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Q&A with Joanne Milnor

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World Traveler and Amateur Archeologist by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family. I had no children, but I did raise two husbands. But now instead of children, I have what I call my South Carolina family. One of the members is Joyce Moore, she’s like a sister to me. We’ve known each other for over 30 years and we both live here. Her children’s babies call me Aunty Jo. Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I lived for fifty-five years in the Baltimore, Maryland area. But I’ve traveled to six continents and 66 countries over my adult life. And I’ve traveled to every state in the United States except North Dakota. Now I live in Indigo Creek in the Garden City area. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? I used to vacation in Myrtle Beach. Back then, you could camp right on the beach. In 1995, my husband and I were both retired and tired of shoveling snow. I moved here and built a house in a golf community because we liked to play golf. It was an easy transition, we knew the people and where to go. What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach? My own home. I like having people come in, I love to entertain. The best day is when friends come in for a visit and have food and wine and good conversations. What do you like the most about living here? It’s an easy place to be single and I’m single again. It’s less formal here; you can go places as a single woman and not have people looking at you. How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? It’s way more casual. What new activities have you taken up since moving here?  I volunteer for the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra. I started as a season subscriber, then I joined the Symphony Guild and then served four terms over the past 20 years as president. I just chaired the War and Peace concert. What’s one thing people may not know about you? For twenty years I worked with a local archaeology group that was started at Brookgreen Gardens. I was a digger, and when I couldn’t do the digging anymore, I worked as a screener, sifting out the dirt to find the artifacts. We were trained how to do this; it’s a very formal, measured way of excavating. We excavated five different plantations in this area. Brookgreen has a display of one of our major projects. Now, when I go to a foreign country and see antiquities, I understand more of what I’m seeing.

Emma’s Health Talk: Personal Accountability, Part 2

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Stress and Accountability by Emma Ware This article is a further continuation of last month’s discussion on stress. (Click here to read Part 1.) As I mentioned previously, taking personal responsibility, being accountable for our choices, and being truthful to ourselves decreases stress. Since stress breaks down our ability to be productive, decreases our ability to stay healthy, and impacts our relationships, why would we not want to make choices that eliminate or greatly reduce stress? It’s not always an easy fix, but here are some ways to work towards that goal. Let’s begin with the importance of self-honesty. All too often, we are at war inside ourselves, our goals butting heads with our habits. You alone know what your weaknesses are, and you alone can make the decision about what your goals are worth to you. To begin your journey of self-honesty, try journaling the place you’re currently in, and where you’d like to go. Then write out what you’d have to give up, as well as what you’d have to do additionally to make that goal a reality. For example, if you’re trying to create a more honest relationship with yourself around food, then begin a food journal. Write down what you ate when, and how you felt afterwards, both emotionally as well as physically. After you’ve compiled some data for a time, go back over your reflections, and from that space you can make an honest choice about what feels right for you and how you want to live your life moving forward. To implement the changes, create a yes and no list for yourself— foods that you allow yourself to eat, and those that are currently off-limits because you know they don’t make you feel good, and aren’t helping you reach your goals. Post the list on your fridge, and give a copy to a close friend or significant other whom you trust and can rely upon for support. An accountability partner can help you stay motivated and true to yourself during challenging times. If it’s better time management that you seek, invest in a daily planner or an hour-by-hour planner. Use it to schedule and plan your day, and make sure to include time to relax and unwind with a friend. When the day is too short to complete all the items on your planner, you have put too much on it. Shorten the list. Admit to yourself you are asking more of yourself than is reasonably possible, as that level of honesty is personal accountability. If possible, delegate some of the tasks. Now let’s discuss the habitual pattern of worry. We need to decide if what we worry about is within our ability to change or fix. If the thing we are worrying about is beyond our control to change or fix, then we must make the choice to release it and move on. Personal accountability demands action, not procrastination. Making healthy choices requires discipline. Lack of exercise, overeating, not getting enough sleep, recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, the list can be overwhelming. But choosing to be accountable can and will lead to success in every area— one decision at a time. I’m available for consultations at my office in the Market Common. Find me at 2798-D Howard Avenue, or call me at 843 997-7037. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before making changes to your health routine. Blessings,  Emma

Shamrocks Versus Four-Leaf-Clovers: A Charlie Explanation

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Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the 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 with others. This month, Charlie reinstates his research cap with a leaning towards his mystical side, as he explores the origins of the four-leaf clover. “It’s that time of the year in Myrtle Beach to celebrate everything green. Well, it’s always pretty green here, but spring is decidedly in full sway now, and what makes it that much greener is the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, and all the people who will be sporting that color as a result of the ensuing parties they’ll attend. Maybe this year I’ll go all out and ask Megan to dye my fur green. After all, it can’t be that harmful since I’m already white to begin with— I can skip the requisite bleaching treatment. I’ll have to ponder that a bit, and will certainly share pictures if I do. But in the meantime, an interesting and note-worthy correlation between St. Patrick’s Day, the color green, and our blossoming landscape, is four-leaf clovers. To get into the St. Paddy’s Day-spirit-of-things, I went hunting around for one in the park across the street. There was so much clover to be found, but they all had three leaves, not four. That got me thinking more about four-leaf clovers in general, and how and why they’re associated with Irish culture and this holiday in particular. And I think you all know where my wonderings take me.    Get excited— it’s research time. To begin, let’s clarify something generally confusing (at least it always was for me, so I’ll assume perhaps it is for you as well) — the difference between a shamrock and a four-leaf clover. A shamrock is just another name for the ubiquitous three-leaf clover found all over Ireland and the United States; a four-leaf clover is a genetic abnormality of the three-leaf clover, and the one that’s associated with luck, and hence, St. Patrick’s Day. Although a little further research reveals that both figure prominently in St. Patricks’ Day legends and celebrations. The legend of the shamrock is shrouded in mystery (which I love)! The plant has always been instrumental to Celtic culture and rituals across the centuries, as the number three was considered spiritually significant and a powerful one. It is said that the Druids placed great import on the shamrock as well. But because the Druids were so secretive and so mystical, the number could have represented a variety of positive spiritual concepts including the sun, moon, and stars; or the earth, sky, and underground, deep within the earth.  At any rate, legend has it that not only was the shamrock already important to the Celts by the time St. Patrick arrived teaching about Christianity, but it was also a visual symbol by which they could more easily understand the esoteric concept of the Christian Trinity of Father, son, and Holy Spirit in one form. As far as four-leaf clovers go, it’s estimated that for every four-leaf clover there are 10,000 three-leaf clovers. And this little product of nature is packed with some fascinating tales.  According to one legend, Eve, when she was expelled from the Garden of Eden, carried a four-leaf clover with her for luck.  Since she was no longer residing in paradise, she thought she’d need it.  And going back to Celtic beliefs, the four-leaf clover was used to ward off evil, as it was said to magically repel bad luck.  During the Middle Ages, children believed if you carried a four-leaf clover, you would be able to see fairies, and when they found the four-petaled clover, they would search for the fairies in the fields.  It’s safe to assume that since the shamrock with its common three leaves was held in such high regard and esteem spiritually, that having one additional petal would instill that much more luck in the bearer, and became a symbol that was rolled into and accepted as part of St. Patrick’s Day culture.  So which one will you use to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? As for me, I know which one I’ll choose. I love encounters with fairies!”  Until next time, 

The MBAF Base Throughout the 20th Century, Part 7

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The Persian Gulf Crisis and the Beginning of the End by Melissa LaScaleia Continued from last month. Click here to read Part 6.  By 1980, when President Jimmy Carter was in office, the 354th at Myrtle Beach became part of the president’s Rapid Deployment Force, also called the Rapid Deployment Task Force. By 1983, the Task Force became a separate entity called the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which focused exclusively on the Middle East in response to the tensions that were mounting there and preparation for ensuing conflict. In the early ’80s, Kuwait experienced a major economic crisis followed by several terrorist attacks. After this period of turmoil, an economic rivalry ensued between Iraq and Kuwait, the former accusing the latter of syphoning oil reserves. Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait in 1990, and the United States led a coalition to remove Iraqi forces from the country in what became known as the Gulf War. Just as it was during the Cold War and Vietnam War, the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was a front-line base during the Gulf War. Under the parameters of CENTCOM, the 354th was now assigned to the United States Central Command Air Forces.  Consequently, in 1985, the 354th’s A-10 aircraft and personnel were deployed to Cairo West Air Base to engage in BRIGHT STAR exercises. There were two more such deployments— in 1987 and 1989, both from Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing was one of the first Air Force units deployed to the Persian Gulf to offer aid in Operation Desert Shield, the name used to reference the operations taken leading up to the conflict. Aircraft from the 354th were also involved in Operation Desert Storm, the name given to the operations exacted between thirty-five countries to free Kuwait. During Desert Storm, aircraft flew early warning and Scud missile missions, as well as conducted search-and-rescue missions. The 354th were also involved in a ground support mission, cutting off enemy supply lines, and inflicting heavy damage to Iraqi artillery.  In March 1991, at the successful conclusion of the war, the 354th returned home to Myrtle Beach. On October 1, 1991, the Tactical Air Command was deactivated and the 354th was redesignated the 354th Fighter Wing.  The wing was reassigned to the new Air Combat Command. The mission of the Air Combat Command is to act as the primary force of airpower defense to America’s war-fighting factions. It is one of ten major commands of the United States Air Force. Despite the prominent role that the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base had played throughout the tumultuous theatre that was international relations during the 20th century, supporting and defending the United States with valor and prowess, there had been talk of closing the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base since the conclusion of the Vietnam War in the early ’70s.  The topic was continuously debated in congress, but Senators Strom Thurmond and Ernest Hollings staunchly advocated that the base remain open. Their arguments won the day and the base did.  Nevertheless, at the conclusion of the Cold War, the government had lessened its budget for defense spending and eyes consistently turned to the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base to question its necessity.  By the early ’90s, it was estimated that there were five more Air Force bases open across the United States than was necessary to provide the amount of support needed for our nation’s defense. To be continued. Click here to read Part 8, the conclusion. 

