Sasee April 2014

Pull Out Bridal Guide

In

dreams and in love

there are no impossibilities. – Janos Arany

April 2014 Priceless www.sasee.com

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Volume 13, Issue 4

April 2014

who’s who Publisher

Delores Blount

Sales & Marketing Director Susan Bryant

Editor

Leslie Moore

Account Executives

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Amanda Kennedy-Colie Dana Gondek Erica Schneider Gay Stackhouse Celia Wester

Art Director Taylor Nelson

Photography Director Patrick Sullivan

Graphic Artists Stephanie Holman Scott Konradt

Accounting

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35

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Featured How Would Your Spouse Describe You to a Stranger? by Ann Ipock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Better Than Nice by Rose Ann Sinay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Inspirational Couples by Janey Womeldorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Southern Snaps by Leslie Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 My Rock by Melissa Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Through Her Eyes by Diane Stark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Newcomer’s Notebook by Phil La Borie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The List by Diane DeVaughn Stokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 We Do by Linda O’Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sasee Kids: Have a Sweet Easter Without the Sweets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Growing Together

In This Issue

your guide to the perfect day

Read It! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Planning Perfection: Sara McCall, Stunning and Brilliant Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Growing Together: Bridal Guide Spring 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Spring 2014 Wedding Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Creating Beauty: Traci Green, Traci Green Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Living Well: Sarah McDaniel, The Daffodil Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Changing Lives: Cheryl Bauerle, SOS Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 April Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Spring 2014

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Ronald Pacetti

Administrative Assistant Laura Lenhardt

Executive Publishers Jim Creel Bill Hennecy Tom 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. For subscription info, see page 51. 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 © 2014. 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.

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Pen & Brush readers’ comments

letter from the editor One of my dearest friends is getting married this month. Zenobia and I met years ago when we worked together, and I was instantly drawn to this beautiful, tall, dark-skinned woman who laughed more than anyone I’d ever met and always wore three inch heels even though she is already six feet tall. We were both married and raising our children, so we had a lot in common, and, strangely enough, tragedy hit both of us at nearly the same time. Zenobia’s only brother died and soon after I lost my husband. At the same time, her marriage disintegrated, and life became very difficult for my friend. Through the years, I’ve watched Zenobia struggle with chronic illness while supporting herself and her daughter working as an artist. She took all of her pain and sadness and put it into her work, gaining recognition throughout the southeast for her Women of Character dolls. Last fall, my friend, who also works tirelessly in the community, volunteering hours of her time weekly, met a man. This man, Jerry, quickly fell in love with my beautiful friend, but it took Zenobia much longer to let down her guard. She had not dated at all while her daughter was growing up, putting all of her energy into her work and her child, and her trust in love was near zero. When Zenobia finally admitted that she, too, was in love, an April wedding was planned. The power of love has given my friend all that I could have ever wished for her. Now, when I see her, she even walks differently, her happiness almost a physical thing. Being around Zenobia and Jerry makes me happy, and confirms my belief in the power of love to change absolutely everything.

To my beautiful friend Zenobia: I wish you years of happiness and the peace that comes from being in the right place, with the right person, at the right time. Your love brings me joy, and for that, I thank you.

I love the inspirational covers and artwork – also lots of sassy info about local events, happenings and great places to shop.

– Elizabeth RE: Sasee essay, “For the Love of Gardening,” by Ann Ipock Loved the idea that all your plants have a backstory. Made me think about what my plants would say – if only they could talk!

– Mary Ann RE: Sasee essay, “Be a Waitress for a Week,” by Linda DeMers Hummel Loved your essay. As a former waitress myself, I use your same formula to buck up my spirits. The diner was a cruel, cruel place with unscrewed salt shaker tops and pennies in coffee cups and a wonderful inspiration to stay in school and get an education.

– Mary RE: Sasee essay, “Artificial Intelligence,” by Rose Ann Sinay Still laughing as this is my life also. Another great story!

– Diane

Cover Artist

Heatherlee Chan Kindred Spirit, by Heatherlee Chan Heatherlee Chan paints what brings her joy. She delights in creating images of simple pleasures and things that warm her heart. She is inspired by color, femininity, old books and nature.

Her childhood was spent with her nose in a book adoring heroines with spirit. Because of that first love, she loves to paint pictures that tell a story. While she loves to paint with all mediums, watercolor is her favorite because it complements the lifestyle of a mom with two little ones on the go. (Note: a 6 and 3 year old can get into a bit of mischief when left unattended. For example the other day they snuck the box of Band-Aids into Clara’s room and bandaged up all the dolls.

Well, that is just cute. The time she made it “snow” with baby powder is a better example.)

It took a long time for her to realize that painting what makes her happy can make others happy too. She loves to paint a world where romance, tenderness, bliss and gratitude shine though.

Notable moments of gratitude for this month: a magical plethora of butterflies hatching in her neighborhood, her 6 year old son getting his cast removed from his leg, and being part of this wonderful magazine that embraces and celebrates women.

To see more of her artwork visit: www.ladypoppinsart.com

we’d love to hear from you!

Love what you’re reading? You can reach us by: Have suggestions? mail: P.O. Box 1389

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 Let us know! phone: 843.626.8911 email: info@sasee.com web: www.sasee.com

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Voice

How Would Your Spouse Describe You to a Stranger?

by Ann Ipock

Have you ever wondered how your spouse / significant other would describe you to a stranger? Let’s say you’re meeting at Olive Garden for lunch.

He arrives ahead of you and describes you to the hostess. Would he say, “She’s a cute blonde, nice shape, big smile, perfect teeth, dressed to the nines?” or would he say, “She’s short, not exactly fat – but, oh, what am I saying? Scratch that! Her hair is brownish, about to here.” Then he’ll point to his chin, then to his shoulder, then back to his chin, and shrug, a little embarrassed.

The reason I’m asking is I had this very discussion with the hostess at the aforementioned restaurant recently. I walked in, ready to say, “I’m meeting my husband and my name is Ann.” (We’d just discussed this on the phone.) But before I could say all that, the hostess interrupted me, saying, “What’s his name?”

Though Russell isn’t an uncommon name, it’s harder to say and understand than Ann, so that was my reasoning. I told her this funny story; and she simply jotted down both names, for clarity: Russell and Ann. I also said he was tall, with gray hair and a goatee.

Later, the same hostess came over – it wasn’t particularly busy – and told me some interesting stories about couples meeting up separately; and some of the descriptions she’s heard over the years, such as: “Oh, he’s tall and he’s bald.” She asked me if I knew how many men fit that description. I looked around the room.

Sure enough half the men in our section did. Another one she often hears is, “He’s heavy set and has gray hair.”

All of this made me think about spouses/significant others and how they would describe their partner. We’ve been married thirty-four years in April, but Russell must still think of me as his young bride back in 1980. Why? Because if I ever ask him how should I get my hair done – short or below my ears, highlights or lowlights, etc.; he’ll answer with something entirely unrealistic. He’ll tell me – over and over, it never changes – he wants to see it reddish, curly and past my shoulders.

I then say, “Oh, and I guess you’d like to see me thirty pounds lighter, as well?” He grins really big to this question.

It’s interesting how our looks change and evolve over time. Some couples start looking more and more alike. I knew of one couple that both had short, cropped gray hair, both were stooped over and both had trouble walking. They

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were the same size (around) and same height. From the back, I swear you couldn’t tell the two of them apart.

But another couple, about our age, has gone to the other extreme. She looks more like him (in the past) and he looks more like her (in the past). Have they switched roles? I’ve noticed that more and more, she dresses in a masculine way, with extremely short hair, spiked; and she always wears blazers and trousers.

He, on the other hand, wears his hair a little longer in the back, curling up at the collar and with just enough colorful streaks to wonder if he “does or doesn’t.” Do you think only his hairdresser knows for sure? He wears soft, thin-soled Italian loafers and shirts with rolled up sleeves or pastel cashmere sweaters. I get the impression he spends hours getting ready every day, grooming himself, if you will. She, on the other hand, appears to spray a can of “got 2b glued blasting freeze spray” through her hair, slips on her Docksiders, jumps into her truck and off she goes.

