Sasee Magazine - July 2020

July 2020

“What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?�

-George Eliot-

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July 2020

“Community Life”

Contents Volume 19, Issue 7

About the Cover Artist: Rogério Pedro is a Brazilian visual artist from the city of Campinas - São Paulo, Brazil.

His work has a very unique style with modernist and colorful influences applied to canvas, mural painting, scenography, books, fashion and advertising.

His work can be found in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Bahia, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Vienna and Buenos Aires. His works have also been published in New York, France and Spain. Rogério has worked with Brazilian music artists such as Margareth Menezes, Sandra de Sá and Saulo Fernandes. Rogério also contributes to major brands such as Adobe, Kellogg’s, Uber, Thule, Bombay Sapphire among others.

He also collaborates with several NGOs such as the Mano Down Institute, Acesa Capuava, Instituto Anelo and Instituto Ayrton Senna.

To see more of Rogério’s art, visit www.rogeriopedro.art.br or prints can be requested at: rogeriopedroarte@gmail.com.

4 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

10

Footloose and Boomless

by Sally Gosen Case

12

Meet Erin Marshall and Nicole Queen Helping our Community’s Children: The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program

by Leslie Moore

16

Gone Fishing by Diane DeVaughn Stokes

19

A Life of Service: Barbara Blain-Bellamy

by Leslie Moore

22

Carolina Forest: Southern Style with Southern Smiles

by Marsha Tennant

26

I’m Not Okay by Diane Stark

28

Kim Parsons: There is a Way Out The Family Justice Center

by Leslie Moore

32

Finding Freedom on the Water: Karen Berry

by Leslie Moore

34 38

Sasee July Calendar

40

Jaybirds at the Beach by Jeffery Cohen

Read It! Reviews by Nicole McManus

Daily Arrivals of Exciting Décor, Housewares, Accessories and High-end Furniture

Where Beauty & L

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from the Editor

Publisher Delores Blount Sales & Marketing Director Susan Bryant Editor Leslie Moore Account Executives Stacy Danosky Erica Schneider Gay Stackhouse Recently, a friend of mine was walking down her stairs and slipped, breaking her foot in several places. The break was so severe it required surgery and weeks of recovery that is still ongoing.

Immediately, our group of friends joined together to provide meals for her. One friend loaned her a knee scooter to use inside, and another friend puts her in the car to get her out of the house occasionally as she isn’t able to drive. My friend’s community is helping her get through a traumatic period without worrying about everyday issues that are so hard when you’re injured or sick. (All of this was done safely, with masks on and six feet of distance between us.) The thing that struck me the most was how easily all of this came together. Our community banded together to help one of our own who needed immediate assistance. This is the type of place we live. The support given to my friend happens daily in our community – through meals, financial support, a comforting presence and more. We are people who help, who do for each other, who know that a strong community is important for everyone. Of all the reasons I could list about why I love where I live, I think this is the one that means the most.

Grab a cool drink and enjoy this fun issue of Sasee. Even though our lives are a bit different now, we will get through this together.

Happy July 4th!

Art Director Patrick Sullivan Contributing Photographer Chasing the Light Photography Web Developer Scott Konradt Accounting Gail Knowles Executive Publishers Jim Creel Bill Hennecy Suzette Rogers PO Box 1389, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 fax 843-626-6452 • phone 843-626-8911 www.sasee.com • info@sasee.com Sasee is published monthly and distributed free along the Grand Strand. Letters to the editor are welcome, but could be edited for length. Submissions of articles and art are welcome. Visit our website for details on submission.

Sasee is a Strand Media Group, Inc. publication.

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or in whole, prepared by Strand Media Group, Inc. and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited. Title “Sasee” is registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

6 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

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Footloose and Boomless

by Sally Gosen Case

I couldn’t dismiss the thought that the little sailboat looked remarkably like a battered mixing bowl. Wide and roundbottomed, it sat weathered and sad in the mud alongside the seller’s house. The remnants of once-white paint flaked from its sides. It was undeniably cute, though; that, and the lure of the $75 price tag, blinded me to any possible shortcomings.

I paid the man, and together we slid the dirty hull into my pickup bed. The sail had been clumsily wadded up around the mast; I tied the whole mess on top of my truck and drove home.

I slid the lightweight little boat out onto my driveway. It promptly tipped onto one side. I righted it and it tilted onto its snubbed nose and stayed there. Deflated and grumbling, I fetched some pool noodles from the back porch and propped it up; at least a mixing bowl will stand upright without help!

I dropped the mast into its slot and untangled the supposed sail. It hung dejectedly like a limp, worn-out dish towel. That was all there was; there was no framework, no structure of any kind. The only “rigging” on the entire boat consisted of a one-inch shred of rotted cotton twine protruding from an ancient grommet like a tiny, desiccated tongue.

I stepped back and surveyed the roly-poly sailboat and its rag of a sail. For the first time I entertained a creeping suspicion that I had purchased a toy, or possibly some marine-themed yard art. There was no way this thing could sail. But I needed it to.

Years before, my son and I had taken up sailing in our bright red family canoe using a second-hand sail kit. Two clueless neophytes, we had learned together how to balance wind and tiller, capturing coastal breezes in a big, crisp yellow sail and skimming across our neighborhood lake. Locals ventured onto the dock to ask questions. Passing tourists stopped to take pictures. The long, sturdy canoe was quick and obedient. That was a real boat.

But with my son away at college much of the time, I was finding too many excuses to stay on the shore. Bystanders are often willing to help a skinny woman transport a 70-pound canoe from truck to lakeshore, but one can’t bank on it, plus there were the multitudes of clamps and straps required to transform a simple canoe into a sailboat. I needed a small 10 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

boat, manageable for one person. I wanted to be able to drive through town, launch my own craft, and dance with the wind once again. I envisioned myself gliding alone across the lake in a sleek and compact boat, the breeze in my hair and the tiller in my hand. The vessel now propped in my driveway did not appear to be the boat in that vision.

Pushing doubts aside, I began to scrape, sand, caulk, and paint. By the time my son came home for a school break it seemed like it might be safe to see if it would at least float.

We took it to the lake and slid it into the water. A small tear welled up in the bottom and slid toward the stern. Another quickly followed.

My son is at an age where his enthusiasm frequently eclipses any possible misgivings, or even what some would call common sense. He dropped the mast in place and threw a beach towel over the growing puddle in the bottom of the boat. He stepped briskly into my leaky mixing bowl with its dangling dishrag sail, pushed off from the dock, and sailed smoothly away across the lake.

I was familiar with “footloose” sails, attached along the upright mast but only attached at the ends on the bottom.

Simple and efficient, they are common in small pleasure boats and even racing dinghies. That day I learned that there is an even simpler setup known as a “boomless” rig. Without any boom to support the bottom at all, the sail hangs like a flag on the mast. The sailor must open it to the wind. With the shred of twine replaced by a length of white woven cord, my son was able to lift the sail. That is all the little boat needed to slip away over the water.

Boomless rigs do not win races. They are not the most efficient way to sail. But it is a beautifully simple system, with

“

I wanted to be able to drive through town, launch my own craft, and dance with the wind once again.