Top Three Picks from The Southern Living Store to Add a Southern Vibe to Your Life

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by Ashley Daniels Looking to add a little Southern to your living? Pay a visit to the Southern Living Store at the Market Common and you’ll find yourself in Southern central, with an inventory of the most unique finds in home and garden, food, travel, fashion, and more. Here are a few top picks to stock up on as the weather heads towards spring. 1818 Farms Products These ultra-unique bath and beauty products are hand-made with the same philosophy and mindset that drives the Mooresville, Alabama farm from whence they hail—keep it simple. Simplicity is the basis for their best-selling product, the 1818 Farms shea crème moisturizer. It’s light and fluffy in texture and hand whipped. And it’s comprised of only three ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, and an essential oil or natural fragrance. Potted Succulents Their assortment of beautifully potted succulents will add the perfect pop of color to any room of your home. Or they could serve as the perfect housewarming gift. You’ll not only love the succulents’ many shades and textures, but also that these plants can endure the heat and sun of the south. If you choose to place yours out on the patio, only a little water is needed to keep them alive and well. Don’t forget to add a little love too! Southern Living Foods & Cappai Lazy Susans Yes, Southern Living has their own line of food— and they’re as delicious as you can imagine, bite after sweet, Southern bite. The biscuit mixes yield fluffy drop biscuits with a buttery flavor. The pancake mix is an old-fashioned recipe with simple ingredients that only requires you to add water. Pour any of the Southern Living syrups onto those pancakes or a stack of waffles for a treat. The blackberry syrup is an old Southern recipe that features sweet, ripe blackberries cooked in small batches. And you’ll want to take home a tin of their honey roasted peanuts tossed in a special blend of cane sugar and seasonings. Place these foods on any of their uniquely designed, hand-painted, food-safe Lazy Susans; they double as a serving tray plus no two are exactly alike. Southern Living Store Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

Help Sticking with Your New Year’s Resolution

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by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Need help staying on track to maintaining your New Year’s resolutions? The below tips cover some of the most common resolutions, and offer helpful suggestions for how you can stay with your resolve in Little River this year. If you want to Eat healthier If big diet changes are too drastic for you, try making just little changes when you go out to eat. Vegetables instead of fries, grilled instead of fried, and water instead of soda, are all easy and simple steps to help you begin. If you want to Get in Shape While there’s a lot you can do at home, having outside accountability can help you achieve consistency. Try taking a group fitness class at Little River Fit Body Boot Camp (843-999-0197), join a gym with a friend and go together, or hire a coach who will check in with your progress and help keep you on track.  If you want to Get out of Debt Most financial advice for paying down a credit card includes paying more than the minimum payment, creating a budget for yourself to reduce expenses, getting a second job, and negotiating your bill. If you’re looking for more personalized advice or want to start planning your retirement, you should meet with a financial advisor like Edward Jones (843-663-0162). If you want to Learn a New Skill Coastal Carolina University’s OLLI program (843-349-5002) offers opportunities for adults to take non-credit courses in art, history, politics, health & wellness, genealogy, estate planning, technology, languages, science, writing, fitness, and more. If you want to Read More In addition to books, the Little River Library also has partnerships which offer free online books and audible books. So you don’t even have to go to the library to make returns.  If you want to Meet New People The Little River Chamber is a great place for networking opportunities. If you want to Watch Less TV Try catching a show at the Alabama Theatre (843-272-1111).  If you want to go to your Doctor / Dentist regularly Many people put off doctor and dentist visits because they feel fine. But taking care of your health proactively can nip any potential problems in the bud, and give you a benchmark for where you’re at.    If you want to Learn more about art, music, and culture The North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum (843-427-7668) is a hidden gem in our area. 

African-American History On Display In Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach is a young locale, but the city works hard to preserve the short history that we have. The city was incorporated in 1938, barely eighty years ago, but those have been active decades. Much has changed, and the city has seen tremendous growth. The history of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base is preserved throughout the Market Common district.   Similarly, the history of our musical roots are preserved through Charlie’s Place, while our early educational steps are preserved through the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center.  Within that building is a standing exhibit to the many contributions and accomplishments that African-Americans have made. Traffic signals, blood transfusions, pacemakers, mailboxes, light bulbs and the blood bank are among the many inventions that African-Americans gave the world. This Museum of African-American History began as a February-only display at the former Canal Street Recreation Center. Recreation Supervisor Docshee Moore originally exhibited his masterpiece during Black History Month as a tribute. His work soon outgrew what is now the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, and the exhibit found a permanent home at the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center, located at 900 Dunbar Street. The display highlights dozens of contributions by African American scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and more.  The museum is open from 10am to 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Admission is free. To schedule a tour, call 843-918-4905. For more information about the Historic Colored School Museum and Education Center, visit The City of Myrtle Beach. The museum itself is the recreation of the former Colored School, which opened in 1932 and operated for more than twenty years. The school was replaced in 1953 and then sat idle and unused for decades, until its former students mounted an effort to preserve the building and the history it represented. The former students staunchly advocated two things:  First, they believed the school should retain its original name. To them, it had always been the Myrtle Beach Colored School, and they were unconcerned with whether that name might be uncomfortable or politically incorrect. Segregation was wrong, but it happened, and changing the name was an unthinkable act of revisionist history. Second, they strongly believed that the school should continue to serve in an educational capacity. It wasn’t enough to create a museum to the past; the new building also should provide a service to the community. Their tenacity won the day. The reconstructed school opened in 2006, and its educational role continues today. In addition to the African-American museum, the four-room school also serves as a place for after-school activities for neighborhood children. The history of our very young city is preserved for all to see and learn.

Banking on Community in the Market Common

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by Ashley Daniels You work hard for your money. And that’s why you want to entrust it with a local institution that has your best financial interest in mind, like Santee Cooper Credit Union (SCCU), which has a branch right along Farrow Parkway in the Market Common. “We pride ourselves on being all about the community,” says Michelle Jones, manager of marketing and HR. “People helping people and giving back. If you come into the branch, we will call you by your name, and ask about your family. We want you to know that we care about you; we want you to be part of our credit union family.” SCCU dates back to 1953, when ten members joined together to form the credit union by contributing $50 each to serve employees of the South Carolina Public Service Authority. Today, since that charter was founded sixty-five years ago, membership has expanded to anyone that lives, works or attends school in Berkeley or Horry counties.  SCCU membership continues to grow its 7,300 members. But no matter the growth, SCCU is committed to maintaining its philosophy of “people helping people.” Jones, who works out of the Moncks Corner branch, says SCCU offers all of the usual banking services (checking and savings accounts, loans and credit cards, mobile and online), but also the unique offerings of a credit union, with an all-volunteer board of directors who are also members of SCCU. “We also try to keep our fee structure lower, as well as offer better loan rates to members,” says Jones. “Because we are a not-for-profit organization, we can give back to the membership through dividends paid out through our deposit accounts as well as offering lower loan rates.” Special services at SCCU also include a Christmas Club account, which encourages members to save for next year’s Christmas shopping. “We’re encouraging members to set up this savings account to have funds automatically deducted from their paycheck to set aside for next year,” says Jones. “Our philosophy is that if it’s automatically coming out, it’s not something you have to do on your own or worry about.” There’s also a Young Savers account to help instill good habits in members eighteen years of age or younger. SCCU actually deposits the first $5 to open the account for these young members, to help jumpstart years of deposits in the future. “We think it’s important to learn at a young age the importance of setting money aside and having goals,” says Jones. She says that’s one of the ways SCCU tries to give back to the community: reaching out to schools to talk to students about the ins and outs of finances and helping them down the right path as much as they can. They also sponsor an annual college scholarship and donate to community kitchens over the holiday season. Another way SCCU is maintaining its mission of “people helping people” is the rollout of upgraded mobile banking features, like Bill Pay and a remote deposit capture, in 2020.  Santee Cooper Credit Union Globe

