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Day: September 1, 2019

Q&A with Brandon Williams

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A Near Death Experience Showed Brandon the Value in the Small Things by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family.  We are the Williams family. It’s myself and my wife, T, and we have two children: our daughter Lia, who is 7 years old, and our son Tray, who is 6 years old.  Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I lived in Denver and North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and my wife is from Wisconsin. Now we live near Windsor Plantation off of Hwy 544, near Surfside Beach.    Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? We wanted to simplify our lives and have the opportunity to travel more.      Do you have a favorite place in Myrtle Beach? The Market Common because our kids love the parks down there. We also like the bowling alley, and Murrells Inlet for all of the great restaurants.  What’s your favorite thing about living in Myrtle Beach? We get to meet people from so many other places. We love to travel and just recently came back from Spain. There aren’t many people we encounter who are originally from Myrtle Beach, and we love the diversity of it. And it’s right by the beach. You can’t beat that.  How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? Our kids are now homeschooled, and with our proximity to the beach, we get to live near the water and be close to the water. I grew up near the water in Virginia, and really missed it as an adult. Because the taxes are so cheap here, we’ve been able to travel more internationally.  What new activities have you taken up since moving here? My kids catch geckos and take swimming lessons. My wife and I enjoy walks on the beach in the afternoons and getting ice cream.  Do you find people friendlier or more at ease? Everyone here is more laid-back.  Can you share one quirky fact with us about your family?  A few years ago I almost died in a car accident, and my wife showed me during that ordeal what a great wife she is. Almost dying helps me to appreciate the smaller, simpler things in life. Now I take the time to tell her I love her all the time. I was so busy the day I left the house and had the accident, so cherishing love and showing people love is important to me.  Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?  I’d like to see a little bit more patience when people drive, and less red light running.

Emma’s Health Talk: Artificial Sweeteners, Part 2

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Should I Use Artificial Sweeteners? by Emma Ware Continued from last month. Click here to read Part 1.  Do we know what the ingredients of artificial sweeteners are?  A report by Dr. Edward Group, founder of Global Healing Center based in Houston, TX written September 30, 2013, gives us a clear definition of aspartame.  He writes: “The chemical aspartame is made from the waste product of E. coli bacteria. To be blunt, it’s made from bacteria poop. As if thats not bad enough, the poop is then benzylated and hydrolyzed and the result of that process is then methylated and debenzylated.”   He continues, “Are your eyes crossed from trying to make sense of that?” Here is more to digest. The patent for aspartame reveals that the E. coli bacteria are genetically manipulated, but the manufacturer claims that there are no GMO molecules in aspartame. They are saying that genetically modified bacteria produce normal poop. That’s a little much for me.   For me, this is the decision maker: for all who believe artificial sweeteners are safe and prefer them over real honest, safe sugar— artificial sweeteners actually make you hungry.  The science isn’t clear on the exact mechanism that causes this, but research suggests that when you eat or drink foods that contain aspartame, you will have a hard time controlling your appetite. That’s a strange kind of diet food.  Here is the clincher. Aspartame itself doesn’t move through your digestive tract. It’s quickly broken down into orate substances which enter the blood stream. These substances are metabolized further; one of those is formaldehyde— which is used to embalm dead bodies.  Another way aspartame and other non-nutritive sweeteners may affect body weight is by increasing people’s appetite, which may lead to a higher food consumption. A 2013 review published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism cites several animal studies that report a link between regular intake of non-nutritive sweeteners and increased food intake. The review suggests that sweeteners may increase appetite by disrupting the signaling process that usually occurs when a person eats foods with more calories.  Sweet tastes typically signal to the body that food is entering the gut. The body then expects to receive calories and signals when eating should stop by making a person feel full or satiated when they do.  A person experiences the same sweet taste when they consume sweeteners, but the body receives fewer calories than it might otherwise expect to. If this happens regularly, according to the theory, the body unlearns the association between sweet tastes and calories. This reversal means that high-calorie foods will no longer trigger feelings of fullness. This may lead to overeating. If all this information has created a monster to cause anxiety over choosing how to sweeten your foods, then I’ve made my thoughts known. Do your research, eat real foods, read labels and choose wisely. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your health routine. I’d love to hear from you on this controversial issue.  Call me at the office at 843 997-0067 or stop by the office at 2798-D Howard Ave in Market Common. Blessings, Emma

