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Building Community At Travinia Italian Kitchen

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A Talk with Amy Barnhart and Ashley Thomas by Melissa LaScaleia Amy Barnhart started working at Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar when the restaurant first opened in the Market Common in 2008. She was hired as a key manager and bartender, splitting her time between serving drinks and managing the restaurant. A month after Travinia opened, Ashley Thomas was hired as a bartender. The two had worked well together previously at the Islamoroda Fish Company; and over time, forged a stronger rapport as they implemented their shared vision of making Travinia feel like a homey, happy locale. Over the course of the next two years, the two grew their careers at Travinia— Amy becoming the general manager, and Ashley the assistant general manager. They created a strong bond of inclusion with the community, and an atmosphere of welcome, ease, and conviviality pervaded at Travinia.  “We were very involved in the community,” Amy says. “We had regular wine dinners where we brought in a wine maker from Napa Valley or Oregon and offered a 5-6 course meal that was perfectly paired with the wines they grew. It was a really big hit with the community.  “We were involved with Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, the Princess Gala, local fundraisers— we supported projects. And any guest that came in was part of our family here.” “A lot of the people who come to Travinia are locals,” Ashley says. ‘We were here for seven-and-a-half years.  I spent more time with these people than my own family. We became a family, and they feel like my family.” Amy Barnhart (left) and Ashley Thomas (right) are the dynamic duo behind the fun, convivial energy at Travinia in the Market Common. –Photo by Meganpixels Parker /Latoya Grayson By year seven, the two owners of Travinia had opened several additional locations, and had a lot on their plates. They hired a manager to help them oversee all of their restaurant locations as well as implement a stronger business strategy. When the new manager arrived in Myrtle Beach, he said that he wanted to bring in fresh people, and Ashley and Amy were let go. “After we left, the remark we kept hearing from people was that when they walked into Travinia, it felt empty,” says Amy. “They still played live jazz music every Friday night, but people would come and say, it’s not the same, it just doesn’t feel the same.” “The connections that we built over the years that we were here, the relationships that we built, making guests a part of our family, it wasn’t here after we were gone,” Ashley says. Amy (left) speaks with Nicole (right) of Breakthru Beverage, a liquor distributor, to collaborate on speciality beverages Travinia will serve for the holiday season. — Photo Meganpixels Parker /Latoya Grayson “We always had a great relationship with the owners, Mark and Kevin,” Amy says. “They had so many restaurants but we could always pick up the phone and ask them, ‘Hey we have this idea, can we do this?’ This wasn’t just a job for us. Everything went into what we did. Mark and Kevin would come to town and we’d go out to eat and listen to bands together. After we were let go, Mark would text us to say, ‘I just heard this song from the band we saw together and it makes me think of great times and how much I miss you both.’” Four years later, in 2018, Travinia called Ashley to ask if she would come back and fix things— to make Travinia what it used to be. “The owners made a decision to go back and recreate what they had previously,” Ashley says. “They wanted to revert to the original plan, which was the community that Amy and I built that was missing under the new management.  Ashley plates one of Travinia’s most popular salads— the Granny Smith Apple. The two are involved in all aspects of what lends Travinia its characteristic pulse. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We put everything we had into this place, heart and soul. And when we were replaced, it definitely devastated us. When I got that phone call asking me to come back, I couldn’t even process it. It was a second chance at something that I felt deserved a second chance. In the time that I was away, there wasn’t another place that I worked at where I felt that same sense of community and camaraderie. And when we came back, it was like that pulse returned.” “We’re going to make this the best Italian restaurant in Myrtle Beach,” Amy says.  “To make Travinia what it was always meant to be— exceptional wine, great food, an outstanding atmosphere, and of course, that feeling of family.” Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar Envelope Phone Internet-explorer

ShipOnSite Your Locally Owned Packing & Shipping Center

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Big or Small We Pack and Ship It All by Melissa LaScaleia “We are in our twelfth holiday season here at ShipOnSite and have been growing as an organization,” says owner Frank Espinal.  “This year, we opened two new ShipOnSite stores: one in Maui, Hawaii, in May; and one inPembroke, NC, about one-and-a-half hours from Myrtle Beach, in mid-October.  “We’re providing FedEx, UPS, DHL, and postal services from those as well as all our locations, as well as freight. The Pembroke location is going to become a full service printing hub for us, for which we’re excited.” There are advantages to using ShipOnSite that extend beyond supporting local business. “I’ve been in the logistics business for well over thirty years,” Frank says. “And I bring expertise as well as a personal level of service to all of my customers. Moreover, I train my employees on that experience; and when we open a new store, I’m training those other store owners to that level, so that there isn’t anything that they aren’t able to do.  Frank Espinal (left) owner and operator of ShipOnSite brings his expertise as well as a personal level of service to all of his customers. It’s this great combination that has earned him accolades in the community for years. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “The UPS stores here frequently refer business to me for parcel shipments and freight,” he adds. “They are trained to fit things in boxes, and if it doesn’t fit, they’re not able to ship it—they just don’t have the means. We custom-make boxes, and crate and palletize things. It all depends on what is being moved, and orchestrating how to safely move it.” From motorcycles to priceless works of art, Frank can handle it— and safely. He has the tools and the expertise to know both how to pack and send, as well as how to receive these types of items safely. “Certified shippers live by the industry standards when packing an item, and therefore, would know how to unpack them,” Frank says. “On numerous occasions our services have been obtained by Fortune 500 companies and prestigious institutions like, Christies of London, who rely on companies like ShipOnSite that are certified in packaging and shipping.” Frank and his team of employees are able to offer their customers options and solutions for the safe transport of their goods, letting them know what they can expect, as well as the value for the cost. It’s this breadth of knowledge and attention to detail that has earned him accolades in our community. Frank opened ShipOnSite in 2007, and has been voted #1 every year since by the Myrtle Beach Herald and the Carolina Chronicle. ShipOnSite has a full gift-wrapping station available for customers, so all you have to worry about is buying the present. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “During the holidays, we convert ShipOnSite into a high-paced shipping store,” Franks says. “We’re highly organized, and have mastered the art of high-volume packaging and shipping. It’s a full-service operation for all your holiday gifts, so you don’t have to worry about anything except buying the gift and bringing it to the store.” Frank wants to remind the community that if you intend to ship packages internationally via USPS, the end of November is the cut-off date for a pre-Christimas delivery.  Because that service involves a hand-off to the postal service of the receiving country, it takes longer than a premium service like DHL, FedEx or UPS which transports your package door-to-door, guaranteeing its safe delivery. If you haven’t sent your holiday gifts yet, there’s still time. DHL, FedEx, and UPS while more expensive, deliver internationally within a few days. ShipOnSite is offering several holiday promotions. These include: free gift wrapping with FedEx shipping; donate pet food or supplies and receive a 15% discount on your total FedEx shipment; they’ll also match competitors promotions, and add an additional 5% discount from that promotion. “We’re big on the support of animals that are surrendered or abandoned to shelters,” Frank says. “And we have aligned with Easy Radio 105.9/100.7 and 94.5 The Tide, collecting over the course of twelve years, over 55,000 pounds of pet food and supplies that we’ve distributed to area shelters.” ShipOnSite Open M-F 8am-6pm; Sa-Su 9am-3pm.  Holiday hours December 1-21: everyday 8am-8pm. Envelope Facebook Phone Internet-explorer

Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools

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The Leader in the Hot Tub & Pool Industry For Horry & Georgetown County by Melissa LaScaleia Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools is family owned and operated by husband and wife team, Michael and Kimberly Elko. Their store has been a HotSpring Showroom for over thirty years. In 2004, the two purchased multiple businesses that were failing— businesses specializing in pools, Olhausen Pool tables, Hot tubs and HotSpring spas. Michael and Kimberly merged those locations— expanding their offerings to include in-ground and above-ground pools, HotSpring Spas & Jacuzzis, Finnelo Saunas, and game room products— to create Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools.  Today, locals have voted Elko the #1 leader in the Spa & Pool industry in Horry County. And they’ve garnered many awards and accolades both nationally and internationally in the arenas of customer service and dealership quality.  Most recently they won a Gold Award from Parents Magazine; were voted #1 by The Herald; and the Carolina Forest Chronicle and the Sun News both awarded them “Best Spa and Pool Dealership.” Kimberly has a background in art, design, and sales, and worked in New York City as a regional sales manager and a trainer in software graphics— a job which took her all around the country. As a self-professed water baby growing up in New Jersey, she was a life guard and swimming instructor working at the town pools. Michael was a marketing director for a Fortune 100 company. Early in his career, he was an integral part in creating the ubiquitous blue-bin curbside recycling program, which commenced in New Jersey. With their combined experience in sales, marketing, and innovation, the two decided to start a business together as a family. When they met, Michael had Chiari malformation, a condition in which the brain stem extends into the spinal canal. His complex health condition inspired them to look for a more gentle climate to call home. And because health was a topic so close to their hearts, they wanted to do something that would aid others in getting therapy as well.  When they discovered the opportunity to work in the pool and spa industry, they decided to relocate and keep the business going. Today, from consistent use of his own HotSpring spa and Finnelo Sauna, Michael is managing his pain medication free. “We have a lot of people who visit Elko Spas looking for relief from arthritis, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia,” Kimberly says. “There’s a lot of illnesses that a HotSpring spa can address— even stress and injuries from an accident and kids who are hyper and stressed. I call the spa the new dinner table, because it’s a place to relax and reconnect, the conversations flow easily.” This Hot Spring Spa, the Spring-Highlife-NXT-2017 Aria-Alpine is one of their most popular models for this area. Elko sells and services most major brands of hot tubs, pool tables, saunas and pools. They are an authorized service and repair as well as a warranty center for most major brands, but are capable of repairing everything. They conduct pool and spa water testing, and provide analysis as well as solutions for optimal water health. They build fiberglass in-ground swimming pools offering 3D design. Elko Service also offers swimming pool and hot tub cleaning, and maintenance and repair service for residential and commercial properties. They sell commercial outdoor furniture, and offer free design work for your spa/game space, be it outdoors or in. With her background in design, Kimberly is able to assist clients with color matching and design layout. The other side of their business is in pool tables, shuffleboards and game room accessories. “We have all the game room products, pool tables and accessories,” Kimberly says. “Pool sticks, cues, darts, ping pong, shuffleboard and more. We have tables on display, can customize anything, and offer pool table service and repairs, all here, by Elko employees.” “Life and health issues can be very stressful,” she adds. “Many people are looking for a better solution. So we’re starting a campaign for relaxation and wellness— Isn’t it Time to Relax?! …Let’s go to Elko.” Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools, 4718 Hwy. 17 Bypass South (North Gate Blvd/Frontage Rd), Myrtle Beach, 29588 843-294-ELKO (3556)   www.elkospas.com Facebook @ Elko Spas Billiards Pools Open M-F 9am-6pm; Sa 9am-5pm. After hours appointments available.

