Welcome to our shores. We appreciate your taking the time to read this newsletter about our activities at Grande Shores over the past month, and we hope that our resort is on your mind as you plan for your summer getaway. As those of you who have stayed here know, we have friendly beaches and helpful people, a perfect place for you to rest, relax, and get away from your busy life.
Can you believe that the year is already in its fifth month? Summer is nearly here, and temperatures are well within the comfort range with 70°+ water temperature and upward movement to the 80's of air temperature. Already, we see signs of summer with weddings at the beach, wearing of sun screen, and more hours of sunshine. In fact, with nearly 14 hours of daylight here and numerous entertainment and sightseeing options, the volume of calls for reservations is picking up.
Late spring has been a productive time for us. In addition to painting and sprucing up Grande Shores in preparation for your arrival, we have also been active on behalf of the very worthy cause, The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The April 24th event called The Relay for Life raised $9,000 for our company Team Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. Also, our team proudly took home the first annual fun award called Ms. Relay of Myrtle Beach, with the "winner" coming from Grande Shores. Our own Dennis Chestnut, Director of Engineering, now holds the 2009 crown and sash until next year. He did an outstanding job of bringing fun and fund-raising to the forefront in raising funds for Relay for Live, in this event, as well as back at Grande Shores for the "KenDucky Derby Duck Races."
Come on over and have a great time at the beach! We're waiting for you! Hoping to see you soon!
Your Friends at Grande Shores Resort
Team's Grand Efforts on Behalf of Relay for Life!
On behalf of The American Cancer Society, our entire team of caring, thoughtful volunteers has been busy on a number of projects for Relay for Life. Here is a summary:
The April 24th Relay for Life event held in Myrtle Beach Everyone's hard work and team effort paid off in generating not only awareness about the disease of cancer, but also raising money to help find a cure. Did you know that this disease accounts for one-in-four deaths in the U. S. alone?
Team Grande Shores' appearance at the April 24th event held at The Ripken Experience was well-coordinated by Jennifer ("You Go, Girl!") Dolan who has consistently worked quite hard throughout the entire Relay, plus the
diligent efforts of Breanne, Jenna, Carolyn, Debbie, and, of course, Dennis (Ms. Relay) Chestnut who had a ball performing for the crowd at The Ripken Experience (see him here in the two key roles that he has made famous: Ms. Relay and Duck Trainer.
One of the most popular events has been The KenDucky Derby duck races, held in the lazy river here on the premises. Dennis who during work hours serves as Director of Engineering has undertaken a sideline as Chief Duck Trainer. With his team of duck specialists, he has kept the duck races moving along on track to raise as many funds as possible.
Numerous Team Efforts As a team, many hard working members of our group have held frequent car washes, book and bake sales, and other endeavors to raise funds for this worthy cause, also to collect donations, symbolized in the "foot" icon.
The First Annual "Swing Fore the Cure" Golf Tournament
On Saturday, August 1st, we hope that you will have your golf game tuned for what promises to
be a fun and exciting day out on the golf course at Myrtle Beach National. Kings North course, in conjunction with our own Myrtle Beach Seaside Properties, is sponsoring this tournament to raise money on behalf of The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. With plenty of exciting prizes for everything from the top finishing spots to last place to longest drive to closest to the pin, players can expect lots of action. Beverages will be provided during play, and raffle tickets are available to draw for more prizes. For more information, go to the tournament's website at http://www.mbsrannualgolftournament.com/ or call 843.251.3519 or 843.655.1409.
Additionally, more fund raising events are ongoing. Also affiliated with the golf tournament is a silent auction. Bidders buy chances to win wonderful prizes contributed by donor companies. Here are some of our wonderful contributors, to whom we give our heart-felt thanks:
- T-Bonz
- Family Kingdom
- Ripley's Aquarium
- Tanger Outlets
- Tri-County Mechanical Inc.
