcountry Areas
corporate events, weddings, and shuttle service for hospitality groups while still offering taxi service.
Having seen that evolution in the company her dad founded, Skyler Griffin was aware of the challenges it faced and the opportunities it offered. She just wasn’t ready to make a career out of it until fate intervened.
“My dad passed suddenly in 2022. He died on a Wednesday and I had to figure out payroll that Friday,” she said. A scientist by training with a Master of Science degree in zoology from Colorado State University, she had been working at Protech Lab Corp when her trial by fire in the cab industry began.
“I had never taken a business class in my life,” she said. “But six months in, I was still going. It’s always been a family business, I just never anticipated taking it over. It was something that truly fell into my lap and it seems to be working pretty successfully.”
Four years in, Skyler is taking her father’s company to new heights, maintaining its reputation as the island’s premier transportation service while still pursuing her passions – being a mom, and putting her scientific knowledge to use with Sea Turtle Patrol HHI in their DNA lab at USCB Hilton Head. Her latest endeavor with them has her working with Dr. Brian Shamblin, an associate research scientist at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, to conduct initial DNA analysis for male and female sea turtles.
“It’s all a huge undertaking, but I find these challenges rewarding and I’m excited to be a part of it,” she said. “And I honestly couldn’t do it without my husband, Jordan Graham, and my GM, Gary Noriega.”
CAITLIN SMITH
SEQUEL REAL ESTATE GROUP | COMPASS
It’s the question every mompreneur is asked at one point or another: How do you do it all? How do you break through glass ceilings and never miss bedtime with the kids? How do you strike a balance between nurturing children and building your brand?
Realtor Caitlin Smith has certainly been asked that question. And she’s refreshingly honest about it.
“I don’t know how I make that work,” she said with a laugh. “But I do. I’m always present with my kids, but I’m also constantly available to clients. I am literally working 24/7, but it doesn’t feel like it at all. And I’m incredibly grateful to have a husband who steps in and picks up the slack when things get busy – there’s no way I could do it without that support.”
If Smith makes it look easy, just know that she has plenty of experience in both arenas. Before her children were born, she had been in a different form of real estate, working with builders rather than in general brokerage. After a career move, she felt herself being drawn back to the business
“Four years ago, my neighbor reached out asking if I’d help sell their home. That really pulled my focus back,” she said. “I only wish I’d moved into general brokerage sooner.”
As a Realtor outside of the construction realm, Smith has tapped into a new passion for the industry fueled by her love of the Lowcountry.
“My clients can see that I love where we live, particularly buyers. It’s not just about the house, it’s about getting them engaged in the community,” Smith said. “I love making those connections and showing what Bluffton has to offer while building relationships. I truly am a people person.”
If that means answering the occasional email during soccer practice or sneaking away at Disney World to negotiate a contract, that’s just the way Smith keeps everything perfectly balanced. She may not know how, but she knows why: “I truly love what I do.”
JACLYN ORLANDO
HILTON HEAD ISLAND REALTOR®
23B Shelter Cove Land, Suite 101-B Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 422-2891 . JaclynOrlando@gmail.com JaclynOrlando.com
For Jaclyn Orlando, real estate is more than a career – it is a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the Hilton Head Island market she has called home for more than two decades.
Originally from South Jersey, Orlando studied finance at Philadelphia University before relocating to Hilton Head in 2000. She continued her education at the College of Charleston and embraced the Lowcountry as home.
With a background in mortgage, marketing, and sales, Orlando brings a strategic yet relationship-driven approach to real estate. She is passionate about guiding clients through meaningful investments while building lasting relationships rooted in trust and integrity.
Orlando met her husband, Marc, on Hilton Head Island and they married in 2008. They are raising their two children, Emelia Rose, 15, and Benjamin Anthony, 13, in the community they love.
Outside of real estate, Orlando enjoys cooking, gardening, and embracing quality time with loved ones, enjoying the life she and Marc have built. She is grateful for a career that allows her to balance family and professional success.
Orlando is passionate about inspiring others to pursue their ambitions while staying present for life’s most meaningful moments.
LEAH BAKER
If there’s one thing I hope my kids remember, it’s that I was there. Not in a big, dramatic way – just in the everyday moments that end up meaning the most: making dinner together, going to gymnastics, fishing, school field trips, the farmers market, playgrounds, that kind of thing.
1202-A Fording Island Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-7523 onceuponachild.com/locations/bluffton-sc
Opening this store came from that same mindset. I wanted something that gave me purpose, but also the flexibility to still be with them in a real way. It wasn’t part of some big plan, but it’s grown into the right fit for me, and I’m proud of it. A lot of the choices I’ve made have had them in mind – not in a heavy way, just in wanting to build a life that works for all of us.
It’s funny, because it has turned into more than just a business. It’s made me feel more connected to our community and to other families, which really ties back to why we moved here – to be closer to family and build a life around what we enjoy.
There’s been a lot of learning, and plenty of unexpected moments in life you can’t plan for. But you adjust, keep going, and build something that feels right.
I just hope they grow up knowing what matters – and that they can create a life they love.
KELLER WELCH
WABI SABI DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
For the uninitiated hearing the name of mompreneur Keller Welch’s business for the first time, the term “wabi-sabi” comes to us from Japanese philosophy, where it is used to describe a purposeful, celebratory point of view. It suggests finding beauty where it lies,
SCAN HERE TO FOLLOW THEIR HOME RENO JOURNEY
(843) 415-3408
coastalluxuryhhi.com
Info@wabisabidesignanddevelopment.com
encouraging appreciation of the authenticity, character, and stories found in the cracks of life.
As a mother of three, in-demand Realtor, chronic entrepreneur, and principal of Wabi Sabi, Welch is an excellent embodiment of the term.
“Everything isn’t always going to be perfect. But our mantra is building and living with intention, because that’s where we are in life and business,” she said. This intentionality brought Welch to marry her own extensive experience as a real estate agent with her husband Edward’s extraordinary talent as a luxury homebuilder to create Wabi Sabi.
“That’s what got me into this world. I’d always picked out selections and furnishings, and we’ve always worked together in some capacity,” she said. “With Wabi Sabi, we’re not interested in the traditional model of holding someone’s hand through the process for two years. We partner with investors who want to be vested in each product, just as we are. We serve as a one-stop shop to bring deals to the table, scout new projects, and really provide our expertise in the field so investors don’t need to lift a finger.”
Their work has taken them across the Lowcountry, elevating homes and commercial projects they purchase to a higher standard of luxury. Their latest project might just be Welch’s favorite.
“We’ve now bought our fifth and forever home. We’ve never been able to say that,” she said. The Spanish Wells mid-century modern originally designed by architect Joe Hall for artist Elizabeth Grant is their latest project, preparing to serve as home for the couple and their children Elin, Ward, and Laurel. Follow the entire process in real time as they renovate this 1980s build from the studs out on Instagram @wabisabidesignanddevelopment.
DR. NICOLE NADEL
16 Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 900-6161 totalitymed.com J SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE
When you’re a physician building six medical spas and running a prescription skincare website, it’s easy to get consumed. They remind me that the whole point of working this hard is to create a life worth living, not just a business worth running.
What’s the one thing you want your children to remember about you?
That their mom had range. That she could shoot content for her 16,000 Instagram followers in the morning, do a killer lip augmentation on a celebrity at lunch, and still show up courtside at their tennis match by 3 p.m. – with a pair of heels in the trunk just in case dinner plans came together last minute. I want them to know you don’t have to choose between being a devoted parent and building your brand.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
How has being a mom helped you to be a better businesswoman?
Raising twin teenage boys is the ultimate business training program – nobody negotiates harder than a 15-year-old who wants something. But on a real level, my boys keep me grounded.
My father, no contest. He was an OB/GYN who spent his whole career showing up for women during the most beautiful, life-changing moments of their lives, and somehow making it look effortless. He taught me that real medicine isn’t just what you know, it’s how you make people feel when they’re in your care. I carry that with me every single day.
KRISTA EIDEN
ASSURANCE FINANCIAL
Every mompreneur has their secret to juggling the demands of motherhood and the expectations that come with running her own business. For Krista Eiden, producing branch manager at Bluffton’s Assurance Financial, and mother to Stella, 14, and Tyler, 11, that secret is taking everything one moment at a time.
“I try to be present in each moment. Before you know it, those moments will be gone,” she said. “Sometimes you’ll find me on my laptop during volleyball games or zipping out between events to answer a call on Saturday – because nobody buys a home between 9 and 5 Monday through Friday. I have the flexibility to answer that call without missing all the little moments that mean so much. I pray that they will remember me being at everything!”
That flexibility was part of what drew her to Assurance Financial, where she recently launched a Bluffton office. Yes, there are long hours, and the nature of the industry means there are no small stakes, but the tractability of her own enterprise lets her work at her own pace. As a 20-year industry veteran, having worked her way up the ladder, she appreciates how Assurance operates differently from other firms.
“I’ve worked in many different aspects of the industry. My last company had a great family feel and when this opportunity came up, I knew it had to feel like that. And it has! I can tell the people here have created a culture of family and teamwork,” Eiden said. That feeds the philosophy of Assurance, one that is equally welcoming to clients. “We try to make it less about what we can sell you and more about how we can support you. Aside from having a huge variety of products and loan types, conventional or not, we really put ourselves out there as people you can look to for help.”
(843) 298-5068
islandbuilthhi.com
@islandbuilt.construction
Being a mother and business owner means constantly shifting between roles – but I’ve learned to embrace every part of it.
As a residential contractor and interior designer, I specialize in seeing the true potential of a home. I understand the bones of a space and bring it back to life –blending thoughtful renovations with modern, functional design for today’s families.
Outside of work, my world revolves around my family. From school schedules to weekends at the ballfield for travel baseball, I’m always on the go – but wouldn’t have it any other way.
Exercise keeps my head on straight, and teaching indoor cycling at Local Kollective gives me a space to reset, recharge, and push both myself and others.
When I get the chance to escape, you’ll find me in the Caribbean. My love for island living pours into every home I create – bringing warmth, ease, and a relaxed beauty into each design.
For me, it’s not about balance – it’s about building a life I love, and helping others do the same through the spaces they call home.
Article by Brooke Peck
Women in Philanthropy
To whom much is given, much is required.”
Women in Philanthropy (WIP), has been putting these words into action for the past 23 years. The group’s commitment to financial contributions to local nonprofit organizations has had a massive impact on community-wide efforts. As a result, they are empowering women throughout the area with partnership, connection, and resources.
WIP is a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and was established as a women’s giving circle. Female-led giving circles became popular across the country in the early 2000s. The premise is individuals collectively contribute to a grant fund and/ or an endowment fund to pool their funds. Ultimately, the dollars can go farther than individual donations because, quite simply, there are more of them to support community efforts.
“With a giving circle, you are multiplying your dollars,” said Linda Kaplan, chair of the grants committee for WIP. “You’re also having the benefit of a rigorous grant process. There are a lot of benefits that your money will be spent wisely and that organizations have been vetted.”
Since its formation in 2003, the organization has granted more than $1.2 million to Beaufort County
nonprofit organizations and created a $2 million endowment that will continue to serve the community well into the future.
Recently, WIP became a member of Philanos, an international philanthropic network for women’s giving circles, which has more than 100 global members. Collectively, these giving circles provide more than $271 million dollars in their communities and involve more than 22,000 female contributors.
To join WIP, all that is asked of members is to make a yearly contribution of at least $300. Members can determine how much of their donation goes towards that year’s grants and how much towards endowment funds. After joining, it’s up to each individual member to decide how involved they’d like to be within the organization.
“It’s not only a place where we give money,” said Dedria Cruden, chair of WIP’s advisory board. “It's really a home base for women in the community who care deeply and passionately about what is happening here.”
WIP’s goal is to connect service-minded females to Beaufort County nonprofit organizations. This is accomplished through grants, educational opportunities, community partnership, and social activities. WIP provides numerous leadership, educational, and social
Captions listed left to right, top to bottom: WIP members Pamela Stone, Bobbi Gillis, Lynda Kaplan, Vicki Olson, Sue Harter, Cindy Smith, Colleen Beach, Janet Porter, and Liz Castrillion; 2025-26 WIP Advisory Board (from left): Kaye Black, Mary Stuart Alderman, Stephanie Santos, Lynda Kaplan, Dedria Cruden, Vicki Olson, Pamela Stone, Gigi Maxfield, and Peaches Peterson; WIP Grants Committee and Grant Recipients at the Spring 2025 Grant Awards Luncheon; 2025 Fall Luncheon Guest Speaker Benita Lefft of Optus Bank (3rd from right) with WIP Advisory Board, WIP members with nonprofit grant recipients at the 2025 Grant Awards Luncheon
opportunities throughout the year in addition to the grant distributions.
ANNUAL GRANT GIVING
Each year, the WIP grants committee surveys the needs throughout the community to help determine their annual theme. Several theme ideas are then presented to the entire membership for voting selection.
“’Local knows what local needs’ is one of the expressions of philanthropy,” Cruden said. “We’re able to address those local needs and actually make a difference in a way that
would be very difficult for an individual or even a small collection of individuals to move the needle on an issue.”
WIP’s annual grants average between $20,000 to $25,000 per nonprofit, which can be a tremendous amount of support for some local organizations.
In 2025, WIP’s grant cycle theme was Building Pathways to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency. Organizations with planned projects that aligned with that goal were invited to apply for a grant. In total, WIP donated $148,700 to six local community organizations: Beaufort Jasper YMCA of the
WIP members take part in activity at Grants in Action visit to Boys and Girls Club of HHI; WIP members with nonprofit grant recipients at the 2025 Grant Awards Luncheon
This year’s theme is Bridging the Gap: Employment, Basic Needs, and Family Stability. The focus is to provide grants to local organizations that provide access to essential needs, including meals, housing, transportation, safety, childcare, workforce education, and employment opportunities.
Lowcountry, Bluffton Self Help, The Children’s Center, Deep Well Project’s Circles Program, Lowcountry Gullah Foundation, and Lowcountry Legal Volunteers.
This year’s theme is Bridging the Gap: Employment, Basic Needs, and Family Stability. The focus is to provide grants to local organizations that provide access to essential needs, including meals, housing, transportation, safety, childcare, workforce education, and employment opportunities. The award recipients will be announced and celebrated at WIP’s annual grants awards luncheon this month.
