Men and their Chairs

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Photography by Christian Lee and Nic Eve

There’s something special about the relationship a man has with his chair. Curiously, we wanted to see some of the chairs our local Beaufort County men are attached to, and therefore, went looking for a few good men. We did a good job finding them, and not only did they have a favorite “chair,” creative as it may be, but a lot of heart as well!

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AMIRI FARRIS

Hometown:  Lives in Bluffton; Originally from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Career: Professor of Foundation Studies  / Fine Artist / Director of creative development dtmhhi.com

Single. Keeping my options open.

Life is good because: Each day is a new day and you’re only limited by your imagination.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: You are a brush; the world is your Canvas.

Something about me that would surprise people is… I am 40 years old.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… Futuristic things like flying cars and robots.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… A flash mob type of dance on River Street in Savannah for one of my music videos. Check it out: www.vevo.com/watch/geuka/Red-Heart-Valentine 

My biggest pet peeve is… People that complain about a situation but don’t do anything about it.

If I could have a superpower I would choose… To fly; it would be exciting to see the world from above.

My greatest achievement is… Being able to display my artwork around the world.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): It’s a paddleboard that I designed with JB boards out of Hilton head Island. I love sitting on it enjoying  Lowcountry scenery.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… I am unique, creative and layered. I also like to work hard and play hard.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… Embrace your creativity and gifts. Life is too short to say one day I’m going to. Do what you love now!

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W. WALLACE MCMAHON

Hometown:  Monongahela, PA

Career: President, National Roll Division, Akers Steel Company

Widowed. My wife's name was Joyce.

Children? Yes (ha!) And five grandchildren

Life is good because: All my children are coming to Hilton Head for my 91st birthday.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: Better never than late.

Something about me that would surprise people is… 65 years ago, before my wedding, I quit a pack and a-half a day cigarette habit cold turkey.  Think of the money I’ve saved!

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… A country that is respectful of all parties, all people and expecially the Constitution of the United States of America.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… volunteer for the paratroopers in World War II, during which I received a Purple Heart.

My biggest pet peeve is… Hilton Head drivers (maybe tourists) who won’t use their turn signal when changing lanes or entering or exiting a round about. 

If I could have a superpower I would choose… I’d be happy to not be colorblind to most dark colors.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is… Growing into a loving grandparent and kind old(er) man instead of a strict disciplinarian.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): It was given to me by my children on my 80th birthday, when they insisted I get rid of the ratty, broken-springed, eyesore I was comfortable with.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… He reads A LOT!!!

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… Make an effort to make every encounter with another person positive for them.

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ARTHUR K. SMITH

Hometown:  Derry, New Hampshire   

Career:  Higher education (professor of political science, worked at four universities, and served as president or chancellor of three).

Family: Wife’s name:  June D. Smith; Children: Three (one boy, two girls) 
Grandchildren:  Eleven (six boys, five girls); Great grandchildren:  Two (one boy, one girl)

Life is good because: I’ve been married to a wonderful wife for nearly 56 years, I’m retired, and we’re living here in Wexford Plantation in a sub-tropical island paradise.  I also get to play duplicate bridge every day, either here in Hilton Head or online.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: If you always tell the truth, you won’t need a long memory.  And as Lord Chesterfield wrote, a gentleman never insults another unintentionally. 

Something about me that would surprise people is: I’m a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy and was a naval aviator, and I still hold the Academy’s record for the 60 yard dash.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is: The end of gerrymandering for U. S. House of Representatives elections and a return to more competitive elections through balanced redistricting.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is: Playing golf and investing in new clubs with the misbegotten faith that somehow my game would improve to some degree of self-fulfillment.  I also took a tango lesson with my wife in Buenos Aires, but that’s for another story.

My biggest pet peeve is: Ill-informed people who seem to get all their opinions from watching cable network news.

If I could have a superpower I would choose: The ability to become invisible or visible at will.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is: Survival as president/chancellor of three public universities with politicized governing boards, faculty members with lifelong tenure, budget slashing state legislatures, and alumni excessively focused on intercollegiate athletics.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): It has been with me for 25 years, is very comfortable, never complains about loading fluctuations or imbalances, and has stood up extremely well to changes in geography and climate.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you: Absolutely no tales at all.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be: Be true to your principles, and don’t be afraid of taking risks when opportunity comes knocking.

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CRAIG REAVES

Hometown:  For the past 23 years, Beaufort is my home.   

Career:  Commercial Fisherman  

Married: Wife, Jana  

Children: Melena, CJ, Molleigh, Samueld

Life is good because: I have been truly blessed to keep our family heritage/legacy alive.

My favorite motto or words to live by are:  From our boats to your table.

