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Day: March 26, 2020

Horry County Citizens Crisis Response Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

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A Pillar of Positivity and Support in An Uncertain Time by Melissa LaScaleia Jonny McCoy is a very busy man. The lawyer and civil rights activist just concluded a civil settlement that awarded his Horry County client $11.5 million.  Thousands of residents along the Grand Strand watched as he stood up for this citizen at a press conference, and almost overnight his Facebook page grew exponentially as reams of people began following him wanting to know what happened. He was approached by countless sites asking him to speak and share the story. Ten days later, the Coronavirus pandemic had spread to the doorstep of South Carolina. In the wake of his success, Jonny used his internet popularity to help the community cope with this novel crisis. On a Friday, he started a private Facebook page, Horry County Citizens Crisis Response, to make sure that the community could stay connected. Within two hours, 2,000 people had joined the group; within five days, those numbers jumped to 15,000. “I made this page because this global situation doesn’t feel like the type of crisis where we’re going to know what’s going on from our government and officials,” Jonny says. “So this is a way to connect everybody who wants to help with everyone who needs help in any capacity— whether it’s food, supplies, financial assistance, or something else— so that we’re able to help people efficiently and effectively. I wanted a central location for everybody to be able to find information.” As fast as the Facebook page grew, Jonny has kept and is keeping stride with the pace, implementing systems to manage the traffic, and most importantly, the requests. “After I created the page, the first thing I did was ask for help,” he says. “It was incredible the response I got from the community.” In less than five days, thirty volunteers were working together to monitor the page with 100,000 comments and engagements— and counting. “It’s crazy what they can do,” Jonny says of his volunteers. “They love doing this. One of the women helping runs a Good Vibes Cat Facebook page with 600,000 people on it. We have business owners, city legislatures, congressmen, stay-at-home-moms, and well-connected community members. These are sophisticated people in their own lives, who are all stepping in, assisting us.”  The team works around the clock, moderating requests to join, making sure that the right people are on the posts, and that there is no bullying, profanity, or unkindness present. There was already one incident of bullying, and Jonny responded to it as he seems to handle things— swiftly and by stepping up to the plate— permanently blocking the user from the group and with a message (here significantly shortened): “That’s not what I created this group for,” while the community responded by bringing the family who had requested help the supplies that they needed. Terrance Herriott (left), newly appointed CFO of HCCCR, and Jonny McCoy (right) show off the paperwork that officially designates the Horry County Citizens Crisis Response nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. — Photo Jonny McCoy “Volunteers are immediately contacted by one of our amazing directors,” Jonny says. “And if you post that you need something, you’ll also be immediately contacted. Whatever you need, whatever you want, we can get it for you now. People are just sitting and watching this page. We have tabs for where you can get childcare, transportation, jobs, online tutoring— everything you can imagine, we have tabs for it. If you’re alone in your house with no toilet paper and your AC stops working, we’re the ones to contact.  “We already procured a refrigerator for a 93-year-old lady. And if people are treating people unethically and unfairly, whether it’s a business or a person, we’ll post that to 15,000 people in the community.” HCCCR already has two huge storage facilities, but until there is more information about how long the virus stays on boxes and goods, Jonny does not want to initiate a supply chain. Instead, he is pending a partnership with a local church, Wellspring, with the intention of routing all donated supplies through them. “People want to bring milk to the elderly, or donate a case of water, so we’re connecting them with people who need those items,” Jonny says. “But it’s a logistical nightmare. So instead, our volunteers will bring their donated items to Wellspring’s distribution center to supplement the process that that organization has implemented already. And we will help Wellspring facilitate who needs what from our Facebook site. There will be just one person at Wellspring organizing the goods so that contamination will be minimized. We’re trying to keep as few people as possible involved on the ground, to keep everyone safe.” Additionally, Jonny is partnering with Meals On Wheels, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and BackPack Buddies, the North Carolina-based nonprofit. “These organizations already have the kitchens and infrastructure in place for the safe-handling and production of meals,” Jonny says. “So we’re asking them what they need to be able to accommodate more people. They tell us. We give it. Without even taking in a dollar, through donations of services and goods, we’ve already expanded the pantry space for Meals On Wheels so that they can provide for everyone in and around Horry County in the event of an emergency food situation. We can also help them in coordinating the effort to get the food out to more people than just the elderly.” Several days after the creation of the Facebook page, Jonny had his accountant establish Horry County Citizens Crisis Response as a legitimate nonprofit 501(c)(3). Terrance Herriott, the assistant vice president of Conway National Bank, is HCCCR’s new CFO; Jennifer Mullen is the executive director. Jonny has big community plans for the new nonprofit— it’s here to stay. “We view ourselves as community members coming together with all of our fellow citizen’s backing, manpower, and support— united in responding to whatever crisis is happening in the moment. This response will be ongoing, we just … Read more

