Randall Bramblett, 2010 (photo Jeff Jeffares)

If you missed Randall Bramblett opening for Bonnie Raitt  this past October at the House of Blues or his headline act at the historic Train Depot in Myrtle Beach last spring, you’re in luck.

South By Southeast is bringing the uber-talented multi-instrumentalist and his legendary  five-piece band back to the beach for another rockin’ party at the Depot on March 6.

Don’t tell me … you’ve never heard of him.

Randall Bramblett has become famous for being unknown - except among industry insiders.

He may not be a staple on your AM radio dial, or even your favorite FM show, but he is acclaimed throughout the music industry as an accomplished singer/songwriter, a talented keyboard player, guitarist and saxophonist.

During the early part of his career, he played with Cowboy, Allman Brothers and Sea Level. More recently, he’s toured with Widespread Panic, Traffic and Steve Winwood. He’s had songs recorded by  the likes of Rick Nelson, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton and Chuck Leavell.

His praises have been sung loudly by some of rock’s finest. “Randall is the most talented and prolific songwriter I have the privilege of knowing,” said R.E.M.’s Bill Berry.  Dave Schools with Widespread Panic calls him “one of Georgia’s musical treasures…” Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones/Allman Brothers) goes even further: “Randall is, in my opinion, one of the most gifted and talented southern singer-songwriter musicians of the past several decades.”

These days, Bramblett tours with his own Randall Bramblett Band. Whenever Bonnie Raitt plays the south, she calls Randall to come and play some dates with her.

Growing up  in Jesup, Ga., he’s got soul music in his genes, R&B  under his skin and a hero in James Brown, so he’s a perfect fit for Raitt’s soulful, swamp-lickin’ rockin’ blues.

Bramblett is about to release his eighth solo CD, The Meantime (Blue Ceiling Records 2010).  The new recording is something of a departure for the rocker, although he’s quick to tell me it doesn’t represent a whole new direction for him; it was “just a way to get these songs out there.”

In a telephone interview last week, Bramblett said, “The new record is with a trio, not the full band. It’s quiet … spacy … not a party thing. It came to me working in the studio on a grand piano. All these songs came to me and I realized I could record songs that I couldn’t really do with the band. There a romantic quietness, a subtlety not possible with the band … not romantic in the love sense, but in a classical sense.

“It turned out to be very difficult because you’re so vulnerable … you hear everything … if one little piece is out of tune, you hear it.

“It’s sparse, lots of space. I’m very pleased.”

On the CD, Randall is accompanied by his l drummer and producer for his last album, Gerry Hansen,  and on upright bass, Chris Enghauser, known for his work with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Roy “Futureman” Wooten’s “Roy-El Phi-Harmonics Orchestra” and Nashville’s Badabing Badaboom.

So, I wanted to know, is the SxSE show at the Depot going to be mellow or blow the roof off the place?

“This is a full-band thing. We’re going to rock!” promises Bramblett.

The five-piece band includes Bramblett (guitar, keyboard, saxophone); Bramblett’s longtime collaborator Davis Causey (guitar); Gerry Henson (drums); Mike Hines (guitar); and Michael C. Steele (bass guitar).

If you’re not already signed up, you’ll want to shoot an email off right now to southbysoutheast@aol.com and ask them to put you on the reservations list. I promise you, this show by the man no one’s ever heard of, is going to be sold out before performance day.

The opening act is national Americana artist Stoll Vaughan, who is so interesting that I have to write another story just about him. But if you loved the early days of Springsteen, you’ll love Stoll Vaughan.

Vaughan goes on at 7 p.m. Randall Bramblett Band will take the stage at 8 p.m. The Music Feast   starts at 6 p.m. Dinner, desserts, wine, brews, Pepsi and bottled water are free. It’s potluck, so bring something if you’re so inclined.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 if you haven’t joined yet. Visit www.sxsemusic.com for more information.  (This would be a great time to make a donation or join SxSE in honor of former director Jeff Roberts, who passed away on Jan. 11. Just sayin’.)

This was originally published at DarielB music blog. © 2010. Dariel Bendin.

Former lead singer for the Embers, now with Legends of Beach, Jackie Gore

DJ Throwdown 2010

Fans of Carolina R&B love this event. The 19th Annual DJ Throwdown in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. is bringing 60-plus deejays to Ocean Drive along with three of the hottest beach bands around: Band of Oz, Legends of Beach and the Fantastic Shakers.

The fun takes place March 4 - 6 at Duck’s Beach Club on Main Street and the O.D. Beach Club where Main Street meets the beach.

Doors open at Ducks on Thursday night at 7:30 for a night of classic beach music. Tickets are $10 (Thursday night only). Band of Oz starts at 8 p.m., followed by Legends of Beach and ending with the Fantastic Shakers.

Although Band of Oz has been around in one form or another since  the sixties, the current lineup showcases Scott Fine on vocals and trombone, Tim Morris on vocals and trumpet, and Daniel Morris on saxophone and vocals. They tour throughout the Carolinas, Va. and Ala. to sell-out crowds, and Ocean Drive will be no exception.

Typically, organizers bring in a national blues act for the middle slot. One year it was guitar whiz Debbie Davies. Last year harp man Mitch Kashmir came to town. For DJ Throwdown 2010, though, things have changed and I contacted deejay/organizer Butch Metcalf to find out why, but I haven’t heard back yet, and a deadline is a deadline is a deadline …

So, next up will be Legends of Beach, a topnotch beach band consisting mainly of former members of the Embers band. These guys are some of the best vocalists and musicians in beach music today. Jackie Gore is the personification of beach music. He wrote and sang the original classic “I Love Beach Music” with the Embers in 1979. R. Mark Black, another former Ember, brings soulful vocals and sax to the stage.  Gerald Davis (bass), Jeff Grimes (guitar, sax) and Johnny Barker (keyboards) all include the Embers band on their resumes. You can expect an exciting set of classic R&B from this group.

Closing out Thursday night at Ducks are the Fantastic Shakers, who will keep the crowd movin’ and shakin’ into the wee hours. These guys are party animals and talented musicians to boot. Tunes like “Myrtle Beach Days” and “I Just Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore” keep audiences singing along. I have yet to experience a Fantastic Shakers show when they weren’t “on.”

Of course, that’s just Thursday. For Friday and Saturday, deejays rule. They’ll be playing the old stuff, the new stuff, the sleepers, the breakout tunes, what’s hot, what’s obscure and everything in between. O.D. Beach Club will have deejays starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The club has announced it will be non-smoking for the weekend.

For more information, visit www.abscdj.com and click on the Ducks logo to download a flyer.

Since when did Horry County Council become an elite Club of handpicked members with e-mail access to the Chairwoman?

Thanks to the Sun News and staff writer, Claudia Lauer, for the expose’of the shenanigans going on behind closed doors, or should we say “secret computer e-mails” within the hierarchy of our County Council?  Thanks also to the three council members who refused to be part of this scheme.

To anyone who has attended County Council meetings as much as I have, it has been obvious that not everything was above board and that “meetings of the mind” had been attended by some of the members before the regularly scheduled meetings.  Oftentimes, it was impossible to figure out how a group of supposedly intelligent people, could vote the way they did and usually kow-towing to the wishes of the Chair.  The excellent articles by Ms. Lauer have finally shed some light on what was going on behind the scenes.

Dut to an unfortunate and debilitating accident, I have not been able to attend the meetings for a while, but I have tried to keep up through TV and other media.  Prior to my fall, I had come to the conclusion that it really was not worth the time and gas it took to drive the  40 miles round-trip to Conway.  The only time the public is allowed to present their views is once every 60 days and then for a five minute period during Public Input. When you consider the populace of Horry County to be over 200,000, it takes a while for our taxpayers to be heard and very seldom listened to.

Because of pressure from the local press, a “public” hearing was held on November 16, 2009 for the purpose of hearing the interviews of the three finalists for County Administrator.  It was held in the small Council Conference Room, starting at 9 a.m.  All but two of the council members were in attendance. A few members of the press and maybe three members of the public were present for this very important meeting.  No time was set aside for public input.  Councilman Howard Barnard turned the hearing into an interrogation and not an interview of the first candidate, whom I considered to be the best qualified candidate of the three.  The other two were given a virtual cake walk, leading me to believe their minds were made up beforehand and that they were merely going through the motions.

As we left the meeting, I turned to Mr. Barnard to let him know how impressed I had been by the answers and demeanor of the first candidate, only to be told:  “You are a damn foreigner”. Mr. Barnard took several steps as to leave, but turned around and yelled:  “and a Nazi”.  I was totally flabbergasted and had no idea where he was coming from.  Granted, I was born in Denmark but became a nationalized American citizen in 1972.  My teen years were spent behind blackout curtains and in mortal fear of the Nazis, who occupied our counry during WWII.

Still in a state of shock, I went back to the meeting room to inform the Chairwoman of what had just transpired.  Her reply was: “He said that?”

This incident is but another example of how some of our elected officials treat the citizens who put them in office and whose hard earned tax dollars pay their salaries.

The upcoming selection process of a new County Administrator is rightout scary, since the players are virtually the same as during the last debacle.  However, the six/six split on Council showed that, fortunately, some of our elected officials are not easily swayed by pressure from above.  According to news articles on November 20, Weaver and Ballantyne were declared “ineligible to continue with the vote process”.  What happened here?  Mr. Weaver appears to still be in the race.

In choosing the next Horry County Administrator, the much needed new Airport Director, a new County Council Chairman plus six members to County Council, let us be vigilant and look to the future of this County.  Once and for all, let us bury the “Good ol’ Boy system” and go forward with our heads held high and with the hopes of a brighter future for us all.

The President’s first official act is to order the close of Gitmo and make sure terrorists’ civil rights are not violated.

(honest mistake?)

2. The U.S. Congress rushes to confirm a black Attorney General, Eric Holder, whose law firm we later find out represents seventeen Gitmo terrorists.

(An honest mistake?)

3. The CIA Boss appointee, Leon Panetta, has absolutely no experience, has a daughter Linda, we find out, who is a true radical anti-American activist and a supporter of all the Anti-American regimes in the western hemisphere.

(There were socio-economic factors involved!)

4. We got the second most corrupt American woman (Pelosi is #1) as Secretary of State; bought and paid for.

(You can put lipstick on a pig, but it still stinks!)

5. We got a Tax Cheat for Treasury Secretary who did not properly file his own taxes for 12 years

(He misspoke!)

6. A Commerce Secretary nominee who withdrew due to corruption charges.

(Another honest mistake???)

7. A Tax cheat nominee for Chief Performance Officer who withdrew under charges.

(Hmmm… another screw-up?)

8. A Labor Secretary nominee who withdrew under charges of unethical conduct.

(Ok, maybe this person was just plain stupid.)

9. A Secretary of HHS nominee (Daschle) who withdrew under charges of cheating on his taxes.

(I’m running out of excuses for these idiots!!)

10. Multiple appointments of former lobbyists after an absolute campaign statement that no lobbyists would be appointed.

(Dear God, I am getting a headache!) All this occurred just during the first three weeks. .. . but who’s counting?

America is being run by the modern-day Three Stooges : Barry, Nancy and Harry and they are still trying to define stimulus…”it’s spending!!!”

The congress passes the $800,000,000,000 (that’s $800 billion) pork-loaded spending bill where the government gives you a smidgen of your tax dollars ($13 per week), making you feel so good about yourself [stimulated], that you want to run out to Wal-Mart and buy a new Chinese-made HD TV and go home and watch Telemundo!

Only with the Liberals….

Pray for our country.

Here’s the good news though - Obama took Air Force One to Denver to sign the stimulus package, wasting as much as 10,000 gallons of fuel OR 24 JOBS FOR ONE YEAR.

Don’t you just love hypocrites?

Speaking of praying, Obama has now been president for eleven months and yet he & wife (first lady) Michelle, the Christian family they claim to be, have not attended church since the inauguration. He must miss Reverend Wright!

In these times I’ll keep my God, my freedom, my gun and my money. Anyone that supports this insanity can keep “The Change.”

Author unknown.

The Solo-Rider, a specialty-built golf cart wheelchair

How long has it been since you have been on the golf course, because of an old injury or just because you have been stuck in a wheelchair and never thought you had the option to try the game?  Well, I have good news for you.  Personally, I could have cared less about the game, but after I saw this fairly new machine called the “Solo-Rider” at the beautifully, city owned, golf course, Whispering Pines, my feelings have now changed.  I was introduced to one of the most personable golf pros, Mr. Alan Chasteen.

Whispering Pines Golf Course is one of the first courses in Myrtle Beach to have the “Solo-Rider” and is the only course that leases the machine all year round.  The machine costs between $8-$10K, but Mr. Chasteen feels that it is so important that golf be accessible to everyone.  As I wait on the green, the Pro drives up in this fierce looking device, which looks like a super-nifty golf cart!  It is so simple to use, you won’t even need a special golf instructor to go on the course with you.  It is incredibly safe, with extra safety belts and straps to secure you in and it will lift you up from a sitting to a standing position without any pressure or effort.

I feel that this machine could be so beneficial to soldiers that have lost limbs from the war, elderly people who have given up on the game of golf and lost hope, people will debilitating diseases, or just folks getting over surgeries who still want to play golf and are recuperating.  Any way you look at it, this is a product that needs to be seen to be believed!

Alan Chasteen was born in Swansborough, NC, where he studied at Eastern Carolina University and then transitioned into the golf business.  Soon after, he went to work for the DuPont

Golf pro Alan Chasteen in Whispering Pines’ specialty wheel chair

Corporation and decided it wasn’t the career path for him.  A series of moves to get back into the golf business again led him to Delaware, where he worked for Ernie Clayton, but was barely making enough money for his car payment, let alone rent or utilities.  He then decided to head south to Louisiana, with Tommy Carter, and became an Assistant Professional..  He also took a nice breather at Acadian Hills in Lafayette, Louisiana and was Head Pro between 1983-1989.  Alan also worked for Larry Young at Heritage and Oyster Bay in Brunswick County.  While in the Myrtle Beach area, he started working at The Witch and opened The Man O’War in 1996-1998.  Mr. Chasteen is now the General Manager and Head Golf Professional and has been at Whispering Pines since 1998.

Whispering Pines prides itself in the wonderful superintendent and staff.  They take NO advantage of tax money because the golf course is owned by the City of Myrtle Beach.  The golf course is getting ready to build and landscape a beautiful lake to tie in the entire beauty of the course.  They are the ONLY golf course where locals can play for $30 and in the spring, tourists pay only $40-$60!  Where else can you play golf ALL DAY for this rate?  Their annual members are 250 and 55% are LOCAL!

They have a nice eatery with a wonderful menu, and a lovely membership-type atmosphere.  Many Tournaments include Ladies, Men, Mayor’s Cups, Junior’s Programs, Senior’s Programs, and  First Tee Programs.   The Golf Academy instructors include Shelby Smith and Gene McCaskill.  Mr. Chasteen also put together a Special Needs Clinic a few years ago and was so impressed to see how many disabled people had modified their wheelchairs themselves in order to play the game of golf.  One golfer had put a device in his chair that made it rise so he was in a more upright position to swing; similar to what Whispering Pines now has, the “Solo-rider.” Alan is planning on doing another Special Needs Clinic in the near future.

The approach stance by Alan getting ready to chip

He concluded with a story about a good friend of his, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, had suffered a stroke and no longer was playing golf.  He told the Pro that those days were gone, because he just couldn’t stand up long enough anymore to make that golf swing.  When Alan found out about the “Solo-Rider,” he knew his friend would benefit from it.  They got together and tried it out and it worked perfectly.  The only problem his friend had now was that when he would swing, he was afraid he would hit Alan in the head!  Mr. Chasteen could tell that the “Solo-Rider” definitely changed the outlook of his friend’s life, and I’m sure it will change yours!

You can play golf with Mr. Alan

www.wpines-golf.com. 843.918.2305.

For more information on the “Solo-Rider”  visit www.solo-rider.com

Alan ready to hit a drive to the green

Given a few strange clues and some seemingly random bits of information, it is easy to raise the suspicion of something sinister going on just beyond eyesight of normal men and women.

Star Chamber, Free Masons, Rosicrucians, Skull and Bones, the Catholic Church, CIA, Military-Industrial Complex, SMERSH, Environmentalists, and Communists; They all have plots to dominate the world.

At best, these are the villains in a spellbinding tale of mystery and intrigue. Taken another way, it can lead one down a rabbit hole of paranoia and insanity. At worst, however, they can provide terrible insight into how the world really works.

Way back when, the survivalist bug bit me. With the Clinton administration burning down churches, enacting massive domestic spying programs, trying to steal the Second Amendment and annihilating the American steel industry, it was easy for a steel-town boy to buy some guns and make plans to head for the hills when everything went U.S.S.A.

However, I learned that you couldn’t live with that level of alertness for very long without going crazy. Every mysterious phone call is an attempt by the government to tap your phones. Your power goes out, and you wonder if the ATF is about to bust down your door. You either pack up and head to a cabin in the woods or go crazy and shoot somebody. Or, like I did, you find a different way to fight back. I got into journalism to fight the lies—and there are plenty of out-right lies in the news—of the mainstream media. I might not have been very successful in saving the world, but I didn’t try and blow up a federal building, either.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t see the conspiracies that are still out there. I learned long ago to look past the Republican/Democrat puppet show to suss out what the Powers-That-Be are really trying to do.

Interestingly, the Games-They-Play are not just on the national level. They can be seen happening right here on the Grand Strand.

Consider this: Myrtle Beach has been America’s beach for decades. People of all walks of live came here to play on the beach, shop in the stores, golf at the clubs and cruise the streets.

However, someone has decided they don’t like that.

They destroy the Pavilion. They raise taxes and pass laws to drive off millions of tourists and billions of tourist dollars. They drive off conventions and work at making Myrtle Beach the laughing stock of the vacation industry.

Consider the latest fiasco to hit Myrtle Beach—the cancelation of the marathon.

A few flurries at 10 p.m., and city officials can the race, spitting in the face of logic and common sense. They claim it was because of the weather and safety concerns, but that makes little sense. Even at 10 p.m., there was no snow sticking to the roads. At 4 a.m., when I walked to the beach to take pictures of the snow, the roads were wet, but still black. By morning, the idea of snowy, icy roads was a wet dream.

Come the morning, the thousands of runners that came into town proved it by running anyway and dominating the local headlines for the weekend. It seems that the city forgot that people come to the Myrtle Beach Marathon to practice for New York, Boston and other runs often held under worse conditions.

Or, did they?

By sabotaging the annual run, this could be just another step in the systematic destruction of America’s #1 Family Beach. Just like with the bike rallies, admittedly on a smaller scale, thousands of unhappy visitors are going home and telling all their friends about their disappointment and how stupid people in Myrtle Beach are. A 25-year-old tradition is probably as good as dead.

Now, I haven’t quite figured out the whys or whos yet. However, when there are PACs and mysterious corporations making questionable, if not illegal, machinations in favor of the elected puppets who enacted these attacks on our beach, our residents, our visitors and our livelihoods, its not hard to believe that something sinister is lurking in the shadows of Myrtle Beach.

Christopher Huff is a self-confessed and unrepentant geek who as been living, writing and playing on the Grand Strand for several years. You can learn more about him and his writing at www.piratejournalism.com. Comments can be sent to chris@alternatives.sc.

Tymber and Joey Meshay of Supply, N.C. at this year’s Little Princess Ball.

A procession of princesses from across the county traveled through a winder wonderland to attend the sold-out second annual Little Princess Ball with the special men in their lives. A joint venture by Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and Communities In Schools (CIS), the Ball attracted over 250 kindergarten to fifth grade girls and their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other male role models. “For two hours my daughter had my undivided attention, something that doesn’t happen every day,” said CIS board member Alan Cheatham whose daughter Catherine attends Union Elementary School. “Girls from every walk of life were made to feel like princesses, and every man there can be proud of having taken the time to make them feel that way.”

The County’s new Brunswick Center at Southport was transformed into a ballroom fit for royalty. Guests were greeted by Gina and Doug Fritchey of Southport who appeared as Queen and King of the Ball. Gracie the Clown’s decorative face painting enchanted the princesses while manicures by Olivia Hood of Charisma Salon provided that finishing touch of glamour. More than two dozen other volunteers became “ladies in waiting” to assist with these and other activities including jewelry making, a trivia contest, and more. And when leaving the ballroom floor, guest refreshed themselves at a banquet table which included cookies provided by Sugar Confections and The Confectionary. Raffle items were provided by Planet Fun, Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, and Thunder Alley.

“We wanted to create an event which brings families together. By forming partnerships with other organizations, vendors, and community volunteers, we were able to keep the event affordable. Our only regret is we couldn’t accommodate more girls,” said Melinda Johnson, Marketing & Community Events Coordinator for Brunswick County Parks and Recreation. Net proceeds from the event went to support the programs and services of Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and CIS.

Rachel Whitley

Mrs. Rachel Whitley has been named chairman-elect of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.  The election took place on Thursday, January 14 during the board’s monthly meeting.  Whitley will succeed Mike Robertson on July 1, 2010 the beginning of the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Whitley has served on the chamber Board of Directors since 2008.  She currently serves on the Executive Board Committee as the Finance Chairman and serves on the Legislative Council.  Whitley also serves on the Board of Directors for Waccamaw Mental Health and the Local Advisory Board for Santee Cooper.

“When I was nominated Chair-elect, I felt honored and privileged to have any opportunity to serve as Chairman for an organization that works daily to improve the economic environment for the benefit and good of all North Myrtle Beach citizens,” stated Whitley.

Whitley has lived in North Myrtle Beach with her husband, Gerald T. Whitley, Jr. for 38 years. Now the Senior Vice President for the National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC), Whitley began her career with NBSC 36 years ago.

Chamber President/CEO, Marc Jordan stated, “Rachel Whitley’s election as Chair-elect of our Board of Directors assures our organization that the legacy of leadership begun with our founding ten years ago will continue.  We are excited about the financial and community experience she brings to the Chamber.”

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in rock, soil and water.  This gas can enter buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation.  The gas decays into radioactive solids that attach to dust, aerosols and smoke particles in the air.  They can be inhaled and have been linked to lung cancer.

Radon has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., second only to smoking.  Based on current statistics, indoor radon has been deemed the most serious environmental carcinogen contributing to as many as 20,000 lung cancer fatalities each year.  Some scientific studies indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon, perhaps due to their rapidly dividing cells and higher respiration rate.

Every home should be tested for radon regardless of the age of the structure, location or foundation type.  Practically all counties in the U.S. have homes with elevated radon levels.  The Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.E.P.A.) and the Surgeon General’s Office urge widespread testing for radon.  The Coastal and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina are fortunately listed as one of the areas that are in the low range for radon levels, but residents need to be aware of the dangers.

For further information visit these websites:  Environmental Protection Agency,  World Health Organization,  Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Ashlee Elizabeth Justice after being crowned Miss Myrtle Beach 2009

Ashlee Justice relinquishes her crown to the new Miss Myrtle Beach 2010 and says it has been a great honor to serve as Miss Myrtle Beach 2009.  In her words, “it is sad in one sense to pass on the crown, but now I am looking forward to moving on to greater things, especially completing my education at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia and becoming a doctor in my home state of South Carolina.” Ashlee won a $10,000 scholarship last year when she was crowned Miss Myrtle Beach 2009 and that is the highest monetary award in the nation for a preliminary pageant.

As the representative for Myrtle Beach in this capacity, she has given back to the community in numerous aspects by being involved in groups such as Grand Strand Children’s Miracle League, American Heart Association, MUSC Children’s Hospital and The American Red Cross.

Ashlee gives some other fun facts about herself: “I was born and raised on the Grand Strand – A true, blue “sandlapper”!  I am left-handed.  I am the only child and only grandchild.  My favorite snack is apple slices with peanut butter.  I am fluent in sign language.  My father’s side of the family is the Vereen family – a long standing family here on the Grand Strand.  My grandmother taught me how to shag when I was 4.

Life Ambition:  To live a fulfilled and satisfied life, give back to my community in any way possible, always challenge my mind, and achieve my potential.

Favorite Quote:  ‘Love Always, Live Freely, Laugh Hard, Regret Nothing’, from my mom.

My hero:  My mother – Not only is she my mother, she is my best friend, someone I can always count on to be there for me, to make me laugh, and be my biggest cheerleader when life doesn’t always go the way I want.  She is also a self-made successful business woman.  Whenever I think that school is too tough and I cannot succeed, I always think of her perseverance, and I am able to find that inner strength to get through my battles.”

Bubbles Girl, one of Robert Verrier’s Haitian portraits. Proceeds from an auction of his fine art prints will go to helping the people of Haiti.

By Trudy Bazemore

Having lived all over the world, renowned artist, Robert Verrier was looking for a new place to call home, and upon arriving in Georgetown, S.C., he felt as though he was where he was supposed to be.  After giving much consideration to other parts of the country, Georgetown felt like it could very well be the destination for which he had been searching.  On Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m., visitors to the Georgetown County Library will have an opportunity to meet this remarkable man, take home a sampling of his extraordinary work, and at the same time contribute to a most worthwhile cause.  Proceeds from an art auction held at the library and sponsored by the Friends of the Georgetown Library, will go towards helping people in Haiti who are suffering the devastating aftermath of the earthquake that occurred there on January 12.

Verrier had his first art lesson in 1936.  His teacher instructed him to examine a model of a human ear.  After much pondering and some consternation, Verrier became bored.  “Why am I spending time sketching this ear when there are so many other things I want to draw,” he wondered.  When he enrolled in the “Art Students League” in 1950, Verrier’s brush and palette finally received the freedom they had been seeking.

Since then Verrier has painted all over the world including Europe and the United States.  And all the while his life has been an amazing journey filled with different vocations and avocations including educator, restaurateur, and even ski instructor.  For several years, while living in Germany, Verrier taught students the techniques of skiing, until a broken leg ended that endeavor.  But, Verrier, undaunted, moved on to other interests.  Over the years, he has pursued commercial art, wood working, metal sculpting, and photography.

Verrier is also a husband and a father.  His wife, Alta, shares his love of art, his son owns a design firm, his daughter is a wrangler in Wyoming, and his granddaughter is a student, currently completing studies at Syracuse University.  He is also step-father to two step-sons and a step-daughter along with several step-grandchildren.

Girl With Hat by Robert Verrier

Verrier’s greatest livelihood was in the field of public relations … especially advertising.  He enjoyed it most because “it dealt with current events.”  Always fresh and constantly changing, it gave his creativity free-reign.  Through the years, he managed several hugely successful campaigns in a variety of venues.

Then, for eighteen years, Verrier’s life was spent in “flat racing” with thoroughbred horses.  He managed every aspect of “Scarborough Downs,” the fastest half-mile track in New England.  Located just eight miles from Portland, Maine, harness racing has been a staple there for over 50 years.

And, he is a self-taught chef.  Verrier made certain that his time in the restaurant business did not lack innovation.  He created numerous recipes – his favorites included seafood - conch chowder with 22 ingredients, “Oysters Verrier,” and other delectable dishes.  But, surprisingly, in spite of the fact that his taste buds leaned towards shellfish, his culinary masterpiece was in the dessert department with a stunning interpretation of key lime pie.

Mink Island by Robert Verrier

But, painting was always a passion, and in 1978, Verrier was commissioned by the Cultural Attaché of Haiti and the United States State

Renowned Georgetown, S.C., artist Robert Verrier will be at the March 6 fundraising event at the Georgetown County Library. Shown: Andre.

Department to paint portraits of Haitian children.  He completed 50 portraits which were shown at the National Gallery in Haiti as well as in Washington, D.C.  The portraits are rich with color and vibrant energy.  Verrier captured the emotional essence of each of his subjects and their spirits are reflected on his canvases.  Reproductions of a dozen of those portraits, along with about twenty additional prints from the artist’s repertoire, will be offered in the silent auction at the Georgetown County Library, located at 405 Cleland Street in Georgetown, S.C. on Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m.  There is no admission charge to this event, and the artist will be onsite to answer questions.  The portraits are currently on display at the library and may be previewed there anytime prior to the auction.

Having lived in Haiti, the artist is passionate about its land and its people, and this occasion will enable people to donate to a cause, and at the same time acquire a beautiful piece of artwork.  Besides the Haitian portraits, other art being auctioned will include landscapes, seascapes, florals, and a selection of other subjects.

For additional information, contact Georgetown Library assistant director, Trudy Bazemore, at 843-545-3303 or digital library project manager, Julie Warren at 843-545-3316.

By Brian M. Howle

Some Of Washington’s Weasels Are Trying To Sell Out Music Radio Stations, Artists To Big Record Companies
In bringing you this important story, I find myself firmly between two facts: One puts me in the happy position of assuring all of you this issue has absolutely no basis in political party affiliation; the other regretfully confirms that there are nefarious powers out there who will stoop to the lowest common denominator in finding new ways to screw us all in the name of “revenue enhancement”.

So here’s the skinny on the latest attempt by the corporate whores (and their congressional pimps) who are trying to destroy yet another American freedom - and industry - as provided to us by the National Association of Broadcasters:

For more than 80 years, radio and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free play for free promotion. And it works. It’s a relationship that has sustained businesses on both sides.

In fact, radio’s free promotion of artists translates to as much as $2.4 billion annually in music sales for record labels and artists. And this doesn’t even include the enormous revenues they receive from concerts and merchandising.

But the labels–like many businesses–are struggling in this economy. They have failed to adapt to the digital age, and find their business model is broken. And now they want to impose a fee called a performance tax on local radio stations to subsidize their losses.

A performance tax would threaten the local radio stations that communities depend on. It would financially hamstring stations, stifle new artists and harm the listening public who rely on free local radio.

In short, the money generated from the performance tax would flow out of your community and into the pockets of the major record labels – and three out of the four are foreign-owned. The record labels would like for you to think this is all about compensating the artists, but in truth the record labels would get at least 50 percent of the proceeds from a tax on local radio.

If you’re one of the 235 million people who listen to radio each week, a tax could reduce the variety of music radio stations play, and all but eliminate the possibility of new artists breaking onto the scene. The tax could particularly affect smaller, minority-owned stations, some of which may have to switch to a talk-only format or shut down entirely.

It also affects your community. Radio stations are major contributors to public service – generating $6 billion in public service annually, providing vital news and community information and free airtime to help local charities. If a tax were imposed, stations’ critical community service efforts could be reduced.

And, worst of all, if you’re one of the 106,000 Americans employed by local radio, your job could be in jeopardy. In these troubling economic times, the last thing local radio needs is to be hit with a tax that some analysts estimate could be $2-7 billion annually.

Congress has continually recognized that local radio is different from other musical platforms and should not be subject to a performance tax. Local radio is free, so everyone, regardless of income, can have access to it. Local radio also has to fulfill certain public service obligations that other platforms do not. And importantly, the free music that radio plays provides free promotion to the record labels and artists – up to $2.4 billion annually.

There are currently two bills pending in Congress that would levy a performance tax on local radio – H.R.848, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (MI-14) and S.379, sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (VT). Your members of Congress need to hear that you strongly oppose these bills.

