The Coastal Insider

Charlie Learns About Summertime Canine Care

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the 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 fully acclimates to life at the beach since his protracted stay in the snow, and prepares for the summer heat with tips from Cindy Bright. Despite how much I miss all my great friends in Snowglobe World (believe it or not, I even miss Petunia, go figure), as well as the wagyu and caviar ice cream (sigghhhhh), as well as the feeling of never quite knowing what was going to happen to me next (Juliano, here I’m thinking entirely and only of you), it is quite nice to be back in Myrtle Beach and enjoying the warmth and the sun. Plus I stay in close contact with my friends and memories by dutifully shaking my snowglobe weekly, just as I also water my plants weekly (and you thought I was a one-trick pony with just this writing gig didn’t you?). For those of you who missed my adventures, catch up on the magic and the fun and read from the beginning with my corner, January 2021. I was gone for so long, I’ve almost forgotten how to unwind under our balmy skies, like the languid, laid-back, sun-loving pooch I once was. My fur and nose feel sensitive to the heat and the sun. I must need to acclimatize myself. To do so, I turned to my good friend, Cindy Bright, of Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care. Cindy cares for my kind as well as scaly and winged types while our people are out of town or otherwise engaged (read all about her here). And she has some great tips for how to keep us canines well cared-for during these hot summer months and beyond. Did you know that my paws can blister from the heat of the pavement? To check if it’s safe enough for them, put the palm of your hand down on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for delicate paw pads. Walk us on the grass as much as possible instead. Our noses can burn too, just like yours. To prevent that, apply a bit of sunblock on our noses— it can be people or doggie sunblock; either one works great. And the same way humans use aloe for burns, we love it too. Apply it liberally to our paw pads if needed, as well as the tips of our noses, if they do happen to get a little too red from the sun. Also, watch out for the sandspurs that can get caught in the fur on our paws and sometimes between our toes. If we’re walking along together and we suddenly stop, there’s a reason. And it isn’t always because we discovered something nice and smelly. Those sandspurs are sharp and will dig into us making walking unbearable. And they can hurt you too, so be gentle when removing them. Lastly, there’s a great product out there that will help you get the grass out from between our toes so we don’t track it all over the house. It’s called Nolvasan. It is a blue liquid in a 1 ounce bottle, which I like because blue reminds me of the ocean, the sky, and the Insider colors. Mix it with 1 gallon of purified or filtered water, and then bathe my paws in it. It will help to release all the gunk. I’m a big fan; but then you all know my feelings about good grooming and personal hygiene by now. Ask your veterinarian or local pet company if they have it in stock. By now, I’m feeling more confident and prepared to have some fun in the sun. And I hope you and your favorite furry companion are too. Until next time,

Larry Dodd, Part 1

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Life and Legacy of Air Force Veteran and Local Mechanic 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 Meet Your Local Veteran column commemorates Larry Dodd, who passed away in Myrtle Beach on August 14, 2020. The story of his military service, as well as how he served our community is here recounted in an interview with his surviving children, Azure Dodd Byrd and Ryan Dodd. This is Part 1 of a two part series. Click here to read Part 2. by Melissa LaScaleia Larry Dodd was born in Hagerstown, Maryland on June 17, 1945. He grew up on a dairy farm with a horse, Brownie, cows and an apple orchard. As a youngster, he would tinker with and fix the various farm equipment and old cars that were on the property. He also had a show cow, Berkey, which he exhibited at agricultural events as a member of the FFA. His family was poor; his father worked in addition to running a farm, and from a young age, Larry was expected to wake up early and help milk the cows and perform tasks before and after school to help out. All of this left Larry with no time to play sports— a dream and passion of his that he never fully realized. However, life on the farm meant he learned how to work with his hands as well as how machinery and equipment worked. It also developed in him an enormous work ethic and a capability for figuring things out. It was a work ethic that his children had never seen replicated in any other person— and it lasted until he was 75 years-old and his body failed. Larry graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 1963, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1965. It was during the years of the Vietnam draft when he elected to join. “He always told us that the Air Force had a great deal to do with the man that he became,” says Ryan, Larry’s son. “It built his character a great deal. To this day, we have very close family friends that originated from his early Air Force days. David Fowler was his best friend, and I’m his namesake, Ryan David. And Dad was the godfather of David’s daughter, Lisa.” “There were more of my dad’s friends at my wedding than my friends,” says his daughter, Azure. “He was such a kind and genuine soul that he attracted people no matter the setting or phase of life. And we believe that character quality had a great deal to do with the status and success of his business later on.” Larry completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His specialty was radar technology maintenance. He quickly became a stand-out because of his technical abilities. After their father passed, his children found scores of technical manuals from the ’60s. “It’s a capability you don’t find in many people these days in his industry,” Ryan says. “We all knew he was brilliant, but as we saw all his documents, we really developed a new respect for him. These manuals that we ran into were extremely technical.” Larry Dodd in his U.S. Air Force days in the late ’60s. After basic training, Larry went to Eufaula, Alabama, where he spent his spare time working in the machine shop of Frank McKee, a man who would become a very important figure in Larry’s life. From him, Larry learned about the gasoline engine— its manufacturing and repair. He acted as a mentor to Larry, and the two remained close his whole life; to this day, Frank is a key part of Azure’s and Ryan’s life. When the Air Force transferred him to Miami, he met another mentor at a mechanical shop, a race expert who took him under his wing and taught him how to work with motors. “Everywhere he went, he garnered life-long friends,” Ryan says. “Our childhood was spent taking road trips visiting people.” “We’ve been in the car with mom and dad everywhere from here to Colorado and all over the East Coast,” Azure adds. Larry met his future wife, Shari, when he was stationed in Denver, Colorado. They met at a bowling alley where he worked. The bowling alley was closing and they were selling all the equipment. Larry put in a bid for the job to disassemble, package and ship all the bowling pin machines and equipment overseas. In those days, the machines were very complicated and technical, but Larry understood it all. He won the bid along with another enlisted friend, as well as Shari’s heart. Larry was then stationed on Ascension Island, an isolated volcanic island in the South Atlantic, about 1,000 miles off the coast of Africa. There, he became a DJ for the local radio station that entertained the servicemen on base. Larry had a side passion for music; and during the year that he was DJ, spent time dubbing some of his favorite songs onto more than 75 cassette tapes that he hand catalogued by song title and artist. These catalogued songs are among Azure’s most treasured possessions. “One of the most profound memories of my childhood was pouring over this music collection he amassed over the years,” Azure says. “That became something we really bonded over. And it speaks to his meticulous nature that showed in all of the mechanical things he did. He wanted everything done right. He used to say, ‘If something is worth doing, it’s worth … Read more

COVID Vaccines and Blood Donations: What You Need to Know

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Doctor giving a senior woman a vaccination.

by Melissa LaScaleia As the Coronavirus vaccine becomes more readily available to everyone across the state, the American Red Cross is receiving many queries about blood donation eligibility. “One of the most frequent questions we are getting from donors is: ‘Am I eligible to give blood if I’ve gotten the vaccine?’” says Ben Williamson, regional communications director for American Red Cross, Palmetto SC Region. “In most cases, there is no blood donation deferral time— meaning yes you can give.” American Red Cross requests donors to know the manufacturer of the vaccination they received— be it Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, etc. Verbal knowledge is acceptable. “We are asking that donors know the manufacturer because there were some people in the early vaccine tests who may have received a vaccine that was not FDA approved,” Ben says. “We simply need to make sure that when you give, you’ve gotten one of those FDA approved vaccines.” If you do not know the vaccine that you got, were a part of an early test group, or received an alternate vaccine, American Red Cross will defer your donation for two weeks from the time that you show up at a Red Cross donation station. “We can only collect blood from healthy individuals, and need to give anybody who doesn’t know what they received fourteen days to make sure that they are feeling healthy and well,” Ben explains. “Even if you do know the manufacturer of the vaccination you received, a lot of people have had side effects from the vaccine, like aches and pains. If you have those side effects, we need you to be feeling healthy and well for fourteen days before you can give blood.” The second most common question they receive is, “If I give blood, does that impact the efficacy of the vaccine that I got? Does it weaken the vaccine?” The answer is, no. “Donating blood after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine does not reduce a donor’s protection from the virus,” says Ben. The vaccine is designed to generate an immune response to help protect an individual from illness; and a donor’s immune response is in no way impacted by giving blood. Receiving a Covid vaccine is just like receiving one for measles, mumps, or the flu. The SC Department of Health and Environmental Safety, the organization in charge of vaccine rollouts in SC, has corroborated this information. Since the beginning of March 2021, up until the publication of this article in mid-May, Red Cross has seen a 10-15% decrease in blood donations. They need more people to donate life-saving blood. “We are certainly getting a lot of questions from donors regarding eligibility and efficacy of giving blood,” Ben says. “And we want people to know that they can give and we need them to give. There’s a lot of attention right now on making a vaccine appointment; we hope people will make an appointment to give blood too. We need blood; we will always need blood. “Mothers are still giving birth, surgeries are still happening, children have diseases like cancer and require blood transfusions as part of their treatment.” Red Cross wants to reassure the public that they are still following the CDC guidelines about masks, social distancing, and screening for Covid at all of their blood drives. Even if you have the vaccine, they are still required to follow these procedures. “Blood remains an essential service in SC,” Ben adds. “And we can’t get it anywhere other than volunteer donors. If you can consider giving, it’s a huge help and makes a huge difference. It doesn’t take more than an hour of your time. There’s ample locations and appointment slots. It’s a simple thing that makes a really big difference. We had a lot of support last year, and we want to continue that momentum. It’s a unique way to give back, and most people are eligible.” American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive Globe Phone

Rhubarb Pie

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

June is the season of rhubarb, and while the traditional way to enjoy it is with strawberries, we couldn’t say no to this recipe in which it flies solo.

The leaves of the plant are poisonous, so be sure not to incorporate them into any other dish.

Rhubarb is easy to cultivate in a garden— indeed it may flourish to such an extent that it becomes an unwelcome visitor.