She doesn’t even wear lipstick anymore. Now that’s serious!

All of this is to say I wish they’d bring back “The Newlywed Game.”

Except not for newlyweds. I’d like it to be for couples married twenty years plus. I wonder if they’d know Ann Ipock, the first Sasee hat recipient, each other any better than the is the author of the “Life is Short” newlyweds do. Most of all, I’d just humor trilogy. She currently writes for like to hear how they would four publications and lives in describe the love of their life. And Wilmington, North Carolina, with her then live to tell it, when all is said husband, Russell. and done.

Ann Ipock

annipock.com

Voice

Better Than Nice

by Rose Ann Sinay

My son was getting married in three weeks, and I didn’t have a dress. I had been searching for several months for the right gown. You know, the one that makes you look tall (I’m 5' 2" on my driver’s license) and willowy (thank goodness it doesn’t list your weight or I would have to be creative with that, too). Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a single dress that met those specifications.

The bride, the most important part of this occasion, had already chosen a beautiful creation that fit her perfectly and reflected her romantic soul. The groom, my sneaker-fanatic son, had found a pair of brown “dress” sneakers with purple soles that matched his magenta tie and unique style.

My husband, Terry, had even realized that his good suit was not that good any more. A five minute stop at Belk took care of that. He pointed at the rack, “That one’s fine.” And it was; it was that easy.

The bride’s mother, Charlene, and I commiserated long distance, frustrated with our lack of success in finding that special dress. Secretly, I was comforted that we were in the same boat. After years of simply adding a necklace, a bracelet and a second coat of mascara to bump up our look, this search had taken on an unexpected sense of anxiety. Our choices seemed too clingy, too young or too matronly. Although we were simply the accoutrement, we wanted to be the best we could be.

A month earlier, when there was plenty of time, I had enlisted a group of my friends to go shopping with me. Surely, four pairs of eyes were better than one.

“You should wear blue,” one friend said.

“No, a deep maroon,” another advised.

“You do know you can wear black to weddings these days, don’t you?” the third informed me.

We went from store to store, all of us selecting and rejecting jewel-toned, earthy-hued, pastel-tinted, and yes, black dresses. My friends formed a brigade, passing gowns that flowed from the racks into my dressing room. Some of the dresses did not make it past the hips, but vanity didn’t allow me to ask for a bigger size. The full length, flaw-revealing mirrors in the dressing room made me realize two things: shiny satin was not my friend, and sometimes, bare arms should be covered. At the end of the day, there was no Cinderella (mother’s) gown and I realized that I should have had a dress tailored to fit me. Now it was too late.

My next attempt to secure the illusive dress was on the internet. I scrolled through dozens of sites trying to put together what I had learned from my handson shopping expeditions. I found the perfect, rose colored, two piece dress. After weeks of waiting, it finally arrived. I promptly sent it back in the return mail.

Then came the call; Charlene had found a dress. An iridescent gray with a gathered shawl neckline – I could visualize the gown that would set off her dark hair and taller, trim figure. Of course, I was happy for her. But now, the boat we were sharing was totally mine, and it was sinking fast.

I grabbed my keys and my husband. “We are going shopping,” I informed him on the way out the door.

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“You don’t want me to go with you,” he argued. “What do I know about dresses? Call one of your friends.”

“You’re it,” I said starting the engine.

After a pit stop at McDonald’s for a double cheeseburger and milkshake to fortify him for the task ahead, we arrived at the Coastal Grand Mall.

We started with the bridal shop and worked our way through the stores.

“It looks fine,” he said as I paraded dress after dress. They all looked “fine.”

After three hours, tired and cranky, and having expended his sugar/carb laden high, Terry announced that we were done. He had had enough.

“Yes,” I agreed. “But just one more stop.” Dillard’s was my last chance.

Desperate to end the agony, I loaded my arms with gowns in every color and multiple sizes. As I headed to the fitting room, my husband picked up a drab brown dress with a jacket. I hadn’t given it a second look.

“What about this one?” he asked.

“It’s so…so matronly,” I replied.

“I think it’s nice. Just try it,” he said, adding it to the pile in my arms. I reluctantly obliged. It had been his only recommendation of the day. I would try the nice dress. He sat in the chair in front of the dressing room and waited.

Feeling guilty for wasting so much time on what should have been a simple task, I slipped in and out of the gowns at record speed. The few that I modeled were met with the same response. They were fine, nice. I was down to the last dress – the mud colored one that my grandmother might have worn. I sighed heavily as I removed the jacket from the hanger. The tiny gold beads that covered it sparkled under the lights. The muddy tint was actually more like a rich, mocha latte. I easily slipped the sleeveless dress on and zipped it up – all the way up without a struggle. The chiffon overskirt flowed gracefully to the floor. The jacket with its three quarter sleeves fit perfectly.

Was it a fluke, or was it that special insight that comes with so many years of a happy marriage, I wondered? I wished that insight for my son and his future wife.

As I floated out of the room and pirouetted in front of my husband. I waited for him to say, I told you so.

Instead, he smiled with Rose Ann Sinay is a freelance writer relief. typing away in sunny North Carolina.

“It’s beautiful,” he said.

Her articles/stories have been published “It’s the one.” in The Carolinas Today, The Oddville And it was.

Press and The Brunswick Beacon.

Rose Ann Sinay

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Read It! Nicole Says…Read The Good Sister,

by Drusilla Campbell

by Nicole McManus 12

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This is the story of three generations of women and the choices that haunt their past, present and forever change their future. Ellen was not fit to be a mother, and it showed in how she raised her daughter, Roxanne. A few days before Roxanne started the first grade, Ellen dropped her off at her grandmother’s house, not to return until she was nine years old. Ellen brought home a new baby, Simone, and Roxanne became her sister’s protector and helper. Flash forward several years and Simone is now the mother of several daughters and suffers from severe depression. Simone’s eldest daughter, Merell, knows her mother is not well and believes her youngest sister’s life is in trouble, but promises her grandmother, Ellen, that she will never tell anyone. As life progresses in the present, memories of the past haunt this family and when Simone finds out she is having another girl, things take a turn for worse. Will these women survive the past and present to have a

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future? Or will hormones, depression and past decisions, cost this family too much?

Campbell writes a poignant, heart breaking tale of a family. She gives insight into each of the women’s minds, while perfectly balancing the present with memories of the past. Readers will be swept up in the emotions that this book offers, while some may argue the outcome. This is a powerful and moving tale about the effects of depression on families.

Campbell also gives readers an insight into the inspiration behind this story in a note describing her own mother’s battle with postpartum depression.

Nicole McManus

I have never read anything else by this author, but I will be looking for her future books. Even though I was emotionally exhausted after reading this story, I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter. I highly recommend this book.

Nicole McManus 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.

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Voice

Inspirational Couples

by Janey Womeldorf

Two couples have inspired us in our 25 years of married life. One couple inspired our “present,” the other shaped our future, and neither had any idea until we thanked them years later.

My husband and I met the first couple over 20 years ago not long after we were married. We were doggedly plugging away at our future, working full-time and both attending night school. Homework, cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping consumed our evenings and weekends, and a brain-fluff Sunday-afternoon movie was the extent of our entertainment.

It was the company Christmas party and attendance was high – the company was paying. Familiar colleagues chatted and laughed; the rest made polite conversation with people whose names they had forgotten, and “Oh my gosh you look so different; I love your outfit, and where are you sitting?” echoed around the ballroom.

I knew “Hilly” from work, but had never met her husband. All I knew was that she had been married for ages and was expecting her first grandchild. I heard Hilly before I saw her; her infectious laugh perfectly matched her radiant personality, and she was the sort of person you always hoped came to the party.

My husband and I eagerly made our way over, keen to finally put faces to the names. Twenty minutes and several more colleague introductions later, we had done “the round” and went in search of a drink and a table.

Dinner would not be served for another thirty minutes and, to the chagrin of the DJ, most people (including ourselves) were already rooted to their seats.

