Clemmons Law Firm, LLC provides legal services in the areas of bankruptcy, community associations and real estate law. The firm also provides other essential legal services associated with estate planning such as wills, trusts, health care directives and related services.
Mistie Velasco, the owner of 3 Cats & a Dog Petsitting Services, is also a veterinary technician at Ark Animal Hospital, where she’s been working for the past 21 years.
Eric Richards, artist, visionary, and owner of ER Home, LLC has a vision for each home he works in, and he implements that vision from beginning to end, working as an all-inclusive, multi-talented contractor.
Take a look insider our October issue with new and exciting articles, house listings and so much more!
Kathryn Hedgepath has always loved local history. “As a kid growing up here in the 70s, I used to read a monthly publication for tourists. It always included a ghost story— the same ones— again and again— and I would read them again and again I loved them so much,” she says with a laugh.
“As an American, my passion for the military extends back to my roots and growing up in a small town in Augusta, Kentucky. As a kid, I would look out the window at school and see the older kids raising the American flag in the morning and taking it down in the afternoon. When I got to the 6th grade, it was always a big deal for me to be selected to help raise the flag. Written by Melissa LaScaleia.
All throughout the summer and now into fall, The Market Common opens its doors, so to speak, to an outdoor Farmers Market up and down Deville Street. Written by Ashley Daniels.
The creaking of an old house is usually just the building settling. But at the Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Little River, odd noises could be tidings from generations past. Considered to be the most haunted restaurant in South Carolina, the Brentwood has been a part of the Little River community since 1994, although the house itself was built in the early 1910s. Written by Emily Smith.
Committed to Protecting You, Your Family, and Your Legacy. Lawyer Brana Williams is from Georgetown County and grew up on a tobacco farm. Graduated from USC Law in 1991 and in 2001, she opened her own firm at the Beach, William’s Law Firm, where she practiced criminal and family law. Written by Melissa LaScaleia.
Read all about how Laura and Jim urban serve seniors with their Healthcare needs in English and Spanish. Born in Mexico, Laura could never have imagined that she would come to work for and love her career with leading health and well-being company Humana, Inc.
While much is not known about Major General Ervin C. Sharpe’s early life, he achieved a prominent military career and made significant contributions to the prestige of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base towards the end of the base’s days in active service. Written by Melissa LaScaleia
This month, Charlie gets in the Halloween spirit with ghosts and goblins and enjoying all that the fall season has to offer.
Written by Melissa LaScaleia. She talks all about CertaPro and how they got started. A family owned and operated franchise, CertaPro Painters is one of 330 national franchises. They offer residential and commercial interior and exterior painting as well as kitchen and bathroom cabinetry refinishing, and some carpentry work.
Take a peek at what Charlie is up to in this September Edition! Have HAPPAW-day!
Veterinary Medicine with Meadowlawn Animal Services by Melissa LaScaleia Horry County native Dr. Gwynn Hardee has been practicing veterinary medicine at his clinic, Meadowlawn Animal Services, for more than forty years. He grew up on his family’s farm in Loris, where, as a boy, he nursed his dog Brownie back to health after the animal was hit by a car. As a teenager, Gwynn enrolled at Clemson University as a chemistry major. “I loved chemistry, but I forgot there was more quantum mechanics and math involved in it than I was used to, so I transferred into animal science,” he says. “I hadn’t really thought about being a veterinarian at the time.” He moved to Atlanta after he graduated from college and began work with Dekalb County Animal Control in the early 1970s. With a limited budget and handling about 20,000 sick and unwanted animals a year, Gwynn was determined to find a better way of managing things. So he formed an advisory board of veterinarians to improve conditions in the shelter. “After a couple of years, one of these veterinarians looked at me, said, ‘You need to go to veterinary school,’” says Gwynn. He applied and was accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. In 1979, he graduated and returned to his stomping grounds in Conway, where he opened his first practice, Meadowlawn Animal Services. Today there are three locations in Conway, Loris and the Market Common. The veterinary day-clinic provides full health care onsite, including exams; vaccinations; in-house lab testing; OTC prescription products; radiographs (x-rays); laser therapy; dental care; surgeries; and boarding. A Televet app even allows clients to email, Skype or video chat their questions to save them a trip to the office. House calls are also an option. “Being a vet is a two-fold reward,” says Gwynn. “One: you’re helping the pet to have a better quality of life, which is why I originally became a vet. You also help the owner to enjoy, lengthen and strengthen their bond with their pet, which is really an amazing bond.” “Some decisions that pet owners make cut that time short, and we try to help them to make better decisions,” he continues. “Sometimes it does boil down to economics, as in, they know what the best thing is for their pet, but can’t afford it. And we always work with that constraint.” But, no matter what, the staff at Meadowlawn goes above and beyond their duties at the clinic in their love and care for animals. “We believe that there’s a right way to do things, and if you do it right, you get better results,” says Gwynn. “We really care about the pets and everybody that comes in here knows that.” When Dr. Hardee is off-duty, he’s still surrounded by animals on his farm in Loris, which he shares with the love of his life, Peggy, a horse vet. They have eighteen quarter horses, nine poodles, one Chinese crested, five Russian wolfhounds, one Scottish deerhound, one golden retriever, one Chesapeake Bay retriever, one Scottish terrier and a cat named Boo Kitty the Terrible. Meadowlawn Animal Services Envelope Globe Phone-alt
Recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star by Melissa LaScaleia Hoyt LeGrand Hendrick was born in Conway, South Carolina on January 24, 1924 to parents Robert O’Neil and Minnie Cannon Hendrick. Growing up during the roaring ’20s, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and received both the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star for his service and sacrifices in combat. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering, and attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee where he received a master’s of science. He was a civil engineer, registered professionally with the state of South Carolina. The majority of his career was spent working as an engineer for the military. In addition to being a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Hoyt was also a member of the Clemson Alumni Association for 50 years. Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers when he first became involved with what is today the Market Common area professionally. In 1955, the Myrtle Beach municipal airfield was transitioning into a major Air Force base. Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer on the project. In 1958, he transferred to the United States Air Force and continued working as an engineer on the project, now helping to prepare the base by overseeing the construction of the necessary facilities which would house aircraft, buildings, and personnel. Hoyt became the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base deputy civil engineer, and remained in that position for almost thirty years before retiring. He assisted in numerous transitions throughout his career, including the housing and implementation of the initial aircraft at the base, the F-100; A-7D aircraft in 1970; and A-10 aircraft in 1977. Hoyt was married to Rachel Rheuark who passed away in 1981. His second wife was Kathryn Hendrick, with whom he remained until he passed. He had three children, Steve, Michael, and Kent; two step-sons, Daniel and John; two step-daughters, Debbie and Kelly; and fourteen grandchildren. Hoyt L. Hendrick died on July 2, 2007, at the age of 83, in Conway, South Carolina. Hendrick Avenue, the avenue in the Market Common which stands as a tribute to his service and contributions to this area, is a long street which houses many residences. It stretches through the Soho District, from Farrow Parkway down to Hackler Street, running parallel with Johnson Avenue. The plaque which commemorates his life and accomplishments can be found there.
