Cover Stories

Bringing Awareness About Deafness To Our Community by Melissa LaScaleia Michael Sokolik began the non-profit organization, Beach Society For the Deaf, as a way to build greater awareness of the existence of deaf people in the Myrtle Beach community, and to help foster greater inclusion for them. He has a small team of people who are experienced with the deaf, that are by his side supporting him with this project. One of them is Brooke Lipat, who is a sign language interpreter and assists in teaching ASL classes at Horry Georgetown Technical College. Michael’s inspiration is his daughter, Gracelyn, who at the age of two, was diagnosed deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other. “We’re not looking to build Beach Society For the Deaf as a major organization,” Michael tells the Insider in an interview.  “We don’t want to make this about the money.  The money that we are raising is going to be used for providing interpreters for those who are going to doctors appointments or job interviews—it’s to help get them started.” The Sokolik family from left to right. Michael’s wife Stephanie, Gracelyn, Presley, Memphis, and Michael. For Michael, this is mainly about creating awareness in the local community to support not only his daughter, but the other parents of deaf children and people who live here.  Their overall function is to get people involved in the deaf community by learning sign language. Gracelyn, now 4, has a hearing aid that helps her to learn speech.  Sign language is an important way to communicate with her, though, because if she doesn’t say her words clearly, she knows how to sign for what she wants. “She knows how to spell ‘Barbie’ in sign language.  Of all the things I’ve been teaching her,” Michael laughs, “that’s the one she decided to stick with.” The Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball team is hosting a fundraiser game for Deaf Awareness at Pelican Stadium on Sunday, August 19 at 6:05pm.  It’s a family friendly event with vendors and food concession stands. There will be a few special guests in attendance.  Among them: Curtis Pride, a deaf former major league baseball player; and Jason Hurdich, the sign language interpreter for Governor Haley for the deaf on TV.  He gained national fame overnight for his entertaining facial expressions and interpretation of the governor’s words, when Hurricane Matthew made breaking news. “Gracelyn’s hearing is dropping,” Michael says.  “I want her to know both speech and sign language as equally as she can, because I don’t know what her future holds, at what point she could loose all her hearing; I want to give her as much preparation to support her, as I can.” “We’re hopeful that more people in the community can learn sign language as a way to reach out and include everyone in the community,” he continues. “Some deaf people are isolated because people are intimidated and don’t know how to communicate with them.  I want to change this not only for my child, but the other parents of deaf children who are struggling in our community.” Gracelyn’s older sister Presley, is going to be 11 years old in August.  Her chorus teacher at Forestbrook Elementary School has sponsored her in starting a sign language club— getting students involved in learning sign language for the music that the chorus is singing. “We’re trying to build an interest now so that by the time Gracelyn is in high school, there will be a sign language class just like any other class, as a way to build and foster communication between everybody,” Michael says. “I believe life is about relationships, connecting with people, loving each other.  If the community learned this language, how many more relationships could be built starting here? Beach Society for the Deaf and Pelican’s Fundraiser Baseball Game Pelican Stadium, Sunday, August 19 at 6:05pm.  Tickets for the fundraiser $13, and must be purchased in advance by calling us.  Web sale and walk-in proceeds do not contribute to the fundraiser. Horry Georgetown Technical College offers an inexpensive ASL 1, American Sign Language Level 1 course, from August 27 – October 8, from 6:30-8:30pm. For more info about deaf awareness and to get involved, call Michael at 843-222-2324. Envelope Phone

The Man Making Strides in the Realm of Entertainment by Melissa LaScaleia For Jerry Dalton, founder and organizer of the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, there isn’t a better location in the world for a film festival than the Market Common.  He prefers it even to Sundance’s location in Park City, Utah.  Here the weather is balmy; the flowers are blooming; the Grand 14 cinema, where the films are played, is a new state of the art theater; there are a multitude of restaurants and shopping venues adjacent to the theater making it an ideal location to hang out all day; there’s plenty of parking; and never a shortage of hotel rooms. “Last year’s film festival was phenomenal,” Jerry says speaking to the Insider.  “It sold out and people had a great time.” This year marks the second time the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival has been nominated by the prestigious Movie Maker Magazine as one of the top 50 film festivals to submit to in the world. “And once you see our film festival,” he says, “you’ll understand why.  The films we have this year are unbelievably entertaining and will transport you out of your life.  We have a super lineup, about sixty-seven films from sixteen countries, including the U.S., Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Russia, Italy and France.  You get to see things that are affecting people in a different part of the world that you might not think about.” “The beauty of independent film is it’s a story told from the heart, created as art, with no restrictions,” he continues.  “Many people don’t know that Hollywood scripts movies for demographics.  They don’t make a movie that has a limited or restricted following, or a following they’re uncertain about, because that means their profits will be limited or uncertain.  It’s their business model.” Movie-goers at last year’s festival. On the big screen: My Sweet Misery, starring Anna Chlumsky of My Girl, written by Matthew Jordan, and filmed in Myrtle Beach. But independent film is not shaped or constricted by these same rules, and doesn’t adhere to any standards to ensure it makes millions in the box office. There’s a misconception that independent film is poorly made with a handy-cam and bad acting, a misconception Jerry wants to correct.  