Community groups decorate trees at
North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum
Cathy Altman December 2, 2019 Local NMB Times News
Local community groups have been decorating Christmas trees to celebrate the upcoming holiday season for the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. Members of the Grand Strand Keepsake Collectors Club, Current Transitions and the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol decorated trees last week at the museum. Additional groups are scheduled to decorate trees in the coming weeks.
The Grand Strand Keepsake Collector’s Club provided Keepsake ornaments and a golden crown tree topper. Their mission statement is to bring together collectors of Hallmark© ornaments and other collectibles to share and exchange knowledge about collectibles for the enjoyment of the members and to provide an opportunity for associating with other collectors.
A group of young adults from Current Transitions made all their ornaments with a woodland fairies theme. Their mission is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for individuals who have intellectual delays by providing training and coaching in critical live skills within a safe and friendly environment.
The North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol offered handmade seashell ornaments to decorate their tree. The North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol was organized in 2010 and is an all volunteer group working for the preservation of endangered sea turtles.
North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum Executive director discusses Witherspoon name
Gerri McDaniel December 2, 2019 Local NMB Times News
Cathy Altman, executive director of the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum, presented information regarding the descendants of John Knox Witherspoon and the connection to her family to the students of Current Transitions.
John Knox Witherspoon was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in Scotland on February 5, 1723, to a family of clergymen. By the age of four, he could read the Bible, at the age of 13, he entered college and at age 20, he was licensed to preach. In 1768, Witherspoon left Scotland to travel to New Jersey to accept a position as president of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University). He was elected to Congress in June 1776. On July 2, 1776, the day of the vote on independence, another delegate claimed that America wasn’t yet ripe enough for independence. Witherspoon immediately declared “It is not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotting for the want of it.” Witherspoon became the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Between 1776 and 1782, Witherspoon would serve on more than 100 committees, wearing his minister’s robes in Congress to remind the delegates that God was on their side. Despite personal setbacks Witherspoon never lost his belief that America would prevail in the struggle for independence. In 1777, his son was killed at the Battle of Germantown, and later that year, the British burned their home. In addition, part of the Battle of Princeton in 1777 was fought on the college campus – the college was so badly damaged that it was closed for several years.
After the Revolutionary War, he continued to serve as president of Princeton University, and spent several years working to rebuild the college. He was a member of the New Jersey convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution, making New Jersey the third state to approve the Constitution. John Knox Witherspoon would die on his farm near Princeton in 1794 at the age of 71.
The Current Transitions students have been studying the Revolutionary War. Upon learning that Altman’s husband is a descendant of John Knox Witherspoon, they asked if she would prepare a presentation. Altman said, “I was excited to do the research regarding the connection between John Knox Witherspoon and my husband’s family. The students were eager to hear the presentation and were very engaged”. The research was conclusive that her husband’s family are descendants of John Knox Witherspoon.
National Garden Club Week
Yaupon members celebrate as they participated in daily scheduled activities to promote beautification and an appreciation of nature
Gerri McDaniel June 24, 2019 Local NMB News
Members met at Current Transitions on Thursday where they assisted adults in making their very own floral cupcakes. The Yaupon Garden Club celebration of National Garden Club Week culminated with a delightful Plantation River Tour on Friday during which members were able to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding seven plantations!
Current Transitions instructor, Mary Hagar and the Yaupon Garden Club ladies join the students as they proudly display their floral cupcakes.
Posted by nmbwc on Apr 20, 2019
Current Transitions Awarded Funds
Local non-profit organization, Current Transitions, recently received a $1,000 contribution check from the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club.
Current Transitions works with young adults struggling with developmental disabilities. The organization teaches essential life skills and promotes education for these individuals. Club member, Debbie Ritter, delivered the check to Mary Hager, Co-Director of Current Transitions.
The NMB club’s contribution is provided through its two annual fundraisers, the Purses with Purpose Charity Event and the Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes.