have to give your life. Yes, the Declaration of Independence is our country’s founding document, but for me it was also the mindset represented by the people who were in that room — independent-thinking people — who started our country down the road of free enterprise and entrepreneurial innovation. This is why I also have nothing but respect for the Isle of Palms and those who call it home. When I lived on the island, I came to know its residents as adventurous and independent-thinking people. I’m not saying its citizens are willing to be hanged for their beliefs, but I do believe Isle of Palms residents are bold and free-spirited. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you didn’t just happen upon the Isle of Palms. Your desire to explore brought you to this slice of paradise where other freethinking individuals live and thrive. Thanks for reading Island Vibes digitally at ReadIslandVibes.com or in print. Sending positive summer vibes, Bill Macchio Publisher 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. Publisher’s Note From the Editor United We Stand Island Vibes Vol. 3, Issue 7, July 2025 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG 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 RRYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY • KATIE FINCH • LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR SUZETTE HEAD • L. C. LEACH III • PAMELA MARSH • COLIN MCCANDLESS • PHILLIP POUNDS SARAH ROSE • ALEX STONE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM COLLEEN KASSNER COLLEEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@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 Independence Day Thinkers Happy birthday, America! You don’t look a day over a bicentennial. 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States — also known as a semiquincentennial or two-and-a-half centuries old — celebrating our country’s sovereignty via the Declaration of Independence. Charleston was fortunate enough to have four signers represent the Lowcountry: Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward Jr. and Thomas Lynch Jr. There’s no debate that the men who pledged their signatures were true patriots. However, in today’s age, the term ‘patriot’ can be a bit ambiguous or carry connotations that are rather politically charged. We the people will always share differences of opinion. After all, freedom of speech is one of the greatest liberties afforded by our fair nation. In the spirit of unification, I’ve sought mutual aid from an unbiased source (ChatGPT) to help better define what it means to be a patriot. Here’s what our AI ally had to say on the subject: • Love of Country: Deep, unwavering respect and affection for the United States, its ideals and its people. • Civic Engagement: Voting, staying informed and participating in democratic processes. • Service: Contributing and honoring those who serve your community through volunteerism, public service or military duty. • Respect for the Constitution: Upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice as laid out in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. • Unity over Division: Placing country above partisanship and striving for a more perfect union. • Defense of Liberty: Protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with differing opinions. • Support for Law and Justice: Believing in the rule of law and working toward a fair and just society. Upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice. Cheers to a safe and happy Fourth of July with loved ones. God bless the US of A! Positive vibes only, Zach Giroux Managing Editor Bill Macchio portrayed as a Founding Father with his loyal sidekick Reggie. For me, July is special for several reasons. At the top of the list is the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Four of the 56 men who signed this treasured document had ties to the Carolina coast, two of whom were among the youngest to sign. Edward Rutledge and Thomas Lynch Jr. were just 26 at the time. Thomas Lynch Jr. was born on Hopsewee Plantation just 42 miles from Isle of Palms. The other South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence were Thomas Heyward Jr. and Arthur Middleton. This time of year, I usually reflect on the words Benjamin Franklin said in the room filled with the 56 men getting ready to sign the Declaration of Independence: “We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” I just think that it is so courageous to believe in something for which you might
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