The Coastal Buzz December 2021 by Brunswick Senior Resources Inc.

december 2021

The Coastal Buzz The Monthly Magazine of Coastal Carolina Active Living

inside: holiday memories from around brinswick county skydiving santas Books | Garden | Food Puzzles | inside our centers

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The Coastal Buzz

DECEMBER 2021

Shop BSRI Thrift Stores! Senior day every TueSday!

20% off entire purchase, excluding mattresses Ocean Isle 6560 Beach Dr. 910-579-8346

Southport 4170 Long Beach Rd. 910-457-1772

Leland 414 Village Rd. 910-338-3648

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ Advertise with the Buzz Reach thousands of readers throughout Brunswick County with an ad in

The Coastal Buzz!

For more information, contact: (910) 754-2300 Anita Langin alangin@bsrinc.org Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org

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SHOP our BSRI thrift stores for the best selection! Two locations: 10001 Beach Dr. Calabash 5302 Main Street Shallotte

SHOP ONLINE: www.bsrincthrift.org DONATE your extra items to help senior programs and services in Brunswick County! For free pickup, call (910) 712-6458 VOLUNTEER at our thrift stores— it’s fun! Apply online at www.bsrinc.org/volunteers.html

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The Coastal Buzz

Contents

DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS Letter from Leland ...................................... 5 News .............................................. 6-8, 22, 34 Holiday Memories ...................................... 9 Skydiving Santas ....................................... 12 Wellness Corner ........................................ 14 Best Bites ...................................................... 15 In the Garden ............................................. 16 Read All About It ....................................... 17 SHIIP: Flu Season ....................................... 22 Puzzles ......................................................... 30 What’s for Lunch? ..................................... 38

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SENIOR SITE CALENDARS Boiling Spring Lakes ................................ 18 Calabash ....................................................... 19 Leland ........................................................... 23 Oak Island ..................................................... 26 Shallotte ....................................................... 27 Southport .................................................... 31 Supply ............................................. 35-37, 39

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Brunswick senior resources, Inc. 3620 Express Dr., P.O. Box 2470, Shallotte, NC 28459

BSRI A S · Jim Fish, President & CEO · Yvette Gosline, Chief Operating Officer · Jennifer Sherman, Vice President of Human Services · Melody Stephens, Director of Operations · Courtney Bledsoe, Director of Corporate Strategy · Debra Marlowe, Organizational Development Coordinator · Sarah Powell, Director of Volunteer Services · Mallory Balice, Wellness Program Manager · Anita Langin, Accounting Technician · Eddie Jackson, IT and Compliance Technology · Derissa Gore, Case Management Support Specialist · Mike McGurn, Manager of Thrift Store Operations

www.bsrinc.org (910) 754-2300 (910) 754-9269 | Office Hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. · Chauvet “Mel” Jackson, Operations Technician · Justin Benoy, Project Technician BSRI C

· Victoria Hine, Ash and Shallotte · Mary Green, Boiling Spring Lakes · Holley Norris, Calabash · Amy Segen, Calabash · René Tarquinio, Calabash · Ellen Kleinerman, Calabash · Carol Schotter, Calabash · Heather Puglisi, Calabash · Braden Greene, Calabash · Kate Livers, Calabash · Veronica Lett-McGee, Leland · Brttany Steinkamp, Leland · Marilou Smith, Leland · Shelley Cooper, Leland · Sandy Porcaro, Leland

· Caroline McLeod, Leland · Janyce Jones, Leland · Pat Green, Leland · Jillian Hardin, Shallotte · Tonya Barnes, Shallotte · Laura Collins, Shallotte · Brenda Ambrose, Shallotte · Teresa Muchler-Nogli, Shallotte · Brett Baughman, Shallotte · Grace Consoli, Shallotte · Beverly Bridgers, Southport · Melissa Catlett, Southport · Jackie Knott, Southport · Vaughn Hatley, Southport · Casey Freed, Southport · Marilyn Stevens, Southport · Melissa Starr, Supply · Robert Hunt, Supply · Gloria Pieczarka, Supply · Tikila Morgan, Supply · Sherry Confer, Supply

Financial informa on about this organiza on and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicita on Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.

The Coastal Buzz

Contributors

Cover photographer Michelle Tinger is a re red marke ng professional who moved to Sunset Beach from Albany, N.Y. with her husband more than 10 years ago. “The beauty of this area inspired me to take on photography as a serious hobby,” Tinger says. “I par cularly enjoy photographing wildlife and natural landscapes.”