Your Romantic Date Destination This Valentine’s Day

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by Kevin Gunn While we all seek to show the special someone in our lives how much we care about him or her every day, Valentine’s Day is the quintessential time for showing that love. And Pawleys Island is a great place to take that special someone.  With romantic restaurants, scenery, and a relaxing off-the-beaten-track vibe, Pawleys Island affords the perfect backdrop for a day or evening outing.  The below are some fun, lighthearted suggestions of Valentine’s Day Do’s and Don’ts.  The Valentines Day Don’ts 1.  Don’t forget the day.  Put it in your calendar, or set an alert or reminder. P.S. Wishing your loved one a Happy Valentine’s Day on February 13 does not count. Restaurants will get booked far in advance, set your plans now if you haven’t already. 2. If you’re buying a gift for a woman, don’t make it a kitchen appliance. Unless she really, really loves that kind of thing and asked for something specific… 3. If your significant other isn’t into your favorite type of cuisine, then don’t take him or her there. Instead, find something you both will enjoy.  The Valentines Day Do’s 1. Send a gift at work. What better way to start the day than with a nice surprise?  Win the day with this move. 2. Turn off the electronics. Being present is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone. Make your loved one feel special by giving the phone a break for the night. 3. Watch a movie you’ll both enjoy. Compromise is bliss.

Chocolate Pom Poms

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Pomegranates have been revered by numerous countries and cultures throughout the centuries, from Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the tables of modern day London, where the bulky fruit became all the rage after the publication of the cookbook Ottolenghi in 2018, and the little seeds bedecked dishes from eggplant to ice cream across the city. In ancient Greece, they developed the myth of Persephone and Demeter around the fruit to account for the seasons of the year.  The below recipe couldn’t be more simple nor more delightful, and it’s quintessential for Valentine’s Day— blending that holiday’s two well-known accompaniments perfectly— chocolate and the color red.  It is known that the energy of love is equal to the energy of creativity, so let the sparks fly and your imagination soar as you head to the kitchen this month to put your own original spin on this delicate little treat. You could substitute dark chocolate for milk, semisweet, or white, or mix and match. Add it as a topping to vanilla ice cream or a sponge cake. Where will your culinary adventure lead you?  Ingredients 1 large pomegranate ½ cup dark chocolate cinnamon Directions Peel the pomegranate, and free the seeds from the rind, collecting them in a bowl. Slowly melt the chocolate over a double boiler, stirring constantly, or at the lowest setting possible on your stove. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.  Line a mini muffin tin with liners, add some seeds and drizzle with chocolate. Finish with a dash of cinnamon if so desired.

North Myrtle Beach’s Heart Healthy Exercise Routine

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by Shawn C. Spickler, Fitness Director, NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center  The North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center would like to invite the community to participate in supporting Heart Health Month by getting active during the month of February. An inactive lifestyle is a big risk factor for heart disease. Fortunately, this risk factor is a variable you can control. Exercising your heart means exercising your body. Before beginning any exercise program, be sure to consult with your physician, especially if you are on heart medications or have any restrictions due to health issues. Your doctor will be happy to help construct a healthy heart exercise program suitable for you. The following tips will help improve your heart health and overall well-being. Warm Up Warm-up exercises help your heart and muscles adjust from a resting state to an exercise state. Warming up will gradually increase your heart rate, thus reducing the stress on your heart and muscles. Good stretching exercises for warming up include shoulder rolls, knee lifts, overhead reaches and light walking. Aerobic/Cardio Conditioning The bulk of your healthy heart routine will be spent doing aerobic activity. Physical activity that increases your heart rate should be done for at least 20-30 minutes a day. Swimming, brisk walking, and low-impact aerobics are all good options. If aerobics isn’t your thing, don’t rule out exercise. Housework, yard work and other activities that you can build into your daily routine are all effective at increasing your heart rate and improving heart health. Cool Down Cooling down from exercise gradually brings your heart rate down and helps your body recover. Bring the intensity of your exercise down a few notches and include some more stretching in this phase. Whether you practice a structured healthy heart exercise program or you consistently add physical activity into your daily routine, remember that it all adds up. And a healthy heart is a happy heart.

Q&A with Linda Weintraub

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A New York Native Turned Devoted Volunteer by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family.  I have two children. Lalenya, my daughter, is an attorney with two children: Berkeley is twelve years old and an avid gymnast; and Hudson, is very cerebral, he’s a scholar. My other daughter, Fawn, is a teacher. She also has two children: RJ, who studies pre-engineering; and Remy, who studies martial arts, and just got his purple belt.  Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I’ve lived in New York my entire life. I lived in a 200 year-old house in the woods. Then we sold the house, and decided to move to South Carolina because we had a friend who moved here and encouraged us to come. I had never been to South Carolina until that point. I’ve been here four years now. We live in the Market Common area because we like the town aspect, where there are activities and we can walk to things.     What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach? I like Pawley’s Island and the downtown in the Market Common. I shop locally and love the small stores.  What do you like the most about living here? I love the temperatures in the spring and fall. And I love that the people here in the South are so nice and so polite, and very friendly.  How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? I retired very young, and I’ve been volunteering for awhile. So now I’m doing even more volunteer work. It’s very important to me to help people.  What new activities have you taken up since moving here? I’m volunteering in the ER at the Grand Strand and I also tutor two children. I belong to an organization called Recovery International. It’s a peer-to-peer, self-help, mental health wellness group. I run the only group in the state, and they gave me permission to advertise it to the public as well. I’m ever thankful to them that they granted it to me, and now I’m trying to expand the group. We have a veteran initiative as well— I don’t lead that meeting, but I’m spreading the word about it.  What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?  1) I’m not into beach-house decor; I have a lot of antiques. 2) I belly dance to raise funds for children in orphanages. 3) I go to Mexico in the Sierra Madres every winter— I’ve worked there feeding families in a very impoverished area.  What are your favorite things to do here?  I like walking a lot. And I like meeting new people.  Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach? Yes, mountains. And some Jewish delis and good delicatessens. And a real supermarket here in the Market Common.

Lupercalia, Pink Noses, and a Box of Chocolates

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Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the 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 with others.  This February, Charlie delves into the history of Valentine’s Day.  “Ah me, I’m such a die-hard romantic. I get even more blissed out than usual when Valentine’s Day rolls on by and pauses to stay for 24 sweet hours in our calendar of days.  Everything is pink and red and white (just like me!) and sparkly (just like my personality), and so really, what’s not to like?  Even if you don’t have a sweetheart of the romantic persuasion in your life, it’s just a love-filled, heart-centered kind of day. And gosh, that’s the regular M.O. of hippies all the time, so I think one day out of the year for us all collectively to celebrate peace, love, happiness, and sparkly things is a good idea.  And because, in addition to being pink, red, and white (it’s my nose and tongue respectively that are the former two colors by the way, just in case you were wondering), I’m also endlessly inquisitive and just looooooooove research. And I want to find out the origins of this day and how its connection with romance came to be.  …  What a very interesting and colorful lineage. Many historians trace the origins of Valentine’s Day to an ancient pagan festival called Lupercalia, which fell sometime between February 13-15. Although how it initially got started is shrouded in the mists of time, the festival has been traced as far back as the 6th century B.C. and was undoubtedly of Roman origins, as it derives its name from the Latin word for wolf, lupus.  Some have posited that the name of the festival is in deference to and celebration of the legend of Rome’s founding— that a wolf nursed two abandoned baby brothers, Romulus and Remus, who grew to adulthood under her care and went on to birth the great city.  Lupercalia was predominantly a fertility festival, and like most of those, it involved animal sacrifice (yikes!).  Even though I’m a sensitive pooch, and sad and offended by this, I can still understand the culture of the times from a scholarly perspective and let my affront go. Let’s move on.  People ran wild through the streets, as women were offered benedictions which supposedly made them fertile. It is also said that men selected the names of women from a random lottery, and coupled up with them for the duration of the festival. Well, that’s one very interesting way to do it I suppose. Apparently, many couples fell in love and ended up getting married. Fast forward centuries. There was a man named Valentine, who was a Christian in Rome when it wasn’t popular to be one, and the Emperor wasn’t too pleased about it. He threw Valentine in prison until he changed his mind, but Valentine didn’t. So the emperor ordered him executed. As the story goes, he wrote a farewell letter of thanks to the kind daughter of his jailer, signing it, “Your Valentine.”  Time passed, things changed, and by the 5th century it was popular to be Christian and decidedly déclassé to be pagan. So much so, that pagan festivals were being almost universally replaced with Christian religious holy days. Almost anyone who had been martyred was canonized a saint, and they all had days to honor them.  Valentine was one such saint. Pope Gelasius I instated February 14 as “Saint Valentine’s Day” effectively blotting out Lupercalia.  Today, there aren’t any Christian saint’s days which are universally celebrated except the day for Valentine. But this is where my research hat no longer serves me and I must wander into the realm of speculation.  How specifically did this day come to be associated with heart shaped butter cookies and romance? Boxes of chocolates and that special someone? Nobody seems to know, but I sure am glad for this particular evolution. All that running around at Lupercalia would have tired me out. I’d much prefer some sweets and snuggles.”  Until next time,

