January 2010 Volume 33

North Myrtle Beach, SC

FAMILY VACATION NEWSLETTER

Welcome to Avista Resort's first newsletter of 2010 where we include air temperature as one of our topics of information. Almost everyone in the continental U. S. experienced colder-than-normal temperatures, so you will find it unsurprising to learn that here in the deep South the first few weeks of January have been, well, CHILLY! One person's chill is another's ideal climate, though, so we also watched as sports enthusiasts who over-heat easily, outdoor construction workers, and others clad in long-johns cavorted in the early January cold spell. Now, at the end of the month, more seasonal weather has returned, with strong promises of spring and summer around the bend.

Of course, temperatures tend to fluctuate as we change seasons, but in January alone, we appear to have experienced it all - frosty mornings and balmy, upwardly 60's days. The warming trend restores the Grand Strand to more normal activity -- brisk walks on the beach in the warm sunshine, fishing on the pier, and golf without frost delays.

We hope that you enjoyed your holidays during December, perhaps with a chance to see cherished loved ones from near and far. People who chose to gather here at Avista Resort for their festivities found a special gaiety at our oceanfront location. Other guests just now arriving have plans of spending the next several months involved with many activities and opportunities for relaxation while their driveways and roofs thaw out at their home residences. Our creative Concierge Abbey Phillips has designed numerous endeavors for snowbirds to enjoy on these winter days, everything from day trips to game sessions to Wii competitions, and beyond. Other refreshing enhancements here at the resort include seasonal changes to the menu at Just Off Main, more comprehensive recycling efforts, and sprucing up walls and other infrastructure in preparation for spring!

If you are looking for a place to soak up some sunshine while you rest after the end-of-year activities, consider a stay at Avista. Warm customer service now! Warm air and sunshine right around the corner.

Happy New Year 2010, everyone!

Your Friends at Avista Resort!

Avista Goes To School

On December 7th and 8th, 2009, two of Avista's employees, Marvis Livingston (shown here on the right) and Abbey Phillips, held a two-day "reality awareness" session for eighth grade students of the North Myrtle Beach Middle School. The class's teacher, Ms. Brooke Powers, coordinated with Marvis (Front Desk Manager) and Abbey (Concierge) to prepare class lessons about decision-making, staying in school, and maximizing a person's potential. Marvis and Abbey were selected in particular because of their connection with the school (i.e., Marvis was a kindergarten classmate not only of Ms. Powers but also of many of her students' parents).

Called "Choices," the invitational training session was part of a nationwide educational program of the same name. In our area, the Choices sessions are sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and Santee Cooper. Marvis and Abbey used their supervisory skills plus life experiences and other real-life examples to customize their sessions. In a state where the drop-out rate hovers at 51% and students can legally leave school (with court approval) at 16, the Choices Program has been showing success in alerting students to the many other options in their world. Even with life's hardships which are painfully real to many of these youngsters, decisions to remain with the school curriculum, to graduate with their peers, to achieve their highest potential in grades, and to make themselves into productive citizens far out-weigh decisions to skip or drop out of school.

In creating an environment of two-way communication, Marvis and Abbey engaged the students in role-playing real-life scenarios and time and money management. They also listened to the students' problems and experiences. In one of the sessions, students played out a setting in which they dropped out of school at age 16, took at job working at $9 an hour full time (40 hours a day, 5 days a week). The amount of their earnings impressed them ($72/day or $1,440/month), until the students calculated how much of their earned income had to be spent on life's necessities (taxes, rent, utilities, food, clothing, medical needs, transportation, insurance, etc.). It came as some surprise to many students that no money remained in hand after the "necessities" were paid.

Other eye-openers which Marvis and Abbey discussed were the steps involved with job and apartment searches and applications. They said that their students were astounded to learn the details of finding a job and an apartment - applications, required fees and deposits, etc. When some suggested that a military career would take care of all their problems, Marvis and Abbey guided them to see other realities -the necessity of having a high school diploma to apply to the military, the detriment of having any kind of criminal record, etc..

