artending and saving lives don’t typically go together; however, such was the case for three Islander 71 staff members who rescued a couple from drowning in their submerging SUV at the Isle of Palms Marina. On Sept. 24, Johnny Himmelsbach, Shannon Standhart and Cash Luther were recognized by the Isle of Palms City Council for pulling a visiting area couple from a submerging vehicle. The incident happened the night of Sept. 14 near the boat ramp adjacent to the restaurant. The rescued couple had been visiting the Isle of Palms from the Chicago/ Midwest area. They drove their rented SUV off a boat ramp, not realizing where they were. In an instant, Himmelsbach jumped a fence, raced to the edge of the marina, jumped in water 13 feet deep and swam to the SUV – while Standhart simultaneously ran to the nearby fire department and phoned 911. Luther ran to assist Himmelsbach. An EMS unit came to ensure the couple was OK. “It felt like a movie – it was all over in about five minutes,” Standhart said. “But this could have been a totally different outcome, and we can’t stop thinking about that.” The trio received the city’s Signal 30 given only about once every two years since its creation in 2002. Past recipients have been recognized for similar feats, such as: • Saving a neighbor's life. • Preventing the spread of a house fire. • Pulling an accident victim from a tractor trailer rig just before it burst into flames. • Performing CPR and saving the life of a person in cardiac arrest. ooler weather. Football. Oyster roasts. Spectacular sunsets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Fall has officially arrived and what says autumn in the Lowcountry better than Clemson and Carolina football? The historic Palmetto Bowl, the annual football game between the Tigers and the Gamecocks, features one of the longest rivalries in college football. The two in-state foes first played on Nov. 12, 1896, and have matched up every year since then with the exception of 2020 when it was an “R.” Shuckers, newspaper table covering, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce and of course, saltines, are among the accompaniments necessary for a traditional Charleston oyster roast. Oyster roasts provide the backdrop for many family gatherings, philanthropic events, music festivals, local restaurant promotions and college game days on and around the island. Whatever the reason, stay safe, enjoy the season and be sure to wear gloves if it’s your first time shucking oysters! Dig in! IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS C B About the Cover Shuckin’ Season By Laura Fogarty From left to right: Editor Zach Giroux, Brand Ambassador Sonya Buckhannon and Art Director Bethany Long From Left to Right: Shannon Standhart, Johnny Himmelsbach, IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds Islander 71 trio honored for rescuing couple from submerged vehicle By L. C. Leach III cancelled due to COVID-19. Honoring that longstanding tradition, our cover photoshoot for November’s issue of Island Vibes found us in the Buckhannon backyard, setting up the quintessential oyster roast table. A long held Southern tradition, oyster roasts are said to have originated from the Native American tradition of roasting oysters over an open fire. Tradition also dictates that wild oysters only be eaten in months with Photo by Rachel Basye Award from Mayor Phillip Pounds for their heroic lifesaving actions and were also given a standing ovation for their bravery and quick thinking that turned a near tragedy into a real happy ending. The Signal 30 Award honors a special citizen service and occurs on an extremely limited basis. The award was developed in 2002 and is named after an IOP Public Safety code for citizen service. “This will be the 11th Signal 30 Award in 22 years, so pretty awesome,” Pounds said to Himmelsbach and Standhart during the presentation. Luther was unable to attend the event. “What you guys did is just fantastic and inspiring.” Islander 71 General Manager Chris Sollom added that the threesome also received a letter from District 1 Congresswoman Nancy Mace, acknowledging their efforts and thanking them for their bravery. “I am honored for all three of them to be a part of my staff,” Sollom said, “and really glad the incident turned out OK.” Both Police Chief Kevin Cornett and Fire Chief Craig Oliverius recommended the trio for the Signal 30 Award, which on average has been • Volunteer coaching, keeping the area beaches clean from litter and the creation of a medical loan closet to assist residents and visitors with special needs. At the presentation, Himmelsbach said that while the honor wasn’t necessary, it was “greatly appreciated,” and that the plaque the council awarded would make “a nice Christmas gift for mom.” “Some friends and people who come in the restaurant talk about it, and I get a couple of handshakes,” Himmelsbach said. “Other than that, it’s business as usual. I’m just glad no one was hurt.”
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