Q&A with Joanne Milnor

World Traveler and Amateur Archeologist by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family. I had no children, but I did raise two husbands. But now instead of children, I have what I call my South Carolina family. One of the members is Joyce Moore, she’s like a sister to me. We’ve known each other for over 30 years and we both live here. Her children’s babies call me Aunty Jo. Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I lived for fifty-five years in the Baltimore, Maryland area. But I’ve traveled to six continents and 66 countries over my adult life. And I’ve traveled to every state in the United States except North Dakota. Now I live in Indigo Creek in the Garden City area. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? I used to vacation in Myrtle Beach. Back then, you could camp right on the beach. In 1995, my husband and I were both retired and tired of shoveling snow. I moved here and built a house in a golf community because we liked to play golf. It was an easy transition, we knew the people and where to go. What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach? My own home. I like having people come in, I love to entertain. The best day is when friends come in for a visit and have food and wine and good conversations. What do you like the most about living here? It’s an easy place to be single and I’m single again. It’s less formal here; you can go places as a single woman and not have people looking at you. How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? It’s way more casual. What new activities have you taken up since moving here?  I volunteer for the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra. I started as a season subscriber, then I joined the Symphony Guild and then served four terms over the past 20 years as president. I just chaired the War and Peace concert. What’s one thing people may not know about you? For twenty years I worked with a local archaeology group that was started at Brookgreen Gardens. I was a digger, and when I couldn’t do the digging anymore, I worked as a screener, sifting out the dirt to find the artifacts. We were trained how to do this; it’s a very formal, measured way of excavating. We excavated five different plantations in this area. Brookgreen has a display of one of our major projects. Now, when I go to a foreign country and see antiquities, I understand more of what I’m seeing.

Emma’s Health Talk: Personal Accountability, Part 2

Stress and Accountability by Emma Ware This article is a further continuation of last month’s discussion on stress. (Click here to read Part 1.) As I mentioned previously, taking personal responsibility, being accountable for our choices, and being truthful to ourselves decreases stress. Since stress breaks down our ability to be productive, decreases our ability to stay healthy, and impacts our relationships, why would we not want to make choices that eliminate or greatly reduce stress? It’s not always an easy fix, but here are some ways to work towards that goal. Let’s begin with the importance of self-honesty. All too often, we are at war inside ourselves, our goals butting heads with our habits. You alone know what your weaknesses are, and you alone can make the decision about what your goals are worth to you. To begin your journey of self-honesty, try journaling the place you’re currently in, and where you’d like to go. Then write out what you’d have to give up, as well as what you’d have to do additionally to make that goal a reality. For example, if you’re trying to create a more honest relationship with yourself around food, then begin a food journal. Write down what you ate when, and how you felt afterwards, both emotionally as well as physically. After you’ve compiled some data for a time, go back over your reflections, and from that space you can make an honest choice about what feels right for you and how you want to live your life moving forward. To implement the changes, create a yes and no list for yourself— foods that you allow yourself to eat, and those that are currently off-limits because you know they don’t make you feel good, and aren’t helping you reach your goals. Post the list on your fridge, and give a copy to a close friend or significant other whom you trust and can rely upon for support. An accountability partner can help you stay motivated and true to yourself during challenging times. If it’s better time management that you seek, invest in a daily planner or an hour-by-hour planner. Use it to schedule and plan your day, and make sure to include time to relax and unwind with a friend. When the day is too short to complete all the items on your planner, you have put too much on it. Shorten the list. Admit to yourself you are asking more of yourself than is reasonably possible, as that level of honesty is personal accountability. If possible, delegate some of the tasks. Now let’s discuss the habitual pattern of worry. We need to decide if what we worry about is within our ability to change or fix. If the thing we are worrying about is beyond our control to change or fix, then we must make the choice to release it and move on. Personal accountability demands action, not procrastination. Making healthy choices requires discipline. Lack of exercise, overeating, not getting enough sleep, recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, the list can be overwhelming. But choosing to be accountable can and will lead to success in every area— one decision at a time. I’m available for consultations at my office in the Market Common. Find me at 2798-D Howard Avenue, or call me at 843 997-7037. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before making changes to your health routine. Blessings,  Emma