Something about me that would surprise people is… My passion for competing in SC BBQ Association events with my daughter Melena.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… For our country to return to it’s roots—to a country with morals, valor and integrity.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… I went crabbing in a 16’ skiff during Tropical Storm Irene.

My biggest pet peeve is…People with poor work ethic.

If I could have a superpower I would choose… The ability to be in more than one place at a time.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is… Carrying on my dad’s legacy in the seafood industry.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): My chair is a Captain’s chair on one of our family shrimp boats. I wasn’t just given this chair; I had to earn it. My Dad bought me my first shrimp boat when I was 15 and began teaching me the nuances of being a captain. For 20 years I was a full time shrimp boat captain.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… It would ask, “Where have you been?” Since purchasing Sea Eagle Market, my time has been spent buying and selling seafood or in the local rivers harvesting, developing and cultivating our shellfish program.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… “Never give up; and believe that God has given us our talents and abilities to accomplish our purpose in life. So, follow your dreams. They’re your dreams for a reason.”

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MARK HUSBANDS

Hometown:  Panama City, Fla.  

Career: Professional Drummer/Singer/Recording Engineer for The Headliners Band & Single Husbands Band, HHI Symphony Orchestra, and HHI International Piano Competition  

Family: Wife, Lise 

Children: Tipsy—the coolest cat (rag doll) on the planet!

Life is good because: I do what I love and love what I do!

My favorite motto or words to live by are: A back bone will get you more than a wish bone!

Something about me that would surprise people is: (1) I met my wife Lise, who was looking for a roommate, while I was living/working in Waikiki. Obviously, I did not tell her right away that I was a drummer, but she moved in that day, and we’ve been together ever since (30 years now)! (2) Rode a camel at the Pyramids while on a USO Tour for the International Peace Keeping Forces in Egypt. (3)Had the pleasure of recording “bar scene” sound tracks with Clint Eastwood and his daughter Alison, for the film In the Garden of Good and Evil.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is: World Peace.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is: Walk across the frozen Charles River from Boston to Cambridge with my dog, when I was attending Berklee College of Music.

My biggest pet peeve is: Litter bugs and negative people.

If I could have a superpower I would choose: The ability to remember the lyrics and drum beats to every song.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is: Surviving and thriving in the music business for 44 years.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): My drum throne is made in the USA by Pork Pie Drum Company whose motto is “Made in America by an American”. I bought it years ago from the old Hilton Head Island Jazz Society when I worked as sound engineer for their concerts.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you: This guy has spent a lot of time in this spot, and will most likely die here “resting in beats”!

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be: Live your dream!

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Photo provided by Lavon Stevens

LAVON C. STEVENS

Hometown:  Thunderbolt, Ga. (Suburb of Savannah, Ga.)  

Career: Musician, Realtor  

Divorced.  

Children: 2 Sons - Joshua L. Stevens age 19 & Nicholas D. Stevens age 17

Life is good because: I work at my passion and make a living doing it.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: Do as much good as you can, for as many people, for as long as you can.

Something about me that would surprise people is… I can be very funny, but very serious when it’s time to focus.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… Racial equality. Better understanding between people of different ethnic and social backgrounds.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… Skiing in Aspen, Co.

My biggest pet peeve is… People should listen twice before speaking once. Too often we cut people off before we listen and analyze what they are saying. Then we would save a lot of time with less wasted emotions and better communication.

If I could have a superpower I would choose…  Clone myself.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is… Community service

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): My chair has been the seat of many great performers. I am very fortunate to have shared the stage and my chair with some legendary artists.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… He’s not just a good piano player and singer, but a great entertainer.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be…  Be kind, gentle, respectful and always use more patience when you are at your wit’s end!

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Photography by Geneva Baxley

JOHN ARTHUR MATTSON

Hometown:   Jacksonville, NC  

Career: Photographer   

Married: Wife, Jessica  

Family: Two Mastiffs, two Chihuahuas and a fat cat.

Life is good because: I get to do what I love. Create!

My favorite motto or words to live by are: It is what it is…

Something about me that would surprise people is… I am a huge, huge "Doctor Who" fan, and was completely disappointed to find out not all Britains feel the same way.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… A cure for Cystic Fibrosis, which my wife Jessica has, and received a double lung transplant for.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… Almost caught my home on fire, playing with fire for an upcoming photo shoot.

My biggest pet peeve is… Unintentionally crooked photos, or poorly done crooked photos.

If I could have a superpower I would choose… X-ray vision would be on top of the list.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is… Serving in the Marine Corps.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): My chair was bought at a thrift store for my studio, at my wife’s insistence, for our clients. However, I tend to use it more than my clients. Since I’m vertically challenged, it’s been my director’s chair for a number of years now.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… I can actually be quite charming.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… Follow your dreams.