Anderson Brothers Bank

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Treating Customers Like Family by Melissa LaScaleia Anderson Brothers Bank is a full service community bank offering a complete range of competitive loan services and deposit products. They trace their roots back to the 1930s, when tobacco farmers needed financing for their crops. During the Great Depression, there wasn’t an option for farmers to secure funding, so the Anderson family offered it to them out of the back of an old tobacco warehouse in Marion County. Over the years, the bank has evolved— blending the elements of traditional personal service, local market awareness, and advanced technology to meet the financial needs of its customers. They have all the services that a larger corporate bank has, including 24 hour ATMs, online and mobile banking, credit card options, and investment services— but with small-town benefits. “We’re still a local bank with local decision making; that’s how I would define us today,” says Bryan Lenertz, the Horry County area executive for Anderson Brothers Bank. “We have an ownership culture; which means we empower our customer service team to handle the requests of our customers quickly, and hopefully, on the spot.  “But if not, our employees will stay with you because they care, getting you to the right person. At our bank, people are more than just numbers, and everyone who works here ensures that that’s a reality.” Anderson Brothers Bank is both a conventional bank offering a suite of commercial deposit services (like cash management, RDC, bill pay, etc.); commercial loans of all sizes; and home mortgages. They are also a consumer lender, and offer home, auto and personal loans to customers with credit scores as low as 550. “We do way more consumer lending than pretty much any other bank, providing lending services for people who may not be able to get loans elsewhere, just as we did from the beginning,” Bryan says. “36% of our loans are non-real estate consumer loans, both auto and personal. We help the average consumer way more than the average bank does, and it’s something that we’re proud of.” Heads of the Anderson Brothers Bank location on Grissom Parkway, from left to right: Debbie Guyette, loan officer; Bryan Lenertz, Horry County area executive; Holly West, branch manager. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) Just as it was almost a century ago, today, Anderson Brothers Bank is locally owned and closely managed by the Anderson family. The third generation team includes: David Anderson as president and CEO, Tommy Anderson as vice president, and Neal Anderson as the chairman of the board. Bryan has been working for Anderson Brothers for the past eight years, and oversees eight branches throughout the region. He chose to work for Anderson Brothers after meeting David, the president. “He was forward thinking, with new ideas, and thinking outside the box,” Bryan says. “It’s a really neat bank to work at because Mr. Anderson isn’t a micro manager. He gives people the space to make their own decisions, and if you make a mistake, it’s seen as an opportunity for growth, to do something differently next time. There’s a lot of freedom and autonomy to do your job and try to do it well in your own way. As a result of that, each of our branches has a slightly different feel. All of them still offer the same excellent service, they just have a different feel relative to their geographic location, and who works there. “Banks are so regulated now, that really what sets them apart is the people. Knowing that, we try to hire the best possible people with great personalities, who are personable and caring.”  Anderson Brothers Bank was voted Best Bank 2019 by the Horry Independent Readers’ Choice Awards; Pee Dee’s Best Financial Institution, Financial Planner, and Mortgage Company in 2018 and 2019; and they were ranked amongst the top three in Forbes’ List of America’s Best In-State Banks for South Carolina in 2018. “Just like any other local business, we give you personalized attention,” Bryan says. “But because we are small, we have more invested in serving you to the best of our ability because our success depends on your patronage, and our local focus ensures that we can give you that quality of attention that a larger bank can’t. We can deal with things differently, and make decisions based on local market knowledge, and at a more personal level. At a big bank they have to do everything by the book, there’s very little leeway. You have to qualify in all their criteria.” “When you’re considering your money and financial decisions, it’s important to trust who is serving you,” he adds. “It’s important for you to know that the problems, issues, and questions you have will be handled one-on-one— versus calling someone on the phone in a different state, where you’re treated more like a number rather than a person. I’ve worked at both; so I know this firsthand.”    The bank offers more consumer lending options for people with credit scores as low as 550 than any other bank in its class. Anderson Brothers Bank was ranked amongst the top three banks in a Forbes ranking for South Carolina in 2018. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) Supporting your local bank helps support the local economy too. Anderson Brother’s employees are local, and a part of the same cultural environment as the patrons that they serve. “We don’t hire our employees on financial ability alone,” Bryan says, “we hire them based on their people skills as well, which is just as important. I want to make sure the customer is taken care of. That helps to differentiate us from a lot of other banks.”  “Our staff is very involved in community events,” Bryan adds. “They tell us what they’re doing each weekend to help their neighborhoods.” Some of the things their employees do are support the local chapters of the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, the United Way, and the Rotary Club. They participate in the annual Ground Zero … Read more

Will Parker Law, LLC

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Practicing Law in a Personal Way by Melissa LaScaleia Will Parker attended the University of South Carolina Law School and passed the Bar Exam in 2006. Since that time, he’s worked under several prominent attorneys.  He established his own law firm, Will Parker, LLC in December 2017 to serve the needs of accident victims and those facing criminal charges on the Grand Strand. “I knew God was calling me to branch out on my own,” he says. “And the more obedient I am to that call, the more clearly my path unfolds before me. In the past year, my firm has experienced exponential growth.”  To begin, he’s expanded into a new 1500 square foot office space, which his wife, Erin, designed. From one part-time person, he’s grown to three full-time staff members. And his firm also had its first 7-figure settlement. Will was recently interviewed for an article by the Post and Courier featuring one of his clients. It received so much attention, he believes it may help to instigate reforms. “The article highlighted a situation with one of my clients that was unfair; and a lot of weight was given to it,” Will says. “I believe that in putting a spotlight on it, we were able to inspire some helpful changes to the social security system which are currently being reviewed. “Through growing and getting bigger, we’ve been able to help more people. And that’s the best part of what I do and why I do what I do.” Today, Will primarily practices in the arenas of criminal law and personal injury. With the former, he mainly focusses on smaller-level drug charges. The team of Will Parker Law from left to right: Ruth Millar, Will Parker, Janeen Salone, and Alexis Gunnell. — Photo Meganpixels Parker/Rachel Ogg “The way you practice law is going to be an extension of who you are and the experiences you’ve had in your life,” he says. “I’m in recovery myself. I can relate to and understand what those clients are going through, and I can get them in touch with people who can help them make better decisions. I try to step in when I think I can help redirect someone’s path and help them receive a second chance to get their life back on track. The way I speak to a judge and jury is coming from that place of authenticity, of having been at one time in my life, on the other side.” Similarly, Will has been the victim of an accident where the driver didn’t have adequate insurance, and he had to shoulder a heavy financial burden. And he’s felt the pain of losing a loved one as an accident victim as well. “I’ve been on all sides of the situation, and that broader perspective gives me a deeper level of empathy and understanding of how to handle the variety of cases I see,” he says. “If you’re in an accident, an attorney can help in several ways. Firstly, the business model of insurance companies is to pay as little as possible. They know many tactics to minimize or avoid paying the full value of a settlement. Once you have an attorney, the company can’t speak to you, which protects you from potentially agreeing to accept little to nothing. The sooner you get an attorney the better. We get a lot better results when we take the client by the lead from the beginning. And, as Horry County is one of the most conservative counties in the state, this isn’t the place to get in a wreck and try to represent yourself.” An attorney is able to send a letter to physicians who will treat accident victims and agree to be paid at the time of settlement. This allows you to obtain the treatment needed when you need it. Attorneys are better able to find, discover and obtain all available insurance policies that a lay person would not likely be able to discover on their own.  An attorney absolutely needs to be involved when any kind of release is signed, as an accident victim may sign away rights to collect under certain policies. “Moreover, personal injury claims often seem like they don’t receive the respect that they deserve,” Will says. “In the way I treat my clients, I aim to change that.” Will values his ability to spend time with his clients one-on-one no matter the case.  Will values his ability to spend time with his clients and prides himself on his accessibility no matter the case. —Photo Meganpixels Parker “I know the bigger I get, the harder it is to do that,” he says. “So I hired appropriate staffing and put systems in place so I’m still a major part of the client relationship.” All of Will’s clients have access to his personal cell phone number, so he can better maintain a relationship with each client personally. When you call his firm, you’ll be put in contact with him immediately if he’s available— there’s no screening process. “I try to be as real and as down to earth with my clients as I can so they understand who I am, and if they want me to represent them,” he says. “I’m branding something different from other firms. The priorities in my life are serving God, family, and community. Those values drive me, and from honoring them, I’ve seen incredible results, and believe I’ve been blessed.” In keeping with that philosophy of service, Will’s firm recently partnered with a local radio station and helped sponsor a food drive for the Lowcountry Food Bank. “We took the fundraiser to the next level,” he says. “We printed out t-shirts, passed out candy, and my staff and family and friends came and participated. We really pushed the donations, and they received triple the amount they usually do. It’s the values that are important to me. So any way I can reflect that in my law firm, I do.” Over the course of the … Read more

Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical

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Providing White Gloved Service Without the Overhead— Just Follow the Snowman to Comfort by Melissa LaScaleia Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical provides installations, maintenance, repairs and replacements on all heating and cooling systems from the border of North Carolina to Georgetown in the South, and as far inland as Aynor and parts of Marion County.  The company can optimize the air quality in your home through a number of HVAC services including air duct cleaning, repair and replacement; UV light installation; and filter changes. They also conduct free home energy reports to test the efficiency of your system as older units burn more watts, driving up the price of your electric bill. The report tells if there are parts within your system that are not running optimally, which if switched out, could save you money. The company is owned by Joseph Mascetti, who has lived in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty-five years. He’s been working in the heating and cooling industry for thirty-six years. Today, Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical celebrates their eighth year of business accompanied by numerous accolades. Every year since their inception, they have been either 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 for the past seven years in a row. In addition to their usual placements, this year, they were also recipients of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. And their newly implemented electrical service division won the Best of the Beach and Best Electrician in the Herald’s Reader’s Choice Award too. Swift Services added their electrical department this past fall, staffed by fully licensed and trained electricians. All of their electricians have to complete training through Swift Services electrical programs weekly, as well as attend monthly conferences for continuing education. Swift Services offers a variety of electrical services including but not limited to replacements and installations for panels; indoor/outdoor lights; ceiling fans; generator installations and repairs; electrical hookups for dishwashers and garbage disposals; and installations and replacements for smoke detectors. They offer their customers a variety of memberships, including an electrical membership option. One is an annual membership which includes discounts on services as well as 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. The annual membership includes a free home inspection during which technicians will inspect the circuits and wiring in your home and adjust for optimal safety, efficiency, and economics. “Sometimes, if you have old wiring or old circuit breakers, that can cause your bill to be high,” says Scott Stewart, marketing director for the company. “But one of the most important reasons to have this done regularly is safety— especially as people are acquiring and relying more and more on so many electrical items. It’s unsafe to plug so many things into a surge strip, especially with older homes. Many people don’t know this, or do, but ignore it. But it can overload the circuit causing outage or fires.” “Our electrical offerings have provided us a better opportunity to give our customers the ultimate customer experience,” he continues. “Now they can have the service they’ve received for years with our HVAC service, with electrical as well. It gives them a one-stop shop.” Swift Services also offers two annual service agreements for their HVAC customers. The bronze membership includes one free tune-up on your heating/cooling system a year; the silver membership includes two.  There are reasons you might want to schedule regular services,” Scott says. “From living near the ocean, the salt in the air increases rust and decreases the longevity of a system. The older your system gets, the less efficient it becomes which causes higher electric bills. And, with new systems, the focus is on reducing energy output, so the cost of installing a new one could equal what you saved on your bill in a year, yielding incredible savings down the road. “The way we run our business is 100% oriented with our customers in mind,” Scott says. Above, the team. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Additionally, regular maintenance 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.” Members receive 20% off on any service; silver membership gives you a discounted diagnostic fee in the event that something breaks, and just like their electrical service, all members receive emergency priority service so you don’t have to wait in the queue. 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 or 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. We don’t charge an hourly rate for labor; we charge by the service.” For installations, Swift Services will conduct a free home survey to make sure that you receive the appropriate system for your house, as they are not a one-size-fits-all, and there are a lot of factors that determine which is right for your house.  Additionally, the company 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. “We stand by the work we do giving our customers a 100% guarantee,” says Scott. “This is just one more step that shows our accountability.” They are also accredited … Read more

Beach Landscaping

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Our Grass is Always Greener by Melissa LaScaleia Matt Freedman, the owner of Beach Landscaping, is originally from the Washington, D.C. area. He and his father, Bob Freedman, have been running their landscaping and hardscaping business together in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty years.    The two learned their profession hands-on, on the job. Since those early days, Matt has become an expert in plants and landscaping— investing in formal education, attending classes, and logging hours in the study of plant identification, pesticide application, and weed identification and control. Beach Landscaping has gleaned area accolades as a result of their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and professionalism. “One of the reasons why we were able to get business from the onset was that we called people back and followed through with what we said we were going to do,” Matt says. “It was basically our customer service, and we stick with that to this day. It’s huge for people that we’re here and we’re accountable for what we provide.” “We try to maintain as much communication with our clients as we can,” he continues. “We have a lot of different avenues and infrastructure in place so that when people call, they have access to someone on our team who is there for them, to listen to and assist them quickly and easily. “We have a lot of long-term customers— we’ve learned what they want, and we take care of them. Additionally, our team is pretty stable which helps make us more effective at customer service, because we are familiar working with one another.” Beach Landscaping offers numerous landscaping services for both businesses and residences along the Grand Strand: regular lawn mowing and maintenance services like resodding and lawn repair; bed design, planting, and maintenance; bush, perennial, palm and other tree pruning services; full landscape design; and irrigation installation and servicing.  They also cover you and your yard for spring and fall cleanup, overturn soil, give recommendations on what plants would thrive in specific areas of your yard, and conduct soil testing and treatment for lawns that need more perk. Beach Landscaping offers design and execution for hardscapes, paver patios, walkways, and retaining walls. These latter skills evolved over time, Matt explains, as along the way, they hired and met individuals who were skilled in these additional areas, until Matt and his father were able to expand their repertoire of offerings on their own. Their ability to successfully teach themselves new skills, and consistently offer excellent services with great attention to customers is both impressive and inspiring. “In the last year, there’s been a lot of growth in our company,” Matt says. “We’ve become better organized all around, and we’re expanding a lot of our hardscape offerings. We’ve purchased new lawn care equipment and are more effective in our lawn care maintenance as a result.”    Beach Landscaping recently expanded their hardscaping options, offering functional outdoor living spaces that tie in the landscaping with the designs— additions like patios, walkways, fire pits, retaining walls, and more. —Photo Meganpixels Parker Today, Beach Landscaping remains a family owned and operated business— with even more of Matt’s family members joining to make the company a success. Matt and Bob spearhead the operation, and Matt’s wife Tracy manages the accounting and scheduling. Matt’s brother, Andy Freedman, will be joining the team this spring, helping to further develop the hardscaping side of the business. Andy worked as a VP of sales for a large corporate company for twenty-five years.  “He knows how to get stuff done, and brings a lot of sales knowledge and enthusiasm,” Matt says. “He’s excited to join my dad and I with the family business.  “Hardscaping is something that we’re really pushing now because a lot of homes are built with small patios in the back. People want to have more of a comprehensive outdoor living space. It’s more in keeping with the Myrtle Beach lifestyle— to be able to be outdoors and have a place to relax. Hardscaping entails the planning and creation of a functional space that involves patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and retaining walls. Then, we put in more trees and do additional landscaping to complete the ambience, and tie the landscaping together with the design.” Another new addition to their team is Terri Stevens, who just relocated to Myrtle Beach from Northern Virginia, where she owned her own landscaping and hardscaping company for twenty-two years. Terri is happily retired from running her own business, but still passionate about what she does; she’s found her new home with Beach Landscaping, as she will be running the project division along with Andy. “Terri is a highly skilled artist,” Matt says. “She executes everything having to do with hardscaping, from architectural layout and design elements, all the way through to completion. With her on our team, we’re now able to complete projects with a much quicker turnaround time.” The additions to their Beach Landscaping family mean that the company is able to do everything they’ve always done, and now a lot more of it. The only thing they don’t do is take down large trees— which requires special safety equipment and highly specialized training.  Matt’s favorite aspect of his work is hardscaping. “I enjoy building something for clients that is fresh and original,” he says, “that I know will bring them and their family and friends greater peace in their own home environment, and joy in their surroundings.” For those who prefer to do things on their own, Beach Landscaping has put together a series of informational videos so people can educate themselves about how to properly take care of their yard and lawn. To date, they’ve completed twelve videos that are available on their website and Facebook page. “Our first video was on recognizing lawn disease and treating it,” Matt says. “We also created one on the scale insects that affect trees and shrubs—how to identify them and what to do … Read more

