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The Island News
COVERING NORTHERN BEAUFORT COUNTY
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
OCTOBER 1-7, 2015
WHAT’S INSIDE?
SOCIAL
Beaufort Memorial was always the goal. Ever since Luke Baxley first worked in the emergency room during one of his medical school rotations, he had his heart set on returning. His wife-to-be Geneva had been working in New York as a photographer and actress on As the World Turns, but she too was ready for a change and was earning a second degree at Duke’s School of Nursing. So when the childhood friends reconnected at Luke’s sister’s wedding and sparks flew, there was no question that Beaufort was going to be their home - and that Beaufort Memorial was going to be their hospital. Luke assumed the role of assistant director of the Emergency Room soon thereafter, and Geneva began her nursing career on the 5th floor medical/surgical unit. And now, years later, the couple is assuming a new role - as co-chairs of the 27th Annual Valentine Ball. “The hospital is what brought us
here and Fr om has always lef t: L been a key u ke B ax en. part of our daily ely a n Cu ll b o d G e n e va ; B d M ary L o u an life,” they explain “so we enthusiasm is are both honored and grateful to be positively contagious. “The band this able to support this event.” Joining them as co-chairs are Bob year is going to be amazing,” Geneva and Mary Lou Cullen who have been gushes. “As a wedding photographer, actively involved with the Ball as both I’ve seen literally hundreds of bands committee volunteers and dinner play, and Rubberband is far and away party hosts ever since moving here the very best. I just can’t wait!” Neither can we. More than 600 from Seattle 15 years ago. Like Geneva, Mary Lou is a nurse people are expected to attend this by training, and Bob was president year’s black tie fundraiser, scheduled of a systems engineering company for Saturday, Feb. 6, with its “The that the couple founded 35 years ago. Golden Age of Hollywood” theme. Since their retirement, the Cullens Guests who purchase tickets before have been wholly dedicated to giving the Jan. 12TH RSVP deadline will back to their community – in addi- also be invited to attend one of the tion to all of their efforts on behalf privately-hosted pre-ball dinner of the Ball and their church, she vol- parties held in many of Beaufort’s unteers with hospice patients, and he most beautiful homes and special ministers to the area’s nursing homes. venues. “The dinner parties are all You can ask any of them about the BALL continued on page 6 upcoming Ball, and their collective
OktoPRfest celebration proves successful for second year.
see page 8
PROFILE
Hollyhock’s shop owner defines success.
see page 12
SPORTS
First Annual Adaptive Golf Challenge at Parris Island scores an ace!
see page 16
INDEX
Kallaher hits 20 year mark at Mama’s Furniture Brent Kallaher, Manager at Mama’s Furniture recently celebrated his 20th anniversary working in Beaufort. “When I started here in 1996, I never imagined I would last as long as five years, much less twenty. But here I am and enjoying it as much as I did when I first walked through those doors.” Brent continued, “This was a dream come true for me. I was right out of high school and jobs were really hard to find. Did I know anything about furniture back then? Hardly. But today it is hard to stump me. The store offers so many manufacturers that finding the item that is just right for our customer is something we regularly do.” Jo Stutts, General Manager of Mama’s Furniture, described Brent as “a oneof-a-kind of employee. Whether it is Brent Kallaher is descirbed as “a one-of-a-kind of employee.”
FURNITURE continued on page 6
Community 2-7 Arts 7 Social 8 Business 9 Health 10 Profile 12 Voices 14 Schools 14 Sports 16 Wine 18 Games 19 Pets 20 Events 21 Directory 22 Classifieds 23