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Day: September 30, 2021

Ground Zero Ministries Presents: The Fall Fundraising Gala

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Ground Zero Ministries

Thursday, November 4, 2021

by Melissa LaScaleia

Ground Zero Ministries is a local area non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide teenagers, ages 13-18, with a place to go, belong and grow. 

“We feel teens are saturated with so many negative messages in today’s society,” says Stephanie Sebring, advancement director for Ground Zero. “Everything from media influences that direct their attention and energy to being something different from who they authentically are; to bullying by peers; to navigating difficult home situations. Ground Zero provides them an environment where they are surrounded by positive people and messages.” 

The founder and president of Ground Zero Ministries, Scott Payseur, had the idea to start the organization when he was in middle school. 

“Like many kids growing up in the ‘80s, I wanted to start a band and be a rock star,” Scott says. “One day I attended a youth conference and heard a Christian band, and decided to start my own. I petitioned my city council for a building to turn into a teen club, and it was successful. That’s where my passion for youth ministry originated.” 

As an adult, Scott founded Ground Zero out of his house in Tennessee in 1998. In 2005, he met a local businessman who had organized several fundraising festivals around the world, and offered to help Scott develop his organization further. One of his bases was Myrtle Beach. 

Scott was familiar with the South’s coastal areas— he grew up taking family vacations to Holden Beach, NC. But his first real visit to Myrtle Beach was after college, when he was assigned to the area for a work project. 

After his fortuitous connection, Scott and his wife Kimberly moved to Myrtle Beach and ran Ground Zero from both locations for two years before ultimately transferring everything to the beach. 
Ground Zero Ministries
Ground Zero hosts high-energy concerts and events, like the one pictured here, as a way to engage teens and provide fun, memorable experiences for them in a supportive environment.

In 2011, the City of Myrtle Beach gifted them a building for their programs. It took Scott three years and $1.7 million in kind services and funds to renovate and open it. 

“It was a monumental task for a small organization, and many people told us our best decision was to give the keys back to the city,” Scott says. “No one would have ever questioned us quitting because that seemed like the sensible thing to do. There were a lot of personal struggles. But that’s not my mentality. 

“It was us setting out to do what we felt we had been called to do. I wanted this building and the fact that we opened to stand as a testimony to my faith in God. I believe it’s been God’s provision through people that’s made all of this possible. It was a huge step of faith; it was driven by a need to reach a generation of teenagers that we feel are really struggling with so many issues. So for us, everything we do revolves around that.” 

Many know Ground Zero for their annual fundraiser— the Dragon Boat Festival— held each spring in the Market Common. Upwards of 10,000 people turn out for this fun-filled team building extravaganza. Professional steerers guide brilliantly-colored boats in the shape of dragons filled with teams of paddlers as they race across the big lake. Spectators and participants have a blast with the sporting competition, costume contests, music, and food.  

But even on a smaller scale, the signature Ground Zero events draw teens consistently. Scott and his team have a three-part strategy for impacting teens in a positive way. 

“First, we capture their attention,” says Stephanie. “We do that through hosting high-energy events and creating memorable experiences.” 

GZi, their weekly outreach program, is a night where teens come listen to live music, hang out with their friends, hear from a motivational speaker, and engage in a conversation about an issue that is directly relevant to their lives. 

“For each of our events, we create a place where teens can feel free to be themselves in a supportive, fun environment,” Stephanie says. “They receive free food and drinks, and they’re surrounded by people who care about them. Often we play games like ping-pong and 9 square— it’s similar to volleyball but more intense and high energy.” 
Ground Zero Ministries
Scott Payseur, the founder and president of Ground Zero Ministries.

The second part of what Ground Zero provides is empowerment—a valuable asset in a world that can often groom teens into accepting toxic mental habits, relationships, and activities. Their mentoring and support helps teens feel safe to explore who they are, what they stand for, and how to protect that— in essence to face the challenges of their daily lives well equipped to do so. 

“We do this through cultivating a faith relationship which empowers them to not only make their own healthy choices, but to stand by those choices and share them with others,” Stephanie says. “The last part is that we train them to be leaders by creating opportunities for them at Ground Zero. Once they have these skills, they can use them in any area of their lives with greater confidence.” 

Ground Zero isn’t funded by any large organizations or churches; they are funded solely through individual donors— those who share their vision for impacting the lives of today’s teenagers. 

“We serve kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” Stephanie says. “By bringing teenagers together to navigate life and its struggles in a safe environment, we increase the chances for them to be successful, for them to know they are not alone— that there are people who will support them.” 

This year, Scott is celebrating the organization reaching the place he envisioned it being back in 1998.  

“For the past two years, Covid has prevented us from hosting the Dragon Boat Festival, which traditionally served as our largest fundraiser,” he says. “This year, we are hosting the Fall Fundraising Gala at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in order to share all the growth that has occurred behind the scenes for us during this hiatus, and what people can look forward to in the future. We want our community to know that we are back and as excited as ever to see them at Ground Zero events.” 
Ground Zero Ministries
The Game Room. Scott's vision is to always have a space where teens feel they can go, belong, and grow.

The gala is an opportunity for those interested in Ground Zero’s mission to learn more about the ways in which the organization is growing and how they can help to be a part of that positive change.  