Additionally, anti-performance tax resolutions have been introduced in the House and Senate in support of local radio. In the Senate, Sens. Blanche Lincoln (AR) and John Barrasso (WY) introduced S. Con. Res. 14, and in the House, Reps. Gene Green (TX-29) and Mike Conaway (TX-11) introduced H. Con. Res. 49. Both are known as the Local Radio Freedom Act. Many members of Congress already support local radio and resolutions against the performance tax. Others still need to hear your voice.

Take Action Now!
We need your help! Support local radio by taking action against legislation that could kill local radio as you know it. The performance tax could bankrupt local radio stations and give giant foreign-owned record companies a bailout. It’s a bad idea that will happen unless you speak out against it.

Visit The “Stop The Radio Tax” Website
Simply go to www.noperformancetax.org and you will find all the links and information you need. Sign up now and take a stand in support of local radio! By signing up, you’ll have the opportunity to join thousands of people from across the country who are ready to fight the performance tax.

Tell A Friend
Send an email to your friends about the performance tax issue, letting them know what they can do.

Post A Facebook Status Update/Tweet This
Use your own social networking page to spread the word. Simply update your status on Facebook and Twitter with messages related to the campaign. Your message should be unique, but can follow the examples below.
Post this message to your Facebook:
STOP THE RADIO TAX. The performance tax is a bad idea that would hurt [insert radio station name]. If you enjoy listening, help us take action against this at noperformancetax.org.
Tweet this Message:
[Insert radio station name] needs help. Congress is killing the radio star. Tell them no. #stoptheradiotax http://bit.ly/wkO89

Write A Letter To The Editor
Write a letter to the editor or longer guest column to voice your opinion on why a performance tax is a bad idea.
Personalize the letter, and let the editor know why radio is important to you and your community. Encourage readers to take action. Below is a sample letter:
The proposed performance tax on radio stations could cripple local radio, hurt the listening public, and silence up-and-coming artists – all while big record companies get a bailout.
Radio has given so much to the music industry, launching the careers of many of the artists that we’ve come to love. Radio also plays a critical role during emergencies, informs us about what’s going on in our neighborhoods, supports local charities and nonprofit organizations and provides jobs for our community.
Why impose a tax that could bankrupt our local radio stations just to help foreign-owned record companies recover from their own business mistakes?
It doesn’t make sense. Congress should realize that a performance tax is a bad idea.

The website contains more information to help you understand all of the facts of this incredibly arrogant and moronic attempt to literally ruin free music radio as we know it, along with destroying the livelihoods of countless tens of thousands of folks in radio, as well as the musicians who are the core creative force for everything involved in producing the music we all enjoy and treasure as one of the inalienable rights guaranteed to us by the framers of the United States Constitution.

Your voice does make a difference - so make yours known today! Log onto www.noperformancetax.org now.
###
This article originally appeared at www.bhowle.wordpress.com

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two rising college freshman attending either Coastal Carolina University or Francis Marion University for their four-year degree.  The scholarships may be renewed for three consecutive years in the amount of $500 per year should the award recipients continue to meet qualifying criteria.  The total scholarship amount each student may receive over a four-year period is $2,500.

Application packets were distributed to high school guidance counselors late November 2009 and included applicant eligibility requirements, an application form, and two letters of reference forms.  All materials are due for consideration by March 1, 2010 and should be directed to ATTN: KEY Scholarship Committee, PO Box 8941, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578.  The two scholarship recipients for the 2010-2011 academic year will be announced in May 2010.

The application packet may also be downloaded from the business partners’ websites at www.carolinatrust.org, www.htcinc.net, and www.1049bobfm.com.

“Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union, HTC, Inc., and 104.9 BOB FM are partnering to deliver this scholarship opportunity to local students because we know education is key to unlocking a student’s potential to excel and achieve personal and career goals,” said Angelia Johnson, VP Marketing Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union.

“By supporting local students and universities, we also support the local economy and the future growth and development of the areas we serve,” said Nicole Hyman, HTC Senior Marketing Coordinator.  “As partners in promoting education, we are proud to invest in deserving students’ continued education.”

For more information, please contact Angelia Johnson at 443-8553 or Nicole Hyman at 369-8498.

A new book by Conway author Floyd Alister Goodwin tells the story of life on a Southern rice plantation based in Georgetown, S.C. “Survival of an Old Rice Plantation; Belle Isle, Georgetown, S.C.” is a story about a South Carolina low country rice plantation and the people who lived there. Beginning in the earliest days of the colony when Winyah was the northern Indian frontier, the story travels forward through the centuries and tells stories of the struggles and victories of twelve generations from three different families.

Floyd Alister Goodwin grew up in Round O, an inland rice-growing area, framed by the Edisto and Ashepoo rivers of Colleton County. He pursued an education in the upcountry and received a BS in chemistry from Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. He married Louise Cartrette of Conway and Columbia College; they spent the next nineteen years in Horse Creek Valley working for United Merchants as a chemist, chemical engineer, and a mill superintendent. For 12 years, Goodwin served in the Cold War as a captain in the United States Army Reserves. Moving back to Conway in 1976, Goodwin and his wife opened a Christian bookstore. Thirty-three years later, they are still working and serving as Methodist lay-speakers and members of the Gideon International.

“Survival of an Old Rice Plantation” was published by Publish America and can be purchased locally at Lighthouse Christian Supply, located at 2104 Main Street, Conway. Goodwin will also be available for a book signing during the Conway Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Spring Showcase Table Top Expo at the historic Peanut Warehouse on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More information about Survival of an “Old Rice Plantation; Belle Isle, Georgetown, S.C.” is available by contacting Goodwin at 843-248-9632.

Session I of Spirit Ocean Adventure is an 18-day program from July 5 through 22, leaving from the Lowcountry of Charleston, S.C. to the pink beaches of Bermuda and arriving along the granite shores of Boston, Mass., covering over 1,600 nautical miles.

Session II is a ten-day roundtrip voyage from Boston, Mass. to Boston, Mass., from July 27 to August 5. Participants will sail around thousands of islands, dotting the Gulf of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes while keeping a sharp eye for seals, puffins, porpoise and whales. Possible stops include Acadia National Park, Isle of Shoals, Nova Scotia and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

While aboard the 140-foot schooner, participants are active members of the crew, immersed in all aspects of shipboard life. Under the guidance of a professional crew participants will stand watch, navigate and ultimately assume command of the Spirit of South Carolina, all while embarking on a journey of self discovery.

The cost for Session I is $3,200 and Session II is $2,000 per participant. This includes room, board and educational materials, however travel to and from the tall ship is not included. A non-refundable deposit of $700 is due upon registration, with the balance to be paid by June . Visit www.SpiritOceanAdventure.com for more details.

For a chance to tour the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship, visit one of the upcoming Open Ship events at the Charleston Maritime Center from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 13 and April 24. The Charleston Maritime Center is located at 10 Wharfside Street in downtown Charleston.

The South Carolina Maritime Foundation owns and operates the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. The Foundation’s mission is to offer effective, unique educational opportunities for the students of South Carolina, focusing on the history, math, science and literature of the state’s water resources and encouraging personal responsibility, contribution to the community and stewardship of environment. Since its first season of programming in 2007, nearly 5,000 students from across the state have been served. With the support of local partnerships, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation is able to generate funds to keep these exceptional programs in place for the students of South Carolina.  For more information about the Foundation,  visit www.SC-­Maritime.org.

Coastal Carolina University students placed third in the Big South College Quiz Bowl Tournament held recently at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. The academic tournament is held annually at one of the Big South Athletic Conference schools for students from member schools.

Competing were CCU students Seth Morgan of Myrtle Beach, a senior seeking a second degree in biology; Robert Cafaro of Georgetown, a sophomore in computer science; Sally Damon of Myrtle Beach, an undeclared sophomore; Brandon Peluso of Demossville, Ky., a sophomore in marine science and math; and Sarah Sexton of Murrells Inlet, a junior in marine science. Two of the Coastal team members placed in the top four for individual players’ scores. Morgan, team captain, placed second, and Cafaro placed fourth among the tournament players.

Coaches Charmaine Tomczyk, director for undergraduate research, and David Duncan, assistant professor of mathematics, accompanied the team. Duncan served as one of the official scorekeepers.

“This is the first time that Coastal has competed in the Big South Quiz Bowl, and I am very proud of our team for placing third,” said Tomczyk.

Liberty University took first place, making this their third win for the top trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2006. Teams practice throughout the year using NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournament, LLC) questions and rules.

The idea for the tournament came from the Big South League’s Academic Consortium, whose mission is to develop institutional relationships outside of athletics and to explore ways to share programs and resources to benefit students and member institutions.  In addition to developing the quiz bowl, the consortium has supported an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (BigSURS) among Big South member institutions. CCU hosted the first symposium in 2007.

Coastal Carolina University offers baccalaureate degrees in 42 major fields of study and 37 undergraduate minors. The University also offers master’s degree programs in business administration, education, and coastal marine and wetland studies. Some 8,300 students are enrolled.

Pierre Henry Valdema of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Pierre Henry Valdema of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a junior computer science major at Coastal Carolina University, has been awarded a full scholarship that will enable him to complete his degree at CCU.

While Valdema’s family and home survived the Jan. 12 earthquake, the collapse of the economy in Haiti has made it impossible for his parents to contribute financially toward the completion of his education.  The magnitude of the hardships they face led CCU President David A. DeCenzo to authorize a scholarship that will cover the balance of his tuition until he graduates. The award will also provide funds for books, meal plans and housing.

Valdema is the only Haitian citizen enrolled at the University (his older sister Nathalie, a senior biology major, is an American citizen). His situation was brought to DeCenzo’s attention by Richard and Rebecca Lovelace of Conway, who are serving as Valdema’s host family while he is an exchange student at CCU.

When he was notified about the scholarship, Valdema called his family immediately. “But I couldn’t reach them by phone so I sent a text message,” he said. “My father sent me one back saying ‘Glory to God.’ ”

Valdema’s father is a minister in charge of six churches and six elementary schools in Haiti. His mother is a nurse who operates a nutrition program for children. The family has long been involved in education and charitable work, and the recent earthquake—which damaged or destroyed several of the churches his father serves and left many parishioners homeless—has shattered the family’s resources and placed an unprecedented demand on their services.

Valdema’s decision to pursue higher education in the area (he transferred to CCU from Horry-Georgetown Technical College) came about through his connection with local families and individuals, including Rebecca Lovelace, who had conducted mission work with his parents in Haiti.  Lovelace is past president of Christian Haitian American Partners (CHAP), an organization that supports the charitable work of the Valdemas in Haiti. Valdema often serves as a translator for American mission groups in Haiti sponsored by CHAP.

At CCU, Valdema is a work-study student in the Office of Information Technology Services, where he works repairing computers. After graduating from CCU, Valdema plans to earn a master’s degree in computer science and says that he may return to Haiti “to work and help people there.”

CD Picks: Carolina Grown

Cagle & Nash

Soul Complete

2009

Churchill-Nash Records

Genre: R&B

cagleandnash.com

If you’re not located in the Carolinas, you may not yet know about this Charlotte, N.C. duo, but Cagle & Nash are one of the best R&B acts around. Greg Cagle plays saxophone, guitar and sings lead vocals. Rick Nash plays a mean trumpet. Both are talented composers.

This soulful recording consists of 11 tracks and for my money, any one of them could be released as a single. Presentation throughout is solidly polished. This is pop meets old school and the result is spectacular. All songs on Soul Complete were written by Greg Cagle and Rick Nash.

The first song into it, I knew I was in for a treat. “Pick Up the Phone” is a jazzy piece that shows off the vocal talents of Greg Cagle …  and Rick Nash - what a horn player!

The second track, “December,” boasts some equally rich horns. Also of note are the disc’s harmonies by Cagle and backup singers Robyn Springer and Jarrett Gillis.

Musicians on Soul Complete include: Greg Cagle (drum programming, saxophone, lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, bass, vibraphone), Rick Nash (trumpet), David Rhyne (percussion), Joe Miers (bass), Bobby Aycock (piano), Larry Gianneschi, Zach Wheeler, Greg Mitchell (alto sax), David Floyd (string arrangement, strings), Robyn Springer (lead and background vocals), Jarrett Gillis (background vocals), Tovaris Matthews (drums), Kenneth Leonard Jr. (piano), Steve McGuirt (drums), Bill Baucom (piano), Di Yonna Mitchell (lead vocal).

If you’re a fan of R&B, soul or pop, you’ll want to give this album a listen.

C&N is releasing another CD titled Loungevity later this month. I haven’t hear any of it yet, but I’m expecting big things.

Jeff Norwood

Awendaw

2008

Awendaw Green Records

Genre: Blues

jeffnorwoodblues.com

I love the simplicity and authenticity of this CD. There’s virtually no digital manipulation. It’s just one lone acoustic bluesman singing, picking and stomping his own version of backwoods Delta blues.

Jeff Norwood is a superb storyteller. He doesn’t judge. He just tells it like it is – whether he’s singing about sex, race, religion, love, money or catfish, he just has a story to tell.

‘Bad Ass Boogie” is “the way music was made, back in the woods, back in the day, everybody got high, everybody got laid, that was the tune that always got played, the bad ass boogie.”

“Walking Catfish Blues” really is about a big ole catfish walking around looking for love and something to eat.

“Horny Road” is the back country counterpart to suburbia’s Lover’s Lane, only the couples don’t stop.

In the same vein, “Shake” will transplant you to a street corner or a front porch on a sticky summer evening when temperatures and hormones are on the move.

Our faithful bard wrote all but one of Awendaw’s ten tracks. “Kokomo Blues” was written by North Mississippi blues guitarist/singer Fred McDowell (1904 - 1972).

Norwood, who grew up working on a S.C. farm, has paid his dues working some rough roadhouses and juke joints. Maybe that’s why he’s so matter of fact about his subject matter.

Awendaw, which is named for the small S.C. town where Norwood records, should be part of any serious blues collection.

J Edwards

Everything Changes

2008

Self-produced

Blues/Rock

jedwardsband.com

I first heard this phenomenal performer at a club in Columbia, S.C. He was playing to a packed room – folks who knew the lyrics to every tune and the story behind it. It didn’t take me long to appreciate Edwards’ considerable vocal talent and songwriting skill. His voice is whiskey-edged velvet, tender and tough at the same time.

His latest CD, Everything Changes, delivers the same kind of live energy and raw vocals that keep his fans coming back for more. As a songwriter, J Edwards ( and yes, his first name is J) wears his heart on his sleeve, and while his tunes aren’t necessarily autobiographical, he makes us believe they are.

The 11-track disc opens with a rockin’ Delbertesque number called “Junkyard of Love,” a song about a guy talking about a girl who’s maybe worked her way through most of the guys at the bar, and by the end of the tune, he’s going to get himself a “mechanic to start working out the kinks in his heart.” He’s ready to move on.

“Carole Ann” is a hauntingly sweet tune of life on the road. Edwards then picks up the pace for “Can’t Get Over You.”

“Lover’s Moon Over South Carolina,” is a road trip anthem with a special yen for heading home to South Carolina. It was voted in the top three at the Songwriter’s and Musician’s Guild of South Carolina songwriting competition.

Let yourself give in to “Skye.” Crank it up and go. It’s just plain fun.

Track seven, “Baby,” is going to take your breath away and fill you full of longing and sweetness until you just ache all over. This is that whiskey velvet I was talking about. Add to that, guitar work by Charles Funk … well, just wait for the goose bumps. They comin’.

Without even giving you time to recover, “If I Had To” is up next and it’s another tune that strips away the layers as you listen to it. Good stuff. Also called “Conner’s Song,” J was inspired by Columbia’s Chris Conner, lead singer for Sourwood Honey and later The South, who passed away in late 2007 of lung cancer.

“Use Me” takes the emotion from the previous two ballads and channels it into a rockin’ romp for the whole band.

Edwards’ songwriting ability is evident on “Catch Me,” a song of love and leaving and lamenting the contradiction of it all. The road warrior longs to stay but feels the constant pull toward the highway. As with most of J Edwards’ songs, powerful vocals combine with solid band performances.

All songs were written and performed by J Edwards (acoustic guitar). Other players include Charles Funk (acoustic, rhythm, lead guitars); Hesham Mostafa (bass guitar); Greg Bickley (keys on “Catch Me” and “Lover’s Moon;” Buddy Parker (keys on “Junkyard of Love;” Evan Simons (drums); Mike Marchbanks (drums on “If I Had To” and “Can’t Get Over You;” Erin Bates (background vocals on “Junkyard of Love”).

At this writing, the J Edwards Band has begun work on a new blues CD. They expect to be back in the studio by early March and hope for a summer release.

This was originally published at DarielB Flying Under the Radar. ©Dariel Bendin 2010.

If you haven’t heard, Windows and Internet Explorer have the worst security on the virtual planet. If it wasn’t for China’s cyber attack on Google, Microsoft would have never gotten around to fixing a 17-year-old hole in their Internet Explorer/Windows system—and this is a bug that still existed in even the newest Windows systems up until last month. And that was just a security hole that was hanging around; That’s not counting the backdoors put into the new Windows 7 for the NSA.

Well, it has gotten so bad, that the government of Germany has warned all their people off of the Microsoft Web browser.

LEARN MORE…

Super Bowl, Dull ads.

Go Saints! It might have been the most watched television event ever, and maybe one of the most exciting games to see ever, but the usually side show of million-dollar ads could be some of the worst ever.

The “Ad Bowl” was bad. How bad, you ask? Well, when the three of the best ads were promos for network shows—NCIS’s “Gibbs Head Slap”, NCIS/NCIS-LA’s “Pretty Woman-Are you following me” and Leno, Oprah and Letterman crammed on a couch to promote Late Night, that just tells you how dull the commercials were.

Bud left duds and McD’s attempt to recreate the Jordan/Byrd “Nothing But Net” nostalgia was stale. Furthermore, if you are that henpecked by your wife, Dodge, you sure as hell are not getting to drive a Charger (More like a Caravan; No, not even an SUV, soccer dad!)

However, the Doritos commercials did impress. “The Little Man of the House” was the best by nearly everyone’s standards, and the “Death by Throwing Dorito” had to be the funniest, laugh-out-loud.

LEARN MORE…

Not quite ready for The Next Generation

Well, it appears that the people are just not ready for the Star Trek-like iPad device. And unfortunately, nether is the iPad.

Last issue, the world awaited with baited breath to see the spectacular new Apple device. However, when finally released, the conservative abilities and lack of anything really cutting edge (not even a camera) threw cold water on Apple’s fire.

But, that is not to despair. Everything the critics are saying about the iPad now, they said about the iPod ten years ago.

And we know that iPads are in our future, because everyone has got one on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

LEARN MORE…

$5 fee if you want to overthrow the government.

South Carolina has passed a law that requires subversives, or anyone who contemplates the overthrow, manipulation or control of the government-federal or state, to file with the state and pay a $5 registration fee.

Interestingly enough, the way the bill is worded, every bureaucrat, lobbyist and politician will have to file.

“”Subversive organization” means every corporation, society, association, camp, group, bund, political party, assembly, body or organization, composed of two or more persons, which directly or indirectly advocates, advises, teaches or practices the duty, necessity or propriety of CONTROLLING, CONDUCTING, seizing or overthrowing the government of the United States…” Sounds like Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi and Rush Limbaugh now have something in common.

LEARN MORE…

Christopher Huff is a self-confessed and unrepentant geek who as been living, writing and playing on the Grand Strand for several years. You can learn more about him and his writing at www.piratejournalism.com. Comments can be sent to chris@alternatives.sc.

HTC has announced that the organization is taking steps toward “Going Green” and encourages customers to join in.  HTC  is taking action to lessen its environmental impact through several  initiatives including paperless billing, directory and cell phone recycling, recycling bin usage and paper bags.

HTC encourages customers to migrate from paper bills to electronic bills.  Although HTC customers have been able to manage and view bills online for several years now, HTC is encouraging customers to go completely paperless by paying their bills using bank draft.  This saves customers stamps and time.  Paperless statements are convenient and clutter-free.  Customers who sign up for automatic bank draft and paperless billing receive a $2 credit per month for up to 12 months following enrollment and are automatically entered into a quarterly random drawing to win a $500 HTC gift certificate.  Customers can click on My Account at www.htcinc.net.

Exercise, Control, and Fun Served After School

As part of the Communities In Schools (CIS) After School program, students are being introduced to the ABCs of tennis: Ability, Balance, and Coordination. Through the efforts of John Keilman, the US Tennis Association and PTR Foundation have supplied the equipment needed to continue the pilot program started last year with the Brunswick County Tennis Assoc.

“We are thrilled to be able to resume this activity. Tennis is a great way for the students to get exercise, but it’s so much more,” says Kathy Smith CIS after school director. “We want to teach them the importance of control, safety, and respect as well.” For more information, contact Kathy Smith at 843-754-9515.

Glen Beck

Bill O'Reilly

The North Charleston, S.C. Coliseum was filled with an estimated crowd of 8,000 for the Bold & Fresh Tour of Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck of Fox News on Jan. 30.  This was the third venue for the live shows that began on Jan. 23 in Westbury, N.Y. and will conclude in Los Angeles, Calif. on Feb. 13.  The Jan. 30 show for Norfolk, Va. was postponed to May 21 because of an east coast snowstorm.

In spite of the cold, rainy weather the crowds started gathering early in the morning before the doors opened.  The enthusiasm and patriotic spirit was not dampened by the inclement weather or the lengthy wait in line.  Many residents of the Grand Strand were also in attendance and were happy for the opportunity to participate in this event.  Many other states were represented including Ga., N.C. and Ohio, as well as Canada.

The  prevailing mood was optimism and excitement at the idea of sharing an afternoon with other patriotic Americans who believe the Constitutional principles on which this nation was founded.  Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly exemplify the passion and ideals that the ordinary citizen is important and does have a voice in the direction of this country.  Educate, report the facts and let people decide for themselves.

The show featured a segment with Glenn Beck first; then Bill O’Reilly addressed the crowd. At the conclusion Beck and O’Reilly took the stage together in an informal banter of dialogue and comedy.  Serious issues such as the direction the country is going under the current administration, Congress, national security, local and national politicians and their influence on the future of America were among the topics.  “Entertaining, informative, great show, loved it,”  were descriptive expressions from those attending the event.

Hours of research, verification of facts and participation by those seeking to know the truth of the issues facing all American citizens is one of the contributing factors to the popularity of the two Fox News shows  “The O’Reilly Factor” and “The Glenn Beck Show,” according to many fans and supporters.  Disappointment with mainstream media not reporting the news in a fair and balanced way is another reason logical, independent thinking people appreciate those who listen to and give voice to hardworking, honest, patriotic Americans.

Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck are both very talented authors and TV personalities and donate to many charities.  Proceeds from their book sales, store items and guest appearances benefit thousands of worthy projects.

For further information visit BillOReilly.com and Glenn-Beck.com.

What's my name?

The Taste! Expo and Trade Show is calling all kids through age 12. The culinary event set for May 14-16 in Myrtle Beach has a Lil’ Chef mascot who needs a name. The winning entry will receive a stuffed mascot, two tickets to Freestyle Music Park, two dinner tickets and a guaranteed spot on stage during the Just-4-Kidz Demo at the event.

The mascot naming contest ends Feb. 14 with the winner to be named Feb. 17. The contest is sponsored by WBTW TV News along with Taste Shows. It’s an easy entry form with complete rules at www.scnow.com at keyword: Taste. Cecil Chandler, well known regional television personality from WBTW TV, will be introducing the winner and announcing the winning mascot name.

The Just-4-Kidz Cooking Tent will include a cooking demonstration by internationally recognized Chef Fabio Viviani, fan favorite of season five in Bravo Network’s Top Chef. Also, his business partner in the Los Angeles restaurant Firenze Osteria, the international award-winning mixologist Jacopo Fellini will teach kids how to make a fun fruity slushy.  Chandler will be part of the many exciting activities for kids during the Taste! Expo as will the Supper Swap Girls.

Tickets are available now at Pronto Press in Myrtle Beach or at www.tasteshows.com for the cooking sessions for children which are limited to 25 in each age group.

Taste! is an experience of true gourmet, the premier food show in Myrtle Beach, scheduled for May 14 through 16 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.  The national show will include a wide variety of exhibits, tastings, dinners, children’s programs, seminars, a barbecue competition and celebrity appearance by Food Network chef Guy Fieri. The public is invited to order tickets online at www.tasteshows.com. Cost ranges from $7 general admission to $80 for stage seating during celebrity events, and all tickets are going fast. The stage seating for Guy Fieri’s event is sold out, but additional audience tickets are available.

The show is produced by KNB Productions, LLC, an experienced event production company with offices in Myrtle Beach and Ft. Lee, New Jersey. Sponsors are WBTW TV News; Pronto Press; Food Buzz; Prime Ticket Inc.; Crystallite Café; Kara Mia Gourmet Wine Jellies; the SC Barbecue Association; SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism; ITM Mobile; Growing Cooks; the SC Hospitality Association; SC Dept. of Agriculture and Uncle Pete’s BBQ Sauce.

For exhibitor or sponsor information, contact Kara Anne Serradimigni at info@taste-shows.com or 843-333-7972.

A Runner’s Expo will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from 5 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. The Expo is free and open to the public. Official marathon merchandise will be available here. Runners may pick up their race packets at the Expo on Thursday or Friday.

The Ripley’s Family Fun Run takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12.The RBC Bank 5K, which allows 1,200 participants, takes place at 7 p.m., also on Feb. 12.

The Bi-Lo Marathon and Dasani Half Marathon are scheduled for  6:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 (Wheelchair and crankchair start at 6:25 a.m.). At press time, both races were full. The full marathon, which is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, allows 2,750 participants and the half-marathon permits 3,850 runners.

The first half of the course for both the full and half-marathons has been altered to include The Market Common. The start of the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon is at 21st Avenue N. and Robert Grissom Parkway. The route follows Mr. Joe White Ave. east to  Business 17 and runs south to The Market Common. Circling around, runners will then head up Ocean Blvd. to 82nd Pkwy. N. to Business 17 S.  to 79th Avenue N. to Parkwood Dr. to 76th Ave. N. back to Business 17 S, Mr. Joe White Ave. and Grissom Pkwy to BB&T Field.

The Dasani Half-Marathon follows a similar route, but turns on Mr. Joe White Ave. back to BB&T Field instead of heading up the 82nd.

The Sunday, Feb. 14 Michelob Bicycle Ride begins (at 7:30 a.m.) and finishes at the Peanut Warehouse in downtown Conway, S.C.

There will be two past race parties. The House of Blues party will be held Saturday, Feb. 13. Free food and refreshments will be available to participants and volunteers at least 21 years of age. Ticket cost is $20 for guests and non-participants. The Ripley’s party for all participants, volunteers and guests will be at Ripley’s Aquarium, Broadway At the Beach after the family run on Friday.

Since its inception in 1998, the Myrtle Beach Marathon has helped raise over $2,000,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of S.C. and the Horry County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

For more information, visit www.mbmarathon.com or call 843-293-RACE (7223).

is the brainchild of Hallmark Corporation.

Not so!

To this day, the exact moment of conception remains a mystery.

One story goes that Valentine’s Day began as part of Lupercalia, a fertility festival welcoming Spring in ancient Rome. A goat would be sacrificed and boys would  dip the animal’s hide in the blood and then slice it into strips. Then the youths would run through the town and the fields, slapping both young women and crops with the strips of hide. (Is it me, or is this a little kinky?)  Later that same day, young Roman women would place their names in an urn and the city’s bachelors would draw names, with the pairs spending the next year together. The Church, of course, hated this Roman paganism and put an end to it PDQ.

Another legend places St. Valentines as a priest during the third century.  St. Valentine got on the wrong side of the Romans because he refused to give up Christianity. Incarcerated, he became smitten with the jailer’s daughter and was put to death, leaving a sweetly penned farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, signing it “From Your Valentine.”

Deviating from that slightly, but still in the same time period, there’s also the legend that Emperor Claudius II decreed that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men in the hopes of having a better pool of fighting men. St. Valentine objected to the decree and married young couples in secret until he was found out and put to death.  

During the Middle Ages in France and England, people noted that the birds began their mating season in mid-February, hence the practice of setting aside a day for romance.

It’s unclear which, if any, of these tales  speaks of the one true Valentine’s Day. Over the centuries, however, it has become the date on which lovers, school chums, families and even business colleagues express their love and affection for each other with cards, jewelry and other tokens of their esteem.

A poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, is the oldest known valentine in existence. It’s part of the manuscript collection of the British Library.

By the seventeenth century, Valentine’s Day was being celebrated with handmade tokens in both Great Britain and America. Victorian England celebrated all things sentimental and embraced Valentine’s Day with a passion. At about the same time, sometime in the 1840s, the very first mass-produced valentines were being sold in this country, courtesy of Esther A. Howland, a British transplant  known as the Mother of the Valentine, who created elaborate cards out of lace, ribbons and scrap pictures.

Nowadays heart-throbbing consumers still celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers, chocolates, lingerie, dining out, but we’ve added iPods, Blackberrys and other electronic gadgets to the mix.

According to a 2010 National Retail Federation survey, however,  we’re cutting back a little this year. Last year, the average that couples spent on each other for Valentine’s Day was $67.42. This year’s it’s  down to $63.34.

But, not to worry, boys and girls, that’s still enough for a pink Bombshell from Victoria’s Secret!

Shopping For Your Sweetie:

Valentine’s Day’ Long-standing Tradition

Elegant hand-blown glass fruit by Scott Summerfield

Art galleries are an ideal source for Valentine’s gifts because the vast majority of items will be hand crafted and made with love. Ginny Lassiter, who owns the eclectic Calabash, N.C. gallery, Sunset River Marketplace, told us, “It’s hard to say which art pieces sell best for Valentine’s Day. The artisan-crafted jewelry is always a great place to start. We have fine sterling, ceramic artwear, ankle bracelets, a huge selection of earrings and more.”

Lovingly hand-crafted Valentine doll by Stefania Malone

A recent visit to Sunset River also turned up some sweet pottery pieces, posey holders, one-of-a-kind cloth dolls, wooden trains and carved pieces and much more.

“Our gift certificates are also very popular,” laughs Ginny. “Sometimes it’s just hard to choose.” The 10,000 square-foot gallery is home to over 200 artists – all from North and South Carolina – who work in virtually every medium and style imagineable. Lassiter has done an admirable job of presenting a range of artwork at an equally broad price range.

Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (N.C. 179) in Calabash, N.C. For information call 910-575-5999 or visit the website: www. sunsetrivermarketplace.com. A slideshow of the gallery’s art can be found at www.myspace.com/ sunsetrivermarketplace.

By Brian M. Howle

There are moments - and you can deny it all you want, but it will happen to you one day if it hasn’t already - when the undertones of a message you hear in a rock ‘n roll song will exactly parallel the events that currently find themselves steeped within the conflicts known as your life. Listen to me closely, grasshopper, because I have sage advice for you - the cumulative distillation of my years: Listen to the music.

