Connie Barnard is a very special person to everyone at Sasee. She has been writing for us since our beginning and has become a much-loved part of the Sasee family. An Air Force wife for 28 years, Connie has moved 16 times and loved it! Today, she and her husband, Howard, are retired and live in Surfside Beach. The core of their lives is their two grown children and five grandchildren who they visit frequently.

Connie was nominated by Cherie Compton, Parish Health Coordinator for First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach. Cherie and Connie have known each other for twelve years, and Cherie feels strongly about the special nature of her friend.

Connie’s joy shines through always, no one is “cellophane” or invisible to her. A true caregiver, Connie does so much for others. When my husband was seriously ill, she brought food to us; she cares for a disabled friend in Conway, and there are many others that have been the recipient of Connie’s (always anonymous) generosity. Best of all, you never see Connie without a smile on her face. I think one of the most important things to know about Connie is that she is balanced. God is first and foremost in her life, but she does have a life outside of the church.

Connie, we all know you write for Sasee, but tell us a little about your life.

I do volunteer both at church and in the community. My husband, Howard, was a pilot in the Air Force, and one of the men under his command was seriously injured ejecting from a plane. He’s in a nursing home locally, and we take care of him – he doesn’t have a wife or children and his siblings live in other parts of the country.

I’ve always loved to write – I’m a retired English teacher and taught mostly college composition. My most unusual job was teaching at the Fort Leavenworth Prison, and my favorite teaching experience was at the high school level. I try to keep up with my former students – I fell in love with all of them!

I really don’t feel like I’m special. I just jump in and help wherever I’m needed. My friends are important to me, and I like being there for them when they need me, and when we want to have fun!

Speaking of fun, what do you do to relax?

Howard and I love to travel. We just got back from Chicago and had a great time. I had never been and loved it. We’ve been to Scotland and Ireland quite a few times, but I’d like to go back to England to see a few more places. Our big dream is to go to Australia and New Zealand.

Gardening is another passion of mine, and I am a Master Gardener. Living on the beach makes this a real challenge; there are a lot of plants that don’t like our salt air! We live near the ocean, and I love walking on the beach. And, of course, I love my book clubs. Currently I’m a member of three. Local history fascinates me. I love meeting people and hearing their stories. Truth is important to me…and people who are real.

Alex was nominated by Elizabeth Campbell, Marketing Director of the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle, N.C. The two women have worked together at the museum for the past seven years. A retired educator, Alex is passionate about her Brunswick County home and spends countless hours volunteering. Elizabeth wrote the following about her friend and co-worker:

Alex volunteers at the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, directs the Museum lecture series and its related field trips, delivers Meals on Wheels, volunteers for the Turtle Patrol, sponsors a child in a third-world county, and volunteers at her church and the food pantry. She also helps others along her path that no one will ever know about.

What motivates you to give so much of your time to others?

I don’t want you to think I’m special. All of us should be doing something to make this world a better place. I’m very committed to Brunswick County, but I try to think globally. I feel very strongly about doing volunteer work, both here and in third world countries. I try to “pass it on,” and share with others. I’m retired, have good health and can share my resources, thoughts and energy. It’s so exciting to make a difference in someone’s life, and I’m a much happier person since I started all of this.

Alex, please tell us how you and your husband met – I have heard it is a wonderful story.

I taught 4th grade for many years, and when my first group reached 12th grade I chaperoned their senior trip to Russia. On the plane, one of the exchange students asked to change places with me, and I ended up next to Stan. We talked all night – he was recently widowed, and I was divorced. I knew I needed to get some sleep to be able to keep up with our students, and he let me put my pillow on his shoulder and sleep. He was not going to Russia, of course, and we parted ways when the plane landed in Europe. But, I wrote him a note and asked him to call to let me know how his trip went. He did, and now we’ve been married eighteen years. He is also committed to giving back and is always by my side helping someone in need.

I understand you’ve traveled a lot. Of all of your travels, what was your favorite trip?

Why, the next one of course! Planning the trip is half the fun. I did take a trip to India and lived with an Indian family for a week. I learned so much. I believe that education is the key to understanding other cultures. There are peaceful solutions to our problems and, I believe it starts with the children. “Adopting” a child in an impoverished area is easy to do and costs very little. Every child needs hope for a better future.

For the past 20 years, Julie Ferguson has worked at Flamingo Grill in Myrtle Beach. Currently a co-manager, she was nominated by, not just one, but the entire staff and management of the restaurant. This attractive and unassuming woman has lived in Myrtle Beach since she was ten years old and graduated from Myrtle Beach High School. Here are a few of the comments her co-workers made about her.