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TOM DRAGO

Hometown: Bluffton  

Career: Chief Compliance Officer, CoastalStates Bank  

Married: Wife, Rebekka  

Children: 3, Madeleine, Abigail, Sophia

Life is good because: I’m surrounded by people I love, I get to do things I enjoy, and I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

My favorite motto or words to live by are: “The grass is greenest where you water it.” –Dr. James MacDonald

Something about me that would surprise people is… I love being on stage.  I enjoy public speaking, and have played bass guitar in various musical groups on and off for 15 years.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… I was going to say the Atlanta Falcons winning the Super Bowl, but that’s not happening, so I’ll say Hawaii.  Definitely Hawaii.  Preferably from a beach chair.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… I got to fly a small plane once.  The pilot turned to me and asked if I wanted to fly.  It didn’t turn out so well for one guy in the back, but I had fun!

My biggest pet peeve is… Responding “I don’t know,” or “It’s up to you” when asked for your opinion.

If I could have a superpower I would choose… Tony Stark’s (Iron Man) intelligence.  The man invented a suit of armor that makes him nearly invincible and allows him to fly.

My greatest achievement (other than family) is… I earned my Competent Communicator award in Toastmasters (a public speaking and leadership group) this past fall. I had to learn (and am still learning) that there’s much more to speaking than standing up in front of people and running your mouth!

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): In many ways, its arrival in my life marked my transition from single guy to husband and father.  This chair replaced my Dad’s old chair (which he gave to me), shortly after I was married.  I was sitting in the chair when I found out I was going to be a father for the first time, and I’ve held each of my daughters in this chair.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… That I don’t know how to sit properly in a chair!  This chair is oversized and overstuffed, so I slouch, sit sideways (with my legs over the arm of the chair), basically any way other than properly.

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… Change your inputs, change your life.  Our choices are driven by our thinking.  Our thinking is driven by what we read, watch, and listen to.

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ANTHONY FLOYD

Hometown: Charleston, SC  

Career: Currently working at Michael Kors and Target    

Single.

Life is good because: I'm alive, happy and doing wonderful things with my life. One man may not be able to change the world, but I can make a difference.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: Live life, proceed, progress

Something about me that would surprise people is… I have a caring heart. In my spare time, I always find a way to volunteer in the community. I’ve read books at schools, visited every nursing home in Bluffton and a few on Hilton Head. Also, I try to go to Bluffton Self Help once a week, hospitals and charity events.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is… A woman with a beautiful heart like mine.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is… Two guys at my middle school always got picked on for wearing the same clothes all the time. I felt bad for them and went home, put everything I wasn’t wearing in two trash bags. Then, I went to their house, rang the door bell and ran back home. They never got picked on again. 

My biggest pet peeve is… People driving slow in the fast lane.

If I could have a superpower I would choose… being able to fly. Sometimes you want to travel the world and see different parts of the world.

My greatest achievement is… Earning my high school diploma.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): My Chair is genuine, just like myself, laid back and likes having me around.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you… I’m Awesome!

If I could offer one piece of advice it would be… always be yourself, because no one can be a better you.

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RABBI DR. ARTHUR SEGAL

Hometown: I’m Trenton, NJ Born, U Of Penn Bred, and when I die, I’ll Be Hilton Head dead. 

Career: Retired Oral Medicine Specialist; Presently Rabbi Of Jewish Spiritual Renewal 

VERY Married to: Ellen 

Children: Avivit Keter, a.k.a. ‘’Avi, The Jewish Parrot’’

Life is good because: I awake each day thanking God for a new day to be of maximum service to the Divine Source and to my fellows.

My favorite motto or words to live by are: It used to be ‘’Don’t just sit there, do something." It is now, ‘’Be still, and know that I am God.’’

Something about me that would surprise people is: Although I might seem like an extrovert, I am really an introspective introvert.

One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is:  People truly understanding the spiritual lesson that we are all equal children of The Divine, and when we hurt, or hate, or hold a grudge against another, we are only hurting ourselves.

One of the craziest things I’ve ever done: In 1986, I rented a cigarette speed boat with Ellen on the Intracoastal Water Way in Ft Lauderdale, and unknowingly ran over a floating dock.

My biggest pet peeve: When I go off topic and forget what I’m talking about during a Q & A session after I’ve given a lecture.

If I could have a superpower I would choose: Perspicuity

My greatest achievement is: Continual spiritual and ethical Musar—personal development.

What you should know about my chair (history of chair): In 1987 Ellen and I drove past a closed gas station in Medford, NJ, and saw a truck full of living room furniture for sale. It was a truck of overruns from NC and we bought a set; this chair was part of the set.

If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you: I need to lose 15 pounds.

If I could offer one piece of advice: I am often told, “Rabbi, I want happiness.” I teach that when we learn to delete the  ‘I’, i.e. ego; and delete the ‘want’, i.e. desire, we are left only with happiness.

 

 

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