December 4, 2017 — The Coastal Insider

Support – The Gift that Keeps on Growing Community

June 15, 2022December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Market Common is hosting the Holiday Bazaar this month!

Dave Vail is the man responsible for helping organize the vendors at the Holiday Bazaar in the Market Common. “It takes 2 hours to get everybody set up and spaced out accordingly,” he tells me. “This will be the third year I’m doing this. And this is the fifth year for me working for Waccamaw Market Cooperative.” Waccamaw Market Cooperative is a Clemson University Extension Service that helps farmers within a 50-mile radius find an outlet for their produce in the local area, ensuring that farmers earn a living, so that both community and farm support one another. Dave is the market manager for Waccamaw, and himself lives on a farm. When he found they were looking for someone to help farmers have a voice in the community, he immediately took the job. He orchestrates the farmers market during the summer months, which the community appreciated and frequented so much, that Waccamaw was looking to bring something similar to the population during November and December. The Holiday Bazaar is what they picked. It features local artisans who make products from sustainable goods. There are baked goods— sweet rolls, and buns; pie makers; roasted nuts; homemade jewelry and soy candles; artists who repurpose vintage silverware and plates; even a vendor who makes knives out of old railroad spikes. There are also farmers selling winter crops of leafy greens and root vegetables. And these are just a few of the offerings. It’s the perfect place to do your holiday shopping, to find something personal, with a beautiful, artisanal touch, and a wonderful way to support your community at the same time. “It was so well received last year that this is why we’re back again this year,” Dave says. “It’s not a tourist time of year, but people came out and supported the market. It’s just a fun time. You meet a lot of different people, you talk to a lot of people.” Which is why Latoya Grayson is looking forward to it. She is a people person, and is in her element when she’s talking with and learning about others. Latoya is the marketing manager and public relations specialist for the Insider at the Market Common. “Right now, I’m trying to connect these unique communities of Surfside and Market Common,” she tells me. “They are 5 minutes apart, and both have so much to offer. I go to all the events in the community and talk to people asking them if they know about our publication and if they don’t, introducing them to it and showing them the ways we’re a fantastic resource for building community in general and their business in particular. I also look for businesses that I think both communities want to know about to be a part of our publication, and hopefully help them to grow their business by advertising with us.” There are a multitude of artisanal wares available for purchase at the Holiday Bazaar. Supporting the bazaar directly supports our local economy and adds to the diversity and beauty of our community. Latoya joined the Insider team six months ago. She’s attended both farmers markets in the Market Common as well as Surfside all summer. “I feel strongly that our presence at these events shows how much we support them and helps to promote them,” she says. “This will be my first holiday bazaar, and I’m really excited, because the Surfside section is out, and our paper will be at 48 pages. I’m informing everybody about our growth.” The bazaar is also where she’ll be introducing people to our new Faces in the Common section of our publication. New this month, we’ll be collecting photos of the people in our community at this and all future community events, and sharing those with everybody on our online publication at www.marketcommoninsider.com, as well as on our Facebook page. Your photo may even be selected to be published in our print edition! This is another avenue for us to connect our community. “I like the fact that this paper is a year and a half old, and it’s growing so fast. It’s a feel good paper. I love hearing the feedback from advertisers, listening to their success stories—it pretty much sells itself. I hear a lot of great things about our paper, and I just love the whole process. It would be different if I had to promote kitchen knives,” Latoya says with a laugh. Latoya’s personality radiates positivity and support. She seems to make an impression on people wherever she goes, and finds the time to talk to everybody. “It’s what I like most about going to these events,” she says. “I love people. It’s love that has prepared me for this position. I’ve had a lot of different jobs in the past, but doing public relations is my favorite. I’m passionate about it.” “We’re continuing to get more involved in our community,” Jim says. “And Latoya is our voice and face for that. The first time that she went to one of these events, we brought a chair for her to use, and she was there for 6 hours and never sat down once. Not everybody can go to an event and interact with people the way she does. She almost becomes the event— working it for the vendors’ benefit as well as ours. She really rolls her sleeves up and gets involved.” “When I’m out there, since I’m a vendor too, I want to engage with them, as well as with the public,” she tells me. “It’s like we’re a team out there, and I’m working alongside of them. It’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated.” “I know that these vendors are honest, hard working people,” Latoya says. “They grow their own plants, or produce honey, or weave yarn. People are proud to buy products that are made in America, and in this case, not only are you doing that, but you’re buying from the community and supporting it.” … Read more

Travinia Italian Kitchen

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Travinia is the best Market Common Italian restaurant.