“When we impact youth in positive ways,” Scott says, “we prepare them to show up in their homes, school, and community as the best versions of themselves. Everyone benefits, and it creates a ripple effect, in which those whom they touch are better positioned to reach others as well.” 

“You don’t have to be a Christian to care about kids or the community,” Stephanie adds. “But you do need to care about kids to create an impact in their lives. This fundraiser is an opportunity to ensure we have the resources and community support to do what we do on a continual basis.” 

In their usual style of providing positive, high energy events and good times for their guests— the Fall Fundraising Gala promises to not disappoint. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is sponsoring the event, which will be held at their facility. 

Attire is semi-formal; there will be a three-course dinner provided by the Dunes Club; and music by Doug McFarland. Keith Davis, a former NFL player for the NY Giants, will be the keynote speaker, sharing his personal story which parallels those of the teens that Ground Zero serves everyday. 

And there will be professional photo opportunities so attendees can remember a memorable night.  

Tables cost $500 for the evening, and can accommodate parties of eight. Single hosts are encouraged to bring guests who are interested in learning more about Ground Zero’s Mission. All proceeds will benefit Ground Zero. 

Ground Zero Ministries

Globe Phone Map-marked-alt Facebook

The 2021 Fall Fundraising Gala at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Thursday, November 4, 6pm.

9000 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. www.thedunesgolfandbeachclub.com

Semi-formal attire; E-mail stephanie@mygroundzero.com to host a table.

Milano Kitchen & Bath Center

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Milano Kitchen and Bath Center

Luxury, Prestige, Refinement by Melissa LaScaleia The dynamic husband and wife team Jack Abutbol and Dana West-Abutbol met in sunny Southern California thirty-five years ago. Jack grew up in Israel and has been a builder his entire life. Dana was born in Chicago, and grew up in LA where she became a successful actress.  In 2008, when the market had an extensive correction and construction in LA slowed down, the two turned their gaze to Florida where housing prices had dropped across the board. Taking advantage of Jack’s construction knowledge, the couple purchased a myriad of locales around Florida— then renovated, rented, and eventually sold them.  “In Miami we opened Milano Kitchen & Bath,” Dana says. “We wanted to do something for the individuals and builders in the area looking to renovate, and when we had the opportunity to take over a large stock of kitchen cabinets, we purchased everything and stored it in a warehouse. It was a great opportunity, and really just fell upon us.”  This spring, they planned to return to California, but Jack had an associate in Miami who needed a kitchen for his second home in Myrtle Beach. Jack and Dana detoured to offer assistance; then one client led to another and another. The two realized there was a need in the Myrtle Beach area for what they had to offer, and by June made a commitment to stay. “We have people relocating here from up North, from NY and NJ, from Europe,” Dana says. “They want cabinets, shower heads and vanities of a particular quality and caliber, and there’s no access to them. We have 40 or 50 types of vanities with the option of quartz or porcelain; European shower systems and jet showers; a variety of faucets and sinks; and LED mirrors in many shapes and sizes. The options we provide are much more elegant than what is usually found, and people here are wanting those options.”  Milano Quartz & Porcelain, their recently opened sister company, exclusively carries quartz countertops. Quartz is a man-made material that is superior to the granite countertops of yesteryear for their beauty, durability, and maintenance. Dana has found that most people in the South are still using granite countertops in the kitchen, due to the lack of availability and knowledge about the benefits.  “Granite is old school in a bad way,” she explains. “Quartz is much more durable. It doesn’t need any maintenance, versus with granite, every eight months you need to seal it because it’s naturally porous and will absorb everything spilled on it. Quartz is more sanitary than anything else, and the range and intensity of colors are just stunning.”  Milano Quartz & Porcelain procures all of their vanity cabinets from Spain, and all of their kitchen cabinets and hardware from Europe. Jack favors the streamlined, frameless European styles which maximize space and have a smooth, sleek finish.  “Traditional cabinets have a face frame that covers the front of the cabinet,” he explains. “When fitting them in a kitchen, you will always have a gap at some point between the cabinets. This is dead space. Frameless cabinets are much more beautiful. The cabinet box is thicker and more stable. There are no lines so it looks like one continuous cabinet. “The majority of cabinets found in this country are wood and painted. Over time, especially with the humidity here, the doors crack and warp, and you have to be careful how you clean them or the paint will wash off. The ones we carry, we don’t have those problems. They come in a variety of lacquers, wood grains, and different kinds of veneers. You can clean them with pretty much anything and they will stand the test of time. People can special-order anything they like. Most of our cabinets are semi-customizable anyhow, and I can modify to any size kitchen.”  Dana (left) with business partner Koby Zyroa (right) at their grand opening. While many might balk at the challenges of trying to special-order anything at the present time, clients of Milano Kitchen & Bath need not. The company is a beacon of abundance and availability of products in a world that has become known for traumatic shipping times and a paucity of available raw building materials.  “If this area is planning to build 100,000 units in the next three years, I can supply all of them,” Jack says. “Even before Covid, we always bought ahead and had fully stocked warehouse facilities. We’re able to deliver a 72-hour turnaround time because I ship from my warehouses in Miami.”  “For builders that’s huge,” Dana says. “With prices going up, a lot of builders are getting hurt. But we’re able to eliminate a lot of the pain for them; and the prices are really good too.”  Part of what makes them able to accomplish this feat is the extensive relationships they’ve built over the years.  They have exclusive distributorship for all quartz and porcelain for South and North Carolina through Rafaella Porcelain and Quartz, in New Jersey. This is a prime partnership, and one that ensures while the rest of country has to wait, Myrtle Beach has access to whatever of raw materials for building kitchens and baths that residents wish.  “When you’re purchasing your own slabs of quartz, you want to pick them out yourself,” Dana says, “because it’s going to enhance your kitchen like nothing else.”  To give their customers this opportunity, they opened Milano Quartz & Porcelain down the street, which has a showroom large enough to display their huge quantity of quartz and porcelain, as well as cabinets and peripheral items that they carry.  “Were excited to introduce the area to these updates and trends which are common in other areas of the country,” Dana says.  To do so, they teamed up with longtime friend, Koby Zyroa in a joint partnership.  “Koby has lived in Myrtle Beach for twenty years,” Jack says. “He has several businesses here— restaurants, ice cream parlors, and wholesale merchandise … Read more

Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More

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Grand Strand Bath Tub Repair-1

Don’t Replace It, Restore It With Artistry and Skill by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Dunham is the owner and man-power behind Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More. He hails from Southern California, where he worked in the grocery store business for many years.  When he and his wife decided to move back to her native state of Pennsylvania, Steve began fixing up his house in preparation to sell it. In so doing, he noticed there was a crack in his bathtub. Upon investigating his options to replace or restore it, he discovered a franchise opportunity in restoring bathtubs. After he and his wife relocated, he decided to purchase the franchise for his local area.   “Within two weeks I was in training in Utah,” he says. “I also had a friend, Larry Brown, who had a franchise in bathtubs. He took me under his wing for about a year and trained me as his apprentice. I learned from doing it— hands on.”   Steve can repair and refinish any type of fiberglass or porcelain bathtub or shower, fixing cracks, chips, and holes; he also repairs things like vinyl fencing and windows that are cracked or broken. And if you have a weak shower or tub bottom, he can install a fiberglass inlay to give you a brand new bottom.     “Once the floor cracks in a tub or shower, people think they need to get a new one, but I can fix it and match it perfectly, and it will be stronger than it was when it was new,” Steve says. “Today, there’s a trend—replace items rather than repair them, but that’s because no one knows how to fix things. But why would you replace this item when you can refinish or repair it for a third of the cost?”  Steve has been working in this industry for the past twenty-three years. In addition to numerous accolades garnered from customers over the years, Steve is proud of his uniformly 5-star customer reviews found on his Google results page.  “I’ve been very lucky with my choice of career and life,” he says. “Being self-employed gives me a sense of freedom which I truly love.  “What I do is very fulfilling to me; I can save people a lot of money. I take something damaged or old and make it look new again. It’s not like building something, it’s an art. I have a different approach and process with the way I match colors than most, and it’s incredibly accurate. There aren’t a lot of people who do what I do.” Steve’s process is much more simple and less time-consuming then the construction involved in a replacement: “I’m not going to be in your house for days or a week with a messy replacement process,” he says. “I’m in and out. It’s convenient— no mess, no dirt, no hassle.”  In the event that you’re tired of your shower doors, Steve can remove them, repair the holes, and match the color exactly so you can’t tell they were ever there. He can also refinish tubs and showers to change their color; and people are hard-pressed to notice any real difference between a refinished versus a new tub.  Grand Strand Bathtub Repair also offers a walk-through conversion which will turn your existing bathtub into a walk-in bathtub or a walk-in shower. The installation lowers the front skirt of the tub. If someone has knee, ankle or hip problems or is elderly, the ledge is hard to navigate. With the tub cut-out, you can step on the walk-through and get yourself into the tub with ease. Steve has installed hundreds of these over the years, in residential homes as well as retirement communities, because of their utility.  “And there’s also an installation I can do if people want to use their tub to take a bath in after I’ve done the cut-out,” Steve says. “The cut-out facilitates greater safety and ease getting in and out of the tub and therefore gives you more confidence. Many elderly/handicapped people have a hard time getting over the railing. At some point it becomes scary. I’ve installed countless of these in retirement homes, and it’s a great idea for handicapped people as well.”  The walk-through conversions are fantastic for the same reasons: they are easily accessible,  safe, and economical.  “I can do this job in less than one day,” Steve says. “It’s not a big mess. Since Myrtle Beach has so many retirees, when you hit a certain age, it’s important to seriously consider this benefit. I also install grab bars, which add an added level of stability and security as well as confidence for handicapped and older individuals.”   Steve works residentially as well as commercially— for hotels, vacation lodges, retirement communities, and more. He takes pride in the work that he does— in the level of experience that he brings to the table, as well as his attentiveness to his customers and professionalism.  “The knowledge and capabilities that a person has when they’re offering me a service means more to me than a lot of things,” he says. “I really pride myself on the detail I put into my work, and the time I devote to it.”  “I try to return calls the same day, but always with promptness,” he adds. “When I schedule, I follow through, and I’m very good at communicating with my customers.”   Steve is happy to now call Myrtle Beach, which reminds him of his native Southern California, home; and to continue to bring his skill in repairing and refinishing to the area where he’s had so much success.  Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More Globe Phone Facebook

