Happy New Year! 2008 is finally upon us! January is considered by most to be a slow time in Myrtle Beach, a time to regroup after a long year, a time to take a breather! That is not the case at the Avista! With Snowbirds galore and golfers in-house, the staff is busy, busy, busy! Busy not only delivering first class service to those currently at the Avista, but also planning and preparing for future visits from you!

Until then,
The Avista Staff

On December 31, 2007, the Avista threw its 2nd Annual New Year's Eve Bash-a sold-out event that turned out to be another huge success! A pre-event cocktail hour took place in the Mezzanine around 7 pm, followed by a delicious, hot buffet dinner that really satisfied the crowd. Then, around 9 pm, the incredible blues-rock group, The Rickey Godfrey Band, took the stage to get everyone (and keep everyone) up and dancing past midnight! Finally, after celebrating the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008 twice, our wonderful guests retired from the party around 1 am. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did---and if you didn't make it this time around, we hope you'll pencil us in for the next big New Year's event!

Humane Society Charity Drive Big Success!

The Avista Resort staff was able to raise over $75 for the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society. Concierge Abbey took the money and went wild at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store, buying items off of the Humane Society's wish list! Items purchased included dog biscuits, cat treats, kitty litter, food bowls, laundry detergent, bleach, dishwashing liquid and paper towels. We also purchased over 40 cat toys and 20 dog toys as well as several fleece blankets. We want to thank everyone who contributed to this great cause; the staff at the Humane Society was really excited when we delivered all of the goodies! If you are interested in adopting a homeless pet in your area, visit is www.petfinder.com!

Bailey, Rusty and Tommy (a few of the pets at the NMB Humane Society looking for a home) thank you for the goodies!

Employee Spotlight

Chances are if you've stopped by the Avista Front Desk early in the morning, you've met our A.M. Supervisor Necka Wilson! Necka, a "military brat", has lived in Virginia, South Carolina, New Mexico, South Carolina, North Carolina and South Carolina (did you get all of that?) After obtaining a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C. (20 miles outside of Orangeburg, S.C.), Necka got married and returned "home" to the Myrtle Beach area. Necka has worked in the hotel industry for over 10 years and has been with the Avista since it opened. She has 2 daughters, ages 8 and 11, and in her spare time enjoys playing softball, window-shopping and playing video games. She is also a big Washington Redskins fan! Next time you are at the Avista, stop by the Front Desk and say hello to Necka!

New Show at the Palace for 2008!

The Palace Resort in Myrtle Beach proudly presents a new show for 2008. Taking the place of The Dean Martin Variety Show and The Grande Cabaret is The Magical Spirit of Ireland featuring the Incredible Irish Tenors. The Tenors combined with the stars of the Spirit of the Dance will take you from their homeland to Broadway and back! Held in the intimate Palace Lounge, this show is destined to become one of the most popular shows on the beach! Tickets are available through the Avista, so be sure to ask while making your reservation how you can purchase tickets at a discounted price before you even arrive at the beach!

Spirited Snowbirds!

With Snowbird season in full swing, the Avista Snowbirds have taken over the resort with their infectious enthusiasm! Over 45 Snowbirds attended the Snowbird Meet and Greet Breakfast on January 8th enjoying not only yummy breakfast goodies from Just Off Main but also the company of Avista staff members Concierge Abbey and Front Desk Manager Stephanie and Alabama Theatre Director of Public Relations Wimberly Hubert! Check out the pictures below taken at the Snowbird Golf Outing at Aberdeen Country Club later that week.

The Avista Resort would like to recognize the following groups who visited (and also those who held their annual Christmas party at the resort) during the month of December:

Lewisville High School Reunion; Reliv; Interior Distributors; Chicora Association Management; Penick Village Retirement Center; Remax Southern; Hoffman Group; TSR Bowling Tournament; South Carolina Highway Patrol; Idaho Timber; Oceania Resorts; CE Elliott and Associates, LLC; Shootout by the Sea Basketball Tournament; Charley & Lila Gore Family Connections; Faith Mission Holiness Church.

       12/7/07 Mr. & Mrs. Hazim

1/25/2008-1/26/2008 National Shag Dance Championships 25th Anniversary
Attention Shag fans! Don't miss the preliminary round of the National Shag Dance Championship being held at Studebakers in Myrtle Beach. Dancers are competing for a spot in the finals held March 6th-8th. Visit www.shagnationals.com for the details!

2/14/2008-2/17/2008 Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon
Listed by USA Today as one of the top 10 great winter marathons, the Myrtle Beach Marathon draws runners from all over the world to the Grand Strand. Check out the action from the sidelines and support this great event! To find out more, visit www.mbmarathon.com!

2/23/2008 Polar Plunge Main Street North Myrtle Beach
Whether you take the plunge or not, this event sure will be a lot of fun! Be prepared to get wet in the ocean, you can even wear a costume to win a prize and to keep warm! For more information, visit www.nmb.us! Rumor has it that one Avista staff member plans on taking the plunge! Stay tuned!