Winter 2020 - 1

1 www.htcinc.net | Winter 2020


Publisher info: Life Connections, a magazine for Cooperative members, is a publication of HTC, Inc. It is published quarterly and read in more than 80,000 homes in Horry and Georgetown counties.

HTC Main Office: 3480 Hwy 701 N (PO Box 1820), Conway, SC 29526

Copyright: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form — electronic, photocopy, recording, mechanical or otherwise — without the proper written permission of HTC, Inc. All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Circulation and Editorial contact: HTC Marketing DepartmentEmail: [email protected] Tel: 843-369-87143480 Hwy 701 N, PO Box 1820, Conway, SC 29526Extra issues are available to HTC members on a limited basis while supplies last at any HTC location. An electronic version is available online at www.htcinc.net.

Address changes: Postmaster, send changes to:HTC Marketing Department — Marketing 10102, HTC Inc., PO Box 1820, Conway, SC 29526

Advertising: Katie AmodioEmail: [email protected]: 843-848-2193Paid advertisements are not endorsements by HTC, Inc. or this publication. If you encounter an issue with an advertisement, inform the editor.

Contributors: Artist Spotlight – Ruth CoxBusiness Spotlight – SunCoast Building Products and Services, Lesley and Darryl HillRestaurant Spotlight – Blueberry’s Grill, Michelle GustafsonEmployee Spotlight – Fleet Operations, Lee Plowman-Render, supervisor; Scottie Rabon, generator technician; Reid McDowell, lead mechanic; Buddy Singleton, mechanic; Josh Hucks, mechanic; Brandon Brown, intern

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3Winter 2020 | www.htcinc.net

Contents

04 Letter From Us

05 Coming Soon: HTC TV MAX

06 Stay Secure Without Signing on the Dotted Line!

08 Smart Tips for Keeping Your Smart Devices from Spreading Germs

12 Rate Negotiations With Networks

14 Got Gig?

16 SunCoast Building Products and Services: A Family Business With a Community Mindset

18 See Brookgreen Gardens in a New Light

22 Blueberry’s Grill — Creative, Unique and Inspired

26 Artist Ruth Cox: Spreading Joy One Brushstroke at a Time

28 Connecting Rural South Carolina

30 HTC Employee Spotlight: How Fleet Operations Keeps HTC Rolling

Find us online at www.htcinc.net.


Bruce Munro Studio Brookgreen April 2020

About the artworks

Field of Light

The idea was originally conceived in 1992 during a trip through central Australia. The red desert had an incredible feeling of energy; ideas seemed to radiate from it along with the heat. The Field of Light installation was one idea that landed in my sketch book and kept on nagging at me…it just had to be done.

Travelling along the Stewart Highway, aside from brief fuel, food and beverage stops in the day, one tends to pull off the road at dusk, moving on again at sunrise. Often, the campsites are a total contrast to the barren red desert that surrounds them; green oases doused at dusk by the stammer of Artesian-fed sprinklers. Each campsite displayed a larger than life sculpture/sign of surreal design and proportion; the big pineapple, banana and the Marino sheep!

The inspiration for the Field of Light can therefore be attributed to many factors. Light has always played a major part in my life and work and, therefore for me, it is a natural medium to use. Deserts have many incongruities, they are infertile, barren places, until it rains and then they bloom like a veritable Eden. I wanted to create a field of light stems that, like the dormant seed in a dry desert, would quietly wait until darkness falls and then under a blazing blanket of southern stars bloom with gentle rhythms of light. Ones attention is thus drawn to the nature that surrounds the installation as well as the Field of Light itself.

By placing an alien installation in the midst of nature, the enormous contrast created allows one to literally see the wood from the trees and that has always been the focus since the idea germinated fifteen years ago. Over this time the design format and technology have evolved along with the place that the first field of light will be sown…

Under the shadow of an ancient hill in southwest England, in a field of clover bisected by a public footpath, the Field of Light shimmered its way through the seasons presenting a myriad of opportunities for passers-by to catch glimpses of nature’s guises. I am hopeful that it will inspire both young and old to take from it and create something of their own to pass on in turn to others.

In recent years, I have had many more ideas about the meaning of the field and an equal number of ways to express these thoughts…but my instinct tells me that that’s not what I am meant to do, other than say that the Field of Light is a personal symbol for the good things in life. My job is to make it happen and inspire those around me to join in on the project. I hope that it will gather its own momentum and like the proverbial snowball take on a life of its own when it reaches a critical mass.

Michael Hagg, Chief Executive Officer Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

A Word From Mike Hagg, HTC CEO Dear reader and fellow Cooperative member,

Happy New Year, and welcome back to another edition of Life Connections! A new year always brings a renewed sense of optimism — a clean slate that allows us a fresh chance to conquer new resolutions, master new habits and become the best versions of ourselves.

As we turn the page into a new decade, this is the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come. Changes seem to occur at warp speed as time flies by, especially when you're an ever-evolving technology and communications company. Only a few decades ago, HTC was installing one-party telephone service — we were the first in the Southeast to offer it, as a matter of fact. Now, we’re delivering lightning-fast Internet speeds up to 1 gigabit.

The close-to-home features in this edition include spotlights on Conway’s SunCoast Building Products & Services, Blueberry’s Grill in Myrtle Beach, and local artist Ruth Cox. You’ll get to know our HTC Fleet Operations team a little better, and get the scoop on the brand-new Brookgreen Gardens event happening later this spring and summer.