Magical Home Makeovers

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ER Home

The ER Home $5000 Room Makeover Prize-Winning Story by Melissa LaScaleia Interior designer: in·te·ri·or de·sign·er (noun): Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand. (See also, wizard, magician.)  This is how Eric Richards, the mastermind behind ER Home most aptly defines what he does. And he’s well equipped to do so.  Eric has been a designer for thirty years and has created a company that is a one-stop-shop for any and all home refurbishment needs. His impressive skillset includes: painting, wallpapering, flooring, tile work, custom furniture design and building, refurbishment, carpentry, kitchen remodeling, electrical, plumbing, decorating, and feng shui.  For more than half of his career, Eric has been traveling the country executing design projects small and large. He completed the redesign for two medical facilities in Philadelphia; and for several years he was the designer for Lowes Motor Speedway, a multi-billion dollar racetrack venue in Charlotte in which he designed their five-star restaurant, glassed-in penthouse suites, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and boardrooms.  Luxury Living magazine featured him in their Christmas-design edition, for which Eric decorated his sprawling seventeen-room house from top to bottom in August. Eric’s success isn’t just due to his inherent talent and skills, it’s also thanks to the thoughtful way he works with his clients. He takes a lot of time to understand their needs, to make the design make sense for their lifestyle.  In May, ER Home, in partnership with the Coastal Insider and Real Living Home Realty Group, ran a contest in which one lucky winner would receive a $5000 room makeover for any one room in their house, completely free. All contestants in Horry County were eligible, and no room was off limits.  “I have been so blessed with so many wonderful clients over the years that to be able to give back to someone that would not request it and feel their joy and gratitude is just phenomenal,” Eric says.  Eric and a small panel of judges from the Coastal Insider and Real Living Home Realty Group reviewed the submissions and decided on the winner collectively. There was no specific criteria to be met for the contest; all factors were taken into consideration— greatest need, greatest desire, most moving entry.  Before: the Copley’s plain bedroom. The winners, John and Michelle Copley, live in Emmen’s Preserve in the Market Common; they were notified on July 27, and Eric reached out to them soon afterwards to learn about their vision and how he could make some magic for them.  The couple had recently purchased the house, and their daughter Chelsea entered their submission. In it, she spoke about how in growing up, her parents had always put her and her sister’s needs before their own, allocating all available resources to support their passion for playing sports.  At their house in Ohio, where John and Michelle raised their family, their master bedroom remained unfinished— as the couple always found it more important to spend on their family, any money that would otherwise have gone to the room’s redesign.  The couple’s dream was to retire in Myrtle Beach, but Michelle was able to secure a transfer for her job in the area, and the two moved earlier than they had hoped. With the current escalation in home prices, once again, any hope of a redesign for the master bedroom had to be put on hold. Chelsea was hopeful of having her parents receive a master bedroom redo as a present for well-meaning parents who had sacrificed for their family all of their lives.  “They are a wonderful family,” Eric says in speaking about the winners. “These are parents who were so selfless all their lives— they never did a lot for themselves. It was all about their church, daughters and community, and it feels nice to do something for them.”  The day the contest winner was announced, Michelle and her youngest daughter, Hunter, were at Crepe Creations Cafe.  “Chelsea was working that day, and she told us to make sure we watched Facebook for the announcement,” Michelle says. “So we did, and that’s how we found out we had won. We were shocked. Chelsea didn’t find out until later in the day.”  After: Eric made magic with calming coastal colors. Michelle and John had just moved into their forever home in the Market Common the day before they won the contest. So they had a chance to settle into their new home with the pleasure and anticipation of having a master bedroom customized just for them.  “I didn’t have a vision,” Michelle says. “I just knew I wanted it to be beautiful so that when you walk in, you say, ‘Wow.’ Eric was absolutely wonderful to work with. He met with us as a family and got an idea of what we’re like and what our tastes are. And then he just did his thing. From the time he started until he finished I didn’t see anything. It was a complete surprise.”  “I did have a little anxiety,” she admits with a laugh. “But it wasn’t because I was worried I wasn’t going to like what it looked like; it was more of a natural anxiety of the unknown, of not really being in control.”  Eric completed his renovations and the big reveal came on Friday, September 10. John was out of town and surprised Michelle by showing up just in time to share the first glimpse with her.  “My initial impression was, ‘Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I’m living in something so beautiful!’ It looks like something out of a magazine. I never could have done what Eric did. And to be honest, my husband and I probably would have made do with what we had.”  Eric painted the room sea salt— a light blueish green color. He changed the furniture to white, and incorporated art work, lamps, and accent pieces to give it a homey, welcoming feel.  “There’s not one thing I regret about our … Read more

The 113th Tactical Fighter Wing at MBAFB

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October History

A Mark of Distinction for the MBAFB

by Melissa LaScaleia

At different points throughout the last century, various wings were stationed at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, leaving their footprint and making history. One of these was the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing. The wing was called to active duty on February 1, 1951, in response to the invasion of South Korea by the North Koreans on June 25, 1950. As the South was surprised by the attack, their military was slow to mobilize to their defense, and most of the U.S. Air National Guard was called to come to their aid. 

