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Day: April 25, 2019

Military Appreciation in Myrtle Beach

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Celebrating Our Veterans During the Month of May and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia May is Military Appreciation Month in Myrtle Beach. Every week and weekend sees a new event which celebrates and recognizes the service of present and former members of the military.  The City of Myrtle Beach as well as the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce sponsor all of the month’s proceedings, which are organized by a committee of veterans and veterans service organizations along the Grand Strand.  “Without news outlets, social media, and community events, veterans can get isolated,” says Chris Aranda, outreach specialist working for the Myrtle Beach Vet Center (one of the partnering service organizations), and himself, a U.S. Army retired combat veteran. “Events like those held throughout the month of May really helps us.”  After returning from a deployment in Iraq in 2004, Chris retired from military service before beginning his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, at the Myrtle Beach Vet Center.  The Vet Center has been a valuable asset to the veteran community for six years; it provides readjustment counseling with a wide range of services offered to eligible veterans, active duty service members, and their families, in an effort to facilitate a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services offered at Vet Centers nationwide include: individual and group counseling for eligible veterans and service members; family counseling for military related issues; bereavement counseling; counseling and referral for those that experience a military sexual trauma; outreach; substance abuse assessment and referral; employment referral; referral to other VA services; and community education.  Today there are roughly three hundred Vet Centers across the country.  “We assist those suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and readjustment issues,” Chris says. “We’re that focal point across the community— bringing awareness and connecting us all.  “I spent twenty years and a day in the Army, and when I did retire, I needed to be around veterans because I grew up, from the age of eighteen to thirty-eight, around a family of those who served. All I knew was soldiering.”  “My transition was difficult for me, I felt displaced,” he continues. “I thought: ‘What am I going to do?’ I was looking for that connection, and I found that connection when I began to again help veterans and their families across my community.”  Chris Aranda — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Suicide is very prevalent in the veterans’ community,” he adds. “With this work, you’re making a positive change of support in someone’s life today. I just returned from a training in Florida where one of my peers was struggling with his own demons and issues. But to be there together, and be around people who cared, it saved his life that weekend. That means something to me and my colleagues.” In his work with the Vet Center, Chris says he still sees WWII veterans who are struggling with PTSD.  “There are only one percent of us who wear the uniform across the country,” he says. “But it’s the other 99% across our country who welcome us, help us, and integrate us back into the community. We appreciate that the City of Myrtle Beach has given us the entire month of May for recognition of our service, and that month is special to us as a community— it unites us, and ties us to the community in which we live, and we all look forward to it. The City of Myrtle Beach is a special place to live because here veterans are recognized and honored.”  Here is this year’s lineup of events to celebrate the veterans in our community; everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.     On Saturday, May 4 at 9am, there will be a Junior ROTC Drill Competition for all of the Horry County high schools in the parking lot of the Pelican Stadium. This is a free event.  That evening, at 6pm, there is a Pelican’s baseball game held to honor all veterans. Veterans are free to attend; general admission $5.     On Friday, May 17, there will be a Vietnam Veterans Recognition and Welcome Home Ceremony from 1-3pm at the General Robert Reed Recreation Center in the Market Common.  Veterans need not pre-register— they will be identified as they enter.    “We are going to pin them and recognize them with a ceremony,” Chris says. “This is the 50th anniversary of their return home from Vietnam, and many of them were never properly welcomed home initially.”     Later that evening, the Pine Lakes International Country Club will host a formal event— the American Legion 100th Birthday Dinner at 5:30pm. Pre-registration is required.  The staff of the Myrtle Beach Vet Center on location. Front row from left to right: Chris Aranda, Terri Davis, and Tez Ortiz. Back row from left to right: Marcey Cates, Laura Cox, and Susan Toth. — Photo Meganpixels Parker On Thursday, May 23 at noon, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is sponsoring a golf tournament at the Heritage Golf Course in Pawleys Island. Pre-registration is required.  As a way to give back to the community, the Myrtle Beach Vet Center is holding a Community Picnic on Friday, May 24 at 11am on 21st Avenue and Robert Grissom Parkway. There will be a ceremonial flag presentation as well as food and drink.  The most well-known celebratory event, the Myrtle Beach Military Parade, will be held this year on Saturday, May 25, when fifty vehicles and floats will traverse down Howard Avenue in the Market Common amidst throngs of bystanders.  “It’s a very patriotic parade,” Chris says. “And very well attended.”  Each year, the committee selects two grand marshals for the parade— one celebrity and one local veteran. The grand marshals highlight the event and inspire people to attend and show their support.  Previous grand marshals included veterans: Montell Williams, the TV personality; J.R. Martinez, who was on Dancing With the Stars; Rocky Bleier, a Pittsburgh Steeler in the ’80s; and John Glenn, the astronaut.     “This year we have a very special celebrity grand marshal: Kerri Thomas— an Army Ranger and U.S. Iraqi … Read more

