January 2009, Volume 2, Issue 1

Greetings from the Beach, Friends

Horizon Resort at 77th rang out the old year 2008 with a delightful array of visitors who stayed to socialize at the Shoreline Café with the New Year's Eve dinner. Exciting new prospects lie ahead with 2009, and we eagerly greet the fresh start to a brand new year as we begin our footprints across the sands of time.

Certainly, the most visible new prospect this month is the inauguration on January 20th of our 44th president, the first elected African-American in the history of the United States. While excitement for that event builds, launched with the tribute to human rights on Monday, the 19th celebrating Martin Luther King Day, his inauguration, swearing-in, and all related galas will blanket our news media, symbolizing the nation's hopes for renewal and change. Major issues loom large, though, so expect a quick transition from pizzazz to hard work aimed at problem-solving.

As the Grand Strand enters its brand new year 2009, the economy, the beach weather, and the Super Bowl are probably going to be on people's minds, to name a few items. In terms of economic conditions here, visitors can expect today's current cost-cutting environment to be a very good thing for them, indeed. Travelocity.com reports this as the year of travel deals with affordable and fabulous accommodations available to you with your next phone call to Reservations agents. We at Horizon invite you to give us a call to book your favorite condo, whether booking your summer vacation package or just getting away for Valentine's Day in February.

Another great prospect for the new year is the exciting new deal with Spirit Air to fly daily nonstop service from Chicago to Myrtle Beach, also linking other northern hubs such as Boston and Atlantic City. This ultra-low-cost carrier begins this service on March 1st. Check with the web site at www.SpiritAir.com for fares and other details. "Spirit's new daily service will provide timely and affordable access to great golf, value, and warm weather in the Golf Capital of the World," stated Bill Golden, President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.

Though we do have a little frosty front moving in, this weather effect will be short-lived, principally because our strong Carolina sun makes any day at the beach a joy and delight. Come see us in 2009!

Until then,

Your Friends at The Horizon at 77th

New Year's Eve Dinner Party at Shoreline Café

Lots of hard work, creative energies, and culinary talent went into preparing the gala New Year's Eve dinner celebration which rang out the old year and initiated the new year. Here are some pictures from our New Year's Eve Celebration. What a delicious meal by the capable and ingenious restaurant staff at Shoreline Café!

Featured Recipe - Winter Fruit Salad

Enjoy your favorite winter fruits such as apples and pears in this delicious and nutritious salad. With added points of interest such as cheese, nuts, and other winter harvests such as spinach, the combined tastes are rich, creamy, savory, and sweet all at the same time. Prepare the fruit portion ahead of time to allow some of the flavors to blend and then just before serving assemble the remaining sections. The juices of the cooked fruit mingle with the vinegar for a simple, yet sensational dressing.

This recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:

2 medium Granny Smith or Gala apples, thinly sliced
2 medium Bosc or Bartlett pears, thinly sliced
1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4 cups baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3 tablespoons walnut halves, dry-roasted
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, bring the apples, pears, cranberry juice and brown sugar to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until the fruit is tender. Transfer the fruit with juices to a medium bowl and let cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
To assemble the salad, put the spinach into a large bowl or on a platter. Spoon the fruit mixture with juices over the spinach. Sprinkle with the Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, raspberry vinegar and pepper.

Horizon Employee in the Spotlight - Mark Wentzel

Horizon' s Mark Wentzel serves as Front Desk Agent in a remarkable way. While customer service is a normal manner of business here with all employees, Mark takes exceptional pride in his work and rises above the norm in his on-the-job performance. Learning all aspects of his job to the fullest extent, he delights in his daily interaction with the guests, perceiving their needs and working to help them to the fullest of his ability.

Arriving in the Myrtle Beach area in 2002 for a job transfer, he quickly settled into a love of the beach and a career in the hospitality industry. Today, as a front-line staff member at Horizon, he exhibits great skills in team-building, working together as a unit, and learning new things quickly. With duties including checking guests in and out, plus booking entertainment and golf tickets for guests, he treats each person as special. His natural organizational skills, flexibility, and sense of responsibility have served him well in this position which carries enormous weight of accountability.

"Mark is a great asset to our company," says his manager Front Desk Manager Jenna Hillman. "I am pleased how fast he learns and the pride he takes in doing and learning his job...We are lucky to find him!"

Originally from Michigan and a newly married father of two, Mark has restaurant managerial experience from his previous career in Alabama where he won two awards for "manager of the year." When not on the job at Horizon, he enjoys his family and, as spare time allows, drafting house plans.

Exciting Plans for 2009!

Like the ever-moving waves on our shoreline, events and plans are popping up here all the time. In addition to the new service on Spirit Airlines, mentioned in our opening article of this newsletter, here are a few points of interest that you might want to consider:

Valentine's Day Special -- Here at Horizon, our Valentine's Day "special" is building enthusiasm not only among couples looking for a way to celebrate their relationship, but also with anyone wanting a getaway in mid-winter. Check out a warm respite for the 14th of February at Horizon by clicking here. With our location to Myrtle Beach's many sights and attractions, staying with us for a luxury Valentine's package can be perfect for enjoying a romantic outing for two or for anyone wanting to triumph over possible gloomy effects of February's gray days.