I LOVE that Julie always notices little things that change about people and never fails to compliment them! I also love how she never fails to make me smile in her presence, no matter how good or bad my day is.

Julie always finds ways to accommodate or take care of everyone’s needs at work.

She takes care of others before taking care of herself.

She is highly compassionate and caring towards others.

Julie is an inspiration and constant source of motivation.

She is always seeing the good in people.

Julie always has a smile and a hug for anyone who needs it.

Julie, tell me about your work environment – it must be quite special.

We’re really more like a family here. The owners are respectful and kind to everyone, and I think that attitude trickles down through the entire staff. It’s easy to be kind when you work with great people. It’s the perfect job for me, too. I love having my days free and as a single woman with no children, I have the freedom to set my own schedule.

What keeps you motivated?

The first thing would be my strong Christian faith. I try to practice those teachings in my dealings with others. And, I’m a breast cancer survivor, so just my being here is a miracle. Five years ago, when I was only 39, I found a lump in my breast. I hadn’t even had my first mammogram yet, and I have no family history of the disease. I went through a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. One of my bosses sent a friend of his to talk to me right after I was diagnosed. She was also a breast cancer survivor and told me that I would be a better person for this disease – and she was right. I’m grateful for each and every day and have a much greater appreciation for life. Believe it or not, I wouldn’t change that experience, even if I could.

What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?

Again, my breast cancer has motivated me to want to try new things. I love to kayak and run. And, I regularly work out at the gym. My parents live here and aren’t in the best of health, so I spend a lot of time helping them.

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Renee Windham. Renee told us that Julia is a devoted volunteer with a sense of fun that makes every event she plans something special. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

I would like to nominate Julia Floyd. She gives countless hours of her time (probably 20+ weekly) VOLUNTEERING at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. She’s the Children’s Choir Director and is always organizing activities for the children and youth, such as Vacation Bible School, since we don’t have a Director of Christian Education. She has taken it upon herself to do this so our children feel like they are important in our church. She organizes service projects, such as Scavenger hunts for the kids to collect items for Baskervill, CASA or whoever is in need. She also cooks for shut-ins quite often. I could go on and on but could never list all the things she does for others in our community. She is a GREAT candidate for a Woman of Character!

How did you and Renee meet?

When I first started attending Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, Renee was working with our Mother’s Morning Out program, and we met. We got to know each other better through a “girl’s night out” group.

How did you get started volunteering?

Molly, our then Christian Education Director, came to me and asked me to help with the youth. Then, later on, Renee asked me to help with the children’s choir. Although I had said that I would never work with the children, only the youth, after I got to know them I realized there were not enough activities to keep them involved. Since Molly left, I’ve mostly taken over her job as a volunteer. I do Vacation Bible School in the summer and plan year-round activities for the children and youth. I have even started a Christmas and Easter Bible School.

I also take food to people when someone gets sick or there’s a death in the family. And, I’ve recently done fundraisers for CASA and the Baskervill food pantry, and we do the Shoebox ministry every Christmas. Recently, I’ve joined the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection committee.

What keeps you motivated?

The children keep me motivated. I helped the little ones make cookies to take to our shut-ins recently. It was so much fun watching those children make cookies – we did get a few egg shells in the mix though!

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I enjoy walking my dogs. I read a lot, and I love Big Brother – I’m hooked on that show! And, I love to cook.

You work nearly full time as a volunteer. Why?

If I took any salary it would become a job. This is not a job, it’s fun!

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Rachel Carwell. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

I served in the army for seven years; three of those were spent in the Middle East. I don’t have any family, and when I came back from overseas I had an extremely difficult time. Out of nowhere, I met Judy who has been a true blessing from God. She showed me love and taught me to have faith in myself. Every day I thank God for her friendship and mentoring. I sometimes have a hard time expressing my appreciation to her and I don’t think she knows how much I appreciate and love her for saving me from myself. This woman is a true angel – always giving of herself to everyone around her! She saved this soldier, and I thank Judy DelSignore for her compassion and love.

I have always wanted to do something for Judy for helping me become the best person I can be. Even when times are hard she is always there for me – giving advice and helping me see both sides of every situation. I can’t imagine where I would be today if it were not for Judy…I can only hope as I move on with this fantastic new adventure in my life that I can remember everything she has taught me and make her proud!