September Means Pooches Can Hit The Beach

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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 celebrates life on the beach, and envisions all he loves about times by the seashore.  Oh boy, September is finally here. That makes me excited for several reasons. First, it means I won’t be so cold. Yes, you read that right— cold.  When it’s hot outside, the air conditioning at the Insider office reaches arctic temperatures. Now that we are having cooler days, it shouldn’t be turned on so high.  But the main reason that I’m glad is because now I’m allowed on the beach. The canine population of Myrtle Beach must look forward to the Labor Day Weekend celebrations more so than humans, because right after that holiday, we’re all allowed to frolic and swim on the public beaches to our heart’s content once more.  Just watch out for those jellyfish. They migrate to our shores this time of year, and will let you know that you’re in their way with a little sting.  As I lay in my doggie bed daydreaming about my return to the beach, I contemplate what I’ll do first when I arrive. So many choices.  I know that I want to share this experience with all of my canine friends, so that part is easy. As soon as we get out of the car, we’ll break loose and run as fast as we can in wild circles, barking, before changing the formation to chase seagulls, barking louder.  I just know that one day I will catch one.  Next, we’ll dig a hole. I can’t wait to feel the soft sand between my toes flying behind me as I dig further down, down, down, until I hit water. Then I’ll splash around in the sand mud puddle until it gets all over my fur. Then it’s time to make sand castles. I’ll make mine in the shape of a dog bone, and decorate it with shells. Or maybe I should imprint it with paw prints instead.  Maybe I’ll build the biggest and the best castle that I can. I’ll make an actual dog house-castle that I can hide inside of. And create a moat around it so that as the waves come, they will fill it up and it will look very pretty, like a house on the water.  Or I’ll dig a very deep moat, so it will be like digging many holes, and I’ll bet be just as fun.  But eventually, no matter how deep the moat, the waves will come and wash away what I built, making space for new things and experiences to come.  It’s more about the joy of the journey than about holding on anyhow. Either way, what I value the most is being present in nature, sharing experiences with my friends, and trying new things.  By the end of the day, I’ll have tub time to wash all the sand out of my fur. Then I’ll snuggle up in my dog bed, lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves echoing in my ears, and the faint aroma of the unassuming mollusk I found and engaged in prolonged battle with, trying to get it to crawl out of its shell so I could investigate more closely.  This all sounds like a great September plan. What’s yours?  Until next time, 

The 16th Annual Irish-Italian International Festival in North Myrtle Beach September 2019

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by the City of North Myrtle Beach The City of North Myrtle Beach will host the 16th Annual Irish-Italian International Festival on Saturday, September 28, 2019.  This one day rain or shine event draws approximately 15,000 people, all eager to celebrate different cultures.   The festival begins at 10:00am and continues until 4:00pm on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.  “We like to celebrate all cultures that day, so it’s not just about being Irish or Italian,” says Tina McCrackin, special events director for North Myrtle Beach. “It’s a great way for everyone to kick off the fall.” Flags from all over the world will line Main Street, so there’ll be something for everyone. Over 100 vendors will be there featuring food with an Irish and Italian flair and of course, festival favorites. Arts and crafts vendors will showcase their talents so you can purchase one of a kind gifts and treasures. Food vendors will compete for the title of Best Entrée, Best Decorated, and Best Dessert. Festival goers can also join in a friendly spaghetti eating competition. Do you have what it takes to be the first to eat all of your spaghetti…without using your hands? For a nominal fee, a children’s area will offer a variety of entertainment that suits all ages to include rides, inflatables and more. For your entertainment there will be street performers and two stages of entertainment. The Irish stage will feature Irish pop star Brendan O’Connor, a Pipe and Drum band, acoustic trio Mark McKinney & Co., and the energetic Irish duo– House of Hamill. Not to be outdone, the Italian International Stage will bring back Rat Pack style singer Dave Mosher and Larry Tanelli and Friends. Rounding out the musical entertainment will be the American Beach music band, The Catalinas. Irish Stage 10:00AM Brendan O’Connor 10:30AM Opening Ceremonies 10:45AM Brendan O’Connor 11:30AM Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums 11:45AM Mark McKinney Band 1:30PM – 4:00PM House of Hamill   Italian International Stage 10:00AM Dale Mosher 10:30AM Opening Ceremonies 10:45AM Dale Mosher 11:30AM Larry Tanelli & Friends 1:00PM The Catalina’s 2:16PM Spaghetti Eating Contest 3:00PM – 4:00PM The Catalina’s Sponsors for the event include City of North Myrtle Beach, Easy 105.9, Flynn’s Irish Tavern, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and WFXB Fox TV. Festival admission & parking are free. For more information on this festival and other events happening in North Myrtle Beach visit parks.nmb.us.

Are You Ready for a Hurricane?