A Casual Italian Restaurant in the Heart of Market Common

by Melissa LaScaleia

Travinia is owned by Marc Craig and Kevin Cox, who first opened the Italian restaurant in Greenville, SC, ten years ago. Since then, they’ve opened eight other locations in areas between Virginia and South Carolina. Both love good quality wine and good quality food.

And as a wine bar, Travinia doesn’t disappoint. They feature a diverse wine list that encompasses both old and new world vintages, artistically displayed across an entire wall of the restaurant. They have offerings from France, California, Oregon, and all the regions in Italy (something difficult to find in Myrtle Beach), as well as all varietals of grapes.

Gardiner Lawrence is the general manager at Travinia, and is responsible for choosing all the wines. He’s been working in the restaurant industry for over 30 years.

“I dove into the liquid side of restaurants early on,” he tells me. “Andrew Groth of Groth Vineyards in Napa Valley has been a friend since college. I’ve been around wine quite a bit.”

“We don’t have a sommelier, but all of our waitstaff and bartenders are well informed about the wines we carry and can help you find what you’re looking to experience,” Jennifer O’Leary says.

Jennifer started working at Travinia in June of 2015. Her parents retired here from Long Island, and she followed them down three years ago.

Jennifer has been in the restaurant industry for over ten years. She started at Travinia as a hostess, then was promoted to head hostess, then catering and sales manager last year. She manages all the banquets, private dinners, and off-site catering events.

“My parents always raved about Travinia,” she tells me. “I was excited to discover they had a job opening here, after I relocated.”

Every year Travinia gives back to the community by participating in the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction, an annual fundraising event. All of the proceeds support the March of Dimes in assisting premature babies, to give them a chance at life. This year’s event was held on October 12, at the Marriott Grand Dunes.

Twenty other chefs from local Myrtle Beach restaurants gathered in one large banquet hall for a cooking competition. Unknown judges made the rounds, sampling the food and critiquing it on five criteria. This year, Travinia won the prestigious Scott Honeycutt award for their dishes of shrimp scampi and short rib cavatappi.

They also donated a five-course dinner with wine pairings in their private dining room for ten guests, a donation packaged valued at $1500, for the auction part of the fundraiser. The winner gets to taste the culinary genius of Travinia’s executive chef, Ira Hemingway, who’s been with the company for the past eight years. He has been working at several other Travinia locations, and returned to Myrtle Beach last year.

“He’s a huge asset not only to us here in Myrtle Beach,” Jennifer tells me, “but to the company. He has a real passion for food, and cooking to please others.”

The atmosphere at Travinia is warm, open, intimate, inviting, contemporary, and hip— all at the same time. The kitchen is located behind a glass wall, so patrons can watch the chefs as they work. And they have weekly live-music performances that add an air of liveliness and festivity to the casual, relaxed restaurant. Stevie Mac plays contemporary music set to acoustic guitar on Wednesdays, and the Jazz band, UNI plays old-time classics on Fridays.

“It’s a great atmosphere for customers to come in and dine,” Gardiner says. “We get a mix of tourists and locals. Nine months out of the year it’s predominantly locals.

“My favorite thing about my job is the people I’m around— both my employees and the customers,” he continues. “I lean on my great staff and awesome kitchen to make Travinia successful. Everyone knows I have an open door policy; that’s the way I think a restaurant should be run. It should be that employees and guests can come and talk to you like a family.”

“I’m a big people person, so I love that in my job I get to talk to everybody,” Jennifer tells me. “Whether it’s a wedding or engagement party, I get to help make that day perfect for them. I love learning about what brought them to Myrtle Beach, or to choose our location. I absolutely love working here, and I wouldn’t change any- thing.”

Travinia Italian Kithen & Wine Bar

The renowned Market Common Italian restaurant is located in Market Common

Open M-Th 11am-10pm, Fr-Sa 11am-11pm, Su 11am-9pm. Serving lunch until 3pm, dinner from 3pm-close; happy hour M-F 4-7pm.

Outdoor patio dining available; private dining room for 14.

To learn more about some of our local businesses, click here!

Paws Pet Spa

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

A Tranquil Oasis for You and Your Pooch Creating Calm, Pretty Dogs in the Market Common

By Melissa LaScaleia

Katie Fleming has been working as a dog groomer for 11 years, seven of those, in the Market Common.

