December 2008, Volume 1, Issue 5
Greetings from the Beach, Friends

Haven't the world events been a blur of activity over the past several months! At The Horizon at 77th life tends to be a bit on the slower side with most of the motion coming from the waves at the shoreline just a few steps away.

Thanksgiving launched this holiday season for us with its festive and relaxing feast served at the Shoreline Grill. Though still mild, the November weather proved to be typically November-like with crisp winds and some rain, but golfers and sightseers alike braved the elements, wore jackets, and had a good time touring the Grand Strand. Their return to our comfortable Horizon accommodations with amenities and friendly staff ensured their comfort. Now that we move toward 2009, we look forward to greeting guests who might be staying with us for Christmas and for New Year's as well.

This year families tell us that their holiday plans are keeping them closer to home which is why some are selecting the Horizon as a special place to spend the holidays. This beachside location provides something a bit unique and exceptional for them, something affordable but different, but still an opportunity to keep costs and travel time down. Certainly, affordability is one of the key factors in deciding to take a winter break, buy holiday gifts, and spend time with loved ones. The Horizon offers a place for people to do all three at a reasonable price. How about considering a romantic get-away by the water where sight-seeing, dining, and relaxing (even shopping) are all easy to do!

Whether you plan to visit us during the remaining days of 2008 or whether you look forward to a warm-weather visit some time in 2009, we want to extend the heartiest wish for a joyous and healthy New Year 2009! Happy New Year, One and All!

Until then,

Your Friends at The Horizon at 77th

Party On! New Year's Eve on the Beach!

What a wonderful idea! The beach at New Year's Eve!

What a convenient idea, too, since we are planning a party here at our beachside location! Just combine "beach" and "fun" and "special event" all in one package. Whether you are looking for a cozy, intimate occasion for two or a rocking-rolling party for a larger number of people, we have amazing accommodations, THE party, and the perfect recipe for fun to get you into 2009!

The celebration itinerary at Shoreline Café begins in early evening with the first seating at dinner, a delicious feast fit for special people. If you would prefer to dine later, we have that covered, too. Book reservations early to attend the extravaganza at one of our sister properties. We plan to feature your favorite music, delectable desserts, later at midnight a champagne toast accented with colorful balloons, confetti, and laughter! Then, whether you enjoy partying the night away or just taking in the inspiring night's sky with a walk out on the beach, your possibilities are endless here in Myrtle Beach at The Horizon at 77th!

Click here for details.

The Magic of Holiday Lights Around the Grand Strand

This jolly season generates many good feelings with people sharing their holiday joy with light of the season. Radiant lights from one part of town or one culture to another invite people to drive around, viewing either the creative residential luminaries or formal displays such as at Brookgreen Gardens - lighted snowflakes, elves, candy canes, and holly placed high on utility poles, around store windows, and in residential front yards, masses of twinkling lights, green and red garlands, sparkling Christmas trees. Locals and visitors alike just seem to want to be out and about during the holidays.

Holiday lights hold a special place in the hearts of everyone at this time of year. The concept of "light" is both religious, cultural, and festive:

  • The Italian and Swedish festival of St. Lucia's Day on December 13th. Lucy or Lucia means "light," and tradition states that this night follows the longest night (before the Gregorian calendar), so the eldest girl in the family dresses in white and wears a wreath of light as St. Lucia. On the Grand Strand, our winter solstice is December 21st.

  • Hanukkah, December 21st at sundown, represents the Festival of Lights for Jewish people. Grand Strand Jewish families observe the occasion until the 29th by giving and receiving gifts, decorating their homes, entertaining friends and family, eating special foods, and lighting the holiday menorah.

  • The most familiar of celebrations in the Grand Strand is Christmas on December 25th, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. With many displays of lights, music, and candles symbolizing the occasion, Christians welcome each other in brotherhood also by placing candles in their home windows, not only to guide Christ to Christian homes, but also to encourage traveling "pilgrims" to drop in.

  • The cultural tradition of Kwanzaa held from December 26th to January 1st also draws people together to share light and festive spirits. Celebrating the African-American heritage, Kwanzaa focuses on traditional African values of family, community, responsibility, and unity. Just as in all these celebrations, children are encouraged to share and have fun.

So, with no fear of frostbite or snowstorms, we dive into the festive season, now already on display around town-especially at Horizon at 77th where the brightest light of the holidays and the most cheerful warm-wishes of our staff hope to lead the way to the New Year!