A Resource For Our Community During Covid-19 and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB is a hybrid chamber that performs two essential functions in our community. On the chamber side, they provide business services, small business advocacy and support, and networking advocacy. The CVB receives public tax payers dollars to run tourism and marketing campaigns to promote the Grand Strand area. Both of these services help our area to grow and thrive, and are essential especially during these challenging Covid-19 times. “Our mission is encapsulated in our tagline,” says Karen Riordan, the president and CEO of the Chamber. “To promote, protect, and improve.” “We want to promote everything we have to offer. We want to make sure our community stays business friendly so businesses can thrive and prosper, thereby protecting the people who live here. “Improve speaks to our larger values— we see our footprint as helping to improve the whole community. The more employment and the more businesses that are successful, the greater the benefits to everyone. More people want to live here, and the financial success imbues all aspects of the community in a positive way.” Unlike other cities that were built with commerce in mind, Myrtle Beach has always been a quintessential tourist beach town. Over the past 100 years, the area has morphed and grown to house a university, a technical college, an internationally renowned culinary institute, as well as technology and healthcare-sector jobs. “Our mission is to make this not just a place for people to visit, but to live and work,” says Karen. “I see a very high rate of entrepreneurs in this area. Many people have relocated here. There are some third and fourth generation residents, but more and more people are transplants who come from someplace else and fall in love with the climate, culture, and the way of life, and decide they want to stay. “There’s a unique dynamic that exists between people who come from somewhere else as tourists and then decide to move here. We can’t understate or overstate the connection between people knowing the Myrtle Beach brand, and then thinking about relocating or starting a business here.” Per a recent census, Myrtle Beach is the second fastest growing metro area in the U.S. “This labor pool is changing a lot because new people are coming into the workforce all the time,” Karen says. “Contrary to what most people believe, a large percentage is a segment between 25 to 54 that are looking for jobs, or looking to create jobs.” Hospitality is still the bread and butter of Myrtle Beach, however. And with the onset of Covid-19, the area jumped from 4% unemployment to 20% in a week. As of the writing of this article, the percentages have stabilized to 10%. “The Chamber is working to continue to diversify our economy, so moving forward we’re not as vulnerable as we find ourselves today,” Karen says. Part of the Sending Some Sunshine Campaign. The intention of this campaign was to simply keep people dreaming about the future; to say, ‘We understand you can’t be traveling right now, but we’re here and will be ready when you’re ready.’ Karen, who recently celebrated two years in her current position in Myrtle Beach, was recruited from Williamsburg, VA where she previously served in a similar capacity. Since the inception of Covid-19, she and her team have ramped up and reimagined what the Chamber offers to best support the community during these challenging times. “We are serving as the source for all things Covid-related for the business community,” she says. “That entails a hugely expanded section on our website as well as daily emails to our businesses keeping them apprised of guidelines, regulations, and recommendations. When things were shifting rapidly, sometimes it was 3-4 times per day.” The chamber spearheaded a recovery task force called Excelerate Myrtle Beach. Its focus was to look at the major sections of the area’s economy, including things like lodging, restaurants, attractions, golf courses and the retail sector, and examine what CDC guidelines they were going to voluntarily employ in the local business community. “We began in April,” Karen says. “It was a huge endeavor. We had representation all over the community, and reached out to leaders in each sector for their input. We also had representation from the Myrtle Beach police department so that they would be able to give feedback on what were workable ideas to execute and enforce and what were not. And we created a communications task force to relay breaking news to our members daily.” A lot of the recommendations suggested by the Chamber to area businesses were also suggested to the Governor of SC and his task force— and many were implemented. The Chamber also shifted the majority of their in-person business courses to an online medium, creating webinars to replace them so members could still access the information. On top of that, they added 2-3 additional webinars per week that addressed Covid-related concerns. “It’s been a Herculean effort to move all of that online,” Karen says. “We also have been fielding hundreds of calls weekly from our business community to be an of-the-moment resource for them.” “The work has been intense,” she adds. “It’s a bit like running a crisis operation center.” Myrtle Beach was built as a tourist destination and has always been a quintessential laid back beach town. But Karen Riordan has been working to support the area’s business community to diversify and thus support the economy on a larger scale. On the tourism side, Karen’s work was just as all-encompassing, as they had to relinquish their marketing plan for the year and create a new one by March, then update social media accounts and all advertising platforms accordingly. Karen and her team created a three-phase approach. During the first phase, in March, with closures and very few visitors, the goal was simply to remain in people’s minds and hearts. “We created … Read more
by Melissa LaScaleia In July, the Myrtle Beach City Council updated a number of rules in the Solid Waste Management ordinance. These revised rules took effect August 1, but many residents in the City of Myrtle Beach are still learning about them. Here is a quick rundown of the changes for residential services. You can set out a maximum of two cubic yards of bulk waste per week. That’s comparable to a pile approximately 3 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long. For bulk waste larger than two cubic yards, residents will either have to keep it until the next week’s service, or take it to the landfill themselves. Yard waste has no weekly volume limit. Call-back service is still available as an option for excess solid waste to be picked up outside the weekly schedule, although with new service charges. Residential garbage and recycling costs an extra $90 for call-back service, or $115 for bulky junk or yard waste call-backs. Garbage containers must be set out after 6 pm the day before scheduled pick up, or at least before 6 am on collection day. Residents have until 11 pm that same day to roll their containers back to their homes. Lids on the receptacles must be closed and no waste is allowed on top of the lid or outside of the bin. Yard waste that is loose (such as grass, weeds, and leaves) must be in a paper bag, while tree limbs and branches should not be any longer than four feet and four inches in diameter. Unlike garbage, yard waste can be set out at any time. On the occasion that the solid waste ordinances are not met, a warning notice will be placed on that property outlining the corrective actions that should be taken. Code enforcement officers make rounds to the properties that have received warnings up to 48 hours later. Violations may result in a citation and restitution. Visit www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com to access all the recent council meetings and familiarize yourself with the ordinances. Updates to Solid Waste services are meant to encourage clean neighborhoods while deterring illegal dumping. The City of Myrtle Beach also hopes to encourage residents to work together in keeping our homes beautiful and welcoming.