“I’ve seen the Market Common grow up, and the puppies I’ve groomed have puppies,” she tells me. “I have a bit of a following, and I know a lot of people here.”

That following will want to know Katie recently opened Paws Pet Spa, her own dog-grooming salon in the Market Common.

“I felt it was time to follow my own dream and start my own business,” Katie says.

Her new Pet Spa is a full service establishment, pampering dogs of all breeds up to 100lb. She does doggie facials, nail sanding, and medicated baths with Zymox, the #1 veterinarian recommended treatment for dogs with skin conditions. She offers regular baths too, as well as a brightening shampoo with natural agents that will make your dog’s coat pop and shine. She’s proud to only use high quality shampoo, to protect the health of the dogs she sees.

Katie is passionate about her mission at Paws Pet Spa.

“It’s first to provide quality of care for your animal, to ensure that they feel safe, calm, and happy, throughout the grooming process,” she says. “Sometimes that means I’ll need more time, but you’ll walk away with a happier dog. I knew when I started this, that if I could do things my way, I could create an overall positive experience for both dogs and their owners. And my first week open was proof of that. My clients are amazed by how relaxed their dogs are when they come away.”

Visitors to Paws Pet Spa can expect a tranquil atmosphere. If there’s a naughty dog in the house, he’ll be attended to first, to keep everyone happy.

“Here, you’ll always be greeted with a smile, either by myself, or Tammy, my front desk receptionist, who’s my right-hand lady,” Katie says.

Paws Pet Spa

Open M-Sa 9-5pm;

Stay tuned for more services.

To see some more of our local businesses, click here!

Carolina Seafood & Steak

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Simplicity Reigns for This Self-Made Local Businessman

by Melissa LaScaleia

Tevos Zatikyan moved from Armenia to the United States in 2006. A professional volleyball player in his native country, upon arriving in America, he settled first in Brooklyn, New York. There, he worked five different kinds of jobs over a five-year period because he was relying on the small amount of basic English that he acquired in high school, to communicate.

When a University friend from Armenia moved to Myrtle Beach in 2011, Tevos decided to relocate to the South. For the first few months after he moved, he worked in a grocery store; then he had an opportunity to work at, and then run his own pizza place— City Pizza.

The famed combination plate of steak and seafood is a popular choice at Tevos’ restaurant. – Photo by Meganpixels Parker/Latoya Grayson

“And four years later, I’m in the restaurant business. I don’t know what is going to happen in four more years,” he says with a laugh.

“After City Pizza, I first opened a restaurant with an Italian concept,” he continues. “It was called La Festa Restaurant and Piano Bar. We were five childhood friends and all of us were the business partners. Two years later my partners decided they didn’t want to continue. I stayed by myself as the owner, in the same location, and I changed the name to Carolina Seafood & Steak.”

They still offer some Italian dishes, like ravioli and a couple of types of pastas, and they have a wood fired brick oven where they make their own pizzas, calzones, and stromboli, in addition to serving seafood and steak.

“One of my friends used to own a pizzeria, and he taught me how to cook,” Tevos tells me. “There we did everything from scratch. And that’s how I learned. When I opened the restaurant, we had a chef, and I learned more.”

Now as the sole proprietor of a 14,000 square foot establishment that hosts functions as well as serving lunch and dinner daily, Tevos is a busy man.

“I create my menu, and I do everything. Whenever it’s slow going, I’m helping the pizza guy, I help on the floor; I do all the administration and management,” he says. “I have a team of anywhere from 15-30 people, depending on the season, helping me get everything done. Chris Snyder is my new manager and he’s fantastic.”

Carolina Seafood & Steak entertains guests with live piano music at the bar everyday from 5-8pm, and happy hour drinks and specials run during the week from 4-7pm. The restaurant has an additional lounge inside with a large dance floor and adjacent bar, called the Carolina Launch & Bar, and features live bands on the weekend.

Tevos’ restaurant is an ideal spot for a holiday party, private function, or wedding. The restaurant has five sections, and Tevos can accommodate three separate private parties at the same time; each numbering up to 100 people. He even has a private conference room with a projector.

And if the prospect of live nightly piano music and a band still doesn’t draw you further north on the Grand Strand, the menu will. Tevos is proud of his menu and the quality of his food. The passion he has for what he does is evident in every word he speaks to me.

