August 1, 2016 — The Coastal Insider

Peace, Love & Paws, Inc.

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

One Woman’s Life-Long Mission by Melissa LaScaleia On a hot day in July, Angie, a resident of the Market Common, and Grayson, a temporary one, come to meet me. Angie is here to talk about Peace, Love & Paws, Inc., the non-profit animal rescue she started, and the grim reality of the dogs that she finds as well as their fate if they aren’t rescued. “In the past, when I volunteered at shelters, it was really sad. They kill these dogs, puppies like him, and he’s perfect,” she says, pointing to the unselfconscious Grayson blissfully sprawled between us. “In the North and places like California, there are mandatory spay and neuter laws. We don’t have restrictions like that here in the South, so it just adds to the problem. Dogs are released and have more puppies and they’re dumped back at the shelter. Horry County Shelter took in roughly 7,860 animals last year, and over 4,000 were killed. That’s more than 50%. This is in Conway; this is right here.” One of Angie’s goals is to grow her small-scale spay and neuter program that provides financial support for those who can’t afford the service for their pet. Right now, she is able to sponsor about 2-4 per month, but she needs help and resources to grow the program. “I’m a new rescue, and it’s just me and a couple people, like my transporter, Lisa Saunders, trying to make a difference in our community,” Angie says. “We want to grow this business— to educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering and on keeping your dog for its entire life— as well as to save more dogs in our area.” How can our community help? “We always need fosters,” Angie says. “When you foster, you get dogs ready for the world. It doesn’t have to be long term, usually a month or so. You foster a dog, you save a dog’s life. And we always need donations. The cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, food, and many have health problems that need to be treated— the minimum cost is several hundred dollars with every rescue to get them ready for a permanent home. Every dollar counts.” “It’s really a lot of work, but it’s saving lives, and that changes yours,” she adds. “When you see these dogs with nobody, and then with the right family, it’s just the best. It’s been so rewarding for me, I would love to do this exclusively.” Angie’s devotion for animals is so strong, that for years before she became a non-profit she sponsored, fostered, donated, and transported dogs, often paying for their care out of pocket before they found a permanent home. Grayson is her 61st foster that she’s cared for personally. “Rescuing is a very passionate thing,” she says. “If you’re in rescue, it’s something you sleep, breathe and eat. You see these dogs, and it’s like, I just have to do something. Angie Westfall can be reached by facebook or email, details down below. She and her canine rescues welcome anyone who wants to help. Facebook At

Hello, Fun!

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

A Veteran Brings the Joys of Pedego Electric Bikes to the Community by Melissa LaScaleia One Saturday morning, I arrive on DeVille Street and am greeted by Aaron Maynard, owner of Pedego Electric Bikes. A small group of people are milling about the storefront, trying out vibrantly-colored bikes before a tour. Electric bikes aren’t hard to ride. I initially thought there might be many buttons, but there’s not. Just like a speed bike, they have handle brakes and a gear shifter. The only difference is that the right handgrip turns, giving the bike a lot or a little power from its lithium-ion battery, depending on how fast you’d like to go. I’ve signed up to join a group electric bike tour. Before we set off, Aaron walks us through the slight nuances of an electric bike, ensuring those of our group who haven’t ridden a bicycle in some time feel comfortable and confident. Aaron is a retired colonel in the Air Force, a career which no doubt helps him lead and direct efficiently. His last assignment on active duty was as the Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in London. “When I moved to London,” he tells me on a previous visit to his shop, “I had to find a way to get to work sans automobile. So I Googled “city commuter bikes” and discovered Pedego Electric Bikes. After a bit of research, I took a leap of faith, ordered one, and was immediately blown away by the experience. “Riding this bike became the highlight of my day. I could smell the perfume in front of Harrods, the scent of curries wafting from restaurants I passed. I was completely connected to the life and the vibrancy of London. It was exhilarating. By the time I got to work, I was ready to go. And on the way home, it was the perfect way to decompress. “On the weekends, I found myself exploring parts of the city I never would have seen otherwise. I bought my wife one for our 25th wedding anniversary, and we started doing things together that we hadn’t done since we were newlyweds.” A Saturday morning Pedego bike tour pauses the fun for a group photo. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) Aaron’s life was so enriched by biking, that when he retired from the military in 2014, he contacted the CEO of Pedego and talked about opening up a store. “I wasn’t a cyclist, I wasn’t into bikes,” he says. “And it was this that made me think, if my wife and I could be so taken with them, perhaps others would be too. We decided to come to Myrtle Beach, because that’s where people come to have fun. And that’s part of our motto: fun. It’s turned out to be a fantastic location.” I’m excited to try out anything described as fun. So I hop aboard the hot pink cruiser I’ve selected and our small group heads out. I zip along, sometimes peddling, sometimes relying on the electric motor, sometimes both. Aaron leads us through quiet neighborhoods and onto a pretty bike path into Myrtle Beach State Park. We disembark for a visit to the beach and to enjoy the waves. At the end of the ride, I feel lighter, elated, and very alive. It’s a satisfying and truly great experience, and one that stays with me long after the ride is over. It’s hard to pinpoint what it is about the Pedego bike riding experience that sets it apart and several notches above other bike riding excursions. I too feel connected to my surroundings in a way that I previously haven’t. Aaron really is a fun guide— perhaps his joy is infectious. But perhaps it’s that Pedego bikes… really are magic. Pedego Electric Bikes Group electric bike rides Wed & Sat at 10am; Pub Rides on Sun at 6pm Rent on your own single or tandem electric bike $20 per hour; $50 for a half day; and $75 for a full day. Envelope Facebook Phone At Internet-explorer