Link to video interview »

Judy and Rachel met when they were both working as Red Cross volunteers. Hurricane Katrina hit about the same time Rachel was leaving the military, and, with no future plans, she decided to volunteer. A native of upstate New York, Judy retired to Murrells Inlet after a career as a technical educator in New Jersey and soon became involved with Red Cross disaster relief. After her service with the Red Cross, Rachel returned to Fort Bragg, and her life began spiraling downward. At this point, Rachel felt her life was no longer worth living. Her friendship with Judy was the only constant in her life. Eventually, Judy and Rachel decided she should move to Murrells Inlet to stay with Judy and begin a new life. On July 14th, Rachel left to start her new job as an Emergency Management Coordinator with AmeriCorps in Rhode Island and credits the turnaround in her life to the love and support she received from Judy.

It takes a special person to allow someone to move into your home. What keeps you motivated?

It is so rewarding to touch the life of someone and know that you’ve made it better. I knew that helping Rachel was the right thing to do. I enjoy helping others be the best that they can be.

After I retired here, I decided to volunteer with the Red Cross. I know I am very blessed and can help others with my background in education and management. And, I’m fortunate to have the time. I work as a disaster relief volunteer, and recently, I helped open a shelter for the folks here who had to evacuate the wildfires.

I met another woman while I was volunteering during Hurricane Katrina, and she has come to live with me now as well. Sue was teaching English as a second language in South Korea. Before she left she had sold her house and wasn’t sure where she wanted to live after she came home. I invited her to come to South Carolina and stay with me to see if she liked it here. So far, it’s worked out great!

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I love the beach and spend a lot of time at the pool in my development. I also love to travel. My friend, Sue, and I just got back from a trip to Jamaica, and I’m going to California next month to my niece’s wedding. In the fall, I’ll probably go to Costa Rica, and eventually I plan to take another trip to Italy.

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Nancy Capp, owner of Gold’s Gym in Myrtle Beach. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

I met Barbara Timmons when she started working out at Gold’s – where she never misses a workout! Barbara’s daughter, Jessica, is handicapped, and I was so impressed with Barbara’s ability to handle the many challenges that come with raising a special needs child – and this remarkable woman is a single working parent! Jessica became a favorite of all of us when Barbara started bringing her along when she came to work out. We started taking care of Jessica in the afternoons and on Saturdays when Barbara’s job changed, and soon found out that Barbara takes care of everyone around her. We would receive delicious home-cooked meals daily when we were helping her with Jessica. And, she does this for everyone. Barbara just makes everything wonderful! She has not had it easy, but continues to give so much to others. Barbara Timmons is a true woman of character.

A long-time Myrtle Beach resident, Barbara works for Seaside Rentals and handles guest services as well as some of the marketing. She is involved with Christ United Methodist Church and loves to work out at Gold’s Gym, where she has met some of her closest friends.

Barbara, you have raised Jessica on your own – what was the hardest part of raising a special needs child?

I was only 17 when I became pregnant, and even though I didn’t get any support from my family, I knew I was going to raise my child myself. Jessica’s father was not involved, and my home life was very unstable. I stayed home until I graduated high school, and then I moved here to attend college. I worked two jobs and went to school at night while I took care of Jessica. I have never taken any government assistance; I have always been determined to do things on my own.

Jessica was six months old when I found out that she was developmentally disabled. Now, at 21, she is much like a nine year old. She has just graduated from Myrtle Beach High School, and I’m very proud of her. She is the sweetest, most loving person you have ever met!

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I enjoy doing things for others, and that’s how I relax. I love to cook for other people, and I am very meticulous about keeping my house clean. For fun, I work out. I go to the gym seven days a week most of the time. If it wasn’t for Nancy and my other friends, I would not have made it. With the help of my friends, and God, I have overcome a life-threatening eating disorder. I know I am blessed!

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Courtney Howard, 12-years old and a 6th grader at Myrtle Beach Middle School. She nominated Shannon Hussey, who is her mentor in church and in life. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

Shannon Hussey is a wonderful woman. She has helped me in the inside and in the outside [sic]… She is there when I need her even if it is 11 at night. She is my mentor at church, and she is like a second mom. If you ever had a problem then go to her…I never knew that a woman could be so strong…I love Miss Shannon [and she] has changed my life in a very good way. If you knew Shannon then you would know [that] if you are in the tightest pickle she will make you smile. She has the biggest and widest smile that I have ever seen. I just wish that other people saw that. Just meet her and you would never want to leave her! I just hope that you see that in her and choose her to be your next character of women [sic], I am only 12 and this may not be the best character of women paragraph, but to me this means the whole world! Please choose her!