We're also updating you on Congressman Tom Rice's visit to the HTC corporate office, a sneak peak at the new HTC TV MAX service, along with facts on cable rate negotiations, and the role HTC plays (and doesn’t play) in selecting your channel lineup. If you’ve ever wondered why cable rates have increased over the years, or why you can’t pick and choose your channels, you won’t want to miss this deep dive. To sum it up, outdated laws have made it possible for media conglomerates and major cable networks to threaten to pull their content from cable providers like HTC unless they charge customers outrageous costs and offer very specific channel packages. The unfortunate result of all of this: cable rate negotiations. Remember that through it all, HTC is always fighting hard on your behalf and working to bring the best possible content to you at the lowest possible price.

After all, that has been at the core of our ethos as a Cooperative for more than 65 years, and it will continue to be our mission throughout 2020 and beyond. Thank you for being a part of our connected community — here’s to our best year yet!

Best regards,

Coming Soon:HTC TV MAX Get excited — HTC will soon release a brand-new video offering for our members to enjoy. HTC TV MAX is an innovative streaming service that will take video to the next level for 2020. HTC TV MAX provides the latest entertainment, up-to-the minute news, live sporting events and even classic television programming from over 125 channels, including the most popular local channels and national networks.

Members will enjoy the benefits of modern streaming while still being able to enjoy the comprehensive HTC channel lineup and local customer service. Think of it as a maximized streaming solution for your

regular television channels that you can enjoy on almost any device in your home!

In addition to live television, HTC TV MAX will provide a wide array of popular features, including:

• Video On Demand: Access thousands of hours of content from the most popular cable channels.

• Look Back TV: Available with most channels, Look Back TV provides access to a range of content even if you didn’t record it.

• Start Over TV: Never miss the beginning of a show again!

• DVR: Record your shows and movies and enjoy them on your

tablet, smartphone, TV and more.

• User Guide: A simple and informative user guide provides access to what’s on today and in the future.

• Voice Control: Give your home’s smart assistant instructions for channel changing, ask for movie suggestions and more.

Best of all, HTC TV MAX can be easily accessed via an app without the need for a set top box — you’ll simply add the app to your smart TV or other Internet-connected streaming device as you would with any other streaming platform.

To learn more, visit htcinc.net/maximizetv.


www.htcinc.net/maximizetv


Stay Secure Without Signing on the Dotted Line! Introducing No Contract Security from HTCProtecting those you love most has never been easier — or faster! HTC is excited to introduce the new “No Contract Security” package. With this offering, you’ll receive all of the benefits and features of the HTC Home Security Self-Install Kit without having to commit to a contract — and all for the low price of $149.

The No Contract Security package offers the best-in-class solutions that you can expect from all HTC products, and the system can be conveniently controlled right from your smartphone. The difference between the No Contract Self-Install offering and the other options in the HTC Security lineup is found in the name — it’s truly a Self-Install Kit with no long-term monitoring commitment.

You’ll receive a security panel, three door/window sensors, a motion sensor and access to the app that controls your system. With the app, you can arm and disarm your security system from your smartphone or tablet — or even from your smartwatch! And, the Self-Install Kit is compatible with a range of upgrades and add-ons like HTC Security’s Indoor and Outdoor Cameras and Video Doorbell Cameras.

Arguably, the best part of this deal is that the Self-Install Kit ships to your home in only two business days, which means you can have access to a full security setup ASAP.


Visit any of the seven HTC retail locations or call 843-369-8969 to get yours today!

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DISCOVER PEACE OF MIND whether you’re at home or away. No contracts, no obligations — just an easy-to-install system and top-of-the-line security.

The HTC Home Security Self-Install Kit includes: • Security Panel and

Power Adapter • 1 Motion Sensor • 3 Door/Window Sensors

• HTC Security Yard Sign • 3 Window Decals • Sounder

— powered by ALARM.COMActual product shown may vary depending on security system. Professional installations may incur an additional fee.

There’s a lot more to love about the new Self-Install Kit: Easy setup with no tools required This system is simple to install, and is made so that non-tech-minded people can operate it with ease. In fact, you don’t have to have any tools at all to set it up. To see how seamless this installation process really is, watch step-by-step videos at htcinc.net/self-install-security.

Home control and security right from your smartphone Using the app, you can arm and disarm your system right

from your smartphone, tablet or laptop! If you want added automation, your Self-Install Kit can be upgraded with surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, smart lights, smart locks, smart thermostats and more! That way, if you have the automation devices, you can use the same app to remotely adjust your thermostat, turn on lights, close the garage door, switch off your slow cooker and more — perfect for those days

when you’re wondering if you remembered to lock the front door!

Secure, 24-hour monitoring HTC offers top-of-the-line security and video monitoring, and you can watch live feeds from your property directly on your phone, tablet or computer. Get video clips sent to you if the alarm goes off, if a door opens while you’re away, and more. Monitoring starts as low as $24.99 per month!

http://www.htcinc.net/self-install-security


During cold and flu season, it's common knowledge that taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of germs is wise. Top prevention strategies include getting the flu vaccine, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, washing hands regularly, and cleaning/disinfecting any surfaces and objects that might be contaminated with germs. And while common targets for the cleaning/disinfecting tactic may generally include frequently touched items such as doorknobs, tables, light switches and even the TV remote, one group of potential culprits (and one that arguably gets touched and passed

around as much or more these days than any other household objects) is also frequently overlooked — our smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The typical smartphone harbors

25,000 germs per square inch — making it more germ-covered than an array of objects commonly considered “dirty," including public toilets, shoe soles and pets’ bowls. Of course, this makes sense when you consider these smart devices’ near-constant presence, frequency of use and regular proximity to the

face, especially the mouth and nose. People take their phones with them everywhere they go, from the gym to the bathroom and then to the dinner table and even to bed. Throughout your day, you inevitably shake hands, touch doorknobs and hold staircase railings–and then you touch your phone and put it against your face.