It’s bitter flavor is tempered down with sugar, and if you wish, add a dollop of whipped cream, or better yet, vanilla bean ice cream to the finished pie. It’s such a welcome delight on a hot summer evening, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. We certainly do!

Makes a 9-inch pie

Crust

12 Tbs cold unsalted butter
2 cups all purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 Tbs sugar
2 egg yolks
2 – 4 Tbs ice water

Filling

2 ½ lb fresh rhubarb (stems only)
½ cup flour
1 Tbs ground cardamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 large orange, rind grated and juiced
1 cup sugar or to taste

To make the crust, combine the butter with the flour, salt and sugar using your fingers or a pastry blender, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk the egg yolks with the ice water and add to the flour mixture; stir quickly with a fork, and add more ice water as needed until dough is elastic. Don’t over-blend. Form the dough into two balls and wrap in wax paper. Chill for 1 hour.

To make the filling, grate the rind of the orange making sure to avoid grating the bitter white pith underneath the colored skin.

Add the flour, cardamon, nutmeg, orange rind, and juice of the orange to a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Wash the rhubarb well, and chop in small ½-1 inch long pieces. Add the rhubarb to a large bowl, then pour the prepared flour, cardamon, orange juice mixture over it, tossing to mix well.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Roll out one ball of dough and line the bottom of the pie pan with it, trimming the excess crust hanging over the edges. Add the filling.

Roll out the remaining ball of dough and place over the top of the pie. Tuck the overlapping dough underneath itself and using forefingers and thumb, crimp the crust around the rim.

Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Place the pie on a cookie sheet with sides to catch any drippings, and bake 50 minutes, or until golden. Cool before serving.

Meet Tracy and Curious the Cat

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

From left to right, Peter Bell, Curious the Cat, Tracy Thompson, and Dwight Roach.

by Melissa LaScaleia Tracy Thompson is a cat lover living in the Market Common. One Friday in April, as she was rounding up her clan to come inside for the evening, Liberace the cat suddenly stopped on the front steps and bolted for the stop sign at the intersection of Baldwin Lane and Shine Avenue. Tracy took off after him and saw him stopped— face to face with another cat. Desirous of preventing a cat fight, she picked Liberace up and headed for home. But the other cat would have none of it. “He started talking and meowing at me like, ‘Hey take me home with you,’” Tracy says. “His tail was straight up which indicates that he’s really comfortable, and he began to follow me home, winding his way in and out of my legs. So back we all went.” Tracy examined the stray for injuries or any identification, and found none. “He was super friendly so I knew he wasn’t feral,” she says. “Still I didn’t want to mix him with my cats, so I got him some food and brought it outside for him. He was ravenous and devoured it, so that told me he had been out for sometime.” Worried about coyotes and wild animals in the nearby woods, she made him an impromptu bed inside her house for the night, where he remained— a really good citizen. The next day, Tracy let him out with her other cats, and posted his photo on Facebook, Nextdoor, and PawBoost looking for his owner. She didn’t get any leads. By Sunday night, he was frolicking and playing with her other cats just fine. On Monday morning, she brought him to the Cat’s Meow to see if he was chipped, and lo and behold he was. By 9am, she was talking to the cat’s owner. Tracy’s new visitor was named Curious, and belonged to a couple named Peter and Lise Bell from Maryland. They had come to Myrtle Beach on vacation on February 24, and were camping in their RV at Myrtle Beach State Park. The first night of their vacation, Peter accidentally left the window open. Curious, living up to his name, was compelled to go exploring, and went missing— much to the couple’s distress. They had been posting on Facebook, Lost Animals of Horry County, and calling the state park for months. But it was the chip that got him home. “During the course of conversation, it was clear that they loved Curious a lot and were trying to find him desperately,” Tracy says. “Curious had to cross four lanes of traffic to get to my house, which is pretty crazy.” Peter hopped in his car the morning he got Tracy’s call, and was at her door by 8:30pm that same day. The neighbors on Tracy’s street who had met Curious and were in the know came over to great Peter when he arrived. “That’s when we found out that Curious was 18 pounds when he went missing and now he was 9.5,” Tracy says. “When Peter took him home, he took a visit to the vet, and Curious was just fine. In fact, the vet liked his weight better than 18 pounds.” When Peter left the next day, he also left a check for $500 in gratitude. “My mother passed away eight years ago,” Tracy says. “And every year, my father, Dwight, and I usually give a large display of flowers to our church in her honor. But this year, we decided to match Peter’s donation in honor of my mother and on behalf of Curious. So we donated $500 to Cat’s Meow and $500 to Save-R-Cats in her memory. The whole story, from beginning to end, it was like a Hallmark moment.”

Financial Donations and Volunteers: The Lifeline of American Red Cross

June 15, 2022May 12, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

by Melissa LaScaleia The American Red Cross of South Carolina supports our community and state in a number of significant ways. But the non-profit organization can’t function without two things: financial donations and volunteers. Ninety cents from every dollar donated to Red Cross goes directly back into the organization’s programs. The remaining 10% covers the costs of employees, equipment, systems, and other overhead. “We’re really proud that Red Cross has one of the highest ratios, amongst non-profits in the country, when it comes to the percentage of the dollar that goes back into help and services,” says Ben Williamson, communications director for American Red Cross, South Carolina. “People often ask us: “How can I help you? How can I help families? I saw on the news that you have open shelters, how can I give to support this?” At this time, one of the best ways to help is to make a financial contribution. We’ve seen a decrease in donations this year and we will definitely need help to meet our financial goal.” Donating is especially important this year for two reasons. To begin, Covid-19 has increased Red Cross operating costs by more than $150 million across the organization as a whole. “Every aspect of what we did had to be adapted and changed to keep everyone safe and still be effective,” Ben says. “We needed more equipment, materials and resources. That costs more money when you’re needing more staff and resources. The other contributing factor was the busyness of the disaster seasons. This past year, our country saw wildfires, dozens of hurricanes, tornadoes across South Carolina in April, and the Derecho in Iowa. Cleanup from the destruction and relief was expensive, and increased the financial burden to the Red Cross. “We understand that Covid has put a lot of people in difficult situations,” Ben says. “Many organizations and businesses have had to make difficult decisions this past year, and as a result, many people aren’t able to give what they have in the past. But what I would stress, is that every little bit helps. Every little gift, even if it’s $5 or $10— helps.” “We have to have those funds to do everything we do,” he continues. “To fully provide financial assistance to home fire victims— we want to help them get food, a hotel, and clothes. If we need to open a shelter, we need to be able to feed the people who are there. We deploy volunteers during natural disasters— be it a fire out west, or a hurricane or flood. We have to have funds to be able to do that.” Volunteers play just as significant of a role in Red Cross operations as funds do. “90% of everything that we do, all of our lines of service— from blood collecting to responding to disasters, to assisting the military, to training services— is carried out by volunteers,” Ben says. This year, the organization has about 2,100 active volunteers across the state, less than in previous years. Covid has played a role in the decrease for a variety of reasons. In response, the organization is hosting a campaign through the end of February called, Resolve to Volunteer. “First, people are generally more isolated,” Ben says. “Some have had pressing demands placed on their time, whether it’s because they’re moving or their job has been impacted; still others just don’t feel comfortable being out and about at this time. “We have some positions that require in-person interaction, and some people don’t feel comfortable with that in the current environment. We’ve been really direct, saying we need to recruit volunteers, as we are a volunteer-run organization. We have a lot of protocols in place to make sure people are safe. We require everybody to wear a mask. Before a volunteer gets on shift for any kind of work, they have to be screened with a temperature check and questionnaire. Red Cross has dozens of ways to become involved— many are opportunities that have been reimagined into virtual positions that previously weren’t, so now people don’t have to leave home. Volunteering is flexible too— people can be involved as little or as much as suits their needs and schedules. “We’re really encouraging folks to consider making volunteering with us one of their New Year’s resolutions,” Ben says. “Each and every contribution of time and money matters, no matter how small. Every little bit helps.” Donate to American Red Cross Today Globe

Coastal Insider May Edition

June 15, 2022April 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Click to view May 2021 Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM I work on social media for the Insider. This is an aspect of business that I really enjoy, because I can think outside the box and be creative with how I’m interacting with the people I’m catering and marketing to. I’ve been living in Myrtle beach for the past three years and I love it here. I enjoy going to the beach, it’s warm most of the time, and the environment is lush with trees and flowers. I’m never bored here because there’s always something to do. This month, a new activity has added itself to my list— the farmers market. At the farmers market, I can always find unique products and goods that I can’t find anywhere else. And I know that what I’m getting is locally sourced— and thus the footprint is so much less than if I purchase something at the grocery store that comes from across the country, or even a different country. For me, that’s important. I also value that the products aren’t as filled with preservatives. I know I’m getting quality items when I shop at the farmers market. The atmosphere is open and I don’t feel as confined as I do at the grocery store. I can greet people, interact with them, and I really like that I can ask questions of the vendors. That makes the experience that much more interesting and positive for me. Our front page article this month gives a glimpse of a few of the vendors who will be attending the market this season. I’m excited that there are so many unusual artisans purveying their crafts— especially the laser cut jewelry. The pieces that she carries you can’t find anywhere else because they are personally and individually made by hand. That’s what makes our farmers market so special. Also within these pages we share the history and mission of the local non-profit, CAN Autism Network. I became involved with CAN through Coastal Carolina University, where I’m currently majoring in marketing and business management. I helped with promoting Richard Sexton’s marathon run that he is completing to raise awareness of and funds for CAN. I’m glad I could work on such a meaningful project. Autism awareness is an important topic for our community, and I’m proud to be part of an event that is bringing greater recognition and support to CAN— to help promote all they provide to businesses and families with autism. Sara Nimmo