His face finally lit up when one couple dared to hit the dance floor. Hilly and John twirled, swooned and laughed like newlyweds, and they radiated happiness. It was heartwarming and magical to watch. I promised myself we would dance too – later; I had my Christmas heels on, and my feet ached.

Hilly and John were back up dancing the moment the tables were cleared. My husband and I joined the crowd for two songs before returning to our seats under the pretense of thirst. The truth was, our life was too sensible, we were too busy, and barely three years into our marriage, we found making the effort to have fun exhausting. Hilly and John were in their mid fifties, never sat down, and unlike us, they oozed fun together. I wanted to cry.

We had fallen in the rut of spending quiet nights in – under the guise of romance – when the reality is, nothing is more romantic than getting out, having fun and laughing together. When had that stopped for us? Hilly and John’s reminder was like a punch in the face. Humbled but inspired, we introduced date-night Wednesday (which is still going strong over twenty years later); we compiled our fun-things-to-do list; we agreed to earmark a percentage of our income as fun money, and to ensure we didn’t retreat into the habit of staying in, if ever one of us uttered “it might be fun,” the other had to continue with “then it might be worth it.” Hilly and John had, thankfully, halted our seriousness and re-instilled a crucial priority for a happy marriage: Working hard is important but having fun together is paramount.

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We did not know that a different couple would soon steer our future.

The first time we walked into my close friend’s parents’ house, I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the framed picture hanging above their fireplace. A deserted road, lined by spindly trees, stretched as far as the eye could see before finally disappearing into the horizon. It begged you to climb in and follow it – you just knew something inviting and inspirational lay ahead. It pictured the ultimate road less travelled.

“We took it in France,” they told us; their faces glowed as they shared the story behind the picture. They had always loved France; vacationed there as often as possible, and although they were still over ten years from retirement, had decided to retire there. They had dreamed it, researched it, and had it all planned; they were even taking French lessons already. We had never met anybody with such out-of-the box aspirations; if anything, most people feared retirement. Until then, we thought planning for retirement meant a nest egg, a paid-for house, and enough savings to pay for medical insurance and the occasional trip. We were stunned. It had never even occurred to us to imagine a path less travelled for our own retirement. That picture and their dreams made our heads spin, and it was all we could talk about on the way home.

Their courage inspired and planted a seed in us that would flourish. Over 20 years later, our nearing retirement also has an international flair; our house will have wheels, and we cannot wait. Tragically, my friend’s father died a few years before he and his lovely wife got to live in France – and we were heartbroken for them. Our own retirement will now come sooner rather than later. My husband and I both agree that retirement is the reward for working and sadly, life constantly reminds us that some things shouldn’t be postponed.

A few years ago, while on vacation, I snapped a random photo of the strangely-inviting, yet empty path that stretched ahead of us during a stroll through the woods. I gave little thought to the image that filled the lens until I saw the photo – it was like a reincarnation of my friend’s parents’ picture. Enlarged onto canvas, it now hangs on our wall and intrigues, invites, reminds and inspires us as much now as it did all those years ago.

We are blessed to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year. We have been given much advice over that time but aside from our parents, no couples’ influence has stood the test of time like these two. They inspired by example, and we feel richer it: Never stop dancing. And never stop dreaming.

Janey Womeldorf Janey Womeldorf is a freelance writer who drinks too much coffee, loves elastic and can no longer wear high heels. She scribbles away in Orlando, Florida.

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Stunning and Brilliant Events Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and came to the Grand Strand as a student at CCU. I loved it and have lived in Myrtle Beach ever since I graduated. I was a Graphic Design major, but realized I just didn’t want to sit at a desk all day. My parents, who still live in Charlotte, come here all the time.

How long have you been a wedding planner? Tell us about your work.

I started my career as a corporate events planner and while it was fun, I grew tired of the traveling. Weddings are fun and happy – everyone is excited. I enjoy going from a concept to completing the actual event – it’s like, Wow, we did this! I work with most clients for an entire year, and we become close friends.

I love what I do. I have never gotten up and not wanted to go to work. I’m very detail-oriented and organized, so this is the perfect career for me. I started Stunning and Brilliant Events four years ago, and this year I’m doing 50 weddings. I do destination and local weddings and can do as much or as little as you want. Some clients just want the “month of” service where I make sure everything has been taken care of – you don’t want to have a beautiful reception planned but forget trash cans. I tell my clients that I can control most everything but the weather! Also, I know all of the professional vendors in the area and only work with the best. No detail is too small, for example, my staff and I coordinate our outfits with the brides’ color choices. One wedding was done completely in white; even the guests wore white, so we did too.

We do weddings all along the Grand Strand and can work within most any budget. We did plan one destination wedding that ran about $300,000. It was amazing.

What is one of the most unusual experiences you’ve had as a wedding planner?

There have been so many. [laughing] Once, I had a pony walk down the aisle with the flower girl and it took off running, with the flower girl trying her best to keep up!

What should brides look for when hiring a wedding planner?

Make sure everyone is one the same page and that you really like the planner because you’ll be together a lot. You want her to be responsive to your calls and emails, and also, make sure she knows the area and the vendors you’ll be using.

I spend hours and hours on every job and believe that’s the key to my success.

We only get out of life what we put into it.

Contact Stunning and Brilliant Events at stunningandbrilliantevents.com or call 704-308-6779. Photography by Lynn Daly

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Bridal Guide

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Bridal Guide

Most everyone loves weddings. Being around a couple in love is uplifting, as is seeing the glowing, happy bride with her groom full of pride in his new wife. However, for me, seeing that same couple, 10, 20 or even 40 years later, still happy and very much in love is even better.

Delores and Jerry Blount are one of those couples.

Married on March 23rd, 1974, they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last month.

Both Delores and Jerry are busy and successful professionals, with careers that take them in different directions each day, and interestingly, both have worked for and with the same people for much of their careers. Jerry is the Vice President of Administration for Sands Resorts, a company that has been instrumental in much of Grand Strand development over the past 30 years, and Delores is the managing partner of Strand Media Group, a multi-media marketing and advertising company that publishes Sasee, Strand Magazine, Charleston Gateway, as well handling numerous private marketing accounts and managing the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art. This dedication and loyalty to their employers, employees and business partners extends to all areas of their lives, shedding light on the success of their marriage and years of loyalty to one another.

A Myrtle Beach native, Jerry remembers the days when this thriving resort was a sleepy beach town that completely closed down during the off season. “Myrtle Beach was a bedroom community with a 90-day resort market back then. There were very few paved roads. The rapid development didn’t start until the late 1960s.” He went on, saying, “I served in the Army Finance Corp for 2 years, 11 months and couldn’t wait to get home. I was fortunate to not have to serve in Vietnam, even though we did go there twice a month. It was an awful time – I lost some good friends over there. When I came home, I went to work for Strand Development, and then Sands Resorts, where I still am today, and saw Myrtle Beach development explode. We were building condos that were sold before the pilings were in!”

Delores was born in the small farming town of Princeton, North Carolina. Her parents worked hard to raise their four children, moving around the area several times while she was growing up. Always bright, Delores worked hard in school and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill.

One of her college roommates had an uncle living in North Myrtle Beach, and the two girls came to

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ever mentions that he might like to go somewhere, Delores is off and running, planning the trip before he has a chance to change his mind! “Sometimes, it seems like my middle name is ‘no,’’ he began laughing, “But Delores can usually bring me around to her way of thinking.” When I asked them their favorite trip, Delores was quick to say, “The one we’re on!” When not travelling, the couple loves to entertain and has a close circle of friends that they’ve known for years. They have favorite restaurants in the area and dine out frequently.

I asked what they thought kept them together and Delores replied, “As much as we love being together, we have diversified interests – when I first came back to the area after my cross country trip, I was offered a job working at Jerry’s company, but I turned it down. That wouldn’t work for us.” Both love sports, both watching and participating. Jerry is an avid golfer and only slowed down on his running a few years ago, while Delores plays tennis and belongs to a league that keeps her on the court several times a week.