August Vendors at The Market Common Farmers Market

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

Spotlight On… by Melissa LaScaleia This month, we bring you the Inside scoop on two vendors from the DeVille Street farmers market who touched our hearts as well as our taste buds. Millgrove Farms— Stewards of the Land Who: Ben and Carol Williams, married thirty-five years. The what: A-50 acre sustainable farm— a trailblazer in change and sustainability— in Georgetown County on the Black River. Growing specialty and heirloom varietals. Providing clean, affordable, and healthy food for Georgetown County. Why do you farm sustainability? My husband has an amazing passion for the land and the animals. The entire farm is a living, breathing organism right down to the dirt. He wants to protect what God has given us and maintain it as a sanctuary for wildlife— to live in peace and balance with the land. What does it mean to be sustainable? We don’t spray or alter anything. We allow the land to produce at its own pace where it works symbiotically and everything takes care of itself. What is farmer Ben’s background? Ben has been a Southern farmer his whole life. It extends generations, beginning with his grandfather in the old days of tobacco. What is your vision? For everyone to eat sustainably and learn how to grow their own food, so as not to be so dependent on grocery stores. Sweet Cheeks Baked Goods – Get Your Hands Full of Sweet Buns Who: Owner Cathy Kelley How did you get started baking? I’ve been baking since I was 12 years old. It was probably my mom’s way of keeping my sisters and I out of trouble in winter, since we lived in the mountains of Virginia where there was a lot of snow. And the name? My son and daughter-in-law came up with it— they felt it really fit me. Where do you get your recipes from? They are my mother’s; and also I may see a recipe I really like, write it down, and put it away to try later. I recently found my mothers cookbook from 1940, and I’m trying some things from that now. What’s for sale at your stall? Everything I do is made from scratch. Cinnamon buns are my specialty; and my newest offering is lemon biscotti. What’s one thing you love about what you do? It makes me happy to think people are getting something they normally would not get. I want people to enjoy their food. Click here for more info on the Market Common farmers market, Visit www.waccamawmarkets.org to learn more.

Peach Pie

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

Peach Pie Flavorful, fresh and plentiful this time of year, everyone loves a good juicy Southern peach. While the crop is abundant, time to fill your basket and head to the kitchen with the surplus. The flavor of peaches is enhanced and complemented by an array of other foods: cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, fresh and dried ginger, lemon, lime, stone fruits, tarragon, rosemary, mint, basil, and champagne. Get creative and try a variation on our below theme with your pie. Just remember to use a light hand with the seasoning and let the peaches speak for themselves. Ingredients Makes one 9-inch pie Crust 12 Tbs cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 2 cups all purpose flour 1⁄4 tsp salt 2 Tbs sugar 2 egg yolks 2-4 Tbs ice water Filling 5-6 cups of sliced peaches, unpeeled 1⁄4- 1⁄2 cup sugar to taste 1 tsp grated lemon zest 1⁄4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg or ground cloves 1 vanilla bean Directions To make the crust, combine the butter with the flour, salt and sugar using your fingers or a pastry blender, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk the egg yolks with the ice water and add to the flour mixture; stir quickly with a fork, and add more ice water as needed until dough is elastic. Don’t over-blend. Form the dough into two balls and wrap in wax paper. Chill for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375°. Roll out one ball of dough and line the bottom of the pie pan with it, trimming the excess crust hanging over the edges. To make the filling, slice the peaches and add sugar to taste, lemon zest, and freshly grated nutmeg or ground cloves. Place the vanilla bean on a cutting board, and holding it between two fingers, carefully use a pairing knife to slit the bean lengthwise. Pry open the outer skin, and using the knife, gently scrape the inside of the bean and add the contents to the bowl. Discard the outer skin. Stir everything to incorporate, and pour it into the pie shell. Roll out the remaining ball of dough and place over the bottom of the pie. Tuck the overlapping dough underneath itself and using index finger and thumb, crimp the crust around the rim. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Place the pie on a cookie sheet with sides to catch any drippings, and turn the oven down to 350°. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden. Click here for more great recipes.