Surfside Beach Police

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by the Town of Surfside Beach We have been busy at the police department as we move into 2020. Chief Hoffman has recently returned from an 11-week training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  The training focused on leadership, organizational change, officer wellness and vitality, and media relations. He is looking forward to continuing the hard work of advancing the Surfside Beach Police Department into the new decade, and grateful that the town allowed him to attend this professional development training to help him be the most effective police chief for the town. The department is also appreciative that town council and our town administrator have been supportive of recruiting and retention efforts. The department has procured and outfitted four new patrol vehicles, giving enough vehicles to issue each sworn officer an assigned police vehicle.  If the officer lives in or close enough to the town, they will be able to drive their assigned vehicle home. This is a powerful recruiting and retention tool that also benefits the town. Research shows that officers take better care of an assigned vehicle. This results in an increased useable life of the vehicle, lowered maintenance costs, and lower fuel costs. The town closed the municipal jail over six months ago and began transporting persons arrested in town directly to the Horry County Detention Center or the Myrtle Beach Police Department. This organizational change is a one-year pilot program to see how the closure affects public safety, liability for the town, and cost of operating a jail.  Due to South Carolina Department of Corrections requirements, continued operation of the jail would have required the hiring of nine additional full-time personnel and increased costs estimated at over $600,000.00 per year. Municipal jails present tremendous liabilities to municipalities such as Surfside Beach. The test has been overwhelmingly successful, using two full-time transportation officers to the detention center during peak hours, leaving officers on the streets to continue patrolling. The Community Alert Program (CAP) continues to grow as town residents sign up. This program allows elderly or special needs residents to be checked on periodically by communications officers. If contact cannot be made with a resident or their emergency contact, a police officer is dispatched to the residence to check on them.  This program also allows special needs residents to advise how to best respond to an address if an emergency arises. For example, some of residents may be startled by the sound of a siren or loud talking. Our police officers care deeply about residents’ individual needs, and this program helps them respond with this vital information. Additionally, the department is preparing for the upcoming spring and Memorial Day bike rallies, and are in the early stages of planning for the upcoming beach season. Chief Hoffman and his team look forward to seeing residents and business owners at the “Coffee with a Cop” event to be announced in the near future.  Additionally, we are preparing the materials for a new and improved Citizens Police Academy in the spring.  Stay tuned. Surfside Beach Police Department Facebook Phone

Emma’s Health Talk: Personal Accountability, Part 1

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Do You Lie to Yourself? by Emma Ware Do You Lie To Yourself? Reread my header again. Did it evoke feelings of curiosity or make you ill at ease? Based on the human emotional processing of information, one will either agree with the material presented or strongly disagree and either excitedly pass it on to everyone perceived to need it, or toss away the article.  After cross-referencing many sources, most of the information that I found on this subject is similar, and supports the studies done by multiple accredited counselors, doctors and holistic practitioners. The definition of personal accountability is as follows: Accountability is an ongoing, habitual commitment to yourself to stand for what is important to you through continually choosing to consciously take ownership for your life.  Many of our choices are pre-determined by our expectation that we can control the outcome. A perfect example of compromised accountability would be a person who decides to change her eating habits to get the result of a healthier body, but who denies that eating sugar won’t affect the outcome.    In my research, I came across a book written by Linda Galindo titled, The 85% Solution. Linda details the struggle with accountability and suggests the benefits gained when we choose to become accountable. Here are just a few results worth mentioning. → Decreased Stress → Increased productivity → Better time usage → Increased job and relationship satisfaction A lack of personal accountability is at the heart of chronic stress and it saps us of our productivity. It wastes our time and it makes us less satisfied with our jobs, our relationships, and ourselves. Stress breaks down our ability to stay healthy and is a foe we can overcome by following simple choices. (I will focus on what some of those are, next month.)  Are you able to tell yourself the truth about your accountability? The goal is always to stop bad habits, begin life-changing healthy ones, and hold ourselves accountable for the outcome.  I hope this article will encourage some personal research. Remember to always check with your doctor when making any changes to your health routine. Stop by the office at 2798-D Howard Avenue in Market Common or call me at 843 997-7037.  Blessings, – Emma Click here to read Part 2 of “Personal Accountability”

Romantic Date Spots on the Grand Strand

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by Emily Smith February is the perfect time to show your significant other just how important they are to you. In our neck of the woods alone there are plenty of ways to do just that. Plus, being in such a central neighborhood of the Grand Strand means you can rely on the whole area to plan a great excursion.  Downtown Conway kicks the month off with their annual Chocolate Walk, inviting fans of the candy to explore downtown while enjoying the work of local chocolatiers— amateur and professional alike. Indulge your senses from 11am-3pm on Saturday, February 1.  On both ends of Carolina Forest, popular restaurants like The Grumpy Monk, King Kong Sushi, and The Sneaky Beagle offer delicious and casual options for date nights. Brunch is also a tasty alternative for a meal together, with places such as The Famous Toastery, even the aforementioned Sneaky Beagle, offering perfect ways to begin a romantic day. Outside of the Forest, elegant options await for a more intimate setting, from Pawleys Island to Little River. Nearby, The Library remains a popular romantic night out. Located on U.S. 17 Business in Myrtle Beach, this restaurant is fine dining complete with tableside service. Reservations at The Library are a necessity on Valentine’s Day.  In Pawleys Island, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback has both fancy and relaxed options to best suit your date. Perrone’s Restaurant or Caffe Piccolo provide some classic Mediterranean romance. On the southern end, a day in Brookgreen Gardens and an evening at any one of these restaurants will be a sure hit with your partner. In North Myrtle Beach, La Belle Amie Vineyard is a lovely idea for wine lovers but has something for everyone to enjoy. From there, it’s only a quick drive to numerous charming and elegant restaurants, including 21 Main or Seablue Restaurant and Wine Bar. A little further north into Little River, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is a beautiful park on the Intracoastal Waterway and is ideal for enjoying the beauty of nature, plus a great option for a free activity.  Just down the road, The Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro offers a dive into French cuisine with regular events, making a Valentine’s date convenient even if it isn’t on the fourteenth. For plans specific to Valentine’s Day, it is important to call in advance and make reservations as needed. This will include any event held by the Carolina Forest Recreation Center.  No matter what kind of date you and yours prefer, there is something in the Grand Strand to make your time together memorable. 

Commemorating The Life of Colonel Nevers

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The Life and Legacy of a Memorable Base Commander by Melissa LaScaleia This month’s history section commemorates the valor of Colonel Joseph R. Nevers, for whom Nevers Street in the Market Common is named.  Colonel Nevers passed away on November 15, 2019, in Homestead, Florida; he was eighty-nine years old. Joseph had an illustrious military career with the United States Air Force that spanned thirty-five years.  Joseph was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on May 25, 1930. His parents were Joseph and Stephanie Nevers.   As an adult, he was a renowned fighter pilot in the Vietnam War and flew more than 7,700 military hours in the F-86, F-100, and F-104 aircraft.  In the 1950s, the F-100 Super Sabre replaced the F-86 in the Air Force with its superior design. The F-100 distinguished itself by being the first plane in the Air Force to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. The F-104, a further enhancement in the F series of planes, has been called a missile with wings by some pilots due to its speed and ability to climb quickly. Nevers logged 4,885 flying hours in the F-104— a number which was exceeded by only one other pilot in the United States Air Force.  Joseph flew F-104 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Later in the war, he served the United States further by acting as a Deputy Base Commander of a special operations wing operating from a base in Thailand. Joseph held other key assignments during his military career.  He was the director of F-104 operations at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona; and Deputy Base Commander at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. During the ’70s, he was also Commander of the 354th Combat Support Group at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. In effect, he was the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing’s Base Commander for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. He served for more than seven years, becoming our base’s longest serving commander.  Jim Parker, when he was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in 1978, remembers meeting Colonel Nevers and what it was like to be stationed under his supervision:    “He was a well-liked base commander. He had a great reputation amongst the military as well as civilian employees and the community at large. I was 18 when I met him. I remember he made an impression on me with his ability to discern a person’s character. He was one of the highest authority figures I had ever met, and he was a role model for me as a community leader and an authority figure. He was well liked, and he was a gentleman and a scholar.”  Colonel Nevers served as base commander the entire time Jim was stationed here.  “He will be missed,” Jim says.  Colonel Joseph R. Nevers medals include: the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and five Air Medals.  During his lifetime, Joseph was a member of several aviation organizations— among them: the EAA # 1354, OX 5 club, Quiet Birdmen, and the Daedalians.  Joseph was married twice: first to Patricia Nevers.  After her death, he married Patricia Dunn Nevers. He is succeeded by his children: Carol Nevers-Bernier, Linda Nevers, Joseph Nevers, and Mark Nevers; as well as his in-law’s children whom he took in as his own— Lynn Daly and Warren Breither.  Joseph is succeeded as well by numerous grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and his favorite canine companion, Murphy. 