The only thing that makes it independent is that it’s not produced by the top eight film studios in Hollywood. In the world of independent film, the story told may be devoid of the economic influences that shape Hollywood films, but it’s not absent from the selection process of the films that are ultimately brought to the public; repping is par for the course.  The term, as it applies to the film industry, refers to the behind-the-scenes selling of a film based on influences other than the film’s own merits. “It’s just part of the process, that you have to go out there and wine and dine people and spend money to get your film in a film festival and viewed by the public,” Jerry explains.  “There are films that are in there on their own merits, but they are just a percentage, and not the norm.  Repping is strictly forbidden at the MBIFF.  Selection is purely based on the art of motion picture alone.  If you are in this festival, it’s because we judged your film and it earned its position.” Jerry hopes to one day change the face of the independent film world so that more artists have an opportunity for their art to be seen based on its value alone. “We’re trying to create new distribution channels and a new way of handling films,” he shares. Last year’s red carpet at the Grand 14. Joel Allen (left), former local ABC anchor, interviews Romina Schwedler (right) from Buenos Aires. She wrote, produced, and directed a movie in the festival, The Visit Jerry wants art to be financially accessible to all people— both in its creation and viewing.  In alignment with this vision, last year he created the Myrtle Beach Film Institute as part of the film festival. Throughout the course of a year, students meet weekly and conclude the program by filming their own production.  The film institute is free to attend, in keeping with Jerry’s belief that nobody should be barred access to art due to financial constraints.  Also for this reason, an all-access pass to the MBIFF is an astonishingly low $50.  He refuses to sell tickets at the average film festival rates, despite continued pressure from his board. Five of the Myrtle Beach Film Institute’s films will be showcased on Monday, April 16, as a precursor to the film festival.  They are all made by locals and filmed locally.  Open casting for the films was last October, and was hugely successful. “It’s really made a big difference in a lot of peoples’ lives having something like this available,” Jerry says.  “I think art opens a pathway in peoples’ brains that leads to beautiful things and makes life better because it allows them to see things from different perspectives, and creates space to allow them to operate in a positive manner. “Art opens up the right side of your brain, which gives you imagination and your thought processes into a more whimsical world.  If someone has that side working well, but no outlet for it, it becomes frustrating.  Part of the reason for creating the school is to give people an outlet for the creative process, to tell stories through the art of motion picture, which in its formation and execution, is similar to the synergy needed for an orchestra to successfully play a symphony.” erry Dalton (left), founder and overseer of the MBIFF with his fiance, Heather Mayes (right) Creating films locally also helps support the local economy.  Jerry explains: “If you have a great movie that highlights a location or a certain iconic spot, people want to go there and see where it took place.  It’s called the film effect.  And it’s a … Read more

The Upcoming 10th Annual Dragon Boat Festival Is Poised to Make A Splash April 28 by Melissa LaScaleia It’s a year of tens.  Not only is it the tenth year anniversary of the Market Common, but also of the Dragon Boat Races—the annual festival that is held by Ground Zero Ministries in the Market Common on the Big Lake, as a fundraiser for their programs. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Christian non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  It was founded by Scott Payseur to offer middle school students and teens support in a complicated world.  They are an entertainment driven ministry and focus on sharing fun, wholesome and rewarding experiences with students— both as means to help uplift them as well as to expose them to new ways of having a good time. They have many opportunities for student leadership within the organization— everything from helping out with stage productions and sound, to working in their coffee shop and office. “Everything we do has an entertainment component to it,” Scott tells the Insider in an interview.  “We host events and bring in speakers on topics that are relevant to students’ lives.  Ultimately, we want to be able to support students no matter their beliefs.  You don’t have to be a Christian to be a part of our organization.  But here, we let teens know they are not alone. “We establish authentic relationships with them and teach them how to do the same by sharing Christ through life-changing events.  And we empower them by giving them tools to impact their world.  There are students who feel like they don’t fit in anywhere.  And we want to be present in their lives. The participants take to the waters at the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Each team is allotted a one hour practice session in the week leading up to the race, to prepare for the family-friendly, feel-good event. “The Dragon Boat Races are significant because the type of ministry that we do, the programs we offer, the bands, and the speakers we bring in, are not cheap, and the races help support our programs.  We knew to have a successful fundraising event, something that was unique and memorable all on its own as well as different from other fundraising events, that we would have to do something very different from what was typically done.” This year, there are about fifty teams racing.  Lavishly painted, ornate boats are brought in for the event, along with professionals who know how to steer them properly to avoid any crashes on the lake.  But the boats themselves are propelled entirely by the man-and-woman power of their rowing teams.  Each team gets a one hour practice session the week leading up to the races.  