During these unprecedented times, we have sheltered in place not to spread the coronavirus.  We have applauded health care workers, the first-line of defense. But we also need to give a standing ovation to Wisconsin’s citizens forced to put their lives on the line simply to exercise their right to vote.

HE ONLY WANTS TO BE IN SC

Hootie & the Blowfish front man Darius Rucker has strong ties to South Carolina: He’s a Charleston native, and his band got its start in Columbia, at the University of South Carolina. The state feels pretty strongly about him, too, naming him the 2020 South Carolina Tourism Ambassador. Monthly sat down with Rucker to discuss his role as tourism ambassador and his favorite things about the Palmetto State.

Plastics are the subject of two features in this month’s issue—see pages 26-27 and page 192. Online, we’re compiling a running list of local businesses that are using eco-friendly food packaging. These were submitted by our readers: 

A Hilton Head Island newcomer chases a Palmetto bug around the house for hours. In an unlikely pairing, a cat and horse become best friends. Defying international real estate norms, a woman takes ownership of 1 square foot of Scotland.

These scenarios are all part of “Reflections,” the 20th anniversary anthology from the Island Writers’ Network of Hilton Head Island. More than local 50 contributors —including novelists, essayists, poets, photographers and journalists — share their works focused on life in the Lowcountry and beyond.

The Town of Hilton Head Island’s Mayor's Honored Islander Award Program recognizes outstanding Hilton Head Island residents who selflessly serve the community. A committee  appointed by the mayor reviews nominations and selects the winners.

Congratulations to just-announced winners:

NEW BOOK HIGHLIGHTS BEAUFORT COUNTY’S LEADING ROLE

A leadership consultant, history buff and former corporate executive, Hilton Head Island resident Richard Thomas can add author to his resume. Fittingly, his first book focuses on Lowcountry firsts throughout history.

Published by the Heritage Library Foundation, “Backwater Frontier” is a compilation of stories about significant events that took place in Beaufort County and were firsts of their kind in the U.S.

Sixteen speakers, including national presenters and Lowcountry residents, will take the stage at the second annual TEDxHiltonHeadWomen, to be held Dec. 7. They were selected from hundreds who submitted applications; each will share her original ideas around the theme “Bold + Brilliant – Without Apology.”

TEDx events bring “Ideas Worth Spreading” to local communities around the globe. All TEDx talks are 18 minutes or less.

It’s football season in the Lowcountry — but also the time of year for cross-country and girls’ tennis, golf and volleyball.

Recent sports triumphs:

PROPER POSITIONING CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

Raise your “manus” — Latin for hand — if you are a word nerd. I know “ego sum” — I am. If you are, too, the etymology of the word “ergonomics” might interest you. It derives from two Greek words: “ergon,” meaning work, and “nomos,” meaning natural law. Combined, these words form “ergonomics,” or the science of work and a person's relationship to that work.

Now raise your “manus” if you also work at a desk. Keep it up if you ever experience pain — whether in your lower back or carpal tunnel — after working for a few hours. Now keep it up if you have ever consulted an ergonomist. For those of you who suddenly lowered your hand, here’s an overview of ergonomics, starting with neutral posture.