eNation Worldwide

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If a Website Is In Your Plans, Put It In eNation’s Hands by Melissa LaScaleia eNation Worldwide is a digital media firm that helps the small to mid-sized local business owner increase their business through digital marketing using tools such as web design; SEO (search engine optimization); social media marketing; SEM (search engine marketing via Google ads, Facebook ads, etc.); mobile app development; and more.  “Our mission is simple: to use our digital tools to get your business found online,” says founder and CEO Jacquie Gonzalez. “We do everything we do—web design, social media, etc. —through the lens of SEO.”  eNation wants to ensure that they are putting your brand into the hands of your potential customers. As such, they keep up with over forty different ranking factors that Google considers to be important— so that you don’t have to.  “One wouldn’t start a business without a plan,” Jacquie says, “and when we work with our clients to create a website, or perform SEO, or run Google ads, or post on social media, we have a solid plan to get your business from being lost in the shuffle, to being found.”  Jacquie worked in advertising and marketing for twelve years with Next Media Radio. By 2006, she perceived a growing need for small businesses to have their own websites as well as tools to make their name known.  She began her company to fill this gap, here in Myrtle Beach.  “I didn’t know a lot about web design, but I knew a lot about how to help a business with marketing and advertising,” Jacquie says. “I met a young, talented web developer who wanted to work with me, and for the first year, I took him with me to every client meeting. He was able to answer technical, web-related questions, and I helped people determine their goals for their new websites in terms of how it could grow their business.  Jacquie Gonzalez (left), with her husband and business partner, Drew (right). — Photo Meganpixels Parker “My goal was to bring the consulting side to web design. I found that most web designers at the time were coders who knew very little about marketing. I knew very little about code, but a lot about marketing.”  Over the next two years, Jacquie gained a lot of knowledge. In 2008, she became certified in search engine optimization—long before Google was a major part of the local advertising scene. She knew it was coming though.  “Seeing and perceiving trends is something I am good at,” she says. “And I knew that digital would soon overtake local advertising with lightning speed.”  In 2010, the company was offering social media marketing as Facebook was on the rise. Soon, they were the first full-service digital marketing firm in the Myrtle Beach area. They also became a national vendor for digital services for a radio marketing company. Over the next five years, they amassed over 300 clients in Myrtle Beach, across the U.S., and in Canada.  In 2012, Jacquie’s husband, Drew, retired from a twenty-year career in the restaurant management industry to work with his wife full time as co-owner and social media manager.  Today, eNation Worldwide has a small team lead by the couple. There is Tom Morgan, their lead web developer who has worked with them since 2007; Joanne Arneburg, who worked with Jacquie as an SEO apprentice for five years, and continues to work with SEO clients; Renee Midrack, their professional writer and content creator; and JJ Sierra, who started as an intern from Coastal Carolina University, and now works with them part-time.    “We all live and work here in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand,” Jacquie says. “We love this area, and love seeing it evolve and change.”  “The very nature of our business is all about continuous evolution,” Jacquie says. “Nothing stays stagnant in our industry. We stay ahead of the curve to give our clients the best competitive edge.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker Just as they love seeing their own and their clients’ businesses grow.     “The very nature of our business is all about continuous evolution,” Jacquie says. “Nothing stays stagnant in our industry. We have to stay ahead of the curve, keep our thumbs on the pulse of Google, and make sure we stay ahead of changing technology to give our clients the best competitive edge. That being said, doing all the right things consistently over time is also a big key to our growth and success. The methods may change, but the approach doesn’t.”  By the time of this printing, eNation Worldwide will have just launched a new mobile app. Called My Insider, this is an awesome app for locals and tourists in Myrtle Beach to take advantage of everything the community has to offer.  “Most of our business comes from referrals from our current clients,” Jacquie says. “We love the relationships we have built with our clients over the years, and are passionate about supporting them. We truly put our hearts and souls into our work. We readily make ourselves available to our clients and offer 24/7 tech support.  “As far as SEO, there are very few people in the country who have the experience, certifications, and intuition that I have, which gives our clients a competitive advantage.”  eNation Worldwide offers a free SEO analysis of your current business website, Google rankings, social media accounts, as well as that of your competition.  “We will look at your business through ‘the eyes’ of Google and provide a road map to get to where you would like to be,” she says. “We would love the opportunity to work with you to grow your business.”  eNation Worldwide, LLC  1293 Professional Drive, Suite D Myrtle Beach, SC 29577   843-340-2577   www.enationworldwide.com  Facebook @ Myrtle Beach Web Design and SEO