Our Local Community Art Spot by Melissa LaScaleia The Seacoast Artists Gallery in the Market Common is a non-profit 501(c)(3), created for the furtherance and development of the arts in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s an organization which exists to create an atmosphere of cooperation, sharing, and mentoring amongst artists in the Grand Strand area. The Seacoast Artists Gallery was started about six years ago by the Seacoast Artists Guild. The gallery functions as an artist and art-lovers community spot where guild members can showcase their pieces to the public, as well as convene to share ideas and give and receive support. Today, the guild has over 300 members from a wide geographical area that encompasses the Grand Strand, Calabash, as far south as Charleston, and inland to Columbia, as well as out of state. The guild holds monthly meetings as well as presentations on art topics by a guest lecturer, affording members the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other artists. “We want to make sure we have a place for local artists to congregate, to mingle and mix and mentor each other, and share their skills with other artists in the area,” says Nick Mariano, the gallery’s new director. “Covid-19 has put a temporary halt to these meetings but we hope to resume them when things improve.” Nick took over the position of director two months ago. A former special agent with the State Department, Nick and his wife lived all over the world, traveling for eleven years, before Nick retired in 1996 and they moved to Myrtle Beach. “I’ve always taken pictures, but my travels inspired me to take more,” he says of how he found himself in the Myrtle Beach art scene. “My wife Pat is an artist too, and encouraged me to submit my pictures to art shows.” Over the years, Nick has produced a wide range of visual art, and has won many awards both locally and nationally. His newest hobby is writing books; he’s published over twenty on Amazon, including his autobiography. As director, Nick’s main goal is to share with the community everything that the Seacoast Artists Gallery, which is the biggest repository of art along the Grand Strand, has to offer. “The gallery hosts a wide variety of art,” he says. “We have beach and landscape photography and paintings; long murals that portray the current political climate in America as well as traditional still lives; photography; bronze castings; ceramics and pottery and handmade ceramic earrings; glass-blown sculptures; and sculptures made from old instruments. “This is not your typical gallery. It’s quite a lot of fun. We have over 70 artists and many mediums with new offerings every month. There is something here for every taste and every budget. “We have art classes that are open to the public in a lot of different mediums, which we’re hoping to recommence by November. I’m trying to draw more people walking by off the street and into our gallery. Many people stop and look in the window, but they don’t come inside. “We want people to come in even if they’re not looking for art; just stop in, come meet us, look around, and appreciate what we have to offer. We are not intimidating. We want everyone to feel welcome to simply come and see the artistic expression of our local community.” As part of his effort to add a fresh vibe to the gallery and attract more visitors, Nick selects an artist who is not affiliated with either the guild or the gallery and showcases their work as a featured visiting artist throughout the month. “Many of the artists aren’t sure they want to be shown in a gallery, but I think their art is so good, I give them the space to try it out,” Nick says. “I’m also displaying monster-size art pieces in the gallery windows to catch the eye of passersby; and rotate this art every two weeks. “We’re putting together videos to promote the gallery; and are highlighting an artist per day on our Facebook page. It’s a nice way of promoting the artist and sharing with everyone what the artist has been up to, as well as getting people interested in what the gallery holds. People from out of state are beginning to notice, and are wanting to join the guild or display in the gallery.” “I’m really enjoying coming up with new ideas to entice visitors,” he adds. “I’ve brought in cloth face masks from artists in California, and those have been very popular. I’m really looking forward to a time when there can be a reception in person.” For Nick, the purpose isn’t just to sell art, but to afford people the chance to see it. “It’s not about trying to get people to buy things,” he says. “We just want people to know that we’re here. We’re one of the bigger art galleries, and we showcase teaching artists— many of whom have won numerous awards.” In keeping with their mission of supporting and promoting artists of all ages, the guild offers two annual scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors who are pursuing the field of art in college to help them further their art education— one to a Horry County student, and one to a Georgetown County student. Funding for the guild’s operational costs, as well as the scholarships, comes from guild members’ dues and art sales. The gallery hosts two art shows, one in the spring and one in the fall— usually April and October, respectively. The shows are open to anyone, not just gallery or guild members, and juried by two artists from outside the area. Winners receive prizes for their work. “Right now we’re in the process of getting ready for our Fall Art Show that begins in October and runs from October 2-15,” says Nick. The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild bi-annual art show always directly follows the show sponsored by the Seacoast Artist Gallery. In the fall, … Read more
Take a moment to celebrate our Veteran Mr. William Lincoln. Read all about his story on this months edition. Thank you for your service!
