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Day: August 25, 2020

Dr. Gwynn Hardee and His Special Bond with Animals

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Veterinary Medicine with Meadowlawn Animal Services by Melissa LaScaleia Horry County native Dr. Gwynn Hardee has been practicing veterinary medicine at his clinic, Meadowlawn Animal Services, for more than forty years.  He grew up on his family’s farm in Loris, where, as a boy, he nursed his dog Brownie back to health after the animal was hit by a car. As a teenager, Gwynn enrolled at Clemson University as a chemistry major.   “I loved chemistry, but I forgot there was more quantum mechanics and math involved in it than I was used to, so I transferred into animal science,” he says. “I hadn’t really thought about being a veterinarian at the time.” He moved to Atlanta after he graduated from college and began work with Dekalb County Animal Control in the early 1970s. With a limited budget and handling about 20,000 sick and unwanted animals a year, Gwynn was determined to find a better way of managing things. So he formed an advisory board of veterinarians to improve conditions in the shelter.  “After a couple of years, one of these veterinarians looked at me, said, ‘You need to go to veterinary school,’” says Gwynn. He applied and was accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. In 1979, he graduated and returned to his stomping grounds in Conway, where he opened his first practice, Meadowlawn Animal Services. Today there are three locations in Conway, Loris and the Market Common.  The veterinary day-clinic provides full health care onsite, including exams; vaccinations; in-house lab testing; OTC prescription products; radiographs (x-rays); laser therapy; dental care; surgeries; and boarding.  A Televet app even allows clients to email, Skype or video chat their questions to save them a trip to the office. House calls are also an option. “Being a vet is a two-fold reward,” says Gwynn. “One: you’re helping the pet to have a better quality of life, which is why I originally became a vet. You also help the owner to enjoy, lengthen and strengthen their bond with their pet, which is really an amazing bond.”   “Some decisions that pet owners make cut that time short, and we try to help them to make better decisions,” he continues. “Sometimes it does boil down to economics, as in, they know what the best thing is for their pet, but can’t afford it. And we always work with that constraint.”  But, no matter what, the staff at Meadowlawn goes above and beyond their duties at the clinic in their love and care for animals.  “We believe that there’s a right way to do things, and if you do it right, you get better results,” says Gwynn. “We really care about the pets and everybody that comes in here knows that.” When Dr. Hardee is off-duty, he’s still surrounded by animals on his farm in Loris, which he shares with the love of his life, Peggy, a horse vet.  They have eighteen quarter horses, nine poodles, one Chinese crested, five Russian wolfhounds, one Scottish deerhound, one golden retriever, one Chesapeake Bay retriever, one Scottish terrier and a cat named Boo Kitty the Terrible.  Meadowlawn Animal Services Envelope Globe Phone-alt

Hoyt LeGrand Hendrick

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Recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star by Melissa LaScaleia Hoyt LeGrand Hendrick was born in Conway, South Carolina on January 24, 1924 to parents Robert O’Neil and Minnie Cannon Hendrick.  Growing up during the roaring ’20s, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and received both the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star for his service and sacrifices in combat.   He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering, and attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee where he received a master’s of science.  He was a civil engineer, registered professionally with the state of South Carolina. The majority of his career was spent working as an engineer for the military. In addition to being a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Hoyt was also a member of the Clemson Alumni Association for 50 years.  Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers when he first became involved with what is today the Market Common area professionally.  In 1955, the Myrtle Beach municipal airfield was transitioning into a major Air Force base. Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer on the project.  In 1958, he transferred to the United States Air Force and continued working as an engineer on the project, now helping to prepare the base by overseeing the construction of the necessary facilities which would house aircraft, buildings, and personnel.  Hoyt became the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base deputy civil engineer, and remained in that position for almost thirty years before retiring. He assisted in numerous transitions throughout his career, including the housing and implementation of the initial aircraft at the base, the F-100; A-7D aircraft in 1970; and A-10 aircraft in 1977.   Hoyt was married to Rachel Rheuark who passed away in 1981. His second wife was Kathryn Hendrick, with whom he remained until he passed. He had three children, Steve, Michael, and Kent; two step-sons, Daniel and John; two step-daughters, Debbie and Kelly; and fourteen grandchildren.  Hoyt L. Hendrick died on July 2, 2007, at the age of 83, in Conway, South Carolina.   Hendrick Avenue, the avenue in the Market Common which stands as a tribute to his service and contributions to this area, is a long street which houses many residences.  It stretches through the Soho District, from Farrow Parkway down to Hackler Street, running parallel with Johnson Avenue. The plaque which commemorates his life and accomplishments can be found there. 