The 113th was assigned to Air Defense Command, and redesignated as the 113th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. The group was comprised of pilots from the District of Columbia Air National Guard 121st and the Delaware Air National Guard 142nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons. They flew Republic F-84C Thunderjets along with F-51D Mustangs; the wing served for 21 months. 

In October 1961, the 113th was called into action for the Berlin Crisis. And in 1964, they made history when they became the first Air National Guard tactical fighter unit to fly to Europe non-stop, in operation “Ready Go.” The unit completed three air-to-air refuelings of their F-100 aircraft (supported by Air National Guard tankers) after taking off from Andrew Air Force Base, Maryland, and landing at Hahn Air Base in Germany. The accomplishment earned them accolades, as it demonstrated the Air National Guard’s ability to deploy immediately and successfully in support of regular forces. 

On April 22, 1968, the 113th replaced the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, as the 354th deployed to Korea for the Korean War. The 113th Tactical Fighter Wing had once more been recalled to active duty that January. The 113th included the 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, as well as the 121st Tactical Fighter Squadron from Atlantic City Airport, New Jersey. The 113th was assigned the task of establishing a replacement training unit (RTU) for the F-100 pilots in Mrytle Beach while their regular wing was overseas. In September 1968, the first 15 pilot students arrived and training commenced. 

The arrival of the 113th in Myrtle Beach was not without a certain measure of pride for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, as the wing was considered one of the top Air National Guard units in the country. It was one of three which was designated by the secretary of defense as having achieved “peak combat readiness.” 

In 1959, the 113th was also one of the first Air National Guard wings in the country to be equipped with the North American F-100 Super Sabre. Pending the return of the 354th and their reactivation and reinstatement at Mrytle Beach in April 1969, the Air National Guard members who had been assigned to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base returned to their original bases. For several years, the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was a proud recipient of the skill and military prowess of this renowned guard unit.

All About Spiders and Therapy

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Charlies Corner- October 2021

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 admits to a doggie weakness and decides on his Halloween costume.  A lot of people have been talking about how this past pandemic year has elicited time for greater introspection which in turn has yielded inner growth, and in some cases, monumental shifts or major life changes. Not to be left behind, I would also like to report such findings.  In my personal case, it has resulted in greater self-honesty. Specifically, I have finally come to grips with the fact that I have fears.  This may come as a surprise to those of your who think that I am particularly stalwart, as I boldly share the inner workings of my doggie mind and put myself out there so transparently every month in my column. But yes, full disclosure. One of my canine foibles is that I try to hide my fears. And in particular, I have a phobia of… spiders.  I have never mentioned this before to anyone, so this is a vulnerable moment for me. But alas, spiders make my fluffy coat stand on end. It’s especially nerve wracking for me because I walk in the grass where they often live, and I don’t wear shoes, so I might accidentally step on one. Or one might crawl on me without my noticing (ewwww).  I’m also waaaay closer to the ground than you humans, so at times I’ve found myself face to face with their beady eight eyes (shudder), and all of their fangs (yikes)!  I know that some humans share my fears, so it’s nice to know I’m not alone. However, I’m having a hard time accepting that this is a phobia of mine. Personally, I feel that as a pooch, I should be cooler with other animalian or insect brethren, because you know, for the most part, we canines don’t share traits with other humans that could make you all more squeamish of spiders and us less so— things like cultural conditioning around cleanliness (rolling in the mud anyone?); the sense of keeping the great outdoors outside of your living space; talking (I said for the most part, remember?).  But I am never one to let something detain me from my doggie happiness or passion for building community for very long— whether it’s a personal foible, some needed research, or extricating myself from an unsavory love match. So I decided to empower myself to combat this great fear and asked the Wizard of Oz what to do. Just kidding; I did something even better— I Googled it.   In my searching, I discovered a psychological technique called cognitive behavioral therapy which can help neutralize the intense fear and anxiety that people feel in certain situations. The technique aims to change behavioral responses to stimuli and improve emotional regulation.  I could definitely use some emotional regulation when facing an 8-eyed hairy, mini-monster, so sign me up. But how specifically to achieve that zen-like state? A little more investigating and I discovered something called exposure therapy. With this, you expose someone to whatever it is that they fear, but in small doses and safe environments, consistently, until they build a tolerance.  Since my doggie brain usually keeps me firmly locked in the now moment, I’m not sure how well this will work. But hopefully something like potty training, because that I definitely can do, thank you very much.  After some pondering, I decided on a course of action to behave more like a normal doggie, undaunted by spiders. Life is on my side my friends. As it’s Halloween this month— the season when we all tend to get a little more up close and personal with things spooky and macabre— I’ll be sure to have consistent exposure to those fuzzy arachnoids.  Plus, what better way to face my fears from a place of safety than to impersonate one for my costume? It’s such an easy get-up too. I’m already furry— I just have to dye myself black and add double the amount of legs I already have; and four times the number of eyes. Perhaps adopting the traits of my great nemesis will help me have greater compassion and appreciation for them. Who knows, we may even become friends! What do you think?  Until next time, 

Healthy Substitutions

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Living Well Nutrition- Healthy Substitutes

by Jen Kavanagh

Do you calorie count as a way to lose or maintain weight? Staying slim doesn’t have to be about severely restricting calories, carbs, fat or even the frequency with which you eat. A very simple way to manage your weight without restricting all your favorite things is to use healthier foods, mainly veggies, to substitute for the heavier fatty and carb-laden foods that can contribute to weight gain. The following are a few great alternatives that you can incorporate into your diet that are super simple, delicious, and will help you cut back on surplus fat and calories without sacrificing the taste of your favorite foods. 