State-Of-The-Art Technology With Family-Like Care by Melissa LaScaleia Market Common Dentistry is a privately owned, non-corporate, dental practice which has existed in Myrtle Beach for twenty-nine years; today it is owned by James E. Mills, DDS. “As a private entity we are not subject to quotas required by corporations and there is no pressure to meet financial benchmarks,” says Dr. Mills. “Because of this, we can focus on building relationships with our patients to give them what they want and need.” Dr. Christopher J. Latvis joined Market Common Dentistry in January of this year. He offers expertise in full mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction of worn and missing teeth, utilizing conventional crown and bridges as well as implant restoration and removable prosthetics. Dr. Mills offers several sedation options including intravenous, intramuscular and oral techniques that can relax the patient. Market Common Dentistry also offers cone beam computerized tomographs (CBCT) for guided implant procedures, and extractions of complicated wisdom teeth. Additionally, a new regenerative procedure called Leucocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) involves drawing blood from patients. Obtaining special growth factors from that blood draw enhances bone regrowth in the jawbone that was previously lost. This regeneration process enables people without enough jawbone to once again attain enough bone to allow implants to be placed. This is all done by the individuals’ cells so there is no cross-contamination from unknown parties. Lastly, they offer an intra-oral device for individuals that cannot tolerate a CPAP “Continuous Positive Air Pressure” device for sleep apnea. This device can help those 25% of people who do not wear the CPAP, yet suffer from the condition. In addition to containing cutting edge, modern dental equipment, the office was designed with amenities like heated vibrating dental chairs, and ceiling mounted monitors so patients can watch DVDs or television during procedures. Lisa Yazici, the practice manager, has twenty-four years of dental office experience and has been with Market Common Dentistry for fourteen years. Her job is to run the daily operations of the dental practice and ensure that everything is running smoothly—from patient comfort to treatment planning to office administration. In today’s Covid-19 climate, Market Common Dentistry has implemented a myriad of additional safety and sanitary protocols to put patients and workers at ease. “I love providing the utmost care for our patients and knowing that patients with tremendous fears have the ability to get their dental work completed with ease,” she says. “It’s extremely rewarding. Even though I didn’t do the dentistry, I feel like I made a difference by being a part of the process.” As an added benefit of the sedation as well as the expertise of both doctors, most dental procedures are able to be conducted in their office, bypassing the need to be referred to specialty practices. “We develop a rapport with our patients and listen to their needs to help put people at ease,” Lisa says. “We understand that people dislike the dentist, and that’s why the entire team at Market Common Dentistry, from the front desk to the dental hygienists and assistants, to the doctors, do everything they can to make patients feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. We treat all patients regardless of fear levels, but for those who are anxious, we’re ready with techniques and a compassionate staff to offer the extra support they need. Our patients are like family to us.” “As a private practice, we’re able to provide more personalized care,” she adds. “We don’t allow insurance to dictate what services we perform; and we can assist with financing options when the need arises.” Dr. Mills shares that his favorite thing about practicing dentistry is helping people achieve a healthier mouth and providing them with the services that they want and need. “I really value and strive for the best long-term patient outcomes,” he says. “It’s gratifying when I can relieve their pain and see them leave with a smile, having helped them make headway with their oral health.” In today’s Covid-19 climate, Market Common Dentistry has implemented a myriad of safety precautions. “We’ve always had very high standards for sanitation and we’re taking it up a level to put both our staff and clientele at ease,” Dr. Mills says. “You can’t social distance with dentistry, so we’re taking all precautionary methods for and with our team.” Market Common Dentistry Facebook Phone Globe Envelope
Read all about how Elko Spas Billiards & Pools came into business and how they become a major success here in the Grand Strand
Offering Sales and Service for Myrtle Beach’s Favorite Toy by Melissa LaScaleia Russell Graham is from Conway, and has lived in the area his entire life. He started Graham Golf Cars in the early ’80s— traveling around locally and servicing people’s golf carts. Over the years, his company has grown from a single truck and trailer, and three employees riding around to see if people needed service, to five retail locations and over fifty employees. He is still the owner and operator, and very active in the business today, stepping up and lending a hand whenever the need arises. Graham Golf Cars has several locations along the Grand Strand. Their Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach locations sell, service, and store golf cars. Their Garden City location deals exclusively with rentals. All other locations, except Myrtle Beach, also rent golf cars. Their showrooms are the largest along the Grand Strand, where they sell customizable as well as basic cars. Pre-owned cars start around $3,500; fully reconditioned ones start around $6,000; and new range from $8,500-$11,500. Graham Golf Cars isn’t so much focused on selling golf cars as they are on the customer service they provide— taking care of the car and the customer for a lifetime. “I came to work here five years ago after running my own business for forty-five years,” says Carl Sherman, the manager of the Surfside Beach location. “I owned my own smoke and fire restoration business in North Carolina. Seven years ago, I was ready to retire, and built a house at the beach and moved here. Soon thereafter I told my wife, ‘I cannot sit around, I need something to do.” “I had a friend who worked for Mr. Graham, and he introduced us. Two days later, I came in and started working and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been about six years now. I come through the door because I want to. There are a good bunch of people here, they’re friendly and make you feel like you’re family; we all work well together. “During the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen people come in and buy repeatedly from Russell because of the excellent customer service they receive. He follows up with them and does anything in his power to meet their needs. The people who work here extend the same level of service—it’s part of our company culture.” “Being able to maintain and repair the product that you sell is just as important as being able to sell it,” Carl continues. “For that reason, we invest a lot in our service technicians and the customer service of the repair department, to treat our customers right.” Graham Golf Cars has about twenty mechanics working in their shops, and nine service drivers who pick up and deliver golf cars that have been repaired, serviced, or upgraded. They cover Horry, Georgetown, and Brunswick Counties on a daily basis. “Every refurbished car comes with a warranty, and we’ll deliver it for a fee as far as Charleston; we offer free local delivery for the Grand Strand area,” Carl says. “If something happens within that warranty period, we pick up your car and repair it for you, and get it back to you as fast as possible.” In Myrtle Beach, golf cars are a way of life. Instead of owning a second car, many people instead invest in a golf car to move around the neighborhood. It’s less hair-raising to lend your teen, and fits in with the tempo and balmy climate with ease. Graham Golf Cars has an in-house fabrication department so they can offer more to their customers. They have played a big part in designing and manufacturing new parts and accessories that are available nationwide. “We make a lot of things ourselves,” Carl says. “People come in from everywhere wanting to buy the accessories that we make. There’s a bar on the back of the car called a safety bar. But Mr. Graham also turned it into a chair rack. In the summer we can’t even keep them in stock they’re so popular. “I really like to see, when a customer comes in, looking for a golf car but not really knowing what they want, the excitement and enthusiasm on their face when they realize that they can special order a golf car and put together the color schemes and accessories that they want, and fully personalize it. “I think knowing they have a part in designing the car brings them joy. We do a lot of design work to help personalize and make the car their own. We often build between twenty to thirty a week. People are just as glad to get that golf car as they are to get a new car. It’s just remarkable to see their faces light up. People like to look good in their golf cars. They take a lot of pride in them.” “I think Mr. Graham has a service here that can’t be touched by anybody else at the Beach,” he adds. “It’s unique to be able to purchase a golf car that you build from the bottom up. The price is fair, and the service can’t be beat. Graham Golf Cars wants to do everything they can to be a positive part of the experience of helping their customers acquire, upgrade or repair their golf car— to do what’s right for the car and the customer. We’re always here to help.” You have to be at least 16 years old and have an unrestricted driver’s license to drive a golf car in Myrtle Beach. Golf cars can be driven on any 35 mph or less, secondary road during daylight hours. They can cross, but not drive on main roads, and are not allowed on bike paths or sidewalks. Graham Golf Cars Facebook Globe