“I have a 5:30pm early bird menu with sixteen different specialty items to choose from, all for $9.95— dishes like steak, chicken, fish, pasta, sandwiches, calzones, and stromboli,” he says. “I think this is a big advantage, the quality of what I offer, for this price.

“I also have a special combination plate with four fried shrimp, a six ounce top sirloin steak, and a four ounce lobster tail, with a choice of two sides and fresh bread for $19.95. I know no one is offering surf and turf like this around here. I think it makes me successful in this business, because people are coming in for that special a lot.”

Another special, Carolina Feast, dinner for two people for $39.95, is another big draw. Patrons can enjoy tasty dishes like salmon, flounder, grouper, or steak; as well as soup or salad to start, and one dessert to share. Whereas the same item on its own would regularly cost around $20 or $22.

“We believe in simplicity,” Tevos tells me. “With everything. It is the slogan of our restaurant. We believe in it with ingredients, menu items, how we cook it, how we offer it. We pick the simple way. Because that’s what we understand that people are looking for around here. We started a fine dining restaurant and it just didn’t work that well.”

Tevos is grateful to now be so successful in Myrtle Beach. His story is a throwback to the American Dream, a testament to his work ethic and determination.

“After New York, here in Myrtle Beach there is more space between people,” Tevos tells me. “I like the fresh air, the family style atmosphere here— I have a big family. I have a wife from Europe, Aksana, and I have three children. This is a family operated business, she is helping me a lot to make decisions, and she’s my closest friend. With any hard work that had to be done, she always was next to me.”

Carolina Seafood & Steak

Close to the Tanger Outlets.

Open daily 11:30am-9:30pm, serving lunch and dinner; closed slightly earlier in winter.

Call for the Carolina Launch & Bar live band schedule.

Roto-Pat – Flooring Installation, Carpet Cleaning & Home Restoration

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

The Insider at the Market Common introduces a feature on Roto-Pat.

For All Your Damage Repair Needs in the Market Common and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia Patrick Hermann lives life passionately with no regrets. As the son of an army man, he grew up in Virginia, Hawaii, and Tennessee. He graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a BS in marine science, and has lived in both the Bimini Islands and Jamaica conducting shark research. He worked as a marine biologist at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, and when his boss left to pursue a career in sales, Patrick followed suite, to try something new. Then inspiration struck to start his own business. “I had a Siberian husky and two room-mates, and I paid to have the carpets cleaned frequently,” he tells me. “It was so expensive, that one day I sat down and calculated how much I could make doing it, and thought, this is a great idea.” The interior of Patrick’s truck is lined with the latest equipment to address damages and restoration projects of every type. – Photo by Meganpixels Parker Patrick would go to his sales job, and then come home and clean one apartment at night and on the weekends with portable carpet cleaning equipment his father helped him procure. About six months later, he went to a Christmas party where he was introduced to all the property managers in Myrtle Beach, and suddenly found himself in charge of cleaning most of Myrtle Beach’s apartments. After the initial burst that propelled him into business full time, he built Roto-Pat slowly and steadily, expanding his repertoire of skills by attending technical classes to learn more about home restoration. That was 18 years ago. Today he runs a full service home restoration and carpet cleaning company, specializing in water damage emergency response, fire damage restoration, and mold removal (he works with insurance companies). He also sells and installs all types of flooring and cabinetry. Patrick at work with his carpet cleaner. – Photo by Meganpixels Parker Patrick handles life’s challenges with competency, a necessary trait for a restoration contractor. “Once when I had just started my flooring business, I got a really big contract to put flooring in seventy apartment buildings. I had $5,000 in credit, and the company I was purchasing the flooring from would not give me any more. I knew the product was manufactured by a company that Warren Buffet owned, so I wrote him a letter asking for help, and mailed it to his house. And a few days later, Warren Buffett called the bank and told them to give me the line of credit so I could do the job.” Roto-Pat Between Carolina Forest and Market Common Open 24-7. New special beginning in January — $125 to clean unlimited areas of carpeting for residences. To see some more of our local businesses, click here! Envelope Facebook

ShipOnSite: Part II

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Market Common Insider brings you the second and final part to our story on ShipOnSite.

A Neighborhood Shipping Service With a Big Heart, Part 2

by Melissa LaScaleia

Frank Espinal, the owner of ShipOnSite, a neighborhood shipping business in Myrtle Beach, is an accomplished man. Since the army veteran turned entrepreneur opened his doors in 2007, he’s grown the ShipOnSite concept from three profit centers to seven to include an online auction site, where he sells your items for you on eBay; office related services; and PrintOnSite and GraphicsOnSite, which can develop any graphics for any type of media with their graphic designer on site.

