Monthly Columnists

Imagine that we would accept our differences in ideology and cooperate on the basis that we share the same biology. Imagine that instead of the short-term gain for one, we would plan for the long-term benefit for all.

Imagine that following the lessons of World War II, we would agree to ban nuclear-powered weaponry. Imagine that instead of engaging in cyber warfare, we focus on finding solutions to real-world affairs.

It is time once again for the Lowcountry to get its plaid on. We are excited for the return of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing golf tournament, which has been played annually at Harbour Town Golf Links since 1969.

We can’t wait to see the sport’s best vie for the prestigious crown — and we look forward to seeing the community reveling in one of the state’s premier events.

I can’t wait until my Meta Me — the digital version of me — becomes a reality.

His name is “Sir Alex,” a mix between “Siri” and “Alexa,” which seems appropriate since my middle name is Alex. It will of course have a gender-correct male voice.

Dear reader... 

At Monthly we are full of enthusiasm and ready to enjoy the upcoming spring season.

As nature shows off its beauty this month, we are pleased to show off the Lowcountry.

A sense of hope was undeniable at an early morning youth futsal game. 

Parents, gripping tall to-go coffee cups, made small talk outside the gym. A father and son tossed a football in the grass. 

A young boy earnestly dribbled a basketball around his mother and uncle, losing possession then scurrying excitedly to retrieve the ball.

Dear reader...

Love is in the air this month. In recognition of this romantic time, we celebrate it with our annual bridal issue.

New love is highlighted in profiles of local couples who tied the knot after longstanding commitments to each other. We also offer insight into why each detail during a wedding makes a difference.

We have been faced with a lot in the last two years. 

The anxiousness of how Covid influences our lives; divided opinions about masks, politics, abortion rights, to name just a few; an economy that faces labor shortages and supply-chain issues. 

On top of these short-term challenges comes the realization that climate change is real, with negative impacts that can be felt across the country. 

Dear reader...

The Lowcountry is full of fascinating people who make our community unique. Our annual Intriguing People of the Lowcountry issue celebrates who we are and highlights the compelling backgrounds of our neighbors.

You may know some of the people featured, but we promise you’ll learn things about them you didn’t know.

Gas-powered leaf blowers are everywhere in our communities. Most of us seem to insist on leaf-free driveways and manicured grass areas in our gardens.

I never quite understood the logic behind this handheld obnoxiously loud monster that pollutes the fresh air in our neighborhoods. After all, there is a reason why they are labeled “leaf blowers” and not “leaf pick-up devices.”

The holiday season is a time to give, to cherish our loved ones and appreciate those who have enriched our lives. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and we are grateful you are spending some of your valuable time with us. 

To celebrate the end of the year we are recognizing our local businesses and communities with our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, chosen by 69,956 votes. Thank you for voting and letting us know your favorite businesses and professionals. 

Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to reflect and appreciate what is important to us. We appreciate you, our loyal readers. We don’t take for granted our responsibility as the “Voice of the Lowcountry,” and we are thankful we can share with you the area’s most compelling stories. 

Our community is blessed to have so many people who inspire us. This month learn about Bluffton veteran Gustavo Gomez, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and turned to his love of baseball to help him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

With more than 200,000 residents and a couple million tourists each year, Beaufort and Jasper counties are no longer the sleepy paradise of years past. 

But with growth comes issues: Development in both counties; the Hilton Head bridge replacement; Hardeeville’s rapid growth; school crowding and quality; business development; traffic; workforce housing; beach preservation; and others.