”

nothing to swing around and smack the sailor in the head.

If something goes awry, one simply drops the “mainsheet” (my little piece of white cord) and the sail is no longer a sail; in fact, it looks a lot like a dishrag.

I visit our nearby bay and watch the sailing yachts. Thirty or forty feet long, with two or three or four sails, they thunder along with the wind whistling in their rigging. Their sheets are wound around winches, reeled in and out with cranks.

Down through the jetty’s jaws and out into the open ocean they fly, blithely throwing wakes from their proud bows.

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I want to go slowly. I want to take a stubby wooden boat to the neighborhood lake. There are no halyards to raise the sail; it slips onto the mast like a long, blue sock. I want to hold the little white cord in my hand, feeling for the wind. I drift onto our small water in the merest breath of a breeze. I watch the delicate curls of water unfurling behind my stern.

That is how I sail.

Perhaps when I was younger I needed to rush through life with the wind roaring in my rigging. I needed to hold my sails wide, seeking every bit of momentum that I could find.

Now I no longer need to prove anything. I don’t even need to be very good at what I do. I just want to take joy in the doing, and it helps if there is no boom to smack me in the head if the wind should shift. You can have your yachts and your ocean voyages, as exciting as they may be. I’ll be out on the local lake, sailing a round-bottomed boat with a boomless sail.

Sally Gosen Case lives and writes on the beautiful Oregon coast. Her poetry and nonfiction have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Horticulture, Rocky Mountain Rider, and Time of Singing. Sally and her son coauthor a popular Oregon travel blog, casingoregon.com.

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Meet Erin Marshall and Nicole Queen Helping our Community’s Children: The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program

by Leslie Moore

Erin Marshall Program Coordinator II, South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy Can you tell us about the Guardian ad Litem program?

The Guardian ad Litem program is a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy. A Guardian ad Litem(GAL) is a volunteer who advocates for the best interest of children in DSS abuse and neglect cases by making monthly face-to-face contact at the foster home or relative’s home, getting to know the child or children and learning what their wishes are. The GAL is the only constant in a child’s life; caseworkers change, foster homes change, teachers and friends change, but the GAL remains the same and becomes that familiar face throughout the whole case.

What are the requirements for becoming a GAL? You must be able to pass a background check, be at least 21 years of age – and have a deep love for children. All GALs must complete the free 30-hour training.

How much time does it take?

The statewide average is approximately 4-6 hours a month.

What is the length of service with each child?

Do you have more than one at a time?

The length of service varies case by case; we strive for permanency as quickly as possible. GALs are able to choose what cases they take and are able to take more than one case if their time permits. When volunteers are appointed to a case by the Family Court Judge, they serve all of the children in the family.

Who should I contact if I’m interested in volunteering?

If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem in Horry County you can contact Erin Marshall at 843-3479750 or erin.marshall@childadvocate.sc.gov. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem in Georgetown County, you can contact Christy Vinson at 843-436-7030 or christina.vinson@childadvocate.sc.gov.

Continued on Page 14 12 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

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Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 13

Nicole Queen Horry County Guardian ad Litem How long have you worked with the program?

I became a GAL in 2019. I was working for WMBF, and they encouraged us to join some type of community outreach or new networking group.

Can you talk about why you chose this type of work?

First, I have two children of my own. And, through Wellspring, our church, I learned how great a need there is for GALs to help children in the system, especially in our area.

What are some of the challenges?

I remember after we finished training being so excited to take my first case, and I actually volunteered for two or three!

When I received my first set of paperwork and read some of the horrific abuse this child was enduring I remember sitting in my driveway just sobbing. I couldn’t believe that anyone could treat and abuse children in such a way. It makes you want to just take them all in and save them.

What about this work brings you joy?

These children truly become like family, and they are ecstatic when we visit. It’s a little bright spot in a sometimes very sad and stressful day for these children.

Do you feel your own family ties contributed to your desire to help others?

I never knew anyone close to me who was abused so I wouldn’t necessarily say that is what drew me to this work.

Actually in 2008 when I worked for Sasee, Susan Bryant is the first person who told me about the GAL program, and I always knew I wanted to volunteer one day. I think the combination of having my own babies and hearing the need is what pushed me to make the decision to become a GAL. How do you process the hard cases?

I just try to lean into my faith. I know this isn’t forever, and God has a better plan for these children – hopefully it comes sooner than later.

14 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

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Gone Fishing

by Diane DeVaughn Stokes

After seven crazy weeks in the house avoiding personal contact with the outside world except to visit our moms daily, Chuck and I were more than ready for an adventure.

By now the beaches were all open, but we wanted to do something we had not done in ages to perk our withering spirits. We decided to check out our fishing poles and gear, which had collected spider webs in our garage for fifteen years, to see if we could get our act together.

Chuck rigged up our cane poles with new line, bobbers and hooks, and even rigged up one of our fishing rods in case we spotted an area that looked like a good home for bass.

Then he tried to find a bait shop open in Myrtle Beach with no luck. However Google sent him to Stalvey’s in Conway where he purchased crickets and worms. Unfortunately in his excitement Chuck forgot to bring our mini cricket cage with him, and the employee laughed and said, “Well what do you want me to put the crickets in?” Chuck, feeling a wee bit embarrassed, had to purchase a new one.

Meanwhile, I packed the picnic basket with a jug of iced tea and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Oh no, not just any ordinary peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These were made with strawberry preserves and Jif Peanut Butter stacked thickly on Hawaiian Rolls. But let’s face it; even cat poop on top of those delicious sweet rolls would be a fabulous feast.

We put a sign on our front door for laughs that said, “GONE FISHING!” The day was gorgeous, and we set out to a friend’s farm at 9am, even though we knew that most avid fisherfolks (my gender correct word) would have been up and out by 6am. Forget about it! That’s too much like going to work.

As we unloaded our gear, we realized there were several areas to fish. We started in a channel off the Intracoastal Waterway, but not a single bite. However, waving at people in their boats as they passed by made us feel like we were back in the human race again having been locked away for almost two months due to the pandemic.

Then we moved to a nearby farm pond where I caught the first fish. It was a small bream but it got my adrenaline going. Then I caught two more before poor Chuck caught any. Finally he caught two and realizing they were all so small, he decided to fish for bass the rest of the day. That was his mistake because by the end of the day I had caught fourteen bream and two decent sized catfish, and he did not catch anymore. Needless to say this was a catch and release day for us. Even if they had been bigger, I could not have brought them home to eat like I used to be able to do when I was a younger fisherwoman. I think the older you get and the closer you come to death, you realize even more 16 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

the sanctity of life for all living things. Frankly for the first time ever, I felt guilty putting the hook through the worm and the cricket! Yet, we had a blast doing something out of the box and being outdoors while still social distancing and being safe.

However, just as we were packing up the fishing gear in the golf cart, which our friend allowed us to borrow to traipse around the farm, we heard a “thud!” Something hit the top of the golf cart and bounced on the ground. I rushed over to see what it was and there lying stunned on the ground was the most beautiful bird I had ever seen. Most of you know I am a bird-lover and bird-watcher, but I had never seen anything like this. The Painted Bunting locally, and many birds in Costa Rica, have taken my breath away but here before us was a yellow bird with a lime green band of feathers and blue-gray wings. She was stunning. Chuck took some photos of her as she remained stunned and then rubbed her head and belly. Magically she opened her eyes and just watched us as we watched her. I talked softly to her and promised not to leave her until she was able to fly again. There was no way I was leaving her on the ground to be eaten by a predator!