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by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. So the time to prepare to protect your home, business and vehicles is now.  Here are a number of tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe, and to protect your property if a hurricane arrives.  – The first rule is, “Know Your Zone.” Are you in a zone that will require evacuation? The coast is divided into three zones – A, B and C – with A being the closest to the ocean. The “Know Your Zone” tool is a good starting point: https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/. – If an evacuation is ordered, you need to know ahead of time where you will go. Have a plan now, before the storm, so that you don’t waste valuable time trying to decide where to evacuate.  Know your evacuation routes in advance. Which roads you’ll use will depend on where you live along the Grand Strand. It may take 30 hours or more to evacuate the coast ahead of a major storm. Major roads west include SC 544, US 501, SC 22 (Carolina Bays Parkway) and SC 9. Lane reversals may be ordered by state officials west of Conway to improve traffic flow. Again, having a plan and following it is critical to a safe, successful evacuation.  – As part of the plan, keep a list of relatives and friends to notify in case you do need to leave home. They will be worried if they don’t know where you are and whether you are safe.  -Keep an emergency kit of supplies. If a storm strikes Myrtle Beach directly, electricity and other utilities could be disrupted for days. Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, along with essentials such as batteries, paper products and hygiene supplies. -It’s recommended that you have three days’ worth of drinking water for every person in your household. And if a storm threatens, keep the car filled with fuel and have enough cash on hand to last a few days.  – Have your important papers, insurance documents and valuable items in a “to go” kit, ready to take with you when you evacuate.  Being ready is more than half the battle when it comes to hurricane season.  Be sure to bring in or tie down any loose items such as chairs and trash receptacles to keep them from causing damage or injury if they are carried away by wind or water.  Storm surge, or higher-than-normal ocean levels brought about by a low pressure system and wind, is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths and damage in the United States. An evacuation is ordered because of storm surge, not wind. Storm surge can travel miles inland.  After a storm, re-entry into the area will occur in three stages. In the first stage are public safety personnel and others who assess the damage and begin to make things safe.  In the second stage, are utility workers and contractors who restore electricity and clear streets. Once the streets are safe, the evacuation order may be lifted for residents and business owners so that they can return to their properties and make any repairs.  The amount of damage received will determine how quickly an evacuation order is lifted.

What Local Businesses Provide for Little River

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by Danielle McFadden There’s a certain glamour when someone says they own a business, but the idea of making lots of money and taking lots of vacations are far from reality.  Most small business owners work long hours (late nights, early mornings, holidays), and carry a tremendous responsibility for not only their families, but also their employees who depend on them for their livelihood. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community.  It’s important to support them, thank them, and celebrate them. The Little River Chamber of Commerce loves small businesses because they: Create Jobs When you hire locally, you are ensuring that our family members, friends and neighbors can make a living. When someone has the resources to live comfortably, they are able to spend money in our community. This is a beautiful circle that helps communities thrive. Offer Unique Charm There’s nothing like walking into a local restaurant or retailer. Their uniqueness and personality add to the local landscape. Have Locally Made Products/Services There’s something so satisfying and inspiring about purchasing a locally produced product or service. If you support Made in America, you can’t get more authentic than shopping at a mom and pop shop in your city or town. Pay Taxes Business owners in Little River pay taxes to Horry County, which creates a bigger tax base that directly benefits our community. Support Our Community Local businesses sponsor local youth programs, donate gift certificates to nonprofits, and host fundraisers. They chose Little River to open their business (and invest their time and money), so they inherently care and want to make our area a great place to live, work and play. What are your favorite local businesses? Help them by leaving them a positive review online, by sharing what they offer to a friend or neighbor who could use the service, and of course, by continuing to do business with them. 

Pottery Barn’s Complimentary Design Services

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by Ashley Daniels If you have a space in your house that evades organization, beauty, or creative use of space, or looks disjointed from the rest, stop in for a visit with one of Pottery Barn’s expert designers, who will wave their magic wand to create an aesthetic masterpiece.  And the best part— it’s free.  “The intention,” says Pottery Barn designer Brock Santa, “is that customers don’t have to buy from the store. We’ll go to their home as a free service, measure out the room, and then select all the fabrics and furnishings that we think would fit best in their space.” Pottery Barn designers also have access to a digital visual-media program, enabling then to show their clients what any room could look like with a redesign.  They can input everything from furniture to rugs, pillows, throws, pictures and mirrors.  Design Trends Santa says they’re seeing a combination of mid-century with modern and clean, that complements the inventory in both Pottery Barn and their umbrella company, Williams-Sonoma. “We just did our fall floor, and there’s definitely a lot more edgier pieces than we usually have,” he says. Around here, coastal décor is hotter than the South Carolina sunshine.  “If they’re moving here from the North, they’ll normally have a lot of dark furniture, and they’ll want lighter pieces now,” says Santa.  Pottery Barn’s “Sea Drift” line of furniture is the answer for those who favor that trend. Santa says the team prefers to refer to these elements as “coastal,” rather than “beachy”— like some of their throwback macramé design pieces that add a blend of texture and comfort with a modern flair. “It just seems like right now, there is so much to take into consideration when styling a home,” he adds. “So, it’s really a personal choice; and there’s a lot you can do. A lot of times people ask, ‘Well, what do you think?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not the one sitting in that chair, you are!’ But if they get stuck, they can come here.” Trends in Client Needs “The commonality in the clients who come to Pottery Barn for their free design service,” says Santa, “is that they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. A lot of times, it’s just too many decisions at once. So we’ll design in sections, or focus on one area, and then carry it through the entire room.” Santa and his team of designers at Pottery Barn are standing by for any and all interior design projects: large, small or anything in between. They are also fluent in holiday décor. And, with a Pottery Barn card, you can earn 10% back in rewards. “If someone needs something done right away and they don’t have an appointment, or if it’s something smaller, like picking out some decor items for a coffee table or dining room table, they’re welcome to take pictures and bring them into the store so we can help them make smaller decisions,” says Santa. Pottery Barn Market Common 3332 Reed St., Myrtle Beach To schedule your design services appointment today, call 843-238-0361 or visit www.potterybarn.com.