Brookgreen Gardens

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Romance in the Gardens: Vow Renewal Ceremony on Valentine’s Day by Melissa LaScaleia Brookgreen Garden’s annual event celebrating love, Romance in the Gardens, returns during the season of love, and will be held this year on Friday, February 14.  The event is organized and directed by Charlene Sitas, Brookgreen’s director of food service and private events, and Jay Rowe, the vice president of Brookgreen’s public operations.  Seventeen years ago, Charlene and Jay worked together on a wedding at a venue, and then synchronistically found themselves at Brookgreen, where they continue to use their talents to help make magical memories for couples.  Romance in the Gardens is an opportunity for couples to celebrate their marriage and renew their wedding vows— remembering the day that they got married or committed to one another on an iconic day for romance, Valentine’s Day. Vow renewal ceremonies have gained in popularity in recent years, and the reasons why couples choose to participate in one are as unique and multifaceted as the couples themselves.  For some, it’s a way to commemorate a love that has deepened or matured over time. It can be a celebration of a milestone anniversary, like 10, 20 or 25 years, or a celebration of a shorter length of time, 1 or 2 years. For some, it’s a reaffirmation that they still want to be together, a solidifying of their commitment after a rough patch. And for others, it’s a way to strengthen their bond.  Today the pace of life is faster than it ever has been, and a vow renewal ceremony can act as an anchor for couples pulled in many different directions by work and life demands. Whatever a couple’s motivation, they can honor it here.  This year’s ceremony will take place on the bank of Brookgreen Creek. A harpist will play for the duration, and each couple will receive a bouquet of flowers from Brookgreen’s gardens. — Photo Brookgreen Gardens Brookgreen’s ceremony originated with Page Kiniry. It was the first new event she helped implement when she began her tenure as Brookgreen’s president three years ago, and it has now become a much beloved annual tradition, growing in participation in a short time to upwards of 50 couples.  “We have a diverse array of couples who have participated,” Jay says. “There are young couples who have only been married a few years. We had a couple come who had both lost a significant amount of weight and wanted to come and celebrate that. We have numerous couples for whom February 14 is their actual anniversary and wanted to celebrate with other couples who had the same date. It’s definitely a happy event.  It’s a nice gathering of folks who have something in common, who are all here to celebrate their relationship.”  Brookgreen’s ceremony is non-religious so as to be accessible to everyone, and is in no way legally binding. Ron Daise will lead this year’s event which promises to be beautiful.  “We have a new location this year, on the bank of Brookgreen creek,” Jay says. “We’ll have a harpist playing by the water, and each couple will receive a small wedding bouquet of fresh flowers, some seasonal and cut from our gardens. They will also receive their photograph together, and a certificate to commemorate the event.”  — Photo Brookgreen Gardens One of the fun things they’re doing this year is to calculate the total number of years that all participating couples have been married. And they’ll recognize couples who have been married the longest and the shortest amount of time.  As the event will be held publicly in their private gardens, everybody is welcome to attend. A reception at the Leonard Pavilion, a new venue for this year, will follow the ceremony. The Paul Grimshaw Duo will play during the reception for dancing and entertainment. The reception is molded along the lines of a Southern style cake-cutting reception, which was popular back in the ’50s and ’60s. In contrast to the formal sit-down dinners that often accompany weddings today, these events were simple affairs often held in the church social hall directly after the ceremony.  People would enjoy a slice of cake, some pecans grown on the farm, punch, and mints. Brookgreen’s ceremony will include all of the traditional aspects of the Southern classic, plus the addition of champagne. It’s a light and fun time to be reminiscent.  Couples come bedecked in attire as diverse and personal to them as their reasons for renewing their vows.  The gardens area perfect backdrop for a romantic day together. —Photo mwms1916 “Some come in their original wedding attire,” Jay says.  “Sometimes they purchase new clothing, or matching outfits. One couple were simultaneously celebrating their one year anniversary as well as their joint weight loss, and purchased new clothes to celebrate both milestones.”  Pre-registration for the event either online or by phone is required. There is no deadline for registration, but the event usually sells out. Tickets are $50 per couple, $40 for members, and includes admission to the gardens for the day, should couples choose to meander along the paths or have a picnic lunch on the lawns.  “We’re a historical location, and our gardens lend themselves to romance,” Jay says. “And of course today, we host many lavish receptions and grand receptions with dinners and cocktail hours on our premises. But the Southern reception takes us back in history to a tradition that led us to what and how we celebrate marriages today.”  And in the event that couples choose to host their wedding here at Brookgreen Gardens and not just renew their vows, Charlene is the women to call to help you make those plans.  They can accommodate weddings and receptions for 2 people up to 600.  Brookgreen Gardens Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

The Uncommon Chocolatier

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Bringing Uncommon Delights to the Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia The Uncommon Chocolatier is the first retail venture of business partners Christine Falvo and Don Konieczny.  Both have been working as confectioners in the delectable world of professional chocolate for a combined total of thirty years.  The two opened The Uncommon Chocolatier as a team in February, last year. They have a factory in Pennsylvania where they produce all of their confections, personally driving the finished product down to Myrtle Beach twice a month.  “We didn’t have a name until we had a place,” Christine says. “We wanted to fit into the community— to be ingrained in it personally and to be thought of as their candy store.”    What’s available at The Uncommon Chocolatier? Almost anything you could wish. They offer highly customizable options to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, and preferences. — Photo Meganpixels Parker When they found a spot at the Market Common, they decided to spin off of that name, dubbing themselves The Uncommon Chocolatier. And uncommon they are, in that rare-treasure kind of way.    “We don’t want to be a franchise, we want to remain a small operation, stay local, and answer the needs and tastes of our patrons,” Christine says.  One of the ways in which they do that is through meeting people’s dietary needs. They offer gluten-free and vegan products; additionally, everything is highly customizable to your specifications. They will make sweet treats that can accommodate any allergy— without compromising flavor.  Don, the owner, makes all 120 rotating flavors of fudge by hand. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We source all of our chocolate from Belgium,” Christine says. “Belgian chocolate is just its own entity, in a class all by itself.”  Callebaut, the company that processes the chocolate they use exclusively, is an ethical company sourcing high quality materials with ethical manufacturing.  “We use them because they are an industry leader in development, production, selection, and quality,” Christine says. “They are on the forefront of everything.”  Don is the store owner and also makes every ounce of fudge that is sold in their store— by hand.    Pecan turtles made with roasted and salted pecs and caramel. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We carry over forty flavors of fudge in our store at any given time,” he says. “We’ve produced about 120 flavors, and rotate them seasonally. People are blown away by how many we have.”  To determine what they will make, the two will look at what’s trending and the new flavors that are coming out. They also ask their patrons for suggestions, who often oblige by requesting fun and mysterious sounding creations like unicorn or superman fudge.  For Valentine’s Day, The Uncommon Chocolatier is stocking their shelves with several confections destined to delight anyone near and dear to your heart.  They will be offering chocolate covered strawberries in a long-stem-rose box (available by pre-order only), and rose lollypops, made of pure chocolate in the shape of a rose.  They also have a product that’s new to the industry.  Called ruby in reference to the naturally occurring, beautiful, ruby pink color of its bean, the product has a fruity, tart flavor.  — Photo Meganpixels Parker “It’s new to the industry,” Christine says. “It’s been really fun to play around with and do different pairings with this chocolate. The rose lollypops and the chocolate covered strawberries will be available in ruby chocolate, as well as dark, milk, and white.”  In addition to their limited edition Valentine’s Day delights and fudge selection, there are an almost dizzying array of other wonderful chocolate delights.  Dried fruits dipped in chocolate; pecan turtles made with roasted and salted pecans and caramel; English toffee; chocolate covered marshmallows; chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos; and truffles.  “Our goal is to always produce the highest quality product and the highest quality service,” Christine says.  “We keep this venture really small and tight so that we know the quality that we produce. Don and I take great pride in the way our products look. We’re both extremely passionate about what we do.” The Uncommon Chocolatier  3351 Reed Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 M-Sa 10am — 8pm; Su 12-6pm   Facebook @ The Uncommon Chocolatier  843-945-4479 Map-marked-alt Phone Facebook