Ten minutes later she stood up, not appearing to be frightened by us. She hopped around a bit, and then flew to the limb of a tree right above my head. I continued to talk to her and took more photos for the next twenty minutes.

She just kept posing and seemed to enjoy the interaction with me. But when I told her Chuck was getting antsy and ready to go, and I had to say goodbye, she nodded her head as if she totally understood me and flew away. And I started to cry. I knew what just happened was a gift given by one of God’s most spectacular creatures. One I will treasure forever.

When I arrived home, I headed straight to my bird book to identify the species of my new friend. She was a Prothonatary Warbler and even though we were not FLY fishing, our best catch of the day was surely FLYING once again! Gotta love Nature.

Diane DeVaughn Stokes Diane is the host and producer for “Inside Out” as seen on HTC TV Channel 4, and serves as a commercial spokesperson for several local businesses. She and her husband Chuck own Stages Video productions in Myrtle Beach and share passions for food, theater, travel and scuba diving.

They own three four legged kids that they adore!

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A Life of Service: Barbara Blain-Bellamy

by Leslie Moore

to the wolves,” Barbara told me, remembering her social work days. “At 46, I was the least likely candidate to go back to a professional school. I was working as a social worker, was a member of the Conway City Council and was helping raise my two nephews in a single adult home. I had just divorced and committed to a new mortgage – and drove a less than dependable car. But, I was compelled to go to law school.”

And this determined woman did indeed become an attorney, finishing law school in record time and passing the bar exam on her first try. “I was motivated to get back home; I had a mortgage and bills that others were helping me with,” Barbara remembered. “I started practicing law in the summer of 2001 and practiced full time until 2014. I married Bobby in 2015 and he convinced me I didn’t have to work full time. I had worked year around since I was 14 years old, and work had become the heart of my being, but I did take him up on his offer.”

I have heard a lot of wonderful comments about Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy – and when I finally met her, I understood why she is so admired by her beloved City of Conway and our entire community. The day we chatted, Barbara had been running errands with her husband of five years, Bobby Bellamy. “Although acquainted since our teen years, I didn’t care much for Bobby until I was a senior citizen. I performed a legal service for Bobby, by then my established client, and did not attach a fee. He invited me out to dinner, I thought, in gratitude.” Laughing, this vivacious woman continued her story. “I went, and the rest is a very nice story!”

Barbara started her career as a social worker and worked in her field for 25 years. “In my youth, I was told I could only be a nurse or a teacher, because I was a black woman, but I wanted to do something different.” This would be the theme of Barbara’s life – her strong will and intelligence have led her to pursue three different careers. “I had a remarkable 25 years learning how difficult it is for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps – I was always happy if I could pull one of the straps for them. It was through this work that I became interested in becoming a lawyer.”

“People who couldn’t afford an attorney were sort of thrown

Barbara’s career in politics started before she became a lawyer. She was at the end of an 18 year marriage and felt she had no real identity or purpose. “I had no interest in politics or local government, but after I moved from the outskirts of town into the city, I read in the newspaper that three seats were coming open on City Council.” After spending time with then Conway City Administrator, Adam Blume, and the current mayor, Greg Martin, Barbara threw her hat into the ring – and won her first election. “Once I jumped in, I knew it was exactly where I belonged.”

Barbara attributes that first victory to her father. “People in Conway in 1992 didn’t ask about party affiliation or platform – they wanted to know who I was. It was my great honor to say I am Jobe Blain’s oldest daughter.” Continuing, this proud daughter shared her dad’s amazing legacy. “My father, after a long military career, became Horry County’s first black police officer. He went through the trials and fire of being the forerunner, a pioneer, and slowly developed friendships and mutual respect with his colleagues. He was so admired, and that gave me credit I didn’t earn. It is a testament to the fact that parents impact the lives of their children, and future generations, negatively or positively, more than they know.”

Barbara’s father had a huge impact on the way she lives her life and she continued, saying, “Daddy’s lessons were fundamental; say hello to everyone, whether or not they say hello, hold the door open for people, even if they don’t say thank you.” Her voice broke a little as Barbara shared Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 19

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a little of the prejudice her hero encountered in his life.

“When Daddy joined the police force, he wasn’t the most welcomed kid on the block. But, slowly, one after another of his colleagues realized the caliber of man he was, and he became one of them.”

Born in 1952, Barbara herself experienced the Jim Crow south. “I graduated from a still-segregated high school, but a number of things happened to shape my life.” Barbara’s father moved his family several times while he served his country. “We went to Fallon, Nevada, when I was seven years old, where there were no Jim Crow laws. I was my elementary school’s first black child.” The other children were friendly, and curious about this little brown girl. One of young Barbara’s most pivotal moments happened in Fallon, when she was cast in the school play. “I remember standing in a line with the other girls, and a teacher was putting lipstick and rouge on every child. I just knew she wouldn’t use that same lipstick on me and then on the white child next to me, even though I didn’t have the words to explain it. I became more and more anxious the closer she got to me.” Tightly closing her eyes, Barbara waited to be passed over by the teacher. “Then I felt the brush of the rouge and the tube of lipstick on my lips. I was transformed by that moment. It occurred to me that everyone saw the difference in me, but not everyone felt that difference mattered.” Barbara told me that since that day, she has been comfortable with everyone – whether they are like her or completely different.

After her marriage to Bobby, and some well deserved relaxation, Barbara was ready for the next challenge. Her political career had included serving on City Council and two stints as Mayor Pro Tempore, and she felt serving as Conway’s mayor was the next logical step. “It’s a huge responsibility and hard to do if you’re working a 40 hour a week job, especially as an attorney.” During her career, Barbara had seen how government works from the inside and knew she was capable of leading her beloved city.

Barbara began her bid for the office of mayor; taking the risk that she would lose both the election and her seat on City Council. Reaching out to hundreds of friends and supporters, Barbara put together what turned out to be a very successful campaign. She was sworn in as mayor of Conway on January 4, 2016.

Today, Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy proudly serves her hometown in a time of tremendous growth and change – and is the first African-American to hold this office. “I’ve seen Conway move from maybe six square miles to approximately 30 square miles today – and a population of 28,000 people.

And, this all occurred in a relatively short period of time.”

“Conway is my home,” Barbara said. “Even during the Jim Crow years, I was given the best possible treatment.

20 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

If I walked into a department store where black people weren’t allowed to use the dressing rooms, the sales people would apologize to me. Even our dentist, who was required to have a “colored” entrance, would apologize to me for the way things were then.”

Many of Barbara’s high school and college classmates took an exodus north after graduation for a better living and a place to raise their families where they were more accepted. “I never left. There was never a need. In Conway, we take care of each other. I seriously can’t imagine living anywhere else. I’ve traveled extensively around the country and abroad, and I will always be proud to be from Conway. I love New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Rome, but I love Conway more.”