  1. CAULIFLOWER – This amazing vegetable is packed with nutrients. I use it as a substitute for mashed potatoes, tabouleh, tater tots, pizza crust, rice in a stir fry and much more. 1 cup has just 29 calories compared to 248 calories for a cup of rice. It has just 2 grams of carbs versus 48g of carbs found in rice and potatoes, and it tastes amazing. 
  2. SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI – These two veggies can be used in place of noodles. Spaghetti squash is great for Bolognese or making a healthy lasagna. Change the flavor profile by using it in a Southwestern or Mediterranean dish. 
  3. CUCUMBER – Cut a long seedless cucumber into thin angled slices shaped like a baguette and use it as a base for bruschetta. Yum! There are almost no calories in cucumbers versus 100 in each slice of Italian bread. 
  4. KALE CHIPS— These give you the same crunch and salty satisfaction as potato chips but kale is one of the most nutrient dense veggies currently known. Use nutritional yeast to get a parmesan flavor, or keep the flavor more minimal with sea salt. 
  5. NUTRITIONAL YEAST— This flaky food item adds cheesy flavor and protein without the saturated fat.
  6. GREEK YOGURT— It can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, mayonaise or sour cream.
  7. ALMOND MILK/OAT MILK— Use either instead of regular cow’s milk. There’s less fat, sugar, and calories. 
  8. APPLESAUCE— This can replace the fat in baked goods. 
  9. COCONUT/ALMOND FLOUR — Both are great substitutions for regular flour, adding fiber and protein to your diet. As a bonus, they’re gluten free. 

Remember that the above are just suggestions. Every little step you take to make small sustainable dietary changes will help set you on a much healthier course for the future and help you reach your wellness and weight loss goals. 

Living Well Nutrition

Globe Phone

The 16th Annual Little River Shrimp Fest

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Little River Shrimp Festival

by Emily Smith This October, the second seafood festival that earned Little River the moniker of seafood capital of South Carolina returns to the Grand Strand. The other, which is held earlier in the year to no less acclaim, is The Blue Crab Festival.  The Little River Shrimp Fest is held annually as the weather cools, prolonging the summer season of festivals and revelry. This October is the 16th year that the Little River waterfront will transform once more into an event grounds celebrating shrimp, live music, and community. This year’s celebration will be held Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10, from 9am-5pm.  Although Shrimp Fest hasn’t been around as long as other local festivals, it has solidified its place as an irreplaceable one in Horry County.  What originally began as the Shrimp and Jazz Festival changed in 2012 in an effort to be more appealing to music lovers of any genre. Live entertainment has always been an anchor for the event, and since its evolution, the festival has consistently showcased bands from all backgrounds, including much beloved beach music. Beyond live music is of course the delectable shrimp. Little River’s community developed through generations of fishing and shrimping, and it is an aspect of local history that is brought to the forefront and celebrated with this annual event. Although shrimp is never off the menu in these parts, its culinary role reaches new heights during the fest. The waterfront restaurants have another opportunity to show off the many delicious ways to prepare and enjoy shrimp. Vendors will line the roads along the historic waterfront on both days, providing unique crafts, food, and local art. What started long ago as a mini art show, has, in recent years, exploded into more than one hundred vendors for a true street-style festival.  Mineola and Waterfront Avenue will both be closed to traffic during the weekend. Parking is provided in multiple off-site lots; shuttles will run back and forth throughout the event. In addition, a water taxi will run between Harbourgate Marina in North Myrtle Beach and the festival grounds. For $20, guests can park at the marina, ride the taxi, and gain admission to the festival.  Regular admission is $5 per day; children under 12 are free. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Visit www.littlerivershrimpfest.org to learn more about the event and see the entertainment lineup. The Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center hosts additional information and can be reached at 843-249-6604.