Now, forget that is also the title of a Doobies’ tune, and concentrate back on this story … See, when a new album by one of my favorite bands hit the charts in 1980, a couple of the tunes seemed to be speaking to me - as my betrothed and I balanced on the precipice of holy matrimony. Well, as it turned out, the correct interpretation would have been, they were speaking to her.

Long story short: The album was Hi Infidelity, and the band with the reinvigorated, upgraded career was comprised of the tenured rockers of REO Speedwagon. Oh, and the song was “Time for Me to Fly”.

And now is your chance to listen and then run (after the concert), as REO Speedwagon prepares to blow the roof off the dump at House Of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, SC on Friday, March 12, 2010.

The career of this signature “American Band” is quite a tale, and it represents one of the best examples of all the right things to do for achieving an extended, viable earning career in rock ‘n roll.

They have had their own fair share of shakeups, highs and lows (but no bandmembers killed anyone or anything like that), but regardless of the background stories this band has not a missed a year of touring since they first hit the dusty road way back in 1971.

Face it, kids - listen to the music - you can’t fight this feeling anymore, and I’m back on the road again, as I tell my sweetie that “I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you.”

Hmmmm … something feels familiar about all this.

REO Speedwagon - Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums) - rolled out full throttle with a new album in 2007, Find Your Own Way Home, their first studio collection of new material in more than a decade.

The roots of that album go back to the spring of 2000, when the band joined forces with fellow Midwest rockers Styx for a national, sold-out, co-headlining tour. The tour proved to be such a commercial success that it was recorded live and released on both CD and DVD, jokingly entitled “Arch Allies”. The bands appeared together on the Today show, VH1, and on numerous syndicated radio shows, including The Howard Stern Show.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, both bands worked together to organize a series of concerts that would benefit the New York Port Authority Police and the families of the officers who tragically lost their lives.

Over the following two years, REO Speedwagon toured non-stop. In addition to performing in all the expected concert markets, the band got back to its roots in small town America.

“These are the people who supported our music from the beginning. This is REO country”, says Kevin Cronin, describing the fans who enthusiastically sing along every night to the songs he has written such as the number one hits, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You,” as well as the classics “Roll With the Changes,” “Keep Pushin’,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Riding the Storm Out,” and “Take It On the Run.”

During this time, the band was honored with a Behind the Music special on VH1 and Kevin Cronin was a guest panelist on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, as well as coming in a close second place on Rock ‘n Roll Jeopardy.

In 2003, REO joined fellow classic rockers Journey and Styx for the “Main Event Tour,” a sold-out, critically-acclaimed arena tour of all the markets that they had been entertaining since the late ‘70s. Music critics noted that REO had “kept their standards extremely high,” and were “thrilling their fans night after night with their incredible power, sheer energy, and songs that will live forever.”

New songs have been the lifeblood of REO since its first album in 1971, so it was natural that inspiration would strike during the “Main Event Tour” and drive REO to start writing new songs in between concert performances. The band began introducing these new songs into their live shows and the fan reaction was positive. The new album was born.

While not on the road, the band was in the studio for 2 years working on their first CD of new songs since 1996’s Building the Bridge.

“It has been an intense few years, crazy years for me, but that’s when I usually do my best writing,” says Cronin. “All of us have been going through some big-time changes, and it shows in our performances on the new record.”
The band has teamed up with producer, keyboard whiz and all-around musical genius Joe Vannelli (Gino’s brother and musical partner).

“Joe has brought a musicality to the new songs, which is thrilling,” says Cronin. “Dave is playing with such amazing versatility, using all his vast arsenal of guitars and amps. Bruce and Bryan, who have always been such a powerhouse rhythm section, have never played tighter or stronger together. And Joe’s keyboard ideas are taking our music to places we’ve never been before, and will allow Neal to take those ideas to our live shows.”

The buzz in the REO camp is unmistakable. It is a familiar feeling for this band, one they felt in 1978 during the sessions for their classic album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish (hey kids, make our old friend up in heaven, Jeff, proud and go find this one, and then enjoy some real rock n’ roll) and again three years later when they released the 10-million-selling monster, Hi Infidelity.

“We have been through it all and you just feel it when the pieces seem to be coming together,” says Bruce Hall, “and I felt it big time on Find Yor Own Way Home.”

“With some records it feels like you are swimming upstream and others just have a flow,” says Cronin. Find Your Own Way Home was conceived out of turmoil, but as these songs have evolved there is a momentum that is seemingly unstoppable. It is cool that it is all coming from this music. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

As REO webmaster (and Paul’s little sister) Ruth McCartney put it, “This record is both fresh and old-school.

“I guess unconsciously that is what we were going for,” adds Cronin. “We do some of our best work when we are unconscious.” “We love to play live,” says Hall, “it just keeps getting better.”

In 2008 they teamed with Styx and Def Leppard for another major tour headlined by Def Leppard to promote its latest album. They teamed up with Styx to record a new single entitled “Can’t Stop Rockin’”, released in March 2009.

On December 2, 2009, REO Speedwagon released an online video game, Find Your Own Way Home, produced by digital design agency, Curious Sense. The game was the first “downloadable casual game” produced with a rock band and was cited by numerous publications including the New York Times as an innovative marketing product for a music act.

One of the standard offerings from frontman Kevin Kronin during the last several REO shows at HOB contends with his - and his bandmates’ - total disgust and disdain for the pampered, self-indulging narcissists that now grace the entertainment and sports headlines. He points out to a new generation of fans that they should question their plea that “being rich and famous is hard work.” And he then proceeds to tell you what hard work is, and who the people are who actually do it, day after day, for the benefit of all.

And for all you longtime REO fans, here’s a little something to scare ya good and proper - this marks the beginning of the 30th Anniversary of the release of Hi Infidelity. Feels like a mere blink, don’t it now?

And if you think that too many analogies and parables about life are used to describe these guys and you want to take it on the run, then my friend, you especially need to roll with the changes and keep pushin’ on down to HOB at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, SC, as REO Speedwagon shows the faithful workforce of the Grand Stand what hard work sounds like (and what’s the best way to ride the storm out) on Friday, March 12, 2010. Doors open 7:30 p.m. For info call 843-272-3000; for tickets call 1-877-598-8497; or visit www.livenation.com .
###
This article was also published in Alternatives NewsMagazine, Page 25, January 28 - February 5, 2010 issue, as well as online at www.myrtlebeachalternatives.com under “Nightlife & Entertainment”.

Bernie Kenerson plays the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). It electronically synthesizes most wind instruments, including the saxophone, oboe, flute, etc. Bernie is an expert with the instrument and has been playing it for more than 30 years.

Planning for the FAME (Food-Arts-Music-Entertainment) Festival to be held on the last weekend in April is coming along nicely. Festival Chairman Karen Holck, has submitted the plans to the City of Myrtle Beach for their approval.

The festival date is set for  April 24 and 25. It will be called the “FAME on Broadway Street Festival” and will incorporate food, music, the visual and performing arts.  It will be a family festival with children getting involved in the arts. Plans are to block off Broadway from 4th Avenue to 6th Avenue and place a large stage in the middle of 5th Avenue and Broadway where bands, musicians, dancers, actors, mimes and others will perform continuously from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It will be promoted as a destination festival where the locals can mix with tourists in fun, fellowship and harmony. It will be modeled after the Fall for Greenville street festival in Greenville, S.C.

One of the featured musicians will be Bernie Kenerson, a world class musician specializing in the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Bernie can play a variety of woodwinds, including the sax and oboe, which he played for awhile with the Long Bay Symphony. He became fascinated with the electronic synthesizer more than 30 years ago.

Bernie says it’s time to bring the Akai EWI out to the forefront and give it some r-e-s-p-e-c-t!  With his talent and ability, he is doing just that. He’s a producer, sound designer, composer, arranger, teacher, clinician, recording and performing artist who plays many different electric wind instruments, saxophones, flutes, clarinets and keyboards.  He was born to musical parents and began playing clarinet at age seven, sax at age ten and flute at age 13. He started his professional career at age 16 in his hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He joined the U. S. Army at age 17 and has fourteen years experience as an instrumentalist and arranger in Army Bands.  His musical studies include a Two Year Professional Diploma from Berklee College of Music and a Bachelor of Music Degree from Appalachian State University where he formed the Neo-jazz band, Slipstream. The group’s self produced album Afterglow received Downbeat magazine’s 1982 DeeBee award for best college group and Bernie received an Outstanding Soloist award for his Lyricon playing.  In the late 80s and early 90s, Bernie lived in Brussels, Belgium where he performed in a variety of groups at concerts and festivals throughout Western Europe, Scandinavia and Morocco.  Bernie moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in May 1995 and has been busy performing and recording; highlighted by three years in the house band at the Jasmine Supper Club (a seven-night-a-week jazz venue) where he performed nightly and shared the stage with jazz artists Gato Barbieri, Kim Waters, The Yellowjackets, Joe Beck, Bob James, Spyro Gyra, and the legendary Jimmy Smith. Bernie can be heard on many Beach Music CDs, including 11 that made the Beach Music top 100 and has received three Cammy Awards. He’s currently performing with  his own band, The Bernie Kenerson Group and working on solo CD projects. Bernie began performing on electric wind instruments in April 1978.

Bernie will be performing with other world class musicians at the Festival on Broadway.

To learn more about Bernie, go to his website at www.berniekenerson.com.

For more information about the festival call 843-333-8181.

Narek Hakhnazaryan

A cello master class with guest artist, Narek Hakhnazaryan, will be held on Jan. 30 in the Choir Room at Trinity Episcopal Church at 3000 N. Kings Hwy. from 4:30– 6:30 p.m.  This opportunity for young cellists from the Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra to perform and receive instruction is sponsored by the Toby Evans and Long Bay Symphony Guild Scholarship Fund. The event is free and open to the public.

Narek Hakhnazaryan will be the featured soloist for The Long Bay Symphony’s concert “Classical Masters” to be held on January 31st at 4 p.m.  at the Myrtle Beach High School Music and Arts Center. Mr. Hakhnazaryan will be performing Cello Concerto in C  by Franz Joseph Haydn.

Cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan won First Prize in the 2008 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, bringing him two important debuts in the Young Concert Artist Series: in New York at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall, sponsored by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation Prize, and at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre in Washington, DC.

Born into a family of musicians in 1988 in Yerevan, Armenia, Mr. Hakhnazaryan’s father is a violinist and his mother is a pianist. His early studies were at the Sayat-Nova School of Music in Yerevan. At the age of 12, young Narek began studies at the Moscow Conservatory with Alexey Seleznyov. Working with Lawrence Lesser, Mr. Hakhnazarayan is pursuing an Artist Diploma at the New England Conservatory of Music, the only musician to be selected this year for this prestigious program. He plays a Jean Baptiste Vuillaume cello, circa 1860, on loan to him from the Ravinia Festival.

David Burgess

The FPC Concerts’ Promenades series will feature the renowned classical guitarist, David Burgess, on  Feb. 4 at the First Presbyterian Church; 1300 N. Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach at 1 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. $5.

David Burgess is rapidly establishing a reputation as one of today’s outstanding guitarists.  He has won top honors in many international music competitions including the Ponce International Competition in Mexico City, the Guitar ‘81 Competition in Toronto, and the 31st International Music Competition in Munich.

Mr. Burgess began studying guitar at the Estudio de Arte Guitarristico in Mexico City, with the pre-eminent Argentine guitarist, Manuel Lopez Ramos.  He later earned a Diploma di Merito, while receiving a full scholarship at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.  After earning a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Washington, he was appointed guitar instructor at both the University of Washington and the Cornish Institute of the Arts in Seattle.

In 1984, he was selected as the first recipient of the Andres Segovia Fellowship, after which he periodically received classes from Maestro Segovia until the Maestro’s death in 1987. Mr. Burgess has performed solo recitals to critical acclaim throughout North and South America, Europe and the Far East. As an orchestral soloist, he has performed with the American Chamber Orchestra at Kennedy Center, the St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia Virtuosi and many other prominent orchestras throughout the U.S. Currently residing in North Carolina, Mr. Burgess has performed in Town Hall, Carnegie Recital Hall and at Lincoln Center.  He has recorded for Musical Heritage Society, Athena and Camerata Records as well as having recorded Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” with the Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York on the CBS Masterworks label

One of the highlights of Boy Scout life is the skills learned at camp. Among numerous photographs and artifacts in the South Carolina State Museum’s new exhibit is this shot of Scouts learning archery at camp. (Photo courtesy Boy Scouts of America/S.C. State Museum)

The Boy Scouts of America turns 100 years old this year, and the South Carolina State Museum will help celebrate that illustrious mark with the exhibit The Centennial History of the Boy Scouts of America, which opens Jan. 29.

The exhibit, to be seen in the museum’s lobby, will feature photographs and artifacts which illustrate the organization’s progress and the contributions it has made to communities all across South Carolina.

“Many influential leaders learned positive, community-building skills and traits from their experience in Boy Scouts,” said Chief Curator of History Fritz Hamer.  “The list is long, and includes presidents, industrialists, philanthropists, sports coaches, scientists and astronauts, among many others.”

Museum guests will see approximately 20 historic photographs, which will include Camp Barstow, which was originally established in 1930 on the site of what is now Fort Jackson.

Among the more than two dozen artifacts are an early Boy Scout uniform c. 1915; a scout pack with an image of mountains painted on it from c. 1937; and, of course, one of the organization’s most recognizable icons, the Boy Scout knife.

The South Carolina State Museum’s new exhibit, The Centennial History of the Boy Scouts of America, features both historic and modern artifacts and photographs of the organization, such as this photo of Scouts collecting for Hurricane Katrina relief. (Photo courtesy Boy Scouts of America/S.C. State Museum)

“The exhibit also will include information on the Order of the Arrow, an elite group within scouting, a history of scouting in South Carolina and on some of the earliest councils, and information about early scout executive Bill Czarnizki, who was instrumental to the organization of the Midlands Council (now the Indian Waters Council) in its formative years,” said Hamer.

In addition, visitors will get a look at contributions that scouting has made to South Carolina communities over the years, from scrap and bond drives in World War II to raising money for New Orleans refugees in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“I hope people will get an idea of the scope of scouting over the last century, its positive influence on boys and how it has contributed to the state in many ways,” said the curator.

The Centennial History of the Boy Scouts of America is presented in conjunction with the scouts of South Carolina, particularly the Indian Waters Council, which operates in the Midlands.

The exhibit can be seen through June 20.

For more information on the exhibit, contact Fritz Hamer at (803) 898-4921 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

"Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong" by Terry Teachout (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30) Reviewed by Larry Cox

To say that Louis Armstrong had an impact on American music is a little like stating that Picasso dabbled in art.

Armstrong, one of the greatest musicians ever, was born in New Orleans just before the turn of the last century. He learned to play the cornet in an orphans’ home. He left the Crescent City during the early 1920s and settled in Chicago, where he joined King Oliver’s band. It was his inventiveness that set him apart, and eventually established him as an international star.

In a highly readable new biography, author and Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout draws on a cache of important new sources - unavailable to previous biographers - to bring Armstrong, the man behind the legend, into sharp focus, perhaps for the first time.

Armstrong, one of the most inventive, improvising soloists in jazz, cut a series of recordings during the early years of his career known as the “Hot Fives” and “Hot Sevens.” These historic cuts remain as crisp and relevant as when they were first issued more than 80 years ago. Armstrong was more than a jazz musician, however. His unique voice was recognizable throughout the world and it, too, helped define and expand American jazz. He had the musical punch to knock even the Beatles off the top of the charts.

What gives this biography legs is its almost sweeping narrative that squarely places both Armstrong and his music in context. Some of the more fascinating aspects of this book detail how he came close to being rubbed out by the Chicago mob, the real reason why he broke ranks with President Dwight Eisenhower, and the facts behind his marijuana arrest in 1930. Teachout also manages to delicately sort out Armstrong’s complicated private life.

This is a first-rate biography, and fitting because Armstrong deserves nothing less. Like his music, Armstong’s life story is inspiring and an absolute joy.

"Wish: A Novel" By Alexandra Bullen (Scholastic Books, $17.99) Reviewed by Katherine B. Olso

After the death of her twin sister, high-school junior Olivia Larsen and her family move from their home on the quiet East Coast to lively San Francisco, where Olivia confronts life in a new house, a school filled with strangers and a bustling city without her other half, twin Violet. Yet after a magical dress is unexpectedly delivered to her doorway, Olivia finds herself taking advice, solace and - astonishingly - three wishes from what just might be the ghost of her beloved sister.

With the writing chops often missing from authors of contemporary young-adult fiction, Alexandra Bullen deftly and descriptively invokes the uncertainty of death and the precariousness of daily life as a high-schooler. She does not take for granted the intelligence or experience of her readers, referencing both Virginia Woolf essays and iPods with equal ease.

Bullen characterizes Olivia’s foibles and relationships, letting a somewhat-illogical plot unfold gracefully and compellingly. Though the author’s heroine, Olivia, stumbles, she must find

her way out from the lingering black cloud of her twin sister’s absence - and the shadowy expectations Violet left behind - not on her own, but with loving and

mysterious guidance provided by the least likely source, Violet.

Arriving in a sparkly purple gift bag, complete with glitter, birthday candles and a lucky penny, “Wish” is the perfect gift for any wishful teenage reader.

On a bookstore shelf now often cluttered with brooding blood-sucking vampires and the tween protagonists who obsess over them, Bullen’s debut novel stands out as a great read, fitting for

a hopeful young audience

anywhere.

One Hotel Resort

What makes a resort something special?  Is it the accommodations, the staff, the food and / or the location? To me a world class resort is about “service.” Now combine that with all of the above and you have discovered One Ocean Resort in Atlantic Beach / Neptune Beach (Jacksonville) Fla.  This is the first property to be opened under The Gallery which is Remington’s Signature Collection of luxury hotels.  (www.oneoceanresort.com)

This is not just another property located directly on the ocean with all the amenities, as it is truly a “one stop vacation opportunity” for the entire family. The resort is surrounded by a wonderful village with many shops, boutiques, and more.  When I tell you to valet park your car, I mean you will not need it until you are ready to go home.

On entrance to One Ocean Resort you will probably be greeted by John Dixon who has been there since it opened.  He will direct you to the registration desk.  At that point you become  “friends” of the One Ocean staff and there is a sense of relaxation that immediately takes over your busy and stressful day.   From that moment on you have become a “recognizable person / guest” where the staff members sincerely seek to make your stay a memorable experience. The lobby is open and has a sculptured water fountain accented with glass bubbles dripping water as if under the sea.  The purpose of everything in the Resort is to bring the ocean and all of it adventures inside for you to enjoy.

After registration you are escorted to your room with your luggage. The room is spacious, beautifully appointed, flat screen TV, sound machine with radio clock, a comfortable bed adorned with quality linens and plush pillows and Wi-Fi for your needs. Once you have arrived in your room, there is a doorbell ring at your door as your docent has arrived.  The docent ensures every guest’s individual needs are exceeded for the length of their stay.  They will unpack your items, stock your personal amenity cabinet, steam your clothes, offer turndown service and accommodate any of your most luxurious wishes including a stocked refrigerator.  Whatever you need, the docent will be there.  There is also a one-touch service on call 24 hours to help you with anything to make your stay more comfortable.  Now that is a real “unique and individualized experience!”

One Ocean Resort offers many opportunities including the Spa at One Ocean located facing the ocean for total relaxation, the award winning Azurea Restaurant under the direction of Executive Chef Ted Peters, the Sea Turtles Kid’s Club where you can leave the kids and enjoy your evenings alone.  There are cocktail lounges, including the Tiki bar and outside fireplace with chic and comfortable furniture for the drink of your choice and one of those special martinis.  The heated pool has comfortable lounge chairs located directly on the ocean and there you can have a private cabana taken to the beach for your special use during the day.

From the golfer, the bride, the business person and the family, this is the place where glamour explodes around every corner.  The staircase in the lobby is very “Gone With The Wind” and the bar that comes to life each evening, as if it is the opening night of a Broadway Show, is under the direction of Hugh Thompson.  Believe me the reviews are in and they guarantee a “long run!” By-the-way his three sons Cody, Evan and Tristan are top surfers and champions and can be seen in all the leading Surfer Magazines.

I want to go back to the award winning spa at One Ocean.  You can certainly leave all of your rushed sensations at the door.  From entrance your are robed and seated in the meditative lounge facing the ocean and sand dunes draped with sea oats.  There you can enjoy the floor-to-the ceiling aqua sculpture, organic Juice Bar and prepare yourself for a few “paradise moments.”  The spa offers a Vichy Room, VIP Suites for couples and groups, private men’s and women’s areas, and more.  The staff is very personable and qualified for your relaxing experience.

Finally, this is the place for any form of receptions and gatherings whether your group is large or small.  From the magnificent ballroom to the outdoor patios for any kind of weather, One Ocean Resort can meet all of your requirements. For reservations and additional information call 904-247-0305.

Next week I will  introduce you to the head executive chef, Ted Peters, and offer one of his delicious recipes for you to try at home.  Azurea at One Ocean presents “Coriander Dusted Chilean Sea Bass, Spiny Lobster and Mango Gastrique, Coriander Emulsion.”

L-R, Scott Brandon, Crystal Hummer and Ryan Swaim.

The Eighth Annual Community Servant Award Breakfast, hosted by the March of Dimes, was recently held at the Crown Reef Conference Center. March of Dimes honored Scott Brandon and The Brandon Agency as this year’s award recipient for his leadership and service to the Myrtle Beach community.

The Community Servant Award was established in 1998 by the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes in order to honor a member of the community who has demonstrated a long history of service. Recipients are chosen for their outstanding leadership as well as their vision in the community.

Brandon is president and CEO of The Brandon Agency. As leader of the agency, Brandon has transformed the company into the single most creatively-awarded agency in the Carolinas and Virginia for the past nine consecutive years.

Some of Brandon’s most significant contributions have been the pro-bono work the agency produced for the Myrtle Beach area’s and South Carolina’s nonprofit organizations such as The Salvation Army, The American Heart Association, Ground Zero, CASA (Citizens Against Spouse Abuse), Children’s Museum of South Carolina, and Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina.

“A life-long resident of our community, Scott and his work with The Brandon Agency is truly a hero for so many area nonprofit organizations such as the March of Dimes,” said Crystal Hummer, executive director of March of Dimes Pee Dee Division. “This award is our opportunity of expressing our appreciation for his positive leadership and community service that has affected the lives of many.”

“Lack of transportation, work schedules and inability to pay for medical care and medicines are most often the reasons why families in rural parts of Georgetown County do not seek medical attention,” says Dr. John Ijem, H.E.L.P. founder and board member. “We believe that implementing a mobile medical unit that visits rural churches, schools and community centers will make healthcare more accessible to families in need.”

“Mobile medical units can cost several hundred thousand dollars,” says Toni Slifer, H.E.L.P. board member. “Though we have doctors and nurses willing to volunteer their time to staff the unit, outfitting the unit with necessary medical equipment can be quite expensive. That’s why we need the community’s support.”

H.E.L.P. intends to secure funding resources from grants, partnerships and private donations. H.E.L.P. is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and is not affiliated with any church or religious groups.

It is incorporated in South Carolina as a 501(c)3 organization.

The  show is open to the public and  welcomes beginners, browsers, all levels of collectors and anyone who has never been to a stamp show.  The show draws a large crowd each year and many are vacationers who plan their trips to coincide with the event.  The hobby of stamp collecting is fascinating with all of the modern shaped and scented stamps, is fun and educational, a great family project and a way to travel the world without leaving your living room.

The theme of the show will be “The 170th Anniversary Of The World’s First Postage Stamp - The Penny Black.” Exhibits will tell the story of the stamp and provide visitors with a look into various other aspects of the hobby.  A special show postmark and envelope related to the theme will be available at the show.

Eight dealers will provide a wide range of philatelic material for the beginner or the most advanced specialist.  In addition, covers, collections, postal history, picture postcards, supplies and literature will be available for your consideration.  A youth area provides free stamps to all children attending and is an effort to attract more young people to the hobby.

Information about the Myrtle Beach Stamp Club, reported to be one of the most active in South Carolina, will be available.  Admission, parking and appraisals of stamp and picture postcard collections/accumulations are all free of charge.  The show is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, call 843- 347-0087,   e-mail at  lilfort@sccoast.net or on the club website.

Derrick and Amanda Suggs and their family were welcomed to their new home in Loris on January 18. by an exuberant crowd of 5,000 spectators, including Loris High School students and cheerleaders, volunteers, friends and family. Ty Pennington, the design team of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Jeff Gordon, NASCAR champ and celebrity builder for the episode shared in the excitement.

Suggs Family’s New Extreme Home Makeover Home

The 3,500 sq. ft. house was built by Sterling Homes and hundreds of volunteers in 100 hours while the family was sent on vacation to Disney World in Orlando, FL.

When the Suggs family stepped out of the limo, they were overwhelmed by the community support for them. They thanked Clinch Heyward and Harry Dill of Sterling Homes for making the home build possible. As the crowd began to shout “move that bus,” the driver pulled away and they saw their brand new home for the first time.

The Suggs family in front of their new home: Clockwise, Amanda, holding Mason, Derrick, Jacob, Jordan, & Walker.

During a later interview, Amanda, the mom, said “it was such a shock.  We could not know the impact of what was going on while we were gone.  We still have the same great love in our family, but now we have a wonderful home to share.  As a mom I don’t have to worry about the floors caving in and the children getting hurt.  It is such a weight lifted and is still like a dream.  We are so thankful to everyone.”

Derrick, the dad, said “ It means so much to us and it is hard to take it all in. I won’t have to worry about my family being taken care of and safe while I am at work. One word I can use to describe the experience is amazement.”

Jacob, Amanda’s brother, age 17, jumped for joy when he saw the new home. He said “I will keep my friends close and things will still be the same at school.”  When asked what his future plans include he said he plans to enroll in college and possibly study criminal justice.  He might become a policeman.  “This is wonderful that people think so much of me and my family to do this for us,” he said.

The family received several other donations and gifts including scholarships from Charleston Southern University, Horry Georgetown Tech, tuition from First Presbyterian Church Growing Tree Preschool, two-year scholarships donated by Chick-Fil-A and lifetime tickets to the Darlington Raceway.

The sentiment most often expressed by those who know the Suggs family was  they are so deserving and give back so much to their community.  Welcome home!

A potpourri of thoughtful Valentine gifts at the Chocolate & Coffee House. Chocolates, of course, and fused glass heart pendants by Suz Mole (or make your own in her OLLI workshop).

Nestled in the newly renovated Chocolate & Coffee House in the Litchfield Exchange, the registration desk for CLASS (Community Learning About Special Subjects), Moveable Feast and Art Works is surrounded by the tempting smells of fresh brewed coffees and handmade chocolates. Decorated with antique chocolate tins, coffee paraphernalia from around the world and the artwork of a dozen local artists, the shop’s comfy leather seating area overlooks the duck ponds, wooden bridges and azalea beds of the Exchange. The space welcomes visiting laptop users, book club members, post-Tai Chi coffee klatches and anyone seeking a comforting atmosphere to read or finish the daily crossword puzzle. Forgot your book? No matter, mate, proprietor Sue Townsend is the caretaker of the Friends of Waccamaw Library’s continuing used book sale. An endless stream of current bestsellers and classics float in and out of the freestanding bookshelf in the atrium ($1 for hardcovers, 50 cents for paperbacks). Now, with construction and painting completed, Sue is moving into high production of her quality Valentine chocolates and welcomes new and returning patrons. Located behind Applewood House of Pancakes, two miles south of Brookgreen Gardens on U.S. 17, the Litchfield Exchange houses numerous CLASS programs, like Tai Chi, Memory Mondays and SPAT (Self-Published Author Talks). To reach the Chocolate & Coffee House, call 843-237-7874.

The Moveable Feast

This popular series of literary luncheons, each featuring an exciting author at different Waccamaw Neck restaurants, is held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Most feasts are $25. Reservations are requested by the Wednesday prior to the feast. The Winter 2010 schedule through April is available onsite at Art Works inside the Chocolate & Coffee House at the Litchfield Exchange, online at www.classatpawleys.com or by phone, 843-235-9600.

Hannah Tinti's novel, "The Good Thief," is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, and a recipient of the American Library Association's Alex Award.

Feb. 5 – Hannah Tinti (The Good Thief) at Ocean One.

Richly imagined, gothically spooky, and replete with the ingenious storytelling ability of a born novelist, The Good Thief introduces one of the most appealing young heroes in contemporary fiction and ratifies Hannah Tinti as one of our most exciting new talents. Author of the short story collection Animal Crackers and co-founder and editor in chief of One Story magazine, her debut novel is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, and a recipient of the American Library Association’s Alex Award.

Feb. 12 – Rick Simmons (“Defending South Carolina’s Coast: The Civil War from Georgetown to Little River”) at Inlet Affairs.

Area native Simmons relates the often overlooked stories of the upper South Carolina coast during the Civil War. As a base of operations for more than 3,000 troops early in the war and the site of more than a dozen forts, almost every inch of the coast was affected by and hotly contested during the Civil War. From the skirmishes at Fort Randall in Little River and the repeated Union naval bombardments of Murrells Inlet to the unrealized potential of the massive fortifications at Battery White and the sinking of the USS Harvest Moon in Winyah Bay, the region’s colorful Civil War history is unfolded here at last.

Feb. 19 – Carl Naylor (“The Day the Johnboat Went Up the Mountain: Stories of Maritime Archaeology”) at Debordieu Beach Club.

This book presents true tales of underwater adventures and discoveries in the Palmetto State’s maritime history. Combining his skills as a veteran journalist and well-practiced storyteller with his two decades of underwater adventures in maritime archaeology, Naylor offers a colorfully candid account of remarkable discoveries in the Palmetto State’s history and prehistory.

Valentines from OLLI

The following programs and workshops are offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Coastal Carolina University’s Waccamaw Higher Education Center in Litchfield. For more information or to register, call 843-349-4030 or visit www.coastal.edu/olli.

Tea & Poetry, co-sponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and The Poetry Society of South Carolina, presents poets Barbara G. S. Hagerty and Ray McManus on Thursday, Feb. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Reception and book signing following the reading. Barbara G. S. Hagerty is author of “The Guest House” (Finishing Line Press, 2009). Her poems, essays and columns have appeared in a wide variety of national and regional publications. A member of Richard Garcia’s Long Table Poets workshop in Charleston, she holds an M.A. in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Ray McManus is the author of two collections of poetry: “Left Behind” (Stepping Stones Press) and “Driving through the country before you are born” (USC Press, 2007), winner of the SC Poetry Book Prize. His poetry has appeared in many journals throughout the United Sates and Canada. He is an assistant professor of English at USC Sumter.

Fused Glass Valentine Pendant Workshop, taught by Suz Mole.

A Valentine's Day armload of bracelets, created by Kelli Barker, gives twice: to your sweetheart and to Project Lighthouse, a care center for troubled youths. Available at Art Works.

No experience is necessary for this two-day workshop. The first class is an introduction and putting glass together for firing in the kiln. The second class is coldworking. Course fee is $45, plus all glass, findings and tools provided with a $25 materials fee. Thursday, Feb. 4 (2 to 5 p.m.) and Friday, Feb. 5 (10 a.m. to noon).