At the gathering, the 2025 grant recipients will also be in attendance to share how last year’s WIP contribution specifically impacted their organization. Through a presentation, the winning grantees provide an update on how the contribution impacted the community that they serve. It’s a powerful experience to understand how donated dollars are doing big things throughout Beaufort County to positively support families in the community.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Grants in Action is an educational tool that allows WIP members to get a greater understanding of local nonprofits through a site visit and presentation from staff or volunteers. This direct connection to community efforts has helped members find deep connections to volunteerism, board seats, or resource connection points throughout the Lowcountry.
Recent Grants in Action opportunities have invited members to Beaufort-Jasper YMCA to tour the facility and understand how WIP’s scholarship grants help cover childcare costs for families. They also learned about the Red Cross’ support for military families and assisted with packing newborn welcome kits for service members stationed at Parris Island.
The organization initially formed with a focus on community support, but members soon realized they had other interests in common and wanted more opportunities for connection. As a result, social opportunities were added to the annual events calendar, allowing for networking and friendships to form.
“Besides supporting the community, WIP allows wonderful chances for social interaction and business networking,” said WIP member Margaret Crenshaw. “I have enjoyed learning more about our local charities, their outreach, and their needs. It feels good to help others. It is what we should do.”
The organization is experiencing great growth right now with about 220 current members. Of those members, 25% joined within the past year. WIP welcomes new members yearround. For more information about WIP, visit cf-lowcountry. org/giving-circles/women-in-philanthropy-wip.
Article by Cheryl Ricer
is sent home with a
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
Inside the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry
For decades, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry has served as a lifeline for women and families navigating one of life’s most vulnerable seasons. What began as a single office has grown into a three-location network serving Beaufort County –with centers in Ridgeland, Moss Creek, and a newly opened facility on Hilton Head Island.
At its core, the nonprofit is built on a simple but powerful mission: to care for both mother and child with dignity, compassion, and comprehensive support.
“We are a pro-life organization,” said medical director, Dr. Christa Catalano, a mother of seven. “But we are also deeply pro-family. That means caring for the whole person – and really, the whole family – through every stage we can reach.”
Staffed largely by volunteers, including nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, the center provides free medical and practical services to women from the earliest moments of pregnancy through the second trimester. But what makes this organization remarkable isn’t just what it offers – it’s how and why it offers those services.
Closing
the Gap in Care
From the moment a woman discovers she is expecting, the clinic steps in with comprehensive prenatal services: lab work, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, and routine monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar.
“We provide standard prenatal care that you would receive at any obstetrician’s office,” Catalano said. “And we do it completely free of charge.”
Beyond the clinical services lies a multifaceted, and more urgent, issue the organization is working to address: a growing gap in maternal care.
After patients transition out of the center’s care at around 20 weeks, many are referred to local obstetricians for continued monitoring and delivery. Yet, for a variety of reasons, a significant number never make that transition.
Transportation challenges, lack of childcare, financial strain, and limited access to insurance often stand in the way.
“What we’re finding is that many of these women are not receiving any care during their third trimester,” Catalano said. “And that’s a critical time, for both mom and baby.”
The consequences can be serious.
"Without consistent prenatal and postpartum monitoring, medical conditions like maternal high blood pressure or gestational diabetes can go undetected, leading to complications during delivery and in the postpartum period. In some cases, women arrive at emergency rooms in labor having received little to no care in the final months of pregnancy. If no one is monitoring mom, then no one is monitoring baby,” Catalano said. “That can become a very dangerous situation.”
Dr. Catalano also noted that, "It is not only medical support that is required during prenatal and postpartum care. Possible psychosocial concerns create stressors for the mother that may contribute to a poor outcome for mother and baby. "Financial stress may have a significant impact on the mother especially in a single income family. Decreased income may contribute to poor nutrition during pregnancy. The mother may miss work from illness or have decreased ability to work as her pregnancy progresses. She may be unable to return to work after birth due to lack of childcare. Routine screening during prenatal and postpartum visits to assess the emotional well being of the mother must
The Pregnancy Center's new location on the North end of Hilton Head at 201 Merchant Street.
Baby Ethan
care package from the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry.
be performed. Increased stress for a pregnant mother has been linked to a higher rate of anxiety and depression and a higher risk of preterm delivery. Routine monitoring provides treatment options or referral for mental health care if needed. In addition, pregnancy is a high risk time for domestic abuse, which often escalates or begins during pregnancy. Routine care is essential to allow us to identify warning signs. During her care, the mother has a confidential and safe space to discuss potential abuse, either physical or emotional, as well as learn about safety plans and options." A Vision for Expanded Care
This growing concern has shaped the organization’s next chapter, one focused on expanding services deeper into pregnancy and beyond. The goal is to extend care into the third trimester for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
This proactive approach could not only improve outcomes but also offer peace of mind to women who might otherwise navigate late pregnancy and new motherhood alone. With increased funding, the center hopes to provide comprehensive prenatal services to women who do not seek local obstetrical care prior to delivery. The funding will also provide routine postpartum medical care as well as screening for postpartum depression.
Dr. Catalano notes, "The postpartum visit is standard of care and can provide treatment or referral for mental health services if needed. If needed, our staff can refer the mother to community services in the case of economic hardship or an unsafe relationship or home situation." The center's goal is to ensure that care and support can continue long after the baby arrives.
“If they’re not going to an obstetrician, then we want to be there for them,” Catalano said. “We can at least monitor blood pressure, check on the baby’s growth, and identify any red flags before an emergency happens.”
This proactive approach could not only improve outcomes but also offer peace of mind to women who might otherwise navigate late pregnancy alone.
But the vision doesn’t stop at delivery.
Postpartum care, which is often overlooked by new mothers, is another critical area of focus. According to Catalano, more than half of the women served by the center do not receive follow-up care after giving birth. “That sixweek postpartum visit is so important,” she said. “It’s not just about physical recovery. It’s about mental health, emotional well-being, and making sure the mother is truly supported.”
With increased funding, the center hopes to provide comprehensive postpartum services, including routine exams and screening for postpartum depression, ensuring that care continues long after the baby arrives.
Meeting Practical Needs with Dignity
While medical care is essential, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry recognizes that true support extends far beyond the exam room.
Inside each location, clients will find thoughtfully designed spaces that feel less like a clinic and more like a place of care, respect, and even joy. A fully stocked food pantry offers essential groceries in a setting that mirrors a small market, allowing women to “shop” for what they need with dignity.
“We try to make it feel uplifting,” Catalano said. “It’s not about handing someone a bag. It’s about giving them a sense of choice and normalcy.”
Another standout feature is the center’s “baby boutique,” a room filled with clothing, diapers, wipes, and essential baby gear, all organized by size and stage.
From preemie outfits to 24-month size clothing, the space allows mothers to select items just as they would in a retail store. Car seats, strollers, and formula are also available for those in need.
“They can come back when the baby grows and pick out the next size,” Catalano said. “We want them to feel supported every step of the way.”
This approach of meeting tangible needs while preserving dignity has become a hallmark of the organization’s work. Powered by Volunteers, Driven by Purpose
Behind every service offered is a team of dedicated volunteers whose passion fuels the center’s impact. “It’s truly an honor to work alongside these women,” Catalano said. “Their compassion and commitment are what make everything possible.”
Among them is executive director, Ellen Sullivan, whose leadership and expertise helps guide the organization’s daily operations at the three centers. Recently, the team has also welcomed a new nurse practitioner to expand care at the Hilton Head location. Together, they form a network of professionals and volunteers united by a shared calling.
“They really do God’s work,” Catalano said. “And they do it with such joy.”
This spirit of service extends into every interaction, creating an environment where patients feel seen, valued, and cared for – not just as individuals, but as families.
Light the Night for Life
To support its expanding mission, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry will host its annual gala, Light the Night for Life, on Friday, May 1, at the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa. This year’s theme, A Night of Southern Grace and Giving, promises an evening of elegance and purpose, with a festive Kentucky Derby flair.
Guests can expect a silent auction, community fellowship, and a deeper look into the center’s work and vision for the future.
But beyond the celebration, the gala serves a critical role in funding the organization’s next phase: expanding prenatal care into the third trimester and establishing comprehensive postpartum services.
“This year, we really want to bring awareness to the gaps in care, and invite the community to be part of the solution,” Catalano said.
Tickets are $175 per person, with proceeds directly supporting the center’s life-affirming programs. Strengthening Families, One Life at a Time
At a time when access to care can feel uncertain and overwhelming, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry stands as a steady, compassionate presence – meeting women where they are and walking with them forward.
It’s a place where medical care meets emotional support. Where practical needs are met with dignity. And where every life – both mother and child – is valued. “It’s not just about the baby,” Catalano said. “And it’s not just about the mother. It’s about the family.”
That philosophy – holistic, compassionate, and deeply rooted in service – continues to shape the center’s work as it looks toward the future.
With expanded services, growing community support, and a mission grounded in care, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Lowcountry is doing more than filling gaps. It is building a stronger, healthier foundation for families across the region.
In doing so, it reminds us all of what’s possible when compassion leads the way.
Find the Perfect Mother's Day Gift at Coligny
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10, this year – and we’ve curated some great items from Coligny Plaza to show mom how much you love her. With more than 30 shops offering everything from apparel to kitchen items, you’re sure to find something for your mama at Hilton Head Island’s downtown.
A LOVELY BRUNCH
What does your mom want more than anything else? More time with you of course! Treat her to eggs benedict and a mimosa at Skillets Cafe & Grill this Mother’s Day. Finish the afternoon with the matinee showing of Steel Magnolias at the Coligny Theatre and really become her favorite child!
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID!
Art is truly in the “eye” of the beholder at Eye Mazy, where you can create a beautiful piece of artwork from a close-up photograph of your peepers. A unique gift for the mom who has everything.
LIGHT IT UP
No matter what your mom is into, you can find a candle to match her style at Wax & Beyond. Large Glow Candles $34.99, Small Glow Candles $24.99.
FOR THE SWEET TOOTH
Grab mom a few different sweet treats from her decade and send her down memory lane at POPS!
SAY IT WITH SASS
Peruse the fun t-shirts at Nine Line Apparel and find just the perfect one for your fun-loving mom. $24.99 each.
MUSIC IN THE WIND
Gift your mom a beautiful windchime from The Shell Shop, like this whimsical bamboo bird creation $22.
THE ENTERTAINING MATRIARCH
Pop into Mingles for a wide variety of serving platters and dishes that your mom will love. Octopus $43.99, Long Fish Plate
$28.99, Small fish plate $24.99, Crab Platter $26.99, White Platter with Oysters Napkins and Shell Picks $49.99.
Article by Sheila Tucker . Photography by M.Kat
The Invisible Weight: Understanding the Mental Load Women Carry
It’s 6:03 a.m. On the way to grab her first cup of coffee of the day, a woman has already mentally drafted the grocery list, noted that the pediatrician appointment needs rescheduling, remembered it is picture day at school, and calculated whether there is enough time to get the car in for an oil change before the weekend. Her partner is still asleep.
This is not an exceptional morning. This is Tuesday.
86%
of mothers say they are responsible for managing their children’s schedules (Pew Research, 2023)
The concept of “mental load” – sometimes called “cognitive labor” or “invisible labor” –describes the unseen, unrelenting work of tracking, managing, and coordinating the countless details of household and family life. Unlike physical tasks, which have a visible beginning and end, mental load is constant. It hums in the background during work meetings, dinner conversations, and even sleep. Unfortunately, by nearly every measure, it falls disproportionately on women.
• 65% of women report being primarily responsible for household management, vs. 32% of men (Gallup, 2020)
• Two times more unpaid domestic and care work women perform globally compared to men (UN Women)
• 86% of mothers say they are responsible for managing their children’s schedules (Pew Research, 2023)
• 40% of women in dual-income households report feeling “always on” versus 25% of their male partners (Bright Horizons, 2022) WHAT EXACTLY IS MENTAL LOAD?
Mental load is more than remembering to buy milk. It is the anticipatory thinking that precedes every task. For example: Noticing the milk is low, adding it to the list, knowing which store has the better price, remembering that one child is lactose intolerant and needs an alternative, and making sure the list is acted upon, often by asking someone else to do it, which itself takes energy. In short, it’s the project management of daily life, conducted without a title, a salary, or a performance review.
French sociologist Monique Haicault coined the term in the 1980s, and cartoonist Emma brought it to viral prominence in 2017 with her illustrated essay “You Should’ve Asked.” The concept struck a nerve because it named something millions of women had felt but struggled to articulate: The exhaustion was not just from doing more work, but from being the person who had to hold all of it in mind, all the time.
Women are not just doing more tasks. They are the default managers of family life, which means they are never truly off the clock.
This managerial role encompasses everything from emotional labor – attending to the feelings and needs of family members – to anticipatory labor (thinking three steps ahead),
to the invisible “noticing” that precedes action: spotting that the lightbulb needs changing, that a child seems anxious before an exam, that a thank you note should be sent.
Research from Arizona State University found that mothers do significantly more of this “cognitive household labor” than fathers, even when both partners work full time, even when she earns a higher income, and even in households where fathers believe the division is equal.
THE TOLL IT TAKES
The consequences are not abstract. Chronic mental overload is linked to elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to disrupted sleep, increased rates of anxiety and depression, and burnout.
A 2021 study published in Sex Roles, a scholarly journal, found that women who carried the majority of cognitive household labor reported significantly lower relationship satisfaction and higher emotional exhaustion than their partners.
It also has economic consequences. Research published in The American Economic Review found that women’s decisions to work fewer hours, turn down promotions, or exit the workforce entirely are often driven not by ambition gaps, but by the reality that someone has to hold everything together. That someone is almost always her.
MEN AND MENTAL LOAD
I would be amiss if I didn’t acknowledge that men, too, carry a mental load – only it looks a little different. Men disproportionately carry the cognitive burden of financial planning, household maintenance logistics, and, in many families, the default “fixer” role for mechanical or structural issues. Research from the University of Bath found that men report significant mental load around their role as financial providers, tending to worry about job security, retirement,
and whether the family is economically protected.
Men in caregiving roles – single fathers, stay-at-home dads, or those who are primary caregivers for aging parents – often describe the same overwhelm that women in similar positions report. It is worth noting that societal expectations of emotional stoicism mean men’s invisible labor is often performed without the social permission to discuss it.
Not all mental load is created equally. It has been found that men and women carry different mental loads. The mental load for men looks like planning a home renovation or handling a tax situation. They’re episodic and projectdriven, typically with an end date.