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

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A Resource For Our Community During Covid-19 and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB is a hybrid chamber that performs two essential functions in our community.  On the chamber side, they provide business services, small business advocacy and support, and networking advocacy.  The CVB receives public tax payers dollars to run tourism and marketing campaigns to promote the Grand Strand area.  Both of these services help our area to grow and thrive, and are essential especially during these challenging Covid-19 times. “Our mission is encapsulated in our tagline,” says Karen Riordan, the president and CEO of the Chamber. “To promote, protect, and improve.”  “We want to promote everything we have to offer. We want to make sure our community stays business friendly so businesses can thrive and prosper, thereby protecting the people who live here.  “Improve speaks to our larger values— we see our footprint as helping to improve the whole community. The more employment and the more businesses that are successful, the greater the benefits to everyone.  More people want to live here, and the financial success imbues all aspects of the community in a positive way.” Unlike other cities that were built with commerce in mind, Myrtle Beach has always been a quintessential tourist beach town. Over the past 100 years, the area has morphed and grown to house a university, a technical college, an internationally renowned culinary institute, as well as technology and healthcare-sector jobs. “Our mission is to make this not just a place for people to visit, but to live and work,” says Karen. “I see a very high rate of entrepreneurs in this area. Many people have relocated here. There are some third and fourth generation residents, but more and more people are transplants who come from someplace else and fall in love with the climate, culture, and the way of life, and decide they want to stay. “There’s a unique dynamic that exists between people who come from somewhere else as tourists and then decide to move here. We can’t understate or overstate the connection between people knowing the Myrtle Beach brand, and then thinking about relocating or starting a business here.” Per a recent census, Myrtle Beach is the second fastest growing metro area in the U.S. “This labor pool is changing a lot because new people are coming into the workforce all the time,” Karen says. “Contrary to what most people believe, a large percentage is a segment between 25 to 54 that are looking for jobs, or looking to create jobs.” Hospitality is still the bread and butter of Myrtle Beach, however. And with the onset of Covid-19, the area jumped from 4% unemployment to 20% in a week. As of the writing of this article, the percentages have stabilized to 10%. “The Chamber is working to continue to diversify our economy, so moving forward we’re not as vulnerable as we find ourselves today,” Karen says. Part of the Sending Some Sunshine Campaign. The intention of this campaign was to simply keep people dreaming about the future; to say, ‘We understand you can’t be traveling right now, but we’re here and will be ready when you’re ready.’ Karen, who recently celebrated two years in her current position in Myrtle Beach, was recruited from Williamsburg, VA where she previously served in a similar capacity.  Since the inception of Covid-19, she and her team have ramped up and reimagined what the Chamber offers to best support the community during these challenging times. “We are serving as the source for all things Covid-related for the business community,” she says. “That entails a hugely expanded section on our website as well as daily emails to our businesses keeping them apprised of guidelines, regulations, and recommendations. When things were shifting rapidly, sometimes it was 3-4 times per day.” The chamber spearheaded a recovery task force called Excelerate Myrtle Beach. Its focus was to look at the major sections of the area’s economy, including things like lodging, restaurants, attractions, golf courses and the retail sector, and examine what CDC guidelines they were going to voluntarily employ in the local business community. “We began in April,” Karen says. “It was a huge endeavor. We had representation all over the community, and reached out to leaders in each sector for their input. We also had representation from the Myrtle Beach police department so that they would be able to give feedback on what were workable ideas to execute and enforce and what were not. And we created a communications task force to relay breaking news to our members daily.” A lot of the recommendations suggested by the Chamber to area businesses were also suggested to the Governor of SC and his task force— and many were implemented.    The Chamber also shifted the majority of their in-person business courses to an online medium, creating webinars to replace them so members could still access the information. On top of that, they added 2-3 additional webinars per week that addressed Covid-related concerns. “It’s been a Herculean effort to move all of that online,” Karen says. “We also have been fielding hundreds of calls weekly from our business community to be an of-the-moment resource for them.” “The work has been intense,” she adds. “It’s a bit like running a crisis operation center.” Myrtle Beach was built as a tourist destination and has always been a quintessential laid back beach town. But Karen Riordan has been working to support the area’s business community to diversify and thus support the economy on a larger scale. On the tourism side, Karen’s work was just as all-encompassing, as they had to relinquish their marketing plan for the year and create a new one by March, then update social media accounts and all advertising platforms accordingly.  Karen and her team created a three-phase approach. During the first phase, in March, with closures and very few visitors, the goal was simply to remain in people’s minds and hearts. “We created … Read more