Shamrocks Versus Four-Leaf-Clovers: A Charlie Explanation

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the 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 with others. This month, Charlie reinstates his research cap with a leaning towards his mystical side, as he explores the origins of the four-leaf clover. “It’s that time of the year in Myrtle Beach to celebrate everything green. Well, it’s always pretty green here, but spring is decidedly in full sway now, and what makes it that much greener is the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, and all the people who will be sporting that color as a result of the ensuing parties they’ll attend. Maybe this year I’ll go all out and ask Megan to dye my fur green. After all, it can’t be that harmful since I’m already white to begin with— I can skip the requisite bleaching treatment. I’ll have to ponder that a bit, and will certainly share pictures if I do. But in the meantime, an interesting and note-worthy correlation between St. Patrick’s Day, the color green, and our blossoming landscape, is four-leaf clovers. To get into the St. Paddy’s Day-spirit-of-things, I went hunting around for one in the park across the street. There was so much clover to be found, but they all had three leaves, not four. That got me thinking more about four-leaf clovers in general, and how and why they’re associated with Irish culture and this holiday in particular. And I think you all know where my wonderings take me.    Get excited— it’s research time. To begin, let’s clarify something generally confusing (at least it always was for me, so I’ll assume perhaps it is for you as well) — the difference between a shamrock and a four-leaf clover. A shamrock is just another name for the ubiquitous three-leaf clover found all over Ireland and the United States; a four-leaf clover is a genetic abnormality of the three-leaf clover, and the one that’s associated with luck, and hence, St. Patrick’s Day. Although a little further research reveals that both figure prominently in St. Patricks’ Day legends and celebrations. The legend of the shamrock is shrouded in mystery (which I love)! The plant has always been instrumental to Celtic culture and rituals across the centuries, as the number three was considered spiritually significant and a powerful one. It is said that the Druids placed great import on the shamrock as well. But because the Druids were so secretive and so mystical, the number could have represented a variety of positive spiritual concepts including the sun, moon, and stars; or the earth, sky, and underground, deep within the earth.  At any rate, legend has it that not only was the shamrock already important to the Celts by the time St. Patrick arrived teaching about Christianity, but it was also a visual symbol by which they could more easily understand the esoteric concept of the Christian Trinity of Father, son, and Holy Spirit in one form. As far as four-leaf clovers go, it’s estimated that for every four-leaf clover there are 10,000 three-leaf clovers. And this little product of nature is packed with some fascinating tales.  According to one legend, Eve, when she was expelled from the Garden of Eden, carried a four-leaf clover with her for luck.  Since she was no longer residing in paradise, she thought she’d need it.  And going back to Celtic beliefs, the four-leaf clover was used to ward off evil, as it was said to magically repel bad luck.  During the Middle Ages, children believed if you carried a four-leaf clover, you would be able to see fairies, and when they found the four-petaled clover, they would search for the fairies in the fields.  It’s safe to assume that since the shamrock with its common three leaves was held in such high regard and esteem spiritually, that having one additional petal would instill that much more luck in the bearer, and became a symbol that was rolled into and accepted as part of St. Patrick’s Day culture.  So which one will you use to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? As for me, I know which one I’ll choose. I love encounters with fairies!”  Until next time, 