Each team also provides their own drummer, an individual who beats steadily on a drum in the boat to hopefully, keep everybody rowing in unison. There’s a DJ going all day long, as well as a family fun zone, food, and other festivities.  There’s also the very popular drummer costume contest– a family friendly event all teams can participate in.  Legends is contributing a celebrity panel of judges.  They will themselves be in costume, to judge the most creative drummer costume.  This year, weatherman Ed Petrowski from WPDE will be the MC. “One year we had a team dress up like they were from the ‘80s,” Scott says.  “They did their hair and all wore headbands, and the drummer dressed up like the aerobics instructor, Richard Simmons; he nailed it, he was hysterical, and everyone knew who he was.  We have some people who really go all out with this.” This year’s top three supporters of the event are: Beach Automotive Group, Tidelands Health, and Monarch Roofing.  Gold sponsors include: Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Best Golf Cars, Blue Green Vacations, Carolina Energy Conservation, Carolina Regional Cancer Center, Dependable Plumbing, Grand Strand Health and Wellness, Crispy Creme, Mellow Mushroom, Ocean Water Sports, and Waccamaw Heating and Cooling. “In any fundraising event, you always want to go above and beyond with your goals,”Scott says.  “But this year is huge for us because our theme is, “go beyond.”  Go beyond anything we’ve ever done before in our past for our ministry.  We’ve really reset a lot of things, including this festival, and we’re excited about what this theme can do to offer more things for the community moving forward.” The Dragon Boat Festival The Dragon Boat Festival will be held at the Big Lake in the Market Common,  Saturday, April 28, 9am-4 pm.  For more information see details down below.   Click here to read more about the festival.   Phone Internet-explorer

The Blue Angels and More Landing in The Market Common April 28 -29 by Melissa LaScaleia The Wings Over Myrtle Beach air show is coming to the Market Common for the first time this April with plans to become an annual event.  Organized and executed by Air Force veteran John Cowman, it will feature performances by the world famous Blue Angels Jet Demonstration Squadron, the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, and GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team.  John owns his own air show management company based out of Rome, Georgia and produces multiple air shows per year. “I was in the Air Force for thirty-seven years,” he tells the Insider in an interview.  “I’m retired now.  I was one of five crew members on C-130’s.  I worked as a loadmaster, and my job was to take care of the weight and balance for the plane— all of the loading and unloading.  I was also the air-drop guy.  I managed everything that gets dropped out of the plane from the air onto the ground.”  “I also did big air shows in the military,” John continues.  “I was kind of like a projects officer.  In the military, they have events called open houses, in which people can come in from the outside to see what’s going on, and they include air shows.  And I helped to organize a lot of these.”  John was born in Brunswick, Georgia.  After he retired from the Air Force, he stuck close to his Southern roots and decided to put his skills to work by opening his own air show management company.  He created Wings Over North Georgia in Rome and Wings Over Golden Isles in Brunswick, and is now adding Myrtle Beach to his list.  A view from the ground. What’s in store for spectators next month. – Photo courtesy of Blue Angels. “There’s more than 300 air shows that take place in North America every year,” he tells me.  “But there’s very few people who would undertake the risk that I do.  Most are military or community events; ours is private, and there’s a lot of liability involved.”  To build a show in which a private company is responsible for everything is very unique, but John believes it’s the trend of the future, that veterans like him will begin to follow.  “It’s a business,” he says, “and you have to treat it like one.  It’s a very expensive undertaking to produce a show of the magnitude and caliber that we do.  It’s much like Nascar coming to town.  And few people have the skill set to know what to do in terms of creating a world class air show.”  To hold a show, John and his company basically build a city from scratch.  He hires performers, and organizes all of the logistics with their travel, accommodations, and other services that they’ll need during the show.  He organizes the vendors, handles the marketing, sales, advertising, as well as tending to what is needed for the practical implementation of a large scale event in terms of patron services.  He also organizes all of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and works with the community as well as the medical, law enforcement, and firefighter teams to ensure the smooth running the weekend of the event.  Retired USAF veteran John Cowman is putting his skills to work to bring a top-tier show to Market Common. – Photo courtesy of Blue Angels. “It’s a lot of work,” John says.  “But with my career in the military, it was like I put myself through air show school.”  The Myrtle Beach show will see representation from all five branches of the military as well as civilian aerobatic performers.  The Blue Angels are the United States Navy active duty premier jet demonstration team.  They are the recruitment and marketing leg of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.  “We have the ‘who’s who’ of the world aerobatic performers at this show,” John adds.    Wings Over Myrtle Beach Wings Over Myrtle Beach will take place at 1250 Airdrome Ave, in the Market Common, April 28-29, 11am-5pm.  Same show both days.  Visit their site for tickets and more info.   Internet-explorer