Updates to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance

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by Melissa LaScaleia In July, the Myrtle Beach City Council updated a number of rules in the Solid Waste Management ordinance. These revised rules took effect August 1, but many residents in the City of Myrtle Beach are still learning about them. Here is a quick rundown of the changes for residential services.  You can set out a maximum of two cubic yards of bulk waste per week. That’s comparable to a pile approximately 3 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long. For bulk waste larger than two cubic yards, residents will either have to keep it until the next week’s service, or take it to the landfill themselves. Yard waste has no weekly volume limit.  Call-back service is still available as an option for excess solid waste to be picked up outside the weekly schedule, although with new service charges. Residential garbage and recycling costs an extra $90 for call-back service, or $115 for bulky junk or yard waste call-backs.  Garbage containers must be set out after 6 pm the day before scheduled pick up, or at least before 6 am on collection day. Residents have until 11 pm that same day to roll their containers back to their homes. Lids on the receptacles must be closed and no waste is allowed on top of the lid or outside of the bin.  Yard waste that is loose (such as grass, weeds, and leaves) must be in a paper bag, while tree limbs and branches should not be any longer than four feet and four inches in diameter. Unlike garbage, yard waste can be set out at any time. On the occasion that the solid waste ordinances are not met, a warning notice will be placed on that property outlining the corrective actions that should be taken. Code enforcement officers make rounds to the properties that have received warnings up to 48 hours later. Violations may result in a citation and restitution.  Visit www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com to access all the recent council meetings and familiarize yourself with the ordinances. Updates to Solid Waste services are meant to encourage clean neighborhoods while deterring illegal dumping. The City of Myrtle Beach also hopes to encourage residents to work together in keeping our homes beautiful and welcoming. 

The Seacoast Artists Gallery

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Our Local Community Art Spot by Melissa LaScaleia The Seacoast Artists Gallery in the Market Common is a non-profit 501(c)(3), created for the furtherance and development of the arts in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s an organization which exists to create an atmosphere of cooperation, sharing, and mentoring amongst artists in the Grand Strand area. The Seacoast Artists Gallery was started about six years ago by the Seacoast Artists Guild. The gallery functions as an artist and art-lovers community spot where guild members can showcase their pieces to the public, as well as convene to share ideas and give and receive support. Today, the guild has over 300 members from a wide geographical area that encompasses the Grand Strand, Calabash, as far south as Charleston, and inland to Columbia, as well as out of state. The guild holds monthly meetings as well as presentations on art topics by a guest lecturer, affording members the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other artists. “We want to make sure we have a place for local artists to congregate, to mingle and mix and mentor each other, and share their skills with other artists in the area,” says Nick Mariano, the gallery’s new director. “Covid-19 has put a temporary halt to these meetings but we hope to resume them when things improve.” Nick took over the position of director two months ago. A former special agent with the State Department, Nick and his wife lived all over the world, traveling for eleven years, before Nick retired in 1996 and they moved to Myrtle Beach. “I’ve always taken pictures, but my travels inspired me to take more,” he says of how he found himself in the Myrtle Beach art scene. “My wife Pat is an artist too, and encouraged me to submit my pictures to art shows.” Over the years, Nick has produced a wide range of visual art, and has won many awards both locally and nationally. His newest hobby is writing books; he’s published over twenty on Amazon, including his autobiography. As director, Nick’s main goal is to share with the community everything that the Seacoast Artists Gallery, which is the biggest repository of art along the Grand Strand, has to offer. “The gallery hosts a wide variety of art,” he says. “We have beach and landscape photography and paintings; long murals that portray the current political climate in America as well as traditional still lives; photography; bronze castings; ceramics and pottery and handmade ceramic earrings; glass-blown sculptures; and sculptures made from old instruments.  “This is not your typical gallery. It’s quite a lot of fun. We have over 70 artists and many mediums with new offerings every month. There is something here for every taste and every budget. “We have art classes that are open to the public in a lot of different mediums, which we’re hoping to recommence by November. I’m trying to draw more people walking by off the street and into our gallery. Many people stop and look in the window, but they don’t come inside.  “We want people to come in even if they’re not looking for art; just stop in, come meet us, look around, and appreciate what we have to offer. We are not intimidating. We want everyone to feel welcome to simply come and see the artistic expression of our local community.” As part of his effort to add a fresh vibe to the gallery and attract more visitors, Nick selects an artist who is not affiliated with either the guild or the gallery and showcases their work as a featured visiting artist throughout the month. “Many of the artists aren’t sure they want to be shown in a gallery, but I think their art is so good, I give them the space to try it out,” Nick says. “I’m also displaying monster-size art pieces in the gallery windows to catch the eye of passersby; and rotate this art every two weeks. “We’re putting together videos to promote the gallery; and are highlighting an artist per day on our Facebook page. It’s a nice way of promoting the artist and sharing with everyone what the artist has been up to, as well as getting people interested in what the gallery holds. People from out of state are beginning to notice, and are wanting to join the guild or display in the gallery.” “I’m really enjoying coming up with new ideas to entice visitors,” he adds. “I’ve brought in cloth face masks from artists in California, and those have been very popular. I’m really looking forward to a time when there can be a reception in person.” For Nick, the purpose isn’t just to sell art, but to afford people the chance to see it. “It’s not about trying to get people to buy things,” he says. “We just want people to know that we’re here. We’re one of the bigger art galleries, and we showcase teaching artists— many of whom have won numerous awards.” In keeping with their mission of supporting and promoting artists of all ages, the guild offers two annual scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors who are pursuing the field of art in college to help them further their art education— one to a Horry County student, and one to a Georgetown County student. Funding for the guild’s operational costs, as well as the scholarships, comes from guild members’ dues and art sales. The gallery hosts two art shows, one in the spring and one in the fall— usually April and October, respectively. The shows are open to anyone, not just gallery or guild members, and juried by two artists from outside the area. Winners receive prizes for their work. “Right now we’re in the process of getting ready for our Fall Art Show that begins in October and runs from October 2-15,” says Nick. The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild bi-annual art show always directly follows the show sponsored by the Seacoast Artist Gallery. In the fall, … Read more