Health Initiatives For the Covid-19 Crisis by Melissa LaScaleia Tidelands Health is the largest health care provider along the Grand Strand, and serves both Horry and Georgetown counties. The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) has more than 2,000 employees and multiple service lines and ambulatory sites, as well as two acute-care hospitals and two inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. All of these resources means more comprehensive care for the community. The organization has been known as Tidelands Health since 2015 but traces its roots to 1950, when they had one hospital in Georgetown. “Because we’re situated in one of the fastest growing regions of the country, we’ve grown very fast over the past ten years as we’ve continued to expand the organization to meet the needs of the population— both with geographic distribution as well as with the size and scale of our offerings,” says Gayle Resetar, chief operating officer of Tidelands Health. As with any health system, Tidelands Health has a number of services to care for you if you’re sick, but they also prioritize proper health screenings for at-risk populations to have early detection and thus early intervention. “We’re engaged in identifying how we can prevent disease,” Gayle says. “We’re not just taking care of patients with illnesses, but those who may be more susceptible to them. “Our mission is to help people live better lives through better health. We’re very interested in our community’s health status as much as we’re interested in providing exemplary sick care.” To date, Tidelands Health has performed more than 15,000 Covid-19 tests, and by the end of July, should have completed another 10,000. (Photo by Josh Bell) In keeping with this mission, Tidelands Heath is engaged in a variety of population health initiatives like pre-diabetes and cancer screenings. Since Covid-19, they’ve incorporated testing for the virus into their protocol. “When Covid-19 began full scale in March,” Gayle says, “we began ramping up for a spike in ICU admissions and began to do a few things to be prepared to respond to a significant increase in inpatient hospitalizations. “The timing was such that when schools closed, businesses closed, and the stay-at-home order was issued, we flattened the curve. We temporarily suspended elective surgeries and procedures both to ensure that we had sufficient workforce for emergency cases, as well as to make sure that we had sufficient personal protective equipment. “We certainly saw some Covid-19 patients, but we didn’t see the surge we anticipated. “When we began to work on preparations, what we called our surge program, we began processes to make sure we were actively screening and testing patients at the right time, in the right place, and with the right resources. Through the early part of Covid, we managed to not overwhelm our system, and were able to provide the services the community needed.” By May, as the system began to be more stable, Tidelands Health began to encourage the community to get their normal health care services back on track. Safe in Our Care is a campaign of protocols and procedures they implemented— setting in place different ways of doing business. “We changed the way we operate,” Gayle says. “We began screening patients for fevers when they came in the door, increased sanitary procedures, and ensured adequate distance between people so that we were ready to safely take care of people.” At the same time, the state was working on beginning to lift the stay-at-home order and getting businesses operational again, but wanted to do that with an expansion of community-wide screenings for Covid-19 on a large scale. “DHEC asked for provider partners to help facilitate testing in the community,” Gayle says. “We were actively testing in our primary care locations, and were well positioned to step up and support their mission of testing 2% of the population. We also set up outdoor clinics where you could go and be evaluated if you had symptoms of Covid-19, instead of having to go to the emergency room.” Tidelands Health has streamlined their testing procedures so that they are able to test 3,000 people over the course of 6-7 hours with an average wait time of 1 hour per person. Above, an aerial view of one of their test sites. (Photo courtesy of Tidelands Health) As of mid July, Tidelands Health has performed more than 15,000 Covid-19 tests. In partnership with DHEC, they are on track to completing another 10,000 tests by the end of July. “We’re leading our community with this,” Gayle says. “There’s no other health system in our community that’s been involved with testing the way we have been.” Tidelands Health administers tests in a variety of different ways. If you are admitted to the hospital you may receive one. If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you can go to one of their primary care clinics to be evaluated by physicians. Other testing events are free drive-through community screenings in partnership with DHEC where no appointment is necessary. At the free testing events, people wait in line from the safety of their cars and pull up to check-in stations to register. Then they drive on to a collection station to give a specimen to be tested. Tidelands Health has perfected the efficiency of these events so that they are able to test 3,000 people over the course of 6-7 hours, with wait times averaging about one hour per person. The turnaround time for test results is no more than five business days. “There aren’t many places testing 3,000 people a day,” Gayle says. “And not every community health system is testing at community health events. Some health providers have stopped testing for asymptomatic people. “Right now, we’re continuing to break records every day with widespread increases in Covid-19 cases in our community and the number of hospitalizations is growing as well. “These community screenings are a piece of our overall response plan. It’s a two-part process— working with additional staff for ICU beds, and testing. Testing is one of the weapons in our arsenal because … Read more
A Clean You Can Count On by Healthy Home With the current climate of Covid-19, people now more than ever before want to know how to clean and disinfect their homes and businesses properly to stay safe. A poll by The American Cleaning Institute, has found that 4 out of every 10 Americans are not using disinfectant sprays and wipes properly— a scary statistic. Below are The American Cleaning Institute’s key tips to properly disinfect surfaces. Pre-clean any surfaces prior to disinfecting to remove any excess dirt or grime. Use the disinfecting spray or wipe as directed on its label. After disinfecting, let the surface air dry, making sure it stays wet for as long as recommended on the product label (usually at least 10 minutes). This is absolutely critical to ensure that the proper germ or virus kill takes place as intended. Don’t reuse a disinfectant wipe. Hard surface floors can be a reservoir for bacterial contaminants and other unwanted matter that conventional cleaning cannot effectively clean. (Photo Healthy Home) Remember that the priority is cleaning— disinfecting should always take place last, as disinfectants are not as effective when applied to uncleaned surfaces. Green Seal, another organization, reminds us that when you clean, you create a safer and healthier indoor environment. Carpets, upholstery, mattresses, hard flooring and air ducts should all be cleaned on a regular basis. It’s not the visible soil that affects your health— it’s the unseen germs and bacteria. A recent survey found that 90% of the soles on shoes had traces of dead matter on them. Even hard flooring appearing clean can be a reservoir of bio contaminants. Viruses and mold spores have always been all around us. They are nothing new. Simply continue regular cleaning and maintain a clean environment to stay safe. A virus is very opportunistic— even if there is .1% of RNA left, once