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Here by Melissa LaScaleia There’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year in the Market Common— with Irish Fest.  Mike Shank envisioned and organized the start of the festival here nine years ago. Mike owns his own company called Festival Promotions.  He has been organizing and promoting popular events in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty years— events like the Turkey Trot, Oktoberfest, the Wine Festival, and the Myrtle Beach Marathon. He says of Irish Fest: “It’s something that wasn’t happening that I thought people would enjoy.  St. Patrick’s Day seemed like a natural time to have a festival to me.  It’s a built-in holiday, a time when people like to get together and want do something. The traditions of Irish Fest live on: (from top to bottom) beer, green smiles, and live music “At the time when I first created it, Market Common had just been built, and they created a great space for events.  I saw an opportunity to add some events in Myrtle Beach, because there weren’t a ton at the time.” Mike began working with the Market Common as a way to bring people from the outside to its doors. “People love coming to festivals at the Market Common, they love coming to the Market Common in general, experiencing the restaurants and the shopping,” he says.  “I saw the longterm potential of Market Common in terms of its growth— the amount of people and businesses that would be out here.  Nine years ago, I envisioned what we see today, people bringing golf carts to the events, and support for these festivals coming from those who live here.” This year’s event will feature live music all day.  Three bands will take turns on one stage— a mix of Irish music by Paul Grimshaw as well as other artists from different genres. There will be inflatable bouncy zones, a petting zoo, and face painting for the younger set or the young at heart, a variety of craft beers, and over forty vendors offering crafts, food, and an assortment of beverages.  Some of the food vendors will be selling authentic Irish food. The main sponsors of this year’s Irish Fest are: the Market Common, The Sun News, Maguire Law Firm and PNC Bank. “The response has been great,” Mike says.  “It’s exceeded all my expectations.  It’s a really family oriented event, and the sponsors have been great.” Festival-goers enjoying the Springtime weather at last year’s Irish Fest. – Photo courtesy of Katherine Taylor. Wondering when to go?  In the past, retirees come both early and later in the day; families more towards the middle; and a younger crowd arrives later in the day. Don’t forget to show your spirit and wear green. What does Mike appreciate the most about his own event? “I like that it’s outside, and it’s festive,” he says. “People come to have a good time and they can relax.  It’s a positive atmosphere.  It’s different every year– the crowd makes it, and their energy shapes the event.” Irish Fest Irish Fest, at Grand Park in the Market Common, Saturday, March 17, 11am-7pm.  Family friendly event.  Free admission.  Free parking in the garages.

Empowering The Girls of The Grand Strand by Melissa LaScaleia Girls On The Run is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, after-school program dedicated to the empowerment of elementary and middle school girls in the Grand Strand area.  Girls are taught fitness in a creative way that inspires them to be the best versions of themselves, is non-competitive, and fun.  They also learn tools to help them navigate social interactions with their peers. Kerri Oxendine and Paige Cribb are volunteer coaches for Girls on the Run at St. James Elementary School in Murrells Inlet and share with the Insider more about what the program does for these youngsters, as well as what it means to them personally. “I have a heart for young girls, and community is a big deal to me,” Coach Kerri says.  “When I found out about this program, I called and asked how I could be involved. “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.  Watching these girls grow over a ten-week period is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen.” The program uses running to motivate the girls to realize that they can set and achieve goals, and instills confidence through accomplishment.  At the end of the season, the girls are physically prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event which they do with their families and other neighboring Girls On the Run teams. Before the start of the November 2017 5k. The girls get energized before the event by dressing up with face paint and hair dye. There’s a DJ to give it a real party atmosphere. “They can run, walk, dance or skip it, but they keep going, and they get it done,” Coach Kerri says.  “It’s a fantastic high-energy event.  A lot of the girls paint their face and color their hair. “When they complete the run, it’s a defining moment for them because it turns a theory into a tangible.  What seemed impossible at the beginning is now possible.” “The other aspect of the program, the really cool part,” says Coach Paige, “is that we’re teaching the girls life lessons with physical activity woven in, and through games that we play, we impart skills.  That’s the strong point of our program. “We address the challenges that face them at that age, and teach them techniques to help them better handle situations like bullying, peer pressure, gossiping, clicks and jealousy.  How to confront a situation in which you have a good friend and make a new one and the old one is jealous.  We teach them how to embrace each other’s differences rather than issuing put-downs.” Coach Paige, a golf professional at Coastal Carolina University, became involved in the program when her niece, a third-grader wanted to repeat the program.  There were no coaches available, so Paige volunteered. The girls at the Surfside Beach Christmas parade this past season. Kerri Oxendine far right. “It is a ton of fun,” she says.  “I get as much out of it as the girls do.” The program teaches the girls to be intentional in their choices, and reflective about the choices they make to learn about themselves.  They cover positive self-talk, and how to eliminate negative self-talk. “They try to instill gratitude as well as healthy habits.  They give lessons on nutrition and the importance of making healthy food choices, as well as getting adequate sleep and exercise, and getting away from too much screen time. “We teach compassion, caring, and especially confidence,” Coach Paige says.  “Because already at that age they think about not being pretty.  Already at this age they are afraid of taking action because they’re afraid to make mistakes. “We teach them to take responsibility for their actions and help them see what they can they learn from a situation and do differently next time, rather than seeking perfection. “We teach them realism, that every day won’t be their best, but as with anything in life, it’s about moving forward.  