“Delores is my best friend,” said Jerry when asked about why their marriage has lasted when so many don’t. Delores nodded her head in agreement and said, “When I have a stressful day, the only thing I want to do is come home and sit on the porch with Jerry. We don’t even have to talk; I just want to be with him.” Both said not taking life too seriously and being willing to ignore the small things were important to a happy marriage. “When we first married, Jerry was constantly late, and that was hard for me, as I’m very punctual,” Delores began. “Finally I had to realize that I needed to learn to live with it – since then he’s gotten better about being on time, and I’ve gotten better about not getting upset when he’s late.”

Shared interests and values have certainly contributed to this couples’ long and happy marriage. They have worked for the same companies for nearly their entire working careers, have only moved twice in 40 years and still have mostly the same friends, even though new people are always invited into the circle. When I asked them about each other, the word, “loyalty” came up again and again. “He’s kind, loving, and generous to everyone. And, he treats me like a queen,” Delores said smiling.

Nodding his head thoughtfully, Jerry looked me in the eye and said, “She’s my sweetheart, and I love her.”

Lifelong friends, Jane and Herbert Ames, have also grown through their friendship with this amazing couple. “There is no couple quite like Jerry and Delores!” said Jane. “We’ve been friends forever…or at least it seems like forever! They have been there for us during some of life’s most difficult times, sharing advice, wisdom and great comfort. They have been there to applaud the daily victories and celebrate the life-changing events that only true friends could know the importance of. We have been friends forever, and I hope that will never, ever stop because their friendship means the world to me and mine. Here’s to many more anniversaries!”

Delores and Jerry were not sure how they would celebrate this milestone anniversary, but one thing is certain – as long as they are together, it will be fun.

Delores & Jerry Blount

40 Years of Love and Friendship

by Leslie Moore

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Bridal Guide

the beach to work as waitresses during their summer breaks. This is where she met her future husband. “I was working as a waitress at the Holiday Inn North, and Jerry was the comptroller for Strand Development, who owned three local Holiday Inns at the time.”

The first date was fun, a double date, and the two couples drove down to the Litchfield Inn, which at that time was a hot spot for those who wanted dinner and dancing. The relationship nearly ended before it began when Delores accepted a job in Charlotte after her college graduation. She had only known Jerry a couple of months and didn’t think twice about settling elsewhere. But, she and her friend had the chance to take a cross country trip, something Delores, who loves to travel, was determined to do. So, she quit her new job and took off for a two month journey across the United States. When Delores returned she accepted a position with WNMB radio in Myrtle Beach, but soon went to work for WKZQ, owned by Tom Rogers who, together with manager Bill Hennecy, eventually became her business partners in Strand Media Group.

After Delores returned to the area, she and Jerry started dating regularly, finding more and more in common. In the early to mid 1970s, the Holiday Inn North was the place to be and the couple saw Gloria Gaynor, the Tams, the Drifters and other famous artists of the day. Both loved to shag (and still do), going to the Spanish Galleon to show off their moves. They also shared a love of fine dining, and Cagney’s was a favorite restaurant. Most importantly, the two became best friends, taking pleasure in just being together.

Delores was soon convinced that Jerry was the one, but he took a little longer to make up his mind. Smiling, he remembered how he proposed, “I wasn’t sure immediately, but it just hit me one day – she was my sweetheart from day one and I realized that I loved everything about her; her kindness, her generosity, the way she always listens so well…we were in the car one day, and I proposed.”

Three years after that first date, Delores and Jerry were married at First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, and after a short trip to Hilton Head, started their lives together. Susan Bryant, Delores’ younger sister, also lives in the area and works for her sister at Strand Media Group. The two have always been very close, and when asked about her sister’s marriage and its impact on her life, she said, “They married when I was 12. As long as I can remember, I wanted to have a marriage like theirs. They always were so happy and enjoyed life, but most importantly enjoyed each other, whether they were at home sitting on the porch, entertaining guests or travelling around the world. Their relationship has always been the one most constant factor in my life – through every challenge, every joy and every milestone, it was Delores and Jerry I could always count on to love and counsel me unconditionally.”

Today, Delores and Jerry truly have a wonderful life. While neither have any immediate plans to retire, they do not sit at home during their off hours and vacations, even though their Wachesaw Plantation Club home is lovely. Delores, the organizer of the couple, takes care of all the details, especially when planning one of the couple’s many trips. Jerry says he knows if he

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Bridal Guide

Creating Beauty

Traci Green:

Traci Green Designs Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in North Myrtle Beach, but have lived in Pawleys Island for 14 years. My husband, Thomas, and I have two daughters – Katie is 17 and Parker is 11.

What type of training is involved in becoming a calligrapher?

I attended Winthrop and received a degree in Graphic Design. I had a Typography professor in college that was very passionate about his field and was a huge influence. I have always loved paper, pens, and all kinds of type, and have been doing calligraphy since I received my first set of pens at 10 years old. My 6th grade teacher actually asked me to teach the rest of the class how to do calligraphy. In high school I worked at Surfwood Pharmacy, and he had a Hallmark gift section – I wanted all the paper! I also worked at an art supply store in college, and still love browsing through paper and art supplies.

I owned my own stationary store in Pawleys a few years ago, The Paper Palette, and after I closed the store, I had a wholesale line called Kate Parker Papers. I really am a paper snob. I just love the look and feel of good paper.

When I decided to do calligraphy full time, I wanted to be the very best I could be, so I decided to email the White House calligrapher.

She gives workshops, and I have attended three. Calligraphy is an art that requires a lot of passion and drive to be the very best. All calligraphers form the letters the same, but the artistry is in the flourish, where I put my own unique signature style.

Many brides today want monograms. I create a personalized monogram that they can use wherever they like. Navy blue and white are popular colors, with anchors or other nautical designs. I work with brides to create a one-of-a-kind invitation that can be printed on a variety of papers depending on the budget.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever been asked to create?

Once I was asked to address an invitation to a dog! I guess that’s the most unusual, but I do love seeing people’s out of the ordinary names.

What is your favorite way to relax?

Katie is a junior in high school, so we are trying to spend as much time as possible as a family before she goes off to college. I am a beach baby and enjoy spending time in my beach chair even though I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like.

Contact Traci at Litchfield Books where she works part time, visit her website, tracigreendesigns.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Bridal Guide

Voice

My Rock

by Melissa Face

Many of our wedding guests claimed that our ceremony was the longest they had ever attended. One of my bridesmaids was pregnant, and she considered sitting down on the pew midway to avoid fainting. Our flower girl passed the time by attempting to stick both her arm and her neck through her flower basket. The challenge was met with much laughter from our guests.

The minister, who promised to be brief, spoke for nearly an hour about love, commitment and the origins of our names. I was as attentive as any new bride would be, my thoughts darting from my handsome groom, to our upcoming trip to Jamaica and occasionally to the minister’s actual message.

Ten years have passed since we stood before our group of friends and family and exchanged our vows. I have forgotten many of the details of our wedding sermon, but I do remember the minister talking about my husband’s name. He explained that “Craig” was of Scottish origin and that it meant “rock.”

“I’m sure,” he said to Craig, “that throughout the years, you will be Melissa’s rock. You will provide her with shelter, support and stability.”

He had no idea how right he was.

Craig and I recently welcomed a second child into our family.

Like most new parents, we had a few stressful nights once we returned home from the hospital. But even though I was the one physically recovering from delivery and simultaneously nursing our newborn, I never felt like I was doing it all alone.

“I’m sorry,” Craig said one afternoon as he pushed open the bedroom door. He was cradling our one-week-old daughter, and I could tell by his pained expression that he truly was sorry to have to wake me up.

“I know you’ve only been resting for thirty minutes, but I swear I’ve tried everything. I’ve changed her, rocked her and swaddled her. I really think she needs to eat again.”

He was right.

Baby Delaney was starving.