Meanwhile, women’s mental load tends to be continuous and relational. There’s no end date. For women, it looks more like tracking everyone’s emotional states and anticipating needs before they are expressed.
THERE’S A MENTAL LOAD IMBALANCE. NOW WHAT?
The good news is that mental load imbalance can be renegotiated. Change requires intention from both partners, upfront hard work, and often, a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations about who is carrying what.
Here are a few suggestions to get started.
• Name it. Sit down together and list every recurring task and make sure to name the thinking behind each chore. Many partners are genuinely unaware of how much cognitive labor goes unnoticed. Think of this step as an upfront cost that will reap future benefits.
• Delegate ownership, not tasks. Handing someone a task is not the same as transferring responsibility. True sharing means the other person also takes on the mental load. They notice, they plan, they follow through, without being asked.
• Resist the urge to redo (seriously!). When – not if! – a partner does something differently, letting it stand (unless
it’s harmful) is essential. “Gatekeeping” or redoing tasks to your own standard will inadvertently train your partner that they need not bother.
• Schedule regular check-ins. Brief weekly conversations about what each person is managing prevent the silent buildup of resentment. This is the time to discuss what needs to be done and to assess stress levels.
• Audit your defaults. Ask yourself, “Why is this always my job?” Maybe it’s tied to habits inherited from childhood, gender norms, or whoever is perceived as better suited for that particular task. Defaults can be changed.
• Involve children early. Age-appropriate responsibility teaches children that household management is everyone’s work. It also redistributes real load and raises kids who will carry their share in their own relationships.
At a societal level, the imbalance also underscores the need for structural change, such as paid family leave policies that genuinely encourage fathers to take time off, workplace cultures that do not penalize caregiving, and an end to cultural messaging that still positions women as the natural “default parent.”
The mental load conversation is ultimately not about scorekeeping or blame. This isn’t about coming at your partner. Instead, it’s moving toward improving connection and ease while reducing stress and mental load. The ultimate goal is to name what you’re experiencing, honestly and without defensiveness.
The weight of mental load is real. It’s possible to lighten that weight. But only if both people in a relationship are willing to engage.
Conversations about how mental load effects same-sex couples, divorced couples, and couples without children are equally important and very real.
KIDS SUMMER CAMPS
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina https://www.artshhi.com/artseducation/camps
Mermaids and Pirates Discovery Camp
June 8-12, 2026
9:30-12:00
Ages 6-10
$155
This summer, let your young explorer dive into the enchantment of the ocean at Pirates & Mermaids Discovery Camp! Created for ages 6-10, this camp is packed with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery. From designing treasure maps to constructing pirate ships, each day offers exciting activities that inspire campers to imagine, play, and learn side by side.
Lowcountry STEAM Camp
Session 1: June 8-12, 2026
Session 2: July 20-24, 2026
12:30-3:00
Ages: 9-14
$175
In this camp we will use the SC coastal region as our muse as we explore concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) while making Art! (STEAM!) For example, students will learn about circuits as they create a lighthouse painting that really lights up, will experiment with carboard engineering techniques as they create an underwater food chain themed assemblage, and will learn all about the flora and fauna of the low country through various printmaking techniques.
*Pricing changes and human
Island inspirations will come to life through these, and more exciting hands-on projects.
Kids N Clay Camp
June 15-18 & 26, 2026
1:00- 3:30
Ages: 7-12
$165
Get ready for a hands-on adventure in the world of clay at our Kids N Clay Camp! This fun and creative camp is perfect for young artists who want to dive into the exciting world of sculpting and pottery. Students will learn a variety of ceramic hand building techniques: including pinch, slab, coil, surface decoration, glazing, and more! Whether it’s making tiny creatures, colorful pots, or imaginative sculptures, kids will learn the basics of clay work while exploring their artistic potential. The camp will commence for 4 consecutive days then students will return the following Friday to glaze.
Theatre Camp: Create a Play
June 22-26, 2026
10:00 - 3:00
Ages: 9-14
$345
Make a cast of new friends during this fun-filled week! Campers will experience a mini-production and will not only be the cast but will also be the writers and production crew. While working with a seasoned theatre professional, campers will learn how to
occurs.
create characters, develop storylines, craft simple sets, props, and costumes, then will perform for family and friends on Friday afternoon.
Take the Stage! Performing Arts Camp
July 6-10
Ages: 6-9 12:30-3:00
Ages 9-13 9:30-12:00
$155
Join us as we explore music, dance, and drama in this fun-filled camp. Students will work with professional artists to create scenes and musical numbers while developing strong physical characters and staging stories as an ensemble. Young actors will engage in various singing styles, scenes, and dance techniques throughout this fun-filled camp and will create a mini showcase performance in our Black Box on Friday!
Mixed- Up Masterpieces Visual Arts Camp
July 6-10
Ages: 6-9 9:30-12:00
Ages 9-13 12:30-3:00
$155
In this one-week camp, students will study folk and fine art from all around the world that will inspire both traditional and unusual 2D and 3D masterpieces. A final exhibit and reception will be held on Friday. Whether your child is a budding artist or just looking to have fun with friends, our camp is the perfect place to spark their imagination and build confidence through art.
KIDS SUMMER CAMPS
Musical Theatre Camp
July 20-24, 2026
10:00-3:00
Ages: 9-15
$345
Study with the stars in this weeklong camp! Campers will work with a variety of local and regional theater professionals and will build confidence in their performance skills. From audition techniques to stage presence, they will learn how to home in on their acting, dancing and singing skills while exploring iconic Broadway shows and building their audition portfolio. A mini showcase will be held in the Black Box on Friday for family and friends.
Registration Requirements:
Pre-registration is required for all classes, workshops, and camps. In order to secure your spot, an online registration must be made. For registration online visit our website at www.artshhi.com. Click on the Education tab. If you have questions or need assistance with online registration, please email aadams@ artshhi.com.
Family Discount:
If registering more than 1 child from the same family in a camp session, receive $15 off. Enter promo code: SIBLING26 at checkout
Multiple Camp Discount
Attend Mixed Up Masterpieces and Take the Stage both and receive $15 off. Enter promo code: COMBO26 at checkout.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be made 2 weeks prior to the first day of class. A $25 administration fee will be deducted from any refunded amount for all summer camps. To request a cancellation please email aadams@ artshhi.com. Refunds will be mailed within 2 weeks of cancellation.
SOUTH CAROLINA YACHT CLUB
www.scyachtclub.com/kids-programs
Junior Summer Camps 2026
Sailing + Tennis
OPEN TO ALL - Scholarships Available Junior Memberships Available
GUPPIES
Basics of Seamanship for Younger Kids
4 Sessions of 5 Half-Days
Beginning June 8th
Monday - Friday
Ages: 6 - 7
Time: 9 AM - 11:30 AM
$175 | Non-Member $235
LEARN TO SAIL
Introduction to SailingNo Experience Required
8 Sessions of 5 Full-Days
Beginning June 1st
Monday - Friday
Ages: 8 - 13
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
$450 | Non-Member $550
Lunch Included
420 ADVENTURE SAILING
Sailors in Middle + High School
8 Sessions of 5 Full-Days
Beginning June 1st
Monday - Friday
Ages: 12 - 17
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
$450 | Non-Member $550
Lunch Included
RED BALL TENNIS CAMP
Introduction with Gross Motor Skill Development, Teamwork + Fun Games
9 Week-long Sessions
Beginning June 1st
Monday - Friday
Ages: 4 - 6
Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
$275 | Non-Member $325
Drop In $70 per day | Lunch Included
JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP
Stroke Development, Ball Control, Point Play + Fun Games
9 Week-long Sessions
Beginning June 1st
Monday - Friday
Ages: 7 - 14
Time: 9 AM - 2 PM
$325 | Non-Member $375
Drop In $85 per day | Lunch Included
FIRST TEE - LOWCOUNTRY
https://firstteelowcountry.org/programs-2/
Camps will begin the week of June 8th. Hilton Head camps are each held for four days, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bluffton camps are each held for three days, Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m
Hilton Head Campus Location:
Week of June 8th Camp (Ages 6 to 11) – Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Week of June 15th Camp (Ages 6 to 11) – Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Week of June 22nd Camp (Ages 12 and Older) – Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Week of July 6th Camp (Ages 6 to 11) – Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Week of July 13th Camp (Ages 12 and Older) – Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes Location:
Week of July 20th Camp (Ages 6 to 11) – Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Week of July 27th Camp (Ages 12 and Older) – Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Financial Aid Easily Available – Apply online or email Aaron Immel at aimmel@thefirstteelowcountry.org
*Pricing changes and human error occurs. Please see organization listed for final times, dates and pricing on all activities.
Kids ‘N Clay Camp at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Sailing Camp at the South Carolina Yacht Club
Elite Dolphins Soccer Camp
July 6-10 - 9:00-12:00 PM 9-14 year olds
Flag Football Camp Addition:
June 15-19 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rising 7th - 10th grade
Flag Football Camp
July 6-10 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 8th-10th grade
Fencing Camp with Atlantic Epee Miami Academy
July 27-30 - 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
Rising 1st - 5th grade
Count Me In Math Camp
June 1-5 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 1st-3rd grade girls
June 1-5 12:30-3:30 PM
Rising 3rd-5th grade girls
June 15-19 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 3rd-5th grade girls
June 15-19 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Rising 1st-3rd grade girls
June 22-26 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 1st-3rd grade boys
June 22-26 12:30-3:30 PM
Rising 3rd - 5th grade boys
Hero Academy Camp
June 8-12 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 11-15 year olds
HILTON HEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL https://www.hhprep.org/school-life/summer-programs
Dolphin Day Camp
Ages 18 months - rising 6th grade
Full Day Camp - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Drop off beginning at 8:30 AM)
(Half Day available for 18 months-4 year olds)
Sports and Special Interest Camps
Volleyball Camp
June 1-5 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 6th grade - 8th grade girls
Future Stars Soccer Camp
June 15-19 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5-10 year olds
Basketball Camps
Girls Basketball Camp - June 22-26 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rising 6th -10th grade
Boys Basketball Camp - June 22-26 1:00-4:00 PM
Rising 6th -10th grade
Theater Camp
June 1-5 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Rising 6th-8th grade
Clay to Action Claymation Camp with Creativities Studio
July 6-10 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Rising 6th-8th grade
Culinary Passport: Global Cooking Adventure Camp with Creativities Studio
July 13-17 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Rising 6th - 8th grade
Digi Dreamers Digital Art Camp with Creativities Studio
July 20-24 12:30-3:30 PM
Rising 6th-8th grade
Elementary Basketball Camp
3rd-5th grade (co-ed)
July 27-30 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Prepify Test Prep Summer Bootcamp
July 14-23 (T, W, TH only for two weeks)
Rising 11th-12th grade
12:00 -2:00 PM
https://thesandbox.org/
Hands-on creativity and STEM discovery for kids ages 5–10.
Dates: June 8-12
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Ages: 5-6 years old
Dates: June 15-19
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Ages: 7-10 years old
Dates: July 6-10
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Ages: 5-6 years old
Dates: July 13-17
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Ages: 7-10 years old
To register, email Jessica Walck at jwalck@thesandbox.org or call 843.842.7645.
SEA GLASS STAGE COMPANY sgstage.org/educational-programs
“Musical Theatre Boot Camp: Starbound” for ages 9 to 14 will be held June 15-19 from 9 a,m. to 3 p.m. at the Sea Glass home base at Coligny Theatre.
To explore singing, dancing, and acting as they work together to create an original musical. Along the way, they’ll train through improv games and audition practice before launching into a final performance. Tuition is $275 (or $250 for returning campers). Directed by Alex Clark and Drake Carney, the camp’s mission is for campers to explore singing, dancing, and acting as they work together to create an original musical. Along the way, they’ll train through improv games and audition practice before launching into a final performance. Coligny Theatre is located at 1 N. Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island.
Article by Barry Kaufman
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Each year, The First Tee – The Lowcountry salutes members of our community who reflect the organization’s core values during their Community Leadership Awards Banquet. And each year, they somehow manage to top themselves.
“This year’s banquet was amazing. Long Cove was a great venue,” said event co-chair Lynn King. “It’s nice to see people who have been a part of First Tee for 20 years come back each year, and it’s a great way to share with everybody the growth we’ve experienced.”
This year’s event, held April 14 at Long Cove Club, comes as First Tee is enjoying massive expansion. In addition to further moves into Bluffton, they just signed a new 10-year use agreement that will establish a permanent home in Beaufort and eventually a new facility north of the Broad. But at its heart, this event wasn’t to celebrate First Tee. It was to celebrate the kids and the community that make it all possible.
“I’ve done a lot of events with nonprofits, but this is one is really cool because the kids are there and they are engaged,” said King. “They greet people at the door, they present trophies … they’re very involved.”
The evening’s honorees were each tied to one of the core values that define First Tee: Perseverance: Frank Soule; Confidence: Carl Martin; Responsibility: Lola Campbell; Judgment: Ned Tupper; Courtesy, Laurie Savidge; Integrity, John Farrell; and Respect, Tom Reilley.
That last honoree, the late Tom Reilley, holds a special place in King’s heart.
“That really touched me, because we had nominated him last year before he passed. We recognized him in memoriam and almost the entire Reilley family was there,” she said. “But they were all so deserving. It really highlights the people in our community who are leaders and who represent our core values.”
In addition to community members, two of First Tee’s outstanding students were also honored, with Maya Singh receiving the Paul Caruso Award along with Sportsmanship honors, and Delaney Anne-Amelia Arroyo receiving the Raleigh Peters Memorial Scholarship.
Receiving the Jim Ferree Legacy Award was Jim Magruder, which King says was long overdue. “He literally helped Jim Ferree build the First Tee, and he’d never been recognized.” In addition, longtime First Tee volunteer Bill Britton was honored for Honesty and received the Mike Davis Award.
This year’s event also packed a few special attractions, like the return of the live auction with guests bidding on luxurious vacations, culinary cruises, and golf getaways. And one special guest almost stole the show.
“John Farrell usually brings a pro along with him to the banquet. This year we were fortunate to have Billy Horschel join us,” said King. “That was a big highlight because he sat with us all, had dinner, posed for pictures, talked with the kids … he’s very involved in First Tee of North Florida.”
To find out how you can get involved in First Tee – The Lowcountry, visit firstteelowcountry.org.