Those wary of getting ill might want to employ these HTC Tips to help ensure that their smartphones and other devices aren’t responsible for spreading germs.

Smart Tips for Keeping Your Smart Devices from Spreading Germs

Wipe down with a microfiber cloth:Many phones and devices come with a microfiber cloth for cleaning, and similar cloths can typically be found at drug stores and electronics retailers. Microfiber cloths are often marketed for cleaning the lenses of eyeglasses. Using a microfiber cloth to clean device screens will remove fingerprints, smudges and oils, all without presenting the danger of leaving scratches on delicate surfaces — a claim that can’t be made for paper towels and other rougher cloths. You should use the microfiber cloth to vigorously wipe down your devices until they are clear of any visible residue.

To disinfect a device, you can purchase disinfecting wipes made specifically for device cleaning, or make your own using a 50-50 mix of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Once the mix is prepared, you should lightly moisten a soft cleaning cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth), then gently wipe down the device. Warning: Liquids should never be sprayed directly onto electronic devices, and some device makers warn against using alcohol to clean their products. You should always check your device recommendations before cleaning.


Disinfect with rubbing alcohol and water:


Ditch the devices when using the bathroom or cooking: While it’s a common practice these days — in fact, 75% of Americans admit to using their phones in the bathroom — it’s common sense that taking out a phone (or any other mobile electronic device) in the bathroom isn’t a healthy hygiene habit. Even when you thoroughly wash your hands after using the bathroom, the germs will find a way to latch onto any devices used during nature’s call. The safest bet for sanitation’s sake is to wait until after the bathroom visit to pull out the electronic devices.

Store in an antimicrobial case:While cases are a great way to protect your devices, they can also be germ magnets. To add an extra layer of protection against germs and bacteria, consider purchasing and using an antimicrobial case, which can be found in an array of styles and colors — and, more importantly, can help eliminate these unwanted tagalongs.

Considering how much we use them in our daily lives, our phones and other mobile devices are likely among the most-touched items in the modern household. Be sure to keep them — and the abovementioned tips — in mind as you take precautions to keep your home flu-free this season!

Additional HTC tips and resources:

1. Use a hands-free Bluetooth device (like AirPods or other wireless headphones) to minimize your phone-to-face germ exposure.

2. Avoid sharing your phone. If you are sick, do not share your phone to avoid infecting others. Likewise, avoid borrowing a phone from family and friends who may be sick. In other words, keep your germs to yourself!

3. Visit FluNearYou.org to track and map flu outbreaks in your area.

4. Wearable devices like a smartwatch may be able to sense that you have a cold or the flu before you do! Since most smartwatches can track changes in your body’s vital signs, big jumps in your heart rate or an increase in skin temperature can alert you that something’s a little off before you actually start to feel symptoms a few days later. Visit any HTC retail location for a great selection of smartwatches.

www.FluNearYou.org


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ZANTAC CANCER ALERTIn September 2019, Valisure, an online pharmacy, let the FDA know that thecompany had found the carcinogen NDMA in some batches of the heartburn

medication Zantac (ranitidine.) Shortly after the FDA issued anannouncement, retailers pulled Zantac and generics from the shelves.

The study summary can be found on our website-https://www.justiceislovely.com/zantac-ranitidine-cancer-lawsuits/

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Rate Negotiations With Networks:

How HTC Is Bringing You the Best Cable Value Possible


Why do cable rates increase without any additional channels? Why is there a charge for channels we don’t watch?

If you’ve ever had one of these questions, read on to learn more about who controls cable prices, how the channel lineup is selected and how HTC is fighting on your behalf.

Here at HTC, we make every effort to minimize cable costs for you. Unfortunately, much of the price fight is out of our control. Some people assume that streaming services are solely responsible for driving up cable prices across the board — but that’s not exactly the case.

Most cable rate increases are due to rising fees handed down from the media companies or 'media powerhouses' who own most of the networks you watch. Over the years, as these 'media powerhouses' have merged together, they have created ownership groups with the power to demand higher fees from operators. If HTC won't agree to pay the increased fees, the ownership groups may force a black-out, where the network programming is removed from the channel lineup.

Another factor in cable costs is most media companies own multiple networks, and in negotiations, they contractually tie networks together. In other words, these contracts prevent HTC from offering you the choice to pick and choose channels.

TV providers like HTC pay a fee for every household that receives that specific network - whether or not anyone in that

particular household watches that particular network. And consequently, those networks continue to raise costs, forcing HTC to charge even more.

This is why cable rates have risen over the years, and why HTC works tirelessly to negotiate cable rates. HTC isn't alone in this fight. All cable providers and satellite TV providers must negotiate licensing — in fact, blackouts across the country are at an all-time high.

While major networks will always be focused on their own profits, HTC exists to provide the best services at the best prices. On our end, we promise to continue to go to bat on your behalf, and to keep our focus on what’s best for our Cooperative members.

To learn more about what HTC is doing to keep your cable costs as low as possible, visit tvonmyside.com.

