IslandVibesIOP.com 4 More than a date on the calendar, this is the time of year when our hearts are warmer, smiles are brighter and people seem to care more. At least that’s the way I see it. I wish we could feel the same holiday spirit all year long. There is so much Charleston is a dream job. Every day, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to work alongside talented writers, photographers and contributors who pour their heart and soul into every editorial idea. I am thankful for the inspiration that surrounds us, but beyond the scenery it’s the people, the community and the connections we foster through our stories that truly make my work meaningful. The support of our readers, advertisers and local partners allows us In the spirit of the holiday season, instead of making a wish list, I decided to take a more selfless approach and make a thankful list. As I sit down to reflect on this past year at Island Vibes, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and humble pride. Being the editor of a monthly newspaper on the coolest island in Island Vibes Vol. 3, Issue 12, December 2025 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG ART@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN CONTRIBUTORS RYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR L.C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS KIMBERLYN NAYLOR • PHILLIP POUNDS SARAH ROSE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM COLLEEN KASSNER COLLEEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SHARI SEBUCK SHARI@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • FOOD LION ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS DIRECT MAIL VIA US POST OFFICE Homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island Affluent neighborhoods rotated monthly Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, NC Buckhead, Druid Hills, Decatur, Atlanta, Georgia Island Vibes is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Island Vibes is published 12 times per year by Islands Publishing LLC. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Islands Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Content, including editorial, advertising or comments, that threatens, harasses or degrades others may be revoked or refused from print and online publication at the sole discretion of Island Vibes. Inquiries to: Island Vibes P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 FROM THE TEAM Publisher’s Note Editor’s Note Thankful List to continue sharing the stories that speak to the culture and vibrancy of the island. As we celebrate this season of thankfulness, here are a few things I am particularly thankful for: Our Team— The editorial, design and production staff who work tirelessly to make every issue a success. Our Contributors— Writers, photographers and artists who bring our newspaper to life through their craft. Our Readers— Your curiosity, feedback and enthusiasm keep our newspaper alive and thriving. The Community— Local businesses, nonprofits and individuals who inspire our stories every day. The Island— The natural beauty of the landscapes, wildlife and serenity that fuel our creativity. The Little Moments— Festivals, cultural events and everyday interactions that remind us why we call this island home. I am thankful not only for the privilege of telling our island’s stories, but for the shared journey we take with every reader. Island Vibes is proud to be part of IOP’s history. Positive vibes only, Zach Giroux Managing Editor negativity out there I’m tempted to say an expletive, but I won’t because this is my publisher’s note. Yet it’s true. Surrounding ourselves with family and friends will bring the best out of anyone. Each of our individual communities is usually populated with family members, good friends, our neighbors, sometimes small groups from church, work families, etc. We all stand together during this special time of year, surrounded by our people that collectively tend to uplift one another. I could go on and on about what makes this special time of year so special. The words and vision that come to the forefront of my mind are the uplifting communities that surround each one of us and the heartfelt conversations that flow through our individual communities. I wholeheartedly believe vulnerability brings people closer together. Within our own communities, when the ones closest to us know our weaknesses, the community will often pull together with an uplifting spirit and a willingness to help when needed or find ways to fill the space that caused the vulnerability. I must acknowledge that I have a lot of deficiencies. Thank goodness my family and work family understand what my vulnerabilities are and fill in the gaps. Happy holidays y’all. Thanks for giving us your gift, the gift of reading Island Vibes. Bill Macchio & the Island Vibes work family
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