; Confidence, Carl Martin; Responsibility, Lola Campbell; Judgment, Ned Tupper; Courtesy,
Laurie Savidge; Integrity, John Farrell; Respect, Tom Reilley; Jim Ferree Legacy Award, Jim Magruder; Mike Davis Award + Honesty, Bill Britton; Paul Caruso Award + Sportsmanship, Maya Singh and the Raleigh Peters Memorial Scholarship Winner, Delaney Anne-Amelia Arroyo.
Danyela Fusi is photographed with some of her artwork in Bluffton.
Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by M.Kat
Bluffton’s Artistic Rising Star
Danyela Fusi earns national recognition using her talent to give back
At 17 years old, Danyela Fusi, a senior at Bluffton High School, is already making an impact far beyond the classroom. The talented young artist has advanced to the Top 5 in her group in the national America’s Most Artistic Kid competition, and the community now has the opportunity to rally behind one of its own as the contest moves through its elimination rounds toward the final announcement on May 8.
For Danyela, art is far more than a hobby – it’s a language through which she expresses identity, culture, compassion, and connection. “I don’t really define myself by just one medium,” she said. “I define myself through multiple art types and mediums.”
Her work spans acrylic, charcoal, watercolor, oil painting, and mixed media, each medium offering a new way to translate the ideas and emotions she carries within.
Despite the sophistication of her work, Danyela’s artistic training has been largely self-driven. Aside from art classes at Bluffton High School, she has developed her skill through observation, curiosity, and hours of practice. “I teach myself,” she said. “I think it comes from having a different perspective about how I view nature and cultures. I want to show my inspiration and creativity through my artwork.”
Danyela’s artistic perspective is deeply influenced by her multicultural heritage. Her father immigrated to the United States from Milan, Italy, while her mother’s family is Ecuadorian. The fusion of these cultures often appears in her work through bold color, symbolism, and stylistic contrasts.
One particularly personal piece blends these influences in a striking mixed media self-portrait. Using alcohol markers and Sharpie, Danyela incorporated elements inspired by both Italian and Latin American aesthetics – patterns, contrasts of night and day, and visual references to flamenco movement.
When asked to describe the piece, she paused before offering a poetic answer: “If I had to describe it in one phrase, it would be ‘chaotic mixed beauty.’ It represents the fusion of my cultures.”
This ability to merge identity and artistry is part of what sets Danyela apart. While she enjoys abstract expression, she is also highly skilled in realistic portraiture, carefully capturing the personality and story of her subjects.
“When portraying people, I especially like to do realistic portraits because it allows others to see their perspective,” she said.
Creating with Purpose
Beyond competitions and exhibitions, Danyela uses her artistic talent to serve others. Her volunteer work throughout the Lowcountry demonstrates a heart for community that matches her creativity. Over the past several years, she has donated her time and skills to paint faces for children at Bluffton Youth Sports Opening Day and at the town’s beloved Mayfest celebration, creating joyful moments for young families across the region.
She has also participated in the Bluffton High School National Art Honor Society, where she helped create Christmas cards for residents in local retirement homes, bringing warmth and encouragement during the holiday season. Another meaningful project involved painting decorative murals on utility boxes in the Pinecrest community, helping transform ordinary infrastructure into colorful works of public art.
Her artistic service even extends internationally through participation in The Memory Project, an initiative where student artists create portraits for children in underserved communities around the world. “The children don’t have toys or professional photos,” her mother, Arica Fusi, said. “For many of them, this is the first portrait they’ve ever had of themselves.”
Danyela has already completed portraits for children in Malawi and Honduras, carefully studying their photographs and translating them into vibrant works of art that are later delivered to the children. “It’s very meaningful,” Danyela said. “It allows me to connect with people and their cultures through art.”
Art as a Gift to the Community
Closer to home, Danyela recently completed a deeply personal portrait project dedicated to DJ Fields, a beloved Bluffton student whose life ended tragically. After hearing that a memorial honoring him had been vandalized, Danyela felt compelled to respond through the language she knows best. “She wanted to do something special for the family,” her mother said. “So she created a portrait of DJ that we hope to present to them soon.”
The gesture reflects a maturity and compassion that teachers and community members have come to admire. For Arica, watching her daughter’s artistic journey unfold has been both surprising and inspiring. “I have no artistic talent whatsoever,” she said. “I can barely draw a stick figure. This definitely didn’t come from me, or from her dad either. It’s just something that is uniquely hers.”
Arica recalled recognizing Danyela’s talent when her daughter was very young. “Even when she was little and picked up a crayon, people would ask where we bought the artwork hanging on our wall. I’d say, ‘My daughter drew that.’ That’s when I knew she had something special.”
The proud mother is also quick to point out that her daughter’s talents extend beyond her creativity. “In addition to all of her artistic accomplishments, recently, Dany was named a Senior Scholar of Bluffton High among the top academic students in her class.”
In a generation increasingly drawn toward digital tools and artificial intelligence, Danyela has chosen a different path
Fusi has been asked to paint something beautiful on this Blessing Box, located next to The Store on Calhoun Street.
– one grounded in traditional materials and tactile creation. “She prefers to get her hands dirty and create art physically,” her mother said. “Pencils, paint, charcoal – real materials. That’s what she loves.”
Even when traveling internationally, Danyela finds creative inspiration. During a recent trip to Egypt, she experimented with pottery for the first time and quickly demonstrated a natural ability. “She sat down at the pottery wheel and just did it,” Arica said, amazed at her daughter’s creation. “Meanwhile, I probably would have ended up with a blob of clay.”
A National Competition
Now, Danyela’s work is gaining national attention.
She is currently competing in the America’s Most Artistic Kid contest, a nationwide competition in which young artists advance through a series of public voting rounds. If she ultimately wins the competition, Danyela would receive $20,000 toward her education, an exhibition of her artwork at the Bob Ross Exhibit museum, and a feature appearance on The Joy of Painting with host Nicholas Hankins.
The opportunity comes at a pivotal moment in her life as she prepares to graduate from Bluffton High School and begin the next chapter of her education.
Danyela has already been accepted into several universities and is considering programs in studio art, visual arts, and art history. Among the schools she is exploring is the College of Charleston Honors College, where she is especially drawn to programs that explore the intersection of art, architecture, and historical design. “I’m really interested in studying historical architecture and how art blends into environments,” she said.
Looking ahead, Danyela sees many possibilities – from interior design to graphic design to independent artistic work – but one thing is certain: she plans to continue creating. “Even if I choose a design career,” she said, “I will always continue making my own art.”
When asked what she ultimately hopes to accomplish through her art, Danyela offers an answer far beyond awards or recognition. “I want to become the world’s paintbrush,” she said.
For her, that phrase represents a deeper mission: learning about cultures, representing people authentically, and helping others feel seen through artistic expression. “I want to study different cultures and connect with people through their environments and their stories,” she said. “I hope I can represent them as their paintbrush.”
A Community Opportunity
As the national competition continues, Danyela’s future now rests partly in the hands of public voters. For Bluffton residents who have watched this young artist grow, it’s a chance to support a student who has already given so much of her talent back to the community. “This means so much to us,” Arica said. “The support from our community has already helped her come this far.”
If her journey in the competition continues, the young artist representing Bluffton may soon find her work displayed on a national stage. For now, though, Danyela remains focused on what she loves most – creating. “Art is the one thing that makes me feel free,” she said.
For a talented young artist determined to paint the world with connection, culture, and creativity, that freedom might be just the beginning.
EDITOR'S NOTE: At press time, Danyela had been eliminated from the contest. We can't wait to see what she will achieve as she heads to Winthrop University in the fall to pursue her art degree!
James Berry speaks about the importance of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
New Chapter, Forward Momentum
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Celebrates Impact and Inspiration
Photography by Arno Dimmling
On March 18, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) hosted its fourth Annual Community Meeting at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. With the theme “New Chapter, Forward Momentum,” the event was filled with inspiration, purpose, and generosity. It lived up to its promise, bringing together donors, nonprofit leaders, civic partners, and supporters from across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties for a celebration of philanthropy.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this would be more than a typical annual meeting.
The evening opened on a high note with a live musical performance by Emma Berry and Spencer Alexander, courtesy of the Junior Jazz Foundation. Their smooth, expressive sound welcomed attendees into the theater and set an uplifting tone for the night. James Berry, Junior Jazz Foundation board member and co-founder of the Hilton Head Jazz Camp, followed with an illuminating speech
about all that Junior Jazz Foundation supports, including the Hilton Head Jazz Camp, and the impact it has on young local musicians.
The Junior Jazz Foundation, whose charitable fund is administered by CFL, has long been dedicated to preserving jazz through education and performance, ensuring that young artists have access to instruments, lessons, and opportunities to perform. Their participation in the event underscored CFL’s commitment to supporting arts and culture. Since its inception, CFL has granted more than $10 million to arts and cultural organizations.
A Warm Welcome and a Look Back
Returning for his fourth year as emcee, WSAV-TV news anchor Andrew Davis guided the evening with his typical ease, humor, and professionalism.
CFL Board Chair Lynn Jennings Taylor provided an informative overview of CFL’s important work over the past year. Taylor highlighted CFL’s broad impact across the four-
Craig Ostergard was the winner of the Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award for his work with Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), an organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first-responder suicide.
in regards to The Junior Jazz Foundation.
Zach Waters, a Bible teacher and mentor at Hilton Head Christian Academy.
Andrew Davis interviews new Community Foundation of the Lowcountry President and CEO, Aaron Falk.
county region – from competitive grants and scholarships to impactful charitable funds and community initiatives like affordable workforce housing. Taylor also thanked the sponsors of the event, which was presented free of charge to attendees, including Reception Sponsor Dividend Assets Capital and Gold Sponsors Palmetto Electric Cooperative and The Sea Pines Resort.
Taylor’s presentation painted a clear picture: CFL, led by a dedicated team of staff and board members, plays a crucial role in the region by connecting donors to organizations, causes, and students. It is the strength of these community partnerships that has helped CFL continue to expand over the past 30 years.
Introducing a New Leader
A highlight of the event was the introduction of CFL’s new President and CEO Aaron Falk, who officially stepped into the role in January 2026. Falk previously served as president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation in Bakersfield, California.
Falk’s keynote address was both personal and forwardlooking. Drawing on his background in public service, DC politics, and nonprofit leadership, Falk spoke about the importance of listening, collaboration, and strategic investment in local solutions.
His message resonated with the audience: This is an exciting time of growth in the Lowcountry and full of opportunity for CFL. With strong leadership and a committed community, CFL is poised to build on its legacy while exploring new ways to create impact.
Following his remarks, Falk joined Davis for a lively Q&A session that blended insight with humor, offering
attendees a chance to connect with CFL’s new leader on a more personal level.
Stories That Inspire
One of the most powerful aspects of the evening was hearing directly from a local resident whose life has been positively influenced by CFL’s commitment to local students.
Zach Waters, a Bible teacher and mentor at Hilton Head Christian Academy and a local representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, took the stage to share his personal journey.
A graduate of Hilton Head Island High School, Waters benefited from multiple scholarships administered by
An opening performance by Emma Berry and Spencer Alexander.
CFL Board Chair
Lynn Jennings Taylor
CFL, helping him pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Now, Waters is paying it forward by guiding young people and investing in their growth, just as others once invested in him.
His story was a moving reminder that philanthropy is not just about dollars, but about belief, opportunity, and ripple effects that extend far beyond a single individual.
Honoring Local Impact
The emotional centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award, an honor established in 2022 by generous CFL donors to recognize individuals currently making a significant positive difference through volunteering in the region.
This year’s recipient, Craig Ostergard, was recognized for his work with Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), an organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first-responder suicide by providing an outdoor retreat for veterans, first responders, active military members, and their families to connect with and support each other.
The presentation, which included a moving video and remarks by Ostergard, had many in the audience wiping away tears. It was a moment that captured the essence of CFL’s Annual Community Meeting: gratitude, recognition, and a shared commitment to serving others.
As part of the award, Ostergard received a $10,000 grant to bestow upon a charitable organization (or organizations) of his choosing. Reinforcing his deep commitment to OPFOB and the important work it does, Ostergard selected OPFOB to receive the grant.
Looking Ahead
As the program concluded, guests were invited to a networking reception, where conversations reconnected old friends and new connections were made. It was a fitting close to an evening centered on collaboration and shared purpose.
The positive feedback immediately following the event reflected just how meaningful the 2026 version of the CFL Annual Community Meeting had been. Attendees described it as “the best Annual Community Meeting yet” and “an event that always leaves me feeling incredibly positive.”
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has long been a cornerstone of regional philanthropy, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into tangible impact. In a time when communities across the region face complex challenges, CFL and its partners offer a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose.
With new leadership and a deeply engaged community, CFL is entering its next chapter with confidence.
Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by Kristen Scott
FEAST YOUR EYES ON
Java Burrito
Look, nobody is expecting you to read this whole story. In fact, you should be proud you made it this far without being distracted by the mouth-watering images that surround these words. It would be perfectly understandable if you were to give up after this paragraph and simply drink in the vibrant visual of Java Burrito’s fresh ingredients expertly crafted into the dishes you see here.
You’re only human. Faced with photos of the island’s most celebrated Mexican food, what can you do but hope you don’t drool on your magazine?
That’s just what sets Java Burrito apart. You can get a burrito anywhere, but here it’s elevated to an artform. Each colorful ingredient, carefully selected for freshness and authenticity, brings a brilliant pop to every bite, even as it lends its magic to a complex flavor profile.
A trio of tacos at Java Burrito, where everything is fresh and made to order.
"We’re pretty tried and true in what we’ve given our customers over the last 14 years. We’re just making sure we use fresh products and whole foods, then prepare everything in house from scratch using traditional methods."
Each colorful ingredient, carefully selected for freshness and authenticity, brings a brilliant pop to every bite, even as it lends its magic to a complex flavor profile.
Frederika Feketé
An array of colorful cocktails you can enjoy
“We’re pretty tried and true in what we’ve given our customers over the last 14 years. We’re just making sure we use fresh products and whole foods, then prepare everything in house from scratch using traditional methods,” said Frederika Feketé, who owns Java Burrito with her husband, Michael. “So many parts of the industry are moving away from those traditional methods, but we’re trying to keep that Old World integrity.”
When you nail the ingredients and the methods, everything else falls into place. Every dish on the menu, whether it’s the gut-busting bliss of a massive burrito or the simple pleasure of fresh veggies and house-made salsa and
Burrito partners with Savannah Coffee Roasters, whose beans have low acidity, which makes for a smooth brew.
guacamole in a bowl, carries the same pedigree of excellence.