Watch: The Nutcracker Comes To Life

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Premiering at Coastal Carolina University This 2018 Holiday Season by Liza Mata Celebrate the holiday spirit with this festive, family-friendly ballet. Myr­tle Beach’s Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre presents the magical holiday production of The Nutcracker for the 13th year, with performances on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at Coastal Carolina University’s Wheel­wright Auditorium in Conway. The Nutcracker ballet tells the story of young Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve by her eccentric uncle and godfa­ther, Herr Drosselmeyer. Adventure awaits as she and her transformed Nutcracker Prince battle the frightful Mouse King before embarking on a journey through the Land of the Snow.  With the help of the Snow Queen, Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara, and her Prince travel to the Land of the Sweets where they are entertained by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and her Entourage of Sweets.  Bringing the charming Nutcracker story to life are Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre’s cast of sixty of the area’s most talented young dancers together with CYBT ballerina Kiely Elizabeth Clark as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and New York City guest artist Mikhail Ilyin as the Cavalier.  The Nutcracker is staged by CYBT professional artistic directors. Liza Mata and Karen Mata to the magnificent music of composer, Peter Tchaikovsky. A yearly treat for all within the performance is the discovery of which prominent community member will play the role of Mother Ginger. Here a very hairy Mother Ginger takes the stage with fan waves. “It is a labor of love for us to put on this show every year,” says Liza Mata. “The Nutcracker has long been seen as a cultural family favorite during the holiday season, and we are so blessed to be able to bring such a beloved family tradition to the Myrtle Beach area for thirteen years now. Our dancers work tirelessly to bring these performances to life and to bring smiles and joy to their audiences.”  Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre is a non­profit 501(c)3 arts organization dedicated to the artistic and cultural enrichment of Horry and Georgetown counties. Ar­tistic and executive director Liza Mata established Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre in 2006 as the performing company of Coastal Dance Centre, a dance school based in the Market Common.  The school is highly regarded for its pro­gram of dance training, performance opportunities, and professionally staged productions. Coastal Youth Ballet The­atre provides an artistic home base for the area’s most talented young dancers, who are able to participate in full-length ballet productions, performances, scholarship awards, and community outreach en­gagements. A treat for The Nutcracker audience every year is finding out which local and regional celebrities are perform­ing the special role of the beloved “Mother Ginger” character for each performance. The local celebrities and hometown heroes who will be playing “Mother Ginger” have been nominated by their community members and will be featured indi­vidually in each of the performances. The Nutcracker has long been seen as a cultural family favorite during the holiday season. — Photo Liza Mata Lt. Jon Evans, public education offi­cer for the Myrtle Beach Fire Depart­ment, will be Mother Ginger for the 2 pm performance on Saturday, December 15. “I’m honored to be asked to play the role of Mother Ginger this year,” says Evans, who has been with MBFD for more than ten years. “Being a firefight­er is all about serving the community, and while this may not be the typical type of community service for a fire­fighter, I’m looking forward to the op­portunity to be a part of the show and make the holidays a little brighter for the Myrtle Beach area.” The remaining celebrity cast mem­bers for the role of Mother Ginger will be announced at a later date. Past “Mother Gingers” have included Barbara Jo Blain-Bellamy, mayor of Conway; Ed Piotrowski, chief mete­orologist for WPDE; Johnny Vaught, Horry County councilmember; and Randal Wallace, Myrtle Beach city councilmember. The Nutcracker Coastal Carolina University, Wheel­wright Auditorium 108 Spadoni Park Circle, Conway, SC 29526 Saturday, December 8, 2 & 7pmSunday, December 9, 3 pmSaturday, December 15, 2 & 7 pmSunday, December 16, 3 pm Tickets 843-349-ARTS (2787); in person at Wheelwright Auditorium. Box office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Tickets: $10 – $30. To learn more visit www.cybt.org or www.coastaldancecentre.com or contact Liza Mata 843-839-5678.

Major General Paul T. Johnson

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Recipient of the Prestigious Air Force Cross by Melissa LaScaleia The Air Force Cross is a military honor given to a member of the United States Air Force. It is the second highest honor that could be bestowed on a soldier.  This decoration is commensurate to illustrious military honors from other branches of the United States military: the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross. It was first implemented January 8, 1964, for “Extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.”  There have been 202 medals awarded since its inception. The reverse of every cross is engraved with the recipient’s name. Paul T. Johnson was awarded the Air Force Cross. He was a pilot with the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing stationed out of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. He was born in Gadsden, Alabama April 26, 1958, and joined the military in 1985, commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served as a captain during Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War in the early ’90s. On January 21, 1991, Captain Johnson was assigned to lead an expedition to fly an A-10 aircraft along with his co-pilot, Captain Randy Goff, to conduct a search and rescue mission for a missing Navy pilot, Lieutenant Devon Jones. Captain Johnson was responsible for organizing the rescue, and performed feats of daring unprecedented in the previous history of A-10s, to achieve a successful outcome. On the mission, Captain Johnson risked his life, flying at 500 feet above ground to spot the surviving downed pilot— a height that made him an easy target for his enemy. As he was flying, he found and destroyed three armed Iraqi missile sites. As he was nearing the location of the downed pilot, he saw an enemy truck headed directly for the pilot’s crash site.  Captan Johnson intercepted the truck’s advance, shooting and destroying it, and directed a helicopter to the site to rescue Lieutenant Jones. The search that he lead took the A-10 deeper into enemy territory than any other A-10 had ever been, and was a milestone in the accomplishments of the U.S. weapon’s system. The mission took over six hours, and during that time, he had to refuel aerially three times.  For his heroism on this campaign, daring in the face of the enemy, superior airmanship, and superb orchestration of events to achieve a successful rescue, Captain Johnson was awarded the prestigious Air Force Cross.  His was one of two Air Force Cross medals awarded during Operation Desert Storm. It was presented to him at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base during a ceremony in 1991, by General John Michael Loh, Commander of the Tactical Air Command. Captain Goff was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In addition to his feats in the Gulf War, Captain Johnson was the commander of the 355th Fighter Wing and the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing. He was also part of Operation Northern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired in 2016 with the rank of Major General. His awards include: the Air Force Cross; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; and the Air Medal.

The 2018 Holiday Season at the Market Common

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by Caitlen Buffkin While the Grand Strand is home to many holiday events, the Market Common hosts a month full of festivities.  Every Tuesday and Thursday before Christmas, join Santa at the Christmas tree in front of Grand 14 Cinemas for the perfect complimentary photo opportunity. Don’t forget to bring your Christmas wish list and find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice.  If you’re looking for a Christmas gift, visit Howard Avenue on Saturdays (until December 15th) for our annual Holiday Bazaar. Handmade treasures and delicious sweets are available for purchase from 12-4pm. Visit from 3pm to 6pm on Saturdays and enjoy Complimentary Carriage Rides in front of Dolce Lusso Salon.  End the year in grand fashion at our Southern Times Square event for New Year’s Eve. Located in Valor Park this year, this free, family friendly event features live music, a ball drop, complimentary kids activities, and a spectacular fireworks show.  Holiday happenings aren’t the only exciting things to come to the Market Common. Several new tenants now call the retail district home.  Trust Thy Barber, located on Deville Street, offers the ultimate barber experience including straight-razor shaves and hot towels. Splurge for “The Executive” and enjoy the royal treatment – a barber-shop treat any man is sure to enjoy.  If your sweet tooth is calling, turn the corner at Reed Avenue and visit The Uncommon Chocolatier. Offering delectable chocolates and truffles of various assortments, shop for a treat now and pick up a gift set for that hard-to-buy-for family member. The Uncommon Chocolatier is located beside Ultimate California Pizza near Grand 14 Cinema.  Set to open early 2019, EdVenture (formerly the South Carolina Children’s Museum) joins the Market Common in their new location on the corner of Howard Avenue and Nevers Street. The exhibit for families and children of all ages will be sure to wow visitors and members while inspiring a learning experience unique to Myrtle Beach.   “A primary focus of the Market Common is to create a positive experience by fully engaging with the community,” Heather Gray, the general manager says. “We are thrilled to announce the tenants who are renovating along with new tenants who want to join us on our journey.” Visit: www.MarketCommonMB.com for more information. 