Again. So, Craig helped me Melissa Face lives in Virginia with her get situated and sat with me husband, son and daughter. Her stories and kept me company for and essays have appeared in Chicken Soup almost an hour while I fed for the Soul and Cup of Comfort. E-mail our baby. He could have Melissa at writermsface@yahoo.com. finished his coffee, caught a

Melissa Face

quick nap or watched TV. But he didn’t. He stayed with me.

I have not been surprised by Craig’s helpfulness following Delaney’s birth. He has always been the type to pitch in, regardless of the task. He will cook dinner, change diapers, give baths and clean the house. He helps me grade papers when I am too tired to hold up a pen, and he is always ready to listen when I need to vent.

Throughout the past decade, Craig has been available whenever I have needed him. He has seen me through disappointments and celebrated with me over successes. We have laughed together, cried together, and most importantly, grown together.

Like our minister predicted ten years ago, Craig is a tremendous source of shelter, support and stability. He is my rock.

It is my hope that our marriage will be a lot like our wedding ceremony: meaningful, humorous and very, very long.

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Bridal Guide

Living Well

Sarah McDaniel:

The Daffodil Festival Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a lifelong resident of Lake City, South Carolina, graduated from Winthrop College with a degree in Elementary Education and was also an organ student. I taught school for 22 years and am the organist at Lake City First Baptist Church, where I’ve been for about 35 years. I have played for so many weddings, in Lake City and out of town, probably in the hundreds – I played for my first wedding at 16 years of age.

My husband Johnny and I have two children, Will and Betsy, and five grandchildren.

Will and his wife Jada’s children are Meg, 8; Thomas, 7, and Andrew, 2; and Betsy and her husband Kevin have twin, two-year old boys, John and Phillips. We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary in January.

Your service organization, the Lake City Junior Sorosis Club, presents the Daffodil Festival each year – why is the club important to you?

This service club was established in 1949 and it is very gratifying to experience the strong bonds and camaraderie among the 24 members. We are committed to “making a difference.” Our main priority is community service and all proceeds from our events benefit charities.

What makes the Daffodil Festival, to be held this year on April 27th, such a special event?

This event offers our community and surrounding areas a glorious opportunity to experience the very best of Southern hospitality. It is held at Moore Farms Botanical Garden, 50 acres of exquisite gardens filled with thousands of familiar and exotic plants, plus state of the art facilities. Guided tours, talented musicians and an array of homemade refreshments are offered throughout the afternoon.

Many are aware of the larger event in Lake City, ArtFields. It is an annual ten day art competition that runs this year from April 25th through May 4th. ArtFields offers an opportunity for Lake City to showcase its unity and cultural diversity and gives visitors exposure to our lovely town’s artistic energy and expression. Art from 12 states will be in this year’s competition, with the largest cash prize of any art competition in the Southeast.

What makes Lake City such a special place?

Once a center of agriculture, with the largest green bean market in the world, now Lake City is being revitalized and is a “work in progress.” Restoration of old buildings and stores and the creation of the downtown Village Green, make our town unique in the Pee Dee area. New businesses and stores are opening and we are now a center for the arts. Concerts, including local and renowned musicians are frequently performed and art exhibits are continuously displayed at the Art Guild Museum and the restored James-Carter Gallery.

We hope readers will come visit us. Small town America is alive!

To learn more about Lake City, ArtFields and the Daffodil Festival, please visit artfieldssc. org, moorefarmsbg.org, lakecitysc.com, or call 843-374-0180.

35

Voice

Through Her Eyes

by Diane Stark

My 11-year-old daughter, Julia, loves to watch all of the wedding shows on TV’s The Learning Channel. She loves “Say Yes to the Dress,” especially the Atlanta version. There’s even a series in which the Bridesmaids say yes to their dresses.

But her absolute favorite wedding show is called “Something Borrowed, Something New.” The show features a bride-to-be and her mother. The mother desperately wants her daughter to wear her old wedding gown for her own upcoming nuptials. These gowns are often hopelessly dated and not at all the daughter’s cup of tea. On the show, one wedding consultant helps the bride pick out a new gown while another re-designs and modernizes her mother’s gown, according to the daughter’s instructions. Then the bride chooses which gown she wants to wear for her wedding.

Needless to say, the bride’s choice is not a simple “which gown do I like better” deal. She has to take her mother’s feelings into account and weigh them against her own desires. She struggles with wanting to make her mother happy, but still have her own dream wedding day.

Julia and I often watch the show together, and it always sparks some interesting conversations. I relate to the mothers’ feelings, and Jules usually sides with the daughters and their need for independence.

“That dress is so old-fashioned,” Julia might say. “It looks like it was made in the 1990s.”

“Hey, watch it, Jules,” I would protest. “I got married in 1996.”

“But it looks so old. I bet the daughter won’t pick it.”

“But you won’t even be able to recognize it as the same dress by the time the designer gets done with it,” I reminded her. “It will be like a brand-new dress.”

“Then why not just buy a brand-new dress?” Jules asked.

I shrugged. “I think it’s kind of special to wear your mom’s wedding dress.”

“Did you wear your mom’s dress?”

I’d hoped she wouldn’t ask me that. “No, Jules, I didn’t. When I was about your age, she pulled it out of her closet and showed it to me. I wrinkled my nose and told her how old-fashioned it looked. I think I made her cry.”

“Why would she cry? It’s just a dress.”

“Wedding dresses are not just dresses, Jules. A wedding dress is the most special outfit you’ll ever pick out for the most important day of your life.”

“You’ve always told me that the marriage matters way more than the wedding.”

“Oh, that’s true, of course. The wedding is only one day of your life, and the marriage is for the rest of it, hopefully. But weddings are still really special.”

“So would you want me to wear your dress?”

“Only if you wanted to and it made you happy. But if you wanted a brand new dress that was just yours that would be fine too.” I thought for a minute. “But I do feel bad for the moms on the show whose daughters pick the new dress over their wedding dress.”

“Do you think it hurts their feelings?”

“I’m sure it does, but that’s only part of it. The other part is that their

36

wedding dress has been altered and re-made to their daughter’s taste, so if she chooses not to wear it, the mom is stuck with a dress that her daughter doesn’t want, but that isn’t really her own anymore either.”

Julia nodded. “I never thought about that.”

“My wedding dress is special to me because of the memories it holds,” I said. “If you wore it, those memories would be even more special, but if they altered my dress and you didn’t want it, that would be like erasing my memories.”

“But you’d still have pictures,” she pointed out.

“That’s true, and it’s not like I’m planning to wear my dress again. I just hate the thought of it being changed for no reason.”

Julia nodded again. “I can understand that.”

One evening a few weeks ago, Jules and I were watching her show. In this episode, the dress had been worn by not only the bride’s mother, but her grandmother as well. Talk about pressure!

“I’d wear that dress no matter what it looked like,” Julia said. “I would never want to disappoint you and Grandma.”

My heart melted at her words. “That’s really sweet, Jules, but I would want you to be happy with your wedding dress. After all, it’s your day.”

“But I wouldn’t want you to be unhappy, Mom. Or Grandma.”

“We’d get over it, Honey. A girl’s wedding day should be about what she wants, not what she feels obligated to do because of her family.”

Julia smiled. “It’s funny, Mom, because usually when we watch this show, you take the mother’s side, and I always side with the daughter, but this time, we’ve switched roles.” She shrugged. “I think it’s good to look at the other side of things.”

I smiled back and patted her hand. Julia, my sweet girl who all too often mirrors my own heart and my own behavior – the good and the bad alike – was going to be a teenager before I knew it. Seeing a situation from the other person’s viewpoint was clearly a skill we would need in the years ahead.

“Well, you know, Jules, weddings aren’t really about dresses and flowers anyway,” I said. “They’re about love. And when you truly love another person, you put their wants and needs ahead of your own. I just want you to be happy, with your wedding dress and everything else in life.”

“Do you want me to be happy with dinner? Because ordering pizza tonight would make me really happy.”

I laughed. “I love you, Sweet Girl.”

