Monthly Columnists

I anticipate that historians will divide time as pre-COVID and post-COVID, even if it might not change the Gregorian calendar like B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini).

The world was about to change anyway, but the pandemic will serve as a trigger point to accelerate transformations and alter how we think and act from this point forward. Here is my prediction on how 10 big concepts will alter everything:

Dear Reader

Thanksgiving offers us an opportunity to reflect. This has been a trying year, one filled with unexpected challenges that we have endured together.

The Monthly team is grateful for our business partners and loyal readers.

We don’t take for granted our responsibility as the “Voice of the Lowcountry,” and we are thankful we can share the area’s most compelling stories with you.

I venture to say that unlocking the power of women would make for a better world.

It’s been 100 years since the amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote was ratified. South Carolina originally voted to reject the amendment in 1920, before finally ratifying it on July 1, 1969. 

Dear Reader 

The cool autumn air is here but unfortunately this year we will miss out on many fall festivals. But there are plenty of Lowcountry stories to talk about. 

As we continue to recognize our 35^th anniversary, we also celebrate those who have made a difference in our area for decades.  

This month, we are all revved up to highlight some of the area’s classic car collectors and spotlight people making an impact in our communities.

We also feature the Lowcountry’s Leading Men with stories that showcase the hard work and ingenuity that helps them succeed. 

A PIVOTAL POINT

The year 2020 will be remembered as a pivotal point in American history. 

Looking back at this moment we will understand how a culmination of events has changed our behavior and perception of reality and influenced the future in a profound manner, similar in significance to America entering World War II, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the opening of China relations or the 9/11 attack. 

Dear Reader

It is a time of celebration and change at Monthly magazine. We are excited to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and this month we introduce a new look.

As we constantly strive to give our readers a fresh perspective on the happenings in the Lowcountry, we offer a crisp and striking redesign that is refined and visually engaging.

This has been a very muted Fourth of July celebration.

Stopped in our regular routine by the coronavirus outbreak, shaken by the death of George Floyd, stirred by the hatred and division we are displaying as a nation, we deep down start realizing that the “American Promise” has been derailed.

Dear Reader,

When we put the finishing touches on our August issue, we did so with a great sense of appreciation for those we hold dear to our hearts.

We lost a great humanitarian last month when Dr. Rick Vanderslice lost his two-year battle with cancer. Rick was passionate in everything he did, from fishing to hiking to helping others. His altruism will be missed, but never forgotten. Inside you can read about his life and legacy.

LESSONS FOR TODAY’S WORLD

As I reflect on today’s protests against police brutality and racism, I’m reminded of a life-changing epiphany I experienced in 1999 at a medical conference. We were complaining about malpractice insurance premiums, for which some colleagues were paying more than $100,000 annually. In this discussion, one member stated that if we paid more attention to caring for our patients and less attention to our finances, everything would work out fine. After this, I became more focused on improving patient safety and reducing medical errors, especially during the birth process — and I believe the lessons I learned could help us as a society recognize racial biases and create lasting change. 

Publisher Anuska Frey, S.C. Sen. Tom Davis and editor Carol Weir mask up.

Dear Reader

In July, the Lowcountry welcomes thousands of visitors who flock here for precious vacations with family and friends. Tourism is one of the largest job creators in the Lowcountry and we are grateful that so many families want to spend their time and money here. 

LESSONS IN SUSTAINABILITY

I’m using the imposed Covid break from my usual daily routine to take inventory on what truly matters and what does not. I spent time musing about big topics such as: if humanity reduces its footprint, nature will recover. I also did relatively benign things like going through my closet and lining up every T-shirt I own. It’s official: I have too many T-shirts!

While respecting social distancing, publisher Anuska Frey and editor Carol Weir celebrated seeing each other again after eight weeks of working from home.

Dear Reader

When we sent our June issue to the printer, the Monthly team was working remotely—but like the rest of the Lowcountry, beginning to venture out in the world as it reopened. As restrictions have been lifted and visitors arrive to enjoy their summer vacations, we feel relief that our local economy is up and running again and hope that we can move about safely.