DECEMBER 2021

BSRI STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH

A(er re ring from leadership roles in engineering and IT at a major confec onary manufacturer, Beth Klahre and her husband Jeff relocated to North Carolina. Beth enjoys reading on the beach, learning to play the harp, and wri ng human-interest stories. She lives in Southport with her husband and their dog, Betsy. On page 12, Beth goes up in the air with local skydivers, and on page 39, she visits a group of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Donna Ruth Morgan volunteers with Friends of the Library in Southport and Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes Library Commission, Brunswick County Library Board of Trustees, and the N.C. Friends of the Public Library. She inherited a love of reading and shares that enjoyment with her four children and three grandchildren. Find some new books for holiday giving and winter reading on page 17. Joan Leo a has been playing with words on page and stage since her childhood in Pi6sburgh. Her poetry and essays appear in many publica ons. Her four historical fic on novels feature strong women in mes of U.S. wars, and her poetry chapbook, Languid Lusciousness with Lemon, was recently released. Joan loves soup, our perfect winter food, and offers a favorite recipe on page 15. Pat Naughton and his family moved from Richmond, Va. to Winding River Planta on in Brunswick County in 2017 a(er Pat re red as a mechanical engineer at a nuclear power plant. He has been an avid gardener for 35 years and is a Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. On page 16, Pat brings the outdoors in with ps on growing herbs on a windowsill. Francesca Gazelle is a senior public health student at UNCW. She is from Annapolis, Maryland. She is interning with Wellness Program Manager Mallory Balice un l December, when she will graduate. “I am interested in learning about the senior community here, and nutri on is one of my passions,” Francesca says. Read Francesca’s stories about wellness and food on page 14.

Amy Segen Assistant Director, The Brunswick Center at Calabash “At the Calabash Center, I have fun and laugh with my wonderful coworkers and the amazing participants that I see every day,” Amy says. “I enjoy getting participants involved in activities that stimulate their body, mind, and soul. I am truly blessed to work at the Calabash Center and grateful for the wonderful people I meet on my journey here. Every day is different, and that makes it exciting.” Calabash Director Holley Norris says, “Amy is creative, quirky, caring, and always willing to jump in and take the reins when she is needed. Calabash participants, volunteers, instructors, and staff admire Amy for all of her hard work and dedication. We could never put into words how grateful we are for her!” Amy grew up in Howell, New Jersey, about 15 minutes from the beach. “I am lucky that all my life I have been close to the beach!” she says. She has a master’s degree in recreation therapy from Temple University. She prefers books over Kindle and is just beginning Book 3 of the series A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Her favorite cookie is Mallomars.

Letter from shallotte

DECEMBER 2021

ABOUT THE COVER

The Coastal Buzz

Celebrating the Year H

appy Holidays!

The season implores us to take time to reflect on the year coming to a close. I want to give a special thanks to our BSRI family. It’s been a challenging time for everyone, not least our senior participants and volunteers who have weathered the uncertainty of a global pandemic, policy and procedure changes, and a seemingly never-ending case of “until further notice.”

Cover photo by Michelle Tinger

Bluebirds’ winter range includes our area, and this one perched on a neighbor’s mailbox decorated for the holidays. “This was taken in my neighborhood at Oyster Pointe in 2020,” says cover photographer Michelle Tinger.

THE COASTAL BUZZ EDITOR Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org (910) 622-1036 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Francesca Gazelle, Beth Klahre, Joan Leotta, Veronica Lett-McGee, Mike McGurn, Donna Ruth Morgan, Pat Naughton, Marilou Smith, René Tarquinio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Casey Freed, Jillian Hardin, Veronica Lett-McGee, Mike McGurn, Pat Naughton, Holley Norris, Amy Segen, Michelle Tinger ADVERTISING SALES (910) 754-2300 Anita Langin alangin@bsrinc.org Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org © 2021 Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. All rights reserved

www.bsrinc.org

This can wear on the spirit, and we thank all of you for the thoughtful hugs, prayers, and words of encouragement that have kept us going. Your support and service to others has been unwavering and it does not go unnoticed. Together we have been able to reopen to full time senior center programming; made progress with new grants and expanded services; and furthered our initiatives to meet the housing, nutritional, and

Veronica Le -McGee, Director The Brunswick Center at Leland

social needs of our community. In the new year, I hope we continue to reinvent ourselves and our approach to caring for one another. We’ll see you on the journey! Veronica Lett-McGee, Director The Brunswick Center at Leland

Vanneal Waddell, Novella Hasty, and Bertha Sanders are in a fes*ve spirit celebra*ng Hawaiian Shirt Day in Senior Center Month at the Brunswick Center at Leland.