Julia’s wedding is a long way off. I have no idea who she’ll marry or what dress she’ll decide to wear. But with her teen years just around the corner, I’ve learned that seeing things through her eyes Diane Stark is a wife and mom of five. She goes a long way toward winning loves to write about her family and her her heart. faith. Her essays have been published in Well, that, and a over 20 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. pepperoni pizza.

Diane Stark

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37

Voice

Newcomer’s Notebook

by Phil La Borief

As a Connecticut Yankee now living in South Carolina, I must admit that I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the Grand Strand beaches – they are such an improvement over my beach options in the Northeast that I’ve entitled this piece:

By the Sea, by the Beautiful See.

So, for starters, what’s the problem with the beach options in my former hometown? Well, for one thing, since I didn’t live in a beachfront community in Connecticut, if I wanted to spend a day at my nearest public beach during the summer, it would cost $30 a day during the weekend and $50 for the privilege on the weekends and holidays. And, if I felt like visiting throughout the season, a non-resident beach emblem would run me $220 and could cost as much as $440 for other non-residents depending on where their car was registered! Yikes!

I could, of course, elect to go to my nearby state park beach, but then I’d have to compete with hundreds of Canadian Geese for a parking spot and hundreds of other visitors looking to snag a picnic table and a spot on the beach. All that would cost a non-resident $15 a day during the week or $22 a day on the weekend.

All of this expense for the pleasure of swimming in water that rarely gets much warmer than 70 degrees all summer long and comes complete with an unobstructed view of the Northpoint hydroelectric plant on the north side of Long Island Sound belching steam into the sky.

I don’t want to sound too negative here, Connecticut beaches are really OK; it’s just that I’ve found Grand Strand beaches to be so superior and such a delight!

For starters, our beaches stretch a full 60 miles north and south with an ocean view so wide and expansive, I swear I can see a very slight curvature to the horizon; further evidence that the earth is actually round! For me, the views and the setting are inspirational. Whether I’m walking, swimming, shelling, reading or just sitting and thinking, there’s something in the air that sparks my creativity!

Further, since I now live in Murrells Inlet, I can either walk or ride my bike to the beach. That option comes complete with free parking. Should you desire to drive to the beach, public parking costs just $6 a day and is free in many areas. You can even use your cell phone to extend your stay and pay your bill – simply contact park-by-phone.com. If you get to the beach early enough in the morning, you’ll find numerous places along Ocean Boulevard and North and South Waccamaw Drive where the small parking lots are free of charge – but, remember, it’s first come, first served!

Here are some other facts about our lovely Grand Strand beaches to keep in mind: • According to the South Carolina Climate Office, Myrtle Beach air temperatures from May through August average 86 degrees (F). Beach water temperatures average 20 degrees warmer than ocean temperatures for that time of year around New York City!

• There are numerous online sites to obtain information about shelling procedures (don’t remove any live shells) and tide times (shelling is best at low

38

tide and in certain locations). My favorite site for complete, easy to access information is visitmyrtlebeach.com. In addition, from the Newcomer’s More than Anyone Needs to Know Department comes the information that there are more than 700 species of shells in South Carolina waters and the Lettered Olive is the state’s official shell. So there!

• While I’m not sure how many Sasee readers will want to go fishing, for those who do, you will need to obtain a license if you want to surf cast, but no license is required should you wish to fish from a pier or a rental or charter boat.

You can obtain a license online at dnr.sc.gov. If you’re walking the beach, surf casters request that you walk around their lines rather than under them, since you never know when they’re going to hook Moby Dick or its equivalent and you don’t want to interfere with their efforts.

• From May 1st to Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 am and after 5 pm. After Labor Day to April 30, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time. Regardless of the time of year, they must be on a leash at all times.

Horses (should you have one handy) are permitted on the beach from the third Saturday in November through the end of February. Beach access for them (and their riders, of course) is available at Myrtle Beach State Park.

• If you’re looking for pirate treasure or just loose change, the use of metal detectors on any and all beaches is permitted at any time.

• Alcohol is not permitted on any beach at any time; however bike riding is permitted after Labor Day until April 30.

• Setting off fireworks, unless under professional supervision is not permitted. From what I’ve seen, this is not strictly enforced.

• Whatever activity you’re enjoying, always remember to stay off the dunes. These are fragile and protected areas where birds, turtles and other species nest.

• Finally, a reminder that under South Carolina law, any person operating a golf cart must be at least 16 and hold a valid South Caroina driver’s license. And, should any problem occur, either on the beach or in the water, call 911 for help.

If it sounds like I can’t say enough good things ‘bout Grand Strand beaches, it’s true!

I walked Garden City Beach on Christmas Day last year and had the entire length of the beach practically to myself – as far as I could tell only five other people were sharing the experience with me. Try that up north!

Finally, to quote from Anne Lamott’s wonderful book, Bird by Bird, “…I am grateful for the ocean.” I hope you are as well.

Phil La Borie Phil La Borie is a recent transplant to the Grand Strand; in a former life he was a Connecticut Yankee. Phil has a long history as a writer/creative director in the ad biz, has written and directed numerous film and video projects and is also an artist/illustrator. He can be reached at plaborie@voxinc.net.

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Changing Lives

Cheryl Bauerle SOS Health Care

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Originally from New Jersey, I’ve lived in Myrtle Beach for 18 years. My husband, Wayne, is an orthopaedic surgeon and practices with Strand Orthopedic Consultants.

We have three children; Wayne, Jr. is majoring in Chemical Engineering at Clemson, Sommer is a junior and Luke is a sophomore, both at Socastee High School.

Why do you serve on the SOS Health Care Board?

I have been on the board of directors since 2006 and have served as president since 2010. I’m also the volunteer human resources director. I became involved because my daughter is on the autism spectrum (ASD). When she was barely two, I knew something was wrong. We immediately started therapy for her, approximately 40 hours per week of ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy. There was very little help available for children with autism in the Myrtle Beach area at that time. Back then, we were told that only one in 10,000 children had autism and most of them were boys – today it is more like one in 88. By the time she was formally diagnosed at three, we had a clinic up and running out of our home – and she quickly made progress. After Sommer started school, she would go to school all day, with a shadow, (a helper) and then come home for therapy until 6 pm.

What is best news you have for parents and grandparents with children who have autism?

The best news is that SOS is here! There is hope and progress. Autism is a devastating diagnosis, but help is out there. Today, parents can apply for financial assistance that will pay for early intervention and therapy. And, our Building Futures for Autism Clinic provides a variety of services individually tailored to each child’s needs. Most importantly, for any parent who thinks their child may have autism – seek help immediately! The earlier a child gets some type of intervention, the more quickly we see progress. SOS has many other programs to assist people with ASD across the lifespan.

How is your family doing today?

Sommer is amazing. She loves to work out, plays the flute and is crazy about fashion and fashion design, creating her own designs. My daughter is pretty much a normal teenager.

We are a very close family. This October, Wayne and I will have been married 24 years.

I am very blessed to have such a supportive spouse and partner. Luke and Wayne, Jr. are very protective and loving toward their sister and are both high achievers.

What is your favorite way to relax?

Our downtime is family time – we love white water rafting and exercise is important to all of us.

April is Autism Awareness Month. To learn more about SOS or autism, call 843-449-0554, visit sos-healthcare.com or find SOS Health Care on Facebook or Twitter.

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Voice

The List

by Diane DeVaughn Stokes

I kissed so many frogs before I met my prince that I just wasn’t sure I was capable of making the right decision. And so, I prayed about it.

Chuck and I met at WPDE-TV 15 in 1983. He was a commercial producer right out of school, and I was the talk show host and producer with a live-in boyfriend, one of those on and off relationships going nowhere. While at work, I spent a lot of time with Chuck because I was featured in many of the commercials he produced, and he occasionally ran camera for my show.

He flirted cautiously and was absolutely endearing.

The days went on, and I finally broke up permanently with “Mr. Wrong” because I realized what I had wanted my whole life was working right beside me.

However, I decided not to tell anyone, not even Chuck, as I was still scared of making another mistake. I thought it was safer to move this along at my own pace, not to mention there was another fella at the station who was coming on to me, and I was not interested in the least.

