Waterford couples to support Catholic Charities and attend a Dinner and Service Auction

Meet your neighbor Andy

I know you have seen him, talked to him, or heard about him. This neighbor is very popular in Waterford, maybe one of the most familiar faces to most. Andy Damaio.

I had the honor of sitting down with Andy and getting to know him last week. What an interesting guy.

Twenty-five-year-old Andy has lived in Waterford for six years and loves it here. Andy lives with his parents Linda and David on Westwind Drive. He has his own private bedroom, office, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and screened porch at his parents' home. It is a really functional plan for extended family living situations.

JENNIFER LOMBARDI | WATERFORD PLANTATION

Nature Trail

Did you know that Waterford Plantation has a Nature Trail? This trail is located in the center of the neighborhood and is a really great place to take a hike.

No motorized vehicles are allowed but you can ride your bike or walk. I would definitely check it out. The trail makes a ½ mile plus circle around a nature preserve. The preserve is at least 10 acres in size.

Retreat in Secret

``It was the sweetest, most mysterious looking place anyone could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with . . . climbing roses which were so thick they were matted together . . . she was inside the wonderful garden and she could come through the door under the ivy anytime and she felt as if she had found a world all her own.''

-- Frances Hodgson Burnett from ``The Secret Garden.''

By Elaine Gaston

a taxing time of year

I’ve already filed my taxes this year. My only concern now is whether I use my refund on some much-needed home improvement projects or keep it tucked away in my bank account as a safety net in this troubled economy. I’ve never been too investment-savvy and often find myself living from paycheck-to-paycheck. So, the safety net, even though mine will resemble that of a butterfly catcher, is looking like the best option.

For many, just the mention of W2s and 1099s bring about anxiety and confusion. Taxes can be difficult enough for our straight peers, but for gay couples in a domestic partnership the issues can be even more daunting. So if you’re still procrastinating or just trying to make sense of it all, here are a few things to consider before handing over your hard-earned money to the government.

Wine down with wine dinners

With more than 3,000 wineries in the United States, compared to just 600 in 1981, restaurateurs are recognizing the growing affection Americans are developing for their vino. In fact, restaurant wine programs are becoming so popular, there has been a growing demand for sommeliers, or wine stewards.

The Myrtle Beach area is no exception. Many restaurants along the Grand Strand are now featuring monthly wine dinners, in an effort to afford guests unique opportunities to taste the most complementary wine along with the most savory cuisine. It is an affordable luxury, like most offerings in our area. We'd like to introduce you to some of our most preferred wine programs and extend an invitation to try one for yourself this year. You never know, you just may love it!

The fine-dining restaurants of the Divine Dining Group offer an assortment of wine dinners at their respective restaurants. Divine Fish House hosts wine dinners in the non-peak seasons and City Bar sporadically hosts dinners throughout the