Writing Your Treasured Memories, taught by Mary Anne Benedetto.

Capture your collection of life stories to share with future generations! Through a variety of tips and methods that trigger your memories of pertinent events, learn the secret of writing your stories to share with family and loved ones. One story leads to another, and we welcome experienced writers as well as writing phobics! Our workshop is fun, rewarding and inspiring. Based on Turning Memories into Memoirs by Denis Ledoux; optional text available at workshop, $23.  The two-week workshop fee is $45; Saturday, Feb. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. to noon.

Poetry Workshop: The Usefulness of Silence, taught by Susan Meyers.

A poem’s silences fulfill a purpose just as the words do. Thus, poets need to know how to use white space, punctuation, elliptical syntax, the unspoken - and the many other ways to be silent in a poem. We’ll read sample published poems, discuss how they manage their silences, and write poems of our own. A resource packet is included. Lunch can be brought or bought. The workshop fee is $30; Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

David Durant, Horry County United Way prepared to make the announcement of 100.16 tons of food donated and goal exceeded.

The culmination of a month long effort by United Way, Horry County and Sterling Homes resulted in a major success for the Extreme Canned Food Drive.  100.16 tons of canned food was donated by area residents, churches, organizations and businesses in conjunction with the Extreme Makeover Home Edition home build for the Suggs family of Loris.

20,000 people were shuttled to and from the home site according to estimates during the week and most of them brought canned food items for the project.

Walmart donated 35 tons of the 100 tons of food and all six area Walmart stores provided drop off locations.  The 200,000 pounds of canned food will provide 156,000 meals for 22 agencies in Horry County including food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, children’s services and church food pantries.

Clinch Heyward of Sterling Homes decided to launch the county’s largest food drive after hearing about a similar one associated with another Extreme Food Drive in Buffalo, New York.  Horry County exceeded Buffalo by 15 tons which is quite impressive considering the population differential of the two areas.

Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, businesses, employees, and all those who participated in every aspect. “To make that goal is a testimony to what happens when people pull in the same direction together,” said Clinch Heyward at the news conference when David Durant of Horry County United Way made the announcement.

The greatest accomplishment of these efforts is those in need will become the beneficiaries of the true American spirit of charitable giving and sacrifice in helping others.  This is what America does.

Kara-Anne Seradimigni with daughter Giana at press conference with Jacopo Falleni, Chef Fabio Viviani and emcee Diane DeVaughn Stokes.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani and international award-winning sommelier/mixologist Jacopo Falleni appeared in Myrtle Beach Jan. 20 to kick off ticket sales for Taste! which is scheduled for May 14-16.

The new gourmet food and wine show will feature national and local television celebrity chefs with cooking demonstrations plus cooking and baking competitions.

Vendor booths will offer samples and sales of delectable culinary delights on different avenues such as Restaurant Row, Beverage Boulevard, Gourmet Avenue and  Sweet Tooth Lane.

Chef Fabio Falleni

The flavors of wine, beer and local seafood can be savored in tastings, and enlightening seminars will be presented by sommeliers, beer masters and cigar experts and coffee masters.

A must for families is a visit to the Just-4-Kids Cooking Tent featuring Myrtle Beach’s own Cecil Chandler, culinary expert and TV personality, with Chef Fabio Viviani. Watch the scnow.com website for complete information about the competition to name the Lil’ Chef mascot with a contest ending February 16. The winning entry will receive a stuffed chef mascot, two tickets to Freestyle Music Park, two dinner certificates and a guaranteed spot on the stage during the Just-4-Kids Cooking Demos. The child must be 12 or younger to enter.

Fabio and Jacopo are co-owners of the popular Firenze Osteria restaurant in North Hollywood and co-authors of Café Firenze: Food and Drink Recipes from the Tuscan Sons. The chef’s training in classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine is matched by his charming Italian presentation as he wows audiences worldwide with international panache. His Northern Italian comfort foods include his current specialty of molecular cuisine with cutting edge technology perfecting his work.

Fabio has organized food events for fashion shows by Robert Cavelli, Alessandrini and Gucci and has consulted to Florentine restaurants promoting Tuscan cuisine as well as served as personal chef to Italian celebrities. His business partner Jacopo, the award-winning bartender, brings an equal amount of pizzazz with drinks to complement the meals. The prized flavors and the partners’ presentations will be one of the highlights of the premier Myrtle Beach food and wine extravaganza.

Chef Fabio was voted the fan favorite of season five of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” which was nominated for five Emmy awards. His creative Tuscan and Florentine meals will be exemplified in the Intimate Dinner Party scheduled for Friday, May 14 at 7:30 pm at the Sheraton Banquet Hall. Also, the Chef Demo with special menu and accompanying drinks is set for Saturday, May 15 at 1:30 pm plus a Just-4-Kids Cooking Demo. The mixologist also will teach kids a fun fruity slushy in the Just-4-Kids Cooking Tent.

Guy Fieri, winner of the Food Network’s second season of, “The Next Food Network Star,” will present his distinctive dishes at Taste! on Saturday, May 14 at 12:30 pm. Called the “Bad Boy” of cooking, he now has four popular TV shows, including “Guy Off the Hook,” and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and he appears several times a week on the Food Network. His popular show, “Guy’s Big Bite,” features Guy teaching viewers how to make creative dishes with bold flavor. He has recently announced a new NBC show to debut in March: “A Minute to Win It.”

Taste! is a national show, sponsored locally by WBTW News 13, to be located at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center May 14-16. It will include exhibits, tastings, dinners, children’s programs, a barbecue competition and celebrity appearances by additional national network chefs.

Additional sponsors are Crystallite Café, Pronto Press and East Side Cigars. Exhibitors and more special events and sponsors will be announced soon.

For exhibitor or sponsor information call show producer, co-owner of KNB Productions, Kara-Anne Seradimigni at 843-333-7972 or visit tasteshows.com.

The public is invited to order tickets online at tasteshows.com or obtain tickets at Pronto Press. Costs range from $7 general admission to $80 for stage seating during a celebrity demonstration. This is only a taste of what can be experienced at Taste!

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Northeastern Technical College will host free workshops to develop strategies that will increase sales and enhance company performance for small businesses.

Small business owners will gain knowledge in different strategies for marketing, entrepreneurship and small business assistance, financial programs and customer care. The workshops will consist of interactive roundtable discussions.

The first workshop will be held at the Community Hut in Chesterfield on Jan, 19.  A second workshop will be held at the Bennettsville Library on Feb. 2 and a third workshop at the City of Dillon Wellness Center in the Multi-Purpose Room on Feb. 16. The workshops will begin with light refreshments and round table discussions will follow.

Speakers from both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Small Business Administration will offer expert advice on loan programs for small businesses. Many South Carolina-based companies will also be in attendance to offer guidance on the topics discussed.

Seating for workshops is limited. For more information and to register, contact Ted Campbell at the South Carolina Department of Commerce at TCampbell@SC-commerce.com or 803-737-2329.

The annual Kids Jamboree returns in Feb. for an even bigger and better children’s festival filled with fun and education.

The Florence Civic Center will be the site for the fifth annual Kids Jamboree on Feb. 6-7.  The event continues to be a popular experience for friends and family to spend quality time together.

Tina Dean, director of sales and marketing at the Civic Center and co-chair of the event, explains that “many new rides and activities have been added to the event.  Families will notice a big change for the annual festival, some of which include a Fun House and Glass House, a 100’ Giant Slide and several mechanical ‘carnival-type’ rides for kids of all ages including the Toddler Town area where you must not be over 42 inches tall to play.”  The entire facility at the SMG-managed Civic Center will be filled with a large array of professional entertainment, games, inflatables, mechanical rides, roving mascots and interactive fun which will ensure a good time for all who attend.

Returning in 2010, festival-goers can visit with the S.C. State Museum, the Florence Children’s Library and Science South. Other attractions will include Karaoke with Nashville recording artist Lesa Hudson, Ripley’s Aquarium, Children’s Museum of S.C., South Carolina DNR’s interactive fishing game and a chance to  meet your favorite on-air radio personalities from 103x and Eagle 92.9 just to name a few.

Mike Chinich, co-chair of the event also adds that “the hands-on experience that Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy bring to the event create areas that families can hammer, build and experience the latest in video gaming  together.” From bird houses to electronics, the event will have something for everyone.

Once inside the event, all activities and rides are included in the low $6 admission price. Ice skating, concessions and souvenir items will be available for purchase.

Tickets are on sale now for the event and can be purchased at the Civic Center Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com.

The Waccamaw Tractor and Engine Club has spent the past year restoring a 1941 Farmall A tractor to be donated to the L.W. Paul Living History Farm.   The Club restored the rusted broken down tractor back to its like new glory.  The tractor was donated to the club by member J. D. Johnson and was worked on by many members of the club over a period of a year.  The Waccamaw Tractor and Engine club is a regional club whose members are antique tractor and engine enthusiasts devoted to preserving antique farm machinery.

The L.W. Paul Living History Farm was created with the mission to educate the public about what life was like on a one horse family farm between the years of 1900-1955.  The goal is to interpret the lifestyle of a Horry County farm family by hands on living demonstrations daily.  The time period the farm represents includes the transitional years from mule power to tractor power.  The tractor will be displayed on the farm and used to perform small jobs on the farm for public exhibit.

The tractor donation will take place at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm on January 23 at 1 p.m.

The L.W. Paul Living History Farm is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Just a short drive from Historic Downtown Conway, the Farm is located at 2279 Harris Shortcut Road on Hwy. 701 North. Admission is free, donations accepted.

For further information, call the Horry County Museum at 843-915-5320 or email at hcmuseum@horrycounty.org.

The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum will be held Wednesday, March 17 through Sunday, March 21. In celebration of its thirteenth year, the Forum lecture series is entitled E Pluribus Unum: Thirteen Colonies, One New Nation. Experts will examine architecture, furniture, paintings, silver, ceramics and gardens found in each geographic region of Colonial America.

The keynote address opens the Forum on March 17 and is the inaugural event of Charleston’s Antiques Week. Carrie Rebora Barratt, Associate Director of Collections and Administration at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be giving the Keynote Address. A noted lecturer and author on American art, Dr. Barratt will present Facing the New World: American Portraiture in the Thirteen Original Colonies. The Keynote Address and the Forum lectures will be held in the historic 1845 Courtroom at the Confederate Home, 23 Chalmers Street.

“The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum stages the best fine and decorative arts program in the country today,” according to Americana’s distinguished scholar Wendell D. Garrett.

In addition to Carrie Rebora Barratt, the 2010 Forum speakers are: Gary J. Albert, Old Salem Museums & Gardens; Paul F. (Chip) Callaway, Callaway and Associates, Inc., landscape architects; Eleanore P. Gadsden, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Eric K. Gronning, Sotheby’s New York; Ralph Harvard III, Ralph Harvard, Inc., designers; Middleton Place Foundation officials Charles Duell, Barbara, Doyle, Mary Edna Sullivan and Tracy Todd; Robert D. Mussey, Jr., Robert Mussey Associates, furniture conservators; Robert M. Prioleau, The Huguenot Society of South Carolina; Margaret B. Pritchard , Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Katherine A. Saunders, Historic Charleston Foundation; J. Thomas Savage, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate; Jane Shadel Spillman, The Corning Museum of Glass; Matthew A. Thurlow, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Elisabeth Garrett Widmer, independent scholar and museum consultant.

This year’s program will feature an afternoon visit to Middleton Place, the plantation home of patriots Henry Middleton, President of the First Continental Congress and Arthur Middleton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Objects from the Middleton family collection, including some of which have never been seen by the public, will be examined. Optional tours highlighting Charleston’s early history and hospitality will allow participants to explore bastion and drawbridge sites of the only English walled city in North America, visit several of the city’s earliest private homes, and learn about the French Huguenot settlers in the country’s only remaining independent Huguenot church. A private tour of the Charleston International Antiques Show with Forum Moderator J. Thomas Savage, will conclude the 2010 Forum offerings.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the hiring of The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum’s first Executive Director, Courtenay L. Daniels, from Charleston who also heads Corporate Events Consulting in New York,” said Founder and Chair Jean Helms. “In addition, Ralph Harvard III, antiquarian and designer, and Catherine Sweeney Singer , Executive Director of the Winter Antiques Show in New York, have both agreed to serve on our national advisory board.”

Founded in 1997, The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum is a non-profit organization which benefits arts education and preservation programs in Charleston, South Carolina. The 2010 Forum is being sponsored, in part, by Charlton Hall Auctions in Columbia, SC and by Phipps Dickson Integria, a media services company based in Quebec, Canada.

Ticket packages are now available online at www.charlestonantiquesforum.org. To receive the 2010 program brochure, write The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum; 36 Legare Street; Charleston, SC 29401 or call 800-926-2520.

Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association has presented its 2009 Top Dog Award for Best Community Service Project to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The MBACC was honored at the Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association’s second annual awards ceremony Jan. 21 at the Crown Reef Resort and Conference Center.

The association recognized the MBACC for its role in the Horry County wildfires in April 2009 -namely, for serving as a drop-off location for American Red Cross donations, securing supplies for firefighters, helping to find temporary housing for wildfire victims who had been displaced and keeping the community and media informed via the chamber’s website.

“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is a great partner of the Horry Georgetown Builders Association and a friend to the community,” said Cindy Ott, director of programs and education for the association. “We are proud to be able to present this award to them for reaching out to those in need and letting our community know what could be done to help.”

Freestyle Music Park will open its Red Red Wine gift and wine shop Feb 11 – 13 in honor of Valentine’s Day.

Looking for something unique to give your special Valentine on February 14? Tired of the same old box of chocolates or bottle of wine? Freestyle Music Park will open its Red Red Wine gift and wine shop February 11-13 to help shoppers tantalize their Valentines’ taste buds with specialty wines such as Cherry Red, Eleganta Raspberry and Strawberry Blush. Slated to operate 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, Red Red Wine will feature wine tastings, as well as unique trinkets and gifts for the wine lover each day.

While traditional wines are derived from fermented grapes, Red Red Wine’s inventory of select, award-winning wines comes from ultra-premium citrus, tropical and berry wines developed by Florida’s Shook family. Since 1991, the Shook family has collected more than 200 medals and awards for their wide selection of wines. Non-grape fermented wines have continued to increase in popularity over the last two decades.

“At first, our patrons were more curious than anything when they came into the store for a wine tasting,” said Barry Simmons, director of merchandise. “By the end of the season and throughout the winter, we’ve had a number of phone and Internet orders from fans who fell in love with the wines when they visited the Park this summer. Although the Park is closed until spring, we thought it would be fun to share a bottle of Blueberry bubbly, Millennium Gold or one of the berry wines with your special someone on Valentine’s Day.”

According to Simmons, Red Red Wine lists the following wines as its top ten selling wines:

Blueberry Blue - Try this great dry blueberry and you won’t have to fantasize about “hints” of blueberry in its taste!

Cherry Red - Not too dry, not too sweet. This gold-medal winner table wine has a great bouquet and flavor.

Eleganta - Red Raspberry- Semi-sweet - If you like red raspberries, you will love this double silver medal winner.

Festiberry - Cranberry - No holiday is complete without this fresh, crisp cranberry wine.

Hurricane Class 5 - White Sangria - This secret blending of several of our most popular tropical wines is a refreshing, white sangria.

Mango Mamma - Made from fresh squeezed mangoes, it’s a semi-dry to semisweet wine with the undeniable taste and bouquet of fresh Florida mangoes.

Millennium Gold-Strawberry Cream Sherry - Our specialty strawberry wine, aged with our special brandy and then oak aged for four more years!

Strawberry Blush - Made 100% from Florida Strawberries… no wonder it’s so good!

White Gold - Peach - A peachy companion for your dinner, snacks and desserts or just plain sipping on the patio on a summer afternoon.

40 Karat-Carrot - A wonderfully buttery semi-dry white wine similar to a Chardonnay but with a lot more flavor. Made 100% from Florida carrots.

Sparkling Blueberry Blue - Celebrate with the “Blues!” Now the best Florida Blueberry wine ever (our Blueberry Blue) sparkles with even more flavor sensation.

Throughout its inaugural season, patrons to Freestyle Music Park enjoyed the wine tastings and wine smoothies while perusing the trinkets, gifts and souvenirs available for wine lovers. There are a number of items available for purchase including wine stoppers, night shirts, magnets, napkins, acrylic wine glasses and ice buckets, wine glasses as well as higher end “Tuscan” themed items for the home.

For more information about the tropical wines or Red Red Wine’s Valentine’s Day hours, call 843-236-7625 or visit www.freestylemusicpark.com. Wine purchase is available year round, either by the bottle or case discount. All applicable sales tax and shipping charges apply.

Mack and Molly were adopted from the Grand Strand Humane Society

The Grand Strand Humane Society is pleased to announce it will be offering a free spay/neuter voucher program beginning in Feb. This program is made possible through a very generous donation by an anonymous benefactor.

Six spay/neuter vouchers will be given out the first Monday of every month between 8  and 9 a.m. beginning  Feb. 1. The following dates to pick up a voucher will be March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, Sept. 6, Oct.r 4 and Nov. 1. Vouchers will be given on a first come first served basis.

Vouchers will be good for a spay or neuter surgery on a domestic animal only, limited to canines and/or felines. Pain medication and antibiotics are also included for after surgery care. Animal must be current on all shots and necessary testing prior to spay/neuter surgery. Felines must have a current FVRCP vaccine, rabies shot and leukemia/aids test at least one week prior to surgery. Canines must have a current distemper vaccine, rabies shot and heartworm test at least one week prior to surgery. These shots will be included with a voucher spay/neuter if needed at no additional cost. Proof that animal is current on all vaccines must be provided prior to surgery.

Animal must be at least three months of age. All spay/neuter surgeries will be at the discretion of the staff veterinarian.

Spay/Neuter voucher must be used within the month it is issued; otherwise it will become null and void. There is a limit of one voucher issued to a family and/or household per month. You must be 18 years old or older to obtain a voucher and provide proof of identification. Persons will not be able to pick up more than one voucher and will not be able to obtain a voucher for another person.

Vouchers are available to residents both within and outside the city limits of Myrtle Beach.

For more information, contact Rita Rhodes, director of operations at 843-918-4916 or ritarhodes@sc.rr.com.

Representatives from Coastal Uncorked today announced a poster competition for the inaugural food and wine festival taking place May 16-23. The competition is open to artists of all ages who submit an original piece of artwork for judging by Friday, February 26. A committee of three judges will select the winning poster based on its design quality, marketability and its ability to most effectively display the concept of the Coastal Uncorked Food & Wine Festival.

All pieces of art submitted for the competition will be featured in a poster revealing wine and cheese reception, catered by Croissants Bistro & Bakery, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. During the event, all submitted Coastal Uncorked artwork will be for sale except the winning poster, which will be auctioned off at the Food Fight Gala on May 23.

The winner of the competition will receive recognition as the official 2010 Coastal Uncorked poster artist. The winning image will be reproduced as the official festival poster and will be used on all Coastal Uncorked merchandise. The winning artist will receive 10 complimentary posters as well as a commission of 50 percent of the money raised from the artwork in the silent auction at the Food Fight Gala.

“The poster competition is an integral part of the festival,” said Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants Bistro & Bakery and Coastal Uncorked spokesperson. “The winning poster will become the associated image of the festival, so it is very important that we chose a piece that best represents the event. We look forward to reviewing the artwork submitted and unveiling the pieces at our first festival event on March 3.”

The poster competition rules are as follow: artists interested in submitting an original piece of art must visually display their individual concept and interpretation of Coastal Uncorked Food & Wine Festival; original artwork submitted by the artist or the artist’s representative only will be accepted and entries are limited to two per artist; all forms of art are eligible including painting, photography, sculpture, graphic design and illustration; the size of the original piece of art must not exceed 36 inches by 36 inches and the artist must submit the actual artwork as no slides or reproductions will be accepted; artists must submit a completed entry form with each piece of artwork submitted; artwork must be submitted ready to be hung on the wall – either in a frame or shrink-wrapped with Velcro on the back. A panel of three judges will select the winning poster image based on the specifications, design quality, and marketability. The committee will have discretion to disqualify any artwork submitted with inappropriate content. All artwork must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 26. Entries must be hand-delivered to The Brandon Agency or the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin during normal business hours.  Coastal Uncorked, Inc. will retain possession and all legal rights to the artwork selected, including all reproduction and photographic rights, with credit for the artwork being given to the artist in all accompanying materials. The judges reserve the right to limit the number of submissions to be displayed.

For more information about Coastal Uncorked Food & Wine Festival, email coastaluncorked@gmail.com or visit CoastalUncorked.com.

The official South Carolina Hall of Fame board of trustees has announced the 2010 inductees, one contemporary and one deceased. Robert Smalls, a former slave and Civil War hero who later became a state representative, senator and U.S. congressman, and Richard Wilson Riley, a former governor and U.S. secretary of education, were selected by the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies. This was the first year that the nomination of inductees was open to the public.

“I am extremely privileged to be able to honor both of these remarkable contributors to the state of South Carolina by inducting them into the official South Carolina Hall of Fame,” said Leo Twiggs, chairman, board of trustees.

A formal induction ceremony will be held 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The ceremony is free and open to the public, and media are invited to attend. Portraits of both inductees will be unveiled and added to the gallery in the convention center lobby where the S.C. Hall of Fame is located.

Smalls

Robert Smalls (1839-1915) was born in Beaufort, S.C., on April 5, 1839.

At the start of the Civil War, Smalls was employed as a pilot on the Confederate steamship CSS Planter. On the morning of May 13, 1862, Smalls led the takeover of the ship by its slave crew, sailed past the harbor’s formidable defenses and surrendered the vessel to the Union fleet. The ship was received as contraband, and Smalls and his crew were welcomed as heroes. Later, President Lincoln received Smalls in Washington and rewarded him and his crew for their valor. He was given official command of the CSS Planter and made a captain in the U.S. Navy.

After the war Smalls returned to South Carolina and entered politics. He was a state representative from 1868-1870 and state senator from 1870-1874. In 1874 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served intermittently until 1886.

In 1889 President Benjamin Harrison appointed Smalls as the U.S. Collector of Customs for the port in Beaufort, an office he held until 1913. He died on Feb. 22, 1915.

Riley

Richard Wilson Riley, born Jan. 2, 1933, in Greenville, S.C., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Furman University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina, joining his father’s law firm in 1960. He was a state representative from 1962-1966 and state senator from 1966-1976.

Riley was the first South Carolina governor to serve two consecutive four-year terms (1979-1987). As governor, he launched his most ambitious reform, a comprehensive effort to overhaul the state’s public school system. The 1984 South Carolina Education Improvement Act reformed the schools, boosting average scholastic aptitude test scores and the proportion of high school graduates pursuing college degrees.

After earning national recognition for his education improvements in South Carolina, President Bill Clinton appointed Riley as secretary of education in 1992, the only South Carolinian named to that position.

Riley served in this post until Clinton left office in 2001. During his tenure with the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Riley helped launch historic initiatives to raise academic standards, improve instruction for the poor and disadvantaged, increase parental involvement in education, expand loans to help more Americans attend college and prepare young Americans for the work world.

Since then, Riley has served as a senior partner in the law firm of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. He is also a distinguished lecturer in the political science department of Furman University and continues to be involved in education at the state and national levels.

Persons eligible for induction into the S.C. Hall of Fame are those born in South Carolina who obtained recognition elsewhere and those born elsewhere but who lived and obtained recognition in the state. One contemporary citizen and one deceased citizen may be inducted annually.

Past inductees include author Pat Conroy, President Andrew Jackson, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, Sen. J. Strom Thurmond, astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr. and more than 70 others.

The official South Carolina Hall of Fame, a nonprofit corporation conducted under state charter, is sponsored by the state of South Carolina, city of Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit SouthCarolinaHallofFame.com or call 843-916-7238.

The South Carolina Hall of Fame-dedicated Feb. 11, 1973, by Gov. John C. West-was created to recognize and honor those contemporary and past citizens who have made outstanding contributions to South Carolina’s heritage and progress. On Sept. 21, 2001, Gov. Jim Hodges signed into law a bill designating the South Carolina Hall of Fame as the state’s official Hall of Fame.

The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies is the official organization for selecting nominees. Each of the confederation’s ten districts selects one contemporary and one deceased nominee annually, a total of ten contemporary and ten deceased nominees, for consideration by the board of trustees.

Carmen Ash Photography officials announced today that WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, has honored the Charleston and Myrtle Beach-based photo studio with the “2010 Bride’s Choice Award” for its bridal photography achievements over the past year.

The annual “Bride’s Choice Awards” recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

By winning the award, Carmen Ash Photography ranks among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire Community, which includes more than 100,000 wedding professionals from the United States and Canada. WeddingWire recognized winners from 19 different service categories.

“To be recognized by one of the authorities in our photography industry is an honor,” said Carmen Coblentz, owner of Carmen Ash Photography. “Photography is our passion and we see each and every wedding as a story that needs to be told, from the many different eyes. We would like to thank the newlyweds who nominated us for this prestigious award and WeddingWire for recognizing our work in 2009.”

“We are excited to honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual ‘Bride’s Choice Awards’ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

For more information, visit the WeddingWire storefront at http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/biz/carmen-ash-photography-charleston.

Author and art consultant Barbara Guggenheim will discuss the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of collecting art at an event titled How the Art World Works: New Twists on the World’s Second Oldest Profession at the Gibbes Museum of Art on Thursday, February 4.  Ms. Guggenheim’s lecture will begin at 6 p.m. and it will be followed by a reception at 7 p.m.

Barbara Guggenheim is a partner in the national firm of art consultants, Guggenheim, Asher Associates. She holds a doctorate in Art History, has taught on the university level, was head lecturer at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and has worked at both Sotheby’s and Christie’s.  Through her consulting company, Guggenheim has advised corporations such as Coca-Cola and Sony, and individuals, including celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg.

Ms. Guggenheim has been the subject of numerous magazine profiles, including two in Vanity Fair, and has lectured across the country and abroad. In addition, Guggenheim regularly writes humor for W and Elle. She has written three books including “Decorating on eBay: Fast & Stylish on a Budget” and has a fourth coming out in January entitled “The Ultimate Organizer: How to Be Your Own Personal Assistant.”

“We are excited to have Barbara Guggenheim share her thoughts on collecting art with the Charleston community,” said Gibbes executive director Angela Mack.

Tickets for the February 4 lecture and reception are $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Gibbes Museum Store, by calling 843-722-2706 x 22, or online at www.gibbesmuseum.org

/events (online purchasing available through January 29).

Haggerty

“It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made” said Haggerty.

After completing basic training, Haggerty was sent to school to learn plumbing, a job which turned into a career after his four year enlistment.

“I had good mechanical aptitude, so I became a plumber.  It was good duty in the Air Force.”

When his training was completed, Haggerty was stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in the Washington, D.C. area.

“It was a spit and polish base. We had 13 of the top generals in the Air Force stationed there, including Curtis LeMay when he was Chief of Staff.”

Haggerty worked on the pipes at LeMay’s house and also was involved in the installation of a fish pond for LeMay’s wife. However, it was during a softball game late in his enlistment, which provided him with a career.

“I was playing softball and one of the umpires was director of employment of Washington Gas and Electric,” Haggerty said. “We got to talking about what I was going to do when I got discharged and he told me to come and see him.”

Haggerty spent the next 33 years of his life working for the company.

“I started in the field doing pipe work,” he said. “After 14 years I moved on to marketing and eventually moved to the Human Resources department. The training I received in the Air Force made it all possible.”

Familiar with the Myrtle Beach, SC area through golf and family vacations while working in Washington, Haggerty and his wife became permanent residents of North Myrtle Beach, SC ten days after he retired.

“I retired on December 31, 1996 and by January 10, 1997 we were living here,” he said. “We loved the area and thought it was perfect for retirement.”

Haggerty also became involved with American Legion Post 186 in Little River, including serving as post commander from 1999-2001.

“We have a great little post here which has grown quickly over the past few years,” he said. “We now have over 700 members.”

Post 186 sponsors attendees to Boys State and conducts fundraisers for Helping Hand charities. One of the most important services it provides, however, is to veterans. Haggerty and Post 186 have been supporters of the Veterans Welcome and Resource Center in Little River since it opened last year.

“We have a service officer who helps veterans get the benefits to which they are entitled,” Haggerty said. “A considerable number of medical conditions have been tied to in-country service in Vietnam in the past several years and we try to get that information out to those who may be eligible.”

Wilmington artist Pamela Toll will lead a painting and collage workshop at the Franklin Square Gallery in Southport on March 19, 20 and 21.

Students will learn the history of collage and explore different collage techniques.  During the session, they will complete three collages based on different themes.

Toll is a full time faculty member at UNCW and one of the founders of No Boundaries, the international art colony which meets for two weeks every two years in Wilmington and Bald Head Island.  She considers collage integral to her painting and refers to both historical paintings and her personal work in her history of collage.  Her demonstrations include different kinds of transfers and other techniques.

The three-day workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $175.  To register contact Joanne Geisel at 910-371-6160 or jqgeisel@yahoo.com.

More than 70 percent of the Clemson University student body turned out to vote in the 2008 presidential election, making Clemson one of seven colleges nationwide to achieve this level, Tufts University and Campus Compact have announced.

Clemson, Kennesaw State University and Tufts were the three institutions with more than 5,000 students to top 70 percent voter participation. Hamline University and Smith College, with between 2,000 and 5,000 students, and Lesley University and Manchester College, with fewer than 2,000 students, also reached this level.

“With our national mania for ranking colleges and universities, wouldn’t it be great if schools competed not just in sports or academic reputation, but worked to be top-ranked in student voting rates as well?” Margaret McKenna, former president of Lesley University, once observed.

Inspired by that idea, the Campus Votes Challenge started as a friendly challenge from Tufts University President Lawrence S. Bacow and grew out of Campus Compact’s 2008 Voter Initiative. Administered by Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University, the 2008 Campus Votes Challenge drew participation from more than 40 undergraduate colleges and universities across the nation.

The 70 percent voting rate at the seven named institutions is significantly higher than the 59.7 percent national average for voter turnout among all 18- to 24-year-old college students in 2008. Fifteen institutions earned honorable mention by demonstrating a turnout of more than 60 percent.

Voting rates were calculated with assistance from students at participating institutions who gave permission to have their votes verified against the public voter record by an independent, third-party organization. These public records only indicate whether or not an individual voted and do not include how a person voted. Tisch College’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) calculated the national averages.

“It is widely recognized that young people influenced the 2008 election by voting in larger numbers,” said Campus Compact President Maureen Curley. “Campus Compact and hundreds of colleges and universities across the country actively encouraged students to vote. 2008 marked a heartening upsurge in the civic education mission of higher education.”

In observance of Black History Month, Brookgreen Gardens will present two program opportunities that are free with garden admission.

On Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1:00 p.m., The Healing Force, a four-member performance troupe from Winston-Salem, NC, offers a lively celebration of Africa with stories and songs in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium.  The program is free with garden admission.  A special cultural menu in the Pavilion Restaurant will be offered the day of the performance.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17 and 24, Ron Daise, Brookgreen’s Vice President for Creative Education, will present a program of selected readings, songs and photographs from his book Gullah Branches, West African Roots at 1 p.m. in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium. This participatory presentation tells about the journey of enslaved Africans to Gullah communities and culture. The program is free with garden admission.

Please Note:  2010 admission prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 and up), $6 for children (4-12) and free for children three and under.

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily. For more information, visit our web site at www.brookgreen.org or call 843-235-6000.

Woodle

Coastal Carolina University names career center director Tom Woodle has been named the director of the Career Services Center at Coastal Carolina University.

Duties of the position include the day-to-day management of the center, coordination of an advisory board, planning and implementation of career counseling and assessment, and representing the University at state, regional and national career service events.  Woodle also oversees the University’s Internship and Job Placement program.

Woodle, of Myrtle Beach, has been on the CCU faculty since 2003 first as coordinator of career counseling and later as associate director of career services. Prior to coming to Coastal, he was director of Career Services at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., and prior to that, dean of Continuing Education and psychology professor at Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw for 20 years.

Woodle earned a bachelor’s degree in religion, a master’s degree in community education and counseling, a Master of Arts degree in Religion and a Ph.D. in counseling.  He is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors and is a native South Carolinian, coming originally from Clio.

He is active in the community as an ordained Episcopal priest at the Well Episcopal Church in Market Common and teaches as an adjunct in the University’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. He and his wife Jackie have seven grown children.

Entries are now being accepted for the first “Don’t Forget Tomorrow Is Valentine’s Day Chili Cook-Off” on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mini Mall Flea Market, located at 2300 Church Street in Conway. Entries are $5 per vendor and can be picked up at the Mini Mall Flea Market until Monday, February 8. Participants must be pre-registered and DHEC approved prior to the event.

A portion of the proceeds from entry fees will be donated to The Shepherd’s Table, a nonprofit organization in downtown Conway, supported by volunteers, religious organizations, businesses, foundations, and individual donors. The mission of The Shepherd’s Table is to provide help to people who are homeless or in need by providing hot meals on a daily basis.

“A chili cook-off is an event that everyone enjoys and it’s our way of saying ‘Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day’ to the community,” said Tim DeBardelaben. “The response to the Mini Mall Flea Market has been phenomenal, and we’re expressing our gratitude through our partnership with The Shepherd’s Table. The Shepherd’s Table is a wonderful mission-oriented nonprofit organization, and we’re certainly honored to help contribute to its success.”

The chili cook-off is open to the public, who will serve as the judges of the events. Cook-off officials are encouraging guests to vote early and vote often by making $.25 donations to each cook-off competitor. The cook who has collected the most quarters at the end of the event wins.

More information about the upcoming “Don’t Forget Tomorrow Is Valentine’s Day Chili Cook-Off” is available by calling Tim DeBardelaben at 843- 655-8220.

The Cameron Art Museum has selected three winners for its Architectural Follies competition: Matt Bua, a Brooklyn-based artist, Toby R. Keeton, Intern Architect with Michael Ross Kersting Architecture and Daniel N. Harding and the Community Research and Design Center, School of Architecture, Clemson University.

Winning designers are constructing their projects on the museum grounds (Pyramid Park) throughout January. Structures will remain on view for 6 months. This project was organized in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition, GWATHMEY SIEGEL: Inspiration and Transformation.

The winning designs were selected by a panel of jurors: Mark Leach, director of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art; Scott Ogden, president of AIA Wilmington; Douglas Sprunt, adjunct curator of architecture and design (CAM).

Gwyn Headley, in Architectural Follies in America (John Wiley & Sons, 1996) considers follies to be “…structures that are not ordinary buildings but are edifices that transcend the banal, the commonplace, the simply utilitarian. … Architectural follies transcend barriers of style, time, taste, and nationality. They spring from those most human of emotions: vanity, pride, passion, and obsession.”

This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a vision of the Department of Cultural Resources.

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caretakers; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi.

For more information about the museum, visit www.cameronartmuseum.com.

‘Sylvia’ is set to run Jan. 29-31

Anyone who has shared a household with a dog knows that it’s not always a case of domestic bliss, especially when one person has warm and fuzzy feelings for the pooch and another decidedly does not.

Such is the case with Greg and Kate, a long-married New York City couple who recently became empty-nesters and reached turning points in their careers. The dog in question is Sylvia, the title character of Murrells Inlet Community Theatre’s production of the A.R. Gurney comedy, opening Jan. 29 for a two-weekend run.

While domestic discord (and a “trio” of supporting characters) will keep audience members laughing throughout “Sylvia,” director Lew Holton says love is what propels the play. “ ‘Sylvia’ is a love story on a lot of different levels. It’s about longtime love that is tried and true. It’s about the excitement and allure of new love. It’s about the choices we make, right and wrong, in the name of love,” says Holton, directing at MICT for the first time. “Sylvia herself comes pretty darn close to summing it up when she tells Kate that, essentially, what has been at the heart of the entire story of Greg, Kate and Sylvia is sharing: ‘…which is what some people sometimes call love.’”

Originally from Charlotte and a former resident of Brooklyn, Holton now lives in Murrells Inlet and is a published playwright, musician and part-time teacher at Coastal Carolina University. His play “Portal” won the 2004 Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) Charles M. Getchell New Play Award. Other theater credits include directing and acting, including the role of Greg in an Upstate production of “Sylvia.”

Rachel Tomovski, Jack Luber, Karen Sauls and Gail Fahy comprise the local “Sylvia” cast.

Tomovski (Sylvia) appeared last season in “A Hotel on Marvin Gardens” at MICT and “The Sensuous Senator” with the Swamp Fox Players. Originally from Toronto and then Dallas, she now lives in Murrells Inlet. Previous theater experience includes teaching, directing, murder mystery dinner shows, improv and dance drama.

Luber (Greg) moved to Murrells Inlet from the Jersey Shore in 2005. Recent theater credits include Swamp Fox Players productions of “The Sunshine Boys,” “The Sensuous Senator” and “Cabaret”; “Fiddler on the Roof” with Theatre of the Republic; and the role of Dr. Allard Flagg in Brookgreen Gardens’ presentation of “The Legend of Alice Flagg.” He also has a long list of theater credits from the New York City area.

Sauls (Kate) previously performed in MICT productions of “Catfish Moon,” “California Suite” and “Bank Job.” A native of North Carolina, she works as an attorney at the Sauls Law Firm and teaches at CCU.

Originally from Connecticut and now living in Garden City Beach, Fahy (Tom, Phyllis and Leslie) studied and performed ballet and jazz dance for many years and was active in the Simsbury Theatre Guild, where she taught dance workshops. She joined MICT in 2009.

Marlowe Tully is producer and set designer for “Sylvia,” and Barbara Smullen is stage manager. Sue Tanner and Chip Smith are operating lights and sound.

“Sylvia” will be presented Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Murrells Inlet Community Center, 4450 Murrells Inlet Road. It is recommended for mature audiences. Doors open one hour prior to curtain.

Tickets are $10, with group rates available for 15 or more. They can be reserved by calling (843) 651-4152. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Sylvia” is being sponsored by G. Lynn Brook, DO, and Robert L. Pugh, MD, of Murrells Inlet. For more information, call 843- 651-4152 or visit www.mictheatre.com.

Actions throughout this decade of the major police departments in Horry County lead one to a conclusion that they are much more law effacement departments than law enforcement ones.

Webster’s Dictionary defines effacement as elimination or making indistinct. This is certainly the case with laws, regulations or policies inside these agencies. They ignore (make indistinct) or plain break (eliminate) laws, etc. as necessary to keep the good ole boy system in place.

The mess in North Myrtle Beach is just the latest of an ongoing process of local police departments ignoring the law when it applies to their own personnel or to the desires of a person deemed to be influential.

North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Director William Bailey is on paid leave since last month when he admitted he lied to city officials about the circumstances regarding the theft of his city issued weapon. Last week, NMB city administrator John Smithson asked the S. C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate an allegation that Bailey covered up a criminal domestic violence case as a political favor.

In addition, Lt. Randy Fisher was forced to resign from the department in November 2009 after he was alleged to have provided confidential information about last spring’s wildfire to an unauthorized person.

It must be noted, no basis for this allegation against Fisher has been provided by NMB officials to date and Fisher has been a long time critic of the inner workings (unfair and improper actions) within the department. Unfortunately for NMB officials, Fisher has audiotapes of conversations with NMB officials to back up his statements about what really happens behind closed doors.

The information provided to a private citizen by Fisher was all available by the Freedom of Information Act. What upset the city officials was the information was used by the citizen to criticize the city’s response and statements with respect to the wildfire that occurred near Barefoot Landing and other locations near S.C. routes 22 and 31.

The North Myrtle Beach mishaps come on top of the misguided attempt by the Myrtle Beach Police Department to pin a charge of loitering for prostitution against Horry County councilman Marion Foxworth.

Foxworth, a city resident and critic of MBPD, was originally arrested on the loitering charge in October 2007. At that time, his pants and underwear were confiscated illegally by MBPD and subjected to DNA tests by the SLED lab.

After Foxworth refused to plead guilty to the loitering charge and pay a $257 fine, the city prosecutor added a second charge of solicitation for prostitution to the original charge.

Unfortunately for the city, the video and audio tapes of the initial arrests did not support the sworn affidavit of the police officer whose name appeared on the second arrest warrant. The tapes also did not demonstrate any evidence that supported the original charge.

The DNA results provided by the SLED lab were subjected to analysis by a nationally prominent DNA expert in New Mexico. That expert concluded the results provided by SLED were, at best, “Cherry picking results to support a predetermined conclusion.”

Additionally, the expert said there was no evidence in the DNA results to tie either Foxworth or the alleged prostitute to the items of clothing seized.

After burying the case for six months following the addition of the second charge, the city dismissed both charges for lack of evidence. All the city officials involved really accomplished was to smear Foxworth’s name in the media for a time before looking like complete idiots when they had to admit there was no case.

However, the most audacious demonstration of ignoring the law has to go to the Horry County Police Department with the Southern Holdings case.

Alternatives has published a number of articles on the Southern Holdings demonstrating perjury, illegal actions, fraud on the court and considerable other effacement of the law, based on court records.

None of the articles in Alternatives were based on statements by the plaintiffs. All of the information used to research and write the articles comes from original documents in the form of depositions, affidavits, official court records, court exhibits and official files of the various government and law enforcement agencies and plaintiffs experts involved. The information in the articles and conclusions drawn from it has nothing to do with believing or not believing what the plaintiffs said. Rather, it has to do with what is revealed by an in depth analysis of the evidence in the case.

Some of the specific events discussed in the articles were Spencer’s arrest on a bogus warrant that had already been thrown out in court; how videotapes of that arrest were apparently altered to erase segments that would have helped prove allegations in the lawsuit; how SLED, under the direction of Danny Parris of the Insurance Reserve Fund, took possession of those tapes and how they were ultimately sent to the FBI for examination using a bogus reference to a federal court order because the FBI is specifically excluded by federal law from examining evidence in a civil lawsuit in which the FBI is not a party. The FBI was not a party to the Southern Holdings lawsuit at the time the tapes were sent to the FBI lab.

The articles also discussed how perjured and contradictory testimony was given by various defendants in the case and how the lawyers for the defendants twisted the facts and provided multiple copies of purportedly the same document with each copy being noticeably different from the others.

One article published February 2, 2009 drew a comment from Horry County Attorney John Weaver.

Weaver’s comment read, Having much direct knowledge of, not only the facts alleged by the plaintiffs, but also the decision of the court, this on-going saga is one of the most absurd things that I have ever read. Why the staff writers would believe anything that any of these plaintiffs say demonstrates a poor judgment of character and shallow journalistic skills. The case has been resolved almost two years ago by a United States District Court Judge – with the consent of all the plaintiffs – who were represented by competent attorneys. The case was a fabrication to begin with, and the pittance paid to the plaintiffs was a 99.99% nuisance value to make the case go away. This is a dead horse that has long ago been buried.”

Obviously Weaver is entitled to his opinion and we welcome his comments on the Alternatives website. The settlement Weaver refers to was a $30,000 payment to the plaintiffs that has sat in an escrow account for the past two years as the plaintiffs deny they ever agreed to it.

The court record shows Doris Holt was not in court when this supposed settlement was agreed to “with the consent of all plaintiffs” and was not represented in court that day by an attorney. Therefore, she never agreed to any settlement and has been a wild card to the defendants claims that the case has been settled.

The case is not a “dead horse” but is currently under appeal in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. Briefs have been filed by both sides with the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals and are awaiting review and further word from the court.

What Weaver fails to understand is this is not an instance of his word against theirs (the plaintiffs). Rather, it is his statement versus the evidence in the case and the evidence in the case certainly points to a cover-up and probable fraud on the court by those charged with and sworn to upholding the laws of the state and the Constitution of the United States.

Weaver has been the county’s point man on the Southern Holdings lawsuit, coordinating with the various law firms throughout the state that have been used to defend the county and its personnel. He has continuously referred to the suit as a nuisance when discussing it before county council.

However, when statements by county officials made in sworn depositions are viewed for accuracy of events, as depicted on HCPD videotapes that are exhibits in the case, it is quickly obvious that perjury has taken place in the depositions. That is just one instance of law effacement apparent from a complete study of the evidence.

Obviously, what we have in all three departments is an apparent willingness to ignore the letter of the law when it suits agency higher-ups with a different agenda. That agenda may be smearing a particular individual, protecting a political sub-division’s public image or attempting to ensure a lawsuit does not get a true and full hearing in court.

However, when those charged with upholding the law step away from that responsibility to serve a personal or political purpose, we have a total breakdown of the legal system.

City and county officials should at least be held to the same standard of obeying the law as private citizens. In my opinion, they should be held to a higher standard just because of the public trust which resides in their positions and duties.

When this standard is not demanded, we fall back into the “good ole boy” system. A system alive and well in Horry County.

Some places may celebrate black history by looking back. In N.C., it lives and breathes and touches visitors every day. It’s a place to go now. A new International Civil Rights Center & Museum opens Feb. 1. And that’s just the first item on the list.

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which opens in Greensboro, N.C. on Feb. 1, features the spot where four A&T freshmen sat in on Feb. 1, 1960. The original portion of the lunch counter and stools has never been moved from its original footprint.

1. Greensboro, N.C. marks the 50th anniversary of the lunch counter sit-in that inspired a national civil rights movement. The International Civil Rights Center & Museum will open on Feb. 1 in the 1929 F.W. Woolworth building. The museum’s 30,000 square feet of 16 educational exhibits features the spot where four A&T freshmen sat in on Feb. 1, 1960–the historic lunch counter and stools have never been moved from their original footprint. www.sitinmovement.org; 336- 274-9199

2. North Carolina Central University, Durham, opened in 1910 as a private school and in the 1920s became the nation’s first state-supported four-year liberal arts college for blacks. It became a full university in 1969 and joined the UNC system three years later. Originally known as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua, the institution’s mission is still to develop students’ character and academics for higher service to the nation. www.nccu.edu; 919-530-6100

3. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is Charlotte’s newly constructed 46,500-square-foot home for the former Afro-American Cultural Center. For 35 years the organization has celebrated the cultural contributions of Africans and African-Americans and serves as an epicenter for music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature and community outreach. The new building’s exterior texture is reminiscent of quilt designs from the Underground Railroad era and woven textile patterns from West Africa. Named for Charlotte’s first African-American mayor, the Center hosts both permanent and temporary exhibits, including works by Romare Bearden, Juan Logan and David Wilson. www.aacc-charlotte.org; 704-547-3700

4. Fayetteville has been selected as the only city in the Southeast to host the “Art of the Masters: A Survey of African American Images, 1980-2000” exhibit Jan. 22 - March 6. The exhibit features 36 national and international artists whose works showcase different media including pottery, oil, watercolor, mixed media, collage and more. The collection will be available to view throughout Black History Month, a natural tie-in to the region’s rich African-American heritage. Pieces in the show offer a glimpse of daily life, much of which is included in the African-American Heritage Trail in the Fayetteville area. The driving trail includes churches, cemeteries, museums and more. www.theartscouncil.com

5. In the 1700s, New Bern became known as a popular town for both slaves and free blacks in Colonial America. In 1860, free blacks composed 13% of the city’s population and prominently shaped its political, economic and cultural life. Tour the city’s historical homes, churches and businesses that have rich legacies, including sites of local sit-ins spawned in conjunction with the Greensboro Woolworth sit-ins. www.visitnewbern.com; (252) 637-9400

6.    On the North Carolina coast, the Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony is an historic National Underground Railroad “Network to Freedom” site. The majority of this land’s 3,000 residents had been slaves before forming a colony here between 1862 and 1867. Major General John G. Foster, Commander of the 18th Army Corps, ordered Horace James, a Congregational minister from New England who was serving as a chaplain in the Union army, to establish a colony of former slaves on the island. Although the Roanoke Island freedmen’s colony was an experiment of national significance, few people are aware of its history.  www.roanokefreedmenscolony.com

7. Built in 1861, St. Philips Moravian Church in Winston-Salem is the oldest standing African-American church in the state. It stands adjacent to the newly reconstructed 1823 log church with exhibitions conveying the African-American experience in the Moravian community. Today, the church is part of Old Salem. www.oldsalem.org; 1-888-653-7253

8.  The Black Arts Alliance will present the North Carolina Black Film Festival (formerly Cine Noir), March 18-21 in Wilmington. In its ninth year, the four-day juried and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers will showcase features, shorts, animation and documentary films. www.blackartsalliance.org; 910-612-7832. The Hayti Heritage Film Festival opens Feb. 18 in Durham. www.hayti.org; 919-683-1709

9. Executive Chef Walter Royal gained national fame and prominence when he won Iron Chef in 2006 for his unique ostrich dishes. Thirteen years of his influence on the wine list and use of local ingredients at Raleigh’s famous Angus Barn and Wine Cellar continues to be a national and North Carolina source of pride. CBS’s “48 Hours” and Southern Living magazine have featured Chef Royal; the restaurant has won the Ivy Award, Wine Spectator Grand Award, Fine Dining Hall of Fame Award and numerous other honors. You can sign up for “Walter Royal’s Teaching Kitchen” classes at www.angusbarn.com; 919-781-2444.

10. In the 1870s, at the Pea Island Life-Saving Station at the Outer Banks, a station keeper who bungled a rescue was fired and replaced by Richard Etheridge, an African-American who was one of the best surfmen on the North Carolina coast. Under the racial standards of that time, everyone under Etheridge’s command also had to be black, so the station became the only one to have an all African-American crew. That crew was posthumously awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal in 1996 for their heroic 1896 rescue of all nine passengers on the three-masted schooner E.S. Newman during a hurricane.  Today, their efforts are honored at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe, one of the most complete, historic life-saving stations in the United States. www.chicamacomico.net

11. The Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble based in Durham combines dramatic staging, pulsing rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes with consistently enthusiastic audiences to create an artistic experience impossible to forget. Founded in 1968 in New York City, the company has gradually established itself as one of the premiere African-American dance ensembles in the United States.  The company performs both nationally and internationally. The Dance Ensemble considers itself an agent of social change that stresses the best in human values of peace, love and respect. www.africanamericandanceensemble.org; 919-560-2729

12. The YMI Cultural Center is the most enduring African-American socio-cultural institution in Western North Carolina. It offers permanent and rotating exhibits by African-American artists in 7,500 sq. ft. of museum space as well as cultural arts programs. The former Young Men’s Institute was designed by Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect for the Biltmore Estate, and built by George Vanderbilt in 1893. It was intended to serve not only the many African-American workers who helped build Vanderbilt’s mansion, but also the entire African-American community. www.ymicc.org; 828-252-4614

North Carolina is a state of heroes, storytellers, artists and visionaries. From the fledgling colony on Roanoke Island to today’s role as a leader in culture and commerce, North Carolina invites visitors to absorb its natural scenic beauty and experience its personality firsthand. For more information on these destinations and to learn of other nearby attractions, go to www.VisitNC.com or call 1-800-VISITNC.

The March of Dimes kicked off the 2010 March for Babies fundraising campaign on Jan. 26, 2010 at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Carolina Forest.  Individuals, families and business throughout  Horry County attended the fundraiser.

March for Babies raises funds for vital research to help prevent premature birth and birth defects. Funds raised also support community programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies.  Gary Bradham of Ally Management and the March for Babies 2010 Co-Chair said, “Last year the March of Dimes distributed more than $500,000 in community grant funding to projects improving the health of South Carolina’s moms and babies.  We need the help of communities across the state to continue working for stronger, healthier babies!  Bradham is Co-Chairing the event along with Terri DeCenzo.

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. Last November, the March of Dimes issued the second annual Prematurity Report Card, giving the nation a “D” and South Carolina an “F”.

“Participating in March for Babies is an important way to support the cause of healthy babies” said Bradham.  “Whether you walk to celebrate a baby in your life or to honor one who did not survive, together we can work to prevent premature birth and other infant health problems and look forward to a day when every baby is born healthy and strong.”

In 2010 national March for Babies sponsors are Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx, and Sanofi Pasteur.

In Horry County March for Babies is sponsored by Ally Management, A & I The Fire & Water Restoration People, Bi-Lo, Coastal Carolina University, Wachovia – A Wells Fargo Company, BCBS of South Carolina, Valcourt Building Services, NextMedia Radio and WPDE.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Celebration Presbyterian Church in Carolina Forest invites area residents and visitors to join them for a Supper and Worship Service in observance of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17with supper being served at 5:30 p.m. and worship to follow.  This event kicks off the Church’s Lenten Events and is followed by an Easter Eggstravaganza on March 27, Palm Sunday Services on March 28, Maundy Thursday Supper and Services on April 1 and Good Friday Meditation and Reflection on April 2, culminating in an Easter Sunrise Service and breakfast on Sunday, April 4, followed by the Traditional Easter Services.

For individual event details and updated information visit: www.celebrationpresbyterianchurch.org or call 843-903-0308.

The Horry County Literacy Council will hold a fundraiser at Pizza Inn in Conway. Pizza Inn will donate ten percent of sales and all tips from the event to the HCLC.

HCLC is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy and offers services at no cost to the Horry County community.

The fundraiser will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be held until the restaurant closes at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

For more information, call 843-839-1695 or visit http://horrycountyliteracycouncil.org.

Author Hannah Tinti at a literary festival at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, N.H.

Novelist and short story writer Hannah Tinti will give a reading at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Coastal Carolina University. The event is free and open to the public.

The reading, which will be held in Wall Auditorium, is a part of the Words to Say It Visiting Writers Series, which is supported by the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Department of English.

Hannah Tinti, born in Salem, Mass., is the author of the acclaimed short story collection “Animal Crackers,” which has sold in 16 countries. She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of One Story magazine, and recently won the 2009 PEN/Nora Magid award for her editorial work.

Her first novel, “The Good Thief,” (2008) was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. It won the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, and the American Library Association’s Alex Award.

For more information, call Dan Albergotti, coordinator of the series, at 843-349-2420.

Free instruction from PGA Professionals, a ceremony of recognition and an amazing trick shot show will be among the many highlights of the first Carolinas PGA Play Golf America Day of the season being hosted by the Resort Club at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While always a great place to receive free instruction from Carolinas PGA Professionals, win prizes and demo equipment from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade – adidas among others, this year’s event will be highlighted by the Dennis Walters Golf Show, a special Patriot Golf Day recognition ceremony by Ryan Munson of the Folds of Honor Foundation, and the opportunity for attendees to donate to the families of our injured and fallen military heroes through Products for Good.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with free lessons from Carolinas PGA Professionals.  There will be more than enough of our experts in the game and business of golf to go around, so we encourage everyone to get ready for the golf season with ten minute tune-ups!  Alongside our PGA Professionals, many of the golf industry’s leading equipment manufacturers, including Titleist, Cobra, Nike, Mizuno USA, Callaway Golf, Aldila, Adams Golf, and more, will be providing hands-on testing of the hottest products on the market today.  Attendees will be able to test drivers on the range, wedges at the chipping area and putters on the practice green.  Representatives from each participating manufacturer will also be on hand to provide club fitting and product insight.

At noon, Ryan Munson of the Folds of Honor Foundation will recognize Tom Ducey, PGA, of Old North State Club in New London, N.C., Carolinas PGA board of directors president Kelly Childs, PGA, of the Country Club of Sapphire Valley (Cashiers, N.C.), the Burroughs & Chapin family of golf courses along the Grand Strand, and the thousands of PGA Professionals who have contributed more than $400,000 to Patriot Golf Day since 2008.  Ducey, Childs and the B & C courses have combined to donate more than $64,000 this year alone – more than a third of total donations Section-wide.  Over 400 facilities throughout North and South Carolina participated this year raising upwards of $180,000 for the families of our injured and fallen military heroes.

In honor of our military heroes, and as a tie in to the Patriot Golf Day recognition, Products for Good, a company based in Charlotte, NC will be on-site to raise money for the families of our military servicemen and women who have been injured or killed in the line of military duty.  With an overall goal of thanking one million veterans in 2010, and raising $20 million to assist charities that support the families of our fallen and injured heroes, Products for Good will ask for donations of $20 to present a thank you gift to a Veteran on behalf of the donor.  The donor can fill out a personal card for the Veteran and Folds of Honor will deliver that gift to the Veteran recipient.  For more information on Products for Good, head to www.ProductsforGood.com.

Following the ceremony, Dennis Walters and his dog Bucky will wow our audience with The Dennis Walters Golf Show, an hour-long trick shot performance that features incredible feats in ball-striking alongside an inspirational message.  Injured and paralyzed from the waist down in 1974, Walters has been performing his show and telling his story from the side of a golf cart since 1977.  He is one of eleven honorary life members of The PGA of America and has appeared at PGA TOUR, CHAMPIONS TOUR, LPGA and Nationwide Tour events nationwide.  His show will start at approximately 12:15 p.m. and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action!

Additionally, throughout the day attendees will have the opportunity to gather information on some of today’s most exciting golf participation programs that are part of the Play Golf America initiative, including Get Golf Ready, Link Up 2 Golf, PGA Free Lesson Month, Women’s Golf Week, July is Family Golf Month, Take Your Daughter to the Course and Bring Your Kids to the Range.

“This year’s event is especially close to our hearts as we honor and support our military and the efforts of our Section to that end,” said CPGA Executive Director Ron Schmid.  He and CPGA Vice President Karl Kimball recently contributed nearly $17,000 through their fundraising efforts and completion of the Marine Corps Marathon, a race that saw a team from Folds of Honor, including Major Dan Rooney, the foundation’s founder and a PGA Professional, raise more than $70,000 for Patriot Golf Day.

“This event is always a huge success in growing the game and to be able to give our attendees the opportunity to see Dennis Walters perform and contribute to a most-worthy cause will make for an incredible celebration of the game of golf at Grande Dunes.”

The Resort Club at Grande Dunes is located at 8700 Golf Village Ln., Myrtle Beach. For more information on the PGA Play Golf America Day at the Resort Club at Grande Dunes on February 16, log on to , or call the club at 843-315–0333.  Pre-registration is available at www.playgolfamericaday.com!

The Carolinas PGA would like to thank PGA General Manager Frank Coughlin, Vice President of Clubs & Amenities, Mike Buccerone, PGA, and the staff and members of Grande Dunes for their unwavering support of this event.  We’d also like to thank presenting sponsors of this event, Mercedes - Benz and American Express as well as the Carolinas Golf Foundation administered by the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA), which contributes annually to all Play Golf America Days in the Carolinas.  Without the CGA’s local contributions, none of our events would be possible.  For a full schedule of events, head to www.carolinas.pga.com or www.playgolfamericaday.com.

The World Soccer Tour, one of the nation’s largest three people versus three people (3v3) soccer tours, announces its inaugural 2010 3v3 World Cup Championships to be held in Myrtle Beach Aug. 6-8. This national championship for players of all ages and abilities is expected to attract between 1,000 and 2,000 athletes and several thousand spectators from throughout the country to the newly renovated Grand Park in Myrtle Beach.
“This is the first national soccer championship for Myrtle Beach and the first such championship to be played at Grand Park,” said Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “It will be great for the athletes and spectators to have this caliber of sporting event close to a prime shopping, dining and entertainment spot on the Grand Strand.”
“The World Soccer Tour is excited to be working with the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau,” said Adam Germek, vice president of sales and partnerships, World Soccer Tour. “Myrtle Beach is the ideal location for our World Cup because it offers a family destination that will provide our athletes and their family members with plenty to do on and off the soccer fields.”
All teams participating in the World Soccer Tour’s World Cup Championship must qualify at one of the 50 local qualifying tournaments held throughout the country. The tour will stop in 27 states from December 2009 to July 2010. The top three teams in each age/skill division will be eligible to register for the 2010 World Cup to face off against the nation’s best 3v3 soccer teams.
For more information, visit 3v3WorldTour.com.

As I write this, we are still a day away from that monumental shift in the computer/communications world.

Okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, and in the pre-event world in which I am writing from, many of the tech blogs have begun to mock the mind-numbing hype that has preceded Apple’s newest product. Jokes about letting users walk on water or access the Internet through demonic powers have become more prevalent than speculation over built-in cameras and size.

This is not to say that those mocking the hype are completely in the wrong. There has been a deluge of rumors, fake spy pictures and boding on Apple’s tablet computer. I think I even read a story linking it to one of Nostradamus’ prophecies.

However, there is some good reason for this excitement. Apple has repeatedly revolutionized the computer and gadget industry over the last few decades.

Turning the way-back machine to the 80s, Apple brought the first “personal computer” into our homes. My 16th birthday gift was an Apple IIc. That was in 86, and the home pc revolution was already kicking with IBM PC Jrs and Commodore 64s, but it was Apple that spearheaded that moment.

With the spread of beige-boxed IBM clones, Apple near faded away, but in 1998, they did it again. Introducing the iMac in 5 brilliant colors, with screen and computer built in one unit, Apple changed the rules on what a computer looked like. They also killed off the floppy disc, when they went CD only with the iMac.

Now, at this time, I wasn’t a Mac fan. The Apple IIc was a nice toy, but lack of support, software and the fact that my high school was all IBM had left me with little love for the rainbow apple. In college, I had to work with both Mac’s OS and Windows, and firmly determined that Macs were just as crappy as Windows, but Windows had more games. I didn’t buy another Mac again until I picked up a PowerPC at a garage sale for $200 that included a HP laser printer and monitor. I was more interested in the laser printer, and the Mac became just another toy, albeit with less games than my IIc had.

Then in 2001, Apple changed the world again, twice. First, they introduced the iPod, ushering in the world of digital music players. While there may have been mp3 players out there, none of them before or since the iPod have had such an effect on the way we listen and buy music.