Coastal Home Insider May Edition

June 15, 2022April 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Coastal Insider and Coastal Home Insider From entertainment, leisure and beaches to local businesses and community, we bring it closer to you. Plus advertising with us is in alignment with our mission! * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Insider Issue Click to view Coastal Insider * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Home Insider Issue Click to view Home Insider Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM I work on social media for the Insider. This is an aspect of business that I really enjoy, because I can think outside the box and be creative with how I’m interacting with the people I’m catering and marketing to. I’ve been living in Myrtle beach for the past three years and I love it here. I enjoy going to the beach, it’s warm most of the time, and the environment is lush with trees and flowers. I’m never bored here because there’s always something to do. This month, a new activity has added itself to my list— the farmers market. At the farmers market, I can always find unique products and goods that I can’t find anywhere else. And I know that what I’m getting is locally sourced— and thus the footprint is so much less than if I purchase something at the grocery store that comes from across the country, or even a different country. For me, that’s important. I also value that the products aren’t as filled with preservatives. I know I’m getting quality items when I shop at the farmers market. The atmosphere is open and I don’t feel as confined as I do at the grocery store. I can greet people, interact with them, and I really like that I can ask questions of the vendors. That makes the experience that much more interesting and positive for me. Our front page article this month gives a glimpse of a few of the vendors who will be attending the market this season. I’m excited that there are so many unusual artisans purveying their crafts— especially the laser cut jewelry. The pieces that she carries you can’t find anywhere else because they are personally and individually made by hand. That’s what makes our farmers market so special. Also within these pages we share the history and mission of the local non-profit, CAN Autism Network. I became involved with CAN through Coastal Carolina University, where I’m currently majoring in marketing and business management. I helped with promoting Richard Sexton’s marathon run that he is completing to raise awareness of and funds for CAN. I’m glad I could work on such a meaningful project. Autism awareness is an important topic for our community, and I’m proud to be part of an event that is bringing greater recognition and support to CAN— to help promote all they provide to businesses and families with autism. Sara Nimmo

The Farmers Markets of the Grand Strand

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Coastal Insider - May Edition - Farmers Market

Farmers Markets are great places to get fresh, local vegetables and other produce, but the markets along the Grand Strand offer so much more – Venezuelan food, baked goods, soaps, candles, and jewelry— all made locally by people in our community.

The Unique Offerings On Tap This Spring

by Melissa LaScaleia

Farmers markets create bonds in the community that are mutually beneficially for everyone— those who frequent the markets have access to produce and goods stamped with a personal touch that they wouldn’t otherwise discover; and in turn, the customers support the livelihood of those who have goods to share, boosting the local economy.

In recent years, the markets of our area have expanded along the Grand Strand, and a greater number of vendors have turned out to offer their wares as well. In addition to vegetables, fruits, and baked goods, there are a myriad of specialty food items, crafts, and beauty products.

Below, we snapshot a few of the unique vendors who will be present at the farmers markets of the Grand Strand this season. New vendors continue to join throughout the year, so check the website for the most current offerings. This year, the Coastal Insider will be present at the Valor Park farmers market.

Be sure and stay current with our social media pages to see what other markets we will be visiting.

WK Price Farms Inc.

by Katie and Wesley Price

www.wkpricefarms.com

Find them at the Surfside Beach and Valor Park Markets; offering home delivery and monthly meat subscriptions.

What do you offer at the markets?

“My husband and I offer pasture-raised, grain-finished beef. We raise our beef without added hormones or antibiotics, and all of our beef is whole-carcass dry-aged for two weeks. You can’t find a whole carcass that’s dry aged at any grocery store including a Whole Foods— you can only get dry-aged from a small processor. Commodity beef is wet-aged, which is why there’s so much shrinkage when you cook it. But after our animals are processed, they are hung in a cooler for two weeks, during which time any blood and water drains from the muscles fibers which naturally tenderizes the meat and enhances the flavor.”

Where are you found locally?

“You can find our products at Crooked Oak Tavern, Art Burger Sushi Bar, all three Johnny D’s locations, and the MB Culinary Institute. This is our fourth year at the markets.”

What inspired you to start?

“We’ve raised cattle for 20 years, but didn’t process any for ourselves. We were disappointed with the quality of grocery store meat, and decided to finish a few of our cattle for ourselves. It just grew and evolved from there.”

Reed’s Microgreens

by Niki Reed

www.reedsgreens.com

Find her at the Surfside Beach and Valor Park Markets; offering home delivery.

What do you offer at the markets?

“I sell six kinds of microgreens: sweet peas; sunflowers; radish; arugula; basil; and salad mix, which contains arugula, broccoli, kohlrabi, kale, and red acre cabbage.”

What inspired you to get started?

“Dec 31, 2019, I flew to Arizona to visit my sister and her family. We declared that 2020 was going to be a fantastic year and determined to support each other to be healthier. I came across microgreens, and began to study everything I could to learn how to grow them. Along the way, I realized this was also something I could do for my community. Now, I try to help others get healthier with microgreens.”

What are the benefits of microgreens?

“Since they are babies, they have tons of antioxidants and a higher percentage of nutrients because they haven’t yet started to put their energy into becoming a vegetable. All of their antioxidants, dense nutrition, and phytonutrients combat inflammation in your system— that’s why they’re considered a superfood. They help anyone with gut issues because they’re so easily digested, and they’re simply packed with flavor and colors.”

What’s new on the horizon for you?

“My new niche is creating recipes in which they can be incorporated. I want to deliver to yoga studios, businesses, nutritionists, and further develop my home delivery program.”

Sarah Kenney

Empress Bakeshop

www.empressbakeshop.com

Find her at the Surfside Beach and Valor Park Markets.

What do you offer at the markets?

“I make macarons. They are French sandwich cookies made with almond flour, meringue and powdered sugar.”

What inspired you to start making macarons?

“I love baking and wanted to offer something at the markets. But I knew what the other bakers made and didn’t want to offer the same things. I was looking for my niche. Then, in 2017, my daughter was just turning into a teenager and macarons were all the rage. She loved them, so I decided I was going to start making them. I took a month to really get it down before I brought them to market. Today my macrons have a reputation— people come looking for them.”

What’s your favorite part about what you do?

“I love it when people who say they don’t like macrons try mine and love them. Many macarons are made with artificial ingredients and flavors— but I don’t. I use a lot of natural ingredients and real fruit. So people who think they don’t like them end up loving mine.”

Alissa Wallace

Awal Wandering

Etsy @ AwalWandering

Facebook @ Awal.wandering.

Find her at the Surfside Beach and Valor Park Markets.

What do you offer at the markets?

“Wooden laser-cut jewelry in the form of dangle earrings, bracelets, necklaces and stud earrings. Everything is made from all natural hardwood. I do all the woodworking, then I create a design on laser software and cut it with a laser. Once it comes off, I jewel it in stainless steel. I do everything myself. “

How long have you been doing this?

“Since June of last year. I started during the pandemic when I didn’t have a job. This is my second year at the market.”

What inspired you to get started?

“I had never made jewelry before. My boyfriend owns a big laser machine, and he suggested I use it for something creative. So I started using it to make labels for kombucha that I was making for friends. He inspired me to use it for something else too. So I just thought about jewelry and started to do it. I had no prior knowledge— it just unfolded for me, and now it’s what I do full time.”

Laura Browning

Bolla Botanicals

www.bollabotanicals.com

Find her at the Surfside Beach, Valor Park, and Plaza City Markets.

What do you offer at the markets?

“I’m an artisan soap maker; I have about twenty different varieties. I also make soy candles, lip balms, and essential oil products like skin and hair oils. I’ll be releasing an insect repellent this year. I use shea butter and only essential oils to scent, and like to stress that I’m palm oil free.”

What’s your favorite product?

“I’m known for my Tree Hugger soap, which is a patchouli blend. I also make soap with New South Brewing Company’s beer; they were the first brewery in Myrtle Beach. The beer is really good for the skin and makes a great bubble— and the soap doesn’t smell like beer.”

How long have you been doing this?

“About 12 or 13 years. It’s been a business since 2014, and this is my 7th year with the Waccamaw markets.”

What inspired you to get started?

“I developed allergies and everything really bothered me, so I started making my own products. Initially, I began by selling soap at the brewery. I used to be a paralegal, but then the attorney I worked for had to close his office, so I decided to give the farmers market a try. It’s all I do now.”

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

“The people you meet and working outside.”

Stacy Boezi

Stacy’s Kombucha

Facebook @ Stacy’s Kombucha LLC

Find her at the Surfside Beach and Valor Park Markets.

What do you offer at the markets?

“I offer quart-sized jars of kombucha. I make all kinds of flavors— like fruits, herbs and spices. I’ve done a tomato basil, orange, pineapple, mango, boysenberries, blue huckleberries, and elderberries.”

What are your most popular flavors?

“The most popular are strawberry-banana, and mango. Amongst the sour ones, it’s lemon-ginger turmeric.”

What inspired you to do this?

“Years ago, I heard it was really good for the gut. My husband suffered from acid reflux, so I figured we should give it a try. We bought some at the store, and thought it was disgusting, and decided to make our own. I did, and it healed his gut in three days.

“I began selling it at the farmers market the next year. This is my fifth year at the market. Homemade and store bought kombucha are completely different. Retail kombucha has to be processed in a certain way to control alcohol levels and it takes away a lot of the benefits. It’s more efficacious to have it homemade, and it tastes better too.”

What’s your favorite part of what you do?

“I love to make it, and I love to hear the stories that people tell from their experiences— what they heal in their bodies from drinking it.”

Visit www.waccamawmarkets.org for the most up-to-date vendor list and schedule.

Surfside Beach Farmers Market

May 4 – October 26

Tuesdays

10am – 3pm

Surfside Drive & Willow Drive North

Little River Farmers Market

May 6 – October 28

Thursdays

9am – 2pm

4468 Mineola Ave.

Plaza City Market

May 6 – October 28

Thursdays

5pm – 8pm

819 North Kings Highway

(Nance Plaza)

North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market

May 7 – October 29

Fridays

10am – 3pm

925 1st Ave. S.