Autumn Happenings in Surfside Beach 2019

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by Tabitha Mull Yard of the Month The “Keep Surfside Beautiful: Yard of the Month” program has been established to promote goodwill amongst neighbors and reward exemplary lawn care in the community.  The purpose of the program is to recognize neighbors who go above and beyond in maintaining their property, thereby improving the overall appearance of our community.  The program is administered entirely by volunteers. To nominate yourself or someone else in the Surfside Beach community, please send an email to dherrmann@surfsidebeach.org.  Congratulations to Jean and Deb at 510 South Myrtle Drive for having the Yard of the Month for August 2019. Summer of Fun: Sunday Serenades Join us for this free event in Passive Park every Sunday this summer between June 2nd and September 29th. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, and ice cream all while listening to some of our favorite local musicians. Bring a chair, kick up your feet, and relax. Exciting News The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful Committee will present the 2nd Annual “It’s A Wonderful Life in Surfside Beach” Event. The beautification committee of Surfside Beach has partnered with the Town to turn Surfside Beach into a Christmas Destination this upcoming winter season.  We will be lighting up our entire town with Christmas lights and decor for everyone to enjoy.  Be on the lookout for the list of dates and times for the various activities we have planned. Like us on Facebook @It’s A Wonderful Life in Surfside Beach and @KSBB-Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful.

The Growth of Carolina Forest

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by Emily Smith As Carolina Forest grows, so to do the building projects established to support that growth.   Multiple new housing developments are being constructed, as is Huger Park— and Carolina Forest Boulevard is being expanded.  Hundreds of acres of cleared land are beginning now to sprout houses as neighborhood plans take shape and families build homes to their specific needs.  Between the Farm and Plantation Lakes subdivisions, another subdivision, The Parks of Carolina Forest, is currently evolving.  These some 500 acres are being developed by Forestar (USA) Realtor Group, which is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton. The aforementioned is also the builder, with the potential to construct upwards of 1,000 homes.  The zoning of this land also allows for additional public areas, from sidewalks and an amenities building, to fire pits, a pool, and more. To increase the available options, more apartment complexes are also being built in our area, like Mosby Carolina Forest just off of International Drive.  Construction started only about a year ago, and the complex began accepting applications to lease in June 2019. Talks over rezoning The Wizard Golf Course have been brewing again, the second time the topic has popped up in the past thirteen years. This time, the owner of the course has an agreement to sell the property, the only contingent being if the rezoning allows housing to be built.  If it does, The Wizard will sell to an unspecified developer and the 168 acres could become another residential neighborhood. If Carolina Forest does lose one source of outdoor entertainment, it will still have a new one in the form of Huger Park. Named after a Revolutionary War general, this park will feature trails, picnic areas, and monuments which stand as tribute to its historic background. Completion is subject to funding and weather. In addition to all of the housing developments in the area, there are a multitude of new businesses spawning on either end of the boulevard.  On the International Drive end, a few restaurants are being added to the area’s inventory, including an already well-known name, J. Peters Grill. One company setting up shop for the first time in the Grand Strand will be Take 5 Oil Change, located in the Forest Square shopping center. Lapels Dry Cleaning will be opening a third location in a new building on the corner of Village Center Boulevard and River Oaks Drive. All the new residential and industrial growth means the roads will be busier, which is why everyone is eagerly awaiting the completion of the expansion of Carolina Forest Boulevard from a two-lane road into four-lanes.  The widening officially got its start in June, and the boulevard remains open during construction. Its estimated completion is spring of 2021.  With so much happening in our neck of the woods, keeping abreast of all the latest community news can be a challenge. Be sure to read our section next month for the latest updates on our growing and changing forest.

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