South Strand Dental Associates

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Relieving Pain, Creating Smiles by Melissa LaScaleia South Strand Dental Associates is a general dentistry practice that offers a full range of comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages like: deep cleanings, preventative oral care, crown and bridge and extraction services, and cosmetic dentistry. A local orthodontist makes twice monthly visits to their office for orthodontic procedures. Dr. Daniel Miller III, or Dr. Dan, as he’s known in the office, has always been rooted in South Carolina. He was born in Dillon, and spent his teenage years in Murrells Inlet after his family relocated here. He attended Waccamaw High School and then attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg South Carolina.  “In college I knew that I was interested in the areas of science, health and medicine, but I wasn’t sure what specific field I wanted to pursue,” Daniel says. “I grew up in a household of dentistry— my dad, Daniel Miller Jr. is a dentist, and his grandfather was a dentist; I finally decided to go that direction too.” Daniel went to the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated in 2004 from Dental School. Directly after graduation, he joined his father’s dental practice at the Beach.  The team of South Strand Dental Associates works to stay current with new methods, techniques, and technology to offer the best in dentistry services. Dr. Benjamin H. Collins (above) is an owner in the practice with the Millers. —Photo Meganpixels Parker “It’s been really good for us to work together,” Dr. Dan says, speaking of the business relationship with his father. “We’ve always gotten along well. He’s a great father, and has been helpful to me in my career in every possible way. I’ve always appreciated him as a mentor. Our personalities are just different enough, which I think makes us work better together. I’m a little more quiet, and he’s a little more talkative. I think that makes us a good team— even though we have the same name.” Dr. Miller Jr. has been practicing dentistry for forty-two years, initially in Dillon, SC. “As a dentist, I like helping people and being able to help people maintain beautiful teeth and smiles,” he says. “I also like to relieve pain and suffering, even though that’s not a popular thing to reference in dentistry.”  Today the dental practice is jointly owned by Dr. Dan, his father, and Dr. Benjamin Collins— Dr. Dan having become part owner this past year. “We have a really well-rounded team that covers all age groups,” Dr. Miller says.  Dr. Daniel W. Miller III, or Dr. Dan as he’s known in the office, is a partner in the dental practice with his father, Dr. Miller Jr. “We make a good team,” he says of working with his father. —Photo Meganpixels Parker “Our dental office has a family feel to it because of the atmosphere we create as a team, and the care we show our patients,” Dr. Dan says. “We take the time to get to know our patients so we can provide them with the best service possible. Many of our patients are retired— it’s interesting to get to know them and hear about their lives.” Dr. Dan also loves the rapid changes to his industry, which keeps things fresh, interesting, and always challenging. “I’m constantly working to stay current with new methods, techniques, and technology to offer the best in dentistry services,” he says. “The new ways make procedures more simple, less painful, and our patients’ lives easier as well as our jobs easier.” “It’s fun to work and live along the Grand Strand because most people I see want to be here and are happy to be here,” he adds. “I love playing golf and being outside. My wife, Brianne, is an elementary school guidance counselor. We have two girls: Charlotte, who is 11, and Abigail who is 8. We enjoy all the outdoor activities that we can do together as a family, like kayaking, hiking, and being on the Intracoastal Waterway. I love spending time with my family, that’s very important to me.”  South Strand Dental Associates Globe Phone Map-marked-alt Facebook

Manifest Design

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The Life in Your Home by Melissa LaScaleia Manifest Design is a local small business offering interior design for your home with an accompanying retail boutique comprised of unique gifts and home decor. The concept is the brainchild of Connie Lincoln. Connie has been an interior designer for over twenty years. To compliment her services, nine years ago she opened a store in Wilmington, North Carolina, that carried home decor and custom made furniture.  “I noticed that very unique gifts were just not out there,” Connie says. “So I decided to add on to my store and specialize in gifts for men, in addition to our women’s gifts.”  Together with her husband, Dusty, Connie began to unearth quality, one-of-a-kind treasures that would appeal to men. The two found sextants, compasses, model airplanes, wallets, flasks, tools, barware, games, and hardware-inspired mugs.  The 1965 Cobra race car is a showstopper in Connie’s store. There’s also a wide array of artwork and home furnishings which compliment her interior design services. (Car not for sale) — Photo Meganpixels Parker Recently, she and Dusty decided to build a home in Myrtle Beach and move their business to the Market Common.  “We thought this was a beautiful area for shopping, and nicely designed,” Connie says. “We love the walkways, the trees, and the lights at night. We thought it was so much more of a fit for us.”  Manifest Design has been open in the Market Common for over a year now, delighting patrons with the rare finds they come across.  “Dusty is a retired U.S. Marine Corp pilot,” Connie says. “So we have a big aviation influence in our store mixed with science-based and nautical themes. We carry very clever things that guys really dig, like multi-function pens that also act as levels, and an extendible flashlight that bends at the end. But the biggest draw is the full-size 1965 Cobra race car we have. It’s a showstopper; and leads to wonderful conversations about cars, racing and automobile engineering.  “We receive feedback all the time from the men who shop here. They tell us, ‘There are no stores for men in the Market Common, so we love this store.’”    Connie Lincoln (above) loves being in the Market Common. “We think this is a beautiful area and nicely designed,” she says. — Photo Meganpixels Parker For women, there are wraps, totes, passport holders, and purses— including a line made from recycled military tents complete with authentic military insignia.   They also have items that appeal to everyone: greeting cards, a very cute baby section, and a huge array of wine and cheese accessories. And of course, there’s plenty of home decor items, lamps, local artwork, vases, and accent tables.   “Because I’m an interior designer, I have access to many industry contacts and vendors,” Connie says in answer to the mystery of how and from where she is able to replenish the delightful items she finds for her store. She offers residential and commercial design services from Manifest Design, including whole-house designs.  “I have a low-key approach to designing,” she adds. “I create according to my clients’ needs— how they want to live in their space.”  She also designs custom-built furniture. There is a section in her store dedicated to this, where customers can pick the fabric they want and contribute to the design process. Connie will make recommendations for a style based on the customers’ space and preferences. And, when you purchase furniture from her, her home interior design service is free.  Connie offers interior design services from her store, with a wide array of accompanying end tables, artwork, and other sundries available for purchase to compliment her services; there’s even in-store art classes as well. —Photo Meganpixels Parker “My whole mission is to make interior design affordable and accessible to everyone,” Connie says. “Everybody’s situation is unique, so I want to make this an option for all.”   Connie and her husband really enjoy what they do. Around the holidays, and periodically throughout the year, they’ll serve wine to their guests to enhance their customers’ shopping experience. They also offer weekly art classes in things like jewelry making, acrylic painting, and calligraphy.  “Our art classes are really popular,” Connie says. “We serve wine at those too, and have a local teacher come in— we all have a really good time. “People just love our store. A lady came in the other day and was amazed— she thought we should be voted Best of the Beach in Myrtle Beach and wanted to know how to nominate us. And the guys love us, too, they will actually bring their wives or significant others here, as we have so many interesting items in our store you won’t see anywhere else. “We really make for a fun and fascinating retail therapy session. We have elevated the experience.” Manifest Design— the life in your home. Manifest Design Globe Phone Map-marked-alt Facebook