Featured Recipe - Cranberry Orange Cookies

This recipe makes 4-5 dozen tasty and nutritious drop cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 ounces butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (6 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Icing Ingredients:

  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation:

  • Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat sugars with butter until smooth. Beat in sour cream, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and eggs.
  • In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and soda, and oats. Slowly stir into the first mixture, blending well. If using the fruit, stir in the dried cranberries and pecans.
  • Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  • Chill the cookies for about 15 minutes before baking. Heat oven to 350°. Bake cookies for 10 to 14 minutes, until browned and set.
  • For icing, combine confectioners' sugar with the melted butter and 3 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate. Add more juice, as needed to make a spreadable mixture. Spread a little of the icing on hot cookies.
  • Makes about 4 to 5 dozen drop cookies.

Employee Spotlight - Ana Milena Aristizabal

Horizon at 77th is proud to recognize Ana Milena Aristizábal in the Engineering Department as this month's featured employee. Ana's high quality of work, performance of extra duties, commitment to her colleagues and to Horizon, plus her valuable contribution to staff spirit, have all contributed to making her a success here.

Ana works in the Engineering Department and has been with the company for 6 years. For 2 years she worked in the Housekeeping Department, then, at the recommendation of the Engineering Director moved there. The Horizon's General Manager Debbie Braden says of Ana's efforts on the job: "I can always depend on Ana Milena to be there for our guests and our staff. Ana really cares about the quality of her work. She never complains and makes us laugh when we really need it. Ana brings quality of character to our resort. We are very fortunate to have her on the staff."

Ana delights in talking with the guests at both Horizon and Grande Shores and finds that one particular topic, a discussion of where she is from, comes up quite often. "When people ask me where am I from, because [of] my accent, I answer from Colombia. They think is Columbia, [the] capitol city of South Carolina; at that point I just laugh and explain that they are right about the south part and also the Colombia part because I'm from Colombia with [an] O, (Country), South America."

Continues Ana, "When I came to Myrtle beach, Grande Shores, I met many people from different places and cultures who opened their mind and their heart to me. I learned from our visitors that even coming from different places, cultures, and races, all of us enjoy and laugh in the same language. This place gives me the chance to learn, grow, and make me more tolerant about other cultures. That makes Myrtle beach a lovely place to work."

Ana's leadership and consistent productivity have contributed to her success at Horizon, but she remains well grounded with her involvement as a mother of two "terrific" children, Jacobo (age 7) and and Simon (age 2) who draw her into their soccer games, basketball practice, and wrestling moves. "Of course, they always win," says Ana proudly. Horizon wins, too, in having Ana on its team!

Local Events Calendar

1/3-4. Men's Open Basketball at SportsZoneCenter. All games played on Sunday nights. Contact 843-249-4FUN for more information.

1/7. Cardio Tennis at McLean Park Tennis Courts in North Myrtle Beach. From 6 pm to 7 pm, taught by certified tennis professional. Pre-registration at J. Bryan Floyd Community Center or call 843-280-5584 for details.

1/9. Concert at the First Presbyterian Church with Joshua Bell, Violinist, and Jeremy Denk, Pianist. Sponsored by FPC Concerts, this event occurs at 1300 N Kings Highway and lasts from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Mr. Bell is considered the greatest American violinist of our day. More information at 843.448.4496.

1/09-11. 25th Annual Grand Strand Boat Show. Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Dreamers and buyers alike will enjoy seeing the many items, from boating to fishing, including seminars and free give-aways. Admission $7. More information at 843.357.3098.

1/15. Jazzercise. Held at J. Bryan Floyd Community Center From 6 pm to 7 pm. More information is available from www.jazzercise.com or Debbie Transou at 843-249-5828. Classes are for all ages (18+) and fitness levels.

1/17. Alabama Theatre presents Eddie Miles: A Salute to Elvis. Performance begins at 7 pm. For more information 843.272.1111.

1/17-18. Winyah Bay Heritage Festival. This festival of South Carolina Lowcountry hunting and fishing lifestyle, land conservation, and historical preservation will be staged in Georgetown County at varying sites. For more information see http://www.winyahbayfestival.org/.

1/22. A Tribute to Johnny Cash at Brunswick Community College. Location is Williamson Auditorium, 50 College Road NW, Bolivia, NC 28422. Tickets at 910.755.7416 or 800.754.1050, Ext. 416. More details through www.bccowa.com.

1/23-24. 34th Annual Square and Round Dance Convention. This smoke-free event features dance groups, callers, fashion show, line dancing, parade of clubs, singing calls, and so much more. For more information call 843.315.7100.

1/24. Winter Run (5K and 15K) in North Myrtle Beach. Starting at 9 am at Main Street between Ocean and Hillside, this run is the 26th year of the oldest such event in the area. Start and Finish lines at Main Street. The NMB City Recreation Department is sponsoring it. Call 843.280.5555 for more information.

1/24-25. SCGA Tournament of Champions. Golf tournament at Tradition Club on Pawleys Island. Application deadline January 7th. For more information For more information, contact The Tradition Club at 877-599-0888.