The Coastal Buzz

BSRI News

DECEMBER 2021

Calabash Senior Community to Break Ground

tay tuned for details about our new Senior Living Community in Calabash (located behind the Brunswick Center at Calabash). We are only weeks away from breaking ground, and will begin pre-leasing units shortly thereafter. If you would like to be added to our community interest list to receive information about this planned community, please visit the front desk of any BSRI center, or email your name, email, and phone number to Director of Corporate Strategy Courtney Bledsoe at cbledsoe@bsrinc.org.

This rendering by MPG Architects shows the look planned for the new senior living community in Calabash. Drawings are preliminary.

November 30, 2021: #BSRIGivingTuesday

runswick Senior Resources, Inc. has some big news: We’re participating in #GivingTuesday!

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that takes place Nov. 30 this year. That’s right — following Black Friday and Cyber Monday! What better way to start getting into the holiday giving-back spirit? We’d love it if you participated with us. The best way to do that is to share our cause on social media using these hashtags: #GivingTuesday #BSRIGivingTuesday #MakingADifference. Join millions of global givers on November 30 by donating. Help us spread the word by sharing this

link: bsrifundraiser.rallyup.com/ givingtuesday2021 or asking folks to text BSRIGivingTuesday to 855-202-2100. BSRI will be celebrating 20 years in February 2022, and we want to continue to grow our many activities, support, programs & services for years to come! Your donation will help thousands of Brunswick County older adults receive proper nutrition, stay active, healthy, and engaged. To stay updated about our progress toward our #GivingTuesday goals, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CoastalCarolina ActiveLiving.

DECEMBER 2021

BSRI News

The Coastal Buzz

Hardin Steps Up to Shallotte

illian Hardin has moved up to become the new director at the Brunswick Center at Shallotte. Since November 2019, she seved as assistant director at the Brunswick Center at Supply. Hardin has worked in the aging network for 14 years. Previously she was human services planner with the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments in New Bern and aging program director with the Kerr Tar Council of Governments in Henderson. She holds a B.S. degree in communications/ electronic media from Western Carolina University and a master's in public administration from UNC Pembroke.

A lifelong Carolina girl, Hardin grew up in the Piedmont, lived in the mountains, and started her career at the coast working for the local ABC news affiliate in New Bern. While growing up, Hardin spent summers at Ocean Isle Beach with her parents and always wanted to come back to the place where she’d made so many happy memories. She enjoys reading, photography, writing, and staying on the beach. “I will miss the people I've gotten to know and love so much in Supply, but I'm grateful and excited to transition to the Shallotte Center,” says Hardin. “I'm looking forward to getting to know the

Jillian Hardin is the new director at the Brunswick Center at Shallo e.

participants and working with the staff here.”

Hunt Named New Assistant Director at Supply Center

obert D. Hunt, Jr. was recently named assistant director at the Brunswick Center at Supply. Hunt went to Catawba College in his hometown of Salisbury after a four-year tour in the U.S. Air Force. He worked in textile production management and manufacturer sales and later started his own insurance agency, grew the business, and then sold it.

what I’ve learned to the challenges of this wonderful new career with BSRI,” Hunt says. “I’m happy to have been chosen to work for such a great team—and family. Everyone, so far, has welcomed me to the ‘BSRI family,’ and that’s exactly what it feels like: a very nice family.”

Hunt’s wife, Kim, is VP of finance in a skilled nursing/ assisted living company in Wilmington. His daughter, “After breaking several ribs Robert D. Hunt, Jr. is the new assistant director at the Helena Rose Hunt, is a musician Brunswick Center at Supply. His daughter Helena is a and a collarbone while (banjo and guitar), singer, and musician who travels the country playing music. mountain bike racing, I started songwriter and was on the teaching myself guitar as a program, “Chasing Nashville.” His new hobby less likely to break my nursing facilities, and he became a son, Christian Hunt, is a professional neck,” Hunt says. That started him certified activity director. diver and dives for, sells, and repairs playing music and volunteering at “I look forward to applying Megalodon teeth.

The Coastal Buzz

BSRI thrift store news

DECEMBER 2021

BSRI Thrift Stores Are a Holiday Wonderland!

ig Christmas inventory and big savings make BSRI Thrift Stores in Shallotte and Calabash great places to shop this holiday season. Our hardworking volunteer elves have been busy stocking the shelves with just about every kind of holiday merchandise, all at great prices to help you save in the midst of the recent rise in retail prices. We have a variety of items from dishes, glasses, and mugs to Santa Claus figures to décor and tree decorations. We have artificial trees of all sizes, beautiful tree skirts, and a big selection of Christmas linens, and really neat Christmas-themed clothing. Visit our stores soon and take advantage of our little Holiday Thrift Wonderland! Have a safe and joyous holiday season!