The Hilton Garden Inn

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A Bright Hearted Work Place by Melissa LaScaleia Thomas McDonald has worked in hotel management for over twenty years, and has been the general manager of The Hilton Garden Inn in Myrtle Beach for the past ten.  The Hilton Garden Inn is a franchisee of the Hilton Brand— a select service brand which offers all the guest room amenities people expect and love, such as free internet, room service, a microwave and fridge in every room, and 49-inch televisions with Direct TV and over 200 channels. In addition to a fitness center, they have an indoor and unheated outdoor pool, and jacuzzi spa— all open year-round. They also have laundry facilities on site.  The hotel offers breakfast, dinner, and a full bar. All of their food and beverage is done in-house. Everything is made fresh, cooked to order whether it be in their restaurant or catered. There are ample spaces for lounging and relaxing, including their outdoor patio seating area with an outdoor fire pit.     The hotel’s outdoor patio seating area and fire pit. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “During my years at the hotel, we’ve won a total of 7 Hilton Garden Inn Success Awards, which is the Hilton brand for ranking,” Thomas says. “We rank in the top 5% of all The Hilton Garden Inn’s across the world. We’ve never gotten a less than outstanding on any kind of Hilton Quality and Assurance (QA) and Quality Inspection service which takes into account cleanliness, brand standards, and service.”  All in all, they’ve won a total of seventeen “Outstandings” in the past nine years. Thomas is proud of the accolades, and passionate about what he does.  “We have a real team work environment here,” he says. “And we like to do things to continue to reward our team members. We are a bright hearted workplace.”  “We do a nice mix of corporate business and leisure business, and accommodate both types of guests excellently,” he adds.  All food and beverage is done in house. They offer breakfast, dinner, room service and catering. — Photo Meganpixels Parker The owners of this Hilton Garden Inn recently conducted an $800,000 renovation in the lobby, completely tearing it down, and the meeting room and pre-function area as well. The lobby was reworked with new flooring and walls, and the bar expanded. They created a much more open space with a plenty of room to enjoy the double-sided fireplace, and a convenience store right on the premises where you can get all of your basic necessities— everything that you need for your trip, without having to leave the hotel; even down to a bottle of wine.  But if you choose to, the mall is within walking distance. Or you could elect to hop aboard the hotel’s free shuttle which transports guests from the hotel around the mall’s perimeter, and also makes trips to and from the airport.     Single travelers will feel as much at ease at The Hilton Garden Inn as couples or those with a family. It’s an easy atmosphere that feels simple and modern, inviting and unassuming. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “This is a hotel for everyone,” Thomas adds. “It’s the most accessible property on the Grand Strand. We’re easy to get to, centrally located, and close to the beach.”  With the completion of the renovation, the hotel now has over 1800 square feet of meeting space with state of the art audio and visual equipment for presentations, meetings, and functions, and a full catering crew at the ready.  “The room can be broken up into three different sizes so it’s fully customizable,” Thomas says.  The space is a popular selection for reunions, corporate events, luncheons, meetings, Christmas and retirement parties, corporate breakfasts, lunches, and outings.  Who knew there was a seven-time award-winning hotel in Myrtle Beach? The Hilton Garden Inn Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Facebook

A Smile in Every Plate They Serve

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Eggs Up Grill: Where They Love You, Yes You  by Melissa LaScaleia Don Rau, the owner of the Eggs Up Grill on the outskirts of the Market Common, has been working in the restaurant business his entire life. His father and grandfather before him did the same.  Growing up, Don helped in his family’s restaurant in Ohio, and eventually took over the family business as an adult. It was a full service restaurant, banquet, and lounge, with frequent live entertainment. They served breakfast beginning at 6am, and were open late into the night.  “Eggs Up Grill reminds me of what my parents started when they first began in this business,” Don says, “because they served only breakfast and lunch. My dad cooked and my mom was a waitress. And then they grew and expanded. And now here I am with Eggs Up Grill.”  Eggs Up Grill is a franchise that was established out of Pawley’s Island in 1986 by Chris Skodras. Don’s restaurant now is comprised of more than just he and his wife, but it’s the same kind of family-oriented concept his parents started out with.  Don was enticed by the atmosphere and family-oriented feel of the company which lent him a sense of security and led him to believe that the venture would be successful for him and his family going forward.  Which it has been.  In addition to the quintessential eggs one would expect to find, the menu also includes sandwiches, soups, and Southern inspired dishes. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Don is now celebrating the recent opening of his second Eggs Up Grill location in Prince Creek, in Murrells Inlet— an up-and-coming housing and retail area similar to the Market Common.  Eggs Up Grill serves one menu throughout its hours of operation from 6am-2pm. Both locations have a new and expanded menu and include traditional breakfast favorites like omelets and eggs Benedict, as well as burgers and club sandwiches and homemade soup.  There are vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free batter for pancakes and waffles that are cooked in a gluten environment (the menu calls the items gluten-free friendly). The updates include more desserts, as well as additional flavors that borrow from Southern cuisine.  One of their highlights is the shrimp and grits omelette, and the Bananas Foster has a bit of a cult following. The expanded lunch menu incorporates more sandwiches, with fan favorites like the pimento cheeseburger.  “We try to be health conscious and offer options for a lot of different people and for anybody’s liking,” Don says.  — Photo Meganpixels Parker In keeping with that mission, he’s transitioning both locations to a ‘Make it Your Own Menu.’ With this innovation, diners can create their own plates from a la carte selections, so they can taper their meals to their needs and desires— a process that allows the greatest freedom, and that’s price efficient too.  “I’m tickled to death to satisfy people and give the best hospitality because I believe that’s the heart and soul of how to sustain a good business— keeping the customer satisfied,” Don says.  The new Murrells Inlet location is the exclusive home to a drink line which may be incorporated at Market Common and other locations in the future. Here, Don is offering specialty coffees, espresso, cold brew, and lattes that he’s test marketing for the entire brand.  The new location will also have outdoor patio dining just like in Market Common, and it’s pet friendly too. It sports a soothing, soft atmosphere with its teal-based color palette that works harmoniously with the beach, and has a friendly, cute, and homey feel.  Don is grateful for his employees who have helped to make his business a success, among them Brooklyn Price, who, as front of the house manager ensures hospitality standards are being met, and that all guests feel at home at Eggs Up Grill.  The new location in Murrells Inlet. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Over the past two-and-a-half years I’ve established myself at the Market Common so that I can expand and extend the wonderful lifestyle that I’ve built for myself and my employees to more people in the community,” Don says.  Eggs Up Grill gives Don an opportunity to focus on what he loves, (which is breakfast), and it gives him the afternoons to be able to spend with his family (which he also loves). The latter is a benefit that all of Don’s employees receive, and one that he feels blessed to be able to offer.  “My general manager at the new location, Tom Lorenzana— his father was in the Air Force,” Don says.  “As a child, Tom grew up at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. I’ve known him ever since I’ve been here, thirteen-and-a-half years. It’s a good feeling for me to give him the opportunity to work the hours I have. And he’s ecstatic about it.”  In addition to creating employment opportunities with family friendly hours, Don is happy to be able to engage in outreach work in the community.  He works with the Lion’s Club; helps with non-profits like Backpacks for Kids; and sponsors a local hockey team.  Every Veteran’s Day, Eggs Up Grill hosts a Veteran’s Appreciation day.  “It’s a good feeling,” Don says. “And I’m looking forward to creating the same type of involvement in the Prince Creek area.” Eggs Up Grill Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Facebook