The MBAF Base Throughout the 20th Century, Part 7

The Persian Gulf Crisis and the Beginning of the End by Melissa LaScaleia Continued from last month. Click here to read Part 6.  By 1980, when President Jimmy Carter was in office, the 354th at Myrtle Beach became part of the president’s Rapid Deployment Force, also called the Rapid Deployment Task Force. By 1983, the Task Force became a separate entity called the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which focused exclusively on the Middle East in response to the tensions that were mounting there and preparation for ensuing conflict. In the early ’80s, Kuwait experienced a major economic crisis followed by several terrorist attacks. After this period of turmoil, an economic rivalry ensued between Iraq and Kuwait, the former accusing the latter of syphoning oil reserves. Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait in 1990, and the United States led a coalition to remove Iraqi forces from the country in what became known as the Gulf War. Just as it was during the Cold War and Vietnam War, the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was a front-line base during the Gulf War. Under the parameters of CENTCOM, the 354th was now assigned to the United States Central Command Air Forces.  Consequently, in 1985, the 354th’s A-10 aircraft and personnel were deployed to Cairo West Air Base to engage in BRIGHT STAR exercises. There were two more such deployments— in 1987 and 1989, both from Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing was one of the first Air Force units deployed to the Persian Gulf to offer aid in Operation Desert Shield, the name used to reference the operations taken leading up to the conflict. Aircraft from the 354th were also involved in Operation Desert Storm, the name given to the operations exacted between thirty-five countries to free Kuwait. During Desert Storm, aircraft flew early warning and Scud missile missions, as well as conducted search-and-rescue missions. The 354th were also involved in a ground support mission, cutting off enemy supply lines, and inflicting heavy damage to Iraqi artillery.  In March 1991, at the successful conclusion of the war, the 354th returned home to Myrtle Beach. On October 1, 1991, the Tactical Air Command was deactivated and the 354th was redesignated the 354th Fighter Wing.  The wing was reassigned to the new Air Combat Command. The mission of the Air Combat Command is to act as the primary force of airpower defense to America’s war-fighting factions. It is one of ten major commands of the United States Air Force. Despite the prominent role that the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base had played throughout the tumultuous theatre that was international relations during the 20th century, supporting and defending the United States with valor and prowess, there had been talk of closing the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base since the conclusion of the Vietnam War in the early ’70s.  The topic was continuously debated in congress, but Senators Strom Thurmond and Ernest Hollings staunchly advocated that the base remain open. Their arguments won the day and the base did.  Nevertheless, at the conclusion of the Cold War, the government had lessened its budget for defense spending and eyes consistently turned to the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base to question its necessity.  By the early ’90s, it was estimated that there were five more Air Force bases open across the United States than was necessary to provide the amount of support needed for our nation’s defense. To be continued. Click here to read Part 8, the conclusion. 

Top Three Picks from The Southern Living Store to Add a Southern Vibe to Your Life

by Ashley Daniels Looking to add a little Southern to your living? Pay a visit to the Southern Living Store at the Market Common and you’ll find yourself in Southern central, with an inventory of the most unique finds in home and garden, food, travel, fashion, and more. Here are a few top picks to stock up on as the weather heads towards spring. 1818 Farms Products These ultra-unique bath and beauty products are hand-made with the same philosophy and mindset that drives the Mooresville, Alabama farm from whence they hail—keep it simple. Simplicity is the basis for their best-selling product, the 1818 Farms shea crème moisturizer. It’s light and fluffy in texture and hand whipped. And it’s comprised of only three ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, and an essential oil or natural fragrance. Potted Succulents Their assortment of beautifully potted succulents will add the perfect pop of color to any room of your home. Or they could serve as the perfect housewarming gift. You’ll not only love the succulents’ many shades and textures, but also that these plants can endure the heat and sun of the south. If you choose to place yours out on the patio, only a little water is needed to keep them alive and well. Don’t forget to add a little love too! Southern Living Foods & Cappai Lazy Susans Yes, Southern Living has their own line of food— and they’re as delicious as you can imagine, bite after sweet, Southern bite. The biscuit mixes yield fluffy drop biscuits with a buttery flavor. The pancake mix is an old-fashioned recipe with simple ingredients that only requires you to add water. Pour any of the Southern Living syrups onto those pancakes or a stack of waffles for a treat. The blackberry syrup is an old Southern recipe that features sweet, ripe blackberries cooked in small batches. And you’ll want to take home a tin of their honey roasted peanuts tossed in a special blend of cane sugar and seasonings. Place these foods on any of their uniquely designed, hand-painted, food-safe Lazy Susans; they double as a serving tray plus no two are exactly alike. Southern Living Store Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

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