It’s not that different from living life as an adult with these 3rd and 4th grade girls.” “And there are a lot of teaching moments that aren’t in the curriculum,” Coach Kerri adds. St. James Runner Sophie after the 5k race, reminds us of wise words to live by. Another key element of the program is the community impact project.  The girls as a team choose a group of people or a cause that is important to them, and then come up with a way to serve those people or cause to make a positive impact.  The purpose is to give them a sense of empowerment— to choose, plan and execute the project. In the past, the girls voted to take better care of nature.  They collected pine cones, which they covered in peanut butter and rolled in bird seed to hang on the trees to help feed the birds— their way of compensating for natural habitat destruction. Another time, one of the program participants had cancer, which inspired the girls to be more aware of other children suffering from the same disease.  The situation gave them the idea to write letters of comfort and cheer to children at MUSC in Charleston. “We are trying to build more awareness of this program,” Coach Kerri says.  “We just want people to be aware that this is here, this is out here.” Girls on the Run   For more info, contact executive director Danelle Greer 412-480-7177.  Facebook Phone Internet-explorer

Local School Celebrates International Cultures by Donna Parker St. James Middle School will be celebrating international cultures on February 22, 2018, from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm at our Multicultural Fair in the Commons Area. SJMS staff and students within our school family will have booths set up for families to peruse and experience various cultures from around the world. There will be lots of entertainment such as singing, dancing, and musical instruments during the fair. Please come and enjoy the multicultural experience of St. James Middle School. Has your child mentioned to you that they will be able to participate in the event by sharing information at a booth? Booths will include music, costumes, food samples, PowerPoint presentations, and trifold boards to display languages and other customs that are indicative of their culture. If you know of anyone in the community that would be willing to share something unique about their culture or would be a great addition to this experience please contact Ms. Parker, Mr. Vega, Ms. Dickinson, Mrs. Morello, Mrs. Howard, or Ms. Carter at St. James Middle School, 843.650.5543. Let Ms. Parker know if you have any additional questions at dparker@horrycountyschools.net. There will be several performers including Mexican dancers, a Puerto Rican singer, and possibly steel drummers or re dancers. As of right now, performances will take place at set times. During the fair, we will direct everyones’ attention to the specific areas where the performance is being held— either the cafeteria or outdoor patio. is will give our booths time to regroup and the transition will more than likely happen every 15- 20 minutes. We will not have the pot luck like in years past. We are asking individuals running booths to share samples of their country’s cuisine. As a reminder, this is a sample-sized portion, and will not be a dinner or meal; additionally, not every booth may choose to participate in this aspect of the fair. We welcome you to come and join the fun and festivities! To hear about some more of the events in and around the Market Common, click here!

Dave Vail is the man responsible for helping organize the vendors at the Holiday Bazaar in the Market Common. “It takes 2 hours to get everybody set up and spaced out accordingly,” he tells me. “This will be the third year I’m doing this. And this is the fifth year for me working for Waccamaw Market Cooperative.” Waccamaw Market Cooperative is a Clemson University Extension Service that helps farmers within a 50-mile radius find an outlet for their produce in the local area, ensuring that farmers earn a living, so that both community and farm support one another. Dave is the market manager for Waccamaw, and himself lives on a farm. When he found they were looking for someone to help farmers have a voice in the community, he immediately took the job. He orchestrates the farmers market during the summer months, which the community appreciated and frequented so much, that Waccamaw was looking to bring something similar to the population during November and December. The Holiday Bazaar is what they picked. It features local artisans who make products from sustainable goods. There are baked goods— sweet rolls, and buns; pie makers; roasted nuts; homemade jewelry and soy candles; artists who repurpose vintage silverware and plates; even a vendor who makes knives out of old railroad spikes. There are also farmers selling winter crops of leafy greens and root vegetables. And these are just a few of the offerings. It’s the perfect place to do your holiday shopping, to find something personal, with a beautiful, artisanal touch, and a wonderful way to support your community at the same time. “It was so well received last year that this is why we’re back again this year,” Dave says. “It’s not a tourist time of year, but people came out and supported the market. It’s just a fun time. You meet a lot of different people, you talk to a lot of people.” Which is why Latoya Grayson is looking forward to it. She is a people person, and is in her element when she’s talking with and learning about others. Latoya is the marketing manager and public relations specialist for the Insider at the Market Common. “Right now, I’m trying to connect these unique communities of Surfside and Market Common,” she tells me. “They are 5 minutes apart, and both have so much to offer. I go to all the events in the community and talk to people asking them if they know about our publication and if they don’t, introducing them to it and showing them the ways we’re a fantastic resource for building community in general and their business in particular. I also look for businesses that I think both communities want to know about to be a part of our publication, and hopefully help them to grow their business by advertising with us.” There are a multitude of artisanal wares available for purchase at the Holiday