One night, two months later, a bunch of us from the station went to a “Christmas in July” party at the local Holiday Inn. Chuck asked why “Mr. Wrong” was not there with me, and I told him we broke up. He asked why I hadn’t told him sooner and admitted to waiting in the wings for me. I explained that I was just taking it easy before getting involved again with anyone. “Does that include me?” he asked, with the cutest little grin. Then he grabbed my hand and pulled me up to dance and dance and dance. It went on until midnight, and then he offered to follow me home in his car to make sure I got there safely. How sweet!

When we arrived at my house, he asked me if he could come in for a cup of coffee, and I told him it was too late as we both had to work the next day but he promised not to stay long. At three in the morning he left, at my urging. All we did was talk, not even a kiss.

A perfect gentleman who was so different than anyone I had ever dated.

He told me he was going home to Sumter for the weekend for his grandmother’s birthday and to go to church with his parents for Homecoming Sunday.

But, he would love to cook steaks for me when he returned. That was our first official date, even though we knew each other and had worked side by side for five months. From that night on, I knew he was special, and I prayed again before I went to bed, “God, please take charge.” Then I remembered THE LIST! Many years before, a dear friend and guidance counselor at Francis

42

Marion University, where I attended college, told me to write down what I wanted in a relationship. He said to concentrate on the top three qualities you want in a mate and don’t deviate from it. Why waste your time, he said, with anything short of spectacular when you deserve the best! I wondered how I had forgotten about that list until now, eleven years later. It must have been that prayer I said.

Buried in my little jewelry box with the twirling ballet dancer from my childhood, a home for a couple of sacred things, I found the list, held it close to my heart and prayed, “God, take my hand and guide me. I think I have found the love of my life.”

Chuck and I got engaged ten months later and married on September 29, 1984. He was everything on that list and more. I wanted a man who loved God as much as I did. I wanted a man who adored his family as much as I adored mine. I wanted a man who would treasure me and nurture my talents rather than feel threatened by them.

Yes, I won the prize. As the song “New York, New York” says, “A number one, top of the heap, king of the hill, top of the list.”

After thirty years of marriage, the only thing I can find wrong with him is that he doesn’t eat cheese! Perhaps that should have been on my list! Then again, Diane is President of Stages Video nobody’s perfect!

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Voice

We Do

by Linda O’Connell

It wasn’t love at first sight when Bill and I met twenty-five years ago. He was just the nice guy in a group of friends who liked to dance. For me, it was LIKE at first sight, and I swear I heard my late grandmother whisper in my ear one evening as we were saying goodbye, “That man will be your husband.”

I looked heavenward, focused on the brightest star and whispered, “Oh Grandma, I just got rid of a husband. That’s the last thing I need.”

Five years later we said, “I do.” And over the years we’ve found ourselves saying those words over and over.

“Do you have a pain in your right shoulder?”

“I DO.” After twenty years of marriage, Bill is still the man who trips my giggle trigger and makes me crazy. Crazy-happy. We are so much alike it is scary. In the beginning, we discovered many similarities in each other: our beliefs, politics and sense of humor. Then we began to notice that although we have completely different body styles, our bodies were beginning to mimic each other. He developed a mole on his left calf. I noticed an identical one on my right. If he got a blemish on his right cheek, I got one on my left. It has been that way ever since we met, but it is getting worse as we age. Last month I sprained my right knee. A week later he twisted his left. We are both babying each other and our knees. When one of us starts a sentence, the other completes it. Not only do we compliment one another, we complement each other. Complete strangers have told us we go together.

“Do you still love me?” we ask.

“I do,” the other responds.

Although I do love him, he has an annoying habit that drives me crazy, and I don’t mean crazy-happy. You’d think after twenty years, I’d be used to him subconsciously clicking his fingernails while he watches a TV drama. I do know it’s a way for him to release tension, but it elevates mine and makes me want to scream. I can only take it for so long before I hiss, “Stop clicking.” And he says something like, “Oh sorry, I have a hang nail.” We both know that if he does have one, it’s because he’s been clicking his nails like a bowl of morning crackle cereal.

He’s a good guy, but I do have one major complaint. In the evening, when he goes to the kitchen to make himself a snack, he leaves crumbs all over the counter top. How difficult is it to brush bread crumbs into the sink twelve inches away? It’s not like he leaves the cheese wrapper or the mustard on the counter. No, just the crumbs. He knows it’s the little things that annoy me. I have asked him.

“Do you know…?” He always replies, “I do.”

I rant, and Bill smiles and says, “Think of how many women would be

44

glad to have counter crumbs as their only complaint about their husbands. You are one lucky woman to have a mess-maker like me.” He’s not boasting; he’s playfully stating a fact. We both know that I am the jelly to his peanut butter toast, and he is the coffee to my cream. We still walk arm in arm, and most of our beliefs go hand in hand. We laugh loud and long together, and we deeply appreciate one another.

“Do you have any complaints about me?” I ask.

“I do.” He claims that my waking at 4 am to write shines a light on him before the sun does. I tell him he’d miss my “sunshine” if I wasn’t there.

Early one morning last week I made my way to the kitchen prepared to mumble about his crumbs. There I stood in complete darkness. The kitchen motion-activated night light had worn out. Finally expired. It made me realize that one day Bill and I will too. There will be no crumbs on the counter or artificial “sunshine” for one of us to complain about. Standing in darkness made me aware of how much I’ve depended on that tiny little kitchen light to cast shadows on the counter, allowing me to focus on a fault.

I concluded that shining my light is better than casting my shadow, so I didn’t mention his mess when he trotted into the kitchen that morning. Nor, did I mention it the next day. I cleaned without complaining. On the third day, he left no crumbs on the counter. It’s been five days and still no crumbs. I’m not mentioning it. We are both allowing our lights to shine. It’s been illuminating.

Each morning as I stand Linda O’Connell, an accomplished writin the dimly lit kitchen waiting for er and pre-K teacher from St. Louis, my tea to brew, I offer a simple Missouri, is a positive thinker, who prayer: “Thank you God, for my writes from the heart, bares her soul and health, my husband, our family finds humor in everyday situations. She and our home. I do know I am enjoys a hearty laugh, dark chocolate truly blessed.” and walking on the beach. Linda blogs at lindaoconnell.blogspot.com.

Linda O’Connell

1019 Fourth Avenue • Conway, SC 29526 Black Water Market • 843-488-9003 www.Facebook.com/SimplySophiaBoutique

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Sasee Kids

The Easter Bunny comes this month , and all the

little ones are expecting a basket filled with goodies on Easter morning. For moms and grandmoms who would like to help our cottontail friend find fun treats without overloading the little ones with candy, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Fun things to put in Easter baskets • Stuffed Animals • Stickers • Character Band- Aids • Magnetic Letters • Lip Gloss • Packets of Seeds to Plant & Watch Grow Together • Magic Grow Toys • Marbles • A Set of Jacks • Glitter Shakers • Glitter Glue • Crayons

• Markers • Chalk • Coloring Books • Construction Paper • Matchbox Cars • Flash Cards • Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Play Dough/ SillyPutty • Temporary Tattoos • Money • Tiny Bubbles • A Yo-Yo

• A Mini-Slinkie • Mini Water Gun • Pictures of Larger Items (The Larger Gift is Hidden in the House) • Nail Polish • Easter Books: Pat the Bunny, The Runaway Bunny, Anything by Beatrix Potter • Bubble Bath • Pool or Beach Toys • Jump Rope • Magic Wand

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Books will go on blue bookshelves in the community, available free for families to select and keep.

The Bright Blue Sea Bookshelf is a Voices for Children project designed to create a culture of literacy in our community.

For more info, please call Cassandra Jackson at 843-520-0875

Spring is the time to enjoy the outdoors.

Call Mister Sparky today for a Free Estimate for Landscape Lighting your yard.

