March 2009, Volume 2, Issue 3
Greetings from the Beach, Friends
Spring takes the phrase "joy ride" to a new level, with renewed reasons to get out in the open air, with open car windows letting in fragrant breezes! Check out the bits of color popping up on trees and shrubs -- soft pastel colors dotting the landscape as growth begins. Spring is a wonderful time to travel, while the traffic on roadways is still at a minimum and businesses reach out to consumers with high-value deals at very affordable prices. Are we going to see you any time soon?
Here along the Grand Strand, visiting golfers are enjoying our many advantages now that Daylight Savings Time and the warming weather have lengthened their playing time at day's end. Our hundreds of well-tended courses, especially with special golf rates in packages, make wonderful value for anyone seeking to gain maximum benefits for their dollars.
The Myrtle Beach area has also been hosting Canada-America Days to the many people visiting from the north. Our guests coming for the community events planned for March 14-22 have expressed their pleasure at finding such warmth and cordiality in the people of the Grand Strand area, reaching out to them in a spirit of friendship across our northern border.
Now, as Easter and the SOS Spring Safari appear on the calendar, followed by the events of May including many biker festivities, school outings, and, of course, end of school celebrations, we clearly see summer around the next corner of the seasons.
With pricing and amenity incentives galore here at Horizon, we hope that you will ponder the advantages of getting away for a while, plan some time away from your pressures and stresses-even if only for a few days--and come to the beach. Give us a call and ask how you can take advantage of our special deals!
Until then,
Your Friends at The Horizon at 77th
Horizon at 77th Honors Service Personnel, Especially during Military Appreciation Days in May
We at Horizon are proud to honor our military at any time of year, and we are especially pleased that this year the community of Myrtle Beach is hosting Military Appreciation Days from May 28-30 when hundreds of military families are expected here for participation in everything from sports events to concerts to picnics. In the words of the Mayor of Myrtle Beach John Rhodes, "We're looking forward to great participation, to honoring our veterans and also our current soldiers who are serving and protecting us. It's just a way to celebrate the Memorial Day time the way it was meant to be celebrated."
We hope that you can join us during this month, especially if you are affiliated with one of the branches of the U. S. forces. If you come during any part of May, you will see many banners and tributes around town, celebrating our military, partially because national Armed Forces Day occurs on May 16th and mostly because this community just loves the dedicated members of all branches of the military services.
In a continuing year-round effort to thank our military for their sacrifices in their wide varieties of duty, Horizon and all of our sister properties in Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts offer military personnel a 20% discount from published rates. Horizon has some wonderful specials to customize a beach R & R, too, plus its many amenities. Suggestions include spa escape options, golf packages, and entertainment deals such as the shows at the Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede, and Medieval Times, and our expert Reservations agents can help to customize your stay. For more information about Military Appreciation Days, see www.militaryappreciationdays.com/welcome.html.
Relay for Life at Horizon
Partnered with its sister property Grande Shores, Horizon at 77th continues its work in fund raising for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
The talented people employed at both properties have been instrumental in creating ways to increase the amount in its Relay coffer, to be donated next month to our community's education, treatment, and research efforts against cancer. Money gained by this team's numerous sales and donations efforts (i.e., candy bar sales, foot print sales, plastic cups, T-shirt sales, donations on the Grande Shores website, and dress-down day) have accumulated to the current holding of $1,219.
The contributors have come from staff, guests, and community who join this worthy fight against cancer because of their own personal reasons. Cancer's reach seems to affect everyone in some way. Some have been struggled personally with the disease or have cared for family and friends with it. We invite you to stop by the Front Desk while you are here this month or next and ask us about our work with Relay for Life.
For all those who have contributed, we want to express our sincere appreciation again for your generosity and support in reducing and, hopefully someday, stopping this wide-spread disease.
Employee in the Spotlight
We have wonderful employees here, talented in ways that guests might not recognize unless introduced to them. Here, we showcase three members of our Horizon "family," part of a large team of people who help care for our guests at Horizon at 77th.
Recently one guest wrote to us describing her stay which was made even more wonderful by two particular employees: Elizabeth and Josh. Each one provided this guest with her and his own brand of customer service. Here, in the guest's own words, are descriptions of Elizabeth and Josh.
We were totally impressed with our cleaning lady assigned to Unit 918. Originally it was a lady named Elizabeth and after that I am not sure of the name. Suffice it to say this lady did an excellent job of cleaning our unit for the three months we were there. We knew other people in the hotel, and they all commented on the superbness of the cleaning personnel. Your hotel should be extremely pleased with them. We have been spending our winters in Myrtle Beach for the last 12 years, and your hotel cleaning staff stands head and shoulders above any other hotel we have stayed at in the city.
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My other comment is for Josh at the front desk of the Horizon. That man made me feel welcome from the time I entered the lobby and was always pleasant, courteous and helpful. If he advised that he was going to check on or get something, it was done and you could count on him. His phone calls to advise us of mail delivery etc were always appreciated. This person you want to hold onto.