Revels in Branches and Boughs

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Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This December, Charlie snuggles under the Christmas tree and revels in the old-fashioned holiday tradition of branches and boughs. Oh boy the holiday season is here! I wonder if I’ll get a visit from any magical creatures this year like I did in years past. (You’ll have to visit the archives to keep up with me.)  I’m looking forward to parties, twinkling lights, and cozying up under warm blankets this time of year. But I’m even more excited about our Christmas tree. Jim just brought one home yesterday. I am very well trained, thank you very much, and so my excitement over a tree ensconced in our living room for the next month or so has nothing to do with my bathroom habits, just to be clear. There’s something so magical about a little fir tree inside the home all decked out in lights and ornaments. And the smell is simply magnificent. I wonder who came up with this tradition? And why we put decorations on it? Because I just love ferreting out facts as much as I love making new friends, let me put on my doggie spectacles and investigate the origins of this tradition. … For centuries humans have been using fir trees to celebrate festivals in the winter. Some cultures brought branches into their homes to stay hopeful during the cold, dark. and dreary winter days (they must not have lived in Myrtle Beach because it’s really not that bad here, although these were the days before indoor heating so maybe it was that bad).  The live trees and branches they collected reminded them of the impermanence of winter and the promise of spring and the abundance of life that comes with it. One source mentions that people used to hang trees upside down with chains from their ceiling.  Mmmm. That seems very complicated to me. I wonder how many people it would take to accomplish that? What are the chains attached to? I’ll bet it’s a really interesting visual though. But, this is also interesting: the first record we have of a tree being used around this time of year occurred in Latvia. Wow, neat! I’ve never been there. Two separate cities, Tallinn and Riga, claim to have been the first to have trees— and they stake that claim almost a century apart.  The custom began as a communal venture— the trees were erected in the town center, and everyone participated in singing and dancing around them, enjoying them collectively.  Over time, the custom spread throughout the Baltic region, with each locale creating their own particular ways of making merry with the tree— some lit it on fire at the conclusion of the party; others decorated it with fruits, nuts and paper flowers. The tree became a symbol that differing cultures projected onto, in order to strengthen their beliefs and create solidarity with their neighbors.  The tradition took root most strongly in Germany, where artisans blew glass to create ornaments, and fashioned pieces from pure gold. They also put edible treats on the trees. This was a time when food was more basic than the myriad of options we have today. And sweet treats and fruit really were a treat— something not that common. So while you’re decorating your tree this year to represent whatever it means to you, you can think about the people (and pets) before us doing just the same. I know I will.  Until next time, 

Surfside Beach 2018 Christmas Parade

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by The Town of Surfside Beach Mark your calendar for December 8, 2018. It’s the 39th annual Surfside Beach Christmas Parade. It’s a great event for the whole family, and a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season. The parade starts at 2:00 pm on Melody Lane in Surfside, and continues up Ocean Boulevard to Surfside Drive. It turns up Surfside Drive and continues to Poplar Drive. The parade has eighty (or more) organizations entered, and some of the organizations have multiple vehicles.  We will have up to four marching bands depending on the weather. The Surfside Beach Police, and Fire and Rescue departments will be represented with patrol vehicles, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles. Local animal organizations bring their dogs and horses to contribute to the festivities.There will be a number of professional floats in the parade too.  Of course, the star of the show, Santa, will be there.  He arrives on his own float, with a group of attendants by his side. Don’t tell the kids, but every organization comes equipped with a load of candy, so make sure you bring a container to hold all the goodies.  It’s free, it’s fun, its the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade. Make it an annual tradition in your household. To learn more, visit our website at www.surfsidebeach.org

Emma’s Health Talk: Gearing Up for The Holidays

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by Emma Ware What does December mean to you? Has the meaning changed over the years? Do you remember celebrating Christmas with family and friends, baking cookies, wrapping presents, car­oling in your neighborhood? For many, December has become less of a joyful celebration and more a time of stress. Let’s think about how that has happened over time and see what has resulted from the change.  Our days seem to be more rushed and demanding trying to prepare and deliver everything we hope to get done before Christmas. Shopping begins the mad­ness on Black Friday. Then there are the endless parties we are either expected to attend or just can’t say no to.  Often those gatherings pres­ent us with dietary choices. We encounter end­less deserts and pastries everywhere we go, running on sugar highs. Needless to say, the usual glass of wine or cocktail becomes multiple glasses, only adding to our stress and guilty feelings of hav­ing overdone it, again.  But don’t de­spair; there is a way to enjoy this holiday season without the results of having lost control or overindulging. Follow The Terrific Twelve Begin with a list of to-do items, then prioritize the list. Plan your day around the items on your list. That automatically reduces stress. Set a budget and stick to it.  Try shopping early morning or late in the day to avoid the most crowds. Shop online. Plan to eat at home before attending parties. Make sure foods contain pro­tein. Use my sampling technique; using one plate try a small portion of all the foods presented, do the same with des­serts; that will help you to not feel de­prived. Dilute your drinks with water or club soda. Set a pre-determined amount you drink. Sleep eight hours un-interrupted, take breaks when possible to rest up. Do an all day soup fast to balance your digestion; chicken vegetable is good choice. Cut out caffeinated drinks like cof­fee and soda. Diffuse aroma therapy oils and check out flower essences in your local health food store. Lavender is especially calming; don’t forget Vitamin C. As always, check with your doctor when making changes, and aim to make this December the very best ever.  If you need additional help call me at 843 997- 7037 or stop by the office at 2798-D Howard Ave in the Market Common. Share the love of this season with friends and family and remember those who are alone. Invite an elderly neighbor or single parent to share the joy of this season. Wishing you all a blessed and Merry Christmas. Emma

Holiday Chocolate Dripped Butter Cookies

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Holiday Chocolate Dripped Butter Cookies Everyone needs their favorite holiday cookie recipe and this one just may just be yours. The combination of chocolate, nuts, coconut and delicate flaky butter cookie is heavenly, and the nuts can be omitted for those with allergies.  This cookie recipe has several steps but is not difficult to make. The butter cookie base can be made and baked in advance and frozen until needed. They don’t have to be thawed before filling and frosting.  The finished cookie freezes well, and is a satisfying and unique take on the quintessential holiday treat— the butter cookie. The most time-consuming part with these are rolling the cookies into balls. If you’re new to cookie baking, portion out all your dough first, before rolling into balls, so each one is the same size.  Perfect with a glass of red wine, or a strong cup of coffee. Cookie Base Makes 36 cookies ½ cup butter½ cup confectionary sugar¼ tsp salt1 tsp vanilla extract1-1 ¼ cups all purpose flour In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and add the sugar, salt, and vanilla. Gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough.  Roll the dough into 36 balls about the size of a nickel and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten them very slightly, and bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Don’t brown the cookies, they should be just set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Filling 6 oz. cream cheese1 cup confectionary sugar2 Tbs flour1 tsp vanilla¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut½ cup of raw finely chopped cashews, walnuts, or unblanched almonds (optional) Beat the cream cheese in a mixer, and add all the other ingredients except the coconut and the nuts (if using). Cream well. Stir in the coconut and nuts by hand. When the cookies are cool, add a dollop of the filling to each one. Set aside. Topping 4 Tbs unsalted butter3 Tbs water1 cup dark, bittersweet, or semi-sweet chocolate chips¾ cup confectionary sugar In a double boiler, or over very, very low heat on the stove, melt the butter and water. Add the chocolate and stir constantly just until it melts, making sure to not to cook the chocolate or it will burn.  Remove from the heat the moment it’s fully melted and whisk in the confectionary sugar. Drizzle the melted chocolate topping over the tops of the cookies.

Carolina Forest Voter Turnout

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Carolina Forest Voter Turnout by Brad Jordan Last month, Carolina Forest residents went to the polls to cast their votes in the mid-term election. The big stories were: Republican Henry McMaster won the election for governor; Republican Katie Arrington, who was in a car accident during the campaign, lost to Democrat Joe Cunningham for the South Carolina 1st Congressional District seat.  It was a position that flipped to the Democrats after being held by Republicans unbroken since 1981. And Republican Orton Bellamy won, with 52% of the vote, over Democrat Harold Phillips, for the Horry County Council seat. One of the major concerns in Carolina Forest has been the lack of voter turnout. With the population exploding by 500% between the 2000 and 2010 census, the Horry County voting districts were redrawn to provide more equal representation on the council. With continued growth over the past eight years, it is expected that there will again be a redistricting after the 2020 census. In Horry County, there was participation countywide of 50% of registered voters casting ballots. In comparison, the Carolina Forest area had 43% participation of all registered voters. For a midterm election, this is not a bad turn out.  The graph shows the progression of the number of voters versus actual voter turn out. In past midterm elections the participation has been somewhat lower. In 2010, only 35% of registered voters voted; in 2014, 26% voted. This year saw one of the best turn outs for midterm elections. It is one of the Carolina Forest Civic Association’s goals to be the voice of the local residents in regards to the local municipalities and the county in which we live.  Through continued vigilance in current events and issues facing our community, we are committed to being the voice of the residents and communicating our needs to those elected to represent us. We need your continued support and participation. Thank you for voting. 

Q&A with Daniel and Lee Ann Bundrick

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Pharmacists Daniel and Lee Ann Bundrick on Hunting For Seashells, Golf and Local Seafood by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family. It’s myself and my wife, Lee Ann. We have two sons and have been married for thirty-four years. I’m a pharmacist, and so is my wife; we met in pharmacy school.  Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I grew up in Lexington, SC and moved to Chapin, SC near Colum­bia. Lee Ann grew up in Lake City, South Carolina. We live in Surfside Beach a couple of blocks from the ocean. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? Lee Ann and I used to summer here growing up before we knew one an­other. We had bought a house here a decade ago knowing that we wanted to retire here, and rented it out for years. Do you have a favorite place in Myr­tle Beach? I like Soho. That’s one of my favorite spots. We like P. F. Changs too. What’s your favorite thing about liv­ing in Myrtle Beach? I’m a big out­door enthusiast. I used to kayak in college. I love walking the beach and being near it, riding bikes. It’s always been a relaxing thing for us. We like to go to Pawley’s Island and walk there. I still like to play golf and softball. How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? I walk a lot more. I started a walking group called Peer to Pier. You can find us on Facebook. Owning my own business is new too. What new activities have you taken up since moving here? I bought a pharmacy, Surfside Beach Pharmacy, in 2016. And then we opened an ice cream shop too. The pharmacy has a really old-time feel to it. When I first opened it, there was a lot of empty space in the front, and I was thinking about what I could do to make it more commu­nity-friendly.  I worked at a dairy bar as a kid. So we opened an ice cream store and called it The Lazy Surfer Creamery. The pharmacy seems more family friendly since we added the ice cream store.  We have coffee and hot chocolate coming this win­ter, as well as light snacks. We carry premium ice cream from Florida, as well as a local brand. And in the spring, we’re adding a food truck. It’s going to be called The Lazy Surfer Grill. And we’ll take it around Myr­tle Beach. What are your favorite things to do here? Going out to eat seafood with friends, hunting for seashells, golf, and playing cards with friends.

