The 1945 song “The House I Live In (That's America to Me)” offered a strong affirmation of democracy and American values at a pivotal point in the nation’s history, and its message resonates with equal potency in today’s tense social and political climate.
Made popular by Frank Sinatra, it described a hopeful, idealized, multicultural America at a time when the U. S. Army and the country were still racially segregated. Partly because of the timing of its release and partly because it asked a simple but profound question — “What is America to me?” — the song became an anthem of sorts, and a tribute to the men and women who were fighting to keep America safe during a time of social and economic instability, turbulence and terror.
Hilton Head Island Town Council member Kim Likins was recently elected new mayor pro tem after Bill Harkins removed his name from nomination during a council meeting. The move means Likins will act as mayor when David Bennett is absent. She will also assume the role of mayor if the seat is ever vacated. Likins has lived on the island for 16 years and has been active in the community, serving on several boards. She is currently the director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. 
The crew at Outcast Sport Fishing Hilton Head Island hooked its first great white shark of the winter season, then reeled in and tagged another on Dec. 13. Capt. Chip Michalove estimated the first shark’s weight at 3,000 pounds. “We hooked into the largest white I've seen out there, over 3,000 pounds, but she spit the hook right out when we started to turn the boat around to give chase,” Michalove wrote on Facebook. “I almost called it a day and headed in, but we reset and hooked into this little guy (pictured).