Put more simply:We work to provide the best services at the best prices and

focus on bringing our members the channels they want from major

networks. HTC negotiates with cable networks to prevent you from suffering from unfair price increases as a

result of unreasonable demands on the part

of the networks.

www.tvonmyside.com


What is a ‘Gig’ Internet connection?Gig stands for gigabit, and refers to gigabit per second download speeds. Gig Internet is not just fast — it works in a completely new way. Unlike traditional broadband Internet service, Gig Internet is transmitted over a fiber-optic network. The technology uses a bundle of thin, flexible strands of optically pure glass (thinner than a strand of hair on your head!) to transmit light signals that carry digital information over long distances. In fact, fiber is the single fastest means in the world for delivering high-speed Internet.

How fast is Gig Internet?Internet speeds of 1 Gig offer exponentially faster download speeds than some other broadband networks. Internet connection speeds are measured in bits per second. When you see the term “100 Mbps” (megabits per second), that literally means that 100 megabits of Internet information can be downloaded per second. Since one gigabit equals 1,000 megabits, 1 Gig Internet speeds mean one billion bits per second.

Here’s how that loosely translates to your daily life:

• Download an HD movie to stream in 30 seconds.

• Experience a competitive advantage during online gaming with equal upload and download speeds.

• Have multiple users in the home streaming different content simultaneously.

Got Gig? Here’s How Fast a Gig Internet Connection Really Is, and What It Means for You

20 Mbps download time

1 Gig download time

1.5s4-minute song

0.03s

13s5-minute video

0.2s

4m

45-minute tv show

5s


What type of Internet users live at your house? Different homes use different amounts of Internet bandwidth — and your usage determines what tier of Internet you require. What type of Internet user are you?

LIGHT Internet users Light Internet users use a connected device minimally, typically for everyday tasks and little recreational use — and usually for a grand total of less than one hour per day. Activities include:

• Reading news online• Sending emails• Scrolling through Facebook• Checking online bank

accounts• Having 1-2 connected

devices in the house

MEDIUM Internet users Medium Internet users do all the same online activities as a light user, with a few additional day-to-day online undertakings. Activities include:

• Multiple social media check-ins

• Online shopping• Occasional streaming of

music, TV and movies• Having 3-4 connected

devices in the house

HEAVY Internet usersHeavy Internet users make the most of all the information, resources and entertainment available to them. A “heavy use” household doesn’t necessarily mean each person spends an inordinate amount of time online; rather, it means having multiple family members all using connected devices at once. Activities include:

• Streaming video content frequently

• Participating in videoconference calls

• Using gaming consoles• Having many devices

connected at once

What speed do you need?Easily determine the speed your household needs by using our Internet Speed Calculator. All you have to do is select all the relevant activities that your household participates in, and the calculator will pop out a suggested speed solution. Visit htcinc.net/internet-speed-calculator to get started!

HTC is expanding fiber-optic availability throughout our region in densely populated and rural areas of the county. Fiber provides symmetrical connections to improve Internet upload and download speeds, which is especially helpful for our members who work from home.

www.htcinc.net/internet-speedcalculator


A Family Business with a Community MindsetSunCoast Building Products and Services Builds Success ‘One Customer at a Time’Celebrating its 20th year in operation, Conway’s SunCoast Building Products and Services is a true expression of what a family business looks like — and a testament to what starting small can lead to when you build your reputation “one customer at a time.”

When the business started in 1999, owners Lesley and Darryl Hill did most of their work out of the garage and sunroom of their small Conway home. Fast-forward two decades, and the business is “newly relocated” to historic downtown Conway, and it has become widely recognized as a prime provider of gutters and

gutter services throughout Myrtle Beach and the surrounding communities.

“We are a family-owned and -operated small business. We love to be of assistance to our community through work and service,” says Lesley, who today serves as SunCoast’s president and CEO. “Working with family on a daily basis may not be for everyone … but it has been a blessing for this family!”

The family connections don’t stop with Lesley and Darryl, either. Their son Zeb serves as the SunCoast’s crew leader, helping his dad direct company activities

on work sites. Zeb’s wife, Megan, serves as the company’s office administrator, helping Lesley back at the office keep the big picture in focus.

Humble beginnings

Right from the start, SunCoast Building Products and Services was a family affair. In fact, in 1999, Darryl and Lesley secured the small business loan they needed to get the business rolling from a family member. As a skilled subcontractor and a “master” gutter installer for a decade before receiving his South Carolina Residential Specialty Contractor license, Darryl had

SunCoast Building Products and Services

843-488-22491703 Park View Road

Conway, SC 29526M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


long dreamed of launching his own gutter and specialty products business. So when the loan was arranged, he went straight out and bought the machine, truck, trailer and load of material he needed to perform SunCoast’s first job. A friend helped him design the company logo, and SunCoast officially opened for business in April of 1999.

In the 20 years since, the company has grown into a powerhouse small business that proudly serves all of Horry, Georgetown and Brunswick counties, as well as surrounding areas and neighboring states. The key to SunCoast’s success, according to Darryl and Lesley, has been sticking to the company’s philosophy, which the two summarize as follows:Because the customer …• Has a need … we have a job

to do.• Has a choice … we must be

the better choice.• Has feelings … we must be

considerate.• Has an urgency … we must

be quick.• Has high expectations …

we must excel.• Has influence … we have the

guarantee of more customers.• WE EXIST!

