If I had to sum up this issue in just one word, it would be “community.” It was not necessarily our intent at the outset – November usually features fluffy fare dedicated to highlighting local realtors and general gift guide ideas and fashion content for the holidays.
October was a strange month though, and things shifted quite organically during the production of this issue. First came Hurricane Helene, devastating North Carolina and flooding small towns in Appalachia while we watched the horror unfold in what brief social media posts the North Carolina locals could get out. I watched this bring out the best in the human race as Lowcountry residents, all too familiar with the aftermath of a storm, rallied together to bring water, food, generators, baby formula and more to those in need. Lynne Hummell interviews a few local heroes for her story, Wings of Angels, on page 103.
Then came Hurricane Milton, barreling down on the entire state of Florida just days after Helene had wreaked her havoc. In addition to the hour-by-hour coverage of a Cat 5 hurricane racing across the Gulf, there was the general unease and fatigue everyone feels during an election cycle. In conversations with so many friends and clients, we were all just feeling a bit raw.
When it seems like everything around you is falling apart, it helps to look for the good, however buried it may be. Yes, Pollyanna was most certainly one of my favorite Disney movies growing up. This issue shines a light on a lot of incredible people putting some good into the world, with their selfless acts of love and kindness. We kicked off the issue highlighting local volunteers for some of our most respected local charitable organizations. Read the article on page 34 – perhaps it will inspire YOU to get involved.
Heather Quinn shares Matt Bauman’s conviction to make this the biggest toy drive ever for Deep Well, hoping to top 2023’s number of donations, which hit $30,000. Read his story on page 91.
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is back for its 25th year and we cover that, and how it got its start, on page 95.
Of course, there are so many good things in this issue – our limited series, Getting to 90, features Tom and Nancy Kemeny. Read their thoughts on love, marriage, and raising children on page 84.
Wishing you all a wonderful November. Remember to look around and be thankful – and look for opportunities to help others.
Stylist Kaila Jeffcoat shines some light on the subject at a recent shoot at 18 Armada. See the spread on page 64.