In Touch Counseling and Hypnotherapy

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Hope, Heal, Thrive with Barbara Cardinal, LISW by Melissa LaScaleia Barbara Cardinal is a licensed independent social worker who owns and operates the Myrtle Beach based, In Touch Counseling and Hypnotherapy. In her work, she focuses on therapy and counseling, specializing in treating people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, loss, divorce, retirement, and other major life transitions.  “I originally was an elementary school teacher before going back to school to get a master’s degree in clinical social work,” she says. “I am from a family with mental illness, so I was very aware of people’s mental and emotional health. I’ve always been interested in how the brain works and how to go through life feeling our best.”  “Particularly depression,” she adds. “It’s so prevalent, and yet there is so much stigma associated with it. It is really quite layered and manifests differently for everyone. I’m passionate about helping people to achieve relief and bringing awareness to the general public. Living with depression is a very difficult way to go through life.”  “My other main area of interest is life transitions,” she says. “Especially as I get older. Some people with whom I work have spent their lives raising children, or working high-powered jobs; now, later in life, they feel depressed and are struggling with a loss of purpose or value.”  Barbara worked as a social worker full time in upstate New York before she retired and moved to Myrtle Beach three years ago. After retirement, she missed her profession so much that she decided to open her own business and continue privately.     In Touch Counseling and Hypnotherapy is unique in that Barbara not only conducts counseling, but it also a certified clinical hypnotherapist. She focuses this area of her work on assisting clients with achieving their goals of smoking cessation, weight loss, anxiety, and breaking unwanted habits.  Barbara Cardinal of InTouch Counseling. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Most of us hold limiting beliefs which keep us from living larger, happier lives,” she says. “Hypnotherapy is a tool which helps to reprogram the subconscious mind. It creates new neural pathways that make change easier and permanent. I use it as a tool in addition to other forms of therapy. It’s not magic, but it does assist people in breaking habitual patterns and making the positive changes lasting.”  Barbara receives many questions about hypnosis. She wants people to understand that you never lose control when you’re in a hypnotized state. She likens it to a relaxed, dream-like state, in which you work in partnership with the hypnotherapist to help achieve your goals.  “Anybody who can understand directions can be hypnotized,” she says. “It’s a very gentle process.”  As part of her business, Barbara also began a program called Let’s Talk. This is a brief, thirty minute phone session in which she provides a listening ear and gentle insight.  “This is for somebody who wants to talk through a small issue for a little bit of time; it’s for somebody in the midst of a crisis who needs a quick listening ear; for current clients; or for prospective clients who want to get a feel for me,” she explains.  — Photo Meganpixels Parker Barbara is also passionate about teaching people how to listen. She developed a program thirty years ago, which she still offers; it’s called Deep Listening.  “It’s for couples, individuals, parents and businesses,” she says. “Deep listening is a skill that anyone can learn. It enriches relationships and creates understanding. Truly listening to another deepens intimacy and enhances success in personal as well as professional lives.”     Beginning May 14, Barbara and her colleague Kay Dobis, a certified nutrition specialist, are facilitating a six-week Women’s Intuitive Eating Group.  “I was inspired to start this program because of my own history with dieting as well as working with so many women over the years who struggle with their relationship with food and their bodies,” Barbara says.  “The program is designed to assist people in stopping the incessant battle with food— to make peace with themselves and food. The process of dieting typically doesn’t work long term, so I began searching for something that would. That’s when I discovered the research of mindful and intuitive eating. When I met Kay, she was studying this as well. We are thrilled to be offering this group.” In Touch Counseling Hypnotherapy 317 Wellness Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 29579   843-972-4410  Women’s Group early bird discount through May 5. Call to register. www.intouchcounselingandhynotherapy.com Facebook @ In Touch Counseling and Hypnotherapy.  SC LISW #12497

Swift Services Heating and Cooling

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Providing White Gloved Customer Service to the Grand Strand— Just Follow the Snowman to Comfort  by Melissa LaScaleia Swift Services Heating and Cooling provides installations, maintenance, repairs, and replacements on all heating and cooling systems for everyone from the border of North Carolina to Georgetown in the south, and as far inland as Aynor and parts of Marion County.  “We also address air quality with Air duct cleaning, repair, replacement, UV lights, and filter changes,” says Scott Stewart, the company’s marketing director, “and conduct home energy reports to test the efficiency of your system to see if it’s burning more watts because it’s older— running up your electric bill. The report tells you if there are parts in the system you could switch out to save you money. We offer free energy report consultations and free new installation quotes. The majority of our work is residential, but we do some commercial work as well.”  Swift Services Heating and Cooling just celebrated their seven year anniversary. Every year since they’ve opened, they have been a winner or finalist for both the Chronicle and Herald’s Reader’s Choice Award; and they’ve won the Best of the Beach Award every year for the past six years.    The company is owned by Joseph Mascetti, who has lived in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty-four years. He’s been working in the heating and cooling industry for thirty-five years— beginning as a technician and installer and working his way up in the industry before deciding to branch out on his own.  “We stand by the work we do giving our customers a 100% money back guarantee,” says Scott. “The way we run our business is 100% oriented with our customers in mind— to offer the best customer service and quality of service.”  Joseph Mascetti, owner and operator of Swift Services, has been working in the heating and cooling industry for the past thirty-five years. — Photo Meganpixels Parker In keeping with that, Swift Services offers two annual service agreements for their customers. The bronze membership includes one free tune-up on your heating/cooling system a year; the silver membership includes two.  “It’s best to have your unit cleaned and checked to prepare your unit for the switch-over twice a year, in the spring and fall,” Scott says, “because it will help to extend the life of your system. When you have a drastic change in temperature, as we do here, it puts strain on the unit. Maintaining it twice a year helps prevent it from shutting down when the temperatures hit extreme highs in the summer and extreme lows in the winter.  “Having an annual or bi-annual agreement takes the guesswork and inconvenience out of remembering to schedule that service when people’s lives are already so busy.”  Members receive 20% off any service; silver memberships gives you a discounted diagnostic fee in the event that something breaks. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the program is that all members receive Emergency Priority Service. If at any time you call for emergency service, you are guaranteed top of the list if there are fifty people ahead of you in the queue. And they offer monthly as well as annual payment plans for both memberships.  For all after-hours service calls, there is a live person who answers the phone so you will be taken care of quickly. You never have to leave a message and wonder if they received it or not.  “We don’t charge an emergency evening, weekend, holiday fee,” Scott says. “If your unit breaks on Christmas Day at 1am it will cost the same to have it fixed as if you were to call on a Tuesday at 2pm.”  For installations, Swift Services will conduct a free home survey to make sure that you receive the appropriate system for your house.  “They are not a one size fits all,” Scott says. “There are a lot of factors that determine which system is appropriate— such as how many vents are in a house, or the size and shape of the house.”  Swift Services registers all of their equipment and installations through the county permitting office, which means the county will come out to inspect the installation to verify that everything is done properly.  “It’s just one more step to show that we stand behind the quality of our work for our customers; the verification holds us accountable,” Scott says.  Additionally, every installation comes with a manufacturers warranty— and Swift Services also offers a labor and service agreement with free maintenance for a year. The company’s vehicles stand at the ready to assist customers with their heating and cooling needs, day or night. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We understand and respect all budgets and have financing options available to work with our customers,” Scott says. “We don’t charge an hourly rate for labor, we charge by the service. And keep our technicians only as technicians— they are not salesmen.”  This past January, Swift Services opened their new location at Fred Nash Boulevard. They built the new office from the ground up— and customized it to fit their company’s needs and to be a reflection of their brand. The outside of their building is painted in their company color—baby blue— and they set aside a training facility to conduct continuing education trainings and seminars for their technicians.  “Every morning the operations manager has a meeting with our technicians and teaches them a new topic about changes, new products, or technological advances,” Scott says. “And twice a week, Joseph comes and teaches a seminar. We also have access to additional training resources based on the partnerships that we have. Every month, our technicians are required to log hours in these additional training skills. Things are constantly changing. It’s important that our technicians stay current with their knowledge and move with the trends in the industry as systems become more technologically advanced; it’s equally important that they receive refresher courses for situations that they don’t experience a lot.”  Swift Service’s new building houses an onsite warehouse which acts as a storage facility for some of … Read more

Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm

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The Coastal Insider

Trusted, Experienced, Compassionate by Melissa LaScaleia Moore, Johnson, and Saraniti is a local law firm, started in 2001, that has grown over the years and is now comprised of five female attorneys – three senior partners: V. Lee Moore, Sarah A. Johnson, and Elizabeth J. Saraniti; junior partner, Angela D. Harrison; and associate attorney, Nancy M. Zovnic.  The firm practices in the areas of general litigation; estate planning; probate administration; family law; commercial and residential real estate; corporate; collections; community association representation; and personal injury.  “We are committed to providing ethical representation that is responsive to our clients,” says Angela, who’s been with the firm since 2012. “We look at each individual situation, and customize what we have to offer to meet our clients’ unique needs.  The attorneys of the all-female firm, Moore, Johnson & Saraniti. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “I like that I get to meet people in all stages of their lives— to learn about their individual situation and be creative to find a solution to their problem that works for them.”  This is the time of year that many people review their finances and other important documents, and the attorneys of Moore, Johnson, and Saraniti are here to assist you with all your estate planning needs.  “A lot of people believe that because they’ve moved to South Carolina, a new will is necessary, but that is not always accurate,” Angela says. “We look at your current documents to confirm that they are valid in this state and that they still accomplish your goals. We also review Powers of Attorney, which I see as the most important documents, because the person you appoint will be making decisions about the allocation of your funds and administering health care while you are alive but in a vulnerable state.  “Whether someone has just moved to the area and needs their out-of-state wills reviewed, or whether they need health care power of attorney or financial power of attorney, that’s something we can help them with.”  Moore, Johnson, and Saraniti Law Firm  1271 Glenns Bay Road Surfside Beach, SC 29575   843-650-9757 www.grandstrandlawyers.com  Facebook @ Moore Johnson Saraniti Law Firm

Supporting a Child with Cancer

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How the Myrtle Beach Community is Giving Back by Melissa LaScaleia Declan Maloney will be fourteen years old on April 22. He has a form of cancer called Epithelioid Sarcoma, which typically affects males in their late twenties to late thirties. The chances of a child being affected with this are rare— .05 out of 1 million.  Epithelioid Sarcomas are among the most misdiagnosed cancers because they resemble ganglion cysts. They are slow-growing tumors with a high rate of reoccurrence, and are very aggressive. Epithelioid Sarcomas only develop in the arms and legs. But if it metastasizes, it can go to the lungs or the brain. The first line of treatment is surgery, then scans every three months to detect any new growth.  Declan was diagnosed on November 30, 2018.  “He had had a mass removed earlier that month,” says his mother, Allison. “And even the doctor thought that everything was fine. Then they did testing on it and it came back cancerous.”  The cancer was tentacled throughout Declan’s arm to such a degree that doctors had to amputate his lower arm to remove it.  Declan Maloney has a rare form of cancer that affects .05 out of 1 million children. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We were so blindsided by the diagnosis,” Allison says, “that all of the groups we are a part of stepped up to offer support. Our church, Belin United Methodist Church in Murrell’s Inlet, held a healing service for Declan before his surgery that was open to everyone. The church youth group presented Star Wars-themed shirts, signed by everyone, for myself, my husband John, and Declan to wear the day of the surgery. It meant a lot to us.”  Insurance doesn’t pay for all of the treatment that Declan needs, and Allison and John want to make sure that he can have a bionic arm and live as normal a life as possible. Declan has ambitions to go to the University of South Carolina and be a member of their marching band.  “I was posting on social media groups, asking people to pray for our son, to come to the healing service, and support his Go Fund Me page,” Allison says.  Dan O’Reilly, who has the same type of cancer and performs at Travinia in the Jazz band UNI, attended the service at Belin with his wife Lisa.  “Cancer Heroes of the Carolinas, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), has also been tremendously supportive,” Allison says. “It helps families and children with cancer in Horry and Georgetown counties. Jennifer Johnson, the founder, was the first cancer mother who reached out to me via a connection through our church. She helped educate us and fill in the gaps in a way that no other resource did.” To support Declan Maloney visit www.gofundme.com and search for Declan Maloney Medical Fund or click on the photo above. Facebook @ Friends of Declan.  Facebook @ Cancer Heroes of the Carolinas or 843-798-2020. 