Your Chamber Team Doesn’t Stop Working for You

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by Karen Riordan, President & CEO Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) serves two distinct purposes in our community. We exist to protect, promote and improve the business landscape of our area through education programs, networking opportunities and advocacy initiatives. We’re also the official destination marketing organization for the Grand Strand, drawing visitors to our beautiful beach communities and ensuring our tourism industry remains strong through aggressive national advertising and sales initiatives. And when times of uncertainty affect our area, MBACC is there as a resource for our business and hospitality partners. COVID-19 is an unprecedented event, different from past challenges we’ve faced because of the number of unknowns and the fluidity of the situation.  As a country we’ve watched our government react to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As a community we have watched our business partners look for ways to adjust operations to stay afloat as public health guidance has changed daily. In some instances, businesses have temporarily closed, furloughed or laid-off employees, or altered their hours drastically as we have all practiced social distancing and self-isolation. Through it all, MBACC has worked to help our community navigate these difficult times. Here are a few examples of the work we’re doing to help Myrtle Beach businesses prepare and recover from the impact of COVID-19: Advocacy One of the most important roles in our organization is to keep the Myrtle Beach area top-of-mind with our legislators. We’ve been in constant communication with our leaders at the local, state and federal levels since before COVID-19 began to impact our community. And as we’ve watched the closures and cancellations of events, attractions, and restaurants, we’ve stepped up our efforts to ensure the tourism industry is included in federal and state relief packages. Resources There has been no shortage of information relating to COVID-19. Tax changes, business regulations, small business loans, tips for healthy hygiene, and so much more has been hitting our inboxes daily just like it has yours. We have taken that information, edited it down to the most important information you need for your business, and posted it regularly on our website, social channels, and in a daily email update to businesses to help them find what they need in a timely manner. Marketing Throughout this pandemic our message has been to ask visitors to postpone trips, not cancel them, so when it is time to come back, we will be ready for them. We are assisting guests  with requests for refunds or credits for future travel and supporting our lodging partners however we can. We halted our ad campaign and shifted to “Sharing some sunshine” on our social channels to bring a smile to guest’s faces during this difficult time.  We are also supporting our restaurant community as they labor to stay open through take-out and curbside services. Our marketing team is preparing a recovery plan to bring our visitors back, safely and strategically, once COVID-19 has passed. We want to assure you that as your local chamber and convention and visitors bureau, we are here for the duration of this event with our team, working remotely every day to support our business community and our residents.   Your Chamber has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand’s business community since 1938. We have weathered many storms and faced significant challenges, including the events of 9/11 and devastating hurricanes and floods. We have no doubt that together our community will overcome this newest challenge. Visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com for more on the chamber’s response to COVID-19, the latest resources and information to help your business during these uncertain times, and information on recovery plans as it becomes available.

Inside Little River: A Local’s Perspective

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by Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center Little River, South Carolina is a popular destination for fishing, golfing, and dining. But there are so many options to choose from, so where should you begin exploring all that this quaint fishing village has to offer? To find out, we surveyed Facebook and collected the top answers as reported by locals.  Top Answer: Vereen Memorial Gardens. Helen Reece Graham says: “I love the beauty of a wooden path through the marsh.” Located in Little River along the Intracoastal Waterway on more than 115 acres of forest and marshland, this facility includes approximately 3 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that meander through its botanical gardens and along its waterfront. And that’s not Little River’s only scenic spot. Nancy Chamberlain Moon recommends: “A marsh tour with J&L Kayaks. There is so much more to our world that isn’t seen from Highway 17.” For a casual stroll, many recommend Cherry Grove Pier, especially at sunrise. Unsurprisingly, there were countless recommendations for the Little River waterfront. Mary Van Marter Mistretta says: “I always love eating down by the dock.” Popular restaurants within walking distance include Capt. Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant, Crab Catcher’s, Buzz’s Roost, and Patio’s. Another hidden treasure is La Belle Amie Vineyard, home of Twisted Sisters Wines. They are open year-round Wednesday through Saturday. It has grown into a popular spot to enjoy wine tastings, live afternoon music, and meet new people. While it’s located further south in Murrells Inlet, we can’t ignore all of the recommendations for Brookgreen Gardens. This beautiful botanical garden also houses American sculptures and a small Lowcountry zoo. You’ll also want to revisit them in December for Night of a Thousand Candles, their signature annual event which transforms the gardens into a sparkling wonderland with the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and hanging lights. Thanks to Natalie Rakoci who recommended visiting the Chamber of Commerce to “get ideas and info on where to visit— online or in person.” You can find us at www.LittleRiverChamber.org to do just that.

North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Presents: The 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck

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by The City of North Myrtle Beach The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department will host the 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, April 4 from 10am-2pm. The event will be held at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sport Complex in the Wild Wing Café Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Admission is free. Touch-A-Truck provides a day for children of all ages to get an up-close, interactive look at many of the large vehicles and heavy equipment they only see on television or driving down the road. Everyone will have the opportunity to explore exhibits like dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, police cars, race cars and more. This event also does double duty by educating youngsters about various aspects of the vehicles, such as their size and function. In addition to all the vehicles, this community event also features public safety information and other family fun activities. Join us for face painting; a sidewalk chalk competition; the chance to construct birdhouses with Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful; spot-camera eye screenings offered by the North Myrtle Beach Lion’s Club; and letter writing to soldiers abroad with the Grand Strand Blue Star Mothers. The City of North Myrtle Beach is proud to support families who have children with autism, special needs, and sensory sensitivities. There will be a sensory-friendly experience from 1-2pm, where all sirens and equipment noise will be silenced. This is a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types— public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery, and those that are just plain cool— all in one place. Everyone is invited to come out to climb, learn and discover.