Committed to communityIn addition to serving the community by providing high-quality products along with exceptional service, the team at SunCoast strives to play a larger role in the area, too. One way this is achieved is through Lesley’s role as a member of the Board of Directors at the Horry Georgetown Homebuilders Association (HGHBA).

Lesley is particularly passionate about using her role at HGHBA to educate area youth about careers in construction. She does this in part by staying in contact with the Academy for Technology & Academics at Horry County Schools, and by reaching out to students at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Not only is this initiative important to the area, Lesley says, it’s also a topic of major concern to the business — as she sees the local skilled-trades industry suffering due to a lack of skilled labor.

“There are not enough skilled laborers in the workforce marketplace, and it creates a hardship on companies like SunCoast,” Lesley says. “We need skilled tradesmen in order to grow!”

The company also feels blessed to have the unique opportunity to participate in many of the HGHBA’s fundraising efforts, including annual functions for organizations like Coastal Animal Rescue, the Barnabas Horse Foundation, Pathways 2 Possibilities, and many more. SunCoast actively works to support local groups like the St. Jude Research Hospital, the Horry County Sheriff’s Foundation, the Family Justice Center, Christian Mission Outreach and a range of school fundraising efforts throughout the county.

A local focusBeyond supporting local nonprofit organizations, SunCoast Building Products and Services strives to support local businesses, too. One such local partnership is the company's choice to use HTC for its communications needs. SunCoast uses HTC for its Internet, phone and cable services, in

addition to advertising in the HTC Yellow Pages and with HTC Digital Advertising.

“We couldn't run our business without the support of HTC,” Lesley says. “The staff and service providers are always prompt and courteous to work with!”

To learn more about SunCoast Building Products and Services, visit the company’s website at suncoastbuildingproducts.com. To keep up with SunCoast's activities throughout the community, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/suncoastbuildingproducts.

Owners, Darryl and Leslie Hill

Master installers work on every job site.

Darryl and Zeb Hill, father and son team

www.facebook.com/suncoastbuildingproducts

www.suncoastbuildingproducts.com


See Brookgreen Gardens in a New LightBrookgreen Gardens to Host Munro Light Sculptures This Spring and SummerGrand Strand locals and visitors alike are largely familiar with Brookgreen Gardens. In fact, the historic Murrells Inlet sculpture gardens boasting 9,100 acres of natural beauty and 2,000-plus artworks have been a mainstay for area art and nature lovers for more than 80 years. This spring and summer, an enlightening new exhibit will offer even more for visitors to love about the popular attraction’s expansive botanical gardens. From early April through early September 2020, the National Historic Landmark will host “Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light” —

and the exhibit promises to be quite a sight to behold, especially for evening guests.

Created by world-renowned British artist Bruce Munro, the immersive art- and light-driven experience will bring seven spectacular large-scale light sculptures to Brookgreen Gardens. Each sculpture is designed specifically to fit the “garden rooms,” natural spaces and historic structures in which they’ll be displayed. All together, the illuminated installations will consist of tens of thousands of individual components that come together to create an awe-inspiring spectacle.

“The inspirations behind the artwork being shown at Brookgreen came to me during a visit to the gardens,” Munro said. “I spent time exploring and simply allowing my eyes and imagination to wander and dream. The visit reinforced the notion of a garden made up of a series of interconnected outside ‘rooms.’ It also left me with an impression that the ‘garden rooms,’ populated by figurative sculptures, were surrounded by an untamed landscape — a magical place with an edge of the unknown!”


Fireflies Flourishing in Oak Allée, this installation will feature 600 sprigs of fiber-optic lights that flicker like summertime-favorite lightning bugs to instill a sense of wonder and surprise.

Time and Again Consisting of 37 stainless steel “lilies” that together form a convex dome, this installation will be displayed in Pegasus Field.

The seven installations set to illuminate evening visits to Brookgreen Gardens will be displayed throughout the sculpture gardens and arboretum. They will include:

Field of Light — The exhibit’s centerpiece, which will be on display in the Arboretum, will feature 11,700 stems of light that “bloom” in softly moving colors. Munro has shared his thoughts on the installation, which was inspired by a 1992 trip through the red desert of central Australia:

“The inspiration for the Field of Light can be attributed to many factors,” he said. “Light has always played a major part in my life and work and, therefore for me, it is a natural medium to use. Deserts have many incongruities. They are infertile, barren places — until it rains, and then they bloom like a veritable Eden. I wanted to create a field of light stems that, like the dormant seed in a dry desert, would quietly wait until darkness falls and then, under a blazing blanket of Southern stars, bloom with gentle rhythms of light.”


Okonjima Choral Society This installation behind the garden wall at the Rosen Carolina Terrace will feature 2,000 “frogs” that sing in unison, accented by the pulses and rhythms of their illuminated “eyes.”

Hive Set to be displayed in the Bell Tower, this installation composed of 1,448 bee-inspired hexagonal elements gives the impression of a giant manmade beehive.


Water-Towers This colorful, watery, musical maze featuring 10 towers of plastic 2-liter bottles illuminated by fiber optics and enhanced by choreographed sound will be displayed in the grassy area adjacent to The Visionaries sculpture.

Munro, best known for his large and immersive light-based installations inspired primarily by an interest in shared human experiences and connections, has seen his works displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, with the Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, England, and at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, to name a few. Sponsored by HTC and Brittain Resorts & Hotels, the “Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light” exhibit will mark the only opportunity to see Munro’s work in the Southeastern United States in 2020.