“He’s the best graphic designer on the Grand Strand,” Franks tells me.

Concomitant with Frank’s passion for growing his business is his dedication to service.

“I think that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the community in whatever way they can,” he tells me.

Frank began his community involvement initially by acting as a sponsor for the Pet Adoption program in the Grand Strand; then he sponsored several different events to raise funds for U.S. service veterans.

“Most recently I’ve felt compelled to do something to assist with all the natural disasters that have occurred,” he says. “There’s no organization in trying to help people sometimes. But because I know logistics well, I know how to get things to where they need to go.”

During the month of October, Frank organized a relief drive to support those impacted by the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Although Frank was born in Pennsylvania, his family is originally from Puerto Rico, and he still has many family members there.

“It was a very emotional experience,” he tells me. “And when it happened, I wasn’t able to hear from them for two weeks, which was hard. But I felt like I needed to do something. And when I organized this, my feelings were more humbled, and my faith in humanity was restored a bit, because of the response I got. People who didn’t know me were coming to me with donations or to help.”

Frank’s friend, Verlon Wulf, owner of Carolina Cool, donated warehouse space where the relief items could be sorted, packaged, and prepared to be sent to Puerto Rico.

Frank contacted Vana White, who was born in North Myrtle Beach, on a Friday, to ask if she’d be the spokesperson for the drive. By Saturday morning, she had replied in the affirmative. The radio stations where Frank advertises, Easy 105.9/100.7, and The Tide 94.5 donated time on the air broadcasting her announcement to help kickstart it. Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union agreed to manage all the monetary funds, and used their Horry County branches as drop sites for material donations.

Optical Gallery in Carolina Forest was instrumental in helping with logistics. One of the owners, Efraim Ortiz, had connections in Puerto Rico, and reached out to Frank to help, so that they were able to ensure that aid was reaching the right people. Key also, was one of Frank’s family members, Ilka Soto-Battle, in Puerto Rico who is very active with humanitarian work. She organized many people in the area to offer relief, especially in places where no relief had been brought. She was eventually able to connect with the National Guard, and lead them to the remote mountain community of Utuado, where people needed help and had yet received none.

Frank shipped about twelve tons of aid, almost half of which went directly to Ilka, who distributed it throughout Utuado.

We have always helped,” Frank says simply. “We sent relief to West Virginia and Louisiana after the flooding, shipping around 20 pallets (which weighs about 2,000 lb) of water. After Hurricane Harvey, I donated over 1,000 boxes and all the tape to package the relief goods.

“When there’s a need, I act. Being your own boss has its own rewards. I just feel more a part of a community than I did working for a Fortune 500 company. Within the community is where I think I can make a difference.”

ShipOnSite

Open M-F 8am-6pm; Sa & Su 9am-3pm.

To read more about some of our other local businesses in and around the Market Common, click here for the Insider at the Market Common’s website!

A Lesson On What to Gift Your Canine For the Holidays

May 12, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

The Christmas Edition of Charlies Corner presented by the Insider at the Market Common.

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of 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. Here, 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 puts his family tree research on hold as he gets merry for the holidays. Oh boy, oh boy. It’s holiday time. It’s time to get festive! I get so excited this time of year. Friends, family, parties, extra treats, extra pats for me. I was trying to identify what my favorite thing about the holiday season was, but I couldn’t narrow it down to just one. So I made a list that I want to share with you. Then I decided to see what brings my friends joy, and compile one big list, and here it is. If you want to make your canine companion happy this holiday season, if you’re wondering how to show us a little extra love, then I present: A Dog’s List of Favorite Things Wrapping paper. I just love rolling around in it, and tearing around the house with it. Dog bone cookies tied up with little red bows The turkey, ham, and sides of roasted meat that find their way into the fridge, and onto my plate all month long. Homemade dog treats Hung stockings filled with rawhide treats Wrapped up dog bones (Are you sensing a theme here?) Happy, merry visitors Extra snuggle time in cozy blankets Presents! Parties Sleeping by the replace Dreams of chasing Santa’s reindeer New chew toys A memory foam doggie bed Getting my picture taken with Santa Being able to run on the beach because it’s not tourist season right now. And my personal favorite— tinsel. I don’t know about you, but I just love this stuff. It sparkles and gets everywhere. What’s not to love? What is tinsel anyway? Because I love research, especially when it pertains to my favorite things, I decided to learn more about its origins. I discover that it has its roots in Germany, and the first known record of its use was in the early 1600s. Back then, people hammered silver into sheets until it was paper thin, then they cut thin strips of metal from the sheet and hung it on their Christmas trees as a decoration. It didn’t really become popular though, until the mid 1800s, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of England were illustrated standing with their children in front of a tree decorated with it. The publication was reprinted in America, and because of the fame of the queen, everyone wanted some. I like our modern version better, because it’s so and snuggly. How about you? Share some of your family’s (four-legged friends too) favorite things about the holiday season with our community on my Facebook page. Use the hashtag #charliesfavorites so others can find it. I can’t wait to hear what you pick. Happy Holidays! 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 To see more Charlie’s Corner articles, click here.