Bazaar. Supporting the bazaar directly supports our local economy and adds to the diversity and beauty of our community. Latoya joined the Insider team six months ago. She’s attended both farmers markets in the Market Common as well as Surfside all summer. “I feel strongly that our presence at these events shows how much we support them and helps to promote them,” she says. “This will be my first holiday bazaar, and I’m really excited, because the Surfside section is out, and our paper will be at 48 pages. I’m informing everybody about our growth.” The bazaar is also where she’ll be introducing people to our new Faces in the Common section of our publication. New this month, we’ll be collecting photos of the people in our community at this and all future community events, and sharing those with everybody on our online publication at www.marketcommoninsider.com, as well as on our Facebook page. Your photo may even be selected to be published in our print edition! This is another avenue for us to connect our community. “I like the fact that this paper is a year and a half old, and it’s growing so fast. It’s a feel good paper. I love hearing the feedback from advertisers, listening to their success stories—it pretty much sells itself. I hear a lot of great things about our paper, and I just love the whole process. It would be different if I had to promote kitchen knives,” Latoya says with a laugh. Latoya’s personality radiates positivity and support. She seems to make an impression on people wherever she goes, and finds the time to talk to everybody. “It’s what I like most about going to these events,” she says. “I love people. It’s love that has prepared me for this position. I’ve had a lot of different jobs in the past, but doing public relations is my favorite. I’m passionate about it.” “We’re continuing to get more involved in our community,” Jim says. “And Latoya is our voice and face for that. The first time that she went to one of these events, we brought a chair for her to use, and she was there for 6 hours and never sat down once. Not everybody can go to an event and interact with people the way she does. She almost becomes the event— working it for the vendors’ benefit as well as ours. She really rolls her sleeves up and gets involved.” “When I’m out there, since I’m a vendor too, I want to engage with them, as well as with the public,” she tells me. “It’s like we’re a team out there, and I’m working alongside of them. It’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated.” “I know that these vendors are honest, hard working people,” Latoya says. “They grow their own plants, or produce honey, or weave yarn. People are proud to buy products that are made in America, and in this case, not only are you doing that, but you’re buying from the community and supporting it.” … Read more

Stay Empowered About Health Share It With Those You Love By Shelby Smith Staying healthy and feeling great in the latter years of like is a continuing priority for the seniors in our community as well as those close to them. South Carolina has over 1 million seniors aged 65 and older— 20% of the total state population of 4,961,000, in 2016. And with its beautiful, sandy beaches and mild climate, Myrtle Beach is a prime location for many of them to settle. That’s why we’re thrilled that the town of Surfside Beach is hosting their 3rd Annual Seniors Fair for Health & Wellness, on Friday, October 20, inside the Surfside Beach Fire House located next to Town Hall. The Ralph Magliette Seniors Citizens Committee is helping to present the event, and Tidelands Health, Horry County Council on Aging, and DynaSwingFit Golf School are sponsors. Here’s a bit more about our sponsors: As our region’s largest health care provider, Tidelands Health is dedicated to keeping the communities the health system serves healthy and active, inside and outside of the hospital. Tidelands Health has three hospitals and nearly 50 outpatient providers that stretch from North Myrtle Beach to Hemingway. More than 200 physicians and 1,800 employee partners are working side by side with patients to transform the health of our region — promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health. The Horry County Council on Aging, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 1975 to provide senior care services throughout Horry County. HCCOA was created in accordance with the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide in-home services, senior care services, and senior activities for members in our community. The DynaSwingFit Golf School helps golfers of all ages and skill levels improve their game. They host a specialty program designed specifically for seniors called Seniors Enhanced Golf. It’s an instruction program uniquely tailed to accommodate senior’s changing physical needs, and meets them where they’re at to help them achieve greater power, control, and consistency in their swing. Shelby Smith, the owner and director, is a golf teaching professional with 30 years of experience in his field. The Seniors Fair will have many offerings. More than thirty-five health and wellness related vendors are participating, including: the Alzheimer’s Association, Arthritis Foundation, Cancer Society, Diabetes Association, Care Givers & Hospices, American Heart Association, and Horry County Council on Aging. Walgreens Pharmacy will be providing pneumonia and flu shots (insurance card required). Free blood pressure and pulse readings are being done by Con- way Medical Center. There will be door prizes, raffles, and food-truck concessions too. Whether you’re in need of meal assistance, housekeeping assistance, or a variety of activities designed to help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, you’ve found your connection at the Surfside Beach Senior Fair. It’s open to all ages, not just seniors, and we welcome all who have a senior in their lives to come and receive information to help support you to support them. Our ultimate goal is for seniors to stay healthy, active, and involved in our community. See you there. The Surfside Beach Senior Fair is Friday, October 20, 10am-2pm located next to Town Hall. Free admission, all ages welcome. To read more of our feature articles, click here! Sponsors Tidelands Health Horry County Council on Aging, DynaSwingFit, at Burroughs & Chapin Cane Patch Driving Range in Myrtle Beach and Midway Par-3.