Shannon Hussey is a nurse practitioner and divides her time between Myrtle Beach Manor, Covenant Towers and Myrtle Beach Family Medicine. We met this bubbly attractive woman at Myrtle Beach Manor and have to agree with Courtney that Shannon is very special. She is Courtney’s mentor and friend, leading her through her church confirmation and providing friendship and support for this budding teen.

Shannon, how did you and Courtney meet?

Courtney’s mom and I are friends, and I’ve known Courtney since she was a tiny baby. We’ve grown a lot closer over the past few years because we’ve been doing a lot together.

Courtney mentioned that you lost your dad at an early age. Does that help you with your ministry to young people?

Yes, I think it does. I can see a lot of things that I missed growing up not having a dad. I see a lot of needs that young people have; needs that I had growing up, and sometimes I can meet those needs.

Please tell us about your work at Myrtle Beach Manor.

I help take care of people who can’t take care of themselves anymore. They have a lot of needs – voiced and unvoiced. I am their advocate and health care provider all in one. I find a lot of joy in caring for my patients because I can see how much they appreciate it. You don’t always realize what older people go through, and they are very lovable and sweet. Life comes full circle here. It is a great joy for me to be here.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

It helps when people like Courtney say sweet things to me and tell me how much they appreciate it. There are several people here (at Myrtle Beach Manner) who say “Hey! I’m so glad to see you,” when I come in. You don’t always get that from your family. I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I like simple things – spending time with my family (husband Richard and Ava, 5 and Rick, 2 1/2). I enjoy church and crafts – but down time is great! I’ve been blessed with so many things, and I try to give back some of what God has given me.

I really love my work and doing things for others. Here, (at Myrtle Beach Manor) just giving someone a hug is a great thing. I can be who I am with my patients. Every day is new here. In the end, I know that this is what God wants me to do.

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Marsha McCollum. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

Kaye Barrier could definitely be described as a “Woman of Character!” Despite a horrible car accident which left her paralyzed from the waist down at the young age of 16, Kaye has managed to overcome this great “barrier” in her life through faith…I first met her when she reached out to a dear friend of mine who was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. She helped lead a Bible study each week at the friend’s home instilling hope amid the suffering. She is currently serving as the Assistant Lecturer of Community Bible Study, which meets weekly at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church where Kaye is an active member…She started what she calls her “Backyard Ministry” for her grandchildren and some of the neighborhood kids. After the children gather in her garage and have a snack, they work on their homework and hear Bible stories from Kaye. Her life speaks volumes!

Meeting Kaye is a humbling experience. A light shines from within this remarkable woman. She has been in a wheelchair for 46 years, surviving (and thriving) much longer than most, and, to complicate matters, she has developed a syndrome common to people with spinal cord injuries that is slowly taking more and more of her movement away. In spite of these circumstances, Kaye, through her strong faith, spends her days helping others without a trace of self-pity.

Tell us a little about life after your accident.

I was so young and could not comprehend what was happening and what my life was going to be like. There were many dark days, and I tried to commit suicide many times. I am a born again Christian, and finally I cried out to God in total desperation – “I cannot do this!” That cry was answered, and I began to focus on what I had rather that what I had lost. I began my own personal boot camp in my mind. I accepted that I would no longer be the bouncing cheerleader, but rather the girl on the sidelines in a wheelchair. But, I was alive; I had eyes to see and ears to hear. God had left me a voice, and I made a conscious choice to use that voice.

You reach out to those in need. Is there one experience that stands out; one you’ll never forget?

There have been many, but I’ll have to say the most recent one that Marsha mentioned. This beautiful woman, our dear friend, was suddenly stricken with this disease. I can relate to the suddenness of it; one day you’re normal and the next day life will never be the same. I knew I wanted to reach out to her and didn’t know if I had anything to give her except friendship; friendship and hope. And to help her not to believe in what she saw, but to believe in what she knew. She knew that God was with her. I really don’t feel like I gave anything through this, actually I received much more than I could have ever given.

Marsha mentions your “Backyard Ministry.” How did that get started?

I had never worked with children in ministry, except with my own children, but the Lord gave me this idea that children need to know that life is all about fully relying on God. This program, F.R.O.G., is not my idea, but we use it with the children. We have transformed our garage into a classroom, and my backyard has a tree house, a trampoline, a water slide and there’s fishing and canoeing in the lake. God gave us this house to use for His ministry.

Kaye, how do you maintain such a positive attitude?

I believe that my circumstances have allowed me to tap into inner power that that I would have otherwise never had. I am alive, and I am happy. Forty-six years is a long time to do anything, and when I look at where I was in the beginning, and where I am now, I am very grateful for all that I have. Every day is a brand new slate, and I believe that I am what I think I am, so I am constantly in the pursuit of being thankful. We all can be pulled down by the stuff in our life, but we also have the opportunity to flip that and say, “So what!” I have no power over the circumstances, but I do have power in my life.