Importance of Flood Insurance

May 5, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Every home is vulnerable to flooding. Just an inch of water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. More than half of the dwell- ings damaged by the October 2016 floods and Hurricane Matthew were located in low-risk areas. Floods can happen anywhere and anytime. A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy protects valu- able assets and helps pay for recovery. Properties in moderate and low-risk areas account for more than 20 per- cent of the country’s NFIP claims and receive a third of flood-related federal disaster assistance. NFIP policies cover flood damage that federal disaster assistance and most homeowners insurance do not. Depending on the type and amount of coverage, you may receive up to $250,000 for home damage and up to $100,000 for contents. Flood insurance policies go into effect 30 days after purchase. NFIP payouts are not dependent on state or federal disaster declarations. Floods are the most common natural disaster and usually do not result in a declaration. Policyholders might be eligible to get additional payments up to $30,000 to mitigate a substantially damaged home so it meets local floodplain-management regulations. Go to www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about any property’s flood risk, estimate an NFIP premium or locate an insurance agent who sells flood insurance. Visit www.ready.gov/floods for flood information and safety tips. Questions about your flood zone? Call the Planning, Building & Zoning Department at 843-913-6941 or stop by our office at Town Hall, 115 US Highway 17 North, Surfside Beach. To see more from our Surfside section, click here!

Kenneth Hofmann

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

The Surfside Chief of Police shared a message with the Insider at the Market Common.

A Letter from the Chief of Police of Surfside Beach As the Chief of Police, I am honored to speak of the dedication and courage of the men and women of the Surfside Beach Police Department. Having started my career in law enforcement here in 1996, I have seen many changes at SBPD as the nature of law enforcement has changed. One thing that has not changed is the commitment to keeping Surfside Beach the “Family Beach,” and keeping ours the safest community on the Grand Strand. In order to help our community understand the things we do, we must publish the mission of the Surfside Beach Police Department: The mission of the Surfside Beach Police Department is to administer and enforce all laws in a fair, impartial, and professional manner and to adopt a neighborhood and community-oriented policing philosophy through various programs and strategies with the objective of serving, protecting, and positively impacting the quality of life of all the citizens of Surfside Beach. Writing a mission statement is the easy part for any police leader. Demonstrating a commitment to the mission through daily acts of service, protecting the community, ensuring a positive quality of life and fair, impartial law enforcement is the challenge. So how do we get the job done and maintain the lowest violent crime and property crime rates in the area? It’s quite simple. First, we engage our community through community-oriented programs such as the Citizen’s Police Academy and Coffee with a Cop to establish the foundation for a partnership with our community stakeholders. Then, through a cooperative and transparent relationship with our community and a supportive Town Council that places a priority on public safety, we maintain a well-stated police department. SBPD maintains a police force of 21 full-time police officers, 3 part-time police officers, and a staff of 6 communications officers that are cross-trained as local corrections officers. The last and equally important component of our approach is to empower our police officers to do their difficult job and know that the community, Town leaders, and the police department’s command staff have their back. The response I get most often when I talk about our staffing is; “21 cops in a two square mile town?” I proudly respond that our staffing levels allow us to provide our community with a 4-minute average response time, mission-oriented police officers who refuse to say, “sorry there’s nothing I can do,” and pro-active police patrol to attempt to detect and deter crime before it happens. We place a strong emphasis on quality of life issues, and encourage our citizens to notify us of concerns no matter how small or inconsequential they may seem. While enforcing parking ordinances, maintaining strict traffic enforcement, and answering noise complaints might seem minor compared to our response to burglaries and violent crime, all are part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining the safest, most family-friendly community with the highest quality of life possible. As your Chief of Police, I hope we are meeting your expectations!