1/25. Long Bay Symphony Orchestra presents "Pictures at an Exhibition." Music inspired by visual imagery (Handel, DeBussy). Myrtle Beach High School's Music and Arts Center, 4pm to 6 pm. For more information call 843.448.8379.

1/29-31. The Carolina Opry. The regular show resumes after the holidays. Performances at 8 pm. For more information, call 800.843.6779.

1/30. Parents' Night Out at The Kid Center - Hourly Drop-Off Child Care. Each Friday from 6pm-Midnight, The Kid Center hosts Parents Night Out for children ages 1-12. Children enjoy a Pizza Party, games, and the latest "G" movie release. Parents enjoy a break! Reservations recommended, but not required.

1/31. 6th Annual Surfside Rotary Road Race. Held 10 am to 1 pm at the Surfside Pier. For more information 843.492.6505 or www.surfsiderotary.org.

Guest Comments

I just wanted to thank you and the staff at the Horizon for a wonderful weekend. Everyone in the group was very pleased with their accommodations and the great food.
Email from Abundant Life Church couples' retreat, November 14-16, 2008.

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I booked this condo for a mother/daughter getaway. We originally booked this condo complex through a timeshare presentation. 2 free nights to go through a timeshare talk. We booked 4 additional nights to extend our "vacation." We reserved a one bedroom unit but we were given a complimentary upgrade to a 2 bedroom. It was lovely! Very roomy, comfortable and convenient. Although I would prefer to stay oceanfront if I were there strictly for a beach vacation, or if we had small children, it was nice for the two of us. We had a beautiful view of the ocean from our balcony. I would recommend this complex for an off-season getaway, for a group that were going to Myrtle Beach to play golf, shop, or see shows. But, if the beach and ocean are your main focus, I would want to be ocean front. I loved the layout of the unit. It was very well appointed, as well.
Email from guest "Doone8253" from Beckley, WV, TripAdvisor.com, November 7th.

Groups

Horizon at 77th makes a wonderful place to hold a group meeting or reunion. This month we welcomed Clarke Wedding Guest Rooms to Horizon.

Imagine for a moment taking a vacation with a small group that shares your interests in some sport or activity. The excitement of doing something together at a new place, even a previously visited place, creates such meaningful memories. Of course, planning a group vacation can be a daunting task, and we can help with that!

Send an email to Vacation-Planner@HorizonMyrtleBeach.com or Click here for more about booking your group at Horizon.

Fun Facts

Fleeting time at year's end has given rise to amusing myths and legends about New Year's Eve and Day:

  • Housecleaning - Tradition holds that the entire house should be cleaned before midnight on New Year's Eve. After that point, all brushes, mops, or other sweeping tools should be put away so that good fortune is not swept out of the house.

  • Housecleaning -Dust and rubbish should be swept to the middle of the living room and then placed in corners. At no time should the rubble be trampled back into the house or thrown out until the fifth day after New Year's Day. Sweeping it over the threshold and out of the house can lead to "sweeping"one of the family members away.

  • Housecleaning - Other legends specify that dust and dirt must be swept inward to the house, then picked up, and carried away before New Year's Eve, never swept over the threshold. To do so is to sweep out good fortune. Removal of dirt and dust and rubbish out the back door to keep the good fortune inside the house.

  • Food - Food traditions for New Year's vary widely around the world, but they all seem to have the same theme, that is, sharing New Year's and warm wishes with friends and family ensures happiness, health, and prosperity for all in the New Year...

  • Food - Southerners eat black-eyed peas for luck on New Year's Day. A dish called "Hoppin' John" (rice and black-eyed peas together) is said to bring in good luck. Eating collard greens brings in the "green" money. Eating field peas means that one's luck will consist of pennies. Other lucky foods for New Year's are lentils, pork (pigs root forward), and sauerkraut.

  • Food - One must not eat chicken or turkey on New Year's Day because to do so dooms the diners to bring poverty upon themselves, that is, to be like their dinners that scratched in the dirt for their dinners.

  • Food - A Spanish/Mexican tradition is to eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve, one for every month of the New Year, and for every grape eaten, one month of prosperity will follow.

  • Food - In Germany, leaving a bit of food on the plate on New Year's ensures a well-stocked pantry.

  • Food - In Italy, eating honey-drenched balls of fried dough made with dry white wine (a dish called Chiacchiere) ensures a "sweet" (interpret that as "prosperous," and "positive") New Year.

  • Food - In Greece, New Year's day includes the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. A traditional food served then is Vassilopitta or St Basil's cake baked with a silver or gold coin inside. According to legend, whoever finds the coin in his or her portion will be especially lucky during the coming year.