All Smiles at Happy Teeth in the Market Common

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by Ashley Daniels There’s an establishment in the Market Common that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face: Happy Teeth Dentistry.  Open since April 2015, Happy Teeth offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family, from routine cleanings, to fillings, crowns, sealants, implants, extractions,  X-rays, and more. “Our aim is to have a friendly atmosphere for children of all ages,” says owner Dr. Marlene Mendez, “where they can have a positive experience and learn the building blocks needed to keep their smile healthy.” Hence the ever-appropriate name, Happy Teeth. “We want each visit here to be a happy experience, so we only work at their comfort level,” adds Mendez. Mendez, originally from South Carolina (her high school alma mater is North Myrtle Beach High), graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and worked as a dental director at Little River medical Center before she opened her own practice. She’s joined at the office by two dental hygienists, Jessica and Kelly, who both know just how to treat young clients with the right TLC. Dr. Katie Riesenberg joined the team in February.  Reisenberg, originally from Ohio, covers dental appointments at the Happy Teeth office from 9am to 5pm, while Mendez spends her days at area schools through her school-based dental program. “The program is important because it’s hard to get kids to the dentist during the day,” she says. “Sometimes it’s because they don’t have the means of transportation or it’s impossible for the parents to take off work, or there’s limited insurance. We want to make sure they don’t miss their dentist appointment.” And Mendez loves Happy Teeth’s location at the Market Common because of how convenient it is for families.  “All the kids in the family can come here at the same time and then go get ice cream or dinner at one of the restaurants right after,” she says.  Happy Teeth is also open on evenings and weekends upon request. Their office is located at 3074 Deville Street. Call to make an appointment at 843-839-4554 or visit www.HappyTeethMB.com.

Little River’s World Famous Blue Crab Festival, May 2019

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by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Located at the Historic Little River Waterfront, the Blue Crab Festival is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast— popular with both locals and visitors.  Join the fun May 18-19 from 9am- 5pm, and enjoy live beach music and a kids zone. There will be approximately three hundred arts and crafts, specialty, and business expo vendors. Fresh local seafood will be offered by local eateries at the festival, as well as vendors with long-time favorite festival foods. Event admission is $5 per person, per day, and children 12 & under are free. Official satellite parking with a shuttle ride to the festival is $5 per car. Parking locations and frequently asked questions are listed on the event website, BlueCrabFestival.org. Entertainment Schedule: Saturday: 10:30am – RiverMist 2pm – Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot Sunday: 11am – Carolina Soul Band 3pm – Jim Quick & Coastline

What’s New With the “Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee”

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by Tabitha Mull The Senior Center Receives a Beautiful Makeover from Town Volunteers The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee had a vision to give the seniors who frequent the Senior Center in Surfside Beach a beautiful yard, a clean and inviting building, and an area outside to relax in or simply stroll along the new path and enjoy the beautiful flowers. The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee, SSB Public Works department, Eagle Scouts from Murrells Inlet, SSB Event’s supervisor, and selfless and amazing town residents came together to bring that vision to fruition— and it was a success.  We thank each and every one of you for giving your time, money, and hard work to create a beautiful place for our seniors at the Senior Center in Surfside Beach to enjoy. It is, and always will be, the Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee’s mission to bring our community together— giving support for the good of our beautiful beach town. Yard of the Month The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee presents the yard of the month award to Dr. Joseph and Dr. Karen Menn. Congratulations on your beautiful yard.  Our committee encourages and welcomes all nominations from our town residents of Surfside Beach to apply for the yard of the month award. Please send your nominations to dherrmann@surfsidebeach.org or Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Facebook page @ KSBB-Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful. Coming Soon… Surfside Beach Music Festival “Summer of Fun” Join us for this free Live Music Festival every Sunday from 2- 5pm in Passive Park. Live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and more.  Beach and Street Sweeps The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee invites you to join us for our Beach Sweeps and Street Sweeps. Together we can keep our beaches and streets clean and beautiful. Meet us at the Surfside Beach Pier Parking lot on the following days: Beach Sweep: May 18: 10am – 12pm Street Sweep: June 22: 10am – 12pm Beach Sweep: July 5: 10am – 12pm Street Sweep: August 17: 10am – 12pm Beach Sweep: September 21: 9 – 10am Street Sweep: October 19: 10am – 12pm To learn more about the Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee, join our Facebook page @KSBB-Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful.

This Carolina Forest Community

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by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Forest is a twenty-five square-mile residential community located between the cities of historic Conway to the west, and fun-loving Myrtle Beach to the east.  With a mere fifteen minute drive to our famous white sandy beaches, and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and wild beauty of the Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge, the location, services, and economics of Carolina Forest makes it one of the area’s most desirable communities in which to live. Highways 31 and 501 offer easy connection points to the rest of the Grand Strand and surrounding environs.  Sporting its own award-winning public school system, which was designated best in the state; golf courses; medical, emergency and public services; entertainment; a myriad of shopping and dining opportunities; low taxes; booming economic growth; and a burgeoning job market; Carolina Forest is a vibrant, growing community with much to offer residents as well as those looking for investment opportunities. The Tanger Outlets, a comprehensive, upscale shopping complex, lies on the outskirts.  The Carolina Forest area has witnessed a steady and consistent growth; from 2000 to 2010, the population rose from 3,500 to 18,000 people. Today it soars above 35,000. The community is being developed according to a master plan, with new neighborhoods and amenities being added constantly to meet demand. More than half of the area’s hardwood forests and pine trees have been protected as conservation land, ensuring the fabric of this community remains preserved in nature.  The Farm, Spring Lake, The Bluffs on the Waterway, Waterford Plantation, Waterbridge, Summerlyn, and Southgate, are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.  Clean, safe, high-quality, new, and family friendly are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the feel of this area. Housing options include a wide range to appeal to a myriad of tastes: single family, apartment complexes, long term rentals, condos, townhomes and luxury estates. 