The Birth of Savannah’s Playground

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

Building Community Without Barriers in The Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia Right in the heart of the Market Common, a beautiful project full of heart is coming into being. Savannah’s Playground is an enabling park featuring play equipment that is approved by the American Disabilities Act, so that children with physical disabilities who otherwise would not be able to participate in the traditional childhood activity of playing at a playground, safely can. This is the project and vision of mayor John Rhodes: to create a space that fosters barrier-free social interactions and friendships between children of all ages and abilities. It’s named in honor of Savannah Thompson, a resident of the Market Common who attends Socastee High School and works at Stephanie’s Salon & Day Spa. Savannah has William’s syndrome; additionally, complications from a surgery when she was 4 years old resulted in brain trauma, leaving her with physical limitations. But meeting Savannah is a heartwarming experience, as she steps up to meet what arises in front of her and embraces life and others with openness and joy. Being with her is like reconnecting with your childhood best friend. Angela Kegler, a volunteer, says: “When the mayor shared his vision for this park with me, I immediately saw how powerful it was. When I met Savannah for the first time, it made it real.” The mayor and Savannah met at a country music festival in Myrtle Beach some years back, and have been great friends ever since. “When the mayor mentioned the idea to us, we thought it was going to be a piece of equipment in a park,” Savannah’s mother, Marjorie, says. “We had no idea that it was going to turn into such a large-scale project, and probably be a destination for people to come to Myrtle Beach and enjoy.” Savannah (above) gives the playground equipment a test run for the first time. She picked the playground colors— teal and orange. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) Savannah was instrumental in helping to design the playground. She was invited to go to Minnesota with the mayor to meet the playground manufacturer and give a test run to some of the equipment proposed for the project. Barring too-frosty conditions in Minnesota at the time, Savannah attended the meeting via FaceTime. She was able to see the plan for the playground and select her favorite colors for the equipment— teal and orange. She chose those colors to celebrate her and her sister’s collegiate tastes: orange for her big sister Chandler’s alma mater, Clemson; and teal for Coastal Carolina University, where Savannah would like to attend. When I ask her if they picked what she wanted, she replies: “They sure did! There’s a whole lot of teal over there. And a whole lot of orange. I told my sister and she was thrilled.” In 2015, after several years of planning, John Rhodes established Savannah’s Playground as a non-profit. He garnered the backing of local businesses who have been instrumental in ensuring that donations continue, so they can reach the $3 million goal they need to complete the project. “I find this so exciting, because there aren’t many places like this in the country, and we are blessed to have one in our own backyard,” Angela says. “We need to feel people’s enthusiasm behind this saying, ‘We want this special place.’” What are some tangible things people can do to help? “Donate,” says Angela. “Every dime helps. And help us find resources out there to further meet our financial needs. In addition to volunteering, come participate in our fundraising events; be a part of them, to build community and the feeling of support behind this project. Look for our grand opening in a few months, and please come. Just that alone is enough.” Her next statement is a great reminder of the best way to help: “I know I am able to do little things— big things, I’m not so sure. But if I do my part and put my little drop in the bucket, and everyone puts their little drop in the bucket – before you know it, the bucket is full.” Savannah (front), with parents Marjorie and Lance. “We’re just grateful to the mayor for including Savannah and naming it after her,” Lance says. “It’s an honor for us and the family.” (Photo Meganpixels Parker) And before you know it, community is built. “As a volunteer,” she continues, “what inspires me to be involved and stay involved, is a precious ten-year-old who said she couldn’t wait for it to be opened. When I asked why she replied, ‘Because I can’t wait to play there and make new friends.’ And she has no physical limitations and understands what the park is.” Savannah, too, has encountered great enthusiasm from her classmates at Socastee High School. “So many of them are asking me, and saying, ‘Is it open yet? Let me know!’” “I know that the children and younger people in our society see things differently from how I did growing up, and in much better ways,” says Angela. “When I think of how our younger generations appreciate one another more and appreciate what every individual and every human brings to the table, I see this park as a catalyst for sustaining that. This enabling park brings children of all abilities together to interact, and they’re going to have an opportunity from a very young age to see and appreciate one another as people, and not differentiate between people with physical challenges from those without physical challenges. And that interaction is going to foster a better future. That’s my passion— to try to help people be the best version of themselves, and that’s what this park is going to do for these children.” At the conclusion of our interview, Savannah gives me a warm hug and we exchange business cards. Mine reads, “Writer.” Her’s, “Happiness Ambassador.” To donate and for more information please visit: www.savannahsplayground.org.