Red Cross: The Holiday Cards for Heroes Campaign

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by Melissa LaScaleia Every December, American Red Cross teams up with other non-profits to assist in sending care packages to our military troops stationed overseas. The arm of the Red Cross responsible for this is the Service to the Armed Forces division, or SAF.   Karen Levinson is the team leader for the local Myrtle Beach division; she’s been with the Red Cross for the past three years.  “Every November we start planning our Holiday Cards for Heroes campaign,” she says. “We work in conjunction with the Blue Star Mothers which a nationwide non-profit organization of mothers whose children are currently serving in the military. They are absolutely wonderful, they do so much.” The Blue Star Mothers have access to the mailing addresses of deployed troops, and collect donations to compile and send care packages and gift boxes filled with treats designed to warm the hearts of soldiers abroad. Things like chocolate, chips, and other non-perishable goodies, books, magazines, and other creature comforts of home. The Red Cross collects handmade cards to include as part of the care packages. They attend events like bazaars and frequent busy shopping areas like Broadway at the Beach, soliciting passersby to use their artistic talents to make a holiday card for a service member on the spot. Children and adults alike participate in the activity. “It’s great for building community, it’s really sweet,” Karen says. The Holiday Cards for Heroes Campaign fosters a sense of connection as it brings people together to join in a common cause. Another event the Red Cross is participating in this holiday season is called Wreaths Across America, also in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers. The nationwide campaign collects donations to buy wreaths to put on the gravesites of soldiers during the holiday season. “It’s the first year we’ll be actively participating with them for this. We will help to lay the wreaths at the gravesites for our local division,” Karen says. “I have never served in the military,” she adds. “And this is my way of expressing gratitude to those who have, and showing appreciation for them. We have many former military servicemen on our team. They appreciated what was done for them when they were in the service, and they want to give back, through working with us on this, as well as our other community projects.” December Events CPR/AED/First Aid: Myrtle Beach December 8 December 12 December 22 December 26 Blood Drives December 15 – Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson  December 26 – iHeart Radio at Ripley’s Aquarium  Become a Volunteer: Register now at RedCross.org Sign-up at www.redcross.org/sc.

Moore and Associates

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Get More With an Insurance Broker Who’s There For You by Melissa LaScaleia The lineage of Moore and Associates dates back to the late ’70s when Melvin Truett began working in the insurance industry, with Nationwide.  In 1985, he moved to the beach to open his own small insurance agency, eventually purchas­ing Moore and Associates in 1991. That same year, Melvin’s son Sammy came to work for him, and the two have been op­erating Moore and Associates in Surfside Beach, collectively, since that time. “My dad and I are here on a daily basis,” Sammy says. “I call myself the fireman. I put out the fires in the office if there’s a problem.” Before father and son took it over, Moore and Associates had been oper­ating as an insurance agency in Surfside Beach since 1979, and the name was known throughout the community. After the purchase and transfer, Sammy and Mel­vin chose to keep it the same so the com­munity would still recognize the services they offer. Today, Moore and Associates is a full service insurance agency offering property, casual and commercial coverage. Last month, they commenced carrying life and health policies with Colonial Life and Health Insurance, an addition for which the entire team is very excited. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with them,” Sammy says. “They’re one of the biggest health and life companies in the world. They offer so many products for individuals, as well as products for businesses.”  “The best part of what I do is dealing with the public,” he continues. “And being there for my clients when they need me. Especially in the wake of Hurricane Florence, people need agents that they can trust to help them with their claims. We process all claims for our clients through the individual insurance company, but we’re there for them every step of the way if they need anything during the process.” The biggest challenge that Sammy sees for people is that they don’t understand their policy, what they are protected from, and are covered for. This is what he and his team are ready to help their clients address.  “It’s knowing, do I have enough coverage? Does a standard policy cover floods? Many people don’t think they need flood insurance because their home is not located in a flood zone,” Sammy says. “But over 50% of floods happening now are coming from areas that aren’t in traditional flood zones. Look at Conway, Georgetown, and Socastee. You can’t predict it. It’s just Mother Nature, and the topography of the land is changing too.  “As greater numbers of homes are being built closer to the water, it becomes harder for the storm water runoff to flow efficiently. And you can’t control for rain; with this past storm, the water simply flowed north to south. Flood insurance is worth looking into because it’s not that expensive.” Sammy advises that the best terms to have as part of your policy are replacement costs on your home and home contents. “A lot of people think their deductible is based on their loss, but it’s not,” he explains. “It’s based on the actual cash value of your home. If you have a twenty-year-old home, it will be depreciated. Whereas if you have a replacement costs policy, you will get an exact replacement. We discourage people from buying actual cash value policies.” He uses the example of a two-year-old television. If lightening strikes it and you have a replacement cost policy, you are entitled to replace it with what you had, no questions asked.   “A lot of times, after a storm is over, people are devastated, and they can’t remember what they have,” Sammy says. “I tell people to go throughout their house and videotape your possessions, room by room, so that you have it for future reference. “When people evacuate, I tell them to take their insurance policy with them, and to make sure they have our number. When they return, call us, and we’ll start the process for you. We’ll have an adjuster go out in 24 hours or sooner. We often go out ourselves and take pictures and do the leg work. We’ll never give them an 800 number.” During Hurricane Florence, Moore and Associates created a new system to operate remotely so that if they lost power, their customers would be able to reach a live person and not a recording. It’s a system that they’ll keep in place moving forward. As a way to help educate the community, Moore and Associates offers an informational video series about all things insurance related that people can watch on their website. On it they address some of their most frequently received questions. If you’re looking for advice on a certain topic and they haven’t done a video about it, contact them, and they will create a video for you. “We have a very experienced staff, most of whom have been with us for fifteen to twenty years,” Sammy says. “We understand the industry, and we’re not going to give you the absolute lowest price just to get your business. We educate our clients on the differences between policies, what they’re paying for, and what they get in return, and help them to choose what’s best for them. We want to make sure they know exactly what they’re getting. “People can call us on the phone, or just walk in the door to talk to us. You don’t need an appointment; we’re very approachable. If you like, you can also go to the website and fill out the quote form, email it to us, and we’ll contact you.” Moore and Associates Envelope Facebook Phone Internet-explorer

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

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Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Coastal Carolina Home Watch performs home-watch services for homeowners when they are out of town. The company is the brainchild of Jack Luber, who began it in 2005, when he and his wife moved to Murrells Inlet. “My wife and I purchased a condo in Surfside Beach back in the mid-’90s,” he says. “We lived in New Jersey full time and came down for vacations and would rent our place when we weren’t using it. But we discovered that there was no one here that we could rely on to keep an eye on it.  “We were 750 miles away and couldn’t monitor it from that distance. Things happen when you’re not around— insect and pest infestation, mold, cracks, leaks, fires, break-ins, vandalism, storm damage. And if you don’t discover those things right away, they can turn into big problems that cost a lot of money and aggravation. It’s very frustrating and upsetting to show up ready for a vacation, only to be greeted with a problem instead.” When Jack’s wife contracted multiple sclerosis, the couple decided to move to the beach full-time. That was when Jack decided to begin Coastal Carolina Home Watch. Because he was aware that he needed someone he could trust to take care of his own home when he was away, he knew other people did too.  He used his knowledge as a homeowner and his business know-how from a career in marketing and sales, to start a business doing just that for the Grand Strand com­munity he now calls home. “We started this business because it made sense,” he says. “An emp­ty home is a vulnerable home. Think of the thousands of second homes that ex­ist down here. On the Grand Strand we have four separate tourist seasons—golf season in the spring and fall, beach in the summer, and the snowbirds in the winter, so there are always different people going in and out of homes, and no one is really paying attention.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch conducts a thorough investigation of your home to ensure things are okay and running smoothly in your absence. –Photo by Meganpixels Parker Coastal Carolina Home Watch will visit your home weekly or bi-weekly and go through a checklist that has been customized to address your requests and needs, to make sure things are okay and running smoothly in your absence. They also offer customized schedules for travelers. “You have responsibilities to keep up with, whether you’re there or not,” Jack says. “Most HOAs have rules regarding landscaping and appearance. We’re there to make sure that the work you’re paying for is done correctly.Too many times, people contract with a landscaper or an­other kind of service, and because those folks are not there, the job is not done as well as it should be.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch can also arrange for any kind of work that needs to be done, like repairs, insect extermi­nation, or cleaning.  “I promise my clients that anyone or any company we’ve recommended to work on their home or property, that we have a copy of their insurance before they can do any work,” Jack says. “There are a lot of unlicensed and uninsured people do­ing business in our area. And that means if something goes wrong, the homeowner has no protection if the work isn’t done to their expectations or satisfaction.  “If someone gets hurt, the homeowner has no protection against a lawsuit. What if a worker gets hurt and decides to sue? Many people who live out of the area are taken advantage of because they aren’t there to oversee what’s happening. That’s the service we provide—we are your eyes and ears when you’re not here.” To adhere to that principle, Jack conducts a criminal background check on all his employees. He also carries general and professional liability insurance, workers comp, and cyber-securi­ty insurance to fully protect his clientele from any type of exposure. “It’s my job to protect my clients,” Jack says. “Their best interests are the most important thing in my business.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker “It’s my job to protect my clients,” he says. “Their best interests are the most import­ant thing in my business. When a client says to me, ‘Jack, do what you feel is best,’  I know that I’m doing the right thing for my clients. Trust is everything.  “If there are storms coming, we do our very best to protect the home. After the thousand-year flood, we had clients with flooded homes. We were there with claims adjusters, bringing in and getting bids for repair services. We’re a line of communication for the home owner.” They can even water plants, stock your pantry and prepare your home for your arrival, and even arrange for you to get picked up from the airport.   “We’ll do whatever we can to make life less stressful and more enjoyable while you’re here at the beach,” Jack says. “A lot of HOAs re­quest that a homeowner have a local con­tact, and some people just want someone to have a key on hand, in the event of an emergency. We do that, too.” There is also the issue of squatters. Yes, they are real, and it does happen, espe­cially in areas with a high population of second homes, like ours. “If somebody moves into your home in your absence, they have what is called adverse possession and they have rights,” Jack says. “It is a legal principle, and re­moving them is not as easy as you would think. Depending on how long they have been there affects how hard it is to evict them.” Jack has also seen instances where an in­dividual will rent out someone else’s home on Craigslist—even drawing up leases.  “We’ve had to meet the police at a few homes when people find out that their lease or rental agreement is bogus.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch from left to right: Jack Luber, Jocelyn Watson, Kevin … Read more

