Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

17 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com from the editor I f you’re regularly immersed in the media like we are at Mount Pleasant Magazine, you know 2017 hasn’t been the smoothest year in terms of politics, crime or even neighborhood gossip. Even though we tend to gloss over the difficulties of the year as the holiday season arrives – cookies, champagne and colored lights can cover a multitude of grievances – I think it’s important to acknowledge what all of us could have done better. And I’m not talking about pointing fingers. I’m talking about what we, as individuals, can do to create a better world. This issue of Mount Pleasant Magazine, one of my favorites of the year, is traditionally our “Biggest Hearts” edition. We cover charitable organizations and locals who are going above the call of duty to make someone else’s life easier. But while being part of an organization or special project is commendable, the interpretation of having a big heart can be much larger than that. For example, our cover for this issue features longtime UPS employee Arthur Stubbs, who understands the sacrifice of going door-to-door each holiday season and putting in long hours to make sure kids (adults, too!) get their wishes granted. Stubbs is joined by three of our “magazine family” kids: writer and photographer Krysta Chapman’s daughter, Kennedy; media consultant Jennifer Burke’s son, Rylan; and media consultant Margaret Burns’ daughter, Mary Louise. My appreciation goes out to Southern Belles as well as Ragamuffin Children’s Boutique for outfitting these kids – they look festive and marvelous, right?! Also, don’t miss the rest of our cover story on page 70, where we meet folks from the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx. Elsewhere in this plump issue, you’ll read about local kids who took their summer lemonade stand and made it a symbol of hope for the less fortunate; how My Sister’s House helps battered women and their displaced children have a merry holiday; the big gathering that Without Walls hosts on Christmas day; plus much more. There’s tons of festive stuff, too. Check out the nine dive bars that Krysta Chapman and I visited – talk about a great place for a holiday nightcap – read about Thanksgiving traditions for Clemson and Carolina fans, plan your seasonal event calendar and find cool, local gifts for the toughies on your list. It’s all here in this issue. I admit it can be difficult to find a few minutes of peace and quiet during the holiday season, what with guests constantly dropping in and numerous errands to run, but I think it’s important to reflect on whether we are doing our best for ourselves and for others. Instead of feeling down when we check social media or world news, why not redirect that energy to brighten our homes, our beloved East Cooper and beyond? On behalf of everyone at Mount Pleasant Magazine, we hope you and yours have a peaceful, joyous season and a brighter than ever New Year. Yours, Denise K. James Editor DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 MountPleasant intheMedia TELEVISION, BOOKS,ART ® Season’s Greetings! LOCALCOURIERSATYOURDOOR 3&"- &45"5& 4&$5*0/ t $"-&/%"3 0' &7&/54 t -08$06/53: $6*4*/& WhattheWorld NeedsNow... OurBiggestHearts Issue East Cooper Animal Hospital is a companion animal practice specializing in canine and feline medicine and surgery. We offer a comprehensive range of veterinary medical services. We schedule appointments with our veterinarians beginning at 8:30AM Monday through Saturday. MARCI SAULS, DVM | ARTISE STEWART, DVM WWW.EASTCOOPERANIMALHOSPITAL.COM 843.884.6171 993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 staff@eastcooperanimalhospital.com M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm | Sat 8:30 am - Noon East Cooper Animal Hospital looks forward to becoming your partner in providing excellent health care for your pet. Complimentary Exam for First Time Clients When You Mention This Ad!