Peace, Love, and Little Donuts

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And an Added Thanks to Our Community by Melissa LaScaleia Peace, Love, and Little Donuts is not your run-of-the-mill donut munching experience. For starters, the donuts are made from a specific recipe— they are not a generic cake donut— and in owner Clayton Matthew’s words it’s, “a gourmet donut kind of deal.”  To begin the experience, you first stand at the counter and see your donut being fried right in front of you. Then, on to the donut bar, and witness your selection being dressed up before your eyes.  There are three levels of donut options: groovy, far out, and funkadelic, which range, as their titles imply, from something pretty cool to the works.  Groovy selections are comprised of plain, powdered sugar, glazed, and cinnamon sugar. Far Out donuts come with just frosting; and Funkadelic ones are frosted plus any toppings.  There are over sixty donut combinations which include several popular cereal and candy bar toppings, as well as more exotic toppings like salted caramel macchiato, and the all-time customer favorite— maple bacon. They even offer doggie donuts—ones with peanut butter frosting with a milk-bone biscuit on top. They are forever creating new flavors of donuts, some even influenced by their customers’ requests— the latest being the Turtle— made with chocolate, caramel, and pecans.   Every year, as soon as they arrive in town, the tight-knit snowbird ladies of the Hilton Garden Inn delight in commencing their weekly Friday gathering at the shop. — Photo Meganpixels Parker They also have a full coffee bar serving all the usual specialty drinks and tea. They carry tea from Charleston Plantation Tea company located in the Charleston area, one of the last surviving tea plantations in the United States. Since they first opened their doors in 2017, Peace, Love, and Little Donuts has established itself as the unofficial neighborhood hang-out spot. And upon opening the doors to their shop, it’s not hard to see why.  The atmosphere just beckons one to come on in and make yourself at home. It’s an easy, cheerful space, where a spirit of fun prevails.  “There are a group of ladies who come back every winter who met at The Hilton Garden Inn,” says Kay Matthews, Clayton’s mother and part owner in the business. “They discovered our shop last year, and come every Friday morning to have coffee and donuts, sing songs, and plot their plans for the following week.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker A book club also makes a regular appearance on Wednesdays, even rebranding themselves the Donut Book Club. And Saturday mornings is the known time for dads to come with their kids.  “People have discovered that it’s a nice place and a safe place,” she adds.     On Saturday mornings, it’s not unusual to find the workers of Peace, Love, and Little Donuts preparing for a wedding; they cater for small and large parties and offer a hot donut bar, or transport them ready made.  Kay serves a lot of business people who make purchases of the happy little confections by the dozens, to bestow upon their appreciative clients and employees.  “The donuts are a fantastic way to say thank you. People tell me that the message they want to send is one of peace and love, and so elect to say a thank you with donuts from Peace, Love, and Little Donuts,” Kay laughs.  The donut shop has a private room in the back of their store that they rent out for functions like birthday parties and meetings. And it’s a busy locale as well.  Delectable donut options abound at Peace, Love, and Little Donuts, and include a variety of frosting and topping options. — Photo Meganpixels Parker An essential oil group uses it regularly as a meeting space, and an insurance agent based in the Market Common uses it almost as an office several months out of the year.     “Our business has grown because of the people in this community,” Kay says. “They’ve been so supportive.  People love our product and enjoy coming in, and so we try to accommodate them as much as possible. We’re so grateful for all of the support, it’s what has made us grow and thrive.”  And Peace, Love, and Little Donuts loves the community they’re in too. They support all the races that come through like the Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving, and the 5k on the Fourth of July. Those days sees them making 80-100 dozen donuts at 4am in time for the race at 7am.  They also supply first responders around the holidays with ample donations.  “During these times, they can’t take off of work because they’re so busy serving the community,” Kay says. “So we try to let them know our gratitude. And what better way to say we wish you peace, love and thank you than with a box of donuts?”  Peace, Love, and Little Donuts Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Facebook

St. James Dentistry

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Partners in Your Oral Care by Melissa LaScaleia St. James Dentistry is a full-service general dentistry practice, which focuses on cutting-edge technology to offer the best care to their patients.  The owner, Dr. David Savage, was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated with a degree in dentistry at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, in 2010.  “Our office is as up-to-date with sterilization protocols and equipment as it can be,” David says. “Technology is really important for us; 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,” he adds. “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.  She appreciates the atmosphere of support that affords her greater growth in her skills as well as greater responsibility the more she learns.  St. James Dentistry utilizes the latest in technology to offer patients the best dental treatment. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “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.”  As a team, everyone at St. James Dentistry engages in regular continuing education. 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.”  St. James Dentistry wants patients to have a positive experience at the dentist, and values great care as much as they do great customer service. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “A lot of offices offer the same services,” he continues, “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 a more results-oriented dynamic of working together with patients to ascertain, together, the solution that’s best and most appropriate for them.  “So we utilize monitors, and show patients their situation to bring awareness to it, and help them come up with sustainable solutions that they can implement into their lives in a way that is practical, moving forward. There are often several ways to fix something, but we want to really get on our patients’ level and let them kind of steer the ship.”  “People here 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 in their oral health.”  St. James Dentistry takes what their patients say about them seriously. As a team, they read all of the reviews their patients leave them online, so that they can refine their approach and interactions.  St. James Dentistry Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Facebook

Beach Air Delivers a Wow Experience

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Making Both Customers and Their Homes Comfortable by Melissa LaScaleia Chris Quade, owner and operator of Beach Air in Myrtle Beach, grew up in Indiana. At nineteen, he joined the Navy and traveled the world, meeting his wife in Philadelphia while he was stationed there. Afterwards, he attended technical college to study heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.  “I graduated in 1998, then my wife and I moved to Myrtle Beach,” Chris says. “I was from a small town and didn’t want to live in a big city, and my wife was from a big city and didn’t want to live in a small town. Myrtle Beach felt like a good compromise, and we’ve been here for twenty-one years now. It’s kind of like a big city with a small town feel where everybody knows everybody.”  Chris began his career working for a heating and air conditioning company doing installation and duct work. After eighteen years learning the ins and outs of the business, he was looking for a new challenge and decided to branch out on his own.  “Myrtle Beach is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs,” he says. “Probably if you can think of it and want to do it, you can do it here.”  What Chris thought of was Beach Air— a company which keeps its offerings simple and value high by conducting residential as well as commercial repairs, installation, and servicing for heating and cooling units. When he first got started, Chris traded in his pickup truck for a van, and began working out of his garage alone. By 2018, he had thirteen employees, and today, he has nineteen vehicles on the road, and twenty-five employees.     “We’ve definitely had a huge amount of growth in a short period of time,” he says.  Chris attributes his success to assiduously upholding his company’s core values. His methods are unique— an expression of small town humility with big city professionalism— a blending of his roots and loves.     “We treat customers like employees, employees like customers, and both like family,” he says. “That means we’re direct and honest in our words and actions, and care about helping.  “You’d be amazed how many times companies will try to sell stuff to customers, just to sell stuff. Conversely, we spend time getting to know our customers to find out what their needs are. It’s that kind of honesty that keeps people with us. When you call Beach Air, you’re calling a friend.”  The Beach Air Team, with professional and talented employees, is committed to delivering a “Wow” experience for all of their customers. Chris carefully selects his employees, choosing talented technicians who naturally fit with his company culture, and training them further.  It’s essential that they have a positive attitude— which he sees as a combination of having the willingness to try doing new things, having confidence in your abilities, and infusing your mind with high quality thoughts. “I like to develop the people around me,” he says. “I focus on skills as well as those standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction on which I built my company.”  Additionally, there is a straightforward, ‘get it done,’ mentality that drives a continuous forward motion at his company. The employees are self-directed, self-motivated, and have a penchant for growth— delivering more than is required in their work.  “We seek to always deliver a wow experience to our customers,” Chris says. “We’re personable and fun because we’re knowledgeable about what we’re doing and we enjoy it. And those qualities inspire our clients to trust us; because we put them at ease when they need our help.”  “My greatest satisfaction,” he continues, “is being able to help those who really need it. A lot of people are elderly, or have small babies and it’s 50 degrees in the house. Being able to help people in those types of situations means a lot to me.”  Another quality that’s important to Chris is taking the time to educate his customers.  “Some customers are more inquisitive,” he says. “So when a service technician is at their home, we keep them involved in the process as much as they want to be involved. It’s their home, and we don’t want to just hand them a line item bill without showing them what’s happening. We think that’s hugely important for customer relationships.”  Chris likes to educate people on the importance of having their heating/cooling unit serviced twice a year so that it’s functioning optimally and will be reliable in extreme temperatures.  “Heat pumps are not really designed to be in that cold of temperatures,” he explains. “They will work when it’s 15 degrees outside, but they have to be operating at their peak performance. And similarly, when it’s 95 degrees outside, it’s pushed to the max and is going to struggle.”  Beach Air’s flagship location with their fleet of vehicles at the ready. — Photo Beach Air Chris loves reading through the online Google reviews people leave for his company.  “Seeing all the great things people say about us drives me to do my best,” he says. “I want to be looked at as a community-based company. We’re a part of the community too, and we want to help the community. I don’t want to be seen as a huge company just trying to take the next dollar.”  “I’m always looking to the future and planning for it,” he adds. “I certainly want to grow our customer base and we’re going to grow our employees, but from a place of where we can still hold our same core values. I want to be known as the preferred heating and air conditioning company on the Grand Strand, not necessarily the biggest.  “I want people to see our logo or van driving down the beach, and to be recognized as the company that’s best in customer service. I don’t want a one-time customer, I want lifetime customers. And I work to achieve that by treating each customer as if they’re the most important, and ensuring their complete satisfaction before moving on to the next.”    Chris likes to donate his time by attending career day at Forestbrook Middle School, where … Read more