“We are thrilled to be on the very exclusive list of venues to host an exhibit by Bruce Munro,” said Brookgreen Gardens President and CEO Page Kiniry. “At Brookgreen, we are dedicated to offering our guests and members the opportunity to experience not only American sculptural art, but art in a variety of mediums. This is a rare opportunity for our community and the region to see the work of this world-renowned artist.”

Brookgreen Gardens will be opening Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. for the exhibit, which will run from April 8 through September 12, 2020. Tickets are available for purchase, and a special season pass is available for members of Brookgreen Gardens. For more information on Brookgreen Gardens and the Munro exhibit, visit brookgreen.org/bruce-munro.

Reflections This collection of four mesmerizing digital light animations — titled “Clouds,” “Between Worlds,” “Anahata” and “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” — will be projected in sequence (with audio accents) on the floor of the arcade between the Welcome Center and Keepsakes.

www.brookgreen.org/bruce-munro


Blueberry's Grill opened in 2017 on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. Breakfast and brunch enthusiasts were thrilled when a second location was added in North Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing about a year and a half later. Each of the locations serve up creative, artistically prepared dishes, have a knowledgeable and friendly wait staff, and provide an exceptional culinary guest experience.

"We love to create unique breakfasts and unexpected lunches,” says general manager Michelle Gustafson. “Our greatest pleasure is giving our customers the best dining experience they can imagine."

Part of that experience is in the

atmosphere, which is aided in large part by a curated balance of natural and rustic materials, airy clerestory windows and high ceilings, and a fresh, crisp color palette.

Then, of course, there’s the food. The restaurant features classic staples with innovative twists, offering inspired dishes and food that’s as good as it looks.

Seeking to satisfy all tastes and diets while treating diners to a uniquely inspired meal, Blueberry’s Grill offers gluten-free bread, lactose-free cheese and vegetarian dishes upon request. Take a glimpse at just a few of the menu offerings on the next page — and try not to drool!

BLUEBERRY’S GRILL CREATIVE, UNIQUE AND INSPIRED

While you enjoy an amazing meal, the Blueberry's Grill team is working behind the scenes with the HTC team to keep all systems "Go!" Blueberry's Grill chose HTC for all their communications services.

"We are happy to work with HTC because they are local,” says Blueberry’s Grill general manager Michelle Gustafson. “HTC ensures that if we ever need them to come to the restaurant for our Internet or phone lines, they are here for us quickly."

BREAKFAST FAVORITESBreakfast is served all day, so don’t worry about missing out on waffles

if you hit the snooze button one too many times on a Saturday.

CHICKEN & WAFFLES WITH SUGAR PEARSGMO-free chicken cutlets are fried and served alongside fluffy waffles with Swedish crystal white pearls, Vermont maple syrup, and a dash of Cholula hot sauce for a delightful kick.

BLUEBERRY MUFFIN & EGGS Can you even go to Blueberry’s Grill without getting a blueberry muffin? Enjoy a grilled blueberry muffin with two eggs and Granny Smith apple slices, plus your choice of bacon or sausage.

SOUTHERN SKILLET Ham, bacon, fried green tomatoes, broccoli, caramelized onions, tomatoes and cheddar jack cheese — all mixed together into one heavenly dish.

THE MELTING POT OMELETCraving a protein-packed breakfast that will knock your socks off with flavor? This omelet features cold smoked salmon, American and Bordeaux brie cheeses, caramelized onions, capers and an avocado crema.

LUNCH FAVORITESWhether you’re in the mood for a big, juicy burger or a vegetarian concoction, lunch around here keeps things fresh and exciting.

LOADED WEDGE This classic salad gets kicked up a notch with fresh Romaine wedge lettuce, cherry tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, applewood smoked bacon, hard-boiled egg, crumbled blue cheese, Greek yogurt and a sweet balsamic drizzle.

BAREFOOT ISLAND GRITSUnexpected, yet outstanding, this dish includes seared salmon with garlic, spinach, capers and crumbled goat cheese over yellow stone-ground grits with scallions.

SPICY SHRIMP WRAPYou can’t go wrong with jumbo shrimp coated with exotic herbs and spices then tossed with lettuce, red onion, scallions, cheddar jack cheese, roasted red peppers and ranch dressing, all wrapped neatly in a flour tortilla.

IMPOSSIBLE BURGER This eco-friendly burger uses 0% beef! The famous “Impossible Burger” is entirely plant-based — and compared to beef, the Impossible Burger uses 95% less land to create! It’s a yummy meal you can feel good about in more ways than one.

SPECIALTY DRINKSGet a cup of 100% Colombian

coffee or a latte served in one of the restaurant’s signature colorful Blueberry’s Grill mugs, or opt for

something with a bit more punch, like one of these:

BLUEBERRY MOJITO Feel yourself float to paradise with the first sip of this concoction, featuring a mix of rum, simple syrup, lime juice, muddled mint, and blueberries.

THE SPICY MARYThe classic Bloody Mary (made from Blueberry’s homemade mix) gets an added kick with fresh jalapeno juice.

CITROEN MULE Sip and savor this delectable mix of Ketel One Citroen vodka, fresh lime juice and ginger beer.

BLOODY MARYEvery Saturday and Sunday, be your own bartender and mix yours spicy, tangy or mild, with ingredients from the gourmet Bloody Mary bar.


