North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years

The 35th annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta had a record 35 boats parading by thousands of spectators last Saturday evening from the Little River Inlet to Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach. After a mild Saturday punctuated by the Clemson-South Carolina football game early in the day, fans, residents and visitors gathered at marinas, restaurants, boat ramps or wherever they could get a good view of the colorful boats decorated for the Christmas season. As the boats passed by, the appreciative crowds cheered and hooted as boats big and small tried to outdo each other with lights, Santas and a …

The Rotary Club of Little River sponsors an Interact Club at North Myrtle Beach Christian School. The Interact students have their own community service objectives and also support many of the activities of the Rotary Club.  The officers were recently recognized at a Rotary meeting and received their officer pins.  Pictured left to right are Annabelle Taylor, president; Mackenzie Nance, vice president;  Donna Levinski, Rotary Youth Service Director; Jordan Mabry, secretary;  Reaghan Wiltbank, treasurer, and Angela Mabry, Interact Advisor.

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board has selected a Live Oak on the property of Rayford and Karen Vereen for its Tree of the Month Award for November. On Jan. 1, 1970, the Vereens set up residence on a one-acre lot off the beaten path between 11th and 8th Avenues North and between Merrill Place and Hillside Drive. Their house, which is constructed of recycled brick from a warehouse in Fairmont, N.C., is positioned to save a grove of Live Oaks, including the November Tree of the Month. The tree is a focal point of their beautiful yard. The …

The Coastal Shag Club is announcing the cruise winner as Judith “Judy” Hardee of a raffle for a five day cruise for two. She departs on her balcony cruise on the Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston in January. The Charity Raffle was sponsored by the Coastal Shag Club based in Calabash, N.C., and all proceeds go to a West Brunswick County High School student studying dance and Uplink. Rip Tide Radio Host Ray Scott, a Hall of Fame winner, presented the cruise tickets at All About Travel in North Myrtle Beach. At left front are Ray Scott, Judith Hardee, Dean …

The Annual Christmas Angels Project is underway at North Myrtle Beach High School. This program is in the 15th year. It involves students at North Myrtle Beach High School in the lives of elementary schools at the three local schools. Students form a group to adopt children whose families may otherwise struggle to provide Christmas gifts for them. This year 180 children have been adopted by students at the high school. This program is the brainchild of AP English teacher, Cathy Threatt. The first year just six children were adopted. After a few years the program had grown so large …

By Meg Williams: Brianna Spake Webb began her teaching career at Waterway Elementary three years ago where she teaches kindergarten. Originally from Spartanburg, Brianna graduated from Anderson University earning a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. Brianna married Nick Webb this past October. She is the daughter of Kevin and Tracy Spake. Brianna has one sister, Chloe, and two brothers, Austin who is married to Tabby and Brandon, who is married to Stephanie. She is aunt to Gavin and Riley, the children of her brother Brandon. Mrs. Webb says “Building relationships with her students” is the most rewarding part of …

The city of Loris and Loris Florist were working hard Tuesday to decorate the Christmas tree located in the Courtyard on Main. April Sims and Debra Norris of Loris Florist along with members of the city of Loris wrap and place ornaments all over the Christmas tree before the Loris Christmas Celebration will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4-9 p.m. with live entertainment, the arrival of Santa, tree lighting, parade and free concert.

Open Hearts Community Outreach sponsored their 10th annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted at Ernie’s Diner in Loris on Thursday. With 34 volunteers preparing turkey and the fixin’s working from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning, doors opened to guests to dine with family, friends and strangers sitting together giving thanks. The Reicherts stated, “We are thankful for this year’s dinner where they, along with Ernie, wanted guests to feel welcome and special, humbly serving the community with a time to gather, eat and share with friends old and new.” Tom Reichert is the director and Carol Reichert is the outreach coordinator for …

The Loris Recreation Department has two football teams that have battled their way to the play-offs. On Saturday, Nov. 23, both the 7 & 8U team and the 9 & 10U team won the semi-final district tournament. Tom Cocke, director of the recreation department, said, “History has been made for the Loris Recreation Department.” He stated that this is the first time ever that a Loris Recreation football 7 & 8 team has made it to the District Championship and the first time to have two teams playing. Kevin Gause is the lead coach for the 7 and 8 year …