Competition Cars

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This Locally Owned Used Car Dealership Makes Things Right by Melissa LaScaleia Bill Garofalo is somewhat of a local boy, having spent the majority of his life liv­ing in Myrtle Beach where he attend­ed both Socastee High School and Coastal Carolina University.  He had always loved cars, and he was eager to begin his career in that field. So in 1988, he left school to work for a Nissan dealership in Georgetown, where he spent the next eight years gaining experience in automotive sales and building a strong clientele in the Georgetown area. Eager to take what he learned and do things differently, he left to open his own indepen­dent used car dealership in Georgetown, Competition Cars. In 2005 he relocated near the Market Common, and today the business is in its 23rd year. In an industry that often garners consumer mistrust rather than acco­lades and loyal fans, Bill’s pride for what he offers the community and how he does it, shows, and sets him apart. His Facebook page is full of glowing testi­monials from satisfied customers, some as far away as Chicago, Canada, and Europe. He has a strong client base, and many long-time patrons continue to drive up from Georgetown to purchase from him. “As a kid I was a car guy,” Bills says. “I’ve always had a passion for them.” Here Eric Clark polishes a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible in the showroom of Competition Cars. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “As a kid, I was a car guy,” Bill says. “I’ve al­ways had a true passion for them, and I was always able to communicate well with peo­ple. This career is such a good fit for me.” Competition Cars has won the Best Pre-Owned Car Dealer Award by the Myrtle Beach Herald and Carolina Chronicle for the last six years in a row. In lieu of having a manager, Bill personal­ly handles each deal, and he’s the only one buying cars. Often people call him looking for a particular vehicle, and Bill is able to find them what they want. “I want to manage the deal because I want to take responsibility to make sure that everything is low pressure, that the deal is done right for me,” he says. “The only time I’m not at work is when I’m on vacation or buying cars. I’m there, it’s my baby. “I know when someone comes in my door, I have to stand out in their mind. There are a lot of op­tions out there. If I have a car you want, my goal is to work with you to get to the price point and payment you want, at the pace that feels comfortable for you. Sometimes a customer wants it now, or to take it to a mechanic, or think about it. And that’s al­ways fine. I just like to take the discomfort out of the buying situation by meeting cli­ents where they’re at, to work with them, not against what feels right for them.” The team of Competition Cars from left to right: Anthony Garofalo, Gail Sommers, Bill Garofalo, Shane Stockdale and Erik Clark. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Everybody knows that used cars can have problems, so Bill puts a 3 month, 3,000 mile warranty on every car he sells, which he pays for himself, unless the car still carries its own factory warranty.  Even after the sale, if it’s been under a year and it has a small prob­lem, Bill won’t leave anybody hanging. He is known to help in many ways— to recom­mend a trustworthy mechanic, even some­times fixing or servicing your car himself to minimize the cost of repairs.  “If someone has a problem, I’m here to make it right. I’m not here to sell anyone a bad car,” he says. “I’m looking for them to write a thank you letter to show their appreciation that I can hang on my wall. I know that down the road they will come back or refer a friend or relative to me, so my goal is to keep everybody happy to the best of my ability. Supporting community is what helps sustain your business.” In keeping with that, Bill maintains a generous spirit with adolescents in the community. “I came to Myrtle Beach when I was a kid and grew up here,” he says. “So it’s important to me that I help the kids in this community by being supportive to their fundraising causes. My doors are always open to them, and I love to help them out in any way that I can, when I can.” Competition Cars Open M-F 9am-6:30pm; Su 1pm-4pm Envelope Facebook Phone Internet-explorer

Pampered Journeys

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Offering Enriching Cultural Travel Experiences That Create Lifelong Travel Memories by Melissa LaScaleia Pampered Journeys offers unique, customized travel excursions for those looking for exceptional trav­el experiences. The company is the brainchild of Marina Foy, who’s had the trav­el bug in her blood since she was a child.  As an adult, she satiated it via a career in corporate America that took her into the world of lux­ury travel and exotic locales. Seven years ago, after twenty-five years in the medical industry, she relocat­ed to Myrtle Beach to take care of her mother and to have the support of family nearby, and began Pam­pered Journeys. “My whole idea of traveling is to take in the culture and also to be well taken care of while I’m on the cultural journey,” says Marina. “So that’s how I came up with the name. I love the words of Maya Angelou: ‘People will forget what you said and what you did, but never how you made them feel.’ I use those words as a guide when putting to­gether a trip for my clients.” Marina offers high-end, experien­tial, and very personalized travel trips for her clients. She isn’t a traditional travel agent, and does not offer cookie-cutter tours. “I take a special occasion in a per­son’s life, like an engagement, birth­day, anniversary, graduation, or re­tirement, and wrap it into a unique travel experience,” she says. “I specialize in travel that has a fo­cus around food, wine, wellness, and art; I also customize excursions around European River cruising and smaller specialty ships, which are very popular right now. “One of my goals with my busi­ness is to build strong community around the theme of travel. So I organize a lot of group travel trips and excursions amongst like-mind­ed people: a European wine tour, a family wanting to spend some qual­ity time together, or a golf pro and her or his following from a country club.” Marina is also launching a wom­en’s travel group. Whether you’re single or married, this is a group for women who want to travel with others who have the same interests as them. “I get to know my clients, what’s important to them, and what they want so I can put together the best aspects of what a place has to offer for the experience they’re seeking,” Marina says. “My whole idea of traveling is to take in the culture and also to be well taken care of while I’m on the cultural journey,” says Marina, here standing with a stand-up banner highlighting her services. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Marina also writes a travel newslet­ter for busy professionals and active retirees, or those short on time who want solid travel tips. “When planning a trip, I don’t think that cheap necessarily equates to a good time. The focus is on the type of experience you want to have and getting it for the best value. Then we go from there. If your first pri­ority is the cost, then you’re not ad­dressing what it is that you really want to experience. My ideal client wants to do one great trip, not three or four that they come back from and say, ‘Uh, it was okay.’” 90% of the time, Marina has al­ready visited the place that her cli­ents want to see. Additionally, she’s affiliated with a world-wide luxury consortia which vets suppliers and can give her the most current in­formation about hotels, restaurants, and the cultural fabric of any loca­tion. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Things change all the time with hotels, restaurants and events; as time passes, politics, economics, and culture change, and it affects the feel and fabric of a place in large and subtle ways,” Marina says. “This isn’t the sort of information that you can find on the internet or trip advisor.” And because of her affiliations, she can often upgrade her clients or se­cure free perks that aren’t available through other avenues. Booking on the internet, with a cruise line, or tour operator, there is much less of a feeling of personal responsibili­ty and customization. Being a small business owner, Marina’s main goal is to work for her clients and give them the best experience that they desire. “From listening to my clients, I can tell how to orchestrate a trip for them that will be truly memora­ble,” Marina says. “There are a lot of people now who want a true cul­tural experience. And that’s what I can provide.” Pampered Journeys Sign up for her bi-monthly electronic communication for people short on time, covering travel related topics with a focus on food, art, wine and wellness. Email for the women’s travel group. Facebook Phone Internet-explorer At