Colonel Charles E. Cook, Jr.

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Take a moment to celebrate our Veteran Colonel Charles E. Cook, Jr.. Read all about his story on this months edition. Thank you for your service!

Mayfest North Myrtle Beach, May 2019

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by the City of North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach signals its own bow to the coming of summer with the 14th Annual Mayfest on Main Street.  The free festival sports a series of musical concerts. It will be held on Saturday, May 11 and is fueled to bring top-tier entertainment that spans a range of musical tastes.The festival runs from 10am-6pm, and includes about one hundred vendors, food vendors, and a children’s area. The Community Stage at Hillside Drive will be introducing Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot to the 10am lineup. They are known as a soul, R&B party band based out of North Myrtle Beach.  Their musical repertoire covers decades of hits from your favorite artists and genres of music including soul, rhythm & blues, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, ’50s, ’60s, and Carolina Beach Music. From 12:30-1:30pm, Mark McKinney & Co will perform. They are an acoustic trio of local musicians based out of Pembroke, North Carolina. At 2:30pm, Cowboy Mouth will take the Community Stage. They are an American band based in New Orleans, known for fusing alternative rock with album-oriented rock, roots rock, and jam band influences. Formed in 1992, the band saw early mainstream success in the 1990s, including the hit single “Jenny Says.” In 2011, Cowboy Mouth was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.  On the Main Stage, in the city’s “Horseshoe,” Nelson will begin rocking the festival at 12:30pm. With their pop rock band Nelson— Matthew and Gunnar Nelson reached an unprecedented achievement when their self-penned song (“Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” became a hit in 1990— cementing their family as the only one in history to have three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. At 2pm, Blue Monday will perform. They have won repeatedly won Elevate Lifestyle Magazine’s Best of the City 2018 award; Best Band for 2017 and 2018; Best Local Band About to Hit It Big for 2017; and more. At 4pm, former Boston guitarist and co-lead vocalist David Victor will bring his show to the Main Stage. Victor was a member of Boston from 2009-2014, embarking on two North American tours and performing lead vocals on the #1 Classic Rock Hit, “Heaven on Earth,” in 2014. During shows, David sang Boston hits “Peace of Mind,“ “More Than a Feeling,” and “Amanda.”  For more information visit www.mayfestonmain.com

Myrtle Beach Welcomes Dogs at Off-Leash Parks

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach has two off-leash dog parks where owners may let their pets run and play. Barc Parc South, the original leash-free space for pooches, is off Mallard Lake Drive near Grand Park and the Market Common. The park covers fourteen acres and includes a lake.  Barc Parc North is adjacent to the Claire Chapin Epps Family Y on 62nd Avenue North Extension. It opened in 2009, and covers 3.3 acres. Both parks are fully fenced and now offer separate areas for large and small dogs to play.  Barc Parc South’s small dog playing section opened this year. The 33,000 square foot addition allows space for small dogs (a back height of 16 inches or less) to roam freely with other small dogs. The improvements include new fencing, gates, benches, bag holders, picnic tables, a doggie water fountain, and landscaping.  With the new section, Barc Parc South now has three separate areas: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one for all dogs. This latter section includes the lake. Funding for the new small dog section was provided by the City of Myrtle Beach and a grant from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism PARD Fund.  Three new rules also are in place at both of the city’s off-leash dog parks. First, children under the age of eight will not be allowed inside the park. Second, all dogs entering the Barc Parcs must be spayed or neutered. And third, both Barc Parcs are now “no smoking” areas; this prohibition includes vaping.  The rules for behavior are posted at each site, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pets and properly disposing of the waste. Handy picker-uppers are provided. Here is a complete list of rules. BARC PARC RULES Park is open from sun up to sun down.  Dog owners are responsible for clean up of dog feces.  Dog owners must be in park and within view of their dog at all times.  Dogs must be removed from the park at the first sign of aggression.  Dog owner must have leash in hand at all times.  Dogs must be leashed outside the boundaries of the park.  All dogs entering the park need to be spayed or neutered.  Park gates must be closed and latched at all times.  Puppies and dogs must be properly licensed, vaccinated, and healthy prior to entering the park.  Puppies under 4 months old are prohibited from entering the park. No food, treats, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, strollers, bicycles or children’s toys are allowed in the park. No animals other than dogs are allowed in the park. Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the premises.  Police and animal control officers can ticket all dog owners who fail to comply with the above rules.  This park accommodates unleashed animals. By entry, you assume all risk of injury to yourself, any adult guest, and any person or thing over which you exercise care.  Children under the age of 8 are prohibited from entering the park.  City of Myrtle Beach shall not be liable for any injury or damage to any person or thin caused by any dog in the park. No smoking or vaping is allowed in the park.  Finally, to make maintenance easier, the parks will close one morning each week.  South Barc Parc is closed every Monday from 6:30-11am. North Barc Parc is closed every Thursday from 6:30-11am.  For more information about these facilities and other parks, contact the Parks Division at 843-918-2332. 