Following their experiences with the students, Marvis and Abbey received reports that students had felt at ease during their time together, had accepted their agenda as more "real" because they (Marvis and Abbey) were so-called "outsiders" and not part of the educational "establishment." At the end of their stay at the school, Marvis and Abbey received feedback from both classes who "graded" their temporary teachers as likeable, funny, relevant on the students' level, and motivational. Many students indicated that they enjoyed the sessions and would think more about their futures with self control and realistic planning.

Facebook and Avista Resort

Facebook is an easy place to find our last-minute notices of special deals, surprise packages, special events, and other unadvertised extraordinary offers. When you use our web site to shop for long-weekend specials or vacation accommodations, remember Facebook. Consider becoming a "friend" by logging to www.Facebook.com.

In between your travels, keep an eye on Facebook to stay current with our area and what we are doing here at Avista.

News from JUST OFF MAIN and TREE TOP LOUNGE:

Christmas Celebrations at Avista Resort. The staff at Avista decorated the front lobby in an especially joyful manner this year. Here are only a few of the hands that wove magic into the holiday displays on trees and counter tops (left to right):

Tony Kumar (Bell Captain), Marvis Livingston (Front Desk Manager, Willie Lee (Bell Stand Staff), Necka Wilson (Front Desk Supervisor), and Bob Grange (Director of Engineering).

Many guests who stayed with us for Christmas or who traveled before and after the holiday commented on our warm and friendly atmosphere here at the Resort. With amazing people on staff, no wonder!
Just Off Main enjoyed a brisk New Year's Eve with a full complement of guests attending the festivities and dancing until after midnight to the tunes of Coco Loco! Compliments go to Chip Stack (Food and Beverage Director shown with the ice sculpture), Marvis Livingston (Front Desk Manager), and Abbey Phillips (Concierge), to name some but not all of the participants responsible for the spectacular decorations in the ballroom. They created the right jovial mood for an end-of-year celebration, and party-goers had a great time, enjoyed the delicious food and gracious service, and rang in the New Year 2010 with glee! See some photos below, more on our Facebook page.
Tree Top Lounge pulsed with energy over the past month. This cool, contemporary setting on the fourth floor set the tone for people to wander in, relax, meet new friends among those over-wintering here at the resort, and enjoy Avista's hospitality.

Whether you are presently staying with us here at Avista for your winter months or plan to drive through on your way north or south, we welcome you. Even just passing through, you will enjoy Happy Hour or a delicious meal at the restaurant! Let us take care of you!

On behalf of the staff and management of Just Off Main and Tree Top Lounge, we appreciate your business in 2009 and look forward to seeing you again in 2010!

AROUND TOWN THIS MONTH:

If anyone doubts how much is going on here at the beach in January, consider a look at our Calendar of Events where the area has been active with everything from a national television production come to town to local sporting groups and business meetings. Here are a few of the goings-on this month:

Helping Our Community - As part of the television production of Extreme Makeover Home Edition which from January 11-17 built a home for a family in Horry County, Sterling Homes partnered with the local United Way to establish a non-perishable food collection program. Responding to the call for volunteers to participate in collecting the food for needy people county-wide, Avista Resort and each of its sister properties placed a marked box at their front desks, collecting as much food as possible and then delivering it to the designated drop-off sites in North Myrtle Beach. The over-all goal for the program was 100 tons of food, and the project exceeded its target with 100.1 tons! The television program featuring the Horry County Suggs family airs in March or April, at the network's discretion.
Enjoying Leisure Pursuits - Held on the second weekend in January 8-10, the 26th Annual Grand Strand Boat Show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center attracted many people to explore new boat features and the possibilities of enjoying a pleasure craft this year, with some spectators even signing purchase contracts in anticipation of getting out in the open water. The largest boat in the collection was a 29 foot Chaparral, but dealers spoke proudly of longer craft in their collections.
Broadening Horizons to the Arts - The 25th Annual Lifestyle Expo, January 30th and 31st, featured live entertainment at The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, exhibits such as traveling photograph exhibit of South Carolina artists, and the First Annual Art, Antiques and Treasures Roadshow. Other arts-related events took place this month at the Chapin Memorial Library such as lectures, discussions, and coffee sessions focused on topics of literary works. Other activities there included children's hours and book sales.