Barbara & her father Jobe Blain

“A lot of our growth is retirees,” Barbara said as we began talking about Conway’s future. “We also have many young families moving here – even though we haven’t quite kept up with the higher level jobs, people can work from anywhere these days.” Conway is also the home of Coastal Carolina University and is becoming a desirable location for millennials. “Our city is becoming more attractive to the needs and wants of younger people,” said the mayor. “We have a brewery, food trucks and entertainment for people who enjoy night life. Downtown Conway is a wonderful place to live. “ Mayor Blain-Bellamy gives a lot of credit for Conway’s positive growth to her staff. “I’m so proud to work with bright and creative people who think outside of the box. We had an ugly little corner lot on Main and 4th Avenue, and our staff came up with a plan to make it a beautiful gathering place – that formerly non-descript lot is now the magnificent Kingston Park, arguably, the backdrop for more photos than anywhere else in the Greater Grand Strand.”

“I want people to know I don’t give up easily,” Barbara told me as we came to the end of our chat. And age is only a number for this determined woman, who first learned to swim at age 61. “You don’t have to be who you always were. We have a responsibility to continue to learn, to grow and to seek knowledge. That’s what life is all about. I’ve learned never to say never!”

Barbara & her husband Bobby

Kingston Park Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 21

Carolina Forest: Southern Style with Southern Smiles

by Marsha Tennant

There is a charming eclectic and southern community that sits 10 minutes from both beautiful Myrtle Beach and historic Conway. Carolina Forest is NOT your typical “bedroom community.” There is nothing sleepy about what residents and visitors alike can do. Within the twenty five square miles of trees, ponds, trails and a nature preserve there is much going on. Nature and city live cooperatively and peacefully with one another. Driving into my community I am surrounded by natural beauty as well as all the conveniences I could imagine.

My hubby, Coastie, and I have been coming to the beach since 1968. For many years there was literally nothing between Conway and Myrtle Beach. Carolina Forest was just that – a forest. We filled our car with gas in Conway in case there were no gas stations still open when we arrived late at the beach. Basketville and a fireworks shop were the only major businesses dotting Highway 501. In the ‘90’s the area took off and the rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 we decided that our retirement home would be in Carolina Forest, and we are delighted with our decision.

22 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

Long time/part time resident, Beatriz Trama, recalls picking out her lot in The Farm in 2004. There were very few houses but she said there was something natural and beautiful about the area that made her decide to build her future retirement home west of the Intracoastal Waterway. She is amazed at the growth and amenities available each trip she makes from Long Island, New York, and is looking forward

to finally moving here permanently next year. “I can stay in Carolina Forest to do everything I need to do. I love Myrtle Beach, but during the busy season it is nice to be able to move around without congested roads and so much traffic.”

Another perk for growing families is the neighborhood schools set throughout the community – and these schools are strongly supported by local businesses. We have a state of the art library and recreation center with a multitude of activities for everyone. I love walking into one of several local grocery stores and seeing school-sponsored food drives going on. Local restaurants and businesses are always willing to step up and contribute to school fundraisers and events.

Ocean Bay Elementary teacher, Karen Howle, and her husband, bought Budget Blinds in 2003.

They had vacationed at Myrtle Beach for years and relocated from Florence.

They decided that Carolina Forest was the perfect place to raise their three boys. As an educator, she was impressed with the area schools. Karen began as a volunteer, and then substitute teacher, at several of the schools before joining the staff at Ocean Bay Elementary twelve years ago. She said that parental and community support are both key to her joy as an educator.

There is such a wide range of ages living here. With apartments, condos, townhouses and single family homes, we are lucky to share this bucolic setting with young and old. Although, I don’t see anyone old around here! All ages are out riding bikes, walking, and swimming in the many neighborhood pools. There are yearly and seasonal events that everyone can participate in. Everyone in The Farm, my neighborhood, comes out when Santa (the local fire department) rides around each December wishing everyone a happy holiday. The sound of the Mister Softee tune reminds me of the ice cream truck I remember as a child.

Late at night the mosquito truck will quietly hum down the streets to help rid us of those skeeters that interfere with our outdoor activities.

In 2003 Traci Sumter moved here as a news reporter. Her husband was a Myrtle Beach native. She said that in her position she has met so many people and learned a lot about

the area. “I was right in the middle of everything!” When they started a family, the community atmosphere and amenities Carolina Forest had to offer appealed to them, and so they bought their home here.

John Sumter, Traci’s son, attended Carolina Forest schools and will be a sophomore at the Scholars Academy this fall.

Easy access to the academy makes it easier to commute. He said that he has earned a Black Belt in karate, taken piano and swimming lessons all while living here. He shared that for a teen, “living in Carolina Forest is never boring. It’s a mix between the fun of a city while also being a tight knit community.” That’s high praise coming from an active teen.

Susan Kenny said she moved to Carolina Forest in 2012 because of the amenities available for her two active and growing boys, Liam and Lucas.

Having tennis and basketball courts along with lakes to fish in were a major plus.

She said she also got “more bang for her buck” just minutes away from the beach.

It was the best of both worlds.

Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 23

Social media keeps Carolina Forest connected. Modern technology does have advantages. Residents have a virtual year round yard sale happening all the time. Each of the many neighborhoods can share events as well as personal recommendations for services and opportunities. A few years ago, I had a positive experience with this service. Our two dogs, aka the Baldwin sisters, decided to break through our backyard fence and chase a young bunny. I immediately asked for help through our Next Door app. Residents posted sightings and pictures until I was finally able to locate them.

Lost cats and dogs are posted and for the most part find their way back home. I love my neighbors!

I think that most people living in Carolina Forest are drawn here because of the natural setting and, as my grandson says, “critters.” Where else can you look out your window and see mama bear and her cubs frolicking down the street? Or Mr. and Mrs. Fox with two little pups headed into the woods by the landmark water tower? Turtles, ducks, geese and rabbits trust us enough to raise their young here.

One local business that I frequent quite often is Coastal Postal. Matt and Kate McGuire are the owners. Two years ago they were living in San Diego and wanted to move to the east coast to be closer to family. During their job search they found the ad for a shipping store. Kate said, “It looked like a great place and we took the risk and went for it!” They love living in the same community as the business. Their son attends preschool at a local church.

Matt said he likes getting to know the other owners in the shopping area where his store is located. “We share information and support one another as much as we can.”

Coastal Postal also supports local artisans. Their crafts can be purchased in the store. There is also a FREE LIBRARY for adults. I love to take in books and pick out a few to take home. Matt and Kate also support Freedom Readers with a free library for kids in the store. A Thomas the Train table welcomes little ones who visit with family. It’s a fun place to just hang out. People are in and out with a constant banter of conversation.

One of my goals is to try and live as LOCAL as I can. Living in Carolina Forest makes that easy and fun. Getting to know the people who own and operate the business establishments is enjoyable. I get my hair done at Carolina Hair Salon. Stacy does wonders with my silver strands. The salon is quick to support anything local, and I appreciate that. There is a local pharmacy, several small restaurants, a vet, and other businesses in the Food Lion/River Oaks shopping center that I frequent. There are several shopping centers with easy access throughout Carolina Forest.