In Which Charlie Explores the Magical World of Plants

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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. 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 celebrates all that’s blooming in Myrtle Beach with further exploration of the magical world of plants. You know, my journey searching for luck with which to bless my endeavors of winning the heart of my sweetheart (still Winnie), has really sparked a deep fascination for plants and their myths, hidden meanings, and relationship to the rest of the living world.  And to think I never would have discovered this passion had I not been harboring some latent insecurity about my inamorata’s affections for me. It just goes to show that you can always use personal character flaws to your advantage in life. So the next time you’re feeling a bit down on yourself, remember that the glass is half full, not the other way ‘round.  At any rate, I’m so inspired by a plant (clover) that is so bursting with love (as I see it. I mean come on, it’s beloved by so many life-forms, plus it feeds other plants too) that it sometimes grows an extra leaf (a genetic abnormality, but hey, to each his own in the personal perspective department).  It got me thinking that if this one plant has such a multifaceted relationship with the rest of the world, then surely other plants must too. So this month, I’m examining in more detail the magic and mystery of the dandelion! One of the United State’s most misunderstood, and under-appreciated plants.  Dandelions and bunnies have a lot in common— for starters they appear to reproduce with reckless abandon, filling the hearts of those around them with dismay by the sheer volume of their multitudes; they both are soft and fuzzy; and they show their face more commonly in the spring. Unlike the beloved four leaf clover— elusive, mysterious, hidden, and shy— the joyful and unapologetically fecund dandelion is there, whether you like it or not— dotting the landscape with a riot of shocking yellow, that is, until it’s decimated by an application of weed killer.  But it was not always so. For centuries, the dandelion has been dear to the hearts of children and adults, the bright, happy yellow color a reassuring sign that spring was here and the dark winter was over. People would blow on the soft, white, fluffy ball once the flower faded to seed, scattering them, and a wish uttered on their lips as well, to the wind, to land and take root.  Aesthetic appreciation aside, dandelions have always been an important food source for people. The leaves carry the medicinal properties of the bitter taste. The French enjoy young leaves in salads, and in more recent years, health conscious folk juice them for their bitter, cleansing properties.  According to Chinese medicine, spring is the season to cleanse, rejuvenate, and nourish the liver, giving that organ some love after the slothful food and exercise patterns of winter have been discarded.  It’s no coincidence that the bitter taste is precisely what supports the liver, and that dandelions grow in profusion at precisely the season when humans need that support most. And boy oh boy is it important! The liver stores the emotion of anger, so a sluggish unhappy one will fuel whatever anger you have and make it worse.  Dandelion root is often taken in the form of a tea, and helps with skin conditions like eczema and acne, arthritis, digestive issues, inflammation and boils. Whoah. I’m not sure what a boil is, but I sure am glad that there’s something out there that helps them. And to top it all off, the flower can be used to make your own wine.  Now that’s a lot of uses for one plant. But this piece of lore is my favorite— it is said that the dandelion represents the three celestial bodies— the yellow flower the sun; the fluffy ball of seed, the ethereal moon; and the dispersed seeds that soar with the wind, the stars. So consider all its many uses the next time you look disdainfully at the helpful dandelion.  And then, a quote I stumbled upon— ‘The difference between a plant and weed is a judgement.’ Words that could be applied to many things in life, no? Until next time, 

Emma’s Health Talk: Sunscreen

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The Coastal Insider

Is It Safe For Our Skin? by Emma Ware When it’s May in the South, we have, for the most part, already put away our winter clothes and are happily sporting flip flops, shorts, and tank tops, (at least some of us are).  Because it’s warmer here than in the North, getting a sunburn happens fast— often within minutes. So what is one to do?  There’s been great controversy over using sunscreen. So many studies have been done on both sides of the issue, leaving us unsure who or what to believe. I can’t say I’m an expert on the subject, but what I can share with you is how our wonderful bodies are complexly designed to accept, or reject what we subject it to. What we put on our skin, the largest organ of our bodies, is processed through the blood. And how does what’s absorbed through the skin, affect us long-term? After researching much information, I came upon an article that I found helpful in determining how I make my choices on what to put on my skin. I hope it helps all of you in making your decision to use a product produced to protect you from burning. The website is from a skin care company. I’m not promoting their products— just the information. The address is www.annmariehianni.com and it is titled, “How much does our skin actually absorb?” by Aubrey Wallace. This is what I found helpful: Skin absorbs what we put on it from transdermal medications to creams to smooth and soften etc. Studies have found linalool in the bloodstream of people regularly using lavender essential oil topically, as well as lead in the bodies of children from Oakland from playing outside in polluted air and dirt. These are just a few finds to make us wonder. Our skin is an elimination system; we have four million sweat glands and on average shed almost nine pounds of skin every year. Our skin, liver, kidneys and lungs are always working to detoxify our bodies. So if we put products on our skin not knowing how they will be processed, do we know if the benefits are greater than the risks?  The bigger issue is understanding the difference between absorption and penetration. Penetration is when a chemical makes it into the deeper layers of the skin while absorption is when the chemical actually makes it into the bloodstream. My questions are: What is in the product I’m using to protect myself from UV rays that can and will burn my skin? Will the ingredients be absorbed into my bloodstream or is it penetrating deeper?  If it is, what if any harm will it do? Learning what is in a product is our personal responsibility. None of us want to burn— so knowing the product to use is key. Other beneficial ways of protecting our skin lie in old-fashioned wisdom. Don’t stay out for more than ten minutes at a time. Wear long-sleeved shirts and a broad brimmed hat. Getting tan may be beautiful but is it worth the cost? As with all the information out there, the best choices should be made knowing all the facts and consulting with your doctor before making that choice.  I’d love to hear your take on this subject. Call the office at 843 997-7037 or stop and chat with us at 2798-D Howard Avenue in the Market Common. 