On Myrtle Beach’s Past, The Pickleball Craze & Life by Melissa LaScaleia “The first time I ever heard of pickleball,” Bill Hunsberger, the 81-year-old champion tells me, “was four years ago when they introduced it at my local YMCA.” Bill lives in Hagerstown, Maryland, but he’s no stranger to Myrtle Beach. His grandfather was William S. Buckland, a dashing, mover and shaker entrepreneur from Norristown, Pennsylvania who served alongside Teddy Rosevelt in the Spanish American War. In 1927, Buckland was invited to Myrtle Beach about the prospect of a property investment. “It was the roaring 20s,” Bill says. “And people thought Myrtle Beach was on the verge of becoming something big.” Bill’s grandfather bought 600-700 acres of oceanfront property from a group of tobacco farmers who didn’t see the land as valuable because it couldn’t be farmed. The land was so dense with trees, you couldn’t even get to the ocean. All that existed by way of navigating through it were a couple of scanty, dirt tracks. At the time of William’s death, the property had not been paid off, and reverted to the bank. Bill’s father, a dentist, bought it back in 1942. Several years later, his father built a family cottage on the land between Garden City and Surfside Beach. Bill has memories of regular seaside trips as a child. “I remember my dad had to put a road in to get to the beach house,” Bill says. “You couldn’t see anybody in either direction when you were on the beach, that’s how deserted it was.” Bill returning a volley during a competitive pickleball match. As an adult, Bill didn’t take many vacations. But in the past 20 years, he’s enjoyed coming to Myrtle Beach several times a year for a few weeks. When he comes down, one of the places he plays pickleball at is Crabtree Gym in the Market Common. Bill appreciates how nice and welcoming the staff are at Crabtree— especially for someone who, like him, was just starting out in the sport. “Crabtree is a must-stop on your pickleball list,” he tells me. Pickleball has begun to replace tennis in popularity amongst the baby boomer population. It’s similar to tennis in that it’s played on a court with a net, but opponents use paddles rather than rackets. It’s quick, fun, good exercise, and lends itself to greater sociability around the court because of the way players rotate through the game; and it doesn’t require you to run as far as in tennis. “They say there are three million people playing pickleball in the U.S.,” he tells me. “And they estimate that in 2 years there will be 8 million.” Bill has been active his entire life. His sports have included riding and jumping horses, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, hang gliding and sailing. “I’m not a big guy, and I like any sport where competition and skill are more important than the size of the individual,” he says. “With pickleball, success is not so much about size as it is team effort. It’s an easy game to learn, but like any sport, you have to practice. When I play for two hours straight, it’s a good workout.” Bill’s skill is self-taught. By the end of his first year, he was playing in the Seaside Classic, Myrtle Beach’s Annual Pickleball Tournament, where he won his first medal. This year’s Seaside Classic will be held September 22-24 at the Myrtle Beach Indoor Sports Center. This is the 5th Annual Seaside Classic, and over 300 players are expected to compete. The Seaside Classic is run by pickleball specialists out of Florida, but volunteers from the Myrtle Beach Pickleball Club, which has over 200 members, are instrumental in bringing this tournament to fruition. “We’re local and so there’s a lot we can do to help,” Audrey Connery, a club member tells me. “We help organize everything in advance, and break things down at the end, and we try to make this a very successful tournament for all those who participate.” Bill standing proud on the podium alongside his partner Audrey works on sponsorship, and so far she has around twenty sponsors (including us). Dave and Busters, an arcade-entertainment style restaurant and bar will be hosting the welcome party on Friday evening, September 22. They are providing free game play coupons and appetizers for registered players, but all are welcome. The Seaside Classic is not just for expert players— there are several skill levels and age brackets.   People come from all over the U.S. to see or participate in the tournament; it is one of the largest on the East Coast. Bill has two new partners for the event. Both are 70 years old, which means he’ll have to play in the younger and therefore more challenging age bracket of 70-74; they don’t have an age bracket old enough to accommodate him. This past June, Bill and his partner won a gold medal at the National Senior Games competing against twelve other teams in the 80-84 age bracket. “When people ask me how I do it,” he says, “this is what I tell them: there are some things in life that you don’t have control over, like the hand you’re dealt. If you get a good hand, that’s big. I did. The next big thing is nutrition, and the third, is exercise. You need to keep your body strong. I was a psychotherapist, and almost every person I saw, I recommended they exercise because it keeps you strong and it helps you cope with stress mentally. “And then, there’s luck. And sometimes the situation that you’re in dictates if you have good luck or bad luck. So for example, if you’re driving in snow, and you start to slide, if you know how to handle the situation and come out okay, we say, ‘you’re lucky,’ but really it’s skill and luck that saved you. Some luck you can’t help, like disease. Two other things I would suggest: you have to … Read more

Bringing the Spirit of Italy to the Market Common for 25 Years by Melissa LaScaleia Festa Italiana, Myrtle Beach’s Italian heritage festival, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this June at the Market Common. The two-day festival is hosted twice annually by the Sons and Daughters of Italy, a group that was founded in Myrtle Beach in 1992. In the early part of the 20th century, Italian immigrants coming to America met with the same prejudices, fears, aversions, alienation, and isolation by the pre-existing social and cultural order that immigrants to all countries have faced since time immemorial. So a group of Italians decided they would do something to make their living conditions a little bit better. Order Sons of Italy in America was started in 1905 by Dr. Vincent Salero. The purpose was to create community and keep pride in Italian traditions and heritage alive, as well as create solutions to the challenges they faced collectively. As Italians moved to other parts of the country, more chapters, called lodges, sprang into existence under the umbrella of the national group. The Myrtle Beach lodge evolved their title to be