Conway Farmers Market

May 1 – October 30

Saturdays

8am – 1pm

Main Street

(Under the bridge)

Valor Park Farmers Market

May 1 – October 30

Saturdays

10am – 3pm

1120 Farrow Parkway

(Market Common )

Broadstep Behavioral Health

October 10, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The therapeutic foster care program, in which adults provide children and teens with support, acceptance, and nurturance, is an integral part of the Broadstep South Carolina program. (Photo Broadstep Behavioral Health) Building Strong Families Through Therapeutic Foster Care by Melissa LaScaleia The belief and mission of Broadstep Behavioral Health is that all children deserve to live in a safe, nurturing home where they can feel valued and loved. It is an organization that helps serve children and families with a range of services that support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. Broadstep, formerly known as Willowglen, is a national organization with programs that are individually directed by state. The Broadstep program in South Carolina is unique in that it pairs children with families through therapeutic foster care to achieve their mission. “We are the first within the entire Broadstep organization to have therapeutic foster care,” says Stella Shellgren, the program’s therapeutic foster care recruiter. Stella forges connections in the community, making those who may need the program’s assistance aware of its existence, as well as the opportunities for growth and support that it provides. She also helps to match children with a home and family that can care for and nurture them properly. Broadstep offers professional teams with clinical coordinators who approach each youth’s situation as the unique case that it is, and help to determine what the goals are for the child or teen— whether it’s reunification with the family, adoption, or independent living. They offer therapy and counseling that is individualized based on each youth’s situation and needs. The therapeutic foster care program, which they began in 2020, is now an integral part of the help Broadstep provides. Within it, Broadstep matches adolescents and teens with dedicated foster parents. And with the help of a team, the therapeutic foster parents provide support to anchor these youth, and help them transition into a healthy, stable way of life. “This relationship between child and foster parent is the foundation of our program’s success, and what sets us apart,” Stella says. “The therapeutic foster parents are our greatest resource and enable us to help children across the state of South Carolina live rich, meaningful lives in the communities they call home. “Being a therapeutic foster parent is about more than just opening your home to someone in need—it’s about opening your heart and your life. When you take in and care for a foster child, you’re giving them something money can’t buy— a helping hand, a home, a family, and someone who wants to share a life with them. As a therapeutic foster parent, you show them through your actions that we all matter, and we all deserve to live life to the fullest.” Stella Shellgren, therapeutic foster care recruiter for Broadstep South Carolina.(Photo Meganpixels Parker/ Latoya Grayson) Broadstep offers residential facilities in addition to foster care, depending on the level of care that the individual needs. Many times the parents have given up their rights to the children, and the children are up for adoption. “There are times and situations where children need more help than foster care,” she adds. “These kids come from all different circumstances that could be anything from poverty, mental illness, divorce, abuse, neglect, and so much more. Some individuals in therapeutic foster care have a few more maladaptive behaviors and need additional support and resources. And that’s what we provide. It’s more intensive than regular foster care, but less restrictive than group homes.” Stella became involved with Broadstep when she first moved to South Carolina. “I had always wanted to help kids,” she says. “I understand what these children are going through because I have a very similar past. I enjoy what I do because I am able to not only empathize with the kids and adults, but I can show the therapeutic foster care parents that these children are more than just their history— because I’ve made something of myself.” Stella hopes to bring greater awareness to the community about what Broadstep is and does. “Not many people know about therapeutic foster care,” she says. “But the need for these youth is astronomical. At the end of 2020, we had 3900 children across South Carolina that needed placement in some sort of care. “We want people who are willing to open their homes to these children. These children need love, compassion and patience as they grow up. They need to be shown the right direction to go. And if people are unable to become a part of the placement, then we are always grateful for donations or contributions of any variety, monetary or with things that the children can call their own.” Broadstep Behavioral Health Globe Phone Map-marked-alt Facebook

Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical— Just Follow the Snowman to Comfort

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Read all about our local business Swift Services HVAC. Should you have a HVAC problem, these are the guys to help you.
by Melissa La Scaleia

Larry’s Auto Clinic

March 22, 2023April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Check out Larry’s Auto Clinic and all of the services they provide for the community.
By Melissa LaScaleia

The Reactivation of the 354th Fighter Day Wing

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Check out this article about the 354th Fighter Day Wing.

All’s Well That Ends Well: Part 5 Finale

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Read all about Charlie’s adventures!
by Melissa LaScaleia

Howard Barnard, Part 2

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Read about Retired Air Force Colonel and Former Squadron Commander, Howard Barnard.
By Melissa LaScaleia

CAN Champion Autism Network

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Becky Large (left) and assistant, Stephanie Olson (right) pose with CAN’s signature golf cart in Surfside. Surfside Beach was designated America’s first Autism-friendly travel destination. (Photo Meganpixels Parker/Latoya Grayson) Come Play With Us, Yes You Can by Melissa LaScaleia Champion Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides traditional family experiences modified for those who have autism. It was founded in Surfside Beach in 2013 by local resident Becky Large. “At the time that I started it, there were a lot of organizations that supported the person with autism, but there didn’t seem to be any that supported the family,” Becky says. “Autism impacts the entire family. When you go to leave the house, the person with autism might experience stress and anxiety and throw a temper tantrum. That can lead to a lot of judgement amongst friends, family and strangers. Your social circle gets smaller, and a lot of times you choose not to go out.” With CAN, Becky and her team create and promote a variety of monthly events that are sensory-friendly, so that the entire family can come out and play. They also spread autism awareness to reduce judgement and support autistic families when out in public. She has made community movie viewing experiences in which the lights are up, the sound is down, and people can move around freely. “Lights, crowds, smells, and loud noises or music can cause stress and overload people with autism,” Becky says. “They are highly susceptible to what’s going on in their environment. Our movies are a different viewing experience, but one in which the entire family can participate. It has a much more balanced effect on the person with autism.” At the monthly birthday bowling bash at the Myrtle Beach Bowl, the house lights are up, the music is off, and it’s a great opportunity for families to have a joyful experience and celebrate everybody’s birthday. “There’s a lot of challenges to being autistic,” Becky says. “It’s not just sensory overload. Many have to learn how to socialize, some are even non-verbal and have to learn how to speak. It’s a tough life. And that trickles down to affect the entire family. Many people are so grateful for the outings we do, because we make it possible for parents and families to socialize and make memories.” To facilitate the memory-making, families with autism can join the CAN Card program, and download a list of local area businesses that participate in the CAN network. Every business in the network offers either a service or a discount to autistic families as a way to show support. Richard Sexton, training for his marathon-a-day. The 60-year-old entrepreneur is running a total of 750 miles with a 25lb slamball to raise awareness and money for Autism. (Photo courtesy of Becky Large) “We’ve been training and certifying businesses, venues, resorts and restaurants as autism friendly in the area locally, since 2015,” Becky says. “Families show their CAN card at participating businesses, and every business offers something different. For some, if there’s a wait and you show your card, you can move to the front of the line. That’s a wonderful thing for families with an autistic child. “The whole impetus behind CAN was to offer support to autistic families and give them a dignified way to acknowledge that they are autistic. When the business participates, the staff knows what to do, where to seat you, and how to treat you, and the business gets patronized from a loyal and growing population.” Businesses have three levels of engagement from which to choose: the participation level offers a discount to autistic families; supportive means the business and 80% of the employees have taken the online training in how to interact with autistic people; and the champion level includes training and safety plan development in the event that an autistic child tries to run away. “If an episode arises, we’ve identified safe areas and communication methods for the team,” Becky says. “If someone runs, everyone knows where to go and what to do including the family, so it’s standardized across the board.” Currently, Becky is celebrating CAN’s recent partnership with Bluegreen Vacations— a national organization that has resorts all over the country. David Boyer, one of the general managers of the organization, has a son on the spectrum. He reached out to Becky to establish an initiative that would transition all of their resorts across the nation to be autism friendly. “This is a huge effort and initiative and we are just thrilled,” Becky says. “We already trained the five Bluegreen properties in the Myrtle Beach area, and by mid June we’ll have completed training for corporate to implement it nationally. Now we can spread our reach of autism awareness.” Becky has a training squad that’s traveling to all the locations nationally. The team will conduct walkthroughs of the property and develop a safety plan in the event there’s an incident. The remainder of the training is held via live webinars online, and also includes training for new employees. Becky Large, founder of Champion Autism Network(CAN), is passionate about bringing support and resources to families with Autism in the community. (Photo Meganpixels Parker/Latoya Grayson) Becky is touched by the support her organization has received in the community since its inception. This year, Richard Sexton, a family friend, is running a full marathon every day from April 28 through May 26, carrying a 25lb slamball he nicknamed Slappy, on his back. He will run a total of 750 miles by the time he is complete. The purpose is to raise awareness for autism as well as $50,000 for CAN. The 60-year-old entrepreneur began his race in Hot House, North Carolina, on the border of Tennessee. Over the course of 28 days, he is traversing South Carolina and will finish in Surfside Beach— the first autism friendly travel destination in the country. The day he finishes is also his 25th wedding anniversary. “Slappy represents the challenges that people … Read more

Strawberry Shortcake

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Check our new Recipe for this month’s edition. It’s that time of the year for fresh fruits and springy flavors.

Q&A with Jessica & Jake Lowery and Family

June 15, 2022April 29, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Read all about Jessica and Jake Lowery’s family and the Power of Elderberries.

