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Hilton Head People

VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE HELPS PIANO MAN RETURN TO LOCAL STAGES

Musician Sterlin Covin knows first hand that nothing in life is guaranteed. For years, he performed around the world, ultimately making enough money to settle on Hilton Head Island so that he could spend more time with his young family.

But after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when the entertainment industry found itself struggling, Covin was forced drastic financial moves — including dropping his health insurance. Seven years later, two freak accidents left him financially ruined, living in Section 8 housing in a wheelchair, and unknowingly facing the possibility of never being able to walk again.

“Hilton Head Hotties” Angela Rummans and Tyler Crispen may not have won the top prize on the 20th season of CBS’ hit reality show “Big Brother,” but it appears they won each other’s hearts.

Ohio native Crispen, 23, lived on Hilton Head Island until recently, working as a lifeguard. Rummans, 26, grew up on Hilton Head, graduating from Hilton Head Island High School and attending the University of South Carolina before moving to California, where she works as a model and runs a company that makes personalized art pieces.

FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP

Jennifer Cole is the kind of person you feel like you can ask for help, and she’s known at Fresenius Kidney Care of Hilton Head for her infectious enthusiasm. As a clinical manager, she mentors coworkers and works with dialysis patients and their families. Dialysis is a time-intensive medical treatment that many people with kidney disease rely on to survive. The process involves cleaning the patient’s blood three times a week for hours at a time. Cole, who started as a nurse four years ago and then promoted to manager, makes time to sit down with each patient. Her unique ability to empathize with them comes from surviving struggles in her own life. 

COOPER AND WILLIE CRAM OWN BEAR ISLAND DISTRIBUTORS, WHICH BRINGS CRAFT BEERS TO THE LOWCOUNTRY.

High quality beer was an acquired taste for Cooper and Willie Cram, but now it has become their business.

“Even up through college, I was drinking Natty Ice,” said Cooper, thinking of the watery mass-produced national brand. His brother Willie nods, reclining in a wooden chair beside sun-bleached oyster shells, the remains of years of family oyster roasts.

HILTON HEAD HOSPITAL NAMES NEW WOMEN’S SERVICE DIRECTOR

Jodie Mays has been named the new Women’s Services Director for Hilton Head Hospital. In her new role, Mays will be responsible for labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery services at Hilton Head Hospital. Previously, Mays worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from McKendree University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati.

THE HIGHEST BIDDER

When Sonny Huntley enrolled for a weeklong class at the Jim Graham School of Auctioneering 40 years ago, he did so on a lark. Huntley grew up attending livestock auctions and was always fascinated by the fast-talking auctioneers, and he wanted to give it a try. He didn’t plan on taking it too seriously, and he wasn’t sure he would ever put the skills to practical use.

LOWCOUNTRY HUMAN RESOURCES HOLDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Lowcountry community is no stranger to the labor shortage seen across the country. Businesses that are struggling to find and keep qualified employees should consider attending the Lowcountry Human Resources Association’s annual conference, titled “Recruiting and Retaining Employees in a Tight Labor Market.” The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. Business owners, managers, HR representatives and recruiters are welcome to attend. Registration is required by Sept. 9. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. For more information, call 843-816-4985.

COURTNEY KENNEWEG’S RETURN TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Restaurants on Hilton Head come and go, but a handful remain year-in and year-out. Among this minority of mainstays are the island’s two Crazy Crabs. What is it about the Crazy Crabs?

“High-quality fresh food, good service and a fun atmosphere,” Courtney Kenneweg said in a heartbeat.

J. BANKS DESIGN PROJECT EARNS TOP HONORS

J. Banks Design Group-designed John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, was selected as the first-place winner in the Private Club Remodel category by Golf Inc. magazine in its annual Clubhouse Competition. The contest annually recognizes the best new and renovated clubhouses in the United States and internationally. J. Banks designed the interiors of the 50,500-square-foot club.

PREP STUDENT DESIGNS BETTER BALLET SHOES

Sometimes the biggest innovations arise from simple problems.

Take Abigail Freed: Last year, she found herself growing frustrated with her ballet shoes, because they wore out so quickly. As a member of Hilton Head Dance Theatre, she went through a pair of pointe shoes at every performance — and with a production like “The Nutcrakcer” that had multiple performances, rehearsals and practices, she was going through shoes fast. And at $100 a pop, it became an expensive problem.

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