24 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

If you live in Carolina Forest or watch local weather, you know Ed Piotrowski, Chief Meteorologist for WPDE 15, Ed’s work is local folklore around here – especially during hurricane season. He has calmly gotten us through many major storms since he arrived at the beach in 1994. The three most notable were Floyd (1999), Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018). Ed has put out a memo that no storms are allowed to visit us this year. I hope his influence covers Carolina Forest and all of the Grand Strand. When asked about his home, Ed told me, “Carolina Forest is in the center of everything, but far enough away that you don’t feel closed in. We can go grocery shopping, to doctor’s appointments and eat at great restaurants within ten minutes of our home.” Ed’s parents

live with them, and they feel like they are on permanent vacation. He also shared that the people of Carolina Forest are an important part of why it’s such a delightful place to live. I agree.

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Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 25

I’m Not Okay

by Diane Stark

On a Tuesday evening last September, I was at my 10-yearold son’s Boy Scout meeting. The other moms and I were commiserating that our boys were now in fifth grade – their last year of elementary school. “How are our boys this old already?” One mom said.

“How did the time go by so fast?” Another asked.

Their sons are my son’s best friends. Our sons have gone to the same school since first grade and they were involved in all the same activities. We’d spent a lot of time together over the last five years, and these moms had become my friends too. But as I listened to them talk, I found myself envying the ones who still had younger children. Nathan was my youngest. Next year, I wouldn’t have any kids still in elementary school.

“I hope this school year goes by so slowly,” I said. “I don’t want May to get here at all. Because not only do I have Nathan leaving elementary school, it’s my daughter’s last year of high school.”

A mom friend patted my shoulder. “I know it’s so hard.”

I could feel the lump in my throat. “When you see me in May, just give me a hug. Because no matter how I seem on the outside, I will not be okay on the inside.”

My friend nodded and gave me a pre-emptive hug.

When I spoke those words so many months ago, I had no idea how things would turn out. For this entire school year, I dreaded the end of it. I wanted to keep my kids as little as I could for as long as I could. Even thinking about watching end-of-the-year award ceremonies nearly brought me to tears.

And like all other fifth graders across this nation, my son has missed his last months of elementary school. The events that I spent months dreading, I now would give anything to see.

And it’s even worse for my daughter, Julia. There’s a prom dress hanging in her closet that she’ll never be able to wear.

She missed the last few months of high school with her friends. A competition that she’d worked all school year to prepare for was cancelled. She celebrated her 18th birthday in quarantine. And as I write this, her school is still deciding what to do about her graduation ceremony.

When I said last fall that I wouldn’t be okay in May and June, I never dreamed that I wouldn’t chaperone Nathan’s field trip or watch Julia receive her diploma. I thought it would be hard to do those things, but I would do them.

But now, I’ve realized that it’s so much harder not to do them.

Now I know that our family’s story is far from unique.

Millions of high school seniors are missing all of the same things that my Julia is missing and millions of fifth graders are missing their special events to celebrate the end of their time in elementary school.

Our struggles are not unusual. In fact, we’ve lost far less than many other people. Often times, comparing our pain to the pain of others is not healthy. It makes us feel that we don’t have the right to grieve our own losses because others have it worse than we do. It invalidates our feelings. It can even make us feel selfish or petty for feeling the way we do.

But somehow, in this case, knowing that millions of other families are experiencing the same struggles makes the losses so much easier to bear.

And now, everything is different.

At Nathan’s elementary school, the fifth graders take a special field trip to St. Louis every year. They go to the zoo, the children’s museum, and the famous arch. Nathan was so looking forward to it.

The fifth graders have their own graduation ceremony and huge end-of-the-year party. To a bunch of 11-year-olds, it’s a really big deal.

26 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

“

Knowing that my friends are going through the same things means I always have someone to talk with about it, someone who knows exactly how I’m feeling.

”

Because in them, we find community.

The teachers at my son’s school made a video for the students. Each teacher used a different adjective to describe the kids. Brave, strong, diligent, unstoppable. Watching it brought tears to my eyes. The teachers drove through our neighborhoods in a wonderful end-of-the-year parade.

Someone started a program to “adopt” our graduates and acknowledge their accomplishments, even if we can’t meet in person to celebrate.

Again, these things aren’t unique. Communities all around the country are finding creative ways to make their students feel appreciated.

Knowing that my friends are going through the same things means I always have someone to talk with about it, someone who knows exactly how I’m feeling.

For months, I thought I’d be heartbroken to watch my kids grow up and take their next steps in life. I thought I’d grieve the passage of time and wish for it to slow down.

I still wish for that. And I know that my kids will take their next steps in life regardless of the quarantine. Nathan missed his fifth grade graduation ceremony, but my son will still be in sixth grade next year. And even if Julia doesn’t walk across a stage to receive her high school diploma, she will still be starting college in the fall.

I can’t stop time. I can’t even make it slow down. My kids will grow up, no matter what I do.

I said last fall that I wouldn’t be okay at the end of the school year.

And I’m not. I’m not okay. But neither is anyone else I know.

And as strange as it sounds, being not okay together somehow makes it okay.

I love my community and I’m blessed to live where I do.

Realizing that has been one of the bright spots of the last few months. It’s going to take some time, but together, we’re going to be better than okay. We’re going to be just fine.

Diane Stark is a wife and mom of five. She loves to write about her family and her faith. Her essays have been published in over 20 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

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Kim Parsons: There is a Way Out The Family Justice Center

by Leslie Moore

Originally from West Virginia, Kim lived in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, for seven years. She and her husband settled in Myrtle Beach after they bought a garden center, Parson’s Garden Center, on Hwy 707. After moving to Myrtle Beach, Kim began working as a counselor, “I first worked for the Waccamaw Center for Mental Health, and then moved to Justice Works Behavioral Care where I was the Regional Supervisor for Horry and Florence Counties.”

In 2017, Kim came on board with FJC as a counselor, and soon was made Program Director at the Horry County office.

“When Vicki Bourus decided she was going to retire, she began mentoring me to replace her, and last year I took over as Executive Director.” The agency has grown from three to 20 staff members in its seven years of operation, and the need continues to grow as our population rises.

As a tourist destination, our community is filled with fun times and beautiful beaches. Visitors come back year after year – and many choose to move here permanently. But what about the people who, despite their pleasant surroundings, must endure days filled with fear, pain and quiet despair?

The Family Justice Center, led by Kim Parsons, Executive Director, is a domestic violence agency that serves Horry and Georgetown County, helping victims of domestic violence break free of their abusers and start new lives.

“I had never worked for an agency that dealt specifically with victims of domestic violence,” Kim told me as we began talking about her life and work. “I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC), and started work with the Family Justice Center (FJC), as a therapist working directly with clients.”

Kim went on to tell me that the people the agency serves are not bad people; they’re just stuck in horrible relationships.

“Abuse is not defined by race or socio-economic level, it’s across the board – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. Some days this work is frustrating and stressful, but it is worth it to see people move on to a better life.”