James Howell Howard Recipient of the Military’s Highest Honor

June 15, 2022April 23, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

A WWII Media Sensation and Author by Melissa LaScaleia Howard Avenue in the Market Common is named after a notable member of the United States Air Force. Born to American parents in Canton, China on April 13, 1913, James Howell Howard moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri in 1927. He graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California in 1937, intending to pursue a career in medicine. But the thrills of a military life during World War II called to him, and he became a P-40 fighter pilot with the famous American Volunteer Group— the Flying Tigers, in Burma, instead. He flew 56 missions and was credited with shooting down six Japanese airplanes. Following that group’s disbandment, James returned to the U.S., joined the Air Force, and in 1943, was promoted to major and given command of the 356th Fighter Squadron in the United Kingdom. On January 11, 1944, James made the choice that would earn him a promotion to lieutenant colonel, and the United States military’s highest decoration— the Medal of Honor. He is the only fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to receive this distinction. He single-handedly flew his P-51 Mustang into some thirty Luftwaffe fighters that were attacking a formation of American B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Oschersleben, Germany. For more than a half-hour, James defended the bombers of the 401st Bomb Group against the swarm of Luftwaffe fighters, attacking the enemy airplanes and shooting down six. At a press conference the following week, James described the attack to reporters, including the BBC, the Associated Press, CBS reporter Walter Cronkite, and Andy Rooney, then a reporter for Stars and Stripes. The story was a media sensation, prompting articles such as “Mustang Whip” in The Saturday Evening Post, “Fighting at 425 Miles Per Hour” in Popular Science, and “One Man Air Force” in True, The Man’s Magazine. The New York Times reported on January 19, 1944, that after James’ plane ran out of ammunition, he continued to dive on enemy airplanes. “An attack by a single fighter on four or five times his own number wasn’t uncommon,” wrote a fellow World War II fighter pilot in his postwar memoirs of James’ performance. “But a deliberate attack by a single fighter against thirty plus enemy fighters without tactical advantage of height or surprise is rare almost to the point of extinction.” After he retired, James told his great military exploits in his autobiography, Roar of the Tiger, as well as founding a successful systems engineering business, Howard Research. James passed away in 1995, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Coastal Insider April Edition

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Click to view APRIL 2021 Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM April is one of my favorite months for a variety of reasons. Here in Myrtle Beach, spring is finally and fully here. Unlike many other climates, we do not receive the steady rains that mark the advent of spring. Instead, temperatures hover around the 60s and 70s, with mostly sun. It’s really perfect weather. April is also my birthday month! And I usually plan something joyful to do with my family and friends. This year, my birthday falls on the day before Easter. Last year on my birthday, everything in Myrtle Beach had just closed due to Covid. I went for a long walk outside with my boyfriend and a Taco Bell drive-thru afterwards. Even though I don’t have definitive plans for how I’ll spend the day at the time of this being published, I’m looking forward to spending it more engaged with our community. Spring is a great time to explore all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Even as a resident, I’m excited to spend time discovering new venues or revisiting old favorites. One of the things on my spring go-to wish-list is a visit to Topgolf. While I don’t consider myself a golfer in any sense, every time I go there I have a blast. I really enjoy getting to spend time with my friends in a different environment. I have a pretty terrible swing, and it’s a lot of fun to let loose for a while, hitting the ball as hard as I can— and hoping for the best. For many years this area has been established as a golf destination; there are over 100 courses along the Grand Strand. Our front page article this month highlights some of the best and brightest to inspire your own spring fancies. Whether you’re a budding golf enthusiast, or a serious player, there’s sure to be something on our list to appeal to every taste, style, and ability. Happy exploring and happy spring season! Rachel Ogg

Coastal Home Insider April Edition

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Coastal Insider and Coastal Home Insider From entertainment, leisure and beaches to local businesses and community, we bring it closer to you. Plus advertising with us is in alignment with our mission! * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Insider Issue Click to view Coastal Insider * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Home Insider Issue Click to view Home Insider Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM April is one of my favorite months for a variety of reasons. Here in Myrtle Beach, spring is finally and fully here. Unlike many other climates, we do not receive the steady rains that mark the advent of spring. Instead, temperatures hover around the 60s and 70s, with mostly sun. It’s really perfect weather. April is also my birthday month! And I usually plan something joyful to do with my family and friends. This year, my birthday falls on the day before Easter. Last year on my birthday, everything in Myrtle Beach had just closed due to Covid. I went for a long walk outside with my boyfriend and a Taco Bell drive-thru afterwards. Even though I don’t have definitive plans for how I’ll spend the day at the time of this being published, I’m looking forward to spending it more engaged with our community. Spring is a great time to explore all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Even as a resident, I’m excited to spend time discovering new venues or revisiting old favorites. One of the things on my spring go-to wish-list is a visit to Topgolf. While I don’t consider myself a golfer in any sense, every time I go there I have a blast. I really enjoy getting to spend time with my friends in a different environment. I have a pretty terrible swing, and it’s a lot of fun to let loose for a while, hitting the ball as hard as I can— and hoping for the best. For many years this area has been established as a golf destination; there are over 100 courses along the Grand Strand. Our front page article this month highlights some of the best and brightest to inspire your own spring fancies. Whether you’re a budding golf enthusiast, or a serious player, there’s sure to be something on our list to appeal to every taste, style, and ability. Happy exploring and happy spring season! Rachel Ogg

Golfing the Grand Strand

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Top Courses You Don't Want to Miss

by Melissa LaScaleia

Myrtle Beach has long been renowned as a golfing destination, as the Grand Strand provides golf enthusiasts with seemingly endless options for picturesque and challenging links accompanied by mostly sunny skies and balmy temperatures.

With over 80 courses dotting the area, it’s no wonder that Myrtle Beach is proclaimed the Golf Capital of the World. But with so many to choose from, how is one to pick where to tee-off from next?

Below, we’ve compiled a golf guide to help golfers and would-be golfers with this dilemma.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years and have your own list of favorites, we’re sure you’ll find something to delight you in our list.

We polled the golf-lovers at both our Insider and Real Living Home Realty offices to learn their thoughts on which are their favorites and why, and have included some bits of history and other fun facts as well.

What follows, in no particular order, are our top choices for golf venues we think are the most memorable.

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club

70 Tanglewood Drive

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

843-237-6000

www.pawleysplantation.com

This course is a Jack Nicklaus signature design, and touted by a few as one of the most memorable layouts in the area. The back nine are on the marsh, giving you the surreal feeling that you’re playing golf from the water of the Inlet itself.

This course is part of the Prime Times Founders Collection courses, which represent the best of what Myrtle Beach has to offer. It is consistently ranked at the top by Golf Insider magazine.

Pawley’s Plantation offers one, two, three, and four bedroom villas with golf course views for your next golf getaway, special event, family vacation or business retreat.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club

9000 North Ocean Boulevard

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

843-449-5236

www.thedunesclub.com/golf

In 1948, a little-known architect named Robert Trent Jones was commissioned to design the layout of The Dunes Club. Seventy years later, he is hailed as one of the all-time greatest golf course architects ever to have touched the earth.

This semi-private signature course has a rating of 76.1 and a slope rating of 148.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club stands as a “Top 100 Golf Course” in virtually every major magazine ranking. The club has played host to many PGA Tours, Senior PGA Tours, USGA Championships, Women’s, Amateur, National, Collegiate, and State events. Today, it measures an impressive 7,450 yards; renovations are overseen by Rees Jones, son of the original designer, to maintain the original design intent but keep the course up-to-date to meet the needs of the modern golfer.

The Dunes Club is a challenging championship course designed on ideal land for golf: sandy, rolling terrain along the ocean with magnificent trees framing the fairways. It’s a great place to practice with your irons. It’s right on the ocean, with lightning fast greens. Each hole has its own descriptive name to give golfers an idea of what to expect before they tee off. “Waterloo,” hole #13, is the signature hole of the Dunes Course. Famous worldwide, it is a legendary hole where Lake Singleton comes into play for a severe dogleg right. “Waterloo” has received every accolade and award as one of the greatest golf holes in the world.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

369 Caledonia Dr.

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

843-237-3675

www.caledoniagolfandfishclub.com

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has earned myriad awards and accolades since its opening in 1994. It is a “Consensus Top 100 Public Course,” and consistently included as a “must-play” course year after year in publications like Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golf Channel.

From its entrance lined with centuries-old live oaks, and its amazing azalea bushes and flower beds, Caledonia is regal and visually gorgeous. The club is the first solo design of late, great golf course architect Mike Strantz, who approached design as an artist, rather than an engineer.

His exceptionally creative eye is reflected in the way he sculpted Caledonia’s 18 holes, with large, creative greens guarded at times by ponds, streams and imposing bunkers. A round of golf at Caledonia has been described as, “a beautiful day in a floral nature park.”

The 6,526-yard, par-70 course is routed around majestic oaks and meandering streams. The greens are always in phenomenal shape, and the finishing holes, especially number 18, are noteworthy. The clubhouse houses an award-winning pro shop and restaurant.

Land records from the 1800s indicate that Caledonia was, at one time, one of the largest rice plantations in the area. The Scottish owner, Dr. Robert Nesbit, bestowed the same name upon his property that the Romans gave his homeland— Caledonia. In 1971, a large part of the plantation was purchased to use as a hunting and fishing preserve. Members would meet, cook dinner together and socialize at the lodge. It is this fellowship and tradition that inspired the design and construction of the golf course.

As sportsmen, the owners aimed to build a course that preserved as much of the land’s natural beauty as possible. As Southerners, they wanted to create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that visitors from around the country and the world would remember fondly.

The goal of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club remains that each guest look back on his or her day not just as a round of golf, but as an overall Lowcountry experience.

Prestwick Country Club

1001 Links Road

Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

843-293-4100

www.prestwickcountryclub.com

Prestigious Prestwick has the look and feel of a private club, but is open to the public. The course was designed by Pete & P.B. Dye, and is proclaimed their masterpiece course. It includes some of the most beautifully sculpted holes in the area. It was ranked 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.

Prestwick is one of the most challenging courses along the Grand Strand, as it has narrow fairways, lots of trees, and the rolling greens are fast. The undulating green hills make it difficult to get a low score, as you have to read it properly.

This Par 72 beauty plays over 7000 yards from the Black Tees. But Prestwick has six sets of tees to fit every golfer’s game. The 9th hole provides an amazing finish to the front nine.

When playing Prestwick, you forget you’re playing at the beach, as the course is in the forest on the front side and links style on the backside. The condition of the course remains excellent throughout the year.

Wachesaw Plantation Club

1930 Governors Landing PO Box 1538

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

843-357-1263

www.wachesaw.com/Play/Golf

This is a private club, but so lovely, we had to include it on our list. Crafted by internationally acclaimed Tom Fazio, Wachesaw was designed to take advantage of the site’s inherent beauty and interesting elevation changes not typically found in the Carolina Low Country.