- Enchanted Sailing Charters
- Wal-Mart
- SeaBoard Signs
- Target Media
- Legends in Concert
Thank you to one and all for the generous donations of prizes. Every one of them helps raise money in support for the American Cancer Society's campaign to bring awareness and ultimately a cure for cancer. Prizes will be announced at the awards luncheon for the golf tournament on August 1st.
Grande Shores' Special July 4th Package
Food, fun, fireworks, festivities on the Fourth! Grande Shores' July 4th celebrations will inspire family, friends, and everyone to celebrate our nation's 233rd birthday. Come join in on all the fun at our gala salute. No need to fight traffic when you can stay at the beach, enjoy the celebrations with all the fun built right in, and see fireworks without any hassle.
The food, fun, and festivities begin with a good meal at Shoreline Grill with its wonderful menu choices of summertime favorites, plus a strip steak sandwich/potato salad special created just for this occasion. Serving hours (subject to change) are from 11:30 am to 7 pm. Very convenient, too, with the restaurant right there adjacent to the resort.
Of course, in between meals, grab a snack and frosty beverage at the pool bar (open from 11 am to 7 pm) and have your own little picnic on the lawn while you enjoy the day. Plenty of room for the kids to run around, for you to lie back and take in some sun, and for everyone to relax.
The entertainment kicks off at noon out on the lawn with lively music and performance by Brian Tiernan. Lasting until 3 pm, this delightful musician and comedian performs your much beloved tunes, as well as delivering hilarious antics with his ventriloquist skills. Ready to dance barefoot in the grass? Hey! This is summer at the beach, so go for it!
Come evening, when the stars come out and the twilight colors glisten across the sky, wander up to the seventh floor pool deck where the view of fireworks is indescribable. This fitting tribute to the 233rd anniversary tribute to our nation's beginning will be a topic of conversation with you for years.
If you have not already contacted us about reserving your place by the sea for July 4th, give us a call or go online. Summer is closing in fast!
Weddings and Special Occasions at Grande Shores
Grande Shores' oceanfront lawn makes a perfect setting for fine events such as weddings, as illustrated by this one held in mid-May. We have many talented staff members whose abilities in organizing, coordinating, designing, and decorating ensure that nothing is left to chance.
Any event, no matter how large or small, owes much of its success to the people putting it together.
Here, we thank Group Sales' coordinator Carolyn Craig, Breanne Forsee (Director of Sales), Dennis Chestnut (Director of Engineering), Ana Milena Aristizabal (Engineering Coordinator),
Jeannie Pearson and her staff (Director of Food and Beverage and department), Jenna Hillman (Front Desk Manager),
Debbie Braden (General Manager at Grande Shores),
Jeremy Combs (Banquet Cook), and Mark Wentzel(Night Manager) plus the many others on the team,
all of whom helped make this a wonderful and memorable event for the bride, groom, and their families!
If you are planning any event, let us help with your gathering, whether outdoors or indoors.
Featured Employee -
Mark Wentzel
Mark Wentzel has joined us as Night Manager at Grande Shores, bringing to his job many special talents such as customer service and a talent for keeping things humming along. His desire to provide a smooth stay for each guest helps to continue Grande Shores' reputation of providing a great stay for each and every guest. Mark's outgoing personality has also been a wonderful asset in the smooth transition to his new role.
Experienced in the hospitality field, Mark has been making many new friends among the Grande Shores team and has found the mentoring experience with Jenna Hillman, Front Desk Manager, to be especially helpful in learning about Grande Shores.
In July of this year, Mark and his wife expect the birth of their new baby boy named Preston, and in the meantime, when not working at Grande Shores, he enjoys preparing their home for their son's arrival, in particular yard landscaping and puttering in the yard. He finds the setting at Grande Shores to be a "fantastic work environment" and "couldn't ask for better people to work for."
Featured Recipe - Warm Shrimp and Potato Salad
Looking for cool salads for warm weather? Try this tasty, filling, and deliciously nourishing dish.