Kaye lives in a beautiful home in North Myrtle Beach with her mother, daughter and grandchildren.

This week, Nicole introduces us to the April “Woman of Character,” Kandi Fleming-Jones. Mrs. Fleming-Jones is the Assistant Principal of the Academy of Arts, Science and Technology and was nominated by one of her students, Brittany Gardner. The following is an excerpt from Brittany’s letter.

The role model I look up to is Mrs. Jones. …Mrs. Jones was there through my rough times in the past year. I could always talk to her and trust her no matter what we talked about. Throughout this, Mrs. Jones was the one to understand my situation and how it has affected school and my attitude. She showed me I do not have to be the same as I had been in the past. I can change and break the cycles for the future of my life. She provided happiness that never went away and always brightened my day no matter what kind of mood I was in. She has a peace that always surrounds her, which I like. I would like people to say that about me. School was an escape for me, and I knew that when I came to school Mrs. Jones cared about me. My being able to have this relationship was not a mistake, because God puts people in our lives to help us.

Kandi Fleming-Jones, as Assistant Principal, handles all the discipline concerns at the school, but sees these problems as opportunities to do better. She told us that she feels that every day is another chance for students to start anew and turn their lives around. This dedicated educator truly cares about the welfare of her students and even makes home visits on occasion. We agree with Brittany that there is a “peace surrounding her” and are proud to honor her as April’s “Woman of Character.”

Be sure to check our Sasee Scoop to find out what is Sasee in the City!

Link to video interview »
All Sasee in the City installments are brought to you by WMBF-News Channel 10.

Submit your questions about events happening around the Grand Strand, South Carolina area.

Meet Kandi Fleming Jones, Assistant Principal of the Academy of Arts, Science and Technology, and Sasee “Woman of Character”

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Brittany Gardner, an 11th grader at the Academy of Arts, Science and Technology, and a student in the “Connect” program, an accelerated high school program for students who have fallen behind in middle school. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

The role model I look up to is Mrs. Jones…Mrs. Jones was there through my rough times in the past year. I could always talk to her and trust her no matter what we talked about. Throughout this, Mrs. Jones was the one to understand my situation and how it has affected school and my attitude. She showed me I do not have to be the same as I had been in the past. I can change and break the cycles for the future of my life. She provided happiness that never went away and always brightened my day no matter what kind of mood I was in. She has a peace that always surrounds her, which I like. I would like people to say that about me. School was an escape for me, and I knew that when I came to school Mrs. Jones cared about me. My being able to have this relationship was not a mistake, because God puts people in our lives to help us.

Kandi Fleming-Jones, as Assistant Principal, handles all the discipline concerns at the school, but sees these problems as opportunities to do better. She truly cares about the welfare of her students and even makes home visits on occasion. We agree with Brittany that there is a “peace surrounding her” and are proud to honor her as April’s “Woman of Character.”

Kandi, why did you choose a career in education?

Well, that goes back a long way. When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be a missionary, and I went to college to pursue that, but some things happened that led me to be in education. It became clear to me that God wanted education to be my mission.

What gives you that connection with young people?

I have children of my own, and I can remember being a student. One of the things that helps me connect with our students is that I realize that every day is another chance, and I let my students know that they can start over and change their direction.

Is there one experience that really stands out in your mind? Something you’ll never forget?

There are always students that you see at the beginning of the year and think; they are not going to make it unless something happens. I have a lot of great moments, but when I see a student really get it – they have that “aha” moment and realize, “I do need this, I can do this;” those are the most gratifying.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

The students motivate me. I love being here every day. This is not a job that I wake up and dread going to. I like being here and really enjoy the students. I love being able to make a difference. When I have to be out of school it’s so nice to come back and hear them say, “We missed you!”

Tell us a little about yourself?

I enjoy the beach and during the summer months that’s where you’ll find me. I have a two-year old daughter that I spend a lot of time with, and I really love to clean. I know that sounds crazy, but keeping things neat and organized is a favorite hobby of mine.

Brittany will graduate from the “Connect” program at the school next year and plans a career in the Air Force.

Tell us who has touched your life in a positive way. [+][-]

Every Day is Another Chance

– Kandi Fleming-Jones

Together we will celebrate and honor Women of Character throughout 2009.

• Sasee
• Cinzia The Spa of North Beach Plantation
• WMBF News Channel 10