“We always wanted Java Burrito to be that place where everyone can get something they like and know that it will be quality. We’re very detail oriented, but that’s how we keep the integrity,” Feketé said. She acknowledges that this level of dedication takes a little more work – but look at these photos and say it isn’t worth it. “We’re just lucky enough to have a great team and great customers who keep the wheels spinning.”
That same level of care goes beyond the plate at Java Burrito. Having gained equal fame for their coffee as their burritos, the staff here makes sure whatever is in your cup is crafted from the best ingredients.
“We have an excellent roaster we partner with, Savannah Coffee Roasters, whose beans have this great low acidity that makes for a smooth brew. And we brew all of our cold
Java
Beautiful burritos made to your specifications.
Java Burrito is located in the Village at Wexford.
at Java Burrito.
brew in-house,” Feketé said. “I don’t want to say I’m a cold brew snob, but ours is all I drink.”
Coffee isn’t the only liquid pick-me-up on offer at Java Burrito.
“We have the best margarita in South Carolina, because, just like our food, we keep it simple, we keep it fresh, and we keep it pure,” Feketé said. “We don’t use any mixers, just fresh ingredients the way it’s supposed to be.”
It turns out when you’re a little bit obsessive about each ingredient that goes into your food, that translates into some magical cocktails. Locally sourced produce has always been a key part of Java Burrito’s menu, and sometimes one flavor will find its way into multiple items.
“The peach margarita is made from the nectar of the local peaches in the peach salsa,” Feketé said. “It’s also in the bellini. We’re not a bar in the typical sense but we’re proud to serve a great array of drinks.”
Beyond the famed margaritas, Java Burrito has been bowling over the brunch crowd with their signature Bloody Mary, served with a slice of bacon. “That’s something Michael really worked to perfect, and people love it. It’s super popular,” Feketé said.
Add to this a selection of spirits that even includes hardto-find bourbons, and you have everything you need to complement whichever of the mouth-watering dishes you choose. And you can rest assured that whatever you order, it will be prepared with the best ingredients possible, using techniques that draw out the best flavors from those ingredients, and served with integrity.
“We’re so grateful to the community that we have a strong local customer base so we can afford to not cut corners,” Feketé said. “We’re incredibly lucky.”
If you made it this far without rushing out the door to get your next burrito fix, we salute your selfcontrol. Now you can head down to the Village at Wexford and go get your own. Check out the full menu at javaburrito.com
Photography by M.Kat
A LINE IN THE SAND
Does Going to Space Matter?
COURTNEY’S THOUGHTS
I’ll admit it – my initial reaction to the Artemis II mission was … skeptical.
The idea of “long-duration human presence” on the moon felt like a stretch, especially when the news broke amid a semi-government shutdown where TSA agents were working without pay and security lines stretched for hours. In that moment, it felt like maybe we should figure out air travel here on Earth before opening a terminal on the moon.
For context, space travel has never really enamored me. That might trace back to seventh grade, sitting in Mr. Gaskin’s class as we watched the Space Shuttle Challenger explode in real time. That sticks with you. Before that, my understanding of space came primarily from The Muppet Show’s Pigs in Space, which, frankly, set a high bar for storytelling.
Somewhere along the way, I missed the 2003 Columbia disaster entirely (still unclear how), but I can recite Armageddon word for word – the one where Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck save Earth by drilling into an asteroid. At one point, Steve Buscemi’s character points out they’re flying a machine with 270,000 parts “built by the lowest bidder,” which, if we’re being honest, doesn’t feel wildly disconnected from how some things still operate.
Which brings us to leadership.
A LINE IN THE SAND
Because if we’re being candid, NASA is led by a political appointee – not a scientist, not an engineer, but someone fluent in Washington. Necessary, perhaps. Comforting? Less so when the conversation involves rockets and the vacuum of space.
And yet.
The mission was named for Artemis – the Greek goddess of the moon, a fierce protector, a skilled archer, a woman. Paired with Orion, her hunting companion. A thoughtful nod, whether intentional or not.
But what struck me most over those ten days wasn’t the science. It was the people.
Four humans traveled farther than anyone in history, and what stood out wasn’t just what they were doing – it was how they showed up. With humor. With humility. With respect for the magnitude of the moment and the responsibility they carried.
They looked like us. Like the best version of us.
For a brief moment, the noise softened. The outrage cycle paused. And 240,000 miles away, a small group of people quietly reminded us what competence, collaboration, and actual leadership look like. (It helped that they also believe in science.)
Now that they’re safely home, I find myself less concerned about whether we can build a base on the moon – and more concerned about whether we can replicate that kind of leadership here on Earth.
Although, if any of them decide to run for office, I’d vote for them. Right after I make it through TSA.
BARRY'S THOUGHTS
Before I begin, I’d like to take a moment and apologize to the readers of this magazine for the despicably foul language used by my counterpart in last month’s edition of “A Line in the Sand.” That kind of vulgarity has no place in polite society, and I am shocked and appalled that she got a swear word in print before I did. It’s a real kick in the ass.
And speaking of ass, let’s talk about the moon, shall we? (I should win a Pulitzer for that segue).
It’s in the news lately, as we recently sent a crew up on the Artemis mission to snap a few photos of the dark side of the moon and give us something to talk about for a few days. The reaction from most people was a resounding, “Huh, so that’s what it looks like. Anyway, back to Tik Tok-ing.”
Seriously, the biggest cultural moment of the whole thing came when people realized the “blue area” looks like a twerking Super Mario.
It’s a real testament to our short attention span as a culture. Remember when we used to go to the moon all the time? I wasn’t born yet, but it seems like we got really excited about Apollo 11. By Apollo 17, when they were just sending guys up there to golf or whatever, we were ready to go back to whatever people did in the ’70s instead of Tik Tok (I want to say cocaine).
Does Going to Space Matter?
It didn’t even take a bunch of missions this time. They went up, we watched it for a little bit, and then we forgot space existed all over again.
Folks, this isn’t about just putting people in space. It’s not even about establishing a base on the moon, even though that would be rad. It’s about doing the hard things, as Kennedy put it. To “measure the best of our energies and skills.”
We could use a little bit of that right now. Because our energies and skills are going to some really dumb uses. Do we need to advance AI so every commercial on TV can be as disturbingly fake as those Byrna ads? Do we need washing machines that can send emails?
Think of the actually useful things that have come out of us putting our skills to the test going into space. TempurPedic mattresses. The Bowflex. LED Lights. Astroglide brand personal lubricant. Each of those started out as a spark of innovation, with some NASA engineer trying to solve the problem of launching humans into the heavens.
The benefits of going into space have almost nothing to do with space itself. It’s always been about putting the smartest people in the country into the same room, challenging them to accomplish the impossible, and reaping the rewards of their brilliance when it’s put to good use. The fact that we get the occasional reminder of the universe’s grandeur – and some cool photos of rocks that look like twerking Mario – is just a bonus.
Kathy Straughn and her husband Sam.
Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by M.Kat
Neighbors Blessing Neighbors
BLESSING BOX PROJECT BLUFFTON FEEDS THE COMMUNITY
In a town known for its natural beauty, Southern charm and hospitality, and sense of community, there is a more profound and personal story unfolding – one that speaks not to abundance, but to compassion. It’s a story of neighbors caring for neighbors, of dignity preserved in difficult seasons, and of a simple idea that has grown into something deeply impactful.
At the center of that story is Blessing Box Project Bluffton, a grassroots initiative founded by Kathy Straughn. Its mission is as straightforward as it is powerful: Ensure that no one in Bluffton goes to bed hungry.
The impact of the organization has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, it was voted Best Charity in both the Best of Bluffton and Best of Beaufort awards, an honor that reflects the community it so faithfully serves.
What began in 2024 with a single wooden box has quickly expanded into a network of six small, free-standing food pantries placed throughout the Bluffton area. Stocked with nonperishable food and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these Blessing Boxes operate on a simple premise: Take what you need, leave what you can.
“The Blessing Box Project Bluffton, which started as a simple idea, has grown into something even larger than I thought,” Straughn said.
The concept behind Blessing Boxes is intentionally uncomplicated. There are no forms, no qualifications, and no questions. Anyone can open the door, take what they need, and move on – no explanations required.
That simplicity is part of what makes the program so effective.
“Food insecurity doesn’t always look the way people expect,” Straughn said. “It can be a working parent, a senior on a fixed income, or a family going through a tough season. The Blessing Boxes meet people where they are, without barriers and without judgment.”
In a community experiencing rapid growth, where prosperity can often overshadow silent struggles, the need is greater than many realize. Families are balancing rising costs, unexpected emergencies, and the daily realities of making ends meet. For some, a single missed paycheck or car repair can mean choosing between groceries and other essential expenses.
“We live in an affluent area, but there are a lot of people working paycheck to paycheck,” Straughn said. “If something happens – if their car breaks down or they have a medical bill – they’ve got to choose. We’re there for those people.”
From One Box to a Community Movement
The first Blessing Box was installed June 2, 2024, outside Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry on Bluffton Road. Straughn and her husband funded it themselves, investing $400 to bring the idea to life.
“I went on to research it and thought, this is great –Bluffton needs this,” she said. “At that time, there were none in Bluffton. I said, ‘This would be such a blessing to the community.’ And we got busy.”
What happened next surprised her.
“Then people were coming out of the woodwork-. They wanted a box,” she said.
Today, the project includes six locations across Bluffton, including churches, local businesses, and even the Bluffton Police Department. Each box is stocked daily, maintained by Straughn and a small but dedicated team of volunteers.
On average, the organization distributes between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of food every week. “We make sure they’re filled every day,” Straughn said. “That’s important. People depend on it.”
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Blessing Box Project is the way it preserves dignity.
Traditional food assistance programs often require paperwork, proof of need, or scheduled visits. While these systems serve an important role, they can also create barriers – especially for those who feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask for help.
The Blessing Boxes remove those barriers entirely.
“We’re based on anonymous giving and anonymous receiving,” Straughn said. “There’s no judgment. You don’t have to explain your situation. You just take what you need.”
That approach has opened the door for individuals who might otherwise go without. Among them are single mothers stretching their budgets to the breaking point.
“I received a letter from one mom who said she was so thankful,” Straughn said. “By the end of the month, she didn’t have any food left for her two daughters, and her paycheck hadn’t come yet. She said now she could go to the box and feed her kids. When you get something like that … it makes your eyes leak.”
While many who rely on the boxes remain anonymous, some have formed meaningful connections with Straughn along the way. The very first day the inaugural box was installed, a man named Abraham approached on a bicycle.
“He asked me, ‘What is this?’” she recalled. “I explained it, and he said, ‘You mean I can take something to eat?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir, if you need it.’”
Abraham took a toothbrush and toothpaste that day. Two years later, Straughn still keeps in touch with him and others like him. “I’ve stayed friends with him and three other men who are homeless,” she said. “I know what they like, what they don’t like. I’ve made them birthday cakes.”
It’s these relationships – unexpected, personal, and deeply human – that bring the mission into focus.
“This gives me purpose to get up every day,” Straughn said. “It gives my husband purpose too. We’re both retirees, and so now, instead of sitting at home, we’re out here doing something that matters.”
Powered by Community
The Blessing Box Project Bluffton is, at its core, a community-driven effort. Most donations come not from large institutions, but from everyday people – neighbors who hear about the mission and feel compelled to help.
“They’re just kind-hearted people who’ve learned of our mission,” Straughn said.
Social media and word of mouth have been instrumental in spreading awareness. An Amazon wish list allows supporters to send needed items directly, often in response to specific calls for help. “Sometimes people just need to hear what we’re out of,” she said. “If we say we need cereal, suddenly we get an influx of cereal.”
Some donors give regularly, including one woman who sends approximately $300 worth of food each month without fail. Local businesses are also beginning to step in, offering support and helping to sustain the growing demand.
Still, the heart of the project remains rooted in individual generosity – the quiet decision of one person to help another.
Canapalooza: A Celebration of Giving
As the organization approaches its second anniversary, that spirit of community will take center stage at Canapalooza 2026, a family-friendly celebration scheduled for June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the historic Heyward House.
The event will feature live music, a silent auction, children’s activities, and a dessert bar, with hot dogs served by the Bluffton Police Department. Admission is simple: Bring a bag of nonperishable food.
“It’s going to be a fun event,” Straughn said. “But it’s also about something bigger – bringing people together to support one another.”
A vintage truck, affectionately named “Old Red,” will be on-site to collect donations, symbolizing the collective effort to keep the boxes stocked and the mission moving forward.
“We hope we can gather enough to sustain us for the rest of the year,” Straughn said.
Beyond fundraising, Canapalooza represents a milestone, a moment to reflect on how far the project has come and the lives it has touched along the way. “Every item placed in a Blessing Box is more than just food,” Straughn said. “It’s relief. It’s dignity. It’s hope.”
Kathy's grandaughters, Olive and Ellie, help refill the Blessing Box near Alljoy Donuts.
Looking Ahead
Despite its rapid growth, the Blessing Box Project Bluffton remains grounded in its original purpose: serving those in need with compassion and respect.
Future goals include providing building plans and guidance to help others build boxes, increasing community partnerships, and securing additional sponsorships to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We are still looking for sponsors,” Straughn said. “Anyone who wants to be part of this can reach out.”
But even as the organization evolves, its guiding principle remains unchanged.
“I learned at a very young age the importance of helping others from my grandmother,” she said. “That’s what this is about.”
In many ways, the success of the Blessing Box Project Bluffton reflects the best of Bluffton itself – a community that values connection, generosity, and shared responsibility.
It is a reminder that even in times of growth and change, the most meaningful progress is measured not just in development, but in compassion.
Through small acts – placing a can on a shelf, picking up a box of pasta, leaving behind a bag of groceries – neighbors are quietly caring for one another. And in doing so, they are building something far greater than a network of food pantries. They are building a culture of kindness.
Straughn’s motto is “No one should ever go to bed hungry. In Bluffton, thanks to the Blessing Box Project, fewer and fewer people have to.
To learn more, visit BlessingBoxProjectBluffton.com.
STYLE PAGE
Spring Looks for Him
Styled by Kandace Cunningham
Photography by Maggie Washo
Special thanks to our model, Scott Pritchard.
WE STOPPED INTO JOHN BAYLEY AND PALMETTOES TO SEE WHAT MEN ARE WEARING THIS MONTH. AS THE LOWCOUNTRY HEATS UP, CLOSETS SHIFT TO LIGHT AND BREATHABLE FABRICS AND COOL COLOR TONES.