The unexpected rolling fairways are thoughtfully designed to weave through the giant oaks strategically placed on the course. This unique setup provides golfers of varying skill a memorable and challenging, yet enjoyable experience. You can expect the 700 acres to be in fantastic shape at any time, and always rolling perfectly.

Wachesaw also boasts tennis, a pool, waterfront dining, and social activities in a relaxed, welcoming, and elegant setting in Murrells Inlet.

Litchfield Golf and Country Club

619 Country Club Dr.

Pawleys Plantation, SC 29585

877-283-2122

www.litchfieldgolf.com

Litchfield Golf and Country Club serves up a country club environment without the country club prices. Designed by Willard Byrd, this course won’t beat up most players. It’s a shorter course, and tends to be a favorite amongst the older crowd.

Measuring at less than 6,700 yards from the back tees, it’s easier to get a good score. The dogleg-happy round includes significant bends on at least eight different holes, forcing players to make the most of their tee and second shots. After that, forgiving approach zones open up the possibility of bump-and-run golf and negating many of the issues associated with small greens.

Tournament Players Club Myrtle Beach

1199 Tpc Blvd.

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

843-357-3399

www.tpcmyrtlebeach.com

TPC Myrtle Beach’s very challenging 18-hole, 72 par PGA Tour-caliber course features elevation changes, undulating greens, and Tour-quality bunkers. It is a course designed to treat golfers to the experience of what it must be like to be a PGA Touring professional.

The course backs up to Collins Creek, and is surrounded by environmentally-protected natural wetlands with thriving red oaks and thick pine forests.

With 5,118–6,950 total yardage, the course has a rating of 74.0 and a slope rating of 145. Five tees make play enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Known as a very difficult course, with water in play on ten of the eighteen holes, the most challenging holes include #17, with its long downhill par 3 over water to a peninsula-shaped green, and #9, with its long par 4 uphill. Hole #18, with its par 5 difficult green complex, promises a high risk-reward factor. Their superior practice areas – putting green, chipping green, and grass driving range – are popular in the off-season with Touring golf professionals.

The Aero Club Short Course

3101 S Kings Hwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

843-444-5442

Facebook @ The Aero Club – Short Course

Myrtle Beach local Chip Smith opened this short course— a fantastic place to work on your short game— pitching, chipping and putting. At 2.5 miles long, with the longest hole being 110 yards, you can finish this 18 hole par 3 course in 1.5 hours, carrying your clubs and walking. It’s located just outside the Market Common, and you can see the beach from the course. Enjoy some views, get some exercise, hone your technique, and fit it into your day with ease— it’s a win-win all the way around.

Topgolf Myrtle Beach

2850 Robert Grissom Pkwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

843-945-3318

www.topgolf.com/us/myrtle-beach

This three-level sports entertainment complex has been dubbed as the evolutionary concept for practicing golf. Their indoor driving range with climate-controlled hitting bays is open until midnight, and is equipped with a rooftop terrace with a fire pit and a full service restaurant and bar that does not skimp on quality.

Topgolf has made socializing a sport through a blend of technology and entertainment— this is a low-pressure environment that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game, and an experience geared around having fun.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

“The Warthog” by Melissa LaScaleia The A-10 Thunderbolt II was developed in the 1960s for the United States Air Force by the OEM team from Fairchild Republic Company. The military commissioned a new close-air support aircraft that would be an improvement to the legendary P-47 Thunderbolt used in the latter part of WWII— one that was rugged; survivable for pilots; and with the ultimate goal of providing superior protection to combat troops on the ground. In response, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately nicknamed “The Warthog,” was developed. It was equipped with dramatic low altitude and low speed maneuverability; accurate weapons delivery; “get home safe” survivability; and mission capable maintainability. This design featured a titanium encasement that protected the pilot from injury, and dually redundant flight control systems that allowed the pilot to fly the aircraft out of enemy range, despite severe damage such as complete loss of hydraulic capability. It also had short takeoff and landing capability, making it ideal for unpredictable terrain and territory abroad. And its simplicity of design meant that bases with limited facilities in war-time settings would still be able to service it. The first prototype Thunderbolt II made its initial flight on May 10, 1972; production of the craft commenced in 1975. The aircraft was first delivered to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in July 1977, and was that base’s primary aircraft. The Warthog has a span of 57 feet, 6 inches; it is 53 feet, 4 inches long; 17 feet, 8 inches high; and weighs 47,000 lb. It is equipped with two 9,000 lb engines. It can reach maximum speeds of 450 mph; cruising speed is 335 mph; and it costs $2.4 million. Aircraft and technology constantly change in the military. In the ’90s, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force disagreed on the fate of the A-10: the Army wanted to keep the aircraft in rotation, believing it was “a powerful close-air support asset.” The Air Force wanted to do away with it, believing it was limited in its capacity to low-threat environments. The Air Force’s choice to phase out the A-10 aircraft was one of the contributing factor’s that lead to the closing of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, as the base was a hub housing that aircraft. The decision to keep the A-10 in the military line-up came after the decision was made to close the base. The A-10 is still in use by the military today; the aircraft has been continuously modernized over the years. After its closing and the area subsequently redeveloped, Warbird Park was created in the Market Common to commemorate the history not only of the base itself, but of the illustrious history of the memorable and lovable A-10, as it was when the base was active. Today, visitors can stop by the outdoor area of the park to see one of the original A-10s that used to be in service at the base.

The Pert, No-Nonsense Easter Bunny Saves The Day: Part 4

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together. This month Charlie gets used to life as an elephant dog, and goes on a quest with Juliano to find a solution to his physiognomy. Continued from last month. Click here to read. I’m unclear if my new physique as an elephant dog is permanent unless Juliano can figure out how to undo what he did. But given his track record, I feel safer staying as I am rather than risking any further alterations to my manly doggie form. I feel psychologically uneasy however, by a sudden desire to eat leaves rather than salmon. Juliano is crestfallen, and I’m motivated to move. We need to find someone to help me change shape, and get rid of the baby chicks before I accidentally step on one. There seem to be a lot of creatures in Snowglobe world with unusual talents— and I think our best plan is to head for the palace and see if Spring has any ideas. Juliano agrees, though neither one of us knows where it is. We head off on a hike for several hours (accompanied by the chicks), my desire for bamboo shoots escalating by the minute. Now it seems we’ve entered a different part of the forest. Everything seems more gentle and there’s a homey kind of warmth to it. There are azalea bushes growing, even though they are covered in snow. The trees here are craggy, with little hidey-holes tucked amongst there roots. I slow down, feeling confident we’re about to meet someone. And we do. A pretty little nose twitches investigatively from the confines of one of the boroughs, followed by a spectacular set of velvet-looking ears and a plump torso. A petite bunny emerges fully and stops and stares at us and our retinue. She cocks her head to one side inquiringly, and then falls to the ground, laughing so hard she’s crying. I must look waaay worse than I thought. “What are you!?” she manages at last. “I am an elephant dog,” I reply, surprised by how calmly I am able to utter the words. “And this, is Juliano, the leprechaun.” This sets her off again, and I’m unclear if it’s leftover mirth from my appearance, Juliano’s name, the chicks, or all of it. “How did this happen?” she asks. Juliano again becomes crestfallen and even I feel put out. Seeing our faces, she interjects: “Let me guess. Two boys got together and decided to play with magic and this was the result?” Unable to deny the truth of her words, we look sheepishly at the ground and she again bursts into fits of laughter. “Well, you’re in luck today, for real,” she emphasizes. “Because I think I can help you out of your jam.” We both perk up at those words. “Really? How?” I ask. “I am the Easter Bunny,” she declares airily. “And everyone knows that I’m magic. I can put you back to rights. But it will cost you.” “Alright,” I say swallowing hard, and preparing myself mentally for what she might demand. Will she want all my dog treats? Or worse, to dress me up too?! But I ultimately decide that life as me with some restrictions is better than eating trees forever as a hybrid mammal. “Please put me back.” “Close your eyes,” she instructs me. As I do, I feel my nose beginning to shrink, and suddenly I feel familiar again. “Yippee!,” I exclaim, “I’m me again!” Juliano is as overjoyed and relieved as I am. “How can we ever repay you?” he asks. “I can grant you three wishes…” “Good grief no!” she says laughingly. “I’d like that tutu. And the baby chicks. I need some help laying all the eggs I have to deliver for Easter. And pink is my favorite color. Plus the ruffles suit me.” “Absolutely!” We both exclaim at once. All’s well that ends well, I guess, and everything can be appreciated by someone out there. Until next time, To be continued. Click here to read…