all-inclusive, calling themselves the Sons and Daughters of Italy, although women have always been welcome. They are the oldest as well as the largest lodge in the Carolinas. When they purchased a two-acre property in 2007, they became the only lodge in this area with their own physical building. It has a dining room and bar, two regulation-sized Bocce courts, as well as an Italian garden where members tend a fig tree, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, and parsley plants. They have 360 members, and welcome anyone to join, not just those of Italian descent. The only thing non-Italian members can’t do is hold office. “Like everything else, people get assimilated into their new environment,” Frank Baldari, the vice president of the Myrtle Beach lodge tells me. “We are trying to keep our traditions alive and make people aware of Italian customs and heritage.” The twice annual festival is one of the ways they keep the community informed about Italian ways. It also helps them fulfill another part of their mission statement— helping others. Festa Italiana was started as a fundraiser to support nine local charities whose causes the Sons and Daughters of Italy support. It takes 100 volunteers to do everything for the festival, from the planning and preparation, to the equipment installation. The festival is volunteer-run in its entirety, with the exception of the dishwashers. Even though they themselves are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, they fund the festival themselves, hosting a number of events during the year to cover the expenses for it and their lodge. “Most of the money that we generate from our events stays right here in the Myrtle Beach area, so we can support the local community,” Frank says. It would hardly be an Italian festival if food, made to exacting standards and in a communal setting, weren’t involved. In true Italian style, it is fresh, homemade, and made with love by lodge members— most of it onsite at the festival. “The spaghetti sauce and the baking are done beforehand,” Frank says. “Nothing comes from outside except the sausage…. We get our sausage from Jersey. Friday morning we have a dozen people come to the lodge to chop peppers and onions for our sandwiches.” Frank shares the menu with me with true Italian gusto. Being Italian myself, I can relate and share in his enthusiasm. Festival goers enjoy the beats in the streets. “First,” he says, “we have the famous hero sandwiches— sausage and pepper and meatball. The meatball sandwiches have four meatballs on the sandwich. (No skimping here.) There’s Neapolitan style pizza, ravioli, chicken parmigiana, and for people who want to try a little bit of everything— we have a combo plate called Taste of Italy. For the Americans, we have fish and chips. Then we have our signature zeppole, it’s not a doughnut, it’s not American fried dough— it’s zeppole. It’s better. We have our own zeppole chef— Joe Maretta. He has his own secret recipe for the batter, and he makes it for us. Then we have some more pastries, cannoli, homemade Italian cookies and biscotti, and real Italian ices. And it wouldn’t be an Italian festival without wine and beer, and we have soft drinks too.” Like many Italians, Frank enjoys good food as well as sharing a good story. Two years ago,” he tells me, “I’m grilling sausage and there’s a gentleman who came up to the booth and said to me, ‘I’ve been a vegetarian for three years, and I’ve walked by this booth three times. I have to have one.’ He took the sandwich and I said, ‘I have to go to confession next week.’ He came back later and told me he shared it with his wife who was a life-long vegetarian, and also was unable to resist. Then he said, ‘I’ll be back next year.’ “The following year, he came back and said: ‘Remember me? I’m the vegetarian. Give me a sausage.’” There is a pasta eating competition sponsored by Villa Romana Italian Restaurant to see who can eat a bowl of pasta the fastest— the current record is a minute and a half. “You really have to be there to appreciate it,” Frank says. “One year one of the winners was a gentleman with a full white beard. When he was finished his beard was all red.” Then there’s the pizza eating contest, sponsored by Ducati’s Pizzeria and Trattoria. The record to beat, for those eager to join this year’s competition, is just over two minutes for one full-sized pizza. In addition to the food, they have continuous entertainment all day long. Larry Tanelli and Claudette will be offering Italian songs; Forever Doowop, a fifties group, will be performing old classics. There will be The Sister Act, Gene Santini singing Frank Sinatra, and an Italian tenor, Jesse Bastiano. The pasta eating contest competitors. (Photo Festa Italiana) Then … Read more

An Annual Summer Tradition Returns to the Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia The advent of June brings with it the return of Movies Under the Stars, the weekly outdoor summer movie tradition held in Valor Park in the Market Common. Every Friday night all summer long, friends, couples, families, and singles (some with animal friends), arrive with beach chairs and blankets in the warmth of the summer evening, and select their viewing spot from which to admire the stars and settle in for some entertainment on a big screen. This free event is a beloved and long-standing tradition in the Market Common. No one knows who began it or precisely when, but the idea was quickly adopted after the Market Common acquired a screen second-hand.  Katherine Taylor, who works in the Market Common office is responsible for the movie line-up— a task she’s been spearheading for the past two years. She chooses movies based on their popularity in the theaters, and selects mostly G or PG rated ones to ensure the event is family friendly. At least once a month, there is a PG-13 rated selection to cater to older crowds. Movies Under the Stars is a popular summer event in the Market Common. “This year, to help promote The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, we’ll be showing some shorts that were screened before the movie starts,” Katherine says. “If we can do this every week, we will but they will be short films.” There will be popcorn and ice cream vendors this year just as last, and free bouncy houses for the kids before the movie starts. A Market Common staple, the Kettle Corn Man, will be there as well. Katherine also attends, usually with her dog, Charlie.  The movie starts at dusk, around 9pm, and the time varies weekly as the sun shifts in the sky. June Movies: June 2, Matilda (PG) June 9, Minions (PG) June 16, Secret Life of Pets (PG) June 23, Ghostbusters (PG-13) June 30, The Jungle Book (PG) We’ll see you there. Movies Under the Stars In Valor Park, off of Farrow Parkway in the Market Common. Every Friday night from Jun 2- Aug 25, 2017 at dusk.