Find Scott's ensemble at Palmettoes
Find Scott's ensemble at Palmettoes
Find Scott's ensemble at John Bayley
Find Scott's ensemble at John Bayley Spring Looks for Him
Captain Trent Malphrus has spent the past three decades helping families create magical fishing memories in Palmetto Dunes.
Article by Brooke Peck
FISHING THE PALMETTO DUNES LAGOON
Many people visit Palmetto Dunes Resort each year for its three treasured golf courses, 24 impressive pickleball courts, beachfront hotels, or its famous fried chicken from the General Store. One of the resort’s longest amenities, the 11-mile lagoon system, should be added to any summer to-do list. Its storied history, beauty, and tranquility encourage residents and visitors to slow down and enjoy its natural habitat.
In the late 1950’s, Dr. Per Brunn, a world-famous hydrologist from Denmark, was enlisted by the Palmetto Dunes Resort to develop the lagoon to help with major drainage issues. Prior to the lagoon’s construction, the resort was on low-lying land that was constantly waterlogged and home to a completely submerged beach at high tide.
Dr. Brunn and his team mapped out the 11 miles of the lagoon’s perimeter that exists today and workers spent more than a decade digging up approximately 2 million cubic feet of soil to create the lagoon’s shape. Dredged soil was relocated to the banks of the lagoon to build up the resort’s elevation and to construct beach dunes. The new sand dunes significantly widened and elevated the beach to cut down on flooding and erosion. The project was completed in 1967.
Today, the peaceful lagoon runs throughout Palmetto Dunes and is home to alligators, fish, turtles, and 40 varieties of birds. Loosely shaped like a figure eight, the lagoon shorelines are lined with overhanging trees, golf course views, privately owned docks, and a combination of natural habitats and manicured lawns. The waterway is shady, calm, and tranquil and encourages visitors to take a deep breath.
Photography by M.Kat
Since the peaceful lagoon is a well-protected space, kayaking is a popular way to explore the waterway. Hilton Head Outfitters rents single and double kayaks along with three-person canoes; suggested routes can take one to two hours to complete.
Electric powered engines are allowed in the lagoon only on boats with a top speed of 5 mph. No wake is allowed, which helps protect the shorelines and wildlife. Palmetto Dunes Security patrols the lagoon for safety concerns. Fishing in the Lagoon
Captain Trent Malphrus, owner of Palmetto Lagoon Charters, runs the only fishing charter company within
the 11-mile saltwater lagoon. He has spent the past three decades helping families create magical fishing memories in Palmetto Dunes.
As an avid fisherman, he loves every day he gets to spend on the water, which is a good thing considering he averages 250 to 300 days each year on a boat. “My dad got me hooked on fishing as a very young kid,” he said. “It’s something I haven’t been able to shake out of my system, no matter how much I fish.”
Malphrus’ goal is for everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy their time out on the water. “This is a great first-time family fishing trip,” he said. “For me, teaching with a positive
CH2 writer Brooke Peck tosses in her line, hoping for a bite on a chilly morning in March.
Hilton Head Outfitters is located on the water and serves as the departure point for kayakers and those fishing with Trent Malphrus in the Palmetto Dunes lagoons.
The CH2 crew joined Captain Trent Malphrus on a lagoon fishing expedition in Palmetto Dunes on a particularly chilly morning in March.
From left to right: Brooke Peck, Trent Malphrus, Jevon Daly and Maggie Washo.
attitude means that anybody can go out and do this. My clients, especially my little kids that started with me 15, 20, 25 years ago, they’re amazing fishermen now.”
He guides anglers of all ages to catch (and release) a variety of saltwater fish year-round in the lagoon’s serene setting. “This lagoon is one of the most unique fisheries in the country,” Malphrus said.
Unlike most local saltwater bodies, its water levels do not fluctuate with the tides. Even though water levels remain the same, the lagoon is flushed monthly, in sync with the full moon cycle, through tidal gates to help balance the lagoon’s salinity level.
Malphrus’ boat is equipped with a trolling motor and is perfectly rigged for small fishing groups. Rods and reels are ready to go, along with fresh or cut bait, depending on the targeted species. Trips range from two to four hours with popular catches including red fish, black drum, flounder, tarpon, speckled sea trout, and blue fish. He is quick with re-baiting a line and expertly casting to the best fishing spot to keep charter customers prepared for as much action as possible.
Since he has been fishing the lagoon for 30 years, Malphrus knows the waterway like the back of his hand. He can easily predict where the big red fish like to hang out (under a tree near Alexander’s) and where the big black drums swim (in “the jungle” near Queens Folly).
On a recent fishing excursion, Malphrus took CH2’s Maggie Washo and Jevon Daly to explore the lagoon’s peaceful habitat. Everyone was impressed with his expertise on the lagoon. They also enjoyed the calmness of being on such a protected waterway.
“I think Trent Malphrus is one of the most knowledgeable local captains that you can book for an excursion,” Washo said. “He is entertaining, knows exactly where the fish are, and has a quiet sensibility about him.”
Captain Trent Malphrus poses with one of his many blue heron buddies, Stretch.
Another passenger recalled memories of fishing as a child with her grandfather. “On one narrow section of the lagoon, the tree canopy was hanging close to the boat and the water was very shallow,” she said. “I spotted a huge black drum that was casually checking out the water’s edge. Rays of sunlight were shining on the water and highlighting the fish’s shape. It was a special highlight of the lagoon’s unique habitat.”
A Great Blue Heron nicknamed “Stretch” is one of the Malphrus’ biggest cheerleaders. Stretch is always close to the dock to greet fishing groups as they arrive and when they return. Sometimes he flies along with Malphrus’ boat to check out the fishing action, not so secretly hoping a fish might show up for him.
In Shore Fishing with Captain Trent
When Malphrus is not navigating the Palmetto Dunes lagoon, he’s taking groups on in-shore fishing trips from Shelter Cove Marina on a 24-foot bay boat. Throughout the year, anglers have consistently caught red fish, speckled sea trout, and flounder. Bigger fish make their way to Lowcountry waterways in the summertime. Sharks, tarpon, cobia, jacks, king mackerel, triple tail and Spanish mackerel are more common catches during the warmer months.
Malphrus recently added an 18-foot Silver King to his fleet at Shelter Cove. “I’m super excited to offer fly fishing again because that is my passion,” he said.
Fly fishing can be done year-round but Malphrus gets especially enthusiastic about king tides. “The most exciting thing about the tailing tides is it’s all visual,” he said. “For most fly fishermen, blind casting is not their most favorite thing to do, but to visually be able to see your target adds a new dimension to flats fishing. That's why people love it so much.”
For more information about Malphrus’ fishing charters, visit palmettolagooncharters.com or call (843) 301-4624.
The peaceful lagoon that runs throughout Palmetto Dunes is home to alligators, fish, turtles, and 40 varieties of birds.
Captain Trent shows off one of his bigger catches, a Black Drum.
Jimmy and Blake Schmid
Carly DeSimone, Store Manager and liquor Buyer, Class B Account Liaison
Jared Stolz and Randall Smalls, Delivery Drivers
Article by Barry Kaufman
by M.Kat
Rollers Wine & Spirits:
A Toast to Family
Hilton Head Island is a place of celebration. Visitors come here from all over the world to bask in the beauty of our island home, just as they have for decades, and toast to the adventures they had here and the people they enjoy it with. Locals get to raise a glass every day to another day in paradise.
Since 1960, odds are good that Rollers Wine & Spirits was the place where that toast began.
That kind of longevity puts Rollers in a rare echelon of Lowcountry institutions, but their legacy is not just that they’ve been around a while – it’s how tightly they have woven themselves into our community fabric. Their presence goes beyond their products, because the company has long supported local causes like Hilton Head Humane, Memory Matters, Boys and Girls Club, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Children’s Relief Fund and more.
Photography
Christopher Walken adorns the walk-in cooler
Kevin Rocky Moultrie, Delivery Driver
Andrew Kelly, Beer Buyer and Class B Account Liaison
Mark Hann, Sales Associate
Marla Morris, Bar manager and Wine Buyer
Kathy Kellis, Sales Associate
Roller’s is an indelible part of our community, but they’re also a community unto themselves.
Jon Tice, Marketing Manager
David Lily, Sales Associate
Stephanie Skager, Cheese and Provisions Buyer
Roller’s is an indelible part of our community, but they’re also a community unto themselves. You’ve more than likely seen these familiar faces, but what’s amazing is what they’re a part of. Every company, big or small, tries to create a culture. At Rollers, they’ve created something more.
“It’s not just that we’re coworkers. We really are a huge family. It feels like home,” said Carly DeSimone, store manager for the expansive Palmetto Bay Road location.
Ryan Christensen, Customer Service
Will Hagins, Sales Associate; Nicky Geoffroy, Head Wine Buyer; Michael Robinson, Sales Associate
Malachi Bowden, Delivery Driver
Jasmine Watkins, Administration Assistant
A nine-year veteran of the company, DeSimone wears a few different hats besides store manager, procuring liquor and cigars for the store and visiting the many restaurants Roller’s stocks. “We just like to go around, check in to see if they need anything, and show them some love because we like to think of it as a partnership,” she said. “They’re our accounts, but more than that, they’re our partners so we want to make sure they’re supported.”
As she has grown with the company, DeSimone has experienced the professional development Rollers encourages in its employees. “It’s fun to see customers I’ve known for so long and build those relationships with our partners, and my own knowledge has grown over the years,” she said. “When I started, I barely knew what tequila was, but now I’m fortunate enough to get to pick them in beefing up our single barrel program.”
Wine buyer and store manager Nicky Geoffrey has had a similar experience growing her own knowledge with the company in her 10 years.
“I had just graduated with a degree in event management, and I helped run the big holiday tasting, the Mix and Mingle, as an intern. I never ended up leaving,” she said. “I was born and raised here, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come back after college – but I just love this team. They’re big on pursuing more education, so I was able to get my first level sommelier certification, then the next level after a few years.”
That certification, one that Rollers has allowed so many employees to reach, has helped Geoffrey refine her palate while pursuing the career she’s always wanted. “I really do like running the events, trying new and different wines, and meeting the amazing wine makers,” she said. “It’s really an amazing team of great people to work with.”
Beer buyer Andrew Kelly echoes that sentiment. “The people I work with are super intelligent. They’re all experts in their field,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and I feel
Jim Schmid
Garrett Smith, Sales Associate
like I don’t have half the expertise of the people I work with.
A veteran of the island’s food and beverage circuit, and USCB Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2026, Kelly has been with the company five years, getting his Ciccerone certification as he builds the craft beer program at Rollers.
“I try to stick with local products, because I want to make sure the people in our community get our support,
but I also get stuff from all over the place,” Kelly said. “The only continent I don’t have a beer from is Africa – and I’m working on that.”
He brings a unique perspective to the company, having worked extensively on the island for so long. And for him, the team at Rollers is on another level. “The people who work here, everyone’s in tune with their community. Honestly,
I don’t think you’ll find a more diverse team locally,” Kelly said. “And when Jimmy and Blake (Schmid) took over as owners last year, it was completely seamless. They are great people to work for, and there’s not a day where I feel like I don’t have their support.”
That support can often make a massive difference in the lives of Rollers employees. Stephanie Skager, who brings in cheese and provisions and has been with the company since 2012, can attest to that.
“I started out as the wine buyer, and then about five years ago my son was diagnosed with cancer. Rollers supported me for a really long time, more than a year, even though I wasn’t able to do much for the business,” she said.
Skager left Rollers after her son passed, but not for long.
“When Jimmy took over, he called and said, ‘I need you back. We’re a family. We started in this together,’” she said. “It made me feel really good.”
Ultimately, what sets Rollers apart isn’t just the fact that it has been operating here for more than 60 years. It’s the culture the company has been able to create while fueling the island’s best celebrations.
“We really try and find everyone’s value and talents and help them be used best,” Skager said. “It’s a really empowering place to work.”
Dave Johnson, Warehouse Manager
M SIU CIANS in bathrooms
BAND: ROCK CANDY
BAND MEMBERS:
JON CELI, LUCAS LIN, DANNY DENNISON, WILL CELI
SPECIAL THANKS TO SLOWCOUNTRY BBQ FOR HOSTING OUR SHOOT
PHOTOGRAPHY
What’s your sign?
Jon Celi: Capricorn
Lucas Lin: Aries
Danny Dennison: Sagittarius
Will Celi: Libra
Most underrated song, that in your opinion, should be a classic?
JC: “One More Bad Boy”
LL: “Fantasy” by Aldo Nova
DD: “Clementine” by Bobby Darin
WC: “Back On My Feet Again” by The Babys
Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?
JC: “We are so proud to have you be a big part of our island!”
LL: When someone asked me to take a picture with them so they would have it if I ever become famous.
DD: “You didn't suck as much I thought you would!"
WC: “You’d make Eddie and Randy proud. I closed my eyes and it felt like they were here.”
Favorite piece to perform?
JC: “Still Of The Night” by Whitesnake
LL: “Man in the Box” by Alice In Chains
DD: “Detroit Rock City” by KISS, “Peace of Mind” by Boston, and “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith are fun to play!
LL: Not big on cereal, but if I do it’s Lucky Charms, hold the milk.
DD: Boo Berry or Frosted Mini-Wheats SOAKED in milk until they lose their crunch.
WC: Honey Bunches of Oats
It's all about the clusters, amiright?!?!
At what venue do you most like to perform?
JC: Saturday residency at Big Bamboo
LL: The Boo
DD: Big Bamboo Cafe is a blast on Saturday nights!
WC: The Big Bamboo. Best sound, but hate the late nights.
Most requested song at shows?
JC: “Enter Sandman”
LL: “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
DD: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
WC: “Free Bird,” and I hate them for it.
First concert you attended?
JC: KISS
LL: The Hella Mega Tour with Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day
DD: Chicago in West Point, New York, circa 1978
WC: Night Ranger
Favorite artist?
JC: Steve Perry
LL: Love all my favorite local bands – you know who you are
DD: Steely Dan, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder come to mind
WC: Van Halen
Place you go to get away from it all?
JC: Dune Lane, South Beach
LL: Guitar Center
DD: The softball field
WC: The place I go to get away from it all is Danielle. Do you tweet, gram or book or tok? What’s your handle?