What’s in a Name? A Lot in Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Newcomers to Myrtle Beach may wonder why Farrow Parkway is so named or who Mr. Joe White was. The city has a vast collection of roads, buildings and parks named in honor of those who contributed to our city’s remarkable growth and progression. Here are just a few examples to satisfy your curiosity.  Nance Plaza at the intersection of Ninth Avenue North and Kings Highway was named for Daniel Wayne Nance and Mary Ellen Todd Nance in recognition of their significant contributions to Myrtle Beach’s early civic, business and religious growth. A master builder, Daniel Nance was responsible for many downtown buildings, as well as historic homes built along North Ocean Boulevard. Mr. Nance moved to Myrtle Beach in 1909, arriving by ox-cart.   Mrs. Nance’s family owned a large farm and fishery near Withers Swash. Together, the couple raised ten children while building and operating guest-boarding facilities during the city’s early years. Mr. Joe White Avenue is named for a humble shoeshine man remembered for his friendly smile and colorful personality. Julius “Joe” White was born in Georgetown in 1910 and moved to Myrtle Beach in 1930.   A self-described “shoe stylist,” he began shining shoes for a nickel in the sixth grade, using the money for lunches and Sunday School tithes. In the early years, Mr. Joe could be found shining shoes at local barbershops and the Ocean Forest Hotel. When that hotel closed, he settled into a chair at Woody’s Arcade Barbershop, off 10th Avenue North. Mr. Joe passed away in 1997, and the street was named in his honor in early 2002.  Mr. Joe never learned to drive, but bicycled to and from his home in the Nance neighborhood, always giving people a friendly honk and wave. In 1991, the South Carolina General Assembly recognized Mr. Joe White and his wife, Louise, for their exemplary lives. Rourk Street, which branches off of 82nd Parkway near the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, is named for Dr. W.A. Rourk, an early physician in Myrtle Beach. During the 1930s and 1940s, when other doctors would not treat African American patients, Rourk did— and treated all community members equally and with respect. Farrow Parkway, which runs through the Market Common, is named for Lieutenant William G. Farrow of the U.S. Army Air Corps. A native of Darlington, SC, Lt. Farrow piloted a B-25 bomber over Japan during World War II as one of Doolittle’s Raiders. Farrow and his crew were captured in April 1942 when their plane ran out of fuel and crashed. He was executed in October of that year. Fred Nash Boulevard, which intersects Farrow Parkway, is named for a local resident who rescued an Air Force pilot whose T-33 trainer crashed and burned near the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier in 1958.   At age 71, Nash rushed to the burning aircraft and helped the pilot to safety. Nash was seriously burned and later received the U.S. Air Force Exceptional Service Award for his heroic actions. Myrtle Beach has a whole page with dozens of these namesakes on the city’s website, www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com.  Go to “I want to find” and “Honorary Namesakes” to read the full list.

Places to Worship This Easter

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by Emily Smith The growth of Carolina Forest has brought with it not only new businesses but an increasing amount of places to worship. This time of year holds meaning for many, and it is likely that within our neighborhood you can find a place to celebrate and nurture your soul. Carolina Forest Community Church is located at 1381 Carolina Forest Blvd., and hosts similar services at different times on Sunday mornings. The first begins at 9:30am, then again at 11am. Call 843-903-1558 to speak to a member, or learn more at www.carolinaforest.org. Across the street, Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church at 1400 Carolina Forest Blvd., holds services at 8am on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. English Bible Study occurs every Saturday at 6:30pm as well. Visit www.copticmyrtle.com to learn more. At 2240 Carolina Forest Blvd, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church begins their service at 10:30am on Sundays, with classes for kids and adults before that starts at 9:15am. The church’s website, amazinggracelutheran.com, provides more information, and their contact number is 843-236-9134. Myrtle Beach Seven-Day Adventist Church is located at 2351 Carolina Forest Blvd., and welcomes worshipers on Saturday mornings. Song service begins at 9:15am, while worship begins at 10:45am. Contact them at 843-236-1450 or visit www.mbsda.com for more information. Celebration Presbyterian Church is across the road at 2300 Carolina Forest Blvd. They hold worship service at 11am every Sunday morning. A quick trip to their website, www.celebrationpresbyterianchurch.com, or a phone call to 843-903-0308 will give you detailed information. Ekklesia Christian Church is another new addition to the area. It is located up the highway at 2050 U.S. 501. Worship services are held Thursday evenings at 6:30pm, and twice on Sundays at 9:30am and 11am. For those wishing to learn more, visit www.ekklesiachristianchurch.com or call 843-443-7774. There’s a lot more to be found in our neck of the woods. There’s also the Joseph B. Bethea United Methodist Church, Grand Strand Baptist Church, The Well by the Sea, and Saint Stephen Church, all within a short distance of Carolina Forest. No matter how you prefer to worship, or what you are celebrating this spring season, Carolina Forest has a large enough selection to satisfy the soul.

Q&A with Becky Large

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Becky Large, A Life Transformed, a Family Strengthened Since Arriving In Myrtle Beach by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family. It’s myself and my husband, Michael. We have two boys: Harley is 16 years old, and Jackson is 14 years old. We have a fabulous Jack Russell Terrier named Peppermint, who is my fur baby.  Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? We moved here from a little town called Riverton, New Jersey, across the river from Philadelphia. Surfside Beach is our new home. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? We came down in 2012 because my husband got a job here. We had been vacationing here with my in-laws and I wanted my babies to grow up at the beach.  What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach? The beach in Surfside. We swim, relax, read, and take walks. Since we live there, we don’t spend a lot of time as others would who vacation here, but we make a point of walking and being on the beach every day even if it’s just for thirty minutes.  What do you like the most about living here? The climate is amazing. We love the warmth of the people and the generosity of their spirits. To us, the Northeast is cold and grey, and it’s not just the weather. Myrtle Beach is a lovely place to be. We love the Southern hospitality.  How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? We are much more guided by faith. Our lives personally and professionally have changed dramatically; now we’re much more called to service. I started a non-profit organization and my husband is a special needs attorney. I don’t think that our family would be intact had we not left. It’s been a remarkable journey since we got down here, one that has brought us closer together, closer to community, and closer to God. What new activities have you taken up since moving here? Because of the climate, we’re able to enjoy the outdoors more, we’re much more connected to the beach. I started a nonprofit in service to the autism community. I’m on the business diversity council for the Chamber of Commerce. What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you? I write the introductory page for the Surfside Beach section of the Coastal Insider every month.  What are your favorite things to do here?  Reading The Coastal Insider and planning sensory-friendly events for people affected by autism. Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach? More support for the arts.