it attaches to a host it will grow again. A virus does not like warm, dry air so keep the humidity down in your home too. To be effective against killing viruses and bacteria sufficiently, fogging should be administered by a technician in full PPE gear, like the one shown above, after a deep cleaning of the space. For businesses, it’s also important to prevent cross contamination by using separate cloths for each individual surface that you’re cleaning, then allow ten minutes for the surface to air dry for the disinfectant to work. If using a disinfectant fogging for an indoor space, it’s critical that you first clean the interior surfaces, and that the fogging is administered by a technician in full PPE gear to prevent any contamination from the technician. Secondary exposure of uninfected people to objects and surfaces with residual viral particles is more likely with Covid-19 than the normal flu, as some early reports from the CDC indicate that the virus may remain visible on nonporous surfaces for up to nine days as compared to the 1-3 days for normal influenza viruses. While the exact extent of disease transmission from contact with surfaces is currently unknown, initial indications are that prolonged exposure to contaminated surfaces does lead to higher infection rates. Healthy Home also deep cleans area rugs at their rug spa on Hwy 501. Carpets should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they are free of allergens, mold, and unseen particles that trap viruses and bacteria. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) HEPA vacuuming and the use of air scrubbers can also improve the environment by reducing the level of airborne particles. The removal of aerosolized particles during the cleaning process may further improve the overall cleanliness of your space and reduce transmission risks. To break the chain of Covid-19 from secondary surfaces is serious work and carries some risk. Therefore, all safety and health procedures must be followed without exception. Healthy Home has been serving our community in the business of cleaning since 1986. We clean for health, not appearance, and during these times, you need a clean you can trust. We follow a strict and reliable protocol and are happy to share our cleaning methodologies with you. A great quality company will do an ARP test before and after to show you their results. The test does not identify viral contamination of the space, but will give you the overall reduction in biological contaminations whether you’re a homeowner or a business. Healthy Home Globe Phone Map-marked-alt Facebook
We Clean Windows and A Whole Lot More by Melissa LaScaleia Window Genie of Myrtle Beach offers a variety of services for their residential and commercial clients and condo associations. They specialize in installing window tints and film; and cleaning windows, roofs, gutters and more. Window film is something that many people may not be that familiar with, but its benefits are many. Films are made to reduce the heat gain from the sun; reduce glare; prevent fading of interior furnishings, like rugs walkways and flooring; limit visibility for greater privacy; to enhance security, safeguarding windows and doors against a storm or a break in; and for decoration. “As a homeowner, you want to think about your home’s security and efficiency as well as its aesthetic resale value,” says Tom Washer, the owner of the franchise. “And we can address those concerns and much more. If you have a room in your home that is too hot to sit in during midday, we can correct that— reducing the temperature by up to 79%. If there is a glare on your television or computer screens, film can help with that and reduce glare by up to 85%. “If because of the proximity of your houses, your neighbors can see into your bathroom, we can correct that. If you look outside your window and see the side of your neighbor’s house, we can correct that so you’re looking at something nice. If you have windows that may not hold during hurricane or storm winds— we can correct that too.” Privacy and opaque film will transform a window into something much like an etched glass window— limiting visibility both in and out. One of its most common uses is on front doors. In addition to being the owner and proprietor of Window Genie, Tom Washer (above), is also a USAF veteran and proud supporter of Creekfront Salkehatchie and The Wingman Foundation. Tom uses protective safety and security window films by SunTek, a leading brand of window films manufactured by Eastman Chemical, and decorative films by Solyx. In our area, the film is often installed to protect against wind, storm and hurricane damage, and protects against glass breakage. “You don’t have to install hurricane shutters if you have security film,” Tom says. “Because the film will protect your window and thus your home. If the window breaks, it’s still going to stay in place and prevent water from coming inside.” All the SunTek brands have a limited lifetime warranty for residential installations that cover any peeling, chipping, cracking or fading. The company will replace the film at no additional cost. Commercial installations come with a three-year warranty. “We’re not perfect, but we try to be,” Tom says. “Our first priorities are to have respect for the customers, respect for each other, and to provide a quality service at a fair price.” Tom is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He joined when he was seventeen-years old and served for four-and-a-half years in Arizona, Texas, Panama, and Oklahoma City. When he was in the military, he gained a lot of knowledge working in the maintenance analysis division. He then spent thirty-five years of his civilian life working in sales and management for consumer products throughout New England and Texas. During that time, he and his wife lived in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, but eventually became tired of the snow and cold weather. Window Genie conducts a free assessment of your home’s health before they commence work, surveying it for anything that needs to be repaired or could cause a problem for you down the road, even if they don’t perform that service. It’s all part of their commitment to offering the best service possible. Interested in joining a franchise, they relocated to Myrtle Beach in 2014. Now, instead of shoveling snow off his roof, he’s helping his customers in Myrtle Beach to clean algae off theirs, as Window Genie also specializes in pressure-washed roof cleaning. “Algae occurs on a ten-year cycle, growing on a roof and eating the limestone,” Tom says. “If you don’t clean it off, it reduces the life of your roof by 10%. Coastal areas are more susceptible. If you’re selling your home, having algae on the roof can be a big deterrent because it looks dirty and people understand that the life expectancy of the roof is reduced, costing them more money.” Window Genie offers free, onsite consultations to assess your home’s needs before conducting any work. “I’ll survey your home for anything that needs to be repaired or could cause a problem down the road, regardless of whether we offer that service or not,” Tom says. “That way, we can best serve the customer. If I don’t perform the service, I have extensive contacts through BNI and can refer you to someone who can take care of it. “People who join BNI have a high level of personal accountability, because their success as small business owners as well as their ability to stay in the group depends on their skill, follow-through, and customer service, so I feel confident in the referrals I make.” Tom’s contacts extend beyond his own personal network to include a highly renowned, country-wide brand. Window Genie is part of Neighborly Brands, which represents thirteen brands across the country that offer everything from painting, to plumbing, electrical work, appliance repair and more. There are many franchises in Myrtle Beach that fall under their umbrella. And at holiday time, Window Genie also conducts onsite evaluations and helps design, install, take down, and store holiday light displays. “We offer a free consultation to determine your needs, and supply everything completely,” Tom says. “We’re very skilled in holiday light designs, and can take special orders through our national supplier, Village Lighting, to fulfill any custom design request.” “The best part of what we do is making a difference,” Tom says. And people can find their cheery and colorful work truck driving along the Grand Strand … Read more