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

June 23, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The devoted team of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. From left to right: Kevin Reed, Jack Luber, and Jocelyn Dewey. Serving homeowners along the Grand Strand and beyond, to give peace of mind when you’re away. Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Do you live out of state or country but own property along the Grand Strand or Waccamaw Neck? Do you have a rental property that you market through VRBO or Airbnb and need a local partner to oversee details to keep your guests happy? Do you worry that while you aren’t here, damage could happen to your home and it wouldn’t be discovered until you came back? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should consider using the services of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. “So many things can happen while you aren’t here, things that could be disastrous if they go undiscovered,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Jack Luber. “HVAC failures, water leaks, mold, insect and rodent infestation — even unwanted human guests. When storms and hurricanes are headed towards our coast, what kind of procedures do you have in place?” Years ago, Jack lived on the New Jersey Shore and owned a second home in Surfside Beach. Like many people, he felt secure when he was away from his vacation property because it was part of an HOA which had a property manager. He assumed they were keeping an eye on things. Jack found out the hard way, after his Surfside house endured a water leak, that they only maintain the common areas, and that it was his responsibility to make sure there were no problems with his home. The ensuing costs of time, money and stress inspired him to look for a service provider to help manage his property when he was out of town. But he was unable to find any professional company offering a comprehensive service. This realization was the spark that led to him open Coastal Carolina Home Watch in 2005. “I needed someone to be my eyes and ears,” he says. “Someone to let me know exactly what was happening and act on my behalf and at my direction if a problem was discovered. I knew that if I needed this kind of help, others must too.” Over the years, in addition to home checks, Jack’s company has evolved to include such comprehensive services as: concierge, keyholder, arranging for contractors and service people, cleaning, rental assistance (VRBO and Airbnb), alarm response, pre-and-post-storm services, and handyman services. Coastal Carolina Home Watch does their job with pride and confidence; and they know how much their clients love what they do and how they do it. “When a client engages our company, they know that confidentiality and privacy are our priorities,” Jack says. “They know that we will communicate and report to them using reports that include pictures or videos, and that we use a customized checklist that is time and date stamped that shows our location via geolocation. They know that we carry not only general, but professional liability as well as workers compensation insurance. We even carry a cyber policy. The idea is to eliminate as many worries as possible from having people in their home.” Kevin Reed inspects every inch of the kitchen. Jocelyn inspecting the chandelier. Previous Next Team members Kevin Reed and Jocelyn Dewey have seen a much-increased need for Home Watch over the past year. “With all of the snowbirds and seasonal residents holding back on coming to the beach because of the pandemic, more people have signed up with us,” Kevin says. “They have homes, but do not want to come back until things become more settled.” “Our Canadian clients were called back home before they would have gone back in a normal year,” Jocelyn adds. “And now, with the Canadian travel restrictions, they need us more than ever.” Because home watch is not a recognized nor regulated business in the U.S. and Canada, Jack founded the National Home Watch Association in 2009. “There are many companies that have the keys and alarm codes to people’s homes and performing what they say is home watch,” Jack says. “But most do not have insurance, bonding or any safety protocols. You could ask a neighbor, friend, or an acquaintance, but if he or she misses something or makes a mistake that causes damage, what then? What if things go missing or your home is used while you aren’t there?” Jack serves as the executive director of the National Home Watch Association, which sets standards, policies and procedures for the industry, as well as accredits its companies. The NHWA has members throughout the U.S., Canada, and now Australia. Coastal Carolina Home Watch became the first member accredited by the NHWA in 2010; its entire team has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professionals. “Coastal Carolina Home Watch is who you call when you need people to visit your home on a scheduled basis, to look for obvious issues, and let you know what is happening in an accurate, concise, and timely manner,” Jocelyn says. “We are the people that you can depend on to look after your best interests when you can’t be there to do that for yourself.” “We will monitor work being performed and service companies that you are paying to provide service — whether you are here or not,” Kevin says. “Even if you have cameras, a security system, the Ring, or a Nest, you still need someone close by to respond if there is an issue. We fill that gap.” “Whatever it is that you need, whatever concerns you may have, we have the local knowledge, education, experience, and the know-how to get things completed or arranged for you in the most professional and cost-effective way possible,” Jack adds. “From Debordieu Colony and Prince George on the Waccamaw Neck, to Grande Dunes and Cherry Grove in the north, and the Golden Mile and the Market Common … Read more

United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store 501(c)(3)

June 23, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Alan Marlow (above) began United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store to fund the purchase and distribution of essential hygiene products for Myrtle Beach’s homeless population, thereby empowering them with a tool to gain employment and begin a new life. Changing Lives One Person at a Time by Melissa LaScaleia United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store 501(c)(3) is a hidden gem of a secondhand store with a big-hearted mission: to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in our community who are less fortunate than others. All of the proceeds from the sale of goods from the store are used to purchase much needed hygiene products for the homeless, and everyone who participates with the organization, from the founder to those who fold the clothes, are volunteers. The store was started several years ago by Alan Marlow. Alan grew up in Powell, Tennessee, where the community was divided between those who had and those who didn’t. He remembers an abandoned building on the other side of the railroad tracks in town which he knew, at the age of eight, housed a family or two. “There were so many kids in school that had nothing,” he says. “And I saw how people truly struggled, and how some just couldn’t do it. There were kids who came to school literally in rags. And it was incredibly sad.” The disparity made a big impression on Alan. But the biggest impression was to come later, when one of his relatives became too friendly with an unhealthy crowd and ended up homeless. “She was in nursing school and made an awful choice and just couldn’t get out,” he says of the situation. In 2017, when Alan and his wife retired to Myrtle Beach, the long idle days began to make him restless, and his past experiences inspired a desire in him to empower the homeless in our community— and help support them in getting out of their hopeless situation. “Homeless people don’t get the hygiene products they need, like toothpaste or deodorant, either because they don’t have the money, or because SNAP, the government food funding program, doesn’t cover these products,” he says. “We want homeless people to get out of the situation they’re in, to gain employment. But how possible is that without proper hygiene? “It’s something most people don’t think of as a priority when thinking about homeless people, but it’s a necessity. Especially psychologically, it boosts their morale and confidence, so they are more active and productive. If you are unable to even meet your basic hygiene needs, how likely are you to be able to be inspired to gain employment?” For Alan, hearing people’s stories has been an oftentimes eye-opening experience. “Everybody that we help has a story and most of the time, it’s not what people think,” he says. “Some people have been laid off from a job. That’s why we’re really trying to help them get back on track and back into the community.” One of Alan’s goals is to work with the school system to provide a monthly hygiene pack for children in need. “There are a lot of children who are impoverished as well and need support, but so many too, who are in need not only of food, but also just a shower and basic hygiene products,” he says. “These basics can help to boost their self-esteem and help them to feel better about themselves at an age where being accepted by your peers and having friends is healthy and important. “Some people just don’t have the bare basics to survive. If you are so disadvantaged and someone is not willing to help, you’re always going to be stuck where you are. There’s no climbing out. If you don’t have money, then you’re shunned and nobody wants to be around you. For most people, there’s not a whole lot you can do to help everybody. You can’t save the world, but if you can help a few, that’s something. And that’s what we aim to do.” In Tennessee, Alan had friends from church who managed thrift stores, so he was familiar with the concept. He established United Ministries Thrift Store as a nonprofit, so that he could maximize the amount of financial assistance that would be available to purchase supplies for the homeless. The more he sells, the more hygiene products for the homeless he is able to provide. “I’ve been to a couple of thrift stores in this area and they don’t have the same level of quality that we have,” Alan says. “I feel we are blessed with the quality of goods that we receive, but I want the community to know that we always need more donations, and if you’re cleaning out the closets in your home, we hope you’ll choose to donate to us.” United Outreach Ministries carries a wide variety of products for sale: clothing, furniture, books, toys, housewares, appliances, pictures and electronics— some that are gently used, and some that are brand new with the tags still attached. They receive new furniture donations from a local company’s showroom floor every 5-6 weeks, as well as new display mattresses. Alan prices the furniture at less than half of what it would sell for in the store. “Often people come and are expecting yard sale prices, but they’re missing the point of what we do,” he says. “It’s to help those in our community who really need help, including children. It’s important to keep that in mind when shopping here.” Alan is selective in the clothing he puts out to ensure that he has high quality garments that people will want to buy and wear, and thus maximize the amount of donations he receives. The store carries a wide array of products, and always welcomes donations of goods, time, or money to help support their cause of changing people’s lives in the community. “Our customers come from all walks of life, whether they’re on a budget or more affluent,” he says. “There’s … Read more

Celebrating Easter In North Myrtle Beach

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

by Emily Smith Here on the Grand Strand, our community is celebrating spring with a series of events in North Myrtle Beach that extend all month long. LuLu’s in Barefoot Landing, hosts an annual Easter EGGstravaganza on Easter Sunday, April 4, from morning until early afternoon. There will be an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter bunny, and crafts. Last year’s event was virtual; this year’s is planned for outside at the playground to keep everyone safe while having fun. Visit Facebook@lulusnorthmyrtlebeach for full details and the latest information on weather and planning. Also in the Barefoot Landing area, The House of Blues is known for their Sunday brunches; their Easter gospel celebration is particularly acclaimed. For Easter Sunday, reservations are strongly encouraged. The show lasts from 9am to 2pm. Call 843-913-3746 and visit Facebook@HOBMyrtleBeach for more information. Many churches in the city will be offering sunrise services Easter morning; most also offer online streaming should participants prefer that option. Below is a short list of worship centers in the area and their contact information for you to plan the best Easter Sunday for you and your family. The Barefoot Church on Main Street will perform services throughout the day with the last around 5pm. This church also conducts sunrise baptisms on the beach Easter morning. Contact them at 843-280-1270; and www.linktr.ee/barefootchurch. The King of Glory Lutheran Church, located at 805 11th Avenue, also holds multiple morning services. Contact them at 843-249-3954; and Facebook@/KOBNMB. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds at least four masses in the morning, from sunrise to noon, plus two services in the Spanish language. They are located at 1100 8th Avenue North. Contact them at 843-249-2356; and www.olssnmb.com. Trinity United Methodist Church plans to hold sunrise services both in the church and on the beach, and will also provide live streaming so participants can attend virtually. They are located at 706 14th Avenue South. Contact them at 843-272-5236; and www.trinitynmb.com. Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church holds services at 9:15am and 11am. They are located at 410 6th Avenue South. Contact them at 843-249-2312; and www.oceandrivechurch.org. For more information click on the icons below. Globe Phone