JC: Gram JonCeli@jonvceli and Book facebook.com/ jonvceli
LL: Gram @lucas.music.guitar and Book (Lucas Lin)
DD: @musicbydannyd
WC: Facebook.
Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life?
JC: John Stamos
LL: Myself
DD: Bill Murray. I’ve been told I look/act like him ...
WC: Adam Sandler
Song you were thrilled to finally master?
JC: “Mother Father” by Journey
LL: “Detroit Rock City” by KISS
DD: The Tim Akers version of “Uptown Funk” (which I perform with the band Tower of Funk and the Choosy Mothers Horns)
WC: None. You never fully master anything in music. That’s the beauty of it. It’s a never-ending journey. What do you wish you knew more about?
JC: How to train my Standard Dachshund, Prince Sawyer V
LL: Reading music
DD: Foreign languages, literature, and (with multiple ex-wives) women
WC: Astrophysics
What animal do you most identify with?
JC: Canines
LL: Bronczini (If you know you know.)
DD: Labrador Retriever … friendly, dependable and always ready to play!
WC: Doggies
If you got super famous and had to change your name, what would your new name be?
JC: Jonnycage
LL: Lucas Lin
DD: Al B. Funky
WC: William McKay
What famous musician would you love to play/sing a duet with?
JC: Steve Tyler
LL: Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters
DD: Victor Wooten
WC: Paul Gilbert
Where can we watch you perform?
JC: Big Bamboo, Fish in Coligny, Tiki Hut, Lincoln & South, Celebration Park, Shelter Cove
LL: Big Bamboo, Fish, Lincoln & South, Tiki Hut
DD: Big Bamboo Cafe, Fish Casual Coastal Seafood, Lincoln & South Brewery, Tiki Hut
WC: Every Saturday night at the Big Bamboo (8:30-11:30 p.m.). Every 2nd and 3rd Friday at Fish (6-9 p.m.). Every last Friday at Lincoln & South (6-9 p.m.).
Lucas here is your moment of zen!
Dogs are the best!
RIP
Taylor :(
Cinco de Mouthwatering
Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by
CACTUS STREET CANTINA’S MAY 5 CELEBRATION KICKS OFF MONTH OF GIVING
Sometimes the universe just gives you a sign. If you’re smart enough, you pay attention. For example, this year’s calendar has aligned in just the right way to bring together two incredible traditions.
That’s right: Cinco de Mayo will fall on Taco Tuesday this year. And there’s only place to spend this once-in-a-lifetime event: Cactus Street Cantina.
“It’s going to be a busy day for us. We have live music with Enrique, $5 house margaritas, specials all day, and free chips and salsa,” said Lauren Jordan, co-owner of Cactus Street
M.Kat
Boom Boom Shrimp
Tuna Bowl
Pork Belly Bowl
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cantina. “Last year was our first Cinco de Mayo, and since it fell on a Monday, we didn’t think it was going to be too crazy. It wound up being a record day for us. We’re expecting it to be even busier this year but at least we’ll be better prepared for it.”
The good news is, if you can’t make it out on Cinco de Mayo, Cactus Street Cantina is a celebration of Latin food all month long. Built on a foundation of Mexican favorites like burritos, tacos, tortas, and fajitas, the menu spins fresh, authentic ingredients into wild directions, with specialty dishes like the shrimp ceviche and Great Basin Bowls earning
rave reviews.
At the heart of the restaurant’s culinary experience is the passion and brilliance that chef Adolph Aguilar brings to the kitchen. And if you really want to see what his team can do, see what the specials are that day.
“We run our birria tacos every Monday, then a new special every Tuesday that we’ll run through the week,” Jordan said. “We had a guy come back the same day for the General Tso’s shrimp bowl special. Our chef loves Asian street food, so we’ll get a little of that flair every once in a while.”
The Great Basin Bowls have been an especially big hit
Since Day One, Cactus Street Cantina has picked a different charity of the month to receive 10% of Great Basin Bowl sales.
Tracy Wilson, Adolph Aguilar and Lauren Jordan.
since Cactus Street Cantina opened, heaping helpings of fresh ingredients like tuna, al pastor shrimp, pork belly, and traditional rice and beans. Perhaps just as enticing as what is in each bowl is what each bowl accomplishes. Since Day One, Cactus Street Cantina has picked a different charity of the month to receive 10% of Great Basin Bowl sales.
“We’ve yet to do the same charity twice, because there are just so many. It’s hard when there are only 12 months in a year,” Jordan said. “We’ve picked everything from Hilton Head Humane to Volunteers in Medicine.”
This month’s beneficiary is the Foundation for Educational Excellence. Founded in 2007, the FFEE supports Beaufort County public schools by funding innovative instructional projects and opportunities that would otherwise not be available to area students. They also issue grants that enhance student learning, to the tune of more than $350,000 donated since 2009.
“Being that we’re on the north end, we definitely are more of a spot for locals, so we look at it as supporting the locals who support us,” Jordan said. “It’s an easy way to give back to the community and at the same time introduce the restaurant to people who may have never been here.”
It’s hard to believe there are any locals who haven’t been there yet. Generating incredible buzz even before they opened, Cactus Street Cantina has emerged over the years as a true spot for locals (where tourists are always welcome, obviously).
“We do ‘give back’ days for area schools, giving them a percentage of that day’s sales, and it’s made us hugely popular with families. One of the things I love the most is that now, we have so many kids who are bringing their parents here,” Jordan said. “I also love how often people will come in and run into their neighbors here, which is what we always wanted to create.”
Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de May on the 5th or all month long, what better spot to celebrate than Cactus Street Cantina?
Chicken Flautas
Cactus Cantina is located on Main Street
Article by Cheryl Ricer
THE RISE OF SOURDOUGH
You might remember from our February issue, where I was featured in the 5 Reasons to Celebrate column, that cooking for friends and family is one of my “love languages.” It’s how I show up. It’s how I gather people in. And it’s how I nourish not just bodies, but connection.
Now, I can stir up a pretty tasty mess of greens and cornbread and simmer a mean pot of Louisiana gumbo without thinking twice. But baking? That has always felt like an entirely different language – one I never quite learned to speak.
I am, at my core, a creative. So, it has always resonated with me when people say, “Cooking is an art form, but baking is a science.” Art allows for instinct, improvisation, a dash of this and a little more of that. Science, on the other hand, requires precision, patience, and a willingness to follow rules.
A scientist, I am not.
And yet … something has shifted, y’all.
It started, as many good things do, in an unexpected moment in an unexpected place. Victoria, one of the massage therapists at Jiva Yoga Center, where I teach, walked into the studio with a sourdough starter in hand and casually offered it to me. She explained how to “feed” it, texted me a few videos, and spoke about the process with such ease that, before I could overthink it, I found myself completely intrigued.
By the time I left the studio, I was already imagining my first loaf.
That same day, I went home, opened my laptop, and promptly ordered everything I thought I might need: a bread kit, a cast iron Dutch oven, loaf pans, liners – the works. If I was going to try this, I was going all in.
Somewhere between clicking “Add to Cart” and refreshing my tracking number, I reached out to Amy, my dear friend from high school who bakes multiple sandwich loaves each week for her four sons and their families. She has
since become my unofficial sourdough mentor, patiently answering my questions, encouraging my efforts, and generously sharing her growing collection of “discard” recipes (which, I’ve learned, is a whole world unto itself).
And just like that, I found myself standing in my kitchen, staring at a jar of bubbling starter, wondering how in the world I had gotten here.
Following my early success – and, admittedly, my growing enthusiasm for this curious blend of art and science – I pitched the idea of writing about it to Maggie Washo, my editor and publisher of C2.
So here we are.
Why sourdough? Why do people love it so much? Why is it considered better for us? And, perhaps most intriguing of all, why is everyone suddenly baking it?
An Ancient Practice Finds New Life
Sourdough is far from new. In fact, it is one of the oldest forms of bread in human history, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations that relied on wild yeast and naturally occurring bacteria to bring their bread to life.
What we now call a “starter” is, at its simplest, just flour and water but. given time, it becomes something much more dynamic. It bubbles. It grows. It responds to its environment. It demands consistency and attention.
It is, in many ways, alive.
In a culture built on speed and convenience, sourdough offers something radically different: A return to process. A return to patience. A return to participation.
For many, the sourdough resurgence began during the stillness of 2020. When life slowed down, kitchens became classrooms, and people rediscovered the quiet satisfaction of making something from scratch.
Flour flew off the shelves. Social media filled with images of rustic loaves and bubbling starters. Bread baking became both a creative outlet and a grounding ritual.
What’s fascinating is that the trend didn’t fade when life picked back up. Because sourdough isn’t just about bread; it’s about rhythm.
Once you step into that rhythm – the feeding, the folding, the waiting – you begin to understand that this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a practice. And, like many meaningful practices, it has a way of staying with you.
From Intimidation to Intuition
Let me be clear: I did not suddenly become a scientist overnight. But I have gained a new appreciation for what’s happening behind the scenes.
Sourdough relies on fermentation, a natural process where wild yeast and beneficial bacteria break down the sugars in flour. This not only allows the dough to rise but also creates its distinct tangy flavor and airy texture.
More importantly, this slow fermentation process can make sourdough easier to digest. It begins breaking down gluten and phytic acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. The result is bread that many people find gentler on the body and more nutritionally accessible.
So, while I may still lean toward the artistic side of the kitchen, I can now hold my own in a conversation about hydration levels and fermentation timelines, at least well enough to sound like I know what I’m doing.
My first loaf? Let’s just say it was a learning experience. There were moments of uncertainty – dough that felt too sticky, timing that felt unclear, and more than a few texts that read something like “Is this normal?”
But somewhere along the way, something shifted. What once felt intimidating began to feel intuitive.
There is a rhythm to sourdough: Feed the starter, mix the dough, let it rest, stretch and fold, rest again, shape, proof, bake.
It’s a process that cannot be rushed, only respected.
And in that way, it mirrors so much of what I teach in yoga. You show up. You stay present. You trust the unfolding.
Transformation happens not because you force it, but because you allow it.
The Unexpected Gift of Community
Perhaps one of the most surprising parts of this journey has been the sense of connection it creates. Sourdough bakers are, without question, some of the most generous people I’ve encountered. There is an openness, a willingness to share knowledge, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate even the smallest victories.
And then there’s the “discard.”
Every time you feed your starter, a portion is removed –discarded, technically – but far from wasted. It becomes the base for pancakes, muffins, crackers, and more. What began as a byproduct quickly becomes an opportunity for creativity.
My friend Amy has been instrumental in this part of the journey, sharing recipes, offering encouragement, and reminding me that every loaf, perfect or not, is part of the process. It feels less like learning a skill and more like joining a tradition.
At its heart, sourdough is about more than flour, water, and salt.
It’s about intention.
It’s about carving out time in our busy lives to create something meaningful.
It’s about feeding the people we love, not just with food, but with care, effort, and presence.
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden loaf from the oven, hearing the crackle of its crust, and slicing into something you made with your own hands. No shortcuts. No preservatives. Just process.
In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, sourdough gently invites us to slow down.
If you had told me a few months ago that I would be baking sourdough bread and genuinely enjoying the process, I would have laughed. And yet, here I am.
What started as a simple gift from a friend at the yoga studio has become something much more meaningful. It has challenged me, grounded me, and expanded what I thought I was capable of.
Am I a baker now? I’m not entirely sure. But I do know this: I’m no longer intimidated by the science – and I am completely captivated by the magic.
So, if you’ve been curious, consider this your invitation. Start with the flour. Add the water. Be patient. You might just discover that somewhere in the quiet process of tending, waiting, and creating, there’s a little bit of joy – ready to rise.
And if you want a starter, message me on my socials: on FB @Cheryl Anthony Ricer or on Insta @CherRi_ontop_
Charlie and Carolyn Taylor with their daughters Stella and Rose.
Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat
BEYOND COMFORT
THOW A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING
here’s an old saying that also happens to be a sage piece of advice: Always put the best quality between you and the ground. You’ll hear it said a lot about shoes, emphasizing how a good pair can make all the difference if it keeps your dogs from barking at the end of the day. But it becomes a much more life-changing piece of advice when you apply it to the one thing that spends the most time between you and the ground.
“I tell people all the time you spend more time in bed than anything else. What you’re sleeping on has the biggest impact on your everyday life.
A bad night’s sleep is going to impact the rest of your day,” said Charlie Taylor, owner of May River Mattress. “But if you get a good night of sleep, you’re rested, you’re recovered, you’re awake, you’re alert.”
For Taylor, that “springing awake ready to take on your day” feeling is the most important product he sells. In the four years since opening May River Mattress, which followed 16 years of experience in the industry, he has made that result the end game. Achieving that result means giving each and every customer who walks in the door two important things, neither of which they would
receive at a big box corporate store. The first is individually tailored service, catering to exactly who you are to match you with the best mattress.
“The whole purpose of laying in a mattress is to support your back properly, and to try and do it with as little pressure against your body as possible, right? That means different things for different people, and these different mattresses and different brands are going to respond differently to different people’s bodies and body types,” Taylor said. “Where they carry their weight, whether they’ve had surgeries or back issues or compressed discs … all of these things are going to factor into that incremental support, which is going to help you sleep better.”
The second thing you’ll get at May River Mattress is an education, so you know what to look for.
“Most of the time when people walk into a mattress store, they’re asked ‘You want a firm mattress? You want a soft mattress?’ But most people don’t know what they want,” Taylor said. “More often than not, if you’re shopping for a mattress, it’s your first time in 10 years. And after 10 years, you’ve probably forgotten what you bought the last time, but more importantly your body has changed. You’re going to need something different than you did 10 years ago.”
That individual service isn’t just something that May River Mattress offers because they’re a small family business (although that’s part of it). It’s something they offer because it is truly the only way to get you into the kind of mattress that will give you the sleep you deserve. Whether that’s one of the larger brands they carry like Sealy, Beautyrest, TempurPedic and Stearns & Foster, or smaller boutique brands like Helix, Brooklyn Bedding and Mattress Grove.
“The whole first part of it is teaching them what they should look for when they lie down on the mattress. They’re all going to be more comfortable than the bed you’re currently sleeping on, right? So, we’re teaching them to focus on how it feels in their lower back, their shoulders, or their hips – to pay attention to how they sleep, knowing that side sleepers will need a different kind of support than back sleepers,” Taylor said. “I’ve had people compare it to being at the eye doctor – is this one better or worse?”
