Mobile Vaccinations+Find Furry Friends+Tourism Worker Shortage

Hello, Myrtle Beach! The weekend is here! It's Saturday, June 19, 2021 — the first official Juneteenth holiday. Today, in our top stories, you'll hear about a prayer vigil for a missing woman, Tidelands Health mobile clinics, you may find your new best friend at the animal shelter, tourism is setting records but employees are scarce, and Grand Strand Pride celebrates.

But first, let's take a peek at Saturday's weather:

Overcast, and the humidity returns. High 89, low 75.

Today's top 5 news stories for Myrtle Beach:

1. A prayer vigil was held Friday night in memory of Heather Elvis, the young woman who disappeared in 2013 and has never been found. The vigil took place at Peachtree Landing in Socastee. Two people were convicted in connection with her disappearance, and are serving prison sentences. Elvis would have been 28 this year. (WPDE)
2. Tidelands Health is hitting the road in an effort to reach more Horry County residents for COVID-19 shots. The organization's mobile clinics will be set up at various businesses, churches and events in the area, beginning Monday. Tidelands is also making adjustment to vaccination hours and locations. (WMBF)
3. North Myrtle Beach businesses have stepped up to help the Humane Society of NMB as the statewide adoption event, Pick Me SC, gears up. The shelter is filled with dogs and cats that need loving homes. Local sponsors include Murray Law, Elliot Coastal Living, Atlantic Heating & Cooling, and others. All adoptable pets have been micro-chipped, vaccinated and spayed/neutered. (WBTW)
4. The City of North Myrtle Beach reports that it is having a record-setting beach season. They say the flow of tourists is "non-stop" in large part to the ending of COVID-19 restrictions. The city also stated that it has raised prices on chair and umbrella rentals, and has a staffing shortage of seasonal employees. (MyHorryNews.com)
5. Local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Grand Strand Pride, had a celebration in Chapin Park this week. The Pride event included music and free COVID-19 vaccines. The group did not have an event in 2020. This year's return was particularly joyful because the City of Myrtle Beach declared June as Pride month for the first time. (WBTW)

Today's events on the Grand Strand:

• Virtual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run hosted by Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday. (9 am)
• Road Guardians is offering A Crash Course in the Motorcyclist that teaches emergency response to motorcycle crashes. Anyone is welcome to attend. A local law firm is contributing to the standard $100 fee, so the class is being offered at $25. (9 am)
• Horry County Museum and the AVX Foundation will have a lecture and book signing for "Images of America: North Myrtle Beach". (1 pm)
• Ukulele Class at Socastee Library (12:30 pm)
• Stick around after class for Ukulele Jam at Socastee Library (2:30 pm)
• Goofy Footers at Grand Strand Brewing Co. (4 pm)
• Chocolate Chip & Company at Charlie's Place (4 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• We love the Grand Strand because of its dog-friendliness. There are some great restaurants where your pooch is more than welcome in the Myrtle Beach area. (Details here)
• Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau have announced the return of summer internships after last year's program was cancelled due to COVID-19. (Details here)
• The MBACC also announced a membership renewal incentive program for local business that are members of the Chamber of Commerce. Any business renewing by July 31 will be entered into a staycation drawing. (Details here)

Featured events:

• June 20: The Best Gifts For Dad This Father's Day

Featured Classifieds:

• Gigs & Services: Residential Pest Control Services
• Gigs & Services: Advanced Termite and Pest Control

That's all for Saturday, June 19. Check back tomorrow for Father's Day highlights in Myrtle Beach. Until then, have a fabulous day!

-Kathy

About me: The best decision I ever made was relocating to the Myrtle Beach area from New England a few years ago, with my three dogs and three cats. I enjoy dogs, cats, road trips, photography, writing, vegetarian food, live music, bicycling and above all my daily walks on the beaches in and around the Grand Strand.

For tips or suggestions about this newsletter, email myrtlebeach@patch.com