Market Common Dentistry

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State-Of-The-Art Technology With Family-Like Care by Melissa LaScaleia Market Common Dentistry is a privately owned, non-corporate, dental practice which has existed in Myrtle Beach for twenty-nine years; today it is owned by James E. Mills, DDS.  “As a private entity we are not subject to quotas required by corporations and there is no pressure to meet financial benchmarks,” says Dr. Mills. “Because of this, we can focus on building relationships with our patients to give them what they want and need.”  Dr. Christopher J. Latvis joined Market Common Dentistry in January of this year. He offers expertise in full mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction of worn and missing teeth, utilizing conventional crown and bridges as well as implant restoration and removable prosthetics.  Dr. Mills offers several sedation options including intravenous, intramuscular and oral techniques that can relax the patient.  Market Common Dentistry also offers cone beam computerized tomographs (CBCT) for guided implant procedures, and extractions of complicated wisdom teeth. Additionally, a new regenerative procedure called Leucocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) involves drawing blood from patients. Obtaining special growth factors from that blood draw enhances bone regrowth in the jawbone that was previously lost.  This regeneration process enables people without enough jawbone to once again attain enough bone to allow implants to be placed. This is all done by the individuals’ cells so there is no cross-contamination from unknown parties.   Lastly, they offer an intra-oral device for individuals that cannot tolerate a CPAP “Continuous Positive Air Pressure” device for sleep apnea. This device can help those 25% of people who do not wear the CPAP, yet suffer from the condition. In addition to containing cutting edge, modern dental equipment, the office was designed with amenities like heated vibrating dental chairs, and ceiling mounted monitors so patients can watch DVDs or television during procedures.   Lisa Yazici, the practice manager, has twenty-four years of dental office experience and has been with Market Common Dentistry for fourteen years. Her job is to run the daily operations of the dental practice and ensure that everything is running smoothly—from patient comfort to treatment planning to office administration. In today’s Covid-19 climate, Market Common Dentistry has implemented a myriad of additional safety and sanitary protocols to put patients and workers at ease. “I love providing the utmost care for our patients and knowing that patients with tremendous fears have the ability to get their dental work completed with ease,” she says. “It’s extremely rewarding. Even though I didn’t do the dentistry, I feel like I made a difference by being a part of the process.” As an added benefit of the sedation as well as the expertise of both doctors, most dental procedures are able to be conducted in their office, bypassing the need to be referred to specialty practices. “We develop a rapport with our patients and listen to their needs to help put people at ease,” Lisa says. “We understand that people dislike the dentist, and that’s why the entire team at Market Common Dentistry, from the front desk to the dental hygienists and assistants, to the doctors, do everything they can to make patients feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. We treat all patients regardless of fear levels, but for those who are anxious, we’re ready with techniques and a compassionate staff to offer the extra support they need. Our patients are like family to us.” “As a private practice, we’re able to provide more personalized care,” she adds. “We don’t allow insurance to dictate what services we perform; and we can assist with financing options when the need arises.” Dr. Mills shares that his favorite thing about practicing dentistry is helping people achieve a healthier mouth and providing them with the services that they want and need.  “I really value and strive for the best long-term patient outcomes,” he says. “It’s gratifying when I can relieve their pain and see them leave with a smile, having helped them make headway with their oral health.” In today’s Covid-19 climate, Market Common Dentistry has implemented a myriad of safety precautions. “We’ve always had very high standards for sanitation and we’re taking it up a level to put both our staff and clientele at ease,” Dr. Mills says. “You can’t social distance with dentistry, so we’re taking all precautionary methods for and with our team.” Market Common Dentistry Facebook Phone Globe Envelope