28 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

“We offer services to victims of domestic violence in Horry and Georgetown Counties,” Kim said when I asked her to tell me more about the agency. “We offer court advocacy – helping people navigate the legal system, get orders of protection, and prepare to go into the courtroom, which is a daunting and scary process and why some people won’t go through with prosecuting their abuser.” FJC also offers emergency housing, counseling for adults and children, support groups, parenting classes and more. “All of our counselors are LPCs,” Kim added.

After helping a client get out of a dangerous situation, the next piece is case management. “That’s where we can offer the most help accessing resources,” Kim told me as she led me through what women go through just to get out of a situation no one should have to endure. “Housing is the biggest need in both counties, and we work closely with housing authorities and local landlords.” Clients are taught to budget money, how to get their children in a new school or daycare, how to apply for and keep a job – all of the things it takes to start over. “Case managers do a lot of the footwork,” said Kim. “When there is so much chaos going on around you, it’s nice to have support and someone to hold your hand through these steps.”

Partnerships with other agencies are an important component in helping fill client’s needs. “We work with St. Francis Animal Center in Georgetown, All4Paws in Pawleys Island, and Grand Strand Humane Society in Myrtle Beach.

People’s pets are a big deal. Sometimes people won’t leave if they can’t take their pets.” Kim shared that FJC is hoping to build a component of their shelter that will house pets.

Currently, clients are allowed to bring service animals.

“Sometimes we buy bus or plane tickets and help people flee the area, back to their friends and family,” Kim continued.

“And we’ve paid for people’s pets to fly with them. It’s not just how we can help within the four walls of our building; it’s how we can help you get to where you want to be.”

All of this requires funding, as clients do not pay for services, and as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, FJC depends on grants and fundraisers to support their mission. “We are working on a grant with Eastern Carolina Homelessness Organization (ECHO), and a HUD grant helps us offer transitional housing. There is also a rapid re-housing program that helps our clients pay security deposits, first and last month’s rent and utility deposits.” Kim told me that the agency helped 23 families last year with transitional housing and 24 families with rapid re-housing.

The Taste of Georgetown is FJC’s largest fundraiser and is usually held the first Saturday of November. “We participated in Georgetown County’s Palmetto Giving Day this year and did very well,” Kim told me, even though the fundraiser was done virtually due to COVID-19. “It really demonstrates the support all the non-profits have in Georgetown County.”

The organization’s other fundraisers, an oyster roast, a small music festival and others, are probably going to be rescheduled in 2021. Like most, if not all, nonprofits, FJC depends heavily on volunteer hours. “We have opportunities for volunteers who wish to help! We had 4,755 hours of service last year.”

“Our safe house in Georgetown is for clients who are fleeing and in imminent danger. They can go there and be safe while we’re helping them with other services, eventually moving into independent living.” Kim said FJC had 1200 shelter nights last year. “In Horry County, we will sometimes put clients in hotels as an emergency measure, but we are working to raise funds for a second shelter – it is desperately needed as 65% of our clients live in Horry County.”

“I can’t say enough positive things about what we do,” Kim said as we finished our chat. “It’s nice at the end of the day to look back and see that the little things we do make a big difference in people’s lives. Our clients leave us on a positive life path and their children are no longer living in a toxic and scary environment.” Kim sees the biggest change in the children as they begin to let go of the fear. “In the shelter, kids are totally different at the end of 60-90 days. They blossom.

That’s something a counselor doesn’t usually get to see – and I know we’re making a difference. Vicki created a great agency, with a wonderful staff and dedicated volunteers. I am honored to be here.”

If you or someone you know is being victimized by domestic violence, call the Family Justice Center’s Crisis Hotline at 844-208-0161. These phone lines are manned 24/7 by trained staff members. There is help available.

Visit www.fjcgtowhorry.com for more information.

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Finding Freedom on the Water: Karen Berry

by Leslie Moore

Outdoors, on the water – this is where Karen Berry feels most at home. And as Vice President of Operations for Freedom Boat Club of the Grand Strand’s six locations, the water is definitely her second home. “I have a real passion for my work – it’s all I ever do!” laughed Karen as we began talking about her life.

Interestingly, this savvy sea captain grew up far from the open water in Illinois. But her father and grandfather taught young Karen to love boating at an early age. “We would fish on lakes in a jon boat – those are some of my best childhood memories.”

Karen has two sons and three grandchildren who are everything to her. She lives happily in her home tucked away in Longs when she’s not working. But this life, as wonderful as it is, came out of a horrible tragedy. “In 1983, my husband and I were living in Oklahoma City, and he traveled to spend time with his parents in Florida. They were out on a beach excursion when he was caught in an undertow and drowned.” Karen tried to pick up the pieces of her life where she was, but decided she needed a fresh new start. “My brother was stationed at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and encouraged me to come here with my boys. So, sight unseen, I moved and have been here ever since.”

“Not long after I got to Myrtle Beach, I met my best friend,” Karen began. “She’s a boat captain and was giving Hobie Cat rides at the Spanish Galleon. She’s a small person, and I went along as her extra weight!” Karen remembers daydreaming with her friend about the future – and that future always included being on boats. “Today Captain Tamie has her 100ton Master Captain’s license and has operated boats that can carry 150 people, and I’m VP of Operations for Freedom Boat Club of the Grand Strand.” The two women have definitely made their dreams come true.

“Later on, Tamie designed and owned a 42 foot Catamaran, and ran a business called Getaway Cruises. I would mate for her on my days off. One day we were close to some shrimp boats, looking for dolphins, and saw a loggerhead turtle in distress.” Tamie quickly came up with a plan to save the animal. “She pulled up beside the turtle, lowered the ladder, 32 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

and I climbed down and helped pull the turtle onto our boat.”

The women took the turtle to nearby Bird Island where they stayed with the endangered loggerhead until the animal revived and swam back out to sea. “It was drowning in the shrimp net,” Karen said, finishing her story. “I will never forget that day. These are the experiences that keep me coming back to the water.”

I asked Karen to talk about the growing number of women boaters. “I was on the National Marketing Council for all Freedom Boat Clubs, and we were always looking for new ideas. While there are always a lot of boating activities for guys, not as many are planned for women. I’m a woman and enjoy boating, so I suggested we create something to empower women boaters.” Today, a majority of the clubs have Freedom Boat Divas in place– women boaters go out on the water to learn new skills – and they stop for lunch and shopping. “Every time we go I teach them something, like nautical knots, radio etiquette, or docking skills,” said Karen.

“I love seeing women go out on the water on their own. I tell them that if I can do it, you can do it. I learned everything I know from Captain Tamie, and I’ve taught hundreds of people in my 13 years with Freedom Boat Club.” Karen added that we are never too old to learn to operate a boat safely.

“I’ve taught women in their 50s and 60s that have never been at the helm of a boat. If you can drive a car, you can drive a boat.”

A big part of the joy of boating comes from the relationships you make on the water, and Karen gets a great deal of satisfaction from seeing her members make lifelong memories. Her members have shared some touching stories through the years and, this seasoned boat captain shared a recent story that brought both of us to tears. “A guy joined not long ago and told the captain giving him his training that he joined for his five year old son. His son is battling cancer, and he and his wife wanted to fill the rest of their child’s life with as many wonderful experiences as possible.

When they asked their son what he wanted to do, letting him choose anything he wanted, he pointed at a boat and said he wanted to go boating.”