Back and Ready for the Seasons Ahead by Melissa LaScaleia In 2014, Mike Siniscalchi left NYC and the world of finance, and relocated to Myrtle Beach with his family to open the first 810 Billiards & Bowling location in North Myrtle Beach. His intention was to bring an affordable, upscale bowling alley and family-style entertainment venue to the Grand Strand, like those he had experienced in New York. The venture was a hit, and two other locations soon followed in Conway and the Market Common. The name 810 Billiards & Bowling is a reference to 8-ball billiards and ten-pin bowling— two things that are at the core of the company’s entertainment offerings. Mike rounds those offerings out with interactive games in lieu of the seemingly ubiquitous video games and screens that fill most people’s lives. “The central theme of what we offer is to have actual interactions with your friends and family,” Mike says. “To spend quality time together in ways that are enriching and rewarding, and to make the experience affordable for everyone.” In keeping with this mission, many of the games are free. For the ones that are expensive to maintain, they charge a reasonable rate— around $4-5 per hour to rent. For those who enjoy watching more than playing, they also have a great sports bar environment. The Market Common venue is their flagship location with their largest array of games and entertainment selections, including a stage that features live music every Friday night. Check their Instagram and Facebook pages for the current band schedule. The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is the newest addition to the Market Common location, and serves up milkshakes as fun, fascinating, and crazy as their mascot implies. (Photo The Crazy Mason) They also have games like shuffleboard, billiards, ping pong, darts, air hockey and corn hole. There are public bowling lanes as well as private ones for parties and functions; they also have shelves filled with scores of board games for both kids and adults. A recent addition to this location is an indoor, 3D-zombie-pirate-themed 18 hole miniature golf course, appropriate for children but still enjoyable for adults, which opened in January of this year. “It’s been a huge hit with kids and adults alike,” Mike says. To complement their entertainment offerings, 810 Billiards & Bowling has a big focus on quality foods and drinks. They don’t serve the types of foods you would expect from a traditional bowling center. Instead, there’s a complete scratch kitchen with full waiter service everywhere in the building, no matter where you are. They have house-cut french fries, short-rib Angus chargrill burgers, and scratch-made dough for in-house, brick oven pizza. They serve the same menu at each location throughout the day. Mike is also proud to announce the addition of the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar— an independent business that just opened inside of the 810 Market Common location. They craft gourmet milkshakes out of delectable ingredients and incorporate confections like candies, cookies, and cake. “The demand has been through the roof,” Mike says. “They have multiple-hour-long waits for their milkshakes, and people love posting pictures of their personal creations on social media.” Mike has enjoyed the journey since he’s opened the location in the Market Common two years ago. “Most of the reasons why we came here have proven to be true,” he says. “The Market Common continues to be a destination spot for locals and visitors. People come to our door and have an enjoyable evening, and we’re glad to be a major part of what brings them here—to provide a unique entertainment venue for people. 810 also has a great sports bar environment and a from-scratch kitchen which serves food from open to close at every location. (Photo 810 Billiards and Bowling) “We’ve found the Market Common to be a great lifestyle center that understands what people want— quality, convenience, and lifestyle options— to be able to walk around with ease and eat and drink at the same venue. “The Market Common does a great job curating things, and we’re happy to continue to be a part of what we think is the strongest destination-shopping and dining experience in Myrtle Beach.” In the weeks immediately following the Covid-19 pandemic, like many other establishments, the fun and offerings of 810 Bowling were put on temporary hold. Mike took this time to build a safety and sanitation protocol for his business, so that when they did reopen, they could do so safely. “All of our 810 locations had professional sterilization services come through during the quarantine phase of the pandemic,” Mike says. “And since reopening, we’ve put safety measures in place that have met and exceeded the requirements of the CDC and DHEC. “All of our staff are wearing masks. We’ve installed sanitizer stations throughout the building for easy access for guests. We have all surfaces, balls and shoes sanitized with greater frequency. We’ve rearranged the bar and entertainment and dining space to ensure social distancing. We only allow bowling on every other lane to ensure social distancing is maintained. And we’ve posted appropriate signage throughout the building so guests are aware of what they should do to ensure everyone’s safety.” Recently, Governor McMaster announced the formation of the Palmetto Priority Initiative. In a press release, he advised South Carolina and Grand Strand area citizens to only frequent establishments that have met the safety standards of this initiative with an accompanying certification. All of Mike’s 810 locations have met and exceeded these requirements. “We’re proud of this, that people can visit us safely,” he says. “We received our certification and decals at the beginning of July, and are enjoying seeing everyone again.” “We just want to offer a fun night out for people, where they can have a good time, and feel like they got a lot for their money,” he adds. New this year, 810 Billiards & Bowling is offering franchise opportunities. Their first location will open in Phoenix, Arizona later this year. 810 … Read more
Repairing With Artistry and Skill by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Dunham is the owner and man-power behind Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More. He hails from Southern California, where he worked for many years in the grocery store business. Twenty-five years ago, he and his wife decided to move back to her native state of Pennsylvania. Steve began fixing his house in preparation to sell it, when he noticed there was a crack in his bathtub. He called a company to discover his options for repair; and the repairman Steve encountered began to speak to him about the art of restoring bathtubs. One thing led to the next, and soon the repairman was sharing all about the franchise company he owned, and the positive aspects of it. Steve thought about the opportunity for himself, and when he moved back to Pennsylvania, he decided to buy the franchise for his local area. “Within two weeks I was in training in Utah,” he says. “I also had a friend, Larry Brown, who had a franchise in bathtubs. He took me under his wing for about a year and trained me as his apprentice. I learned from doing it— hands on.” Steve has now been in the bathtub repair industry for the past twenty-two years. “I’ve been very blessed,” he says of his career and life. “Being self-employed gives me a sense of freedom which I truly love.” Steve can repair and refinish any type of fiberglass or porcelain bathtub or shower, fixing things like cracks, chips, and holes; he also repairs things like vinyl fencing and windows that are cracked or broken. If you have a weak shower or tub bottom, he can install a fiberglass inlay to give you a brand new bottom. “Once the floor cracks in a tub or shower, people think they need to get a new one, but I can fix it and match it perfectly, and it will be stronger than it was when it was new,” Steve says. “Why would you replace this item when you can refinish or repair it for a third of the cost? “What I do is very fulfilling for me; I can save people a lot of money. And I’m not going to be in your house for days or a week with a messy replacement process. I’m in and out. It’s convenient— no mess, no dirt, no hassle.” Steve installs shower doors, or removes them— repairing the holes and matching the color exactly so you can’t tell they were ever there. He can also refinish tubs and showers to change their color; and people are hard pressed to notice any real difference between a refinished versus a new tub. “I take something damaged or old and make it look new again,” he says of his work. “It’s not like building something. It’s more like an art. I have to paint it and make it match and shine and blend. There aren’t a lot of people who do what I do.” Steve can work magic to almost any tub or shower configuration as the above photo and his numerous positive Google reviews attest, reaffirming his motto— “Don’t replace it, repair it.” (Photo Grand Strand Bathtub Repair) Grand Strand Bathtub Repair also offers a walk-through conversion which will turn your existing bathtub into a walk-in bathtub or a walk-in shower. The installation lowers the front skirt of the tub. If someone has knee, ankle or hip problems or is elderly, the ledge is hard to navigate. With the tub cut-out, you can step on the walk-through and get yourself into the tub with ease. “And there’s also an installation I can do if people want to use their tub to take a bath in after I’ve done the cut-out,” Steve says. “The cut-out facilitates greater safety