James Howell Howard— Medal of Honor Recipient, Author

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

by Melissa LaScaleia Howard Avenue in the Market Common is named after a notable member of the United States Air Force. Born to American parents in Canton, China on April 13, 1913, James Howell Howard moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri in 1927. He graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California in 1937, intending to pursue a career in medicine. But the thrills of a military life during World War II called to him, and he became a P-40 fighter pilot with the famous American Volunteer Group— the Flying Tigers, in Burma, instead. He flew 56 missions and was credited with shooting down six Japanese airplanes. Following that group’s disbandment, James returned to the U.S., joined the Air Force, and in 1943, was promoted to major and given command of the 356th Fighter Squadron in the United Kingdom. On January 11, 1944, James made the choice that would earn him a promotion to lieutenant colonel, and the United States military’s highest decoration— the Medal of Honor. He is the only fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to receive this distinction. He single-handedly flew his P-51 Mustang into some thirty Luftwaffe fighters that were attacking a formation of American B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Oschersleben, Germany. For more than a half-hour, James defended the bombers of the 401st Bomb Group against the swarm of Luftwaffe fighters, attacking the enemy airplanes and shooting down six. At a press conference the following week, James described the attack to reporters, including the BBC, the Associated Press, CBS reporter Walter Cronkite, and Andy Rooney, then a reporter for Stars and Stripes. The story was a media sensation, prompting articles such as “Mustang Whip” in The Saturday Evening Post, “Fighting at 425 Miles Per Hour” in Popular Science, and “One Man Air Force” in True, The Man’s Magazine. The New York Times reported on January 19, 1944, that after James’ plane ran out of ammunition, he continued to dive on enemy airplanes. “An attack by a single fighter on four or five times his own number wasn’t uncommon,” wrote a fellow World War II fighter pilot in his postwar memoirs of James’ performance. “But a deliberate attack by a single fighter against thirty plus enemy fighters without tactical advantage of height or surprise is rare almost to the point of extinction.” After he retired, James told his great military exploits in his autobiography, Roar of the Tiger. He also founded a successful systems engineering business, Howard Research. James passed away in 1995, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. To read more of our history features click here.

Staying Safe in the Heat and Advocating For Abandoned Pups

February 27, 2023August 1, 2016 by The Coastal Insider

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together. This month, Charlie educates us on staying safe in the heat, and introduces us to a new friend. It goes without saying that July in the Market Common is hot! I have my own way of staying cool, including panting, but if the temperature around me is hotter than my internal temperature, then I can’t cool down and can suffer heat stroke. Now isn’t the time to take me jogging, and definitely don’t leave me in a car without the air conditioning on, even for a few minutes. Car temperatures can soar to over 140 degrees rapidly, and that’s dangerous for me. Here are some signs that I might be suffering from heat stroke. If I have: increased heart rate; excessive panting; increased salivation; bright red tongue; red or pale gums; thick, sticky saliva; weakness; dizziness; vomiting; diarrhea. If you think I have heat stroke, take me to the vet right away, as I can develop other complications quickly. With loving care, I’ll be fine and flourish. I’m lucky to have such great people looking after me, so I trust I’ll always be okay. But not all canines have wonderful homes like me. Good thing they have my new friend Angie Westfall on their side. Angie has been rescuing abandoned, mistreated and condemned canines her entire life. Starting from when she was a girl, my kind in trouble would find her (we do tend to have good sense about whom to turn to for help), and she would bring them home with her. As she got older, picking them up and taking them home evolved into rehabilitating them, getting them vaccinated, spayed or neutered, as well as proper veterinary care— and boy were some of them in rough shape! Terrified, malnourished, spinal injuries, heartworm positive… Yikes. Angie healed wounds inside and out, helping skittish or aggressive ones get socialized, and thank goodness— giving them proper house training (manners, manners, it goes miles with the ladies fellas). But most importantly, giving them safety, nurturing, and love until they grew healthy and strong again and were able to move on to a forever home with people who appreciated them. Angie is an angel! After years of working with shelters and rescues while caring for these animals, Angie decided to become captain of her own ship. She filed for non-profit status in June 2015, and Peace, Love & Paws, Inc. was created. Today she’s happy to be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, which gives her more credibility at the shelters (where she goes to rescue some really unfortunate of my kind). I’m so happy that people like Angie exist, to help make the world a better place for all us canines. But it really goes without saying that we reciprocate and make it better for you too. When I think about her work, I remember the words of a bumper sticker I see from time to time: Who Rescued Who? Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner.

Peace, Love & Paws, Inc.

Hello, Fun!

August Vendors at The Market Common Farmers Market

Peach Pie

The Birth of Savannah’s Playground

James Howell Howard— Medal of Honor Recipient, Author

Staying Safe in the Heat and Advocating For Abandoned Pups

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