Easter Traditions at The Family Beach

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by The Town of Surfside Beach Surfside Beach hosts many Easter traditions that are fun for the whole family.  The Easter Egg Hunt and Kid’s Fair takes place on Saturday, April 11, from 1-4pm at the Huckabee Sports Complex. The complex is located at 499 Spanish Oak Dr., Surfside Beach, SC 29575. The Hunt begins at 1 pm, and is open to the first 500 children who show up, ages 10 and under.  The Kids Fair will be held from 1-4pm with free inflatables, games, face painting, balloon art, concessions, and children’s train rides. Now in its 58th year, the Easter Sunrise Service began in 1962, and is sponsored by the Grand Strand Ministerial Association in conjunction with all denominations along the Grand Strand.  Historically, the service was held  by the Rev. H.E. King, pastor of First Baptist Church of Surfside Beach, in locations along the Grand Strand including: at the Pavilion in Myrtle Beach; at Crescent Beach in Little River; and at the waterfront in Surfside Beach.  The service is always open to the public, and all are welcome. Other churches not having their own sunrise service are invited to attend. This year, the tradition continues at the beach at the north side of the Surfside Beach pier on Easter Sunday, April 12 at 6:30am. Participating churches are Surfside United Methodist, Legacy Church, and First Baptist Church of Surfside Beach. John Rea of Legacy Church will deliver the sermon. Collections will be given to South Strand Helping Hands. Saturday, April 18 from 9am-noon, the annual Pet Fair at the Surfside Beach Barc Park, will take place. It is located at 1st Avenue North and Willow Drive. Ark Animal Hospital will conduct a rabies clinic. Local pet vendors and rescue organizations will be in attendance. All vaccinations will be available for dogs to receive; cats must receive their vaccinations at Ark Animal Hospital located at 1011 6th Ave. N. Ext. in Surfside Beach. While in Surfside Beach, stay and play a while. Try one of our great restaurants, peruse the shops, and hang out on our stretch of beautiful, groomed beach. More information on restaurants, shopping, parking and beach access can be found at www.surfsidebeach.org. Surfside Beach. The Family Beach.

This Too Shall Pass

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by Kevin Gunn Life is full of ups and downs. And this time, the challenges came at a time when economically, things seemed to be going pretty well— the stock market at all time highs, with the lowest unemployment figures in fifty years. Then, like a thief in the night, a foreign invader in the form of virus entered to disrupt the flow of our lives. It’s unsettling and uncertain, but it’s also a testament to our resiliency how quickly the people of our community can adapt and overcome the obstacles and challenges that we face when they present themselves. Just as when we’ve faced crises in the past, we see people doing what is necessary not just to survive, but thrive. When I speak to people in our community, I see that we truly are an optimistic people who simply do what is necessary during uncertain times. More than ever, right now, we need one another and are depending on each other to stay safe. People with no symptoms may be carriers of the virus. I strongly believe we should do all we can to keep ourselves and each other safe by practicing social distancing, and being as responsible as we can during this time. I also encourage people to continue doing what I already see them doing: things like supporting local restaurants, by choosing takeout. I hear of people leaving generous tips to help the service industry workers get through this period of time.  I see people coming up with new and exciting directions to take their businesses while they have the time to incubate and develop new strategies. I’ve heard a lot of people are taking the time to connect with friends and family that they haven’t been connected with in some time.  And I see people reconnecting with nature by enjoying the beach, taking a bike ride, going for a run, or a walk. Pawleys Island, quiet, off the beaten path, with miles of beach for walking, is a perfect place to explore right now. Life is flux and you can’t control it. But you can control how you react, how you help one another, and what you do with the time and resources that you have. Those kinds of decisions can make memories that last forever.

Samuel Green

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Samuel Green

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

The Thyroid

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What is it and what does it do? by Emma Ware The thyroid is a 2-inch long, butterfly shaped gland in the front of your neck that controls your metabolism. It’s part of your endocrine system, which makes chemicals called hormones that help control many of your body functions.  Let’s break it down some. We know where it is located, now let’s look at the miraculous functions it was designed to perform. Two hormones made by the thyroid help regulate your metabolism. They are the chemical processes that break down what you eat to make energy. They affect how fast your heart beats, how deep you breathe and whether you gain or lose weight. They also help control your body temperature, cholesterol levels, and women’s menstrual cycles. Doctors call these hormones T-3 and T-4 for short. WebMD describes how the thyroid releases them into your bloodstream, which takes them through your body. Another gland called the pituitary gland tells your thyroid how much of these hormones your body needs. There are two types of problems that can happen to the thyroid. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones. That slows down your metabolism and can make you gain weight and feel sluggish and or depressed. More severe cases are sometimes called Hashimoto’s disease when your body’s disease fighting immune system attacks the thyroid. Other possible changes are difficulty thinking, constipation, hair loss, brittle fingernails, puffy face and low energy. Hyperthyroidism can result in losing weight, feeling sluggish or depressed, your heart races and you feel weak. Irritability and uncommon sweating can also occur. Physical changes can include: fine and brittle hair, thinning skin, and increased sensitivity to heat. These symptoms come from the thyroid producing too many hormones. When any of these symptoms appear, it’s time to have your medical doctor order thyroid function tests and those should include TSH and both T-3 and T-4 for a complete report. It will require a fasting blood draw; if either condition is diagnosed, there likely will be prescribed a thyroid medication that will work to regulate the amount of hormones needed to correct the condition. The thyroid is an important part of the human body and needs to be cared for and monitored when not functioning properly. At all costs, keep your thyroid healthy. As always, let me again remind you to always check with your doctor before making any changes to your health routine. Consultations by appointment at my office in the Market Common, 2798-D Howard Avenue. Call me at 843 997-7037 with questions or comments on this article. Blessings,  Emma

