Local |Gala planned for Humane Society

Local

MYRTLE BEACH

Gala planned for Humane Society

It is unknown whether people will actually get to kiss dogs and cats at an event Grand Strand Humane Society planned for next month, but Grand Stranders will be able to celebrate Valentines Day and help a local nonprofit at the same time.

The Humane Society, which operates the animal shelter in Myrtle Beach, is holding the Smooch a Pooch, Kiss a Kitty gala from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Grande Dunes Members Club.

The Burroughs & Chapin Co., Inc., is hosting the event that will include dancing to live music performed by local band members who have renamed themselves “Kibbles & Bits,” along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Members Club chef and staff, a reverse raffle and more. Tickets are $150 per couple and are available now.”

We are so grateful to the Burroughs & Chapin Company for donating their exquisite Members Club to help us raise much needed donations,” said Sandy Brown, humane society executive director.

To reserve tickets, call Amy DuPre at 918-4913 or email her at AmyDupre@sc.rr.com.

MYRTLE BEACH

South Atlantic Bank has profitable year

South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Myrtle Beach-based South Atlantic Bank, had the first profitable year in its history in 2011.

The bank had a net income of $1,155,407, or 42 cents per diluted share, a 222 percent improvement from the nearly $1 million loss it reported in 2010.

“We had a good year. We’re pleased with where we ended up and we’re looking forward to carrying it over to this year,” said K. Wayne Wicker, the CEO and chairman of the board of the bank.

Banks typically turn a profit within three or four years of opening, and while the economic downturn lengthened that time frame a bit for South Atlantic, having a profitable year is a great accomplishment, he said.

Shortly after the bank opened in 2007 Wicker said they realized that with the loan business as it was, the process would take longer and they worked to keep expenses low.

The bank will maintain its conservative mentality in the year ahead, and while staff did budget for slight growth, they anticipate the year to mirror 2011, he said. Last year the bank grew loans by about 4 percent net by lending between $40 and $50 million, and Wicker said he expects market conditions and weak demand will likely result in similar growth in 2012.

The banks total deposits grew 10.74 percent in 2011, to $198.1 million, up from $178.9 million at the end of 2010..

“We don’t see a lot of growth but we do expect a pickup in income,” he said.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

City launches junior lifeguard program

The North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department has launched a Junior Lifeguard Program, according to a news release from city spokesman Pat Dowling.

The program will teach young people between the ages of 10 and 15 First Aid, CPR/AED, basic rescue skills, water safety; proper stroke mechanics, reaching, walking and throwing assists; caring for head, neck and back injuries; how to escape a rip current, and rescue board techniques.

At the end of the course, graduates will be American Red Cross-certified in adult and child CPR, First Aid and basic rescue skills.

Graduates also will have the options of joining the United States Lifesaving Association and participating in beach training during the summer season, Dowling said.

To participate in the program, one must be able to tread water for 30 seconds, swim 25 yards continuously, and attend all classes to be eligible for graduation.

Dowling said program graduates, at working age, may qualify for paying summer jobs as North Myrtle Beach ocean lifeguards and for lifeguarding positions at the city’s Aquatic & Fitness Center, Dowling said.

Participant fees include a $25 registration fee (made payable to North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center) and a $15 American Red Cross certification fee.

Graduates who wish to join the United States Lifesaving Association pay $10 for a one-year membership.

Participants should come to pool sessions equipped with goggles, a towel, an extra change of clothes and a swim cap. It is recommended that female participants wear one piece bathing suits during pool exercises.

The program schedule is as followed:

Pool Session I / 6 to 7:30 p.m. / NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center: Feb. 14, 16, 21, 23, 28; March 1, 6, 8, 13, 20, 22

Pool Session II / 6 to 7:30 p.m. / NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center: March 27, 29; April 3, 5, 17, 19, 24, 26; May 1, 8, 10

Classroom Session I - J. Bryan Floyd Community Center: March 3 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) March 15, (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Classroom Session II - J. Bryan Floyd Community Center: April 21 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) May 3, (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

For more information, please call 281-3820 or visit the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety offices at 1015 Second Ave. S. (across from City Hall).

From staff reports