Jimmy Davis

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Georgetown County Native and Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent of the 354th at Myrtle Beach By Melissa LaScaleia This month’s history section commemorates U.S. Air Force veteran and South Carolina native, Jimmy E. Davis. There is a plague dedicated to him along Farrow Parkway, right by the intersection of Hendrick Avenue—between Hendrick and Howard. His plaque is one of many that are in close proximity on this block. Jimmy E. Davis was born on June 1,1937, and grew up in nearby Georgetown County, South Carolina. He attended Winyah High School also in Georgetown. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and entered basic training. Jimmy chose to pursue a career in aircraft maintenance, and enrolled in Jet Aircraft Mechanics School at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas. He graduated in December, 1954. For the duration of his service with the U.S. Air Force, he stayed within the aircraft maintenance career field, a highly complex and demanding occupation.= For his first operational assignment, he was sent to Europe, where he was stationed at Chaumont and Laon Air Bases in France, and at Bitburg Air Base, in Germany. He played a large role in supporting the U.S. during the Vietnam War, by maintaining and repairing aircrafts. First he was sent to Korat Air Base, in Thailand, in 1964. He deployed with the first F-105D aircraft that had been sent to that Air Force base, to maintain it and other aircrafts. In 1970, he was assigned to his nearby home, to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base where he served as the NCO-In-Charge of Aircraft Quality Control. Later, he became an Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent in the organizational and flight line maintenance squadrons. In 1972, he was sent a second time to aid America in Vietnam, again to Korat Air Base. This time, he maintained the A-7D aircraft of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. He served two additional tours to support America during the Vietnam War: both in Udorn Royal Air Base, Thailand. Jimmy E. Davis was selected to be the Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing. In this position, he achieved superior results, and showed himself to be an outstanding leader and manager. As a result he earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Chief Master Sergeant Jimmy E. Davis died in Surfside Beach, at the age of 78, on October 13, 2015.

Q&A with Ryan and Kalina Smith

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Ryan and Kalina Smith, Running a Boutique Upholstery Business, Raising a Family by Casey York Introduce me to your family. I’m Ryan Smith and our family includes my wife, Kalina, and our two daughters, Mary Grace (13), and Sofia (18 months). Why did you move to the Market Common? We decided to move from Surfside Beach to an apartment in the Market Common. When we discovered we were expecting Sofia, we bought a larger home in Sweetgrass, and have loved our neighborhood ever since. Where are all the places you came from? I was born in Myrtle Beach, grew up in Florence, and completed school in Conway. Kalina is from Sofia, Bulgaria. What’s your favorite thing about living in the Market Common? A sense of community and the city atmosphere. It’s nice to see smiling, familiar faces and the new tourists scouting out our city. What new activities have you taken up since moving here? We like to take after dinner walks and bicycle rides around the neighborhood and lakes. Tell me about your upholstery business. I began my upholstery apprenticeship 24 years ago with a quality custom upholsterer. This September, I celebrated my company’s 15th year in business. After Kalina graduated with an interior design degree, she joined me by opening a workshop that specializes in window treatments, throw pillows, bedding, and outdoor cushions. Now we have a fabric boutique showroom, RK Interiors, which is only 2.5 miles from Market Common. We specialize in custom, commercial, and residential projects. Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Market Common? We’d like to see more quality restaurants that think outside the tourist box, and also a grocery story like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Pumpkin Loaf

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Our recipe corner is brought to you by the Insider Design Team Trio— Megan, Casey and Melissa. Each month, we’ll feature our favorite recipe of the hour, the one that moves us to tears of delight and gastronomic ecstasy every time we make it. It’s the behind-the-scenes peek on what goes on inside our kitchen…. Just for you. Pumpkin Loaf Just in time for the holidays, this month’s recipe ushers in a spirit of festivity with the flavors of pumpkin and spice. Savor it with a friend over a steaming cup of coffee, or reside after a hearty winter meal. This rich and deeply satisfying cake bread is a family tradition in Melissa’s house at the holidays. Ingredients 1 ¾ cups flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp ginger ¼ tsp cloves ½ cup butter ¾ cup sugar 2 eggs ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree ¾ cup dark chocolate chips Directions Oven 350°, Bake time 45-60 min. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices. In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream the butter. Gradually add the sugar and cream well. Add the eggs and beat. Turn the speed to low and add the dry ingredients alternately with the pumpkin, be- ginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. Pour in the prepared pan, and bake 45-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the pan when cool. To read some more of our recipes, click here!