American Red Cross, Sound The Alarm Campaign

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

American Red Cross, Sound The Alarm Campaign by Melissa LaScaleia This April and May, the American Red Cross is once again running their national Sound the Alarm campaign. The annual event focusses on home fire safety and prevention techniques to mitigate the occurrence and devastation of home fires. Each Red Cross region around the country runs their own campaign for their area, and every year, a different city and county is selected in which to execute the campaign. “Based on statistics from local fire departments on the number and locations of home fires they’ve seen in the past, they can help us identify which areas of the state where a campaign like this, focused on education and assistance, would be really beneficial to the community,” says Ben Williamson, Regional Communications Director for American Red Cross, Palmetto SC region. The campaign was launched in 2014 in response to the number of home fires the Red Cross saw, occurring regularly, across the country. Red Cross partnered with local fire departments, and volunteers would canvas the neighborhoods of the selected city, installing smoke alarms for people who didn’t have any, testing current smoke alarms, and replacing batteries. They would also go over home safety protocol with families, and help them build an escape plan in the event of a fire. “Every family should be able to have everyone out of their house in two minutes or less,” says Ben. “All the statistics show if there’s a fire, that’s how long you have to get out before you’re trapped inside.” Last year’s event was canceled due to Covid, but this year, it’s returning. In April and May, Red Cross will utilize the services of dozens of volunteers, board members, and potentially other community organizations, that will work in coordination with local fire departments across the state to host a virtual state-wide event to do two things: check families’ smoke alarms, and develop a home fire safety plan. Red Cross and the local fire department recommend that every family have working smoke alarms in every room of their home. “Volunteers will reach out to families, providing guidance and instruction on how to test, replace, or install smoke alarms themselves; or how to get them repaired if necessary; and to help them create a home-fire escape plan,” Ben says. “They’ll also provide guidance on how to teach children— making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. “What usually makes headlines are big disasters,” he adds. “But home fires are by far the local disaster that we respond to the most— on average, six per day across the state. Home fires claim significantly more lives each year than any other natural disaster nationwide. We hear all the time people say: ‘Oh, it will never happen to me. It will never be my house, never be my family. That won’t happen.’ They say that until that does happen. So we’re trying to make families prepared and take it seriously.” Since the inception of the campaign in 2014, Red Cross has been credited with saving 78 lives through this work across South Carolina— either through people who have had fires in their homes but had functioning alarms, or a plan that allowed them to escape. Since 2014, across the state, Red Cross, in conjunction with local fire departments, has installed more than 85,000 smoke alarms in homes across the state. “Either through smoke alarm installations or creating home fire safety plans, we’ve made more than 26,000 homes across the state safer,” Ben adds. Before Covid, anyone could reach out to Red Cross, from any city or county, at any point, and request that they come and install smoke alarms in their home. Whether you didn’t have them, or didn’t know how to install them, Red Cross was there to help. “We have temporarily suspended this service,” Ben says. “But we hope in the very near future to reinstate that service again, as we continue to see more and more people get vaccinated.” You can help Red Cross with their Sound the Alarm campaign and help support their mission of home safety in two ways, with a donation of money, or time. Visit www.redcross.org today to donate funds which will help provide essential materials like batteries and smoke alarms. You can also volunteer your time to help spread their message. American Red Cross Globe

Howard Barnard, Part 1

June 15, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Howard Barnard was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force with an illustrious career. He served in Vietnam, the Panama Canal Zone, the Pentagon, and here, in Myrtle Beach, when the Air Force Base was in operation. Retired Air Force Colonel and Former Squadron Commander at MBAF Base, Howard Barnard 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 Howard Barnard 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 in Albany, Georgia. After high school, I went through ROTC training at the University of Georgia. I got married to my wife, Connie, in college, and graduated in 1967 and joined the United States Air Force. I had wanted to fly and be a fighter pilot ever since I could remember. My hometown of Albany was home to Turner Air Force Base, and as a youngster, I was an Eagle Scout in my church. The Assistant Scout Masters were pilots at the base, and they inspired me to want to join the Air Force. And, when I was in high school, I dated a couple of girls who had fathers that were in the Air Force. One of them was a pilot; he drove a fancy sports car. And both took me to the Officer’s Club in town to go swimming. I thought that was an amazing thing. I thought my girlfriends were exotic— they had lived all over the world. That pushed me even more towards a career in the Air Force. I was first stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta— 90 miles from my home in the same region. Then I went into the pipeline for Southeast Asia— that was the prerequisite training that you had to complete to prepare you for war. I went through fighter pilot training and then learned how to fly the OV-10— a twin-engine, turbo-prop observation aircraft. After that, I ended up at Nakhon, Phanom, Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. I flew one year in combat— about 250 sorties, and about 800 hours of combat time in Laos, North Vietnam. I flew in a program called Cricket West that worked to support the Laotian army. I flew with a Laotian army officer in my back seat who was the lookout for targets to hit. One day, he told me that he always flew with a statue of Buddha in his pocket. And he wanted to give me a Buddha too. He told me that his Buddha only protected him, but he wanted to protect his pilot too. I’m a good Presbyterian boy, but I thought, this is a good idea. So we went out the next day— both with Buddhas. That day we spotted a Polish truck that had supplies in the back, and I called for a set of fighters to come and destroy the truck. He couldn’t see the truck after we spotted it, so I made a low pass to get a better view. After the flight, I got a call from my maintenance officer who told me that I had 18 holes in my airplane. So I called the Laotian officer and I said to him, ‘How come the first day I flew with you and your Buddha, we got 18 holes in our airplane?’ And he said, ‘Maybe if we don’t have Buddhas, we not come back.’” I still have that Buddha to this day. It’s an ancient one, and a cherished souvenir. If you shake it it makes noise, because it has a prayer scroll inside of it. I stayed a year in Southeast Asia, then I went to the Canal Zone in Panama and flew A-37s for four years. It was a great time. Every time I got in a plane and flew, from my first flight to my last flight, I could not believe that I lived in such a great country that would pay me to fly fighter airplanes; and I still feel that way. The beloved Buddha of good fortune. Colonel Barnard received this Buddha as protection from a Laotian officer he flew with during Vietnam. His plane was shot at but never shot down, and he keeps it as a cherished souvenir to this day. In Panama, I was part of the 605 Special Operations Squadron. We had a two-fold mission. The first was air defense of the Panama Canal; the second was counter-insurgency and training missions for Central and South American Air Forces. This was the time when the special forces helped the Venezuelans eliminate Che Guevara. We took military training teams all over Central and South America, teaching pilots how to fly in combat. I was a young captain at the time. I also went to jump school, and jump master school, and became a parachutist. I left Panama in 1974, and was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I was an Air Liaison Officer (ALO) with the Second Brigade, 82nd Airborne— a division known as the “All American.” I spent two years with them and had a great time; I participated in jump operations all over the U.S. One day, at Fort Bragg, the military organized a jump from a helicopter into a lake to practice water landings. They asked me to participate in the exercises because of my experience. They have rubber boats with outboard motors on them that pick you up after you land in the water. It … Read more

St. James Dentistry

June 23, 2022March 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The team of St. James Dentistry pride themselves on being partners in their patients’ dental health. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) Partners In Your Oral Care by Melissa LaScaleia St. James Dentistry is a full-service general dentistry practice, which focusses on cutting-edge technology to offer the best care to their patients. Dr. David Savage, who runs the practice, was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated with a degree in dentistry at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, in 2010. At his clinic, Dr. Savage values staying current with the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques. “Our office is as up-to-date with sterilization protocols and equipment as it can be,” he says. “We do a lot of digital dentistry, 3D dental CT, and digital x-rays, as well as digital impressions, and in-office milled crowns. All the equipment helps aid better dental treatment. “We’re a growing dental practice in a growing area. I’m excited by all this growth; and I have a wonderful team.” Brittany Pinson, one such team member since 2012, is an expanded-duty dental assistant. She works closely with Dr. Savage and his patients, assisting during procedures like crowns and fillings. The clinic— located on Holmestown Road in a picturesque setting. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) She appreciates the atmosphere of support that affords her greater growth in her skills as well as greater responsibility the more she learns. “From my perspective, the more we grow individually, the more we grow as a team,” she says. “And the more that we can learn as a team, the better we can serve patients and keep up with ever-changing technology. The environment keeps me engaged and dedicated to my career.” The team of St. James Dentistry takes continuing education courses regularly. But an equal priority is offering patients a warm, welcoming, friendly environment within the confines of their modern setting, to ensure going to the dentist is a comfortable experience. Part of creating that comfort is achieved by Dr. Savage’s approach to treating patients. “No one likes going to the dentist and not being treated well,” he says. “Many people have had experiences of being talked down to, or made to feel wrong or ashamed for the condition of their teeth. That makes us want to give them a better experience. So here, we not only give patients great care, but we also give them great customer service.” “A lot of offices offer the same services,” he adds, “but the number one principle for us is that we’re partners in our patients’ dental health. Modern dentistry has changed from the old dynamic of, ‘Everything I say to you to do, you need to do,’ to more of a results-oriented dynamic of working together with patients to ascertain, together, the solution that’s best and most appropriate for them.” Dr. David Savage, owner. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) To do this, St. James Dentistry utilizes monitors as an aide to help patients better understand their unique dental situation. Once patients have that visual, the dental team will explain solutions that patients can implement in their lives in a practical way, and any treatments, if necessary. “There are often several ways to fix something, but we want to really get on our patients’ level and let them steer the ship,” Dr. Savage says. “Our patients can expect to be treated well and be educated about how their oral health is related systemically to the rest of their body,” Brittany adds. “For example, diabetes and heart disease can affect oral health. Being pregnant, with the fluctuations in hormones, can change things in the mouth— specifically in the gums. We want our patients to understand the benefits of whatever treatment is recommended. In showing them the advantages, we build value for our patients, so that rather than being told what to do, they will take greater responsibility for their oral health.” St. James Dentistry Facebook Envelope Globe Phone

Charlie Learns About Summertime Canine Care

Larry Dodd, Part 1

COVID Vaccines and Blood Donations: What You Need to Know

Rhubarb Pie

Meet Tracy and Curious the Cat

Financial Donations and Volunteers: The Lifeline of American Red Cross

Coastal Insider May Edition

Coastal Home Insider May Edition

The Farmers Markets of the Grand Strand

The Unique Offerings On Tap This Spring

Broadstep Behavioral Health

Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical— Just Follow the Snowman to Comfort

Larry’s Auto Clinic

The Reactivation of the 354th Fighter Day Wing

All’s Well That Ends Well: Part 5 Finale

Howard Barnard, Part 2

CAN Champion Autism Network

Strawberry Shortcake

Q&A with Jessica & Jake Lowery and Family

James Howell Howard Recipient of the Military’s Highest Honor

Coastal Insider April Edition

Coastal Home Insider April Edition

Golfing the Grand Strand

The Top Courses You Don't Want to Miss

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