Horizon's Participation in the Relay for Life. - Horizon and its sister properties at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts are working in cooperation with the American Cancer Society to hold a fund raising event in the spring of 2009 called Relay for Life. This important event is to be held on April 24th, 2009, at The Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach. It will include a designated team not only from Horizon at 77th, but also from each of the other resort properties. The cause is great, and the need is greater, and we look forward to as much support as possible.

Please look for more information about this and many other exciting '09 events on our web site, as well as in future newsletters.

Local Events Calendar

2/1. Murrells Inlet Community Theater (: 4450 Murrells Inlet Road, Murrells Inlet) presents A.R. Gurney's "Later Life." Enjoy a romantic comedy/drama about a couple who reunite at a party after 30 years. Starts at 8 p.m. Cost: $10. Reservations required to this "kid-friendly" event. 843.651.4152 www.mictheatre.com.

2/2 Groundhog Day. Originally a weather day, Groundhog Day is when the woodchuck emerges from his hibernation hole and check the weather. If he sees his shadow (that is, the sun is out), then he retreats back to his burrow for 6 more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow (that is, the day is cloudy), then winter will soon end. See the countdown at www.groundhog.org.

2/5. Grand Strand Strutters Invite You to Square Dance. Starting at 7 pm and lasting until 9 pm, this variety of square dance includes a pre-dance training from 6-7 at the Grand Strand Senior Center (1268 21st Ave N., Myrtle Beach). For more information, call 843.497.0470.

2/12-15. The 12th Annual Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon. Pasta dinner, expo, fun run, 5K, half-marathon, and marathon (no relay this year), with a post-race party. For more information, 843.293.RACE or www.mbmarathon.com.

2/11 to 3/1. Enjoy live theater at Theatre of the Republic, performing "Blood Brothers." This musical tells the story of two fraternal brothers, separated at birth. finding friendship, love, and betrayal. Theatre location 337 Main St. Conway, SC 29526. For more information: 843.488.0821.

2/13. Meet the Snowbirds. Held from 2 pm to 4 pm at the North Myrtle Beach Chamber (270 Hwy 17 N in North Myrtle Beach), this reception honors visitors and residents from Canada with door-prizes, give-aways, refreshments. For more information, call 877.332.2662.

2/14. Free Weddings for Horry County Residents from Always & Forever Weddings, LLC. In an effort to assist during the economic down-turn, this company offers a 2009 "special" with a free courthouse wedding (limited to the first 48 couples). More information at 843.249.2933.

2/14. The North Myrtle Beach Community Band's Valentine's Day Dance. Held from 7 pm to 10 pm in the Bryan Floyd Community Center (1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582), this exciting and fun event includes professional and skilled amateur musicians. For more information, 843.280.5570.

2/14-15. 17th Myrtle Beach Stamp and Postcard Show. Lasting from 10 am to 5 pm. (4 pm on Sunday). The show is open to the public and includes 7 dealers, exhibits, door prizes, youth area. Located at the Holiday Inn West (101 Hard Rock Parkway, Myrtle Beach SC). For more information, 843.347.0087.

2/15. Joyce Yang, Pianist, presented by FPC Concerts, Inc. Enjoy this Van Cliburn Silver Medalist performer from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church (1300 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach). For more information 843.448.4496.

2/21. The Business and Technology Expo. Scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm, this event occurs at Brunswick Community College Virginia Williamson Event Center. Open to the public, this is a display of local businesses' products and services. For more information, contact The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 800.426.6644.

2/25. Pre-school Wonders: Recycling can be Fun! Held at the Myrtle Beach State Park from 11 am to 12 pm, this youth-focused event is for children ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. Kids learn about recycling and nature while having fun with stories, songs, and art. Very hands-on with clean recycled products. Location: 4401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information, 843.238.0874.

2/28. The Ocean and Us at the Myrtle Beach State Park. Held from 10 am to 11 am, this kid-friendly event includes fascinating information about the earth, the ocean, and all of us. Learn about toothpaste and ice cream. Ask questions about the ocean's plants and animals. Event is free with park admission at 4401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information, 843.238.0874.

Guest Comments

Me and my family have all enjoyed staying at the Horizon. It is a beautiful hotel and the rooms are very spacious and decorated with elegant designs. I would suggest your hotel to all my family and friends in the future to stay three on their vacations. I also will be coming back to stay in the near future with my family.

Email from S Pierce, January 1, 2009.

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We stayed two nights at the Horizon in October. It was our 50th wedding anniversary. We loved every minute of our stay and would have stayed another couple of nights but our room was already rented so we had to leave.

The whole place is just wonderful. We were so impressed with the light fixtures, the granite counter tops, and other furnishings. It is such a beautiful place and we've never stayed anywhere that was so clean and neat. We especially liked the drive-under garage. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

I sure hope we can visit again sometime. Thanks.