47

An Evening Under the

Palmettos the friends of Brookgreen gardens Requests your presence for an evening under the Palmettos saturday, may 3, 2014 5:30 Pm to 8:30 Pm in the Palmetto garden Rain Date: sunday, may 4, 2014

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Advertiser Index

Two Sisters with Southern Charm

Graham Golf Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hammock Shops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Harvest Commons on Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hats Galore LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Homespun Crafters Mall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Island Shoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Joggling Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Kangaroo Pouch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kingston Village Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Long Bay Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 McLeod Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Miller-Motte Myrtle Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Mister Sparky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Morningside of Georgetown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Palm Shoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Palmetto Ace Home Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Peacock’s Home Essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Pink Cabana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rose Arbor Fabrics & Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The RSVP Shoppe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 St. Somewhere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Seaside Furniture Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

The Oasis Shopping Center 2520 Hwy. 17 Business, Garden City 817-235-6875 / 717-451-2856 2sisters@hotmail.com

Seven Seas Seafood Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Shades & Draperies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shop & Dine the Avenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Shops at Tweaked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Simply Divine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Simply Sophia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Socialite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 South Atlantic Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Studio 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Swamp Fox Art Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Take 2 Resale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Taylor’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Taz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 The Thinking Monkey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Two Sisters with Southern Charm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 WEZV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Bridal Guide Atlantic Discount Spirits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Belk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Blue Heron Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Breathe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Chive Blossom Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Christopher’s Fine Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Classic Antiques & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Coccadots Cake Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 David Grabeman, D.D.S., P.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Dockside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Edible Arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 e’ellesse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Eleanor Pitts Fine Gifts & Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Grady’s Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Kaminski House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Legacy Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Litchfield Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Little White Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Millie’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pawleys Island Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Me & Mommy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Pawleys Island Swimwear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pounds Away of Myrtle Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sea Island Trading Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Sunset River Marketplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Treasures Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ultra Tan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

!

SHO

RT- T E R M S TAY S

TED ASSIS G LIVIN

We can help.

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Offer ends 7/31/14. Not good with any other offer.

Must present at time of purchase

2628 North Fraser Street • Georgetown, SC 29440

843-520-0319

843-280-7632

www.MorningsideOfGeorgetown.com

The Talk of Your

Pet Friendly

527 Hwy. 17 North, North Myrtle Beach Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9am - 6pm • Sun.1 - 5pm Seaside furnitureonline.com

©2014 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.

Thanksgiving Table

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| 7827 NORTH KINGS HWY. | MYRTLE 29572 | 843-497-2916 ocations shown. Containers may vary. Cannot NORTHWOOD be combined with anyPLAZA other offer.

Visit edibleArrangements.com/coupons for details &BEACH, restrictions.SC eDIBLe ARRANGeMeNTS® & Design and demarks of edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2013 edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

Woodside Village | 4440 Hwy. 17 Bypass | Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 | 843-299-1071

Antiques Avon Baby & Toddler Boutique Collectibles Country Decor Fabrics + Notions Glassware Handbags 114-A Hwy. 17 N. Jewelry Notes: Colors Surfside Shopping Center Unique Handmade Crafts Surfside Beach, SC 29575 Vintage Items C M Y K Mon - Fri: 9 am to 6 pm Wood Products Follow Sat: 10 am to 5 pm • Sun: 1 pm to 5 pm us on NA WoodWick Candles NA NA NA

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April 2014 1-13

4-5

5-6, 12-13 19

The Nerd, by Larry Shue, Atlantic Stage, Myrtle Beach. For times and ticket info, call 877-287-8587 or visit atlanticstage.com.

Art in the Park, 10 am-4 pm, 5th-6th Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach, 12th-13th Market Common, Valor Park. For more info, call 843-446-3830, artsyparksy.com.

Earth Day Music Fest & Expo, Riverfront Park, Conway. For more info, contact Kristi Falk at wellnesscouncilcsc@yahoo.com.

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7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

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5

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5/1

Spring Garden Festival, Lowcountry Herb Society, 8 am-5 pm both days, Inlet Culinary Garden, Murrells Inlet. For more info, visit lcherbsociety.info.

“Purses with Purpose:” An Evening of Fun and Frivolity, hosted by the NMB Women’s Club, 6:30 pm, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, $50 per person, all proceeds benefit local charities. For more info, call 843-450-4001.

Moveable Feast, (Tuesday event) Jane Green discusses Tempting Fate, 11 am, Tara Ballroom, $25. For more info, call 843-235-9600 or visit classatpawleys.com.

S.O.S. Spring Safari, various venues, North Myrtle Beach, parade on 4/12 at 1 pm. For more info, call 843-280-5570.

Plantacular Sale, Brookgreen Gardens, free with garden admission. For more info, call 843-235-6000 or visit brookgreen.org.

C.A.N. (Champion Autism Network) parents’ group meeting, 5:30 pm, Surfside Beach Library, Jill Sneed, Educational Specialist for the Lowcountry Autism Foundation will speak. For more info, call 609-744-0099.

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

“Polo and Pearls,” fundraiser for the Myrtle Beach Women’s Club, 7-11 pm, Pine Lakes Country Club, $100 per person. Visit myrtlebeachwomansclub.com or call 843-997-8595 or for more information.

First Book Luncheon, featuring Batt Humphries, 11:30 am, Inlet Affairs, $30, proceeds provide new books for Horry County children in need. For more info, call 843.349.2087 or email mprufer@coastal.edu.

Coffee With the Authors, Robert B. Bradicich and Mike Dailey discuss their books honoring the military, 10-11 am, Sunset River Marketplace, 10283 Beach Drive (NC 179), Calabash, N.C. For reservations or more info, call 910-575-5999 or visit sunsetrivermarketplace.com.

843.448.8379 www.LONGBAYSYMPHONY.com

CALL NOW! SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

MOTOWN MEMORIES SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014 7:30 PM THE MUSIC & ARTS CENTER AT MYRTLE BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

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“Get Ready” to feel the groove with the cool sounds of Motown presented by the Long Bay Symphony Pops Orchestra. Relive the magic of the timeless, soulful sounds of the Temptations, the Supremes, the Four Tops and more, with theatrical panache and inspired arrangements.

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51

McLeod

Your Region’s Most Honored Healthcare Team *

McLeod is excited to share our achievements in the most recent hospital ratings by Healthgrades®, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. With 23 top honors for the years 2013-2014, McLeod is simply your region’s most honored healthcare team. Together, our nationally recognized team continues to provide medical excellence with one primary goal: your good health and well-being.

OV E R A LL CA R E Top 10% in the Nation for Outstanding Patient Experience™ - 5 years in a row Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ - 5 years in a row • 2014 Distinguished Hospital Award – Clinical Excellence™

H E A R T & VA S C U LA R CA R E America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ • Cardiac Care Excellence Award™ Top 5% in the Nation in Cardiology Services • Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Cardiac Services HHHHH in Treatment of Heart Attack • HHHHH in Treatment of Heart Failure Vascular Surgery Excellence Award™ - 5 years in a row • Top 5% in the Nation in Vascular Surgery - 2 years in a row HHHHH in Carotid Surgery - 4 years in a row • HHHHH in Peripheral Vascular Bypass - 2 years in a row

NE U ROS C I E NC E S HHHHH in Treatment of Stroke - 2 years in a row

S U R G I CA L CA R E America’s 100 Best Hospitals for General Surgery™ • Top 5% in the Nation for General Surgery General Surgery Excellence Award™ - 2 years in a row • Top 10% in the Nation for Overall GI Services in 2014 Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™ • HHHHH in Esophageal/Stomach Surgeries • HHHHH in Colorectal Surgeries HHHHH in Treatment of Bowel Obstruction • America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spinal Surgery™ Top 10% in the Nation for Spine Surgery - 2 years in a row • Spine Surgery Excellence Award™ - 2 years in a row HHHHH in Back Surgery - 3 years in a row • HHHHH in Spinal Fusion Surgery - 2 years in a row

P U LMONA RY ( LU NG ) CA R E HHHHH in Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - 6 years in a row HHHHH in Treatment of Pneumonia

McLeod

* “Region” is Florence, SC CBSA as defined by the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget

McLeodHonors.org

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