Also in 2001, Apple introduced OS X. With a complete rebuilding of their operating system (and not just rewrapping a crappy system in a new menu bar and renaming it like some other OS companies), Apple changed the way computers should work. Things worked automatically. WiFi support was built in and easy to use, as was Ethernet and USB. You could plug a printer in, and it worked. You could plug into networks with ease and communicate with Macs and Windows machines. These are all things Microsoft is just now figuring out. (You know why they call it Windows 7? Because they are only 7 years behind Apple.) It was OS X’s ease of use that made their PowerBooks and iBook so popular, prying laptops out of the hands of rich businessmen and into the hands of everyday people. (It was 2003 when I got my first PowerBook with OS x 10.3, and never looked back.)

Then, just a couple years ago, Apple did it again. Some people thought they were nuts to try and compete with established industry giants like Motorola and HTC with a new cell phone, but like all those cutting edge products before it, the iPhone completely changed the mobile industry. While there had been smartphones in the past, they were regulated to the business world where the exorbitant fees for slow access to data could be afforded. With the advent of the iPhone, even a lowly freelance writer like me can afford a smartphone (However, I use an Android phone and not an iPhone) with unlimited data access. Furthermore, the iPhone’s success has not been a selfish one. Unlike the iPod’s success, which has failed to help other media players, the iPhone’s popularity has lead to Blackberry’s growth, Google’s Android, and saved Palm from the gallows of gadget history.

Now, even before anyone really knows what Apple’s new toy will be (At least on my side of the keyboard), it is already changing the world. At the prospect of an Apple tablet computer (think Star Trek: The Next Generation’s hand-held touchscreen PADDs), companies from Microsoft to Acer and dozens of unknowns are rushing to get their version out there. When it was discovered that Apple bought the domain name “iSlate.com,” the entire industry and surrounding blogosphere started referring to this Star Trek-style of computers as “slates.” And that was just on the rumor of a possible name.

Is the world that different as you read this article? Probably not. However, in the one small aspect of life that is how we interact with the data, entertainment and the world around us, it will never be the same.

Christopher Huff is a self-confessed and unrepentant geek who has been living, writing and playing on the Grand Strand for several years. You can learn more about him and his writing at www.piratejournalism.com. Comments can be sent to chris@alternatives.sc

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation. Along with the 2010 featured artist Luke Frazier, SEWE will host approximately 120 artists and 350 exhibitors from across the country and around the world.

This year’s event has several exciting new additions.  Order your tickets in advance by calling 843-723-1748 or online at www.sewe.com.

A special gourmet wild game dinner is being served ($115 per person) on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Halls Chophouse on King Street. You’ll enjoy an incredible five-course meal with wine pairings in the intimate upstairs dining room at Halls. Mmmmmm.

Jack Hanna with Wombat, courtesy of Rick Prebeg/World Class Images.

During “An Evening with Jack Hanna”   at the South Carolina Aquarium you’ll have the rare photo op with Jack as you listen firsthand to his animal adventures and travel stories. Tickets are $85 per person ($75 for SCA members) and include the evening’s live music and hors d’oeuvres spread. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12.

Learn to prepare fish and wild game in a fun, hands-on cooking class presented by Charleston Cooks! The menu incudes picked wild shrimp salad, duck hash with spicy potatoes and poached eggs, bourbon gazed quail, venison medallions and pecan crusted founder. This was on its way to being sold out, but you might want to check for any cancellations! (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Feb. 12 - 14, $75 per person)

A very special buffet luncheon is being offered at the event’s newest venue, the Francis Marion Hotel:  Brunch With the Center for Birds of Prey. Executive director, Jim Elliott will be on hand, along with some exciting feathered companions from the Center ($42 per person). Tickets may be purchased at the door.

SEWE is also partnering with the S.C. Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to present a brand new event with exhibit: Wild In the Kitchen. The event is associated with the Certified South Carolina program, which is a new cooperative effort among chefs, restauranteurs and purveyors to brand and promote S.C. agriculturals produces.  Chefs from some of Charleston’s finest restaurants will be conducting cooking demos in the Certified South Carolina tent at the Gaillard Auditorium throughout the weekend. As part of the Fresh on the Menu program, they are committed to provide restaurant customers the freshest products and produce available, using at least 25% Certified South Carolina Grown foods and products in season.

Participating chefs include Frank McMahon, Hank’s; Frank Lee, Old Village Post House; Marc Collins, Circa 1886; Simon Andrews, Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion; Jeremiah Bacon, Carolina’s; Steve Lusvy, 82 Queen; Jason Houser, Muse; Bob Waggoner, U Cook with Chef Bob; Michelle Weaver, Charleston Grill; Fred Neuville, Fat Hen; and David Pell, Coast.

The Francis Marion Hotel will feature an exhibit of landscapes by SEWE artists and the work of Lowcountry artists, while the nature photographers will showcase their work at Embassy Suites.  The Mills House Hotel will exhibit sculpture and carvings. In addition to world-class original art, Charleston Place will house high end giclees, Skins for Conservation, jewelry designers, and book signings.

Animal expert Jack Hanna will return to host educational live animal presentations at the Gaillard Auditorium, as will the team from the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gaillard will also house wildlife collectibles, limited edition prints, handmade knives, sporting arms, and decoys.  Conservation exhibits, retriever and Center for Birds of Prey demonstrations, and children’s activities will be in Marion Square.

Dock Dogs are back! Photo by Charleston PictureCompany.com

The Dock Dogs competitions will return to Brittlebank Park; this venue will also include the Sporting Village, featuring outdoor outfitters, safari and hunting guides, retriever demonstrations, demonstrations by Charleston Angler, and live bluegrass music.

Tickets start at $10/day and children ten and under are free. SEWE provides free shuttle service between venues during show hours with a ticket or badge.  VIP packages offer extra perks and after-hours activities including an artist-reception, black-tie gala/auction, the SEWE Soiree with a Lowcountry feast and live music, and access to the hospitality suites throughout the weekend.

For more information or to order tickets, call 843-723-1748 or visit www.sewe.com.

Expo Event Schedule

Friday, February 12

9:30 a.m. Dock Dogs registration opens; competition “waves” throughout the day  Brittlebank Park

10 a.m.-6 p.m. ALL EXHIBITS OPEN

10:30 a.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

11 a.m. Retriever Demonstration Brittlebank Park

11 a.m. Lecture: “Intro to Plein Air Painting” by Heiner Hertling Art Institute MultiMedia Studio

11 a.m. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show Gaillard Auditorium

11:30 a.m. Birds of Prey Flight Demo Marion Square

12 p.m. Fly Fishing Demonstration Brittlebank Park

12:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

1 p.m. Lecture: “Legends of the Hunt” by John Seerey-Lester Charleston County Library

2:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

3 p.m.  Jack Hanna Presentation Gaillard Auditorium

3 p.m. Cast Net Demonstration Brittlebank Park

3 p.m. Quick Draw/Speed Sculpt Charleston Place

4 p.m. Retriever Demonstration Brittlebank Park

3:30 p.m. Birds of Prey Flight Demo Marion Square

4:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

This bear sculpture is one of the many art offerings at SEWE 2010. Photo by Charleston PictureCompany.com.

4:30 p.m. Auction following QuickDraw/Speed Sculpt Charleston Place

6-8 p.m.  SEWE King Street Stroll (ticket not required)

Saturday, February 13

9:30 a.m.  Dock Dogs® – registration opens; competition “waves” throughout the day Brittlebank Park

10 a.m.-6 p.m.  ALL EXHIBITS OPEN

10:30 a.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

11 a.m. Retriever Demonstration Brittlebank Park

11:30 a.m. Birds of Prey Flight Demo Marion Square

11:45 a.m. Registration for Casting Rodeo Brittlebank Park

12:00 p.m. Casting Rodeo Brittlebank Park

12:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

1 p.m. Jack Hanna Presentation Gaillard Auditorium

1 p.m. Celebrity Story

Reading Charleston County Library

2:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

3 p.m. Lecture: “Animal Sculpture in America” by Robin Salmon/Brookgreen Gardens Charleston County Library

3 p.m. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show Gaillard Auditorium

4 p.m. Fly Fishing Demonstration Brittlebank Park

3:30 p.m. Birds of Prey Flight Demo Marion Square

4 p.m. Retriever Demonstration Brittlebank Park

4:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

Sunday, February 14

9:30 a.m.  Dock Dogs – registration opens; competition “waves” throughout the day with finals in the afternoon Brittlebank Park

10 a.m.-5 p.m.  ALL EXHIBITS OPEN

10:30 a.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

11:30 a.m. Retriever Demonstration Brittlebank Park

12 p.m. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show Gaillard Auditorium

12:30 p.m. Cast Net Demo Brittlebank Park

12:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

1 p.m. Birds of Prey Demo Marion Square

2 p.m. Fly Fishing Demonstration Brittlebank Park

2:30 p.m. “Wild in the Kitchen” Cooking Demo Gaillard Auditorium

3 p.m.  Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show Gaillard Auditorium

3 p.m. Retriever Demonstrations Brittlebank Park

Mike Farris with the Minister of Music in 2008.

It’s amazing that one guy could make such a difference in the lives of so many. But in the days since Myrtle Beach music icon Jeff Roberts passed away, the outpouring of  grief and gratitude throughout his circle of friends and his burgeoning music community has taken on a life of its own.

Musician Mike Farris was working on a Delbert McClinton cruise when Jeff passed. “I didn’t know,” he told me in a telephone conversation. “I would have been there in a heartbeat. I hate that I missed the service … I would have been there.”

Mike performed at a South By Southeast Music Feast in May 2008 and has been close friends with Jeff ever since.

“Jeff was just one of the super sweet dudes. I mean, when I was done playing, it’s like I was his kid. He was beaming. He was so proud. He was just a strong supporter.

“He was pure sunshine.

“I talked to him a few weeks ago and he actually answered his phone!

“He was in the car, waiting to pick up Hunter. We talked about his dad, had a real good conversation. He was so excited about playing golf with Hunter.

“He told me he loved me when we said goodbye, like he always did. I told him I loved him, like I always did.

“I think something deep inside him must have told him he was leaving, cause he answered the phone …  and he never answers!”

Jeff Roberts left a legacy even larger than his six-foot eight-inch frame – his beloved South By Southeast music organization.

So as friends, family and community members are still reeling from the monumental loss, this loyal company of music lovers is already filling ranks to make sure SxSE thrives and the dreams of “Big Jeff” are accomplished.

“Trust the Frog”

It’s important to understand that SxSE is more than a local music promoter. They take on the responsibility of finding top quality music and bringing it here. When Mike Farris came to SxSE, many in the audience weren’t familiar with him, but they trusted SxSE.

Today South By Southeast’s core of volunteers is made up of  Sam Hannaford and Seth Funderburk, who co-founded the organization with Jeff Roberts,  along with long time supporters Nell, Craig and Hasee Ciaccio; Mike Millsaps; Jeff’s son, Hunter; Wade Cooper, Earl Anderson, Joey Sanders, Tommy “Uncle Daddy” Pierce; Judy and Scotty Barton; Charlie Newell; Sam’s wife, Beth Hannaford; Wrynn and Mike Harrell; Fran and Rickie Rickenbacker; and  Bob “Noodle” O’Conner.

Corporate partners include:  New South Brewery, Pepsi,  QRock,  WAVE104,  Myrtle Beach Resorts, Beach First Bank and Star Music.

Sam and others from South By Southeast’s inner circle are meeting this week to determine responsibities and develop a program to increase sponsorships. Steps are already being taken to obtain 501 c (3) status for the organization.

Shows are being booked. Randall Bramblett will be back for a March 6 performance. Charleston’s Sol Driven Train will bring some southern blues and swamp funk to the Depot on April 17. They’re talking to Steve Bailey about a show.

This is exactly what Jeff wanted. And when I pay my $25 membership for 2010, it will be in Jeff’s honor. If you’d like to join me, send an email to southxsoutheast@aol.com. They’ll send you a membership form and details.

Life – and music – won’t be the same without Jeff Roberts. But I’ve made a decision. I still trust the frog.

Comments From Jeff’s Music Family

The January 11th loss of our dear friend, Jeffery Lloyd Roberts, has left a huge void in the heart and soul of not only the music community in the Myrtle Beach area, but also in the entire music family of brothers and sisters everywhere who live to make and enjoy music for all the true, right reasons. How big a void? Martina McBride sang Craig Brickhardt’s country lyric, “Where I Used to Have A Heart,” “Feels like a mile wide ditch.” Yeah, that big. No, actually bigger…

Those who knew and loved Large Jeffery here, spent several days calling and emailing, initially, just the music artists who we knew Jeff was in regular contact with because of South By Southeast show associations and his yearly trips, along with his regular group of music buddies, to the Americana Music Conventions in Nashville. After we reached Mike Farris, Lauren Ellis, Scott Miller, Billy and Jill Block, and many others, we started to realize that there was no way to include them all in the sad news…  not only Nashville, but the Carolinas, West Coat, New York… well, let’s just say Jeff’s outreach and positive influence in music and, in fact, in life, covered an area only known to Jeffery and all those he touched and loved. You couldn’t have had a better friend. I feel honored and blessed to have known him, and shared lots of great times, laughs, and wonderful music with him!

Our thoughts and prayers are, and will be, with Jeff’s fine son Hunter, and his Dear Mom, Mrs. W.C. Montie Roberts.

Jeff Roberts was single-handedly responsible for breaking artists in Myrtle Beach and throughout the Southeast. His passion and enthusiasm for selling records, good live music and turning people on cannot be replaced. Memories of Jeff will live forever.

I had only spoken to Jeff a few times on the phone to discuss my booking at the Train Depot for a SxSE concert. The total of our conversations was maybe 15 minutes. Yes, he seemed like a great guy but it was the “five minute interview” that really sold me on what a great guy he really was.

Verlon

It was a month or so later and the Depot was packed. The crowd was inspiring me and I felt like I was on fire. I had a great first set. Then it was time for a short intermission. Before I returned to the stage for a second set Jeff said he wanted to say a few words and then, if I didn’t mind, ask me afew questions. I said “sure,”, but in the back of my mind I was thinking,  ” man, I want to go back out there and fire it up right where the first set left off. I hope this ‘five minute’ interview doesn’t kill the momentum”.

I don’t remember the exact questions. They really don’t matter. Here’s what matters. At the end of the five minutes Jeff had not only conducted a concise, thought provoking interview, he had also fired me and the crowd up for an even better second set.

And so in five minutes I learned that Jeff Roberts was articulate, eloquent, entertaining and passionate about his music. That’s all I need to know to call a man my friend.

Bramblett

Jeff was instrumental in getting the RandallBramblett Band to SxSE for the first trip several years ago and we’ve been coming back ever since. He brought together a great group of people for a great cause and we’ve always been honored to be a part of it. We’ll miss him.

Jeff Roberts was the original Teddy Bear. He always greeted you with a big smile and big hug. Passion for music drove Jeff to do amazing things for so many talented people. Jill and I are grateful to have been embraced by Jeff and the SxSE music family. He will be deeply missed by many here in Nashville.

Block

In addition to being one of the more astute scholars of R & B that I have known, Jeff Roberts was also one of the most genuine people I ever met. When talking with Jeff, I never had the feeling that he had any ulterior motive. I cannot tell you how rare that is in the music business. I will truly miss him.

“Jeffrey Lloyd” was managing The Music Box record store in the old Myrtle Beach bus terminal when he was either a senior in high school or just starting college.  It was the highlight of my day to go there every day after school and hang out and listen to Jeff’s suggestions, and he definitely led me-or, was it, shamed me!–to branch out from Elton John! He was the first “non-rural” person I knew who enjoyed country music, and he predicted its popularity years ahead of the fact.  I remember his mischeivous glint in the eye and his wide grin whenever he was listening to music he loved.  I also remember he would pile jalapeno peppers on his burritos in the middle of the summer and wipe his brow as he ate!  I worked for Jeff and Buddy Pittman at Sounds Familiar after college, and, though we didn’t stay in touch, I feel a vacuum now in a world that no longer has these two fine men in it.  For all they meant to me, to Jeff and Buddy I say, “Thank you! Goodnight!”

From the Facebook South By South East: SXSE Music Feast page:

I just heard about Jeff. Music has lost a great soul. He gave me a job at Sounds Familiar many years ago and changed my whole understanding of music. I’ll be forever grateful.

It was an honor to be Jeff’s Friend. He touched so many lives including mine.Such a big loss here at the beach. My prayers are with Hunter and Jeff’s family.

How many people can call a music store while you’re on the air when a CD goes ‘bad’ and have another over to you in 15 minutes so you don’t miss your song?

He made that happen. He made a lot of things happen we should follow his lead.

I have never enjoyed doing a “KZQ 12 days of …” & working on Christmas Eve more than when we did it LIVE from Sounds Familiar. You guys remember those? Love to your family

A friend, a genuinely decent guy, a great dad and a bona fide Myrtle Beach music icon - Jeff will be greatly missed.

A great friend for 28 years and I can’t believe you’re gone. My heart aches and I will miss your wit, wisdom and friendship. Even if I live to be 100, I will never know as much as you - what an incredible memory and wealth of musical knowledge! We shared a lot of laughs and you made sure I never left the store without more than one CD The last time we spoke was at SxSE and I’m beating myself up because we didn’t visit longer. I miss you buddy - rest easy.

I met Jeff through my college friends, Wrynn and Mike Harrell at one of the earlier SxSE shows at the Brewery. He always had a smile on, and when he spoke to you, it was as if no one else was in the room! SxSE was and hopefully will always be, a healing place. Keep the music LIVE and his memory will live on! Thanks and my deepest gratitude to everyone who is a part of SxSE – so much music I deeply love, I would never have heard were it not for Jeff!

Like so many of you I had the pleasure of knowing Jeff. Sounds Familiar was part of my youth and, at the time, a wonderful outpost to the commercial jack in a box music stores that followed (what became of the Paul Stanley-ized Farah Fawcett poster in the back room?) Jeff was always a supporter of Sandwitch and for that I’ll always appreciate what he did for local music and local musicians. One of a kind.

I have known Jeff for nearly 20 years, but he became a real friend to me the last two or three years. Especially the last two years, Jeff and Hunter were around our house nearly everyday. Jeff would come pick Hunter up and most days chat with me while I cooked dinner, and we always had something to talk about. And I know he listened and was interested in what I talked about because he would always bring me an article, magazine, or something related to what we talked about. He would remember things special to me, and what can I say, I never knew anyone like him.

My life forever changed on Monday when my friend did not come home, but as sad as it is to see him go, I think he has taught me (again) how important my friends are- they are my wealth. I love you Jeff, I see you everywhere, I hear your voice, and I feel your love! I meant what I said, I won’t let you down! Peace.

When one starts throwing around such weighty words as “icon,” or “American Legend” - when referring to a musical artist - it’s often best to play it close to the vest, and perhaps pull back on the leash.

But when you’re describing Willie Nelson, well … in this one, special case it just might be possible to run with the big dogs and unleash a verbal Tsunami via the Thesarus from hell.

But I will try to keep this short and sweet, as the pride of Abbott, Texas - known to a much-appreciative world as Willie Nelson - will once again grace the stage at House Of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, SC on Friday, January 22, 2010, along with opening act Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.

Willie’s life and career are the stuff that dreams are made of, and Willie has seen many of them come true beyond his wildest expectations. His collaborations are a musical Who’s Who across the spectrum: Waylon Jennings, The Highwaymen, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller, Ray Price, Snoop Dogg, Merle Haggard, Kurt Nilsen, Faron Young, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Juice Newton,Toby Keith, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Marty Dread. Few artists of Willie’s tenure can post the same resume.

And much to the chagrin of many a blue-haired DAR, Nelson can trace his genealogy to the American Revolutionary War, in which his ancestor John Nelson served as a Major.

Nelson was born and raised in Abbott, Texas, the son of Myrle Marie (née Greenhaw) and Ira Doyle Nelson, who was a mechanic and pool hall owner. His grandparents gave him mail-order music lessons starting at age six; he wrote his first song when he was seven, and was playing in a local band at age nine. Willie played the guitar, while his sister Bobbie played the piano. He met Bud Fletcher, a fiddler, and two siblings joined his band, Bohemian Fiddlers, while Nelson was in high school.

In 1956, Nelson moved to Vancouver, Washington, to begin a musical career, recording “Lumberjack,” which was written by Leon Payne. The single sold fairly well, but did not establish a career. Nelson continued to work as a radio announcer in Vancouver and sing in clubs. He sold a song called “Family Bible” for $100; the song was a hit for Claude Gray in 1960, has been covered widely and is often considered a gospel music classic.

Nelson moved to Nashville in 1960, but was unable to land a record label contract. He did, however, receive a publishing contract at Pamper Music. After Ray Price recorded Nelson’s “Night Life” (reputedly the most covered country song of all time; a version of “Night Life” was even recorded by convicted killer and former cult leader Charles Manson),Nelson joined Price’s touring band as a bass player. While playing with Ray Price and the Cherokee Cowboys, many of Nelson’s songs became hits for some of country and pop music’s biggest stars of the time. These songs include “Funny How Time Slips Away” (Billy Walker), “Hello Walls” (Faron Young), “Pretty Paper” (Roy Orbison) and most famously, “Crazy” (Patsy Cline). Willie later did an album with Ray Price in 1980 called San Antonio Rose. Nelson signed with Liberty Records in 1961 and released several singles.

He was unable to keep his momentum going, however, and Nelson’s career ground to a halt. Demo recordings from his years as a songwriter for Pamper Music were later discovered and released as Crazy: The Demo Sessions (2003).
In 1965, Nelson moved to RCA Victor Records and joined the Grand Ole Opry. He released a string of standard, mid-1960s Nashville Sound-inspired country albums, mostly produced by Chet Atkins. He had a number of mid-level chart hits throughout the remainder of the 1960s and into the early 1970s, before retiring and moving to Austin, Texas.

Nelson signed with Atlantic Records and released Shotgun Willie (1973), and Phases and Stages (1974). Nelson then moved to Columbia Records, where he was given complete creative control over his work. The result was the critically acclaimed, massively popular concept album, Red Headed Stranger (1975). Although Columbia was reluctant to release an album with primarily a guitar and piano for accompaniment, Nelson insisted (with the assistance of Waylon Jennings) and the album was a huge hit, partially because it included a popular cover of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” (written by Fred Rose in 1945). “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” became Nelson’s first number one hit as a singer.

Along with Nelson, Waylon Jennings was also achieving success in country music in the early 1970s, and the pair were soon combined into a genre called outlaw country (“outlaw” because it did not conform to Nashville standards). Nelson’s outlaw image was cemented with the release of the album Wanted! The Outlaws (1976, with Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser), country music’s first platinum album. Nelson continued to top the charts with hit songs during the late 1970s, including “Good Hearted Woman” (a duet with Jennings), “Remember Me”, “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time”, “Uncloudy Day”, “I Love You a Thousand Ways”, and “Something to Brag About” (a duet with Mary Kay Place).

In 1978, Nelson released two more platinum albums, Waylon and Willie (a collaboration with Jennings that included “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” which was written and originally recorded as a hit single by Ed Bruce a couple of years earlier), and Stardust, an unusual album of popular standards. It was produced by Booker T. Jones. Though most observers predicted that Stardust would ruin his career, it ended up being one of his most successful recordings. Willie also had a notable success with the LP titled Half Nelson, including such great artists as Ray Charles.

The Eighties saw a series of hit singles: “Midnight Rider” (1980; a cover of the Allman Brothers song, which Nelson recorded for The Electric Horseman soundtrack), “On the Road Again” (1982) from the movie Honeysuckle Rose and “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” (a duet with Julio Iglesias).

In the mid-1980s, Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash formed a group called The Highwaymen. They achieved unexpectedly massive success, including platinum record sales and worldwide touring. Meanwhile, he became more and more involved in charity work, such as singing on the We are the World single in 1984 and establishing the Farm Aid concerts in 1985.

In 1990, the Internal Revenue Service handed Nelson a bill for $16.7 million in back taxes and seized most of his assets to help pay the charges. He released The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories? as a double album, with all profits going straight to the IRS. Many of his assets were auctioned and purchased by friends, who gave his possessions back to him or rented them at a nominal fee. He sued accounting firm Price Waterhouse, contending that they put him into tax shelters that were later disallowed. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount. His debts were paid by 1993.

He released Across the Borderline in 1993, with guests Bob Dylan, Sinéad O’Connor, David Crosby, Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson and Paul Simon. During the 1990s and 2000s, Nelson has toured continuously and released albums that generally received mixed reviews, with the exception of 1998’s critically acclaimed Teatro (which was produced by Daniel Lanois—more commonly known for his work with U2—and featured supporting vocals by Emmylou Harris).

Nelson received Kennedy Center Honors in 1998. A star-studded television special celebrating his 70th birthday aired in 2003. In 2004, he released Outlaws & Angels, featuring guests Toby Keith, Joe Walsh, Merle Haggard, Kid Rock, Al Green, Shelby Lynne, Carole King, Toots Hibbert, Ben Harper, Lee Ann Womack, The Holmes Brothers, Los Lonely Boys, Lucinda Williams, Keith Richards, Jerry Lee Lewis and Rickie Lee Jones.

There’s so much more to know about this magical performer, but the best way to know Willie is to see him perform. So join me at House of Blues at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, SC, as Willie Nelson and opening act Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real provide a real treat on Friday, January 22, 2010. Doors open 7:00 p.m. For info call 843-272-3000; for tickets call 1-877-598-8497; or visit www.livenation.com .

The Legend of Trigger
Nelson’s principal guitar is a Martin N-20 nylon-string acoustic, which he has named “Trigger”, after Roy Rogers’ horse. Constant strumming (with a guitar pick) over the decades has worn a large sweeping hole into the guitar’s body near the sound hole (there is no pick-guard on the Martin N-20 since classical guitars are meant to be played fingerstyle instead of with flat-picks). Willie once commmented it was caused by a little too much Whiskey River. Its soundboard has been signed over the years by over a hundred of Nelson’s friends and associates, from fellow musicians to lawyers and football coaches. Nelson has often said that when the hole in Trigger’s body makes the guitar unplayable he will retire.
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This article was originally published at www.bhowle.wordpress.com

By Brian M. Howle

Back in the late-’70s, the remaining members of a decimated Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed under the moniker of The Rossington-Collins Band. And one of the more haunting songs on that memorable album they produced in their post-Skynyrd continuation was entitled, “Next Phone Call”, about the chilling effect of hearing one’s phone ring in the middle of the night, when only the worst of news seems to find its way into our otherwise stable lives.

It wasn’t all that late in the night when I got the call, but it did have the same numbing effect of shattering an otherwise peaceful beginning to another week in Paradise here along the Strand - my old friend, Jeff Roberts, had unexpectedly died. I have reached that age where there is no such thing as an understandable loss of life, though ecumenicals portend to comfort me with profound explanations of the mysteries of God’s unknown will, and His great plan for us in the overall scheme of things.

But there is no comfort when someone close to me calls to let me know that one of the nicest, most decent men I have ever had the great honor and pleasure to know had passed away. Far too soon for his time, far too soon for his family, and far too soon for a world that sorely needs the likes of a Jeff Roberts now more than ever.

Now, I consider myself to be an extremely well-versed audiophile and musical history/trivia buff.  But it would be foolish (and abundantly obvious) for me, and really, just about anyone else around these parts to challenge Jeff’s encyclopedic knowledge of contemporary music. Equally foolish would be for one to assume that his forte was strictly rock & roll (with apologies to Atlanta Rhythm Section). Jeff’s genuine love for all things music was challenged only by his genuine love for his family and friends - and his son was the center of his world. And that one, simple fact speaks quantum volumes about those he loved.

Jeff’s contributions to the lives and experiences of musicians, writers, producers, engineers, songwriters and fans of music in general are as countless as the stars in the heavens above. The years of immeasurable joy he helped others find as they searched for that “perfect record” while he owned Sounds Familiar, in the original store at 38th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, probably spans the lives of more people than anyone can imagine. A gentle giant of a man, his beaming smile and deep, sincere laugh made anyone who entered his store with a heavy heart forget their problems for the time they spent there. And his expansive knowledge of all genres of music - and the thousands of artists who performed them - made him the ultimate Shaman of advice for all of those who came searching for “that song, you know, the one that goes …”

Sounds Familiar went its way far too soon, but Jeff continued to provide the same service and help with its smaller but no less important successor, Sounds Better, located in the Hidden Village complex along Restaurant Row. Anyone looking for that impossible-to-find vinyl 45, LP or 8-track invariably found their way into his little musical Nirvana, tucked away near the site of his family’s old Myrtle Beach homestead.

And anyone who had the good fortune and excellent luck to experience any of the South By Southeast shows over the last few years will have an extra special memory to treasure, as Jeff continued to help bring excellence in music to us all along the Grand Strand, right up until this past Monday, January 11, 2010, when God couldn’t find his favorite Stevie Ray Vaughn album and called on the best on earth to help him out. Or, maybe He just wanted to show up Hendrix in the weekly Trivial Pursuit game.

So, farewell, old friend. And thank you for filling the best years of my life with the best damn soundtrack known to any man. But take solace in knowing that for us mere mortals, your spirit will live in glorious stereo every time a song - that you turned us on to - drops on the ol’ trusty turntable. That song, you know, the one that goes …
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This article was originally published at www.bhowle.wordpress.com

Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) is proud to announce nine additions to their Board of Directors. At the September Board Meeting, Judy Hylton of BEMC, Tracey Long of Novant Health/Brunswick Community Hospital, and Jeff Roberts of Trinity Methodist Church joined the CIS family. The December meeting welcomed Leroy Brown of The Bridge Pizza and Grill, David Kesterson of First Bank, Earl Oxendine of First Federal, Tom Rogers of Brunswick County Emergency Services, John Titrington of Progress Energy as well as County Commissioner Phil Norris.

“We are grateful to have so many dedicated community leaders give their support to our organization,” says CIS executive director Cynthia Tart. To learn more about CIS,

visit www.cisbrunswick.org. or call 910-457-3494.

Shelly Hughes, a waitress at California Dreaming Restaurant, wanted to do something to help others so she purchased a raffle ticket, knowing that the $5 would be used to help Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio in one of the four countries where it still exists – Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.  She expected to help, but didn’t expect the call Wednesday morning with the news “you have the winning ticket.”

L-R, Tim McCoy, Carolina Forest Rotary Club president; Shelley Hughes and Foundation chair, Raffia Elizabeth Smith.

A raffle ticket for $5 – can it really help save the lives of six children? With Rotarians donating their time and resources to travel to the remaining pockets of polio, the money raised by local clubs goes directly to the cost of the vaccine.  Yes, for less than a dollar a child can receive the immunization and not live in fear of death or being crippled for life.

Members of The Rotary Club of Carolina Forest Sunrise, a breakfast club meeting at Beef O’Bradys, have been diligently selling raffle tickets so the Club could continue to “Do Good in the World” both in Horry County and internationally.  Many humanitarian projects have been funded through the local Rotary Clubs and lives have been changed as a result.