Email from J. McElroy, December 23, 2008.

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I want to thank all the staff for a wonderful time. We booked a 3 bedroom for ourselves, 2 and 5 year old grandchildren and our daughter and her husband. The area in the 3 bedroom suite was great. It allowed our grandchildren to run off some of their energy and having TV's and bathrooms in all 3 bedrooms was really nice. I would recommend this hotel to anyone with a big family. It had a nice big kitchen that was stocked with plenty of dishes and pots and pans. It has multiple closets to put your clothes and baggage. It was clean and the best deal we have ever booked when you need 3 bedrooms due to a large gathering. Hope to return soon.

Email from the Johnson Family, January 3, 2009

Groups

Horizon at 77th makes a wonderful place to hold a group meeting, wedding, or reunion. This month Horizon welcomed the group from the Hayes/Allen wedding party.

If our capable staff at Horizon can assist you with planning your next group outing, consider the many advantages of coming to the beach where everyone's interests are accommodated. Depending on the goals of your group meeting, we can help you with everything from accommodations to meeting rooms to catering to arranging golf tee times along the Grand Strand at some of the finest courses available anywhere. While our resort image lends itself to providing relaxation, your group can certain hold a productive meeting at affordable rates in an area easily accessible with a major airport, ample parking, and plenty of space for all your needs.

Click here for more information on booking your next meeting or reunion at Horizon.

Fun Facts

Looking for something to beat the winter blah's? Think about a mid-winter beach get-away, perhaps the Valentine's package.

Here are some other ideas, too:

Can't get outside where you are? Raise the blinds and let the light shine in. Of course, one great boost is to let in the Carolina sunshine from your condo window here at Horizon. Wherever you are, feel the warmth of the sun's rays as you sit by the window, reading or just gazing into the atmosphere.

No sun? Try eating more hot soups and stews. Add beans and lentils to your diet. These hearty meals are both comforting and nourishing.

Find something orange. This cheery color is said to perk up spirits. No need to paint the entire house in orange tones; just something orange, even the fruit, can add pizzazz.

This early into 2009 might mean that you have not had a chance to arrive yet on our Carolina shores, but you can still reset your biological clock wherever you are. Take a moment to go outside, even if chilly. Natural light, whether sunny or not, counteracts the seasonal doldrums of light deprivation, even on a gray day. While you are out there, look for positive features about the winter landscape (the "tree architecture" of greenery on the evergreens, branches, and colors of tree trunks).

Inside or out, exercise to stimulate and bring warmth to your body. Many of us are bored with treadmills and stairmasters that go nowhere, so change your routine and go outside. Of course, you could just keep going until you arrive HERE! This is a great place for a quick getaway to the seashore where you can walk on a peaceful beach in any weather.

Connect with sunny people. Even if you do not know any, any neighborhood has cheerful people somewhere. Make it your objective to find them.

Do volunteer work or some kind of give-back effort. We tend to become isolated in the winter, pull inside ourselves and our homes, keeping to our "igloos," so by getting out of our homes and ourselves, even if by mail or phone, we can add dimension to our spirits. One great idea is to walk a dog, even if you borrow your neighbor's dog or volunteer to walk the dogs at the local Humane Society. Dog-walking brings people together, and most dogs have sunny spirits, too!

Grow something green indoors, even if just one plant. You might enjoy tropical plants or just have enough energy to water a pansy that you buy at the local hardware store. Just having something green and growing can lift your spirits and give you a taste of eternal summer.

Some people are cheered by a warm glowing candle and some light meditation. Try this - light a candle in the evening and stare at the flame for about 30 seconds to a minute. Then close your eyes and breathe to your own natural rhythm and see what comes up for you in meditation.

Give yourself an auto-massage. Warm some inexpensive olive oil in the microwave and massage your body from head to toe. Long strokes for the limbs, circular strokes for the torso. Make sure to massage the temples, and using your thumbs, do windshield wiper movements under and over your eyes. Feel the warmth pervade your body.

Simplify your home, room by room. Clean out the clutter and donate what you have not used in years. In winter we tend to contract and go inward. Use this indoors time to organize your home. Sharing with the needy will give you an inner glow.

Of course, nothing says "reinvigorate" like time spent at the beach, so if you have not already called us with your dates for that much-needed beach vacation, no matter what amount of time you can get away, then now is the time to do so.

Grande Shores' Featured Guests - Mr. and Mrs. Masters

Mr. John Master and Ms. Catherine Master, our new winter guests this year after spending the past 12 years wintering in other parts of Myrtle Beach, say that Horizon is their favorite of all the other places along the Strand. They love that their condo is sunny with ample room to move around, store things, and just relax. Both accomplished musicians (Mrs. Master on the piano and strings and Mr. Master on the violin), they practically form a two-person band with just the two of them. With two children and four grandchildren, they are a delight to have here at Horizon and often share stories of their many interests and family adventures with other guests and Horizon staff.

How glad we are to have Mr. and Mrs. Master!