Featured Recipe: Hot slaw

Sometimes called "red" slaw, this recipe is Southern soul food, something tasty to use as a side dish for your Super Bowl Party. You can save time by purchasing pre-cut slaw veggies, and those who want a little "zip" can add pre-crushed red peppers, too. Providing 6 servings, it is especially flavorful when served with ribs or chicken.

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup vinegar
2 pounds shredded cabbage

Directions:

Cut the bacon in small pieces and fry until crisp in a large skillet; remove the bacon to paper towels.
Add the onion to the bacon fat and saut� until golden brown.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and flour until smooth.
Whisk the mixture into the onions and bacon fat; stir in the vinegar. Cook and stir over low heat until thickened.
Crumble the bacon into the onion mixture, add the cabbage, and gently heat until the cabbage is limp. Serve immediately.

Click here for a printable version of recipe

Groups at AVISTA RESORT

The following groups stayed with us over the past month.

Sports Zone -Volleyball Tournament
Benchmark Management-Intercoastal Village HOA
Tim Ward Golf Group
Little River Chamber of Commerce-Annual Dinner Meeting
First Baptist Church of Gray Gables
Johnny B Mid Winter Group
Avista Resort-Snowbird Potluck
Capital City Baptist Church-Couples Retreat
Faith FWB Church
Interim Healthcare-Annual Meeting Gala
Avista-HOA
173rd Airborne Brigade Association

If you are planning a civic group meeting, an office retreat for 2010 planning purposes, or any get-together where you need several days of separation from the usual routine, we hope that you will consider us as your home base.

With everything from dedicated meeting space to catering services to special amenities such as indoor hot tub with pool and lazy river, our location offers an affordable yet exciting way to meet, de-stress, and reconnect with your planned goals and objectives .

A meeting at the beach! What a way to begin a glorious New Year!

Local Events Calendar - January, 2010

As mentioned earlier, the Grand Strand has many activities going on, even before bathing-suit season! Come see the list of events on the website's calendar under the menu section for "Activities." Click here.

GUEST COMMENTS

We love hearing from our guests. Here are just a few that show how people enjoy their visits here:

It was our first trip to North Myrtle Beach, and we were surprised at how large and beautiful the beach was at the Avista Resort. We chose Avista since it was walking distance to restaurants and shops, but they have a large pool and [hot tub] area right on the beach and an indoor pool area for the day it got a bit chilly. We had a large room and even the ocean view from our balcony was wonderful. You should go!
Guest Comment on TripAdvisor.com from "Akaloha" an Oregon group of friends, 01.18.10.

My husband and I celebrated our 41st anniversary and as usual, had a delightful time. Have come here on two previous anniversaries. Check-in was hassle-free, staff friendly and professional at check-in. Room was ocean front, with a great view, well cleaned and spacious. Liked new front load-washer and dryer, came home with all clean clothes. Parking across street, but easy and convenient. Excellent value for the money.
Guest Comment on TripAdvisor.com from "Kirbymuffet3" a Maryland family, 01.18.10.

We enjoyed our stay at your resort very much. Thank you for your kindness to us. We really appreciate it very much. As you can see, we stay with you very often and will continue to do. We recommend your resort to our friends and family. Your staff is outstanding in every aspect. Have never seen or experienced a staff like this anywhere. Can't wait to come back. Feels like we are coming home. Hope to see you soon. Happy New Year!
Guest Comment from the Kelley Family, Pendleton, SC, sent by email 12.28.09.