Our boats start in the $45,000 range and go up to $100,000, and are never more than three years old,” Karen said, telling me about the benefits of Freedom Boat Club. “We spend a lot of time training new members and making sure they are comfortable on the waterways. We also offer ocean training if you are interested. You can keep the boat from sunrise to sunset – and we even allow members to keep the boats overnight, but the craft must be docked during the dark hours.” Karen told me that boats are available seven days a week and are stored in the water, ready to go, and members can access boats at 235+ clubs in the United States, Canada and France.

Freedom Boat Club of the Grand Strand also raises money for a wide variety of charities in the area, including over $100,000 over the past 13 years for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. “We also help Julie’s Kids (a local DSS home for children) with Christmas each year, as well as Christmas in July to help with back to school supplies and clothing.” Karen is also proud that her club recently participated in making masks for Tidelands Health. “We contributed supplies for more than 500 masks.”

When Karen takes her grandchildren boating, the family usually makes the trip from Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet, to Conway. “It’s a wonderful trip down the Waccamaw – one of our area’s most beautiful.” As we finished up our chat, Karen said, “So many good memories are made on boats. This is my life.”

To learn more about Freedom Boat Club, call 843-732-3777 or find @freedomboatclubgrandstrand on social media.

Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 33

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July 2-30 Music on Main Thursdays, 7 - 9pm North Myrtle Beach 843-280-5570 http://parks.nmb.us July 3-31 Ocean Isle Concert Series Fridays, 6:30 - 8pm Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. Museum of Coastal Carolina parking lot, E. Second St. 910-Â 579-7757 https://explore.oceanislebeach.com

ThisA Little and That 4 You Something for Everyone July 3-31 Complementary Movies Under the Stars Valor Park, Market Common Fridays, 8:45 - 11pm www.marketcommonmb.com

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July 4 Surfside Beach 4th of July Celebration 6 - 10pm, Surfside Pier 843-650-9548 July 4-25 Surfside Beach Hula Shows Tuesdays, 7 - 10pm Surfside Pier July 7, 21, 28, 30 Calabash Concerts 6 - 9pm, Calabash Town Park 910-579-6747 www.calabashtown.com July 8 North Inlet Paddle 8:30am - 1:30pm $60, Reservations required North Inlet Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 843-904-9017 July 17 Reggie Sullivan (rock & soul) Sounds of Summer Concert Series 7-9 pm, NMB Park & Sports Complex 843-280-5594 x 3 http://parks.nmb.us July 26 The Rectory Lawn Concert Series Kenny George Band with Sweet Sweet 6 - 9pm, All Saints Church www.allsaintspawleys.org

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36 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

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Happy 4th of July!

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May peace, love and happiness always be with you.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day! Kevin M. Sattele, M.D. We are here to help you reach your weight loss goals and have made several changes to protect you and our team in your journey: · Additional disinfection procedures implemented · Protective equipment used, masks and gloves · Encouraging social distancing · EZDietPlanner & Fitness Tracker App. to follow Dr. Sattele’s Rapid Weight Loss program between office visits.

Thank you for your patience during this uncertain time.

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–Read It!–

Happy July! It is officially summer, so as you pack your sunscreen for a day at the beach, make sure to also pack these books in your beach bag. This month has some incredible new releases.

Hurry Home, by Roz Nay

Alexandra has an ideal life, until her past comes knocking in the form of her sister, Ruth. They agree to put the past behind them, until a local child goes missing. The two sisters must reconcile with their buried secrets, in order to save a child. What secrets will be uncovered? Will it be too late?

Psychological thrillers are always intense reads. Roz Nay has a way to drag readers down a twisty road. Readers will be thinking about this book long after they have finished the last word.

I read Roz Nay’s debut, Our Little Secret, and instantly became a fan. When I heard about this new book, I was super excited. This is a definite beach read.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much, by Michele Campbell

Tabitha remembers her first love, their summer fling, and the ultimate heartbreak that came from being in two different worlds. Years later, when Connor shows back up in her life, she is overjoyed. As their relationship grows serious, she finds a hidden diary from his former wife, the woman who supposedly killed herself… yet, the diary suggests something different. Will Tabitha be able to discover the truth, or is she bound to relive the heartbreak all over again? Or worse, is her life in danger, too?

This book might sound like a romantic suspense novel, but the way it tricks readers’ minds, makes it 100% psychological thriller. Readers will devour this book in an afternoon.

Last year, I read A Stranger on the Beach, and loved it so much I went on a hunt for the author’s other books. This new one did not disappoint. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

The Lost Girls of Devon, by Barbara O’Neal

Zoe and her daughter return to Devon to help care for her grandmother. While Zoe misses her grandmother dearly, she is in no mood to be reunited with her estranged mother. Each of these women has to heal their past wounds, accept their present day stories, and take a chance on being a family again. Will they succeed, or is their pain too much?

Even the cover of this book screams “a day at the beach.” This destination read is full of family, mystery, love, turmoil and acceptance. This book will rip apart readers’ emotions and is a definite must read for a group of friends, because readers will need to talk about the details with their book buddies.

This was the first book that I have read by this author. However, I have quickly added When We believed in Mermaids to my wish list.

Reviews by Nicole McManus Nicole loves to read, to the point that she is sure she was born with a book in her hands. She writes book reviews in the hopes of helping others find the magic found through reading. Contact her at ARIESGRLREVIEW.COM. 38 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

Household Items, Furniture, Jewelry & Accessories Gently Used Clothing For Women & Men

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Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 39

Jaybirds at the Beach

by Jeffery Cohen

From childhood days of splashing at the water’s edge and building sand castles along a sandy shore to challenging roaring breakers of surf as I grew to be an adult, I have always been fascinated by the ocean. I love the beach. To me, it’s so much more than just a place to cool off on a hot day.

The sight and sound of the waves as they lap up calms and soothes me. The gulls that soar overhead, floating on gusts of wind that suspend them above, fascinate me. The sparkle on the water, the sun on my face, even the scent of tanning lotion always makes me smile. So, as soon as the weather breaks, and there is even a hint of summer, I’m digging out the beach umbrella, gathering up a blanket, packing a lunch into a cooler and I’m heading out for a day at the beach.

Some years ago, after fighting weekend traffic, driving around an overcrowded parking lot for what seemed like hours, and finally finding a parking place, my wife and I schlepped all of our gear out to a perfect spot close to the water. As I slipped off my shoes, slapped some coconut smelling lotion on my un-tanned body and prepared to lay back and enjoy a day in the sun, we overheard a conversation from the couple camped next to us.

“Probably,” she answered without looking up.

“How about that. A nude beach. Right here. Hmmm. You know, I’m thinking maybe...”

She turned to me, peered over her sunglasses and said, “You want to go take a look.”

“I thought maybe we could just take a walk...down the beach....you know...maybe just...”

The liberated, open-minded woman my wife is, she smiled and shook her head. “C’mon Peeping Tom. Let’s go see.”

As we walked down the beach, undressed figures started to appear in the distance. The closer we got, the more we saw –people that is. There were couples and families. Naked little kids giggled as they splashed in the breakers. Bronze bodies mixed with milky white forms. People of every size, shape, and color sunbathed, picnicked, swam, played volleyball.