Graham Golf Cars

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Offering Sales and Service for Myrtle Beach’s Favorite Toy by Melissa LaScaleia Russell Graham is from Conway, and has lived in the area his entire life. He started Graham Golf Cars in the early ’80s— traveling around locally and servicing people’s golf carts.  Over the years, his company has grown from a single truck and trailer, and three employees riding around to see if people needed service, to five retail locations and over fifty employees.  He is still the owner and operator, and very active in the business today, stepping up and lending a hand whenever the need arises. Graham Golf Cars has several locations along the Grand Strand. Their Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach locations sell, service, and store golf cars. Their Garden City location deals exclusively with rentals. All other locations, except Myrtle Beach, also rent golf cars.  Their showrooms are the largest along the Grand Strand, where they sell customizable as well as basic cars. Pre-owned cars start around $3,500; fully reconditioned ones start around $6,000; and new range from $8,500-$11,500. Graham Golf Cars isn’t so much focused on selling golf cars as they are on the customer service they provide— taking care of the car and the customer for a lifetime.  “I came to work here five years ago after running my own business for forty-five years,” says Carl Sherman, the manager of the Surfside Beach location. “I owned my own smoke and fire restoration business in North Carolina. Seven years ago, I was ready to retire, and built a house at the beach and moved here. Soon thereafter I told my wife, ‘I cannot sit around, I need something to do.” “I had a friend who worked for Mr. Graham, and he introduced us. Two days later, I came in and started working and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been about six years now. I come through the door because I want to. There are a good bunch of people here, they’re friendly and make you feel like you’re family; we all work well together.  “During the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen people come in and buy repeatedly from Russell because of the excellent customer service they receive. He follows up with them and does anything in his power to meet their needs. The people who work here extend the same level of service—it’s part of our company culture.” “Being able to maintain and repair the product that you sell is just as important as being able to sell it,” Carl continues. “For that reason, we invest a lot in our service technicians and the customer service of the repair department, to treat our customers right.” Graham Golf Cars has about twenty mechanics working in their shops, and nine service drivers who pick up and deliver golf cars that have been repaired, serviced, or upgraded. They cover Horry, Georgetown, and Brunswick Counties on a daily basis.  “Every refurbished car comes with a warranty, and we’ll deliver it for a fee as far as Charleston; we offer free local delivery for the Grand Strand area,” Carl says. “If something happens within that warranty period, we pick up your car and repair it for you, and get it back to you as fast as possible.” In Myrtle Beach, golf cars are a way of life. Instead of owning a second car, many people instead invest in a golf car to move around the neighborhood. It’s less hair-raising to lend your teen, and fits in with the tempo and balmy climate with ease.  Graham Golf Cars has an in-house fabrication department so they can offer more to their customers. They have played a big part in designing and manufacturing new parts and accessories that are available nationwide. “We make a lot of things ourselves,” Carl says. “People come in from everywhere wanting to buy the accessories that we make. There’s a bar on the back of the car called a safety bar. But Mr. Graham also turned it into a chair rack. In the summer we can’t even keep them in stock they’re so popular. “I really like to see, when a customer comes in, looking for a golf car but not really knowing what they want, the excitement and enthusiasm on their face when they realize that they can special order a golf car and put together the color schemes and accessories that they want, and fully personalize it. “I think knowing they have a part in designing the car brings them joy. We do a lot of design work to help personalize and make the car their own. We often build between twenty to thirty a week. People are just as glad to get that golf car as they are to get a new car. It’s just remarkable to see their faces light up. People like to look good in their golf cars. They take a lot of pride in them.” “I think Mr. Graham has a service here that can’t be touched by anybody else at the Beach,” he adds. “It’s unique to be able to purchase a golf car that you build from the bottom up. The price is fair, and the service can’t be beat. Graham Golf Cars wants to do everything they can to be a positive part of the experience of helping their customers acquire, upgrade or repair their golf car— to do what’s right for the car and the customer. We’re always here to help.” You have to be at least 16 years old and have an unrestricted driver’s license to drive a golf car in Myrtle Beach. Golf cars can be driven on any 35 mph or less, secondary road during daylight hours. They can cross, but not drive on main roads, and are not allowed on bike paths or sidewalks. Graham Golf Cars Facebook Globe

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