Q&A with Chris Aranda

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Chris Aranda, Retired U.S. Army and Iraq Veteran, Turned Passionate Golfer and Grandad by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family.  I am a parent of two beautiful children. Justin, my son, is a twenty-seven year old graduate of the College of Charleston. He lives in Mount Pleasant, SC and works in the TV industry. My daughter, Kaela, is in her senior year at Coastal Carolina University, and blessed me by making me a happy grandfather this Thanksgiving to a little girl, Ava Penelope. Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I was born in Adrian, Michigan. I joined the service back in 1984, and my first duty station was Fort Knox, Kentucky. Then I moved to Fort Ord, in Monterey, California. I did a tour in South Korea, and was stationed in the 25th infantry division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. I currently reside in Murrells Inlet. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? Before I was deployed to Iraq, I was stationed here in Myrtle Beach, and I realized I was going to return to the regular army. My family had settled in Myrtle Beach, so I made this place my home upon retirement. Do you have a favorite place in Myrtle Beach? The Veteran’s Cafe— because that’s a comfort zone for me. I get to meet those heroes in our community. What’s your favorite thing about living in Myrtle Beach? The veteran community. It’s such a user-friendly veteran community. We take care of our own here. I’m a golfer, so I’m in the right place for that hobby. What new activities have you taken up since moving here? Golf has been my passion since I’ve moved here. I’m very competitive and love to compete against myself. Can you share one quirky fact with us about your family?  My daughter went to the hospital with the flu over Thanksgiving and came home with a baby. She was pregnant and had no idea— she had had her menstrual period throughout the entire pregnancy. She gained a total of 11 pounds. When she got to the hospital, she was in labor, and had a baby in 47 minutes. What are your favorite things to do here?  Caring for my veterans and my community, that’s really my focal point. I also run a non-profit golf tournament annually in the community— it’s called Tee-Off for Veterans. This year, on July 6, marks the 10th year anniversary celebration. Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?  No. I really am content with everything this place has to offer.

Treva Green

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Treva Green

Take a moment to celebrate our Veteran Treva Green. Read all about her story on this months edition. Thank you for your service!

Trauma Awareness and Blood Donations For American Red Cross

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by Melissa LaScaleia One of the functions the American Red Cross is most known for is their blood drives. And for good reason— they act as one of the main suppliers of blood for hospitals around the country. In South Carolina, the American Red Cross needs to collect 200 units (roughly one pint) of blood daily, to meet the blood demand of the state’s hospitals.  To put into perspective the importance of donating blood, here is some information provided by the American Red Cross: Every two seconds, somebody in this country needs to receive blood. An individual involved in a car accident could need as much as 100 units of blood to survive. When you donate blood, it is separated into three components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. One blood donation can save up to three lives, because one patient may need the plasma, another the red blood cells, and another the platelets.  Lifesaving blood is used for transfusions for trauma victims. Platelets are vital for cancer patients when they’re going through chemotherapy, as it helps to clot the blood. Plasma is needed to help burn victims and trauma patients recover. Red blood cells have to be used within 42 days or less; platelets have to be used within 5 days; plasma can be frozen, and has a shelf life of one year.  “We like to have a five-day supply of blood on the shelves because if there’s an accident, we don’t know how much blood we’ll need,” says Cuthbert Langley, director of communications for American Red Cross Palmetto South Carolina Region. “Blood is being used as quickly as it’s being put on the shelves.”  May is trauma awareness month. Trauma accounts for 41 million emergency room visits across the nation. Small businesses or companies looking for ways to give back to the community should think about hosting a blood drive. It’s a great way to bring employees together as a team, as well as save lives.  About 38% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3% does; American Red Cross is always looking for donors.  Blood drives held at high schools and colleges account for 20% of American Red Cross’s blood donations. Summer is a challenging time to collect blood with schools out of session and many regular donors traveling. The American Red Cross invites not only locals who are remaining in town, but also tourists, to stop by today and help support our community through a donation of life-saving blood. You don’t need to know your blood type in order to give; American Red Cross will test it for you. If you do know what it is, they are always looking for type O negative, because that type is the universal donor and very helpful in emergency situations when there’s no time to find the exact blood type match. But all blood types are needed. Making an appointment in advance, to save time is recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome. To inspire more people to give blood, American Red Cross has simplified the process with a downloadable app for your phone called the Rapid Pass, which enables donors to save time by filling out a health questionnaire in advance. You must be in good health, and share information about your lifestyle and recent travel experiences— factors which may impact your ability to donate.  Minors sixteen years of age or older can give with parental permission. You must weigh at least 110 pounds. Anybody eighteen years of age or younger may need to meet certain height requirements. To ensure that you’re strong enough to give blood, Red Cross volunteers will check your temperature and iron levels in person. And of course, they still give out cookies and juice to help you recharge after the blood donation.  If you have specific questions, or to check your eligibility visit www.redcrossblood.org.

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