An Epic Egg Hunt of Doggie-Proportions

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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 gets ready to frolic, as he revels in the out-of-doors and some quaint springtime traditions. “Springtime is officially here, which in Myrtle Beach just means that it’s nice and balmy kind of like it was last month and kind of like it will be next month too. But why not celebrate our atmospheric good fortune with a tradition that most other people probably enjoy this time of year because they can finally go out of doors and not encounter an arctic blast?  I say let’s stand with our less climactically fortunate brethren and get down and doggie with a good old-fashioned egg hunt. I’m still not sure if I eat eggs, (they just seem a little squirmy to me) and I definitely can’t eat chocolate ones, but that won’t stop me from having a good time hunting around in the grass and bushes and trees with all my friends searching for them. (One plus right now to being a dog is that I don’t have to practice social distancing.) So why do we associate springtime with eggs and egg hunts anyhow? Well, eggs have always acted as important symbols for spring and the ensuing rebirth that occurs amongst foliage and animals— the flowers bloom, grass becomes green, bears and other animals emerge from hibernation, and new life is born. An egg, as a vessel of possibility, serves as a potent reminder of these miraculous feats of nature. During the Middle Ages, people were forbidden to eat eggs during Lent, the Christian holiday leading up to Easter. That religious holiday marked the day that egg-eating could resume, and consequently eggs featured prominently on the menu. It was also an important form of protein for the poorer classes, who couldn’t afford meat (which was most of the population). But it is said that the tradition of the egg hunt dates back to 16th century Germany and Martin Luther. Apparently, the fiery Protestant reformer organized egg hunts for his congregation as some sort of teaching device— kind of like a mnemonic, but with a lot more activity.  Men would hide eggs, and women would go find them— the tableau a re-enactment and reference to Jesus’ death and the discovery of his rebirth by women. I’m not sure if the history of Jesus stuck in people’s minds with greater ease for all the running around and gathering of eggs, but it’s certainly an interesting idea. It’s also one that became more popularized by Queen Victoria of England. The queen’s mother, the Duchess of Kent, was German born, and thus familiar with the old tradition. She first organized an egg hunt at the palace when Victoria was a little girl. The eggs were boiled to cook them and make them less easy to break, and boiled in onion skins to color them a rich golden-brown hue. Yuck! Now I definitely know that I don’t eat eggs. Thank goodness at least that today we have more available color options. Not that those hot pink and aqua blue colors look any more appetizing to me. I think I’ll stick with dog treats. But getting back to the story, egg coloring, and egg hunting trickled down to the masses, and gained in such popularity that fake eggs started being made for hunting, as well as confections in the shape of an egg. Today, egg coloring and hunting is still all the rage. I can’t wait for mine, just for the sport of it. But if you really want to see me excited, then you can send me on a dog-biscuit hunt. Now those I know I’ll eat!” Until next time,   

The MBAF Base Throughout the 20th Century, Part 8 Final

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The End of an Era by Melissa LaScaleia Continued from last month. Click here to read Part 7.  By the early ’90s, the topic of closing the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base again resurfaced. It had been proposed in the past, ever since the end of the Vietnam War, and now it was suggested again.  The base’s proximity to the Grand Strand meant that it wasn’t possible to expand and develop the base further to accommodate additional missions, as it would encroach on the existing infrastructure of the city.  Furthermore, the military had five more bases open around the country than was necessary for the amount of support that they felt was truly needed. And at the same time that there was talk of closing the base, there was talk of inactivating the illustrious 354th Tactical Fighter Wing as well. The City of Myrtle Beach was opposed to the closure. The base and the personnel and staff who worked there contributed hugely to the economic vibrancy of the city through patronizing local entertainment venues and businesses. Many who worked on the base also lived in the community. Since the base was woven intrinsically into the fabric of the culture of Myrtle Beach, the city worried about its own future and the hole that the base’s closure would inevitably leave, financially, culturally, and emotionally. To advocate for it staying open, the city posited that the military was overlooking many things in opting for the base’s closure. First, the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base had recently been named one of the best bases in the country. Second, they argued that there was the potential to house a composite wing. They also noted that the base always had the ability to meet the missions assigned to it. Moreover, they felt it remiss of the military to overlook Myrtle Beach Air Force Base as a base which could provide additional close-air support for the Army in any future conflicts. After great consideration, the military stood in favor of closing the base, and redistributed the base’s A-10 aircraft to other bases around the country to begin the process.  On March 31, 1992, the 355th Fighter Squadron was inactivated and the aircraft were sent to Shaw Air Force Base, in South Carolina. On June 30, 1992, the 356th Fighter Squadron was inactivated, and the aircraft were sent to the Air National Guard. On December 15, 1992, the 353rd Fighter Squadron was inactivated, and the aircraft were send to the Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina.  On March 31, 1993, when the 354th Fighter Wing and all supporting personnel and groups were inactivated as well, the base was officially closed. But the renowned 354th Fighter Wing was to live on. On August 20, 1993, it was reactivated at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, as a way to preserve the lineage of the Air Force’s most honored Wing. At the same time, the 353rd and the 355th Fighter Squadrons were also reactivated at Eielson.  Although many couldn’t see it at the time, the dissolution of the Air Force Base was to usher in a bright new chapter of Myrtle Beach’s history— one that would ultimately contribute to the community, culture, and vibrancy for the entire Grand Strand.  Years later, the creation of the Market Common would add to the beauty, diversity, and social offerings that already make Myrtle Beach such a popular locale for a vacation, or a place to settle down and call home.

So Random

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An Inside Look at this Unique Women’s Specialty Boutique by Ashley Daniels The store’s name may be Random, but there’s nothing random about the success of this family owned business that first opened fifteen years ago. “We were a few things back then,” says co-owner Summer Karst. “We were a clothing store that offered men’s and women’s clothing, vintage clothing, accessories, home goods, gifts, and a full service coffee shop. That’s where the name came from; we had a very random, though selective, mix of offerings.” Random, says Summer, was actually a concept she created as her senior project in college. She graduated from Western Illinois University and studied fashion merchandising, with a minor in art. Summer’s parents, Kathy and Bob Hillman (now co-owners of Random), owned a few businesses during Summer’s childhood. And Kathy worked as a successful visual merchandiser for a few malls in Chicago. Summer helped her mom with more contracts in Peoria and Springfield while attending college, and, at the same time, sold jewelry and body jewelry from a kiosk in one of the malls. “I loved the whole world of business and the creative side of business and I wanted to be involved in as much as I could,” she says. “It came naturally, and I inserted myself anywhere I could to soak up as much as I could, knowing my ultimate goal was owning my own store someday.” After she graduated from college in 2005, Summer moved to Myrtle Beach, following the lead of other family members. She took a summer internship with a local boutique chain, and opened her first Random Boutique location. The store moved to its current location, in the Market Common, in October 2008. “We saw a huge potential here,” says Summer. “We saw a community and a place for locals and tourists to co-exist in a place away from the flashing lights and wax figures. We saw a place where we could thrive. We care so much about the area and its future and we’re so thankful to be a part of it.” The women’s specialty boutique on Reed Street offers a wide variety of styles for a wide spectrum of ages. “Growing up, I never fit into a mold, and because of that, I was always seen as a free spirit, which is now something I take pride in,” says Summer. “And women as a whole should not be put into a box. At Random, I want to encourage women to have fun—no matter their age, background, or style. Just have fun; and wear what inspires you. I want to eradicate the mindset of, ‘I love this, but I’m too old for it,’ or ‘This is so cute, but it’s not my style.’” Summer says that her main goal for women who walk through the doors of Random is to have fun, relax and enjoy themselves—  and to feel loved, inspired, and empowered. “We try really hard to infuse a realness into how we run our businesses,” she says. “We are a family business and that is important to us. So, on any given day you could see me there working with my kids, just as my parents did with me. That helped inspire a world of, ‘anything is possible.’ We love our customers and want them to come as they are, because they are family to us.” Random Boutique Map-marked-alt Facebook Instagram

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