Dine with Blueberry’s Grill at one of the two locations:

7931 N Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Open 7 days a week: 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

4856 Highway 17 South North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Open 7 days a week: 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

www.blueberrysgrill.comFacebook.com/BlueberrysGrill

www.blueberrysgrill.com

www.Facebook.com/BlueberrysGrill


www.carolinacool.com

www.urgentcareconway.com


Artist Spotlight: Ruth Cox

Spreading Joy One Brushstroke at a Time

Paris and a paintbrush.

That’s all Ruth Cox wanted as a schoolgirl growing up — the chance to study art in a city practically dedicated to it, and to make a living by creating art. The Grand Strand native and local artist has been drawn to drawing for as long as she can remember.

“I remember sitting at the kitchen table and drawing pictures long after everyone else went to bed,” Ruth says with a smile.

Paris is not where Ruth’s path led her, however. She was trained as a teacher and later taught art education — becoming the first art teacher ever at Aynor High School. After teaching, her days were filled as a typist and a mother of two sons.

One of her major artistic milestones took place at Theatre of the Republic in Conway, where her whole family became involved in the productions on

every level, from playing the music to performing onstage to — Ruth’s role — painting the background scenery.

“Theatre of the Republic was a major turning point for me. When I found out I could paint on walls to make it work, that was a big revelation for me,” says Ruth. “It’s where I got into doing mural backgrounds. And it was one of the best things we ever did together as a family.”

Ruth Cox


Years passed, and once her children were grown, Ruth proclaimed: “OK, it’s my turn now.”

Finding her footing in those years led Ruth through some truly dark times, including the dissolution of her marriage. There were days so bad, she thought about giving into that darkness entirely. Fortunately, Ruth was snapped out of her deepest struggles with strong, sudden clarity. She surrounded herself with strong women who remain friends to this day — and she’s still singing their praises.

“I have this circle of friends, and we’ve really stuck together. We meditated together, prayed together, cried on each others’ shoulders … we’ve all come through some hard stuff, and now we’re in a good place — and I love that,” says Ruth.

From those tougher days, Ruth formed a strong conviction in several beliefs:

“I believe in doing what feels good. Treat people the way you want to be treated. And I believe that anything that comes from

love is going to come out OK.”

The aforementioned friends helped kick-start her mural painting business by commissioning her to paint in their homes, and then by referring her to friends of friends after that. Eventually, her work led her to painting big murals for large hotels and resorts in the Myrtle Beach area, including Coral Beach Resort, Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort, and the Grande Dunes Ocean Club, as well as various restaurants, banks, office parks and hotels in the greater Southeast region. These murals are inspired by a range of environmental elements that have surrounded Ruth her whole life, most notably the area’s rivers, local farm country, salt marshes and the beach, as well as her own dreams, adventures and even legends she’s heard.

Ruth’s work certainly isn’t limited to murals; her oil paintings are also well loved and have been featured in a wide variety of shows, exhibitions and galleries. Her extensive resume also includes several iterations of her initial breakthrough: theater sets.

A glimpse through her pieces makes one thing clear: Paris would have been lucky to have her.

Thankfully, Ruth’s darker days are in the past, and she is able to share her passion — and her talents — for painting with the world.

“I want my last years to be my best years — and my days just keep getting better and better!” says Ruth. “So now, I’m always looking for the good stuff — and the interesting thing about that is that it actually works. What you think is what you are, and that’s what comes to you. I don’t ever think about becoming a starving artist. I think about how much fun I’m having and how everything is going to be OK.”

For Ruth, the power of positive thinking is more than a hopeful wish — it’s actively at work in her life. If you encounter any one of her murals, you’ll see that her joy is written all over the wall.

To learn more about Ruth Cox, email [email protected] or visit www.muralistic.com.

Murals above can be seen at the Black Water Market in Conway. Catch Ruth’s work in a local gallery near you, or find her on Facebook at facebook.com/coxrc to see more!

www.facebook.com/coxrc


CONNECTING RURAL SOUTH CAROLINAAs rural communities gain improved access to high-speed Internet, residents benefit from an improved quality of life and more economic opportunities. Advocating for more accurate high-speed Internet maps is just one of the ways HTC is working to expand rural high-speed Internet access in our region.

Last fall, Congressman Tom Rice visited the HTC corporate office to meet with our employees and get an update on our efforts to expand high-speed Internet access across the 7th District. We discussed the number of opportunities, and challenges, we face as we deploy more fiber to rural areas. We are pleased to have his support on a number of

legislative initiatives, including the need to improve high-speed Internet mapping accuracy in the rural areas we serve.

High-speed Internet’s ImpactHigh-speed Internet accessibility is a driving factor behind economic development, job creation and improving the quality of life for residents in rural areas. It influences the buying decisions of corporations, investors and individuals looking to relocate. High-speed Internet access increases opportunities for education, jobs and quality-of-life-improvements in areas including telehealth. Without reliable access to high-speed internet, people are more likely

to relocate to find improved access and better economic opportunity. By expanding and improving high-speed Internet access, we can drive economic growth in areas that so desperately need it, and in turn help our residents find quality employment right here at home.

The Importance of Accurate High-speed Internet MapsFederal and state funding and grants help cooperatives like HTC deliver much-needed high-speed Internet to rural areas. However, criteria for this funding is heavily weighted on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC's) outdated National


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Broadband (high-speed Internet) Map. Even the FCC has recognized that its map has significant gaps in accurately depicting where high-speed Internet is and isn’t available in rural America. Data for this map has traditionally been collected at the census block level, which means an entire census block could be categorized as “served” and ineligible for funding if just one business or residence in that block has access to high-speed Internet.