Bud Vernon Clark Shepard, Part 3 of 3

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Vietnam War Veteran and POW “Celebrate Our Veteran” gives voice to the stories of the U.S. military veterans living amongst us. The actions of these brave and dedicated people, who have served our country both in active military duty as well as administrative positions, have and continue to contribute to the protection and preservation of us and our country.  We hope that this section of our paper is an opportunity for our community to hear and see veterans with new eyes, and for veterans to receive recognition and honor for their experiences and life journeys.  This month’s Celebrate Our Veteran recounts the story of Bud Vernon Clark Shepherd, as told in his own words. This is the final chapter of a three-part series, continued from last month. Click here to read part 2. Click here to read part 1.  by Melissa LaScaleia “Then they took me over to a hole in the ground that was about eighteen inches by eighteen inches,” Bud says. “And the next thing you know, a doctor came out of this hole. He looked at my wound in my buttocks and he had this huge hypodermic needle and mo­tioned me to bend over.  “I didn’t know what he was going to do, but to my relief, he began squirting the wound; then they took me into the hole which was an underground hospi­tal. While I was in there, they bandaged it up they best it could. And then took me back, blindfolded me and tied me up again. “After being with the North Vietnamese for a time, I grew to respect them a lot. They used their resources to the max. If we threw a tire or a can away, they’d find a use for it. They were very resourceful with what they had. They didn’t waste anything.  “They eventually brought us to a jungle camp, where they shackled us and put us in a human-sized cage. We were fed very min­imally, and only twice a day. Jim and I were in the camp by ourselves for a couple of days before they also found the two others from the COBRA. We were there for a week, and during that time they’d take us one-by-one into the jungle and ask us questions. “One day, they took the two who were less wounded away. They could walk and I found out later, they ended up being in a prison camp in Cambodia for six months, and then Hanoi, where they were prisoners for three years. But because another of my comrades Pete couldn’t walk and travel, and because I couldn’t walk as well as the others and was also the lowest ranking one amongst us, I was left behind to care for him. Bud Shepard, today in Myrtle Beach. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “During our time in the cage, a couple of South Vietnamese POW soldiers who were with us, escaped and they never found them. Be­cause the North Vietnamese couldn’t find them, they had to evacuate the camp— else the risk of discovery was too high. “So we were prisoners of war for 38 days. They put Pete in a hammock and carried him. The first night, they tied us up to a tree and left us there. We thought that they had abandoned us. “In point of fact, they had decided to let us go. They told us that they were going to release us for humanitarian reasons. I think that they sensed that if they didn’t release us, we were going to die. So prior to our release, we had to first write a statement that we were crimi­nals, had invaded their country, and were the enemy. They signified our release with a cer­emony to make it official. “They hung the North Vietnamese flag in the jungle from the trees and built a bamboo po­dium. They shamed us a bit, and kept saying we were criminals. Then they gave us clean North Vietnamese uniforms to wear, and gave us detailed directions for the terms of our release.  “A few hours beforehand, they had released two South Vietnamese prisoners and gave them directions to an American fire base. They gave us directions to a road and told us when we reached it to lay down in it. The South Vietnamese prisoners were instructed to send an unarmed jeep to come and pick us up in the road. These were the terms of our release. Our prison guards warned us they would be watching us from the jungle, and that if anything went wrong, they would shoot us on the spot. Then they let us go. Bud still keeps the North Vietnamese uniform that the North Vietnamese soldiers gave him as well as some other items he had with him as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. “So I trudged out of there, carrying Pete to the road. When we reached the road, I laid Pete down in it and sat beside him. We must have been close to a village, because there were people walking by, and bicycling by us. “And while we’re out in the road, a South Vietnamese patrol came by and they saw we weren’t the enemy, and they start circling around us, trying to protect us. And there was no way for us to tell them to stop. We were worried they were going to get us killed. “Luckily Pete got their radio which was tuned to the frequency of the fire base, and told them the South Vietnamese soldiers should be arriving to the base soon with instructions about how to retrieve us. “So finally the soldiers left. And we’re just laying in the road as people walk and bicycle by us. Finally a jeep came, driven by a sol­dier from the fire base and loaded us in. And on our way to the fire base, we saw the two South Vietnamese who were in charge of our safe transfer— they had taken off first chance they got without a care … Read more

The Shaping Of Our Coastal Area: The Creation of Kings Highway

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by Melissa LaScaleia This month’s history takes us back to the roots of Myrtle Beach history, and the peo­ple and situations that shaped our coastal area. ~~~ Before the American Revolution, during the era of rampant explo­ration and colonial growth, it was common for the English King to issue land grants to notables whom he thought deserved the post. Large tracts of land in what is to­day Myrtle Beach were given away in such a fashion; the recipients of the posts set up large plantations run by slaves, and cultivated rice and indigo.  ~~~ In the 1600s, King Charles II of En­gland orchestrated the building of a road from Boston to Charleston. It was not completed until 1735. The original Kings Highway, as it was called, stretched over 1300 miles, although locally it was called the Georgetown High­way. Today this historic highway still exists, and traverses much pri­vate land.  What we know as Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach has been moved slightly off of its original course and given the same name. Some years ago, a writer named Dennis Chastain became fascinated with the portion of King’s Highway that extended through South Carolina do the impact that he believes it has had on how the area evolved. He posits that without the original Kings Highway, there would be no Grand Strand as we know it today. ~~~ In 1791, George Washington took a tour of the South and traveled the road to the Windy Hill area in North Myrtle Beach. He stopped at the inn of one of the area’s ear­liest innkeepers, William Gause, and continued further south to the Brookgreen Plantation, then owned by Dr. Henry Collins Flagg and his wife, Rachael Moore Allston. George Washington’s presence in this area was marked with historical significance and is a source of pride to this day.  ~~~ In 1729, the city of Georgetown was founded. Several years later in 1732, due to a booming trade in rice and indigo, a second port north of Charleston was opened at Georgetown to support addi­tional commerce.  Georgetown is South Carolina’s third-oldest city; Beaufort is the second. In the mid 1800s, the Georgetown area grew to produce half of the rice grown in the United States, as well as be­coming the largest exporter of rice in the world. ~~~ Robert Francis Withers Allston was born April 21, 1801, in Waccamaw, South Carolina. A wealthy landowner, he became the 67th gover­nor of South Carolina in 1856. He owned thousands of acres in our modern day Myrtle Beach— five plantations on which he primarily cultivated rice— and goes down in history as the eighth largest slave holder in the history of the United States.  One of his plantations was located at what is today known as Withers Swash. He died in 1864, just before the start of the Civil War. The aftermath significantly reduced the value and extent of his holdings.

The Escape From Hurricane Florence and Ensuing Adventures

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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 recounts his escape from Hurricane Florence and has a travel adventure too. Along the way there are many unexpected surprises… “Last month, when we got wind that the hurricane was coming, my Grammy, Jo­anne and I decided that the best recourse was to avoid delay, and to get out of town while the getting was good! City officials were about to sound the alarm we thought, and we wanted to beat the traffic, so we left well before there was any evacuation mandate. That left us a little more leisure time to plan where we wanted go and what we would do there. I just love riding in the car so I voted for a road trip. Luckily, Jo­anne was up for that idea, and so we decided to go to Washington D.C. to visit her brother, which would make him my grand-un­cle.  As a big family guy, I just love discovering I have new relatives. I’m not positive that he’s really my grand-uncle though, I’ll have to check on the lineage later. So I bid all my squirrel and duck friends goodbye, and took a last visit to all my favorite trees in Grand Park too. Then I grabbed a few of my chewiest chew toys, my blanket, and I was off. We listened to music on the way up, and I looked out the window at every­one and everything, which just never gets old. Washington was so different from Myrtle Beach. For starters, there aren’t any palm trees. And there’s a lot, and I mean a lot of traffic. The buildings are huge, and real­ly close together in a lot of areas. It feels very expansive and spread out, which I like. I was so excited to meet my newest family member. But when he opened the door, oh me or my! Nobody told me but he has a mal­tipoo too! Her name is Cuddles and she’s my new best friend.  We spent the next few days having all kinds of fun— playing a friendly tug of war with our collective chew toys, chasing one another around my grand-uncle’s living room, and curling up on the sofa to watch TV. We even shared the same dog dish. It was a glorious few days of connecting deeper with my malti­poo roots as reflected back to me in the eyes of my newest friend.  Soon, though, it was time to be on our way, and we promised to stay in touch as pen pals. She was very impressed that I have my own col­umn, and was excited to be men­tioned in it. When the hurricane struck it brought with it so much rain that there were many road closures. We realized that we couldn’t drive straight to Myrtle Beach, and the trip would take us twenty hours. Now I love car rides, but that is a lot for even me. So Joanne decid­ed we would fly, and she got me a seat right next to her— first class too! I admit I am a pampered pooch. She gave me a Benadryl just in case I had anxiety which made me sleepy. I was a relaxed doggie by the time we landed. My first ever flight. What an amazing journey. Now that’s one way to go through a hurricane.”  Until next time,    P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram@charlieparkerscorner.  

Emma’s Health Talk: E-Cigarettes

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Their Affect on Developing Brains Emma Ware helps people navigate through the complex world of food with her common sense and results-oriented way of coaching. — Photo Meganpixels Parker by Emma Ware We have said goodbye to summer, just removed the Halloween decorations, and are beginning to think about my favorite time of the year, Thanksgiving. Despite the hurri­canes and floods, we can all find something to be thankful for. For me, it’s family.  Those of us who parent or caretake for younger ones can relate to wanting to protect and provide for our families; we clothe, feed and care for them in numerous ways. We want our children to make safe and wholesome decisions as they grow into adulthood. And as a result, we try to steer them away from habits that have consequences that could result in unwanted, and sometimes, irrevers­ible harm.  Thus my topic this month is e-cig­arettes. I’ll be quoting from a paper written for South Carolina Woman Magazine by Dr. Shawna Collins DMD. After reading this for myself I couldn’t stop thinking about the many young people who have already either started using these products or are thinking about trying them for the first time.  According to the article, beginning in 2015, 3 million middle and high school students including 1 out of 6 high school students used e-cigarettes. These devices usually deliver nicotine, flavorings and other additives to users via an inhaled aerosol. But these devices deliver more than just nicotine, as the aerosol is not harmless.  The U.S. Surgeon General conclud­ed that e-cigarettes can expose users to several potentially harmful chemicals in addition to nicotine. Because the brain is still developing in youth and young adults up until the age of twenty-five, studies show that nicotine is addictive and can harm the developing brain.  Nicotine can make it harder to concentrate, learn, or control impulses and even train the brain to be more easily addicted to oth­er drugs like meth and cocaine.  There is so much more written in this article that I’m not able to include in mine this month. I suggest getting a copy of the entire article “E-Cigarettes: Are They Harmless?” in the September issue on­line at www.scwomanmagazine.com.  A partial list of harmful chemicals include propylene glycol and glycerin, acrolein, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and diace­tyl— the latter ingredient believed to be the probable cause of irreversible lung disease called popcorn lung. Being a wife, mom and practitioner, I’m thankful for my family and the many clients I am blessed to serve. I feel so strongly about educating ourselves and our families in order to prevent harm­ful addictions and this one tops my list.  If you have any questions or want more information please call my office at 843 997-7037 or stop by at 2798 D Howard Avenue in Market Common. As with all my topics I like to conclude with saying always check with your doctor when making any changes or decisions regard­ing your health. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving, -Emma

Date Nut Bread

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Date Nut Bread This month’s recipe comes from Melissa’s kitchen. It’s something she makes every fall season. It’s a perfect companion at a fall harvest table, especially Thanksgiving. The flavors of dates and coffee compliment and offset each other— sweet and bitter— so the bread lends itself with equal ease as an accompaniment to savory or sweet dishes. Pair it with turkey, a roast chicken, ham, or a bowl of bitter greens. Or serve it as a tea or breakfast cake. It’s fast to make, and stores well wrapped in aluminum foil or a plastic bag. For a truly decadent treat, slather it with cream cheese while it’s still warm and wash it down a strong cup of java. Heaven. Ingredients · 8 oz dates, pits removed· 1 tsp baking soda· 3 Tbs butter· 1 cup strong hot coffee· 1 egg, beaten· 1 ½ cups all purpose flour· ¾ cup sugar· 1 tsp baking powder· ¼ tsp cloves· ¼ tsp salt· 1 tsp pure vanilla extract· ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) Directions Oven 325° 40 min – 1 hr Grease a 9 x 5 baking pan and set aside. Preheat the oven to 325°.  Cut the dates into thirds. Place them into a medium-sized bowl and add the baking soda, butter and hot coffee. Stir. Add the beaten egg.  In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cloves, and salt together. Pour the date mixture on top, and add vanilla, and if using, the nuts.  Stir just until everything is combined; do not overmix. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until set, 40 minutes to 1 hour. Cool slightly before removed from the pan. 