There was an air of freedom. Everyone seemed so open. As we continued our walk, I actually began to feel a little bit self conscious wearing a bathing suit. I turned to my wife. “Why don’t we..?”

“What do you mean there’s a nude beach? Where?” The guy next to us asked.

“Oh, no. I know what you’re thinking.”

“Way down there.” His wife pointed over her shoulder with her thumb.

“We should try it. It’s really no big deal. No one seems to even be paying attention. They’re all having so much fun.”

Her husband squinted as he stared out into the distance. “I don’t see anything.” He shrugged.

“You think we should try it. And what happens if we see somebody that we know?” my wife asked.

“That’s why it’s way down there,” his wife whispered.

“

I have to admit, I was curious. “Did you hear that?” I asked my wife.

“I heard it,” she said, as she began to flip through the pages of a magazine she brought with her.

“You think it’s true?” I asked.

40 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

So, as soon as the weather breaks, and there is even a hint of summer, I’m digging out the beach umbrella, gathering up a blanket, packing a lunch into a cooler and I’m heading out for a day at the beach.

”

“I’m pretty sure we’re not going to see anyone that we know.”

I reassured her.

the big red S on his chest. After responding with a weak wave, we made an about face.

“You really don’t think we’ll see anyone?”

As we headed back to the safety of our blanket, my wife, still blushing, rolled her eyes and muttered, “What are the odds?”

“We just walked past more than a hundred people. There wasn’t a familiar face in the bunch. What are the odds that we’re going to see someone that we know?”

“Are you sure?” she asked shyly.

“I’m sure.” I smiled confidently, took a deep breath and, off came my trunks. Only partially convinced, my wife grudgingly agreed to slip off her top. We joined hands and took our first Adam and Eve step. That’s when we heard it.

“Hi, Jeff.”

Jeffery Cohen

My head snapped around, I looked down and, there was my next door neighbor sitting in the sand! So, there we were, naked as Jaybirds. The three of us seeing each other in a new light, so to speak. My wife quickly slipped on her sunglasses in some vain attempt to conceal her true identity, like Clark Kent slapping on his shades and expecting no one to notice

Most experienced Lamp & Chandelier Repair Specialist on the South Strand

Freelance writer and newspaper columnist, Jeffery Cohen, has written for Sasee, Lifetime and Read, Learn, Write. He’s won awards in Women-OnWriting Contest, Vocabula’s Well Written Contest, National League of American Pen Women’s’ Keats Competition, Southern California Genealogy Competition, and Writer’s Weekly writing contest.

LampLighter

Lamp Repair, Restoration and Creation

Repairs We can repair almost all lamps and chandeliers. Sometimes even while you wait! We’ve got a huge supply of lamp parts for expert and fast lamp repair.

Restorations We can make your old lighting fixtures look new again! We are experts at chandelier restoration, along with lamp repair and the ability to restore other light/electrical fixtures.

Creations You’ll be surprised at what we can make a lamp out of - all you have to do is ask! We can make lamps from vases, urns, bottles and more.

Paul Sciurba (formerly at Lamp Niche) 727 Wachesaw Road • Murrells Inlet • Inside Grand Strand Furnishings and Consignments • Just off Bypass 17 843-299-0083 • 843-907-4301 • www.lamplighterpro.com Sasee.com :: July 2020 :: 41

Anything is p ossible w i t h S u ns h i n e a n d a L i t t l e P I N K !

GOD BLESS AMERICA! 843-237-2631 11096 OCEAN HWY. PAWLEYS ISLAND MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 5:30PM

Advertiser Index

As For Me and My House.................................................27 The B. Graham Interiors Collection..........................................29 Bethea Retirement Community.........................................34 Bleu...................................................................................17 Bloomingail’s Consignment...............................................39 Bridge to Bridge................................................................18 Brightwater.......................................................................44 Brookgreen Gardens............................................................9 Carolina Car Care.............................................................36 Carolina Center for Advanced Dentistry...........................15 The Citizens Bank.............................................................13 Class LLC...................................................................................42 The Clean Up Club...........................................................30 Comfort Keepers...............................................................34 Dr. Grabeman...................................................................13 Dr. Sattele’s Rapid Weight Loss & Esthetic Centers...........37 Eleanor Pitts......................................................................13 Empire Property Management..........................................25 Good Deed Goods............................................................39 Grand Strand Furnishing & Consignment..........................5 Hammock Shops Village.....................................................3 42 :: Sasee.com :: July 2020

The Joggling Board....................................................................42 The Lakes at Litchfield........................................................7 LampLighter.....................................................................41 Long Bay Symphony.........................................................30 Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm P.A...........................8 Myrtle Beach Premier Properties.......................................25 Palmetto Ace..............................................................................36 The Palmettos Assisted Living & Memory Care.......................36 Papa John’s Pizza ..............................................................30 Physicians Weight Loss..............................................................43 Portside at Grande Dunes....................................................2 Prodigy Kitchens & Baths.................................................11 PruittHealth Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice Care................................................................31 Rose Arbor Fabrics............................................................20 Shades & Draperies...........................................................17 St. Gabriel Assisted Living & Memory Care.............................35 This and That 4 You..........................................................35 Tidelands Dental...............................................................20 Wilson Senior Care-Grand Strand Rehab & Nursing Center.............................................................39

HOPE VITALITY RESTORATION Local Couple Lost 147 lbs. Together

Lost 67 lbs.

Marilyn was at a point of total frustration; depressed with her weight and looks. After careful review she decided to go to Physicians Weight Loss Center to get help as every other diet she tried had failed - leaving her with the opinion that she just could not lose weight anymore. That all changed after she started on the Physicians Weight Loss plan. Not only were the actual diets provided but also weekly visits that provided updates on how she was doing, also suggestions where she might improve and made sure her vital signs were in line. The results were phenomenal, losing 67 pounds and transforming into the person she wanted to be for years. Approximately 18 months went by and Randy, Marilyn’s husband, was fed up with his looks and the fact that he could never lose more than 30 pounds but realizing he needed to lose much more.

Well with a lot of persuasion from Marilyn he decided to go to Physicians Weight Loss Center. His thinking was he could lose 30 pounds by himself and at the age of 67 he felt he could not lose any more but wanted to prove to his wife that he was right. Well after 19 weeks he lost 80 pounds and is a changed man. Randy is more active and feeling very good about his accomplishment. Who said you can’t lose weight at 67 years old?

Free Weight Analysis and Consultation (with one of our Certified Diet Counselors)

Nutritional Supplements (delicious treats) HCG 10 mL (double strength) $249 $199

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Kimberly New Team Counselor

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Lost 80 lbs.

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Sandy Copeland Owner • 75 lbs gone! Jan - June 2012

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4883 US Hwy 17 Bypass South Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 ONE LIGHT SOUTH OF MARKET COMMONS @Physiciansweightlossmyrtlebeach

Since 1986 Open Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 - 6:00 • Tues, T hur s, Sat by appointment

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Myrtle Beach’s Premier Life Plan Community

101 Brightwater Drive • Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (843) 353-6555 • Brightwater-Living.com