The American Red Cross Volunteer Surge Campaign

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Red Cross October 2021

by Melissa LaScaleia This August, The American Red Cross launched their Volunteer Surge Campaign which will be running through the end of November. The mission is simple: to recruit more local volunteers.  “The why is because we’re continuing to see more disasters while our volunteer numbers have decreased,” says Ben Williamson, regional communications director for the Palmetto, South Carolina region. “On a local level, we’re in the middle of hurricane season, and we need volunteers to help support our communities. But the goal is to beef up our local volunteer force to support either a local or a national disaster.”  Many speculate that Covid has played a large role in dwindling volunteer numbers, because many people still aren’t comfortable going out and about and prefer to wait until things become more settled.  “We’ve also seen a shift over the past six months or so— many people have had a major life change— they’ve lost a job, gotten a new one, or moved— and they’re still adjusting and getting back into a routine,” Ben says.  Ideally Red Cross would recruit 250 new volunteers in South Carolina in order for them to best serve our state in the ways they always have. Because of their national network, Red Cross can deploy volunteers across the country. But it saves money, time and resources when the local community supports itself and is available to help neighboring states.  One of their most pressing needs at this time is for volunteers to work in shelters in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.  “Whether that’s setting up dormitories, registering people, serving food, or passing out essentials— there’s a lot of tasks to be done and we need people to be able to do those things,” Ben says. “There’s no Red Cross without volunteers.”  “Committing to us doesn’t mean you have to commit for years,” he adds. “Even if it’s only for a few months or a few weeks, or just one event. Even if you can volunteer through the end of hurricane season at the end of November— that’s a huge help.”  Red Cross is also seeking volunteers who are health professionals and have some sort of background in a medical profession— doctors, paramedics, EMTs, or RNs.  “We understand that that group of people are very busy and have had a very trying two years,” Ben says. “But we want to let people know that if you have that background and are willing and able, that’s what we need at this time.”  If you’re not assisting in a medical capacity, you don’t need to have any particular training or experience to volunteer with Red Cross. All of their training is conducted virtually, and it takes no more than three hours to complete.  Recently Red Cross volunteers have been supporting a number of disasters nationwide. In August, more than 60 local volunteers deployed to assist with Hurricane Laura; California wildfires; flooding in Tennessee; and flooding in NC outside of Asheville.  “At some point in life, we all have to give back and this is a really good way to do it,” says Gigi Spell, a volunteer. “There are people that need help, and we get to be that help.”  “To be able to offer that support, even if it helps a little, is well worth it,” adds Jeffrey Roediger, another volunteer.  Currently, Red Cross is having to make adjustments to how they manage their tasks because of the volunteer shortage.  “We want to remind everyone that it’s really the volunteers who make our organization run, as 90% of everything that we do is carried out by volunteers,” Ben says. “Right now, there are volunteers working multiple deployments for us. We have staff who have to take time off from their normal job to assist with relief situations. Red Cross will always be there, but we may have to adjust our services that we offer if we don’t have adequate people to offer them.”  “We’re grateful for those people on our team who give so selflessly,” he adds. “And we’re excited to make new relationships in order to better support our communities not only in SC, but also across our country.”  For more information click on the icons below.  Globe Globe

Spooky Monster Eyeballs With Meat Sauce

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Spooky Meatballs

October is the month when our palates start to lean more towards nourishing, warming foods in anticipation of the colder season ahead. It’s also the month when we get in the mood to create a little fun and a lot more spookiness. 

This recipe combines all of the aforementioned qualities, and is sure to delight children and the young at heart of all ages. Add angel hair pasta or spaghetti to the spread to serve up the monster’s hair. Butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are the perfect way to adorn the coiffure.

Use a food processor for the onion, garlic and parsley to make this recipe even faster.

Spooky Monster Eyeballs With Meat Sauce

Ingredients

2 eggs

½ cup whole milk

½ lb ground pork

½ lb ground lamb

1 lb ground beef

1 white onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups Italian flat leaf parsley, leaves only, chopped

1 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs

1 tsp himalayan salt

Sauce

2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 14-oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes

1 tsp himalayan salt

½ cup red wine

1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and milk together; add the remaining ingredients and mix by hand. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the mixture into individual balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a large baking sheet with sides, (spacing doesn’t matter), and cook about 20 minutes or until brown. At this point, the meatballs are cooked, and can be safely consumed, or cooked further in a sauce. 

To make the sauce, gently crush the tomatoes with your hands; set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic, stir for a moment then immediately add the tomatoes and salt. (Do not brown garlic or sauce will taste burned.) Bring the sauce to a boil. Add the wine and the meatballs, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, add the basil, and let meatballs rest for one hour or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop more strongly. 

Q&A with Glenn and Paula Hero

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Glenn and Paula Hero

Have Lived in Eight States, and Are World Travelers and Outdoor Enthusiasts by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family.  We are Glenn and Paula Hero. We have two fur babies: one indoor cat, Buddy; and one semi-feral cat, Lucy, who found us when she was a baby kitten. We had just moved to Myrtle Beach, and she came crawling out of the woods and was ravenous. We fed her and she stuck with us. She roams around outside, but has been coming back to us every day now for the past six years.  Where are all the places you came from? What area of the Grand Strand do you now call home?  We lived in eight different states— New Jersey, California, Texas, Wyoming, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Connecticut. Each state has such wonderful things to see. This country is so spectacular. In our retirement years, we’ve been to 25 countries around the world including, China, England, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Greece, Poland, Estonia, and Croatia. It broadened our perspective about people. We decided to retire to Pawleys Island and today live in Heritage Plantation.  Why did you move here?  Before we moved here, we lived in Charlotte for twenty years. We had a realtor who helped us buy our house, and we became good friends with her over the years. She came to visit Pawleys Island and eventually moved here, and encouraged us to come explore it too. When we came to Pawleys, it reminded my husband of Groton Long Point, Connecticut, an idyllic little coastal New England town where he grew up. We decided to retire here too.  What is your favorite place along the Grand Strand?  Either Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park. They’re both so beautiful.  What are your favorite things to do here?  Fishing, both surf and beach fishing. We love to walk on the beach too. Bicycle riding, and anything else outdoors.  What do you like the most about living here? There’s less hustle and bustle, it’s peaceful and quiet. The people where we live are extremely friendly, kind, and very generous with their time.  How has your lifestyle changed or what new activities have you adopted since moving here?  I’ve been writing poetry for my own edification for years, and now I have more time to do so. My husband is more active in the American Legion and the United Sates Submarine Veterans Incorporated, Myrtle Beach chapter.  What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?   My husband used to audit tax returns; he once audited the Playboy Club in Atlantic City and in New Jersey. I’m an identical twin.  Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?  More theatre and Broadway shows. 