Locally, Carolina Forest Sunrise Rotary has funded projects for local schools and other humanitarian projects such as Street Reach and CASA.  They have sponsored a youth club “Interact” at Carolina Forest High School and two Rotaract Clubs at Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College.   A popular project each year is the delivery of dictionaries by the Rotarians to third graders at Carolina Forest’s elementary schools

This year the club has undertaken a long range project to help furnish equipment for the new park soon to be opened in the Carolina Forest Community.  A matching grant was obtained through the District Rotary program to begin furnishing items for the park and plans are underway to do the same next year.

“Throughout the region, Rotary Clubs are continually seeking ways to serve their communities and the world.  Rotarians live by the motto “Service Above Self.”   Thanks to Shelley and so many others who purchased raffle tickets, the proceeds will enable this club, and others like it, to continue to serve,” said Rotary Foundation Chair, Raffia Elizabeth Smith.

The Carolina Forest Sunrise Rotary Club meets Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at Beef O’Bradys in the Carolina Forest shopping center.  For more information on membership, attend a club meeting or call president, Tim McCoy at the Carolina Forest Branch of Horry County State Bank. (843-839-8190).

Elizabeth Kendall, Moon Shadow II, 19" x19"x 5", 2009.

“Textural Tracings,” an exhibition of the work of three sculptors from the Washington, D.C., area, will open with a reception on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit in the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery at Coastal Carolina University are open to the public. The show continues through Friday, March 5.

Leila Holtsman, Elizabeth Kendall and Novie Trump are the featured artists.

Holtsman, who will attend the opening reception, creates platters, vases, tiles and wall hangings for a variety of clients in the D.C. area. Her works appear in juried fine art fairs, galleries, and as installations in private homes. They range in size from small ornamental pieces to fireplace surrounds. She works at the Lee Arts Center Studio and is a member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts.

Novie Trump is a northern Virginia sculptor whose work is in public and private collections throughout the United States and Europe. Her ceramic sculpture has been selected for juried and invitational exhibitions and has been featured in books and publications. She is the founder and director of Flux Studios, a studio in Mt. Rainier, Md., housing the professional studios of six artists working in a variety of media, including clay, glass and mixed-media.

Elizabeth Kendall has exhibited in a number of juried shows including the 3rd Annual National Juried Cup Show in Monticello, Alaska, and exhibits at the Art Space in Raleigh, N.C.; the Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va., and Cross MacKenzie Ceramic Arts in Washington, D.C.

“Winter is a season when the delicate textures and subtle colors of nature encourage meditation, reflection and renewal,” said Cynthia Farnell, gallery director. “The work of Holtsman, Trump and Kendall echoes the quiet reflection of the winter landscape. Through their use of the natural colors, textures and physical properties of their materials, they create forms that are the vehicles for personal narratives and mythic references.”

The Bryan Gallery is open from 9 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed weekends and University holidays. Contact Farnell at 843-234-3466 or cfarnell@coastal.edu. Or visit the website at https://www.coastal.edu/bryanartgallery/.

Cinzia Spa is partnering with Eileen S. Kim of Edward Jones and other sponsors to offer  a special evening of self indulgence and a chance to benefit Children’s Museum of South Carolina.

Spend an evening with your best girlfriends at the Cinzia Spa at North Beach Plantation and fill it with a night you will never forget.  Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, spa treatments and services, while giggling and indulging all of your senses!  Each ticket includes a gift at the door, refreshing beverages, hors d’oeuvres, up to three mini spa treatments, and a relaxing spa atmosphere with spa services and demonstrations.

Enjoy your choice of up to three  “mini spa treatments” during the evening including:   Seated Chair Massages, Mini Facials, Mini Manicures, and Mini Pedicures.  Your evening will be complete with relaxing spa services and demonstrations, such as:  Self Defense/Kickboxing Sessions, enhancing your life with Wellness Partners, learning Pilates through interactive demos, experiencing Satori Therapy, and spending some girl time in a Turkish Hammam or the Indoor/Outdoor Meditation Lounge with Whirlpool.

Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about special products and services developed specially for women.  Invite all your girlfriends and purchase your tickets now. Ticket packages range from $60 for one to $200 for you and three girlfriends.

For more information or details about this ladies 18 & up event, visit www.girlfriendsgiggle.com.

To learn more about the Children’s Museum of S.C., call 843-946-9469 or visit www.cmsckids.org.

The Columbia Museum of Art celebrates its sixtieth anniversary year by hosting a major exhibition of art by contemporary African-American artists. The Chemistry of Color: Contemporary African-American Artists and its accompanying catalogue chronicle the accomplishments and struggles of African-American artists in the latter half of the twentieth century with approximately 72 works by a number of preeminent modern artists such as Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar. The exhibition includes works by 41 artists including Moe Brooker, James Brantley, Charles Searles, Sam Gilliam and others who have made major contributions to the development of American art. This show presents an opportunity for residents of South Carolina and the surrounding region to see an exhibition of nationally and internationally known African-American artists not seen in the state in nearly a decade. BB&T, SCE&G, and Dr. Suzan D. Boyd and Mr. M. Edward Sellersare presenting sponsors for the Columbia presentation of The Chemistry of Color, with additional support from the Pierrine and Hootie Johnson Fund of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, Colonial Life and the Hilliard Foundation.

The lively form and exuberant color of the works - paintings, sculpture, works on paper and textiles - showcase diverse styles, from portraying scenes of African-American culture to abstraction and abstracted realism in which artists were breaking boundaries in terms of style. The Chemistry of Color represents turning points in the development of African-American art and presents the emerging visibility, tremendous sense of self-determination and experimentation of African-American artists after decades of relative invisibility in the art world.

The exhibition opens on Friday, Feb. 5 at the beginning of Black History Month and runs through May 9, 2010. Feb. 5 and every Sunday are free admission days, courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. The exhibition comes from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, known internationally for its collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. This represents the first partnership between the Columbia Museum of Art and this distinguished institution. PAFA received the ARCO Chemical Company Collection of African-American Art from Harold and Ann Sorgenti and was one of the few traditional art schools to accept African-Americans into its program since the 19th century. As African-American artists struggled to have their work accepted in the Philadelphia art community,

societal changes in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s fed into tremendous artistic innovation, resulting in overwhelmingly bold and colorful works.

The Sorgenti Collection is traced to the early 1980s when ARCO Chemical Company, under Sorgenti’s leadership, underwent a period of tremendous growth committed to cultural diversity, the Philadelphia-based company formed an art collection that reflected a culture of inclusion in the organization. When ARCO Chemical was sold in 1998, Harold Sorgenti, a PAFA trustee since 1980 and chairman of the board from 1986 to 1993, and his wife Ann purchased the collection from the company and donated it to the Academy. The gift dramatically increased PAFA’s representation of contemporary African-American artists. Support for the catalog has come from Harold A. and Ann R. Sorgenti.

The Columbia Museum of Art has a long history of presenting exhibitions featuring African-American art and African cultural heritage - more than 37 years, beginning in 1972. In addition to the more than 25 exhibitions, the Museum’s collection includes works by more than 30 African-American artists, including Romare Bearden, John Biggers, Beverly Buchanan, Elizabeth Catlett, William H. Johnson,

Betye Saar, Carrie Mae Weems and others.

In conjunction with the Columbia Museum of Art’s Year of American Art and The Chemistry of Color, the Museum presents an installation from its own collection, Color Vision: African-American Masters from the Collection, which opens Wednesday, Feb. 17 and runs through May 30.

The Chemistry of Color: Contemporary African-American Artists was organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Columbia Museum of Art is located at 1515 Main Street in downtown Columbia, S.C.

For more information call 803-799-2810 or visit www.columbiamuseum.org.

From Jan. 15 through March 20, The Fabric of a People:  African-American Art, Experiences & Contributions, a fabric arts exhibit emphasizing Gullah culture and African-American history will be displayed in Learning Lab I of the E. Craig Wall, Jr. Lowcountry Center Complex.  Curated by Zelda Grant of Awendaw, S.C. – fabric artist, author, and visionary – the exhibit is free with garden admission and will include six main portals:. Music, Dance, Theater;  Arts;The  Gullah/Geechee Corridor; The Civil Rights Movement: from Rebellion to Barack Obama; Inventions; and The Black Church.

The design of each portal will feature fabric arts – mixed-media collages,  pillows, paintings, soft sculptural wall hangings, and shadow-box pieces º in addition to pictures and artifacts by Grant and contributing artisans.

“Viewers will gain an educational, cultural, and historical overview of ‘vignettes of contemporary and past history’ from an artist’s perspective,” said Grant, who enamored participants at Brookgreen’s “Affirmation Bookmark” fabric arts workshop, which she facilitated last Feb.  “Upon entering, viewers will be transported to a dimension of ebullient color, texture, and imagery.  While viewers will be directed to each portal by following an enchanting walkway laid out on the exhibition hall floor, they may choose to relax on hand carved benches along the way to reflect on evocative exhibits.”

Grant will facilitate two family-friendly, fabric arts workshops from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 28, and Saturday, March 13, in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium.   Each workshop will include three 75-minute sessions of exhibit-related activities.    Pre-registrations are available until Jan. 18 and March 13, respectively, to a maximum of 22 and minimum of ten participants per event by calling 843-235-6049.  The fee is $25 per session and $55 for all three sessions on the same day.  Workshop themes and activities are:

1.  Music, Dance, Theater    with  the  Arts  (Hands-on Choices:   Bookmark Art, Free Expression Painting, Wood Stamp Arts)

2.  The Civil Rights Movement    with   The  Black  Church (Mixed-Media Collages:  Following and Exploring Black History Images  and Personal Expression)

3. The Gullah/Geechee Corridor with Inventions (Found Objects Art -   recreating selected inventions using everything from boxes to bottle caps!)

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and nonprofit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily. For more information, visit the website at www.brookgreen.org or call 843-235-6000.

The Silver Coast Winery is proud to announce the opening of a new art show featuring the artistry of Joanne Geisel and Phil Meade.  Both of these fine artists will have award winning selections on exhibit.  Joanne’s landscapes and still life paintings capture beautiful locations, changing moods and have a unique perspective. While Phil’s inspiration is derived from the weathered dune fences, wild flowers, the ocean, inland waterways and formal gardens.

Collectively these two artists will captivate you with beautiful compositions. The show will open  Jan. 23 and run through April 15.

Silver Coast Winery is a full winemaking facility housing an eclectic art gallery, unique gift shops, with beautiful picnic grounds. Private parties as well as corporate parties and weddings are welcome.  Tours and tastings in Jan. and Feb. are Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.  The winery is c losed on Mondays and Tuesdays except by appointment. For more information visit www.silvercoastwinery.com or call 910 287 2800.

The Mint Museum of Craft + Design in Charlette, N.C. will close to the public on February 7 to prepare to move its collections to the new Mint Museum Uptown. Opening in October, the Mint Museum Uptown will house the Mint Museum of Craft + Design collections, as well as significant collections of American Art, Contemporary Art and a selection of European Art in a new five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility located in the heart of Charlotte’s business district. The Mint Museum of Craft + Design Shop will remain open for several more months, with a firm closing date to be announced later this spring.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Mint Museum Uptown, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design has launched Project Ten Ten Ten, a series of commissions created especially for the new Mint Uptown galleries by ten of the world’s most innovative craft and design artists. When the doors open in October, visitors will see spectacular works by glass artist/designer Danny Lane (United Kingdom), conceptual jewelry artist Ted Noten (The Netherlands), furniture maker/designer Joseph Walsh (Ireland) and fiber artist Hildur Bjarnadǿttir (Iceland). Equally striking commissions by Kawana Tetsunori, Kate Malone, Tom Joyce, Cristina Córdova, Susan Point and Ayala Serfaty are also being planned for the new facility.

The Mint Museum expansion includes the construction of a new building in uptown Charlotte and the reinstallation of the historic U.S. Mint facility on Randolph Road. When the expansion is complete, The Mint Museum’s total combined square footage will grow by more than 60 percent, allowing opportunities to showcase more works from the permanent collection and better accommodate significant traveling exhibitions.

The Mint Museum Uptown will be part of the new Wells Fargo Cultural Campus. In addition to the Mint, the completed campus will include the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the Knight Theater (housing the North Carolina Dance Theatre) and the Duke Energy Center. Following the grand opening of the Mint Museum Uptown, collections at the Mint Museum Randolph will be reinstalled with a fresh new vision. Galleries there will feature the Mint’s superb Ceramics, Art of the Ancient Americas, and Historic Costume and Fashionable Dress collections.

The Mint Museum Uptown is scheduled to open just one year prior to the Mint’s seventy-fifth anniversary. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston (design architect), Clark Patterson Lee Design Professionals of Charlotte (architect of record), and George Sexton Associates of Washington, D.C. (museum consultant), the new facility will combine inspiring architecture with groundbreaking exhibitions to provide unparalleled art experiences for its visitors. The Museum expansion will provide larger and more flexible space to showcase the permanent collections and Mint-organized special exhibitions, as well as major touring exhibitions organized by other venues. The new facility will also house a Family Gallery to reinforce the Museum’s dual priorities of art and education.

For more information, visit www.mintmuseum.org or call 704-337-2009.

Yuriy Bekker, New York violinist.

First Presbyterian Concerts, Inc. Promenade Series will feature New York violinist, Yuriy Bekker, on January 21 at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 1300 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Season tickets for all six concerts are $20. at the church office; however, individual tickets will be sold at the door ($5.) before the concert.

Yuriy Bekker, concertmaster of the Charleston Symphony, is a native of Minsk, Belarus, and now, a U.S. citizen. He has played with the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and Ballet Orchestras, and the Louisville Orchestra. He has collaborated with Herbert Greenberg, Claudio Bohorquez, Alexander Kerr, Sara Chang, and Gil Shaham in both chamber concerts and symphonic settings. Engagements at the Kennedy Center include performances with the Indiana String Quartet and with the Degas String Quartet for the Chicago Chamber Music Society. Recent appearances include recitals in New York City, Chicago, Miami, Florida, Asheville, North Carolina, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Graz, Austria as well as numerous engagements as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony. His recent performance of the Korngold Violin Concerto led to critical acclaim:

Mr. Bekker performs regularly for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival at which his solo appearances have created a sensation:

“This man [Bekker] was born to play the fiddle. Plump, smooth tone, uncanny control, stiletto sharp intonation, musicality and passion to burn. He’s got it all, and then some.”

– Charleston City Paper

“The ‘dream team’ of violinist Yuriy Bekker and pianist Andrew Armstrong wowed a full house at Sunday’s Spotlight Concert Series.”

– The Post and Courier

Most recently Mr. Bekker was the concertmaster and a faculty member at the AIMS Festival in Graz, Austria. He has played in music festivals worldwide including the European Music Festival Stuttgart (Germany), the Pacific Music Festival (Japan), Spoleto USA, and others in the Netherlands and Switzerland. In addition, he is on the faculties of the College of Charleston School of the Arts and Charleston Academy. He has been a frequent guest concertmaster and soloist with various orchestras including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble DuMonde and others in the New York City and Baltimore areas.

Along with his position as concertmaster, engagements for the 2009-2010 season include solo appearances with the Charleston Symphony playing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, founder and leader of a new Charleston Symphony chamber ensemble series called “Yuriy Bekker and Friends,” and other solo appearances in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, New York City, Scottsdale, AZ, and abroad. In his spare time, Yuriy enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Jenny, and his cat, Gustav.

During the 2008/09 season, Andrew Armstrong is the soloist in Mozart’s Concerto K.488 at the Chautauqua Music Festival under the direction of Stefan Sanderling, before embracing Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with both the Fairfax Symphony (Gregory Vajda conducting) and the Nashville Symphony under Günther Herbig. He is also to appear with the Toledo, Fairfax, Augusta, Waukesha and Missoula symphonies, and overseas the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico.

2007/08 offered an array of engagements with the Florida Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Boise Philharmonic, and the symphonies of Tallahassee, Charlottesville, Stamford, Harrisburg, Bellevue and Ridgefield, among others. Last summer, he shared the stage with Jennifer Frautschi and Eward Arron to perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Peter Oundjian conducting. During the summer, he performed a pre-concert recital at the Mostly Mozart Festival.

During his 2006/07 season, Armstrong performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the the Charleston Symphony, Saint-Saëns’ 5th Piano Concerto with the Monterey Symphony in a return engagement, Prokofiev No. 3 with the Bridgeport Symphony, and Mozart’s A-major Concerto K. 488 in his debut with the Columbus Symphony under the baton of Günther Herbig. He also played two concertos at the Peninsula Music Festival (the Chopin F minor Concerto and Prokofiev No. 3 under V. Yampolsky) and Rachmaninov’s massive Concerto No. 3 with the Brevard Symphony, Florida. Earlier in 2006 he was the

featured soloist with Naumburg Concerts at New York City’s Central Park (Mozart’s Concerto K. 491). In 2004 he performed the World Premiere of Lisa Bielawa’s “The Right Weather” for piano solo and chamber orchestra with the American Composers Orchestra at the sold-out Carnegie Zankel Hall.

"America, Empire of Liberty: A New History of the United States" by David Reynolds (Basic Books, $35) Reviewed by Larry Cox

“America, Empire of Liberty” will change the way you think about the history of the United States. Author David Reynolds, a professor of International History at Cambridge University and a Fellow of the British Academy, concentrates on three basic themes: empire, liberty and faith.

Although our Founding Fathers perceived their new country as anti-empire, almost from the beginning, it wasn’t. Thomas Jefferson himself envisioned the United States as a great “empire of liberty,” which eventually evolved to become the greatest superpower the world has ever seen. How a country offering liberty and opportunity on a scale unmatched in Europe developed and grew by the sweat of black slaves and the dispossession of Native Americans is not an easy story to document, but Reynolds does it fairly, accurately and without an agenda.

Despite the fact that our history is complex and varied, Reynolds examines it through the lenses of one central truth, namely that America has always existed despite the opposite pulls of both tension and liberty. His narrative follows a chronological timeline while parsing the major game-changing events and putting them into context. This is what gives this book its legs.

For example, in the vivid accounts of such historical events as the Battle of Gettysburg, the tragic Trail of Tears, the civil-rights struggle in Montgomery, Ala., and even our current War on Terror, Reynolds shows that our history was, for the most part, the result of the deeds and actions of ordinary men and women.

According to Reynolds, “history, like living, is rooted in time: every day we tell stories about what has happened, giving narrative shape to the flux of events.” Indeed. Reading about those events in chronological - rather than thematic and analytical - structure and allowing the voices of the past to speak for themselves are one of the major reasons why this new book is such an exciting read.

"Soulless" by Gail Carriger (Orbit, $7.99) Reviewed by Ealish Waddell

With her unfashionably dusky skin, ample curves and propensity for speaking her mind, Alexia Tarabotti is used to not fitting in. And that’s saying something in her version of Victorian London, where vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other supernatural creatures walk freely and are even accepted into the upper echelons of society.

But the attribute that sets her apart most profoundly is a hidden one: Alexia has no soul. This doesn’t mean that she is cruel or unfeeling - far from it - but rather that in a world where the measurement of the soul can be used to control or be controlled, Alexia is a force unto herself.

Unfortunately, this unusual feature makes her a target for any number of villains, from boorish vampires who neglect to introduce themselves before chowing down, to mad scientists united in a sinister cabal that somehow involves octopuses, to a terrifyingly freakish man with a grinning face made of wax.

Fortunately, Alexia can call on the Bureau of Unnatural Registry for protection. Unfortunately, the BUR is led by the coarse, churlish and maddeningly appealing Lord Maccon, Scottish nobleman and Alpha werewolf, who seems to have taken a disturbingly personal interest in Alexia’s well-being.

Does the mighty breast of the fearsome wolf hide a smoldering passion? Will the proud Alexia ever realize where her heart truly lies? What do you think? It’s the getting there that’s the fun part.

Equal parts peril and playfulness, goth and giggles, Carriger’s rollicking tale imbues the shadowy, smoky streets of Victorian London with a little brassy steampunk shine. There is real danger here, creepy and macabre, but also a great deal of humor as Alexia trains her gimlet eye (and her stout parasol) on the vulgarities around her, keeping a lookout along the way just in case there’s treacle tart.

What is going on?  We are freezing in Florida.  I took a short car ride over to Orlando last week and people are wearing jackets.  In Daytona Beach the beach is empty and there are not many people walking around.  In Flagler Beach you see no footprints in the sand and in St. Augustine  people are shopping in Old Town and it looks like the dead of Winter in a little European Village.

Yesterday the television announced that most places have sold out of space heaters and some schools were closed because of “no heat”!  The oranges have been sprayed with water to keep them from spoiling and there is ice everywhere.  There is a warning about starting your car and letting it run a short time before you drive it away and there are not boats running up and down the waterway.  The tropical trees and plants are dying and everything looks bleak!  Gas is going up and the 70-80 % sales in all the stores are ending.  Welcome to 2010!

The Snowbirds from up North decided to stay home, as the weather is almost the same here.  Attitudes are beginning to change and people are beginning to wonder why this has to be the worst Winter in Florida in 10-15 years.  For me I just keep on going and stay busy trying to forget the weather.  Turtles are showing frostbite and fish have stopped biting and the local pier is empty.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be 44 for the high and in the 20’s at night.  Help!

I saw a cruise ship on the horizon yesterday and thought that might be the answer, but someone told me it is cool in the islands.  Shrimp boats are running close to shore and the birds are praying for a good catch so they can pick up a little morsel.

I do not like to stay at home all day, but after the coats, warming the car, running from store to store, staying away from people coughing all around you, and the leftover merchandise in the shops, you are ready to return to your warm nest!  The electric bill is going to be expensive this month.  For some reason the heating system never turns off.  My dog sits by my side every minute and begs for his little shirts and jackets.  Dogs do like clothes!

So, another day in Paradise means digging in the closet to find something warm and drinking another cup of coffee.  Taking a bath helps, but when you get out of the shower you freeze.  I should have stayed in the dry climate of Colorado.  Just know that I will return to my dedicated soul for the State of Florida, but for today, I want to be miserable!  As the song goes, “It Only Hurts For A Little While!”

Visit Glenn Arnette and read more about his travel adventures at www.worldtravelbyglenn.com.

A windblown Saltmarsh Sparrow

Coastal Carolina University biology professor Chris Hill has discovered that the Saltmarsh Sparrow, a shoreline bird that populates the eastern coast, exhibits “extreme levels of multiple mating,” making it probably the most promiscuous bird in the world.

The remarkable findings of the new research have been published in The Auk, the journal of the American Ornithologists Union. Hill collaborated with Chris Elphick of the University of Connecticut and Carina Gjerdrum of the Canadian Wildlife Service.

The sparrows, which mate and nest along the coast from Virginia to Maine, are characterized by “scramble-competition polygyny,” according to Hill. When the females are ready to mate, they may mate with more than one male, and the males, instead of fighting each other openly for access to females, compete quietly to outmaneuver other males to fertile females.

Out of 60 broods tested, 57 of them had at least two chicks with different fathers. And 97 percent of the females were mating with more than one male.

“Frequently, every single egg in a nest would have a different father,” says Hill, who conducted molecular analyses of paternity in his laboratory at CCU. Blood samples were gathered from chicks in the nest and from adults on the breeding grounds, then tested to determine paternity. Elphick and Gjerdrum conducted most of the field work.

Before Hill’s study, the species had been known to lack the pair bonds common to most songbirds wherein the parents nest and raise the young together. Instead, the female sparrows nest and feed the young with no assistance from the males.

The sparrows, whose muted grey and brown markings help them blend into their natural environments, winter in similar habitat, sometimes along the coastline of the Carolinas.

“They spend their entire life in salt marshes, which makes them vulnerable to habitat loss as sea levels rise,” notes Hill. “This is a species whose future is in question. They need watching.”

Hill was assisted by Scott Tomko and Katie Copenhaver, recent CCU graduates, and Whitney Bryan, a student from the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math.

Coastal Carolina biology professor Chris Hill.

The sparrows are thought to be even more promiscuous than the previously known extremes of multiple mating, the Greater Vasa Parrot of Madagascar and the Superb Fairy-Wren of Australia.

Hill has been on the faculty at Coastal Carolina University for 10 years. An associate professor of biology, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

Hill is currently studying the nesting ecology of Least Terns in South Carolina.

Strader

Representatives from Intellistrand have announced the addition of Cassidy Strader as content manager for the company’s geographical websites.

In this role, Strader is responsible for managing content across the network of geographic websites, including news articles, blogs, polls, photo galleries and video and audio content.

A native of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Strader has more than eight years of journalism and Web experience. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism. She previously worked with The Sun News, a McClatchy publication, in various editor positions, including the position of online editor. As online editor, Strader was responsible for: all news content on The Sun News’ website, including stories, polls photo galleries and video; site administrator for MyrtleBeachMoms.com; served on the senior leadership team in the paper’s newsroom; and oversaw and advised staff on search engine optimization (SEO) of the paper’s website. Strader was also awarded a 2007 South Carolina Press Association Award for online coverage of breaking news.

Intellistrand has offices located at 1705 Oak Street Plaza, Suite 6, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and in Charleston, S.C. at 263 King Street. For more information, call 843-839-1456 or visit www.intellistrand.com.

Community Learning About Special Subjects (CLASS) offers several personal growth opportunities in the Litchfield community, as well as the Moveable Feast. For more information and to register for the programs below, stop by the Chocolate & Coffee House in the Litchfield Exchange, visit the website at www.classatpawleys.com, or call 843-235-9600.

Memory Mondays with Pris Keefer: Devoted to helping you organize your photos and to tell your personal stories (both the special events and the everyday moments in your life), each class will emphasize a different aspect of working with your photos. Held on Mondays from 1-3:30 p.m., instruction is free; there is a $5 materials fee for each class. Although each class will emphasize one aspect of working with your photos, scrapbookers should feel free to come and just work on your current album project!

Jan. 25, Organize Your Pictures: Gather up all those photos in boxes, bags and drawers, and Pris will help you organize them; Feb. 1, Scrapbooking 101: Bring 25-30 pictures (probably the most recent ones) and learn the basics of getting those precious memories into an album; March 1, Personalized Occasional Cards: Make your cards personal by creating your very own cards to send. Bring three pictures of family, friends or scenes; March 8, Heritage Album: Make an album that will be cherished by many for generations. Tips on mounting old photos, how to gather information about your family, organizing your heritage album and more.

Applying the Power of the Enneagram to Our Lives with Carol Anderson: The Enneagram, which describes the nine basic personality types of human nature, is a powerful psychological and spiritual tool for understanding ourselves and others and for spiritual growth. Participants will need to have knowledge of the Enneagram and their personality type. (Individual sessions may be available prior to workshop to meet this requirement and can be scheduled by calling Carol at 843-235-9960, ext. 4). Wed., Feb. 3 to Feb. 17, 1:30-3 p.m., $45 for 3 weeks.

Couples Time Out with Lee Brockington: Spend three days (Sun.-Tues., Mar. 21-23) at the oceanfront Sea View Inn with “local treasure” Lee Brockington as your history and southern culture instructor. Why leave Pawleys Island, when so many work so hard to arrive? Save gas as we travel to another world. Check in for an island getaway, dine on three southern meals daily, laugh at stories from the porch, and study island history. Field trips (traveling just a few yards to the east and west) include beach ecology and creek conversation. Arrive for Sun. dinner at noon, depart after Tues. dinner at 2 p.m. Double-$700.

The Moveable Feast

Suz Mole preps collaged and fused glass hearts for the valentine season while selling at Art Works and registering folks for the Moveable Feast - a true multi-tasker!

This popular series of literary luncheons, each featuring an exciting author at different Waccamaw Neck restaurants, is held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Most feasts are $25. Reservations are requested by the Wednesday prior to the feast. The Winter 2010 schedule through April is available onsite at Art Works inside the Chocolate & Coffee House at the Litchfield Exchange, online at www.classatpawleys.com or by phone, 235-9600.

Jan. 22 – Roger Pinckney (“Reefer Moon”) at Bove. Dorothea Benton Frank writes: “Nobody knows the South Carolina Lowcountry like Roger Pinckney, hunter, fisher and voodoo man. He’s the real thing. When Pinckney writes about love on a moonlit beach, you know he’s been there. Facing down a wild boar in a briar patch, you know he’s been there too. ‘Reefer Moon’ is a cry for wild places, on the earth and in the heart. Unforgettable! Roars with life!”

Jan. 29 – Steve Berry (“The Paris Vendetta”) at Tara Ballroom at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. In this fifth Cotton Malone adventure, the only thing rarer than the vintage editions Malone sells in his Copenhagen bookshop is the time he actually gets to spend there. Retirement has been anything but relaxing for the onetime U.S. government operative, who’s been drawn into one perilous adventure after another, crisscrossing the globe from the Sinai Desert to Antarctica, while racing to uncover some of the most precious secrets in recorded history.

Hannah Tinti's novel is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, and a recipient of the American Library Association's Alex Award.

Feb. 5 – Hannah Tinti (“The Good Thief”) at Ocean One: Richly imagined, gothically spooky, and replete with the ingenious storytelling ability of a born novelist, The Good Thief introduces one of the most appealing young heroes in contemporary fiction and ratifies Hannah Tinti as one of our most exciting new talents.Author of the short story collection Animal Crackers and co-founder and editor in chief of One Story magazine, her debut novel is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, and a recipient of the American Library Association’s Alex Award.

Feb. 12 – Rick Simmons (“Defending South Carolina’s Coast: The Civil War from Georgetown to Little River”) at Inlet Affairs: Area native Simmons relates the often overlooked stories of the upper South Carolina coast during the Civil War. As a base of operations for more than 3,000 troops early in the war and the site of more than a dozen forts, almost every inch of the coast was affected by and hotly contested during the Civil War. From the skirmishes at Fort Randall in Little River and the repeated Union naval bombardments of Murrells Inlet to the unrealized potential of the massive fortifications at Battery White and the sinking of the USS Harvest Moon in Winyah Bay, the region’s colorful Civil War history is unfolded here at last.

SPAT at the Chocolate & Coffee House

SPAT (Self-Published Author Talks) will cozy up in the Chocolate & Coffee House on Jan. 21.

Inspired by the “first ever self-published authors’ book fair,” SPAT (Self-Published Author Talks) will meet on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Chocolate & Coffee House in the Litchfield Exchange. The talks are free and open to the public (with reservations, so sufficient seating can be arranged). Come hear the trials and triumphs of writers who are “taking it to the streets.” Order a chai or latte or hot chocolate and enjoy some great storytelling.

The first SPAT will be held on Jan. 21 and feature The Write Sisters (nine authors) and their collection entitled “Women’s Voices, An Anthology” and Mary Kopchains, whose memoir of her mother’s adventures is titled, “I Went to the Sea for Oranges.” The series is free but reservations are appreciated; call 843-235-9600.

Spring OLLI Launched

The first round of some 300 classes, offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Coastal Carolina University’s three outreach centers in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Litchfield, have begun. Many more opportunities to participate for the pure joy of learning begin each week through May. For a copy of the catalog, call 843-349-4001 or -4030, or visit online at www.coastal.edu/olli.

“We always wanted to have an all women event but could never get the logistics correct.”