Ask Your Expert –

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Meadowlawn Animal Services is the most convenient and effective animal care service providers in the area.

Safeguarding Your Pet’s Health This Holiday Season with Veterinarian Dr. Gwynn Hardee The holiday time is here with lots of great times together as family, and one of the most important members of our family is a four-footed cat or dog. Of course, they do not know that they are a critter and please do not tell them. Charlie sure thinks he is a person and we don’t want to break his heart by letting him know. All of us who have pets love them very much, and they are such an asset to our lives. The life enhancing facts of having a cat or dog in our lives are undeniable. Medical science has shown, for example, just petting and stroking your pet lowers your blood pressure. If you have ever seen a service pet taken into a nursing home, the effects on all those folks is simply amazing. However, for purposes of good health, we have to be careful how we treat our pet during these holidays. This time of year we see many pets that have an up- set stomach and diarrhea because they got too many treats from the table. I encourage you not to feed your pet left- overs. If you must, make sure it is some lean meat of some kind and in small portions. Never any bones! Also, chocolate is abundant this time of year, but it can be a real health challenge if you give your pet chocolate. Also, beware of dropped pills that you are taking getting into your pets. Many of our plants that adorn our homes this time of year can also be toxic. Remember sugar free gum containing xylitol can cause an acute low blood sugar that can kill your pet if not discovered quickly. Antifreeze is highly lethal to pets, al- though there are some brands out now that are deemed safe. Why would your pet drink antifreeze? It seems to taste like Kool-Aid to them! So please discard all in a safe way. If your pet is traveling, remember that it can be a high stress event for them, so make sure you check with your vet on how to make that time as smooth as possible. If you have a cat, please do not carry it in a pet carrier by the handle. We all make that swing as we walk, and it is very disturbing to the cat. Place them in the top if you have a door there, and put your hands under the crate and carry it like a crate of eggs. When putting them in the car, place them on the floorboard so sudden stops in traffic do not send them flying. Make sure you are using a vet that has been through the fear free training for all pets. If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to call one our staff members or myself at 843-282-2287. Thanks so much, and to everyone both two legged and four, have a great holiday and be safe. Thanks, Gwynn Hardee, DVM Meadowlawn Animal Services To read more from our experts, click here! Envelope Phone Internet-explorer

Helping Hand

December 13, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

Whenever the holidays roll around there is an overwhelming urge to give back. Here in Surfside Beach we are strong believers in supporting charities, standing up for great causes, and giving back to the community year-round but there’s something about the Christmas Season that makes us want to give a little more… Lending a helping hand not only aids others in need, it’s also very rewarding. You can give back this holiday season by supporting our local South Strand Helping Hand. Founded in 1986, the South Strand Helping Hand organizes a toy donation campaign each year. There are families in this community that are struggling to provide for themselves and their children on Christmas. The struggling families and hardworking people who have fallen on hard times because of illness, death in the family or underemployment and need a bit of joy at this time of year. Photo courtesy of Surfside Beach. How will you give back during the holidays? In addition to hurricane relief, South Strand Helping Hand provides food, urgent doctor and dental needs, and can provide assistance with rent, utility bills and hardship travel expenses on a case-by-case basis. Last month, South Strand Helping Hand will have served 250 families a full Thanksgiving meal and will be providing Christmas gifts to 500 children under the age of 10 this Season. If you would like more information or to donate food, household items, money or to volunteer, contact the South Strand Helping Hand. They are available Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm, at 812 Poplar Drive South in Surfside Beach To read more from our Surfside Beach section, click here! Phone Envelope

Spotlight on Surfside Beach

May 5, 2021December 4, 2017 by The Coastal Insider

The Family Beach Comes to the Insider at the Market Common Surfside Beach prides itself as the family beach and continues to support local businesses. – Photo by Meganpixels Parker The Town of Surfside Beach has partnered with the Market Common Insider to create an Insider Surfside Beach section to share information about the town, our community and promote our businesses. December events and our spotlight non-profit, South Strand Helping Hand. Check out the map & share your thoughts and feedback on The Town of Surfside Beach Facebook page. Surfside Beach, the family beach! To check out the rest of our Surfside Beach section, click here!

Support – The Gift that Keeps on Growing Community

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