It’s a little more in-depth service than customers are likely to receive at a big box store. And that’s exactly why Taylor launched May River Mattress, because it’s
The Taylors' daughters, Stella and Rosie, are the adorable brand ambassadors.
Charlie Taylor, owner of May River Mattress.
the type of service you deserve, and the type you need to ensure your next night’s sleep is fantastic.
“We keep all the top brands so you’re able to compare them back-to-back. And since we guarantee the lowest price, there’s no reason to go online and no advantage to going to big box store,” he said. “And our whole staff operates that same way. I have one who started in mattresses when I did 16 years ago and another who was a manufacturer rep
for decades. They know what they’re talking about, and they’re just as focused on teaching people about what they’re buying.”
Every body has different needs in a mattress, but the one thing we ultimately need is the fulfilment of that old saying: quality between us and the ground. Helping each of us find that quality is what May River Mattress was founded for, and what Charlie Taylor and his team do each and every day.
Stella catches air as she tests out the merchandise with a few big jumps.
Secondary nests can grow to an extremely large size. Only trained pest control professionals have the expertise to properly eliminate nests at this stage of maturity.
ARTICLE BY RICK MONROE
Citizens Can Help Eradicate Invasive Hornets
Preserving the Honey Bee Population Is A Team Effort
What is the largest threat to the honeybee population? One might guess global warming, or pesticides, or disease.
But there is a rapidly growing threat that is under the radar for most people: Other bees – specifically, the yellow-legged hornet.
These large hornets can wipe out an entire honeybee colony over time. Honeybees are vital to our economy and ecosystem in a variety of ways. They are among the most effective pollinators on earth, and up to a third of the food we eat depends on pollinators like honeybees. They transfer pollen between flowers, enabling them to reproduce.
Honeybees are critical for crops. Without them, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would become scarce and dramatically more expensive. In general, honeybees promote plant diversity, support entire food chains for birds, insects, and mammals, and help stabilize soils and improve environmental resilience.
Since honeybees are so important for ecosystem and economic health, and their diminished population could have devastating effects,
Identifying and eliminating nests in the embryo nest stage is the best prevention. Homeowners should report any nests immediately.
Yellow-legged hornet nests are most often discovered high above the ground near the tops of trees. The public should report any sightings so pest control professionals can destroy the nest.
somebody had better start paying attention to the yellowlegged hornet threat.
Fortunately, this growing threat is on the radar of pest professionals like Hilton Head Exterminators and the Clemson University Apiary Inspection Program.
When, where, and how did the yellow-legged hornet become a problem in our area? They are believed to have come from China through shipping containers. This is only a recent problem in our region, being first discovered in the Savannah area in 2023.
The problem has proliferated rapidly in just a few short years. In fact, according to Brad Cavin, coordinator of the Apiary Inspection Program at Clemson, the numbers are alarming. “In 2024, we found 16 nests. In 2025, we eliminated 137 nests,” he reported. “In 2026, we have already found 41 nests, so we’re on pace to hit over 160 nests this year.”
Just as aggressive as the yellow-legged hornet is the effort to control and eliminate them. Cavin reported that his team has 2,700 traps in the Lowcountry to trap queens and prevent future nest expansion. Each trap is inspected weekly to help turn the tide on the increasing nest count each year.
However, the professionals can’t win the battle alone. They call on the public to watch for, discover, and report any nest activities. The best defense is a good offense. That is, an informed awareness of what to look for and to whom to report possible nests.
The initial stage is the embryo nest, a small, golf ball-size nest that houses the queen. As the population increases, the queen and her expanding population migrate to a new home, called a primary nest. This larger nest provides room for dramatic population expansion. The final phase is the
secondary nest, a huge orb, usually seen very high up in the top of a tree. This huge nest can house thousands of yellow-legged hornets. The entire process can take only a few months to go from embryo to secondary nest.
Cavin and his team from Clemson University have resources that can equip the public to assist them in finding nests, hopefully before they reach maturity. On the Clemson University website (clemson.edu), one can search “The Hornet Herald,” which includes links to a number of tools and techniques that can geometrically expand the ability to discover nests.
The eradication of nests, of any size, is best accomplished by a pest control professional. This can prevent painful bee stings but also ensures that the queen is eliminated, which is key to preventing any chance for expansion.
Yellow-Legged Hornet
Honeybee
The eradication of nests, of any size, is best accomplished by a pest control professional. This can prevent painful bee stings but also ensures that the queen is eliminated, which is key to preventing any chance for expansion.
Brian DeChirico, general manager at Hilton Head Exterminators, said they have been called to eliminate more than 100 nests. This usually involves the use of a man lift that can take the technician to the top of a tree that is home for the secondary stage nest. The hole in the nest is plugged and a plastic bag is put around the nest. After cutting the nest from the tree the bag is treated and the entire population of the nest is eliminated. Devin said that the elimination procedure would be much easier if nests were discovered prior to the mature stage. That is why the public has been called on to help identify nests and given tools to make that procedure as simple as possible.
KNOW YOUR FLOOD ZONE AND GET COVERED NOW
Hurricane season begins June 1, and along with it comes a reminder of the importance of maintaining flood insurance separate from other types of insurance policies, particularly given our area’s susceptibility to storm surge. On Hilton Head Island, flooding may stem from different kinds of natural phenomena such as hurricanes, storm surges, high tides, and heavy rainfall. The best way to mitigate flood-related damage is to be prepared.
Through our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), federal flood insurance remains available to all residents, even if your home is located outside the high-risk flood zone. Flood insurance is a separate policy from your standard homeowner insurance policy and it provides critical coverage from damages due to flooding and flood-related erosion. Here are some things to consider as you review your policy thoroughly:
• Know your flood zone and learn more about the variety of strategies you can use to protect your property.
• Separate coverage is available for building structures and contents.
• You do not need a mortgage to purchase flood insurance; renters can get coverage to safeguard personal belongings, regardless of whether the property owner invests in structural coverage.
• Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. Do not wait until disaster strikes to learn that you are underinsured or not covered.
Our community’s commitment to sound floodplain management practices has earned us a Class 5 rating from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). This rating not only reflects our effective flood management, it also translates to a potential 25% discount on flood insurance
MAYOR
BRINGING BLUFFTON TOGETHER, ONE EVENT AT A TIME
One of the Town of Bluffton’s greatest honors is bringing people together.
It is part of what makes this community special. Neighbors gathering in our parks. Families spending time outside. Friends reconnecting. These events shape how we experience Bluffton and make our community special.
In the years following the pandemic, the town made a clear commitment: Create more opportunities for connection. Each year since, we have expanded our events calendar to meet that goal. These events are not just activities –they are part of Bluffton’s quality of life.
This spring and summer, that commitment continues.
In May, residents can explore Bluffton’s history through the Mobile Symposium series, “Bluffton’s Legends and Lores,” led by Glen Umberger, the town’s historic preservationist, at the town’s Welcome Center (111 Calhoun Street).
These short, lunchtime talks highlight the stories behind places many of us pass every day, from the Squire Pope Carriage House to the Church of the Cross and the Burning of Bluffton. These lectures will be held each Thursday in May from noon to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Welcome Center.
May also brings one of Bluffton’s most well-known traditions, Mayfest in Old Town on May 9. Mayfest, a.k.a. the Bluffton Village Festival, is hosted by the Rotary Club of Bluffton. The town will have a booth set up on May River Road, so please stop by and pick up informational brochures and promotional items.
A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry
A Note from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer
Our community’s commitment to sound floodplain management practices has earned us a Class 5 rating from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). This rating not only reflects our effective flood management, it also translates to a potential 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for Hilton Head Island property owners.
premiums for Hilton Head Island property owners. Since 1991, our town has been actively involved in FEMA’s CRS program, which evaluates communities based on their effectiveness in managing floodplains. This includes public information, mapping and regulatory standards, flood damage mitigation, and flood preparedness. Certified floodplain managers are on hand to provide information and address inquiries regarding Flood Insurance Rate Maps, flood map determinations, local drainage issues, coastal erosion, flood risk assessments, flood elevation certificates, and construction requirements. For more information, or to reach a floodplain administrator, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/flood/insure.cfm.
Always remember, we live on a barrier island. Please take the time to protect the life you built here with flood insurance.
Families can enjoy Movie Nights in the Park, beginning May 15 at Martin Family Park with Lilo and Stitch, followed by Shrek on June 12 at the Riverside Barn event lawn. Each evening begins with games, bounce houses, and time to gather before the movie starts.
June and July bring opportunities for fun in the sun with kids’ waterslide events at the Field of Dreams and Buckwalter Place Amphitheater Park. These are simple, active Saturday mornings designed for families to enjoy time together outdoors. These events will be held June 6 at the Oscar Frazier Park and July 18 at Buckwalter Place Park – both events are from 9 a.m. to noon.
As Independence Day approaches, Bluffton’s community spirit is on full display. Events begin with a flag ceremony and dedication on July 2, followed by the Stay Safe Bluffton 5K and a series of celebrations leading into July 3, including a pre-fireworks gathering at Martin Family Park and the town’s fireworks at Oyster Factory Park.
The calendar continues into late summer with a familyfocused performance on Aug. 21, when the town hosts Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show at New Riverside Barn Park. Show time is 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Each event is designed with a purpose: to create space for connection.
These gatherings take place in settings that define Bluffton – our parks, our riverfront, and our shared public spaces. I encourage you to join us. Bring your family. Invite a neighbor. Take part in the moments that continue to shape Bluffton. Because in Bluffton, community is not just something we talk about – it is something we do.
A Note from Alan Perry continued
A Note from Larry Toomer continued
Article by Jesse Blanco . Photography by M.Kat
Hannah Dasher Brings Entertaining Flair to New Cookbook
If you’ve spent any time around country-rock musician Hannah Dasher – whether online, onstage, or now on the page – you already know she doesn’t do anything halfway. Her debut cookbook, Stand By Your Pan, is exactly what you’d expect from her: bold, funny, unapologetically Southern, and packed with personality.
But here’s the thing – this isn’t just a cookbook. It’s a full-on extension of who she is.
Raised just up the road from Savannah in Springfield, Dasher brings a Lowcountry sensibility to everything she touches. And while her career in Nashville as a recording artist continues to grow, this book feels like a love letter to where she came from – and the flavors that shaped her.
The origin story alone tells you everything you need to know.
“I loved to eat and I loved to cook,” she said. “I was home visiting my mother … and she goes, ‘Sally, you’re a lot of fun, you really ought to have a cooking show. You should call it Stand By Your Pan.’ And I was like, ‘Mama, that’s brilliant.’”
That moment stuck. She went out and trademarked the name almost immediately. Fast forward through a pandemic, a viral social media run, and a whole lot of recipe testing, and now here we are – with a cookbook that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Flipping through Stand By Your Pan, you’ll notice something right away: These recipes are approachable. We’re talking biscuits, pound cakes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens – the kind of dishes that define Southern kitchens. But Dasher isn’t just handing you the basics. She’s giving you her version of them, shaped by years of traveling, tasting, and tweaking.
I spoke to her last month ahead of a downtown Savannah book signing event. My immediate take away was “Hannah is a hoot!”
“Traveling the world as a touring musician … it took leaving home to realize all soul food’s not created equal,” she said. “What we do in the Lowcountry … is very special. And my goal was to give you my versions of these things.”
That perspective shows up in dishes like her fried chicken livers with port wine sauce (inspired by a Savannah favorite) or her rich, over-the-top desserts that don’t hold back. This is not a light cookbook. It’s indulgent, comforting, and meant to be enjoyed.
And honestly, that’s kind of the point.
“I don’t want anyone to grow up without home-cooked meals during the week at least a few times,” Dasher said. “There’s really something special about that.”
There’s also something refreshing about how she talks about cooking. No pretension. No gatekeeping. Just a desire to keep these traditions alive – especially for a younger generation that might not have grown up in the kitchen.
She even pushes back a little on the “perfect” cookbook standards.
“I had to fight with the editor to get certain things in here,” she said, laughing. “Fancy cookbook chefs … they only do things in 25-degree increments. But not if you want the right texture on your pound cake.”
That kind of honesty is what makes this book stand out. It’s not about perfection – it’s about flavor, feel, and experience. And yes, sometimes that means baking a cake at 315 degrees because that’s what actually works.
Speaking of cake, if there’s one recipe she lights up about, it’s her chocolate creations. “My triple chocolate pound cake is probably my favorite,” she said. “It’s rich and chocolatey… and it’ll hurt people’s feelings, it’s so good.”
That line alone should sell a few copies.
Beyond the recipes, Stand By Your Pan reads like a personal conversation with Dasher. Her humor, her storytelling, even her larger-than-life personality (including references to her now-famous “hoochie grandma”) are baked right into the pages.
“This is a cookbook unlike any others,” she said. “It’s a good read, even if you never cook out of it … it’ll leave you in a better spot. You’re gonna laugh.”
And she’s right. You will.
At a time when food content can sometimes feel overly curated or overly complicated, Hannah Dasher brings it back to something real. Good food. Good stories. A little bit of chaos. And a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone who’s just trying to figure out how not to ruin a batch of biscuits, Stand By Your Pan meets you where you are – and invites you to have some fun with it.
You can find the cookbook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you order your books.
Hannah Dasher's new cookbook, Stand by Your Pan, is available on Amazon.
Jesse Blanco, host of Eat it and Like it!
May 2026 Calendar
TUESDAYS
FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Shops at Sea Pines Center
THURSDAYS
BLUFFTON FARMER’S MARKET 12-4 p.m.
68 Boundry Street Local artists, makers, farmers Farmersmarketbluffton.org
JEVON DALY KIDS’ SHOW
5-7 p.m Sun-W-F Coligny Center Stage
21-23; MAY 27-AUG. 13
Thursday - Saturday; Monday - Thursday
GREGG RUSSELL SUMMER CONCERTS
8-9:30 p.m. Liberty Oak at Harbour Town
1-17
Weekends
“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”
Sea Glass Stage at Coligny sgstage.org/tickets
THRU 24
Wednesdays - Sundays
“HAIRSPRAY” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina artshhi.com
6 Wednesday YAPPY HOUR
4-6 p.m. Nectar Bluffton hhhumane.org
6 Wednesday
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
5-7 p.m.
Village at Wexford hhhumane.org
7 Thursday
FIRST THURSDAY ARTISAN ALLEY 4-7 p.m. Shops at Sea Pines Center
7, 14 Thursdays
MUSIC & TASTE ON THE HARBOUR 6-9 p.m.
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina FREE! Bring your chair!