2018 Surfside Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

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by The Town of Surfside Beach We are getting geared up to celebrate the 2018 holiday season in Surfside. Join us at the Surfside Beach Town Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The Christmas tree lighting is normally scheduled for the Thursday after Thanksgiving, this year it will be November 29, 2018, and begins at 7 pm.  We will have live caroling provided by local school children, light refreshments, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. We invite children of all ages to attend and enjoy an annual Surfside Beach holiday tradition. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew had uprooted the large pine tree in front of the Town Hall that was normally decorated for the holidays, and it had to be removed. Rather than cancel the event, the public works department quickly replaced the fallen pine with a palm tree. The event went off as planned, as the tree lighting was saved. The temporary palm tree has since been replaced by a new pine tree.  If you’re a transplant to our shores, why not join us and create a new holiday tradition in your new home? The holidays are a great time to make new friends and re-connect with current ones. Everyone is welcome to celebrate in Surfside Beach.

2018 Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot Run Down

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by The Town of Surfside Beach The 9th Annual Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot will take place in Surfside Beach, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018 and will start and finish at the Surfside Pier.  Festival Promotions, which produces the race, is working to make this the premier Turkey Trot in the Southeast, and is very excited to be working with the Town of Surfside to showcase our beautiful community. The course is fast and flat and highlights the beauty of Surfside Beach. Runners will start and finish with a view of the beach and will enjoy many of Surfside’s great neighborhoods. For visitors to Surfside Beach, this is a fantastic area and somewhere you will want to visit over and over. With multiple race options including 5K, 10K, 1 Mile and a free “Tot Trot,” there is something for everyone. Join more than 1,300 runners for this fun event. RACE SCHEDULEWednesday, November 21:– 4-7 pm – Packet Pick Up outside beside the Surfside Pier Thursday, November 22:– 7- 8:20am: Packet Pick Up at the Surfside Beach Pier parking lot– 8:30am: 10K and 5K Races Start– 8:35am: 1-Mile Race Start– 10:15: Tot Trot Starts – Kids in the Tot Trot run for free– Walkers are welcome and encouraged– Runners/walkers with strollers are also welcome A contribution is being made to the Surfside Area Rotary Club to support their charitable works in the Surfside Beach community. Go to mbturkeytrot.com to register or for more information.

It’s a Wonderful Life in Surfside Beach

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by Tabitha Mull The Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful committee and the Town of Surfside Beach are making Surfside a Christmas destination, by lighting our entire town in Christmas lights and decor.  • December 15th bring your chair, a blanket and even a picnic basket to watch the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” under the stars in Martin Field. There will accompanying festivities for all ages. • Every weekend in December, participating businesses will host a toast for our “Chocolate Crawl,” including special events and Christmas surprises for all.• Follow the “It’s a Wonderful Life in Surfside Beach” Facebook page to find out where you can drop off your letter to Santa• Participate in: It’s a Miracle on 29575 Streets. Stay tuned for a secret stocking placed on your door from a neighbor. Fill it with kindness and pass it on to another neighbor. The secret is to keep filling it and passing it on in the Christmas spirit. As Santa’s list grows we will keep you in the know…  Like us on Facebook: “It’s A Wonderful Life in Surfside Beach” page & KSBB-Keep Surfside Beach Beautiful page.

Q&A with Mike Fitzpatrick

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When He’s Not Tinkering with His 1966 Mustang Coup, He’s Boating With His Family by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family. It’s my wife Taylor and I, and we have a little boy named Oliver Reeves, who was born six weeks ago. Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now? I was born in Indianapolis but grew up here as a child. Taylor is from Myrtle Beach, born and raised. We live in the Belle Mer community now. Why did you move to Myrtle Beach? My dad originally moved our whole family here for a job opportunity when I was five years old, and six months later, both of my parents lost their jobs and became entrepreneurs. Do you have a favorite place in Myrtle Beach? On the waterway on my boat. What’s your favorite thing about living in Myrtle Beach? The lifestyle, being able to be at the beach in five minutes, or out on the water in five minutes. There are so many things to do—the lifestyle of all the restaurants. I would never leave. What are your favorite activities to do here? I have a 1966 Mustang Coup that I like to tinker around with in the garage. Hanging out with my son. I’m a workaholic too. Five years ago, I started my own mortgage branch at the age of 21, and I currently have five employees and we’re growing. Do you find people friendlier or more at ease? We definitely have a city of people who want to be here and are happy to be here. You go to bigger cities where the lifestyle is work all the time and no one is happy to be alive. People in Myrtle Beach are here for a purpose a lot of times. Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach? More industry and more tech jobs. I think we could be the tech capital of the East Coast if we really put our minds to it.

American Red Cross Impact: Serving Our Communities During Hurricane Florence and Beyond

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Serving the Horry and Georgetown Communities During Hurricane Florence and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia American Red Cross is a nearly two-hundred-year-old non-profit organization that has over 300,000 volunteers nationwide and provides disaster relief on large and small scales, as well as other community support services. Before, during, and after Hurricane Florence hit the Southeastern coast this past September, the Red Cross offered vital assistance in the Myrtle Beach area. “The Myrtle Beach community really rallied around each other as we prepared for the incoming Hurricane Florence,” says Amy Brauner, the executive director for the Eastern South Carolina chapter of the American Red Cross. “Luckily, a lot of people in Surfside and Myrtle Beach were extremely generous helping in the Conway and Socastee areas.” The American Red Cross maintained sixteen shelters in Horry and Georgetown counties before, during, and after the hurri­cane, which were opened by DSS, the Department of Social Services. These shelters originated as evacuation points pro­viding a safe place for people to stay while the hurricane pro­gressed. The Red Cross provided cots, blankets, three meals a day, nurses to help with medications and health services, and mental health sup­port. They also had activities for children. “We provided a safe haven while helping these families back on the road to recovery,” Amy says, “especially in the days and weeks after the storm.”  Hundreds of homes were claimed as destroyed and majorly damaged in our community from floods post-Hurricane Florence. — Photo courtesy of American Red Cross Conway High School was converted into the largest shelter in the area, offering refuge to over 460 people on peak night. Over 2,000 people spent the night in shelters in Horry County on peak night.  “DSS was an outstanding partner to ensure there were safe facilities and everyone’s needs were met,” says Amy. “They were great in helping us organize where we could distribute supplies, and being able to communicate with these severely damaged communities.” The American Red Cross also worked closely with the Horry County Emergency Management Department. “I especially want to recognize Randy Webster for his assistance,” Amy says. “The entire department was essential in preparing us and making sure the roads were clear and safe for our community and especially our volunteers, to get out and serve our community. They were the unsung heroes of the event, as well as the National Guard, the Department of Transportation, and the Salvation Army— all of whom have a seat in this operation center that is run by the Man­agement Department.”  After the storm, volunteer community members with the Red Cross distributed over 5,000 clean up kits across Horry and Georgetown counties, which includes a bucket filled with gloves, mops, bleach, and Damprid, as well as 1000 shovels, rakes, and masks— materials to help peo­ple get started on the road to cleaning up their community after the storm.  “Our caseworkers are also partnering with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to provide finan­cial assistance to those families that were devastated during the storm,” says Amy. “Traditionally, the homeowner is the one receiving FEMA funds. But thanks to the generosity of our donors, the American Red Cross can provide additional assis­tance to those displaced families— the household that is renting— during the interim period of homelessness.” On the evening before the storm, National Guard servicemen delivered Red Cross cots to shelters via high-clearance vehicles to avoid the swelling waters. — Photo courtesy of American Red Cross “I don’t know how to thank our volunteers enough,” Amy says. “Locally, we had over 300 new volunteers sign up to support our efforts to provide relief and recovery during the hurricane and the thereafter flooding. That’s a huge number. “They were part of activities including handing out clean up kits, providing hot meals, logistics, and making sure we were getting our message out to the commu­nity via social media so the public would know where to turn if they needed help. They also assisted with case manage­ment— evaluating individual homes for damage and ensuring that the family is okay.  “They determine what services and supplies the family needs, and what ave­nues of support or governmental agencies we can connect them with for additional aid. And 91 cents of every dollar donated goes directly towards our mission.” The American Red Cross offers much to our community in times of peace as well. They provide training services in CPR, first aid, AED, and lifeguarding, and train­ing services to the families of our service members. They also offer aid in partner­ship with the International Red Cross. The American Red Cross provides 42% of the nation’s blood supply; international service to the armed forces; and reconnection services for families after large natural di­sasters. They also respond to every local home fire.  More people die in home fires every year than any other disaster. As the fire department goes to put out the fire within a home, the Red Cross is called to be by the side of the family ensuring they have a safe place to stay and financial assistance to bridge the gap to the next day. A resident drives his boat across flooded waters from the aftermath of Hurricane Florence from September 21st and into the following week. — Photo courtesy of American Red Cross This past September, a home in Aynor, South Carolina was damaged by a fire. The Red Cross is providing financial as­sistance for food, clothing, and other es­sentials, as well as comfort kits containing personal hygiene items for the individual. “We’ve partnered with the local coun­ty and city officials and they’ve been just great in helping to get the word out to the community about what our services are,” Amy says. “I also want to say a great thank you to Jamie at Jammin Leather who has held events to support our efforts.” The American Red Cross wants to ensure families are prepared against home fires. They provide free smoke alarms and help you build an evacuation plan for a two minute escape, the time it … Read more