Select the freshest ingredients you can find. The smallest red potatoes will cook the fastest. While the potatoes boil, peel and devein the shrimp. Then, prepare the dressing. This recipe makes 4 servings
(1 1/4 cups each).
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound small red potatoes (quartered)
- 3/4 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 5-ounce bag gourmet salad greens
DIRECTIONS:
- Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 12 minutes or until tender.
- Add the shrimp. Cook 2 minutes or until done. (Note: shrimp appear pink when cooked. Overcooking occurs easily. They should be firm, not mushy.). Drain the shrimp and rinse with cold water to halt any further cooking. Drain again and pat dry gently with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise and the next 6 ingredients (mayonnaise through the pepper). Stir the mixture with a whisk.
- Add the potatoes, shrimp, and onion.
- Toss to coat all parts.
- Serve over greens of choice.
Local Events Calendar
Here are just some of the activities that are going on during your stay at the beach. Then, for your convenience, here is a quick link to check availability at the hotel and condos at Grande Shores
Currently underway until 8/30. Jack Thompson: The Wonder Years: Myrtle Beach Photographs from the '50s and '60s. A photographic chronicle of Myrtle Beach history since the 1950's. See the glory days of the Pavilion, the Ocean Forest Hotel, Fat Harold's, Gene's Poolroom, and the Springmaid Villa, plus many other legends of the beach. Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum, 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach. Email at artmuseum@sc.rr.com or telephone 843.238.2510.
6/4 Watercolors at Burroughs-Capin Art Museum. Opening reception from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Meet E.B. Lewis, Story Painter: Watercolors on Paper. Lewis is an acclaimed artist in children's book illustrations in more than 40 children's books. See his water colors and books, a delight for all ages. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC. (Event runs through October) More information at www.MyrtleBeachArtMuseum.org.
6/4-8. Sun Fun Festival. Includes 5K run, sea-doo tour, food vendors, crafts, and much activity. For more information see www.sunfunfestival.com or call 843.626.7444 or toll-free 800.356.3016.
6/13. American Pie Oldies Music Fest. Music, food festival, and fun with wine tasting at the vineyard, 1120 St. Joseph Road in Little River, SC. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy. For more information, 843.399.WINE (9463).
6/27. First Blush of Summer Music Fest. Music, food festival, and fun with wine tasting at the vineyard, 1120 St. Joseph Road in Little River, SC. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy. For more information, 843.399.WINE (9463).
Want to see the calendar of activities? Go to "2009 Events" in the website.
|
|
Guest Comments
We love hearing from our guests because they provide insight into how we can provide the best possible service here at Grande Shores. The following are some of the responses that guests have sent us.
This was my second trip to Grande Shores and loved every minute of it.
Email from McCormick Family, 04.28.09.
My Mother and I love staying at Grande Shores and try to spend time there each June. My Dad used to come with us but after he passed away in 2006, we try to continue the tradition. We always stay in an oceanfront room which offers a spectacular view of the ocean and from which we can also watch the children enjoying time with their parents at one of the great pools. The rooms are always clean and offer all necessary appliances and amenities. An additional plus is that covered parking is provided which allows your vehicle to be parked in very close proximity to your room. The location of the hotel is such that many wonderful restaurants and entertainment venues are only a short drive away. We always enjoy the buffet breakfast provided at the hotel for a minimal cost and the frozen beverages served poolside are fabulous after a long walk on the beach. We have found the staff to always be very friendly and accommodating. Our family has enjoyed summer vacations at Myrtle Beach for over 50 years and my Mother and I are now doing our best to continue that great family tradition. We are grateful that the Grande Shores provides us the perfect retreat in which to do so. See you in June Grande Shores!!!
Email from the Stephens Family, 04.30.09.