FSA- Full Steam Ahead, Inc. Fire and Water Restoration has announced  that   Mark Ousley is joining forces with Tony Brumfield and Steve Kahn as operating partners.  Ousley is a 1979 graduate of Appalachian State and has been a resident of Myrtle Beach since 1983.  He recently served as retail sales manager with First Citizens Bank in Surfside.  Prior to banking, Ousley was an Allstate Insurance agent and began his Allstate career in 1987.  He successfully operated the Mark Ousley Insurance Agency from 1990 until he sold the agency in 2007.  While establishing himself as a prominent business owner along the Grand Strand, Ousley was recognized with various awards with Allstate including National Champion, Honor Ring & Key Manager.

The new partner is a large community supporter of the Grand Strand and is currently serving as South Strand chairperson for the United Way of Horry County; he is on the Financial Review Committee for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and is on the Lakewood Elementary School Improvement Council.

Mr. Fish (Ted Hammerman) and TBone Terry enjoy the 30 degree perfect oyster weather at the first annual Mr. Fish Oyster Festival benefitting the Surfrider Foundation last Sunday at the train station. Proceeds will benefit the many environmental projects that Surfriders provide including the cleaning up and reseeding of oyster beds at Withers Swash.

The biggest buzz around Myrtle Beach comes from Historic Downtown Broadway Street. The merchants of Broadway have come together under the leadership of attorney Angie Knight and others and formed the Historic Broadway Merchant’s Association. From its grass roots, an idea for a street festival was born and Karen Houck, the proprietor of the Broadway Gourmet Cafe, was selected to chair the event. In addition to being a gourmet chef, Karen is also a paralegal and once worked for the governor of Maryland. When she decided to relocate to Myrtle Beach, she chose Withers Swash to live and Broadway Street to locate her business. She is passionate about the history of Broadway Street and is a natural to chair this event.

The festival date is set for April 24 - 25. It will be called the “Historic Broadway Street Festival” and will incorporate food, music, the visual and performing arts.  It will be a family festival with children getting involved in the arts. Plans are to block off Broadway from 4th Avenue to 6th Avenue and place a large stage in the middle of 5th Avenue and Broadway where bands, musicians, dancers, actors, mimes and others will perform continuously from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It will be promoted as a destination festival where the locals can mix with tourists in fun, fellowship and harmony. It will be modeled after the Fall for Greenville street festival in Greenville, S.C.

The festival has verbal commitments from food vendors in the categories of seafood, ethnic foods, hot dogs and hamburgers, Chinese food, Mexican food, pizza, wings, barbecue, ice cream, pastries and desserts. The chairman of the food committee is Mike Safa, formerly with the Ali Baba restaurant on the Boulevard and now with Habibis Middle Eastern food mart and restaurant on 501 across from the Freestyle Music Park.

Mike has extensive experience with outdoor festivals, including the famous San Genaro Italian Festival in New York City.

The art festival will be chaired by internationally acclaimed artist Bill Strydesky, formerly of the GIFU Art Exchange in Conway. Bill promises at least thirty artists will be painting, drawing and exhibiting their arts under tents at the festival. There will be several plein air artists with their easels on site capturing the gaiety of the festival.

Art patron Joey Skipper, a musician with the Strike-O-Matics (R) endears himself to artist Blair Browning by purchasing a piece of her art for more than her asking price. Joey knows the plight of starving artists and was very generous with his purchase.

The festival will also reach out to the performing artists, including dance, theater and music. The music will cover the range from symphonic strings to Cajun Zydeco to Caribbean steel drums to a variety of live bands. There will be ballet dancers, cloggers, tap dancers and Broadway review. There will be clowns, mimes, stilt walkers, face painters, off Broadway skits and tons of entertainers.

The festival plans to incorporate environmental groups such as the Surfrider’s Foundation, the Global Awareness Project and others into the event. The Surfriders Foundation has accepted the challenge to work with the City of Myrtle Beach, DHEC and others to clean up Wither’s Swash, reseed the oyster beds and bring the swash back to health again. God bless them.

Mark your calendars now for April 24 and 25. If you would like to get involved, email the author at Coastmagazine1@aol.com. There will be an update in this column every issue. Stay tuned for more information.

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber has announced its tenth annual awards gala, Tango With the Stars Saturday, Jan. 30 at Grand Strand Resorts at Barefoot in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Awards will be presented in the following categories: “Business of the Year (small- one to ten employees), “Business of the Year” (large-11 + employees), “Entrepreneur of the Year,” “Excellence in Customer Service,” “Hospitality Award,” “Excellence in Community Service Award” and “Ambassador of the Year.”

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by the dinner, program, silent auction and live entertainment at 7 p.m.

“This annual event is a celebration to honor our members for the tremendous contributions they make, not just to our North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, but to the economy and quality of life of our entire community,” said Marc Jordan, president/CEO North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets to the dinner are $60 per person.  Contact Charlene Lynam, at the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to purchase tickets, 843-281-2662 or register online by visiting www.nmbevents.com.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to help landowners with wetland restoration efforts.  The goal with the program is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled. WRP offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation, wildlife habitat and wetland protection.

Landowners who choose to participate in WRP may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with USDA to restore and protect wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future use of the land, yet retains private ownership. With landowner input, NRCS develops a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland. WRP offers landowners three options including permanent easements, 30-year easements, and restoration cost-share agreements of a minimum ten-year duration.

Landowners interested in participating in WRP should contact their local NRCS conservationist to begin the application process. Eligibility for the easement option requires seven years of ownership (some exceptions apply) prior to submitting an application, and the landowner must be able to provide evidence of control of the land, including recorded access rights. In addition, participants must also be in compliance with High Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Provisions of the Farm Bill and also meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitations.

WRP targets land which was formerly wetland and where planned restoration has the potential to maximize wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and aid in the recovery of special status species. NRCS ranks eligible projects according to both environmental benefits and cost-analysis. Environmental factors include assessments of future habitat diversity, benefits to special status animals, restoration of hydrology, the ability of the project to reduce habitat fragmentation, size of the offering, percent of eligible land, and improved water quality.

For more information, visit your local USDA-NRCS office, or call Glenn Sandifer, SC NRCS Program Specialist, at 803-253-3894, or email glenn.sandifer@sc.usda.gov.

South Carolina’s natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state’s economy overall. Find out why “Life’s Better Outdoors” at: www.dnr.sc.gov/green/index.html.

Brunswick Little Theatre (a nonprofit, all volunteer organization) will donate 10% of its profits from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” to the Brunswick County Historical Society. “Forum” will be presented at Odell Williamson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Feb.18-20 and 3 p.m. on Feb. 21.  Brunswick Little Theatre supports other nonprofit organizations in this manner for every show for which it charges admission as a way of giving back to the community.

The Brunswick County Historical Society was organized in 1954 as a nonprofit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, evaluate, and publicize the history of Brunswick County and the Lower Cape Fear through lectures, slides, and discussions.  The public is invited to attend informative meetings which provide opportunities to hear knowledgeable speakers on a wide variety of topics relating to Brunswick County.  The Society publishes a newsletter, which contains articles on its activities, research papers, and articles that pertain to genealogy.

BCHS meet four times a year at the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation building on Hwy. 17 in Supply, N.C. at 7:30 on the second Monday of Feb., May, Aug., and Nov. The Society also supports the Local History/Genealogical section of the Brunswick Community College Library. Research materials include books on local history, genealogy aids and the complete set of  North Carolina census records on microfilm.

For more information about the Society, contact James Green at  James.Green@BEMC.org.

For more information about Brunswick Little Theatre go to www.brunswicklittletheatre.com.  For tickets for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” call or go to Odell Williamson Auditorium at 1-800-754-1050, ext 416 or go www.bccowacom.   Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students 12 and over with school IDs,

$10 for Brunswick Community College Staff, and $6 for children under 12.

McKeown, who opened Mac’s Drive-In in Clemson in 1956, died Dec. 30 at the age of 82. Shortly before his death, Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy and Clemson University President James F. Barker, along with dozens of friends and family, went to his hospital bedside with an official proclamation designating Dec. 30, 2009, as Harold Alexander “Mac” McKeown Day.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a more caring, more compassionate, more generous human being anywhere, any time. He had the heart of gold,” said Jeff Bostic, who played football for the Tigers from 1977 to 1979. “There’s no telling how many people that came through his doors at the drive-in — everyone from university administrators to students to city officials to the garbage man — his customers ran the whole gamut, and he listened to and cared about all of them. He was an equal-opportunity listener.”

“The restaurant was Mac’s home and he made it our home, too,” said former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller. “It seems like we were there almost every night for four years… Mac held court as counselor, confidant and mentor, always willing to listen to our ever-changing issues and offer unwavering support. During his time, Mac likely influenced more Clemson students than any professor or coach with his clear and straightforward advice. The cheeseburgers were great, but it was never really about the cheeseburgers.”

A native of Chester, McKeown was a mechanical engineering major at Clemson before being drafted into the Army for two years. He returned to Clemson and opened Mac’s Drive-In with Dan Gentry. Though he sold the restaurant in the 1980s, McKeown remained behind the counter. Mac’s Drive-In received national attention when it was featured on ESPN’s “Taste of the Town” segment.

In 1997, McKeown was honored with the Order of the Palmetto, South’s Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

“Mac is the epitome of the guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” said Bostic. “There really aren’t any words to describe the man. The words will all fall short.”

To donate to the Mac McKeown Scholarship Endowment Fund, contact Lawson Holland at 864-656-3937 or Bob Mahony at 864-656-2974 or send checks to Clemson University Annual Fund, Attn. Mac McKeown Scholarship Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, S.C. 29633.

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the bond rating for Coastal Carolina University’s Revenue Bonds.  This upgrade paves the way for the University to acquire loans at lower interest rates, resulting in savings for taxpayers.

According to Moody’s Investors Service analyst Lori Schomp, the University was upgraded to A2 from A3.   The rating upgrade reflects the University’s healthy operating margins, favorable service area demographic trends, continued draw from out-of-state students, and rapidly growing revenues.

“In this economic downturn, it is very encouraging to hear positive news from a bond rating agency regarding one of our state universities,” said S.C. State Treasurer Converse Chellis, CPA. “Receiving a credit-rating upgrade is clearly a tribute to the diligent fiscal management and healthy financial condition of Coastal Carolina University. This is certainly good news for the University, its students, and South Carolina taxpayers.”

Schomp also said the University stands to benefit from the penny sales tax for education enacted by Horry County, the impact of which will be fully reflected in FY 2010.  The rating upgrade affects $19.6 million of Series 1999 and Series 2006 Refunding Revenue Bonds.

The improved rating outlook is based on Moody’s expectations of continued student market strength, healthy financial position, moderate additional borrowing plans and solid debt service coverage from pledged revenues.

“This rating improvement, coupled with the recent designation as one of America’s 100 Best College Buys, means that parents and students can have confidence in spending their college dollars with Coastal Carolina University,” said David DeCenzo, president of Coastal Carolina University.  “They will know that CCU is a good steward of its funds, both public and private, and that the future financial picture is strong.”

Strong regional student demographics and enrollment growth from students outside the region and the state were strengths that Moody’s factored into the rating improvement.

This rating upgrade is important to the community because it enables CCU to more easily acquire funding for the next $54 million phase of construction, which includes the new Student Convocation and Recreation Center, the Bryan Family Information Commons at Kimbel Library and Kenneth E. Swain Hall, the proposed science annex.  Those construction projects will create sorely needed jobs in the region.

Marvin Keene, the Marshall D. Butler Distinguished Professor of Finance in CCU’s E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, said this rating upgrade increases the value of outstanding bonds to trade on the secondary market, making CCU’s bonds more credit-worthy.  “This rating speaks to the University’s success in focusing on financial strength,” Keene said.

Coastal Carolina University has achieved a positive turnaround in the area of finance, with the recent announcement of a financial audit that resulted in a “clean” unqualified opinion with “zero findings.”  This is the second consecutive “clean” audit following a January 2007 annual financial audit that cited a significant deficiency and a number of material weaknesses. Within six months, in June 2008, the University received a “clean” unqualified opinion with zero findings.  Most recently, on Sept. 24, 2009, the fiscal year 2009 audit was issued with the same findings.

For more details, visit www. moodys.com, or call 843-349-2962.

Coastal Carolina University will begin the new year with the addition of more than 1,000 beds for student housing as a result of the recent acquisition of CampusEdge by the CCU Student Housing Foundation, an apartment complex located on U.S. 544 near its Conway campus.

The transaction was completed on Dec. 30, 2009, according to Stan Godshall, executive director of the Coastal Carolina University Student Housing Foundation, the nonprofit organization that provides student housing facilities for the University.

The CampusEdge property will be combined with University Place, an adjacent student apartment complex that is already part of the Coastal Carolina University student housing system, creating a 46-building complex that will be called University Place Apartments.

The additional 1,092 beds will enable the University to implement a sophomore housing requirement beginning in the Fall 2010 semester. This new provision, created as part of an effort to increase retention and graduation rates at the University, will require sophomores to live in the newly enlarged University Place Apartments. Freshmen will continue to primarily occupy residence halls on the main campus. (Students who live with their parents within a 50-mile radius of campus or who meet other specific conditions may be exempt from this rule.)

“Prior to acquiring this property, CCU did not have space to house both our freshman and sophomore classes in campus residence halls,” said Haven Hart, Associate Vice President for  Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The addition of the CampusEdge facility will increase the University’s on-campus resident population capacity from 2,287 to 3,379.

With the CampusEdge facility now coming under Coastal Carolina University management, University leaders and local law officials foresee an improvement in security at the property. As a privately-owned entity, CampusEdge was marketed to students but attracted a number of nonstudents, and the incidence of crime associated with the property was troubling, according to University President David A. DeCenzo.

“With the addition of campus law enforcement, resident assistants (RAs) living on the premises, and an exclusively student population, the facility—now combined with University Place—will provide a safe, structured environment for our students,” said DeCenzo, who also cited the benefits of the property’s proximity to campus, its system of sidewalks and streetlamps, and the shuttle service provided. “I congratulate CCU for bringing CampusEdge under the management of the University,” said Reggie Gosnell, chief of the Conway Police Department. “This acquisition will serve to improve the safety and security of the students and enhance their college experience. It will also allow us to free some of our resources to increase our visibility within that very busy patrol sector.”

The University is now working on a transition plan for the property. CampusEdge residents are being notified about the change in ownership. Current leases will be maintained through the end of their term. An Open House designed to showcase the new apartments is being planned.

For more information, call 843-349-2962.

Marketing Strategies, Inc. has been selected as the Agency of Record for the 2010 Rotary District 7770 Conference scheduled for March 26-28th at the Hilton at Kingston Plantation.

“Marketing Strategies, Inc. comes highly recommended especially for their public relations’ background and event planning experience,” said Alan Walters, district governor of Rotary District 7770. “They were instrumental in planning and marketing the 2008 conference for our district. Their experience will be a valuable asset as we develop materials to promote this year’s event.”

“We are proud to have been named ‘Agency of Record’ for the 2010 Rotary District 7770 Conference,” said Denise Blackburn-Gay, APR, president and CEO of Marketing Strategies, Inc. and a member/Paul Harris Fellow of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club. “We look forward to utilizing our agency’s full range of talents to make this event a success.”

Marketing Strategies, Inc. is a full-service Advertising/Public Relations agency that has been recognized internationally for its award-winning ad campaigns and PR activities.  Most notably, the firm is comprised of two Accredited Public Relations professionals and has been named “One of the Southeast’s Ten Most Dependable Website Developers” for three consecutive years by Goldline Research, an independent research firm.

For more information on Marketing Strategies visit them online at www.marketingstrategiesinc.com or call 843-692-9662.

The year 2010 marks the 145th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War. To commemorate the Second Battle of Fort Fisher (the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War), the Fort Fisher State Historic Site will stage a three-day anniversary event Jan. 15 through 17.  History will unfold as the Fort Fisher State Historic Site marks the 145th anniversary of this major battle.

This year’s program takes a new look at Fort Fisher as it was during the Civil War. The event kicks off on Friday, Jan. 15 at 6:00pm at UNCW’s Fisher Student Center with a panel discussion entitled “Black Men Bearing Freedom: U.S. Colored Troops and their impact on North Carolina” that explores the experiences of the U.S. Colored Troops. Continuing with this theme, Dr. Richard Reid, author of “Freedom for Themselves: North Carolina’s Black Soldiers in the Civil War Era,” will present a talk on Saturday at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

On Saturday, approximately 300 costumed soldiers will clash in a Civil War re-enactment of the 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher. Lantern light tours and evening firing of the site’s 32-pound rifled and banded cannon will highlight this anniversary program. Visitors can see artillery and infantry demonstrations and walk through Union and Confederate camps established on the fort’s grounds beginning at 10:00 a.m. Earplugs for noise protection may be needed.  Tickets for nighttime vignettes (seen on guided tours) will be $5 for adults and $3 for children. The 30-minute tours will start at 7:00 p.m.; the last tour leaves at 8:30 p.m. Daytime activities are free and open to the public.

A second recreation of the Battle of Fort Fisher on Sunday will begin at 2:00 p.m. Sunday’s event will also showcase musicians performing popular period music throughout the day.  Local authors will present their work and sign books before and after the battle scenario. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It affords visitors a great opportunity to learn more about local history and Fort Fisher’s role in the Civil War. Visitors, residents, and motorists are advised of loud explosions during cannon firings and artillery demonstrations, so bring your earplugs and dress warmly. Please contact Fort Fisher State Historic Site for details: 910-458-5538 or visit www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org.  All other activities are free and donations are always welcome.

Before its fall in Jan. 1865, Fort Fisher protected blockade-runners en route to Confederate Wilmington with war supplies. It was the largest and strongest earthen fort in the South.  After two massive bombardments, the fort fell to a Union infantry assault on Jan. 15, 1865, and the port was closed to foreign trade. The Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located in Kure Beach, just 20 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S., along US Highway 421 South.

For a free visitors guide to Wilmington & N.C.’s Cape Fear Coast call 866-266-9690.

For a complete Calendar of Events, attraction listings, leisure packages, and an online visitors guide, please visit www.gocapefearcoast.com.

Hagg

Representatives from HTC (Horry Telephone Cooperative) Inc. today announced that the Cooperative has selected Michael Hagg as the new chief executive officer (CEO) effective immediately.  The decision was made by the HTC Board of Directors at a special called board meeting on Tuesday afternoon, December 29.   Mr. Hagg’s selection comes after the recent retirement of past CEO, Curley P. Huggins.

Joining HTC in 1994, Mr. Hagg has been employed with the Cooperative for over 15 years and has served in several positions/departments including customer service, marketing and operations.   Prior to joining HTC, Mr. Hagg was employed with Cox Communications for ten years.

“Mike has been a dedicated and talented leader at HTC during his years of service,” said Ken Summerall, president of the HTC Board of Directors.  “His leadership ability and overall commitment is evident to those who have worked with him.  We were very fortunate to have several qualified internal candidates apply for the position. “

Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hagg most recently served in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer where he oversaw most day-to-day operations of the Cooperative.

“We have great confidence in Mike’s leadership,” continued Summerall.  “His talent and personal qualities, as well as his experience and knowledge of the telecommunications industry will allow for a seamless transition and his vision will set the stage for what we believe will be a strong and prosperous future.”

“I’m honored that the board has chosen me from a field of extremely qualified and deserving candidates.  I am looking forward to working with our gifted and dedicated workforce to move HTC forward over the coming years,” says Hagg.  “HTC has been fortunate to have a series of outstanding leaders who have positioned the Cooperative for continued growth and success through new technology and solid management practices.  I am grateful for this extraordinary opportunity.”

Mr. Hagg is a 1984 graduate of Penn State University and has lived along the Grand Strand and in Horry County since moving here shortly after his graduation.  Active in the local community, Hagg is an active member and past president of the Myrtle Beach Sunrise Rotary Club.  He is also a member of the board of the Coastal Carolina University Athletic Foundation and the Northeast Strategic Alliance (NESA).

In addition to these positions, Mr. Hagg serves on several committees for various telecommunications trade associations and fills HTC’s board seat with Spirit Telecom, LLC, a statewide telecommunications partnership.

He and his wife, Theresa, have two daughters Emma and Alex.

For more information on the new CEO, Michael Hagg or HTC, contact Brent Groome, Chief Executive-Customer Operations, at 843-369-8393 or brent.groome@htcinc.net.

The Green Eyeshade Awards honor excellence in professional journalism across several media platforms: newspapers, magazines, radio, television, photography and online.

Entries must have been published or broadcast in calendar year 2009 and created by journalists working in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or West Virginia.

The deadline for entries is Feb. 19.

The Atlanta Professional Chapter of SPJ started the Green Eyeshade Awards in 1950 to recognize journalistic excellence in the southeast. Regional directors for the Society now administer the competition.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

For more information, contact awards administrator Sarah Prickett at gesawards@spj.org.

DeVaughn

Like many veterans of the Vietnam era, Bill DeVaughn remembers the negative attitude of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s toward military personnel and veterans. He is working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen to the current era of veterans.

“There were many guys who came home that could have used a helping hand and didn’t find one,” said DeVaughn.

DeVaughn entered an apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician after graduating from high school in Fairfax, Virginia. He served four years as an apprentice, completing his training in 1968.

“I knew I wanted to be an electrician and I wanted to get my apprenticeship completed before joining the military,” DeVaughn said.

After earning his journeyman’s certification, DeVaughn enlisted in the Navy Seabees.

“I was following a family tradition,” DeVaughn said. “Many of my relatives had been in the Seabees during World War II.”

DeVaughn received his initial training with the Seabees in Gulfport, Mississippi, then, was transferred to a construction battalion unit out of Port Hueneme, California. After two years of service, DeVaughn received orders to Vietnam.

“Our job was to do what we could to keep the bases in shape and operating,” said DeVaughn. “For the last seven months of my tour, I worked with a river detachment in the Mekong Delta.”

He said the bases in the Delta were basically two barges tied to the shore, serving as base facilities for the Navy’s PBR’s (patrol boat, river). The patrol boats’ main mission was to interdict enemy supplies and units moving through the area.

“It wasn’t unusual for us to ride along on the boats during a mission,” said DeVaughn. “They could always use an extra hand, especially if things got hot.”

After completing his tour in Vietnam, DeVaughn returned to the U.S. where he was discharged.

“I joined Local 26 of the IBEW in the Washington, D.C. area and spent the next 35 years working in my trade,” said DeVaughn.

Much of this time was spent working for Walker Electric, a large contractor in the D.C. area.

“We had a number of contracts with government agencies including the Pentagon,” said DeVaughn. “Ironically, we had just finished a project at the Pentagon on September 10, 2001, but we lost two men who were in the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attack.”

DeVaughn retired in 2006 and immediately became heavily involved in Veterans organizations.

“I was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for a while, but I was concentrating on my career and raising a family for many years,” said DeVaughn. “After I retired, I got really involved.”

Now living in Horry County, S.C., DeVaughn helped bring the concept of a Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center to the county.

“This is a place for veterans to gather and talk, as well as receive help with needs they may have,” DeVaughn said. “We needed something like this after Vietnam, but didn’t have it. We want to make sure the veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have an easier time transitioning back to civilian life.”

The center provides information about available benefits and programs, serves as a referral center for jobs and legal help and also provides an area for general fellowship, according to DeVaughn.

He is also a member of Rolling Thunder, a national organization of bikers that works to continue awareness for those who are listed as POW or MIA.

“Rolling Thunder educates people about the POW and MIA issues from all wars, lobbies Congress and gets behind all veterans causes,” DeVaughn said.

“I put in more hours each week on veterans issues than I did on my job when I was working full time, but I love every minute of it,” DeVaughn said. “I want to make sure veterans feel appreciated for their service and will help them out in any way I can.”

Sunset River Marketplace, the eclectic art gallery in Calabash, N.C., presented its first Creative Exchange event of the new year on Jan. 13 The presentation, titled The History of Sunset Beach, featured two local published authors  and included a luncheion from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Jacqueline  “Jack” DeGroot has written eleven novels and a book of short stories. Most of her novels are romances set along the southeast N.C. coastline. Jack lives in Sunset Beach with her husband Bill. Formerly, Jack was a successful car salesperson in Vienna, Va. She ranked number six in the country in Pontiac sales, and says she now lives a much less stressful life. She rides bikes, does aerobics, cooks elaborate dinners, decorates lavish cakes, and takes long walks along the beach. It is apparent in all her books her love for the Brunswick Islands.

Miller Pope was born in South Carolina but spent most of his career in the New York advertising and publishing industries. He studied figure drawing at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., at the Art Students League in New York City. He moved south with his wife, Helen, in the 1970s and worked to develop The Winds Resort and Sea Trail Plantation in Sunset Beach. In 2006, he teamed with Jack DeGroot and delved into the treasure of Brunswick’s past by writing and illustrating the book, “Tales of the Silver Coast: A Secret of North Carolina’s Brunswick County.”  In 2007 DeGroot and Pope collaborated again resulting in another book, “The History of Sunset Beach.”

Signed copies by the authors were available during the presentation.

Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by approximately 200 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, art glass, pottery, sculpture, turned and carved wood and artisan-created jewelry. There are two onsite kilns used by students in the ongoing pottery classes offered by the gallery. A custom framing department is available. There are also classes in oil painting, watercolor, pastel and figure drawing. Other intensive three- and five-day workshops with nationally known artists  are offered nearby at the Studio, which is the gallery’s artist workshop facility.

For more information about the next event, call Sunset River at 910-575-5999 or visit the website at www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com.

Sunset River Marketplace is  located at 10283 Beach Drive (N.C. 179), Calabash, N.C.. The fee for Creative Exchange events is $5 . Reservations are  required due to limited seating and can be made by calling the gallery.

Entries are now being accepted for the Conway Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Showcase Tabletop Expo scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Peanut Warehouse in downtown Conway.

The Conway Spring Showcase is designed to offer area businesses, in a tabletop expo format, the opportunity to connect with organizations that support business, increase name recognition, gain exposure for products and services, generate business leads through interaction with other business owners, Chamber members, locals and visitors alike.

The Spring Showcase is open to all area businesses, and is open and free to the public. Entry fee to exhibit in the tabletop expo is $95 for Conway Chamber of Commerce members who sign up prior to Jan. 31; $150 afterwards. The cost is $200 for non-Chamber members. Limited spaces in high traffic areas are available to Chamber members for $150 prior to Jan. 31 and $200 afterwards. Prime locations for non-Chamber members are $250.

To acquire a registration form or to reserve space as an exhibitor, interested parties should contact the Chamber office at 843-248-2273 or via email, bjohnson@conwayscchamber.com.

Republican and Democratic gubernatorial primary debates are scheduled the week prior to the primaries on June 8 and will focus on the creation of jobs and long-term economic growth in South Carolina.

The debates will air live on WBTW News 13 and on scnow.com. Anchor Bob Juback will moderate both debates, which will feature a media panel as well as voter-submitted questions.

Francis Marion University in Florence will host the Republican candidates in a one-hour debate at 7 p.m. on June 1 at Chapman Auditorium. Coastal Carolina University in Conway will host the Democratic candidates in a one-hour debate at 7 p.m. on June 3 at Wheelwright Auditorium.

“Coastal Carolina University is honored to be a partner in presenting these important debates to aid voters in the decision-making process,” said Coastal Carolina University President David A. DeCenzo. “We hope as many as possible will exercise their privilege as citizens of a free society and participate in these events.”

FMU President Fred Carter said: “This gubernatorial election will be one of the most important decisions that the South Carolina electorate makes this decade. FMU is proud to join with Coastal Carolina in hosting these debates and providing access to these candidates.”

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Francis Marion University and Coastal Carolina University to bring this series of political debates to the Pee Dee and Grand Strand.  It’s a reflection on the commitment WBTW News 13, the Morning News, scnow.com and both universities have to support the communities we serve.  The Democratic and Republican debates will occur days before the primary, which will allow voters to hear from the candidates on the most important issues,” said Michael Caplan, general manager of WBTW News 13.

Morning News Publisher Mark Laskowski said, “The success of South Carolina’s next governor will be measured in large part by how he or she leads the state to economic stability and growth through job creation and business expansion. Those measures are critical to future growth throughout the Pee Dee. The Morning News is pleased to collaborate with Francis Marion and Coastal Carolina universities, WBTW News13 and SCNow.com to provide Pee Dee residents with unprecedented coverage of these important gubernatorial debates.”

Three additional debates for the general election will be held during the fall, including nominees for the governor, lieutenant governor and state superintendent of education.

For more information, contact Martha Hunn, director of news and public affairs, at 843-349-2962.

Ensemble member and youth program coordinator Marilou Cook.

Uptown and Carolina Improv Company announce the limited engagement show “Southern-ness As A Second Language,” starring Marilou Cook, a local Northern-Southern Belle! Marilou will entertain you with her concerns for the preservation, elevation, and appreciation of the language peculiarities and cultural idiosyncrasies unique to the South. Marilou Cook has been developing a “Southern Talk Made Easy Dictionary” for those who are not native speakers, which she looks forward to “sharin” with “y’all.” Tickets are $6 for this one-woman show, playing on Wed., Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in Uptown at the Myrtle Beach (formerly Colonial) Mall and can be purchased at the door.

Also playing in Uptown as an open run is “Whose Beach Is It Anyway?” In this audience-interactive improv comedy show, performers will take suggestions from the audience about the funny things that pertain to Myrtle Beach, like all-you-can-eat buffets, beach stores, snow birds gone wild, tourist traps, 17 bypass vs. 17 business, foreign exchange students on bicycles, time share sales people bike rallies  (helmet or no helmet)… you get the idea. If you’ve never experienced improv comedy, think of the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”  in which actors instantly invent unrehearsed skits, games or songs, relying only on their quick wit and improvisational skills. This show is appropriate for all ages and tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (no show on Jan. 23).

For more information or to purchase discounted tickets, visit www.UptownMB.com or call 272-4242 (HAHA). Tickets are also available at the door. Plan early – this show has been selling out!

Uptown is a 60-seat performance and event venue that features local performance and visual art, offers theatrical and improv classes and is available for events and meetings. Their resident performance company, Carolina Improv Company performs improv comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night, in addition to offering improv comedy classes, corporate training and customized entertainment.

The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and Rourk Woods are inviting the public to participate in a new Brunswick County tradition. The second annual Brunswick Stew Cook-off will be held Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Rourk Woods in Shallotte, N.C.  This event is perfect for the entire family and will feature Brunswick stew tastings, a kid’s area, a beer garden, live music by Jaded Mayberry, local crafters, food vendors and much more!

Last year’s judging panel.

Admission to the event is free; however, you must purchase tasting tickets to try the delicious stews.  Tasting tickets are $5 for six tastings.  There are five contestant categories: Restaurants, Media, Businesses, Nonprofits, and Individuals.  Each contestant will cook eight gallons of stew for the event – so plan to  arrive early to make sure you can try all the stews. Event attendees will be able to vote on their favorite stew for the People’s Choice Award from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., but attendees can taste until all the stew is gone.

An official judging panel will take place from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each category, and the overall top stew contestant.

The event will kick-off with music from 103.7 The Bone, and then live mus