Legislative EffortsThankfully, the FCC and Congress have identified the need to update the federal mapping process and are pushing for a digital data-collection process focused on more pinpointed geospatial broadband data instead of sweeping census

block areas. Leaders in Washington are also pushing for more accountability and accuracy in the way that larger-price-cap carriers report areas that they serve. In fact, bipartisan legislation addressing this issue recently passed in the House and the Senate.

HTC is Fighting for YouAs more federal and state funding becomes available for rural high-speed Internet deployment, cooperatives like yours are fighting to ensure this money is spent more efficiently. More accurate high-speed Internet mapping will be a tremendous advancement for our industry, and more importantly, will better enable cooperatives like HTC to continue to fulfill their mission to connect rural America.

HTC is committed to working with our allies across the state and in Washington to address these challenges and continue to expand high-speed Internet access and economic opportunities for our members.

Chris Cox, plant operations supervisor, speaks with Congressman Tom Rice.

www.shopseasidefurniture.com


HTC Employee Spotlight: How Fleet Operations Keeps HTC Rolling Getting HTC in gear for successYou’ve likely had an HTC technician come set up a new Wi-Fi system at your home, or perhaps passed one of the “boys in blue” repairing cables along the road — but did you take any notice of how they arrived there? Enter the scene: HTC Fleet Operations.

This division and its supervisor, Lee Plowman-Render, touch every aspect of the Cooperative’s many vehicles and generators — a role that allows HTC to access all of its many members and services in the community.

A day in the life of Lee and his team varies day-to-day, but generally consists of getting construction units up and out, performing vehicle maintenance tasks that can be done quickly, and responding to members needs. Lee’s duties also include handling the budget for new vehicles, managing the needs of

all vehicle groups, keeping up with fuel and maintenance needs, and evaluating existing vehicles to see when they’re due to be traded or sold. Sound like a full day? It is!

Fleet Operations gets it all done with a relatively small, but mighty team compared to the size of the vehicle fleet they manage and maintain. In addition to Lee, there are three mechanics, one lead mechanic and one generator technician. As a small team that packs a big punch, this group pretty much handles anything with four wheels, including the technician vans, construction vehicles, cars, backhoes and more.

“We do everything here, from bumper to bumper,” explains Lee.

“Part of the challenge is keeping 500 pieces of equipment going strong with a small staff, but we make it happen.”

Of course, having the latest technology to work with helps make all this possible.

“Our all-new scan tool quickly

evaluates everything from tire pressure monitoring to engine diagnostics,” says Reid McDowell, lead mechanic. ”Every tech uses this technology to access the inventory and work order system.”

Keeping the Cooperative prepped for hurricanes This team is the go-to for maintaining all HTC generators that are used in the field to support members’ services in the event of a power outage. This responsibility becomes critical during unpredictable weather and storms. You may recall previous feature stories on our quick response during and after the hurricanes that have hit our communities hard in the last four years. For Lee and his team, it’s all about staying one step ahead any way they can.

“We prepare and respond, because you can’t ever predict this type of thing,” says Scottie Rabon, generator technician.

“We just stay ready all year.”


In order to stay ready to respond, the generator technician

“exercises” the generators by running them once a week to ensure they’re in perfect condition in case of emergency.

There are nine large, portable generators that have the ability to keep HTC services up and running in the event of a major power outage. When that happens, Lee’s team is the first to respond by getting the generators working so that customers can stay connected to the outside world. Powering up generators isn’t just a matter of keeping connectivity convenient for customers, it also plays a big role in supporting communication capabilities in high-stress times — like during a hurricane, when someone may really need to make an urgent phone call.

Finding fulfillment on the front linesOf course, a role like this with such widespread — and sometimes high-stakes — responsibilities can prove challenging, but Lee finds a sincere joy in knowing he’s helping to keep HTC running smoothly so that it can serve people.

“It’s gratifying,” he says. “Being able to fix something and get someone up and running, even during a hurricane, or getting a building functioning and getting people service — all of that is gratifying.”

And most importantly, Lee is able to see the big picture and understands how his team’s work impacts the entire HTC team.

“We’re the front-line guys as far as making sure everyone else can work,” he says. “We all have an understanding that although everyone isn’t in the line of

sight — meaning you might not see what’s going on — we know that if the vehicle isn’t rolling or the power isn’t up, HTC can’t serve our members.”

Because if a vehicle is down, a technician can’t get to a member quickly to solve whatever problem they’re having — and offering high-quality, local, efficient service is at the core of everything HTC does.

"After all, customers are like family," explains Lee. "We take care of our family."

Fleet Operations Team at a Glance:

283 vehicles

60 pieces of heavy equipment

83 trailers

140 generators

3 mechanics

1 lead mechanic

1 generator technician

1 supervisor

Meet the HTC Fleet Maintenance Team (from left to right): Scottie Rabon, generator technician; Buddy Singleton, mechanic; Lee Plowman-Render, supervisor, Fleet Operations; Reid McDowell, lead mechanic; Josh Hucks, mechanic; Brandon Brown, intern.

843.626.7391 www.fsamb.com

• Water Damage• Fire Damage• Mold Damage• Biohazard Cleanup• Smoke & Odor Control

• Thermal-Imaging Technology• Workplace Automation• Licensed General Contractor• 24-Hour Emergency Response

"We are committed to providing you withexceptional customer service."

http://www.fsamb.com

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