My daughter and I stayed at this property last August and had a wonderful time for recuperation. Hope to join you again in the future! Tamara
Guest Comment through a newsletter response, Holt Family, 12.17. 09.

Fun Facts

The ancient Babylonian New Year celebration lasted for eleven days, each one a party! Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale by comparison.

Snow appears white to us because visible sunlight is white. Snowflake crystals reflect white light off each other, so what little light is absorbed gives snow its white appearance.

Ten inches of snow melt to one inch of rain. If you are watching the snow out your window, give some thought to coming here to watch the sun dance across the ocean waves.

For those of you fortunate enough to enjoy an early spring, it might help to know that baby robins eat 14 feet of earthworms every day.

To fix a leaky car radiator temporarily, pour in the contents of a 2-ounce jar of mustard while the car is running. Then, later, ask you mechanic to flush out the radiator when he repairs the leak properly. Be prepared to explain the smell of mustard.

As you walk along the tranquil surf line on the beach in front of Avista, look for sharks' teeth. Searching just after the tide has gone out is one of the better times to find them. You are looking for a little black "T" or "Y" shaped piece among the sand and small broken shells. Some teeth are not so little, though.

Genetically, humans have various forms of taste buds and in set ratios. Some people have more sweet taste buds, while others have more of the sour taste buds. This is why certain foods taste differently to different people.

Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza every day.

There are 28 bones in the human foot, along with 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 major muscles, and tendons to hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways.

Like a rainbow, a moonbow (also known as a lunar rainbow or white rainbow) is a meteorology phenomenon that causes an optical spectrum of light to appear in the sky when the light of the moon shines onto droplets of moisture in the atmosphere. Being relatively faint, moonbows are better seen in smaller amounts of light such as at night and in places where water droplets are prevalent, such as near ocean waves.

The speed of sound in water is 1,435 miles per second, nearly five times faster than the speed of sound in air.

Welcome, SOS Winter Visitors

Our coastal air with its perky little nip of January chill provides the perfect venue for dancing night and day! We offer a hearty "Welcome back to the beach" greeting to our friends with the Society of Stranders (SOS) who visited at the end of the month. For those unfamiliar with the state dance, the "shag," SOS is a social group bound by the love of shag dancing, beach music, having fun, and getting together. SOS has been in town recently for their "Mid-Winter Classic." Enjoy!

Green Vacationing Made Easy

Ecological Awareness -- Avista Resort is an eco-friendly place to vacation and enjoy our natural environment. As a business and as a integral member of the North Myrtle Beach community, Avista and its sister properties feel especially responsible for helping to keep our environment clean. Here are some of the ways:

Wind turbine project -- Avista's progress on the wind turbine project continues with on-going discussions among the businesses, community leaders, scientists, and educational researchers. As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, this project is on-going and long-term.
Garbage recycling - paper, plastic, oil, old mattresses, and many other items are among the topics being discussed at a meeting this month to find resourceful ways, both economically and ecologically responsible, to recycle. We will report how we are becoming more involved with recycling in future newsletters.
Cleanliness - clean surfaces help keep the air clean, so our Housekeeping staff stays busy with its efforts to clean inside and out, even on open surfaces which collect dust and other particles.
Water conservation - As you have read in previous newsletters, we encourage water conservation here at Avista. By changing our policy of daily washing of already clean towels and linens, whether used or not, we are economizing our use of fresh, drinkable water. Another example of water conservation is something we can all do at home or on vacation - not running a shower wide open to warm the water without actually using the water. By changing the shower head to a water saving feature, by storing unused water, and by running water only when needed, we can all save this precious natural resource.

Ebb and Flow of Information
Where did you stay? We would love to hear from you!

Check out what�s happening on the beach right now with our Web cam

Avista Resort 300 N. Ocean Blvd.
N. Myrtle Beach, SC. 29582
Toll Free 800.968.8986 Email Vacation-Planner@avistaresort.com