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Elizabeth and Josh come in daily contact with guests, but not everyone on our team does. We also want to pay tribute to the work of our team members who might not always be out front with the guests. Meet Dominga Fernandez (shown here with a paint roller, working hard in the pool area). As the proud mom of four children (3 boys and 1 girl, ages 6 to 17), Dominga is well-skilled in what her colleagues sum up as "EVERYTHING!" Originally from Mexico, her job title as Lead Groundskeeper often puts her in a landscape setting, working with horticulture. She coordinates the landscaping team responsible for taking good care of our pretty flowers and plants. After Ana Milena Aristizabal, Dominga was only the second "girl" in the Engineering Department. Now, her duties have broadened widely to include everything from cleaning, painting, planting and tending to weeds, running simple room tech calls, and helping the engineering technicians with deliveries. We hear that her nickname among her colleagues is the "10 in 1 girl" because of her many skills. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking typical Mexican food for her family and spending time with them.
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Kudos to Elizabeth, Josh, and Dominga! Job well done!
Featured Recipe - Peanut Butter Pie
Submitted to FoodNetwork.com from a viewer, this recipe requires a little more than 2 hours from start to finish for preparation and freezing. Once the pie is complete and served, do not expect it to last very long.
Serve thin slices as it is rich (number of servings varies according to size of the slice).
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (additional amount if you want to decorate the pie with a garnish)
- Ice cream topping (recommended: Magic Shell)
- 1 cookie pie crust (recommended: Oreo)
Directions:
- In large bowl combine all the ingredients except the toppings and crust.
- Blend together with a hand mixer.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until everything is blended.
- Pour the mixture into prepared crust and freeze for 2 hours.
- Once frozen, drizzle with ice cream topping (add a dollop of additional whipped topping if desired).
- Re-freeze the pie for another 20 minutes.
- Thaw slightly before serving. Cut into thin slices because this is a rich pie.
Local Events Calendar
4/1. Lenten Organ Meditation, an event at the First United Methodist Church in Conway, SC. Beginning at 12 noon at 1001 Fifth Avenue in Conway, SC, this event is lead by Billy Fallaw, Music Director. Call 843.488.4251 for details.
4/1-10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. Anglers are invited to enter their catches in the tournament held all along the Strand with cash prizes. More information at 843.626.7444.
4/3-4. Prince George Plantation Tour. The majority of the plantations and town houses on this tour are privately owned and lent to the Episcopal Church Women of Prince George. Ticket prices for the tour are $35 for either day (see web site for details). Online at www.pgwinyah.org or call 843.545.8291.
4/4. Celebration of Market Common's First Birthday. This free event includes food, family activities, a fashion show, and plenty of surprises. Join in the fun from 1 pm to 5 pm at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Call 843.839.3500 for details.
4/4. Park Palooza at Myrtle Beach State Park. Outdoor family activities and programs running from 10 am to 3 pm. Park location 3 miles south of Myrtle Beach off Highway 17. Meet at Shelter B at the park. For more information see website www.myrtlebeachsp.com or call 866.224.9339.
4/5. Vespers for the Passion of Our Lord, an event with the Chancel Choir of the Long Bay Symphony. Held at the First United Methodist Church (1001 5th Avenue) in Conway, SC, starting at 5 pm. For more information, 843.488.4251.
4/5. Eddie Miles' Salute to Elvis at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. This live performance begins at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.
4/6. American Heart Association Charity Golf Tournament. This once-in-a-lifetime event is being hosted at the exclusive Reserve Golf Club in North Litchfield, SC. Open to the public, entry is $80 for age 18 and up. Sign your golf team up with Christie Holland at 843.333.7066. Includes a raffle, chances to win prizes, and an opportunity to benefit a great cause.
4/10. Killswitch Engage with Chimaira and Lacuna Coil. This popular heavy-metal music group is coming to the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach. See this live performance of "KEC" starting at 7 pm. See the group's web site at www.killswitchengage.com to sign up for their "meet and greet" at the concert. For more details, call House of Blues at 843.272.000.
4/9-11. The Palmetto Golf Championship. The Palmetto High School Golf Championship. 800.833.8798 (press option 7) or email to palmetto@golfholiday.com. This premier event hosts 150 high school golf teams and includes a fall championship, as well (dates as yet undetermined). If not cheering on a team, come watch future PGA players in the making!
4/10. Spring Fling at the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. Starting at 10 am, this family-oriented event includes inflatables for the children, an Easter-egg hunt, and much more. Held at 500 Fourth Ave. North, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577. Call 843.448.3155 for more details.
4/13. Hootie and the Blowfish Monday-After-Masters Golf Tournament. Held at The Dye Club at Barefoot in North Myrtle Beach, this fund-raiser draws celebrities from near and far, both in the world of golf and otherwise. See more information at www.HootieGolf.com.