Bob German, Part 1

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Veteran Bob German

A WWII Navy Veteran Who Served In the South Pacific: Part 1 of 2 Celebrate Our Veteran gives voice to the stories of the U.S. military veterans living amongst us. The actions of these brave and dedicated people, who have served our country both in active military duty as well as administrative positions, have and continue to contribute to the protection and preservation of us and our country.  We hope that this section of our paper is an opportunity for our community to hear and see veterans with new eyes, and for veterans to receive recognition and honor for their experiences and life journeys.  This month’s Celebrate Our Veteran recounts the story of Bob German as told in his own words. To be continued in next month’s Celebrate Our Veteran column. Click here to read Part 2.  by Melissa LaScaleia “I was born on July 17, 1924, at 438 Ilchester Ave., in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s been said that if you have something significant happen to you, you will always remember it. And I remember so much of my life, good events and bad.  When I was three years old, my mother was in the hospital and my father took me to visit her. On the way inside, I took three stones off a planter and put them in my mouth. When I got to her room to see her, she looked at me and said, “Bobby, come here.” I shook my head no, and refused to go.  Then she said more sternly, “Bobby, I said come here.” So I did. And she scooped the stones out of my mouth and asked me, “What did you do that for?”  I said, “Mommy, I brought you present.”  This is my first memory. My mother kept those stones until she died at 105 years old.  Every summer, from the age of six to sixteen, I stayed with my grandparents in Virginia. My mother had her own business as a beautician, and she couldn’t watch me and run her business at the same time. My parents remodeled our home so that the kitchen was downstairs and the beauty parlor was on the first floor. At that time, it cost 25 cents for a woman to have her fingernails painted, and the same amount for a shampoo and to have your hair set.  At the end of every summer, I didn’t want to come back; I guess you could say I was over-loved. In 1939, I dropped out of high school and started an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. I didn’t want to be drafted into the army, so I enlisted in the Navy on December 12, 1941, five days after the bombing of Peal Harbor.  I was 17 years old when I first attempted to join. I brought the papers home and gave them to my Dad to read and sign. He read them and looked at me and asked, “Are you sure?” And I said, “Yes I am.” So he handed them to my Mom, and she started to scream. She said, “No enlisting now.”  Drafting began when you were eighteen years old, and I didn’t want to be drafted. I wanted to choose my own path and go into the Navy. But my mom wouldn’t sign the papers. So I had to wait three months or so, until I turned 18 and could join on my own.   The flag from the U.S.S. Bluefish hangs on Bob’s wall. There were twenty-six houses on each side of the street that I lived on in Baltimore. And there were 48 people from them who served in WWII. It was the largest entry of males and females into the service of any city in the U.S. To celebrate, they hung a cable across the street and suspended the American flag from it, as well as a flag with the same number of stars on it as people who had volunteered from our street.  At the end of the war, all 48 came back alive. And we had all been in every branch of the military— Marines, parachute jumpers, Army, Navy. And there were no hazards either. I guess we were street smart. And those on submarines, which I was, suffered a 53% casualty rate– the largest percentage of death tolls of all branches of the military.  Because I had two years under my belt already of real-world experience, they automatically gave me a designation of MM2C— a motor mate second class. That was my rating. I served in the Navy until two months before the end of the Japanese surrender in World War II.  During the time I served in WWII, I made three patrol runs. Two on the submarine Angler 240, and one on Bluefish 222. Those submarines sank 30 enemy ships during the war.  We set off from Midway Island on our first patrol run, and we hit a small patrol boat and sank that with our deck guns. Three days later we came across four Japanese convoy ships that were headed for the Marshall and Gilbert Islands to resupply the enemy with soldiers and supplies— two tankers and two merchant ships. We carried twenty-four torpedos with us and used well over half of them in sinking those four ships. So we turned around and headed back to Midway to refuel the boat. After three days, a Japanese submarine spotted us on the surface and shot four torpedos at us. We didn’t have anything to attack them. But we managed to escape.  After we refueled, that’s when we were sent on a rescue mission. There were American, Dutch, English, and Philippine citizens trapped on the island of Panay. They were being protected during the war by the guerrilla natives of Panay, who were hiding these people in the jungle and in caves. If the Japanese had found them, they would have suffered terribly at their hands.  The guerrilla chieftain had sent word to General McArthur in Australia to coordinate a rescue mission. The Japanese were … Read more

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