and ease getting in and out of the tub and therefore gives you more confidence. Many elderly/handicapped people have a hard time getting over the railing. At some point it becomes scary. I’ve installed thousands of these in retirement homes, and it’s a great idea for handicapped people as well.” The walk-through conversions are fantastic for the same reasons: they are easily accessible, safe, and economical. “I can do this job in less than one day,” Steve says. “It’s not a big mess. Since Myrtle Beach has so many retirees, when you hit a certain age, it’s important to seriously consider this benefit. I also install grab bars, which add an added level of stability and security as well as confidence for handicapped and older individuals.” Steve works residentially as well as commercially— for hotels, vacation lodges, retirement communities, and more. He takes pride in the work that he does— in the level of experience that he brings to the table, as well as his attentiveness to his customers and professionalism. “The knowledge and capabilities that a person has when they’re offering me a service means more to me than a lot of things,” he says. “I really pride myself on the detail I put into my work, and the time I devote to it.” “I try to return calls the same day, but always with promptness,” he says. “When I schedule, I follow through, and I’m very good at communicating with my customers.” Steve moved to Myrtle Beach earlier this year, starting his business locally in January. He’s happy to now call Myrtle Beach home, and to bring his skill in repairing and refinishing to the area. “My daughter played Division 1 softball against Coastal Carolina University and colleges in Charleston and the surrounding area, so we used to come down here together a lot,” he says. “I knew I loved the area, and I was looking for a change. I didn’t want to return to California, but I liked the beach and the warm weather and decided to make Myrtle Beach my home. “Here, I get to relive what I lived in Southern California. I can sit outside, enjoy the beach, … Read more
by Melissa LaScaleia Ground Zero non-profit 501(c)(3) is a not only a physical establishment in Myrtle Beach, but also a support network, where every teenager can go, belong and grow. Through life-changing experiences and nurturing relationships, Ground Zero makes a positive impact in the lives of today’s teenagers— empowering them and giving them the tools and support necessary to transform their lives and build a better future for themselves. Ground Zero offers these resources for junior high school and high school teens, years which for many, are difficult and complex. Traditionally, the Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival is held annually at Grand Park in the Market Common the last Saturday of April. The festival serves a dual purpose— it’s Ground Zero’s largest annual fundraiser which keeps operations steady throughout the year and supports their youth programs, and is itself, a fun-filled, community-building activity that everyone looks forward to and rallies behind— whether as a spectator, sponsor, or participant in the races. Around 8,000-10,000 people turn-out to witness and cheer-on the scores of brightly colored boats manned by local teams as they race against one another on the lake. There are DJs, vendors, and live entertainment in addition to the races— ensuring a very good time for all. This year, Covid-19 raised many challenges for Ground Zero, first in postponing, then in how to coordinate appropriate social distancing at this local, beloved event. Consequently, this 12th year of celebrations will deviate from the norm and be held virtually, rather than physically. The Dragon Boat community has proven over the years that they are passionate, strong and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of local teenagers. That same spirit and momentum of support and strong purpose remains constant with this year’s Virtual Dragon Boat Races. Throughout the month of August, via Facebook, video chats, and email, Ground Zero will lead Dragon Boat team members to raise funds for the ministry. There are incentives and prizes in store for those who rank among the highest fundraisers for this virtual race. And new this year, they are launching the Your Year Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior for further education or any structured program that is beneficial for his or her faith and future. Mark your calendars for August 22; there will be a live TV broadcast from Ground Zero for reports on how much they’ve raised, how much there is left to achieve, and all-around celebrations for what has been and continues to be accomplished. We’re all in this boat together right now, proverbially, if not physically speaking. So let’s continue to make a difference and a positive impact. Ground Zero Ministries and the 12th Annual Dragon Boat Festival Virtual Fundraiser To get involved visit: Globe Facebook Or contact Kaydee Culclasure: Phone Envelope
by Melissa LaScaleia Most of the time, when people think about American Red Cross, they think blood donation drives for accident victims, and capable volunteers who offer disaster relief services. But American Red Cross offers a much broader scope of benefits for our community. “We help folks in the United States Armed Forces— both active duty members and families, as well as veterans,” says Ben Williamson, director of communications for American Red Cross, South Carolina. “Our team and our volunteers provide home comforts and critical services both on armed forces bases and military hospitals around the world.” There are several capacities in which American Red Cross offers assistance. The first is that they help military families with emergency communications during deployments. The American Red Cross Hero Care Center, as it’s called, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for emergency communication. If you have an emergency and need to contact a deployed military member of your family, you can reach out to the Center, and they will get in touch with your loved-one overseas immediately. And vice versa; if a deployed individual has an emergency, Red Cross is the means of communication that will reach out to the family at home. Another service they provide is helping families to prepare for deployments. This can be something that is psychologically, emotionally, and logistically challenging for families. Consequently, Red Cross partners with the U.S. military to offer courses families can take together, to prepare for what a deployment will be like. Then, when the military members return home, Red Cross holds reconnection workshops for soldiers to help them reintegrate into society. “We conduct mock deployments for families so they can become familiar with the situation and know what to expect,” Ben says. “And upon their return, we provide practical support like referrals, networking, and training to help them find a job, or get job training, to help them readjust with greater ease. We also offer programs to help support them emotionally.” The programs cover common topics of concern like dealing with stress, anxiety, and emotions, as well as reconnecting with their spouse and kids. “Whatever it is that they are struggling with upon their return, whether it is therapy or counseling or anything else, we help them get reconnected and reintegrated,” Ben says. The American Red Cross also offers supportive programs for families of military members, and hosts family events around the country. “We’re able to provide services for them, like counseling, while their loved one is deployed,” Ben says. Last fiscal year 2019, Red Cross provided nearly 14,000 case services to military, veterans and their families in South Carolina, alone. They educated more than 41,000 military veterans and their families about the services that Red Cross provides in South Carolina, alone. “The big priority for us is that we continue to serve our nation’s veterans even after their service ends,” Ben says. “There’s a couple ways we do that. We help them get connected with the state, national, and local resources that they need, and with any groups that can provide them with food, clothing, and shelter. We get them referrals to get them connected to the right people so that they can get the help that they need.” Another large-scale service they provide is to help veterans prepare evidence to support their claim for veteran’s assistance benefits, which most of the time, are financial. American Red Cross also does their best to provide comfort kits to as many homeless veterans as they can. The kits contains essentials like a blanket, hygiene products, and snacks. If you or anybody you know is or was in the military and is in need of some assistance, then please visit www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families to see a list of available resources. If you’re interested in helping American Red Cross fulfill their mission, then please visit www.redcross.org to donate or volunteer.
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