4/17-26. SOS Spring Safari. This is the first major outing of summer for the shag dancing enthusiasts, and it is held in North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy 10 days of this big party, plus smaller member-club parties for the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs. For more information, see the web site at www.shagdance.com.
4/18. George Jones at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Don't miss this live performance by one of country music's greats. A legend in his own right, George Jones begins his show at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.
4/18. Blues and Jazz Festival at La Belle Amie Vineyards in North Myrtle Beach. 843.399.WINE (9463) or send an email to info@labelleamie.com. Plenty of food, live music, art, wine, and fun. Plenty of opportunities for memorable fun! Bring your own outdoor chair and stay awhile.
4/18. Jewelry Art in the Park. Artists with specialty in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings bring their award-winning wears for sale out-of-doors at Market Common from 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, call the Waccamaw Art and Craft Guild at 843.448.7690.
4/18. Oak Island Lighthouse, NC, Run-Walk. A leisurely hour's drive north leads you to Oak Island for this relaxing and enjoyable event. See the lighthouse, visit the Intracoastal Waterway up close, use the many public oceanfront access points, and savor life on an island. Sponsored by the Southport Chamber of Commerce, this event begins at 8:30 am and includes 10K and 5K runs. Call 800.457.6964 for more information or see "events" at www.southport-oakisland.com.
4/24. John Brown Big Band. Located only an hour's drive north of Myrtle Beach, the Brunswick County Community College's Williamson Auditorium is the site of this lively evening of big-band jazz. Performance starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets on sale at 800.754.1050, Ext.416, or www.bccowa.com/contact.html.
4/25. SOS Spring Safari Parade. All eyes turn to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach where excitement fills the air and SOS dancers and floats fill the street. Be a part of all the fun and excitement generated by The Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC).
4/25. Art in the Park. The 37th annual juried art show presented by a local art guild in Chapin Park. From 10 am to 4 pm, this outdoor show includes food vendors and other interesting sights. For more information, call 843.448.7690 or see www.wacg.org.
4/25. First Annual Forget-Me-Not Ball Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association in the Grande Strand. Fine food, beverages, live entertainment by the Arlin Strader Band, and a silent fund-raiser auction. The event occurs at 6:30 pm in Myrtle Beach at the Marina Inn in Grande Dunes. More information at 800.860.1444 or by email at cameron.renwick@alz.org.
Here are just a few of the many compliments and comments that we receive from guests who enjoyed their stays recently at Horizon and intend to return:
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Our family enjoyed a wonderful stay at Horizon at 77th last month. We booked two 2-bedroom suites and were impressed by the layout and space of each. It was our first time in Myrtle Beach and we couldn't have selected a better place. And with 2 children in our party, the breakfast buffet was a great option. We plan to return and will be sure to stay at Horizon at 77th again! Our only problem was being locked out of our rooms over an hour before checkout time; our keys had been deactivated while we were at breakfast. Despite the inconvenience, I am happy to say that the problem was quickly resolved with a new set of keys to both rooms. We look forward to staying in the future.
Email in response to the Horizon online guest survey.
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We would definitely stay at the Horizon again. It was beautifully decorated, quiet and comfortable. The front desk staff went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure our room was satisfactory. Thank you for the friendly atmosphere.
Email to TripAdvisor.com from guest "happy054" in NC, March 15, 2009
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I brought my golf group of 31 down to stay in 7 condos. We have stayed at Grande Shores the past 8 years and wanted to give the newest property a try. Everybody loved it. The staff were kind and helpful. The units impeccably clean and well appointed. It is conveniently located to anything you want at Myrtle Beach….I am taking the group back next year and taking another group of 90 next April.
Email to TripAdvisot.com from guest "seanmhorn" from Charlottesville, VA, March 13, 2009
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We stayed at the Horizon's room 706, a 2-bedroom. It was great!
Email from E Hall in response to Horizon Newsletter, February 26, 2009
Groups
This month Horizon welcomed the Tates Creek High School Dance Team to enjoy our many amenities and entertainment discounts while they were in town.
If your group is considering an affordable way to spend time together, whether for a specific reason such as a wedding or just out together having fun, then give us a call. We can make all the arrangements here for you, and all you have to do is have fun!
Fun Facts
Horizon at 77th
Horizon's GREEN efforts to save energy and contribute our part to re-balancing nature now include a campaign called "Save Our Planet." Guests will begin seeing "Save Our Planet" cards in each bathroom of each property:
Means "I will use again,"
A towel on the floor means
"Please replace."
Guests may opt either to keep their towels and face clothes beyond their first use or ask Housekeeping to launder them. This program helps to conserve water and electricity at Horizon.
Did you know that as a nation, we purify much of our water to be drinkable, but we only drink 1% of this treated water? The remaining 99% is used for everything from washing cars and rinsing floors to irrigating our yards. Laundry alone constitutes 23% of water's uses.
With just a few adjustments to our use of indoor water, both here at Horizon and at homes across the nation, we can reduce waste by almost 30%.
