By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety in partnership with North Myrtle Beach area schools presented a $50 savings bond, plaques and other prices to five area students.

Mayor Marilyn Hatley and Chuck Ramsey, President of the ‘Do the Right Thing’ program made the presentations.

Malik Stevenson, a fourth grade student at the North Myrtle Beach Middle School, was nominated by his teacher, Ms Boodry for being a model student, actively participating and giving 100% effort to his work.

Middle School 6th grader, Hunter Penegar was nominated by his teach, Ms Meghan for a love for learning, reliability, and dedication to his community. Meghan cited his involvement in the Boy Scouts and your groups and doing beach walks and cleaning the beach.

In announcing the North Myrtle Beach High School, Ramsey said, “When our committee reviewed the nominations from the North Myrtle Beach High School we were faced with a very difficult decision.  All three nominations ranked equally; therefore the only decision we could make was to award each nominee.”

Ms. Todd, North Myrtle Beach High School Curriculum Specialist, wrote that Cierra Bellamy-Vereen, a ninth grade student, is a legally blind student who excels in leadership skills and is an active participant in her church choir as well as the high school choral program.  Bellamy-Vereen’s goal is to eventually teach other visually impaired students.

Ms Todd, along with Co. Slater, ROTC Commander, also nominated Junior High student Travis Plumley for being a strong leader in the NJROTC Program and currently second in command.

Darrell Dorsey, Senior, was also nominated by Ms. Todd citing his positive and focused attitude and a great work ethic. Todd also wrote of his involvement in his church and his performing community service through it.

Nominations come from school faculty members that recognize students that are trying to help themselves and others and continually strive to do the right thing.
These children are recognized as role models for the youth of the City of North Myrtle Beach area.

On the ‘Do the Right Thing’ board are Chuck Ramsey, President, Morgan Long, Vice President, Julie Smith, Secretary and Ann Pearce-Baroody, Treasurer.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 18, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― In the past eight years, little change has come to the North Myrtle Beach council and the recent election brought back all incumbents.

Since Marilyn Hatley became mayor; since Bob Cavanaugh won one of the at-large seats and since Greg Duckworth became the Windy Hill ward representative eight years ago only two changes have occurred. Hank Thomas replaced Hal Hoff in the second at-large seat and Doris Williams replaced Russell Burgess as the representative from Cherry Grove.

Voters appear to be satisfied with the direction and vision this team has brought to the city that the Sun News has called the best managed municipality along the Grand Strand. This despite the personal attacks the newspaper published that negatively presented the Mayor.

A clear indication of the satisfaction with current leadership is the fact that despite having three competitors, Hatley did not face a run off- a clear majority favored her re-election.  

Additionally, Cavanaugh and White did not face opposition, while Duckworth faced only limited competition.

A large crowd was in attendance to witness the swearing in, and each incumbent received a standing ovation and cheers.

Hatley, the only candidate to face serious opposition, gave credit and thanks to her campaign committee, of which many were present.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 17, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― During Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented Ms. Polly Lowman a plaque of appreciation and recognition of the recent award from the South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging.

Lowman is the owner/editor of the North Myrtle Beach Times which was recognized by the Office on Aging as the weekly newspaper of the year citing their work to insure that senior issues were covered.

One of Lt. Governor Andre Bauer initiatives was to create the Task Force on Senior Fraud and he cited the Time role in communicating alerts to swindles like magazine subscription scams, internet fraud among others.

In presenting the Award Recognition, Mayor Hatley called Lowman a close friend to both her and the community and her strong history of charity to those in need within the community.

Owner, publisher and Managing Editor, Pauline (Polly) L. Lowman founded the newspaper in 1972 and was elected the first woman elected President of the South Carolina Press Association in its 107 year history.

For a history of the North Myrtle Beach Times read 'North Myrtle Beach Times – thirty five years of service' written in 2006. 

November 14, 2009 - NORTH MYRTLE BEACH - The Carolina Beach Music Awards are being held this weekend with the Industry Awards held Saturday.  The industry winners were announced today at the Spanish Galleon at Ocean Drive Resort:

• Michael Branch Award - Willie C (Bill Swanke)  Beach Music Cafe
• Club of the Year - Fat Harold's North Myrtle Beach SC
• Show Club of the Year - HOTO's (Harold's On The Ocean) Cherry Grove SC
• Event of the Year - Fun Monday 2008 North Myrtle Beach SC
• Club/Mobile DJ - Joey Warren
• Live Production - Eddie Cogle  Jim Quick & Coastline
• Shag Club Event - Twisters Fall Cyclone  Twisters Shag Club
• FM Radio DJ - Ray Scott WVCO 94.9FM
• AM Radio DJ - Gary Smith 770AM WLWL
• Syndicated Radio Show - On The Beach Charlie Brown
• FM Radio Station - 94.9 WVCO the Surf Loris SC
• AM Radio Station - 770 WLWL  Rockingham NC
• Internet Radio Show - Endless Summer John Hook
• Producer - Keith Houston Ready To Party CD
• Compilation Album of the Year - Ready To Party KHP Music
• Engineer - Keith Houston Ready To Party CD  Various Artists
• Fans of the Year - Carolyn & Sue Bradford
• Industry Appreciation Awards:
  Jim Allen Photographer Ocean Drive Happens and Alternatives/Coast Magazine
  Bob DeBavdelaben
  Bob Muncie Larkins on the River Greenville SC
  WSGE 91.7FM Gastonia NC 

Special Congratulations goes to Ray Scott and 94.9 the Surf.   This is the 11th year in a row that 94.9 the Surf has received this recognition!  Congratulations also goes to Joey Warren who also DJs for the Surf and hosts the Morning Gospel Train on Sunday Mornings!

Thank you also goes to Willie C (http://www.beachmusiccafe.com/) for the email blast notification on the awards tonight! 

NOVEMBER 14, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC - What a great time to live at the beach!  This holiday season is jammed packed with things to do.  Bring along the entire family to our annual Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade or Christmas Cantata.  We have many Christmas activities that appeal to people of all ages!

Come celebrate the holidays by listening to an array of Christmas songs at the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church on 6th Ave South in North Myrtle Beach.  Performances begin on Saturday, December 5th with a show at 3:30 pm and on Sunday, December 6th enjoy a 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm show. Tickets are free and are available at the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce in late November.  

Join family, friends and your local community members to light up the glorious Christmas Tree in McLean Park on Friday, December 4th at 6:00 pm.  Other activities will be going on around the tree lighting including a visit with Santa for the kids, singing, dancing and much more!  

The Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at 5:30 pm.  This annual Parade occurs at night to provide the patrons with a unique holiday experience.  Bring your friends and family to observe all of the parade floats lit up with colorful Christmas lights.  Any location along Main Street provides a perfect view of the parade.  Applications to participate in the parade are available at www.nmbevents.com.

Do you enjoy making holiday wreaths?  If so, join us on Tuesday, December 8th for a free wreath workshop from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the J. Bryan Floyd Recreation Center in North Myrtle Beach.  They will provide all materials except the wreath form.  (A limited quantity of wreath forms will be available for purchase).

Horry County Beach Parks and Recreation will host 'Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec 19th 9:00am-11:00am for
at the J. Bryan Floyd Center. Children ages 5-12 can enjoy crafts, breakfast, a goody bag, and a picture with Santa.

For more information on all these events call (843) 281-2662 or visit www.nmbevents.com.  The North Myrtle Beach Christmas events are organized by The Mayors Christmas Advisory Committee and sponsored by The City of North Myrtle Beach and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.