I have stayed at several places in Myrtle Beach with my Goldwing motorcycle group, and I will say that this is the best of them all. The staff was all excellent and very helpful. Rooms were very spacious and clean. Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs were very nice. The breakfast buffet was also a plus. Perfect place for parking our motorcycles inside on bottom floor. We will be staying at this motel in the future. GWRRA VA CHAPTER J
Email on TripAdvisor.com by Wolfman from Ringgold, VA. 04.25.09.
We traveled to Grande Shores, Myrtle Beach, and were pleasantly surprised with the accommodations based on the low price we obtained. The room was very clean and had a full sized refrigerator and microwave. The desk clerk called to make sure we found everything in the room satisfactory - what a surprise! The pool area was fantastic; it even had a pool sized hot tub that was oblong instead of the usual round one where you sit hip to hip. The pool itself was like bath water, and you could tell because it was actually being used! There was a cool kiddie pool with an overhead fountain. The onsite restaurant was reasonably priced for a change, too.
Email on TripAdvisor.com by Jande from Durham, NC. 03.20.09.
We stay at Grande Shores. What we like most are the condos and next is the AWESOME grill by the pool!! Year after year our stays are consistent, clean rooms, and never any problems. As for recommendations, pool entertainment during the day would make our stays even more AWESOME!! Keep-up the great work!!
Email from Tamilita, 04.27.09.
Fun Facts
Running in the sand requires almost two times as much energy as running on a flat surface, sometimes increasing your calf size and strengthening your heart and lungs. Run on the hard, damp sand near the water and don't overdo it.
Recycling a ton of plastic bottles can save about 3.8 barrels of oil. It takes one quarter pound of plastic to deliver one gallon of soda. It takes about fourteen 20 ounce beverage bottles to make an extra large T-Shirt. One Adirondack chair can be made from approximately 240 recycled milk jugs.
Plastic bottles made from PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) represent approximately 96 percent of all plastic bottles produced in the United States. Check your recycle center because not all plastics are created equal. Mixing the wrong types of materials (even other types of plastics) with recyclable plastics can lower the quality of recycled material and defeat the purpose of our recycling efforts.
The Philadelphia Eagles claim to be the greenest team in the NFL--and not just because of the color of its jerseys. Starting this season, the team's "Go Green" environmental campaign has its stadium cleaning crew making two full sweeps after each game--one to pick up recyclables and another for trash.
On the subject of color, did you know that studies have proven people to grow angry more often (and babies cry more often) in yellow rooms than rooms of any other color?
Green is the color easiest on the eye because it causes people to relax. For this reason, hospital rooms are often green, as are waiting rooms for guests appearing on TV, the so-called "green rooms."
Roman public employees wore blue outfits which carries over to today in the blue uniforms for police and other workers.
UPS uses the color brown. Studies have found people find brown to be a solid, reassuring color indicating genuineness.
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is the oldest State University in the United States.
How much rain water is in a thunderstorm cloud? As much as 150-thousand tons of water are estimated to be inside a cumulonimbus cloud -- enough to fill a pond a mile long, 300 feet wide and five feet deep.
Some golfers spend a lifetime in the sport without achieving a hole in one. The youngest documented player to achieve a hole-in-one is 3-year-old "lefty" Jake Paine, a California lad. In 2001 he used his "Snoopy" club to hit the ball 65 yards to its destination (Tiger Woods was 6 when he hit his first one).
The oldest golfer to hit a hole-in-one is 101-year-old Harold Stilson from Florida who aced the 108-yard 16th hole on Deerfield Country Club, also in 2001. He died in 2002, a happy man.
Welcoming Groups to Grande Shores
Here are the groups who enjoyed staying at the beach at some time during the past month:
- Faith Community Chapel
- Wyrick Wedding Party
- Bankaci/Levish Wedding Guests
- Bagley Middle School
- MSN Babyboomers
- Watson/Walker Wedding
- 496th FIS Squadron
- White Family Reunion
Our thanks to each and every one. We look forward to seeing you here again at the beach very soon!
|