A New Decade, A New Resolve

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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 hops on the self-improvement wagon and turns over a new leaf to welcome the New Year. “Happy New Year to all of my fans and followers, as well as everyone else who isn’t a fan or follower of mine… you should be. Why aren’t you? I live for sharing my talents with the world.  Anyhow, 2020 is here! And not only are we celebrating a new year, but also a new decade. Wow, that feels so awe-inspiring to me. A new decade. Especially because I was just a wee-bitty puppy when last decade rolled around, so I don’t remember much about it. So this really feels like a milestone in my life.  Because it’s such a special New Year, it feels only appropriate that I make some New Year’s resolutions that equal the monumentality and grandness one feels from having entered a new decade.  I hereby commit to clean out my sock drawer.  Honestly, you should see it. It’s a veritable mess. No matter that I don’t wear socks, it’s just filled with stuff. And I’ve been putting off doing it for far too long.  New decade calls for an organized house. Plus, ever since one of my fans made me a holiday stocking which I wear constantly, more of my friends thought I’d appreciate a few more of them. So now I have a whole pile of them and I just stuff them in that drawer when they’re not in use, adding to the clutter.  But perhaps I should come up with something larger, more serious— something majestic.  I will make a list of things I can implement in my life to be the best version of myself.  Here goes:  Charlie’s New Year/New Decade Resolutions 1. Make more people smile by adopting my cutest faces ever when I’m in public.  2. Help humans combat stress by allowing them to pet me (that’s what I call a win-win).  3. Donate my chew toys and balls I’m no longer using to area shelters and those doggies who are less fortunate than me.  4. Foster more honest exchanges between myself and my people by sitting and lying down when I’m told without expecting a treat in exchange.  5. Reach out to those who are having a rough day with a loving doggie lick.  Just from making that list, I have a warm, snuggly feeling inside that I usually only get from curling up in my body sock, or on my human’s lap.  There is something to be said for self-reflection coupled with goal-setting. It’s empowering to hold oneself accountable— I feel more in control of my life, and have a stronger conviction that I can make a positive difference— just from making that list.  But I know from my doggie experience that setting intentions and keeping them are two different things. That’s why community support is so important, because the love you have for your community and vice versa will inspire you to be the best version of you when the going gets tough, (and I know that not whining for a treat, but receiving with gratitude what comes my way will be a tough one for me, perhaps even harder than organizing all those socks).  So let’s support one another. What are your New Year’s resolutions? I can’t wait to support you in being the best version of yourself too.  Until next time, 

What’s Open This Winter In Little River

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by Danielle McFadden, of Little River While some area businesses close during the winter to save on overhead costs and enjoy some much deserved family time, there are still many venues open year-round. Here are just a few: Antonio’s Restaurant and Bar overlooks the Cherry Grove Marsh. 843-281-0620. Barefoot Landing is home to 100+ specialty and retail shops, fifteen restaurants, and more. 843-272-8349. Benjamin’s Jewelers is a fine jewelry store on Hwy 90 in Little River. 843-280-7360. Bloomingails Consignment is located across the street from Callahan’s of Calabash. 910-575-4949. Carolina Opry hosts the best live variety show in the area as well as a medley of talented musical acts on tour. 843-943-4000. Low County Pipe & Cigar’s walk-in humidor features 650+ cigars. 843-281-9361. Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents is a popular shop with North Myrtle Beach locals. 843-280-7632. Duplin Winery is a muscadine winery serving local wines from the Carolinas. 843-663-1710. Eagle Nest Golf Course is home of the three toughest finishing holes on the Grand Strand. 843-249-1449. Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach, NC is open on Fridays & Saturdays during winter. 910-575-003. LifeQuest Swim & Fitness has group fitness classes, free weights, pools, and more. 843-399-2582. Little River Welding & Hydraulics offers complete fabrication services. 843-249-8548. Salty Frye’s Golf Carts also offers some golf cart repairs & services. 843-491-3300. The Humane Society of NMB has affordable adoption fees. 843-249-4948. Willards Fireworks has some of the best deals and lots of options. 843-280-0215. Crab Catchers offers delicious seafood on the water. 843-280-2025.

The Grand Strand: A Pickleball Vacation Destination

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by Rick Harpster In early March of 2009, a small group of local North Myrtle Beach residents gathered on a Central Park tennis court on a cool spring morning. Fran Jenkins had invited each of them to join her to learn a new sport from Joe Gullo, a snow bird from upstate New York. It was pickleball. The early players of the game in North Myrtle Beach would chalk the tennis court with the pickleball court lines and play for several hours each day using the tennis net as a substitute for a pickleball net. As with many good things, word of the game began to spread throughout the Grand Strand, and more people showed up to learn the game. From that meager beginning, the game has taken the Grand Strand by storm. It has spread throughout the area and is now played at public recreation centers and outdoors on converted tennis courts or dedicated pickleball courts in many communities along the Strand.  There are currently about 80 public or semi-private, indoor or outdoor pickleball courts in Horry County. It is expected that this number will exceed 100 in less than two years. As golf courses continue to close, it will not be long before there will be more pickleball courts along the Strand than golf courses.  The game originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington in the mid ’60s. Joel Pritchard, a former U.S. Representative for the State of Washington and a couple of his friends created the game in the summer of 1965.  Returning home after playing a round of golf, Joel and his golfing buddies found their families bored on Saturday afternoon. Fabricating paddles out of wood, using a baseball whiffle ball, and by lowering the net on their badminton court, the game was born. The Strand has two Pickleball clubs that have formed in recent years. The North Myrtle Beach Pickleball Association (NMBPA) and the Carolina Coastal Pickleball Club (CCPC) represent over 800 players. These two organizations promote tournaments, leagues, conduct fundraising activities, and organize social activities for members. In September 2019 these local clubs hosted two Pickleball Tournaments— the Paddle at the Beach Pickleball Tournament at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center and the USAPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Pickleball Tournament at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Center— which brought in over 600 players from various states along the East Coast. In addition to the tournaments, many visitors to the Grand Strand that play the game are seeking out local pickleball venues such as the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center in North Myrtle Beach, on a daily basis to play. Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the activities that tourists seek for family enjoyment during their stay at the beach.  Pickleball is a healthy, fun, and exciting game for all members of the family, and the Grand Strand is the vacation hot spot for pickleball on the Southeast Coast. For a list of locations to play along the Grand Strand, visit www.places2play.org.

Our Wonderful Myrtle Beach Volunteers

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by the City of Myrtle Beach The City of Myrtle Beach is blessed to have a wealth of volunteers who help the city meet and accomplish its goals each year. Nearly two hundred people serve in some capacity on one of the city’s boards, commissions, or committees.  Volunteer positions usually are appointed by city council, although some of the groups are ad hoc, meaning that anyone is welcome to attend and participate. The Military Appreciation Committee is an example of an ad hoc group. Some of the boards and commissions are state-authorized, while others have been created by city council to meet a particular need or provide input on a certain subject. The Planning Commission and the Accommodations Tax Advisory Board are examples of state-authorized bodies— with their functions spelled out in state law. Locally-created boards include the Beach Advisory Committee and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. In all, the City of Myrtle Beach has about twenty different boards, commissions, and committees of all types, all of which are staffed by volunteers who want to serve the city.  You must be a resident of the city to serve on one of the state-authorized boards. For the locally-created boards, a majority of the members must be city residents. City council can appoint a few non-residents to those bodies. The ad hoc groups do not have residency requirements. Anyone is welcome to participate in one of those committees. You’ll find a list of Myrtle Beach’s boards, commissions and committees on the website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com.  If you’re interested in serving on one of these public bodies, just submit your name and résumé, along with a letter of interest, to the city clerk.  You can bring it to City Hall at 937 Broadway Street or mail it to P. O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC  29578. When vacancies occur, city council will review all the applicants for that board or commission and make appointments.  Myrtle Beach has other volunteers, too, in just about every department. Volunteers help out at Chapin Memorial Library, in our recreation programs, at the fire department and police department, and in many other capacities. They give their time and talents to help Myrtle Beach be the wonderful place that it is. In all, the city has some six hundred volunteers who help with a little bit of everything. Each year, city council personally thanks them for their service during the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, pictured above.  The event is held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in January as a way to recognize the valuable services that our volunteers provide, as well as to express the city’s appreciation in person. Volunteers also receive a small gift from the city each year as a “thank you.”

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