Carolina Forest

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A Family First Unincorporated Community by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Forest is a family-centered community located between the cities of Myrtle Beach to the east, and Conway to the west.  All addresses which fall under the 29579 zip code are designated as part of Carolina Forest, the fastest growing unincorporated part of Horry County. Long ago, this area was owned by International Paper. In the 1800s, the company managed vast tracts of forested land, and farmed and milled the trees to produce paper and wood products. Although they cut down some trees in this area, they decided to keep it primarily forested. Over time, the company’s interests expanded into real estate, and they sold off wide expanses of the wooded area to developers. Eventually they entered an agreement with Horry County to return the land to the residents through a developmental plan, the stipulations of which included restrictions on how quickly houses could be built. It expired at the end of 2017, leaving no constraints on the developmental process. As a result, there has been a surge of construction in this area over the past year. But the same preservation instinct has guided the land owners of today, just as it did back then; and large portions of this area have been set aside and protected as conservation land— making the moniker, Carolina Forest, an appropriate one. “We’re like an urban PUD,” says Carole Van Sickler. “Market Common was planned as an urban PUD, but unlike them, we don’t have such a heavy focus on business or retail— we are mostly a residential district.” Carole van Sickler, president of the Carolina Forest Civic Association, stands in front of a bent tree— a pictorial testimony to the recent affect Hurricane Florence has had on the area. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Because a census is done every ten years, there are no current statistics for the population, but some estimates tally it at around 50,000. There are roughly sixty HOAs that traverse the twenty-five square mile area. Despite its size, Carolina Forest is an unincorporated area, nor is it an incorporated city. “We have a unique face in that we don’t have direct government here,” Carole says. “We have county government that governs us.” As a result, in November 2009, area residents created the Carolina Forest Civic Association, a 501(C)(4) organization to identify community issues and work as a body with government agencies to address the needs of Carolina Forest. The organization is one hundred percent volunteer run. Carole is the current president. She joined the organization in 2010, and has served on the board in various capacities since 2011. “We don’t get paid or ask for money,” Carole says. “We just ask for people to join, and to give their time and opinions.” “We create a voice for the residents through all levels of government to make sure our voices are heard and our issues are recognized,” says Jeff DeSantis, a member of the board. The Carolina Forest Civic Association recently championed that community voice to great effect. One of the group’s main focusses at this time is public infrastructure—garnering support for the building and expansion of public roads to better manage traffic. “We create a voice for the residents through all levels of government to make sure our voices are heard and our issues are recognized,” says Jeff DeSantis, director of the Carolina Forest Civic Association. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Carolina Forest is currently in Ride 3, which means they are next on the docket to receive roadway attention. Carolina Forest Blvd is being widened, and there are plans to build additional roadways to help manage traffic flow. The association is working with Horry County to represent the community’s needs and preferences in the design of these roads, as well as to secure the necessary funding for the projects. “When Horry County came out with the initial concept for the expansion of Carolina Forest Blvd,” Jeff says, “the blueprint looked like a straight 5-lane highway, rather than a boulevard. The community wanted to retain the homey look and feel of a boulevard— to look like Market Common, with street lamps and green rotaries to offset the harshness of a straight design. We pushed for what we wanted, and as a result, we secured most of what we asked for.” In addition, the Carolina Forest Civic Association has a focus on giving back to the community. They host the HOA Committee group which is devoted to bringing HOA board representatives together to discuss the topics and challenges that they are facing, and then address those as a community. “We connect them with other HOAs who have had or are having similar challenges so they can help each other,” Carole says. “We are absolutely a family first community, we’re always looking out for one another,” Jeff adds. “We do a lot of our communication through a closed Facebook group for area residents; it was started a couple of years ago, and it currently has 7,000 members.” A current community hot topic is that of public safety. “We are absolutely a family-first community, we’re always looking out for one another,” says Jeff DeSantis. Here Carolina Forest residents Grace Ferrara (left) and Stacey Shankle (right), help organize relief supplies for the community in the wake of the storm. “Carolina Forest has three police officers at any given shift, while Conway, with similar population numbers, has thirty,” Jeff says. As a result, many communities have come together and implemented a neighborhood crime watch, while HOAs have hired external patrol watches to protect their communities. The Carolina Forest Civic Association recently hosted the Joe DeFeo Scholarship Charity Golf Tournament on September 1. The profits will fund scholarships for graduating high school students as they embark on college careers. In October, the association is hosting a business expo in Carolina Forest. There are forty-three vendors, small businesses, who will come out for the opportunity to network with the community and pull the community closer together. The Carolina Civic Association has $10,000 in raffle … Read more

Liz Callaway’s 810 Cafe & Sweets

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The Newest Spot for Java and Conversation in the Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia Inside the Market Common’s recently opened family-friendly entertainment complex, 810 Billiards and Bowling, there is a new early-morning breakfast and sweet spot that just arrived to delight people with beverages, treats, and to top it all off—good talk. Liz Callaway’s 810 Cafe & Sweets serves breakfast, lunch, barista-crafted coffees, specialty teas, and sweet treats beginning at the early morning hour of 6:30, where Starbucks used to be, in the former Piggly Wiggly.  They serve freshly-made, chef-created dishes from their kitchen, with a separate chef, breakfast, and lunch menu from 810 Bowling. “When I first got a tour of the facility,” Liz says, “I saw they had a brick oven, and I got so excited to use it. I asked the chef to create dishes to incorporate it into the breakfast menu.”  He did, and now they offer brick-oven breakfast pizzas with an egg swirled onto the crust in a culinary cream; Mediterranean style; and with meat. The food is made fast, but you can also call ahead to have your order waiting for you.  Liz made it official with the snip of giant scissors on August 31. The grand opening was celebrated live on her radio show, as her fans and the local community turned out to support her and the cafe For Liz, high-quality food with local roots is important. At her cafe you’ll find the breads, muffins, cookies, and other sundries of longtime Surfside Beach staple, Benjamin’s Bakery.  There are fudge, pralines, and truffles from her cousin’s chocolate confectioner shop in Mt. Pleasant, Sweet Juleps. She serves creamy frozen custard by Republic Ice Cream, a small company which continues to faithfully produce their grandfather’s original recipe from Coney Island here in Myrtle Beach. And she sources coffee from a supplier in the Wilmington area, roasted right in NC. “We also sell candy by the pound,” she says. “People can fill up bags with old time favorites like M&M’s, Jelly Belly’s, Jordan Almonds, nerds, and salt water taffy. Liz co-hosts a hit news talk show called, The Hot Talk Morning Show With Dave and Liz on WRNN 99.5 FM. It covers local, regional, national, and global news topics and politics. It’s currently the number one rated morning show on the Grand Strand.  Several years ago, she was nominated for a national Marconi Award. She’s also the spokesperson for Conway Ford, and is regularly seen on TV. Liz already has a tremendous connection with people in Myrtle Beach due to her media presence. “I want to be involved with the cafe because I’m very community-oriented,” she says. “Since I moved here, I’ve wanted to absorb everything around me so I can serve people better on the air. So I attend all the events I can and people know me personally. The morning talk show has allowed me to have the reach I want to have to bring people together. With this cafe, now I can create community here. Liz Callaway is a popular media personality in Myrtle Beach. She co-hosts a hit news talk show weekday mornings, and regularly appears on TV for Conway Ford. “When I first took a tour of 810 Billiards and Bowling, the team began speaking with me about what a valuable place it was for a meeting space in the Market Common, and that they were thinkingabout putting a coffee shop inside. “When the Starbucks in the Piggly Wiggly closed, there was no longer any place to get barista crafted coffee at 6:30am in the Market Common. There were always the same people there; it was a community spot. People would go there and have their coffee and breakfast. When that closed, it left a void in the community.” A few weeks after their conversation, the 810 team asked Liz if she wanted to help bring the cafe to life and bring breakfast and coffee back at an early hour. “I had been interested in getting involved in a local business for a long time, says Liz. “When I met with the 810 Billiards and Bowling team, it felt like a natural fit. The cafe will be a place where locals and tourists can come and have that old-fashioned style coffee shop— a place to exchange information and stories.” High-quality, locally-sourced food is important to Liz, who stocks the cafe’s larder with fresh, homemade goodies from such notables as Benjamin’s Bakery, Republic Ice Cream, Sweet Juleps, and more. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Liz Callaway’s 810 Cafe & Sweets celebrated its grand opening on August 31, 2018. Liz brought her radio show out of the studio and into the cafe, live on stage. They invited the mayor of Myrtle Beach, and the new president and CEO of the chamber of commerce, Karen Riordan. They had a live studio audience, with a ribbon cutting during the show.  “It was fun,” Liz says of the event. “The listeners have gotten to know me over the years and they were excited to help me celebrate.” Every Saturday, Liz hosts Jump ’n’ Java from 9-11am: free dance lessons sponsored by the non-profit Ballroom Dance Preservation Society. “To tie in the radio show with my cafe, I created Cafe Chats with Liz Callaway,” she says. “I invite guests into the cafe in the morning and interview them on stage. Then I open it up to the public for a Q & A. I plan on having more events too. “I just want this cafe to a be a place where people can meet. What better place for great conversation than over coffee?” This company has now permanently closed.

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