—Your Friends at BSRI Thrift Stores

Giving Thanks for BSRI Thrift Stores Volunteers, Staff

ho is that masked man in costume on Halloween Eve standing in front of the sign at BSRI’s Shallotte Thrift Store? Although it looks like The Great Pumpkin in human form, it’s actually mild-mannered BSRI Thrift Store Operations Manager Mike McGurn, masquerading as his alter ego “The Great BSRI Donation Handler” for Halloween. In reality, there are many Great BSRI Donation Handlers at BSRI Thrift Stores: our wonderful, hardworking volunteers and staff. They help make our Calabash and Shallotte stores fun, exciting, pleasant places to shop. BSRI would like to say a Big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and staff that have kept our stores going through the pandemic and made 2021 the best year ever, so we can raise funds for local senior programs and services. A very special and heartfelt

Slavin, Brian Smith, Teresa Speiser, and Sheila Umbricht. And also to our Shallotte volunteers: Kim Besser, Sue Christie, Jim Coffey, Patty Ellis, Geraldine Gibbons, Linda Kilgore, Bonnie Kosiczky, Sandy Lacy, Bernice McRoberts, Kim Nolan, Emory Saghy, Shannon Scherer, and Barbara Stephens. thanks to Calabash volunteers: Greg Adkins, Suzanne Alexander, Beth Boscarino, Dottie Callahan, Annette Capone, Loa Collins, Brian Craun, Janice Crisafulli, Charlotte and Jack Csernecky, Clare Currence, Sue Dye, Susan Fardellone, Barbara Hartnett, Betty Ann Johnson, Nancy Karnolt, Alice Kaufman, Linda Kline, Carolyn Krieger, Judy McCarthy, Lorraine Meehan, Bob Munhall, Mickey Nelson, Ilene and Lila Nicholson, Susan O’Reilly, Kelly Puglisi, Betty Robertson, Ann Marie Rossi, Ginny Rowe, Kissie

And to our Calabash staff: Debra Cannon, Trish Carnevale, Bob Dye, Diane Gill, Rena Horner, Lois Little, Margie Sears, Michelle Stewart, and Richard Teague; and our Shallotte staff: Bill Crowson, Robert Goodman, Keely Goss, Betty Hewett, Bobbi Humes, Kaye Madden, and Ellen Pagliaro. BSRI greatly appreciates all your help and thanks you for being a part of our Thrift Store team. Happy Holidays, Everyone! All the best to you and yours!

Mike McGurn, Thrift Store Operations Manager

DECEMBER 2021

Once upon a time in Brunswick County

The Coastal Buzz

Holiday Memories Brunswick County Celebrities Recall Holidays Past

The stockings are hung by the chimney and by one of Ginny Lassiter’s pain ngs at Sunset River Gallery in Calabash. Each gallery staﬀ member has a stocking, Lassiter says.

Ginny Lassiter Artist and Owner, Sunset River Marketplace Calabash

“I

grew up in Wilson, N.C. Thanksgiving or Christmas are favorite holidays for me, depending on whichever our

granddaughter can spend with us,” says Ginny Lassiter, owner of Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash. “Our granddaughter loves having our holiday dinner in our formal dining room and helping me set the table with the good china and silver. We both love using linen napkins and lighting the candles and the warm ambience that all creates.”

For the past few years, Lassiter has hosted an annual reception at the gallery that has become a December tradition for local authors, where they can set up tables to sell their books in the midst of the artwork and talk to Gallery visitors. This year’s reception is on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

—Joan Leotta

The Coastal Buzz

J. Martin (Marty) Cooke Brunswick County Commissioner Local Business Owner Married 23 years to Catherine Cooke, with four children

runswick County Commissioner Marty Cooke is not only a county commissioner, but is also a business owner, a husband, and a father. And a son: Cooke let us know right away that it was his dad’s birthday. “Dad would have been 100 years old today. Mom is 95. Christmas is a happy time, but it is also a time that we tend to think of those we

Once upon a time in Brunswick County have lost when there is an empty seat at the table.” Cooke’s parents had a large influence on who is today. “Before moving to Ocean Isle Beach in the 70s and starting a family real estate business, my parents owned a small store in Wadesboro, where I grew up. They had some difficult times financially, but they kept me sheltered from that. I never knew it. No matter what the circumstances, they always made Christmas special for me. “When I was 4, my parents got

DECEMBER 2021

me a toy International Harvester tractor. My dad and uncle stayed up half the night putting it together in the basement. When they brought it up the stairs it wouldn’t fit through the basement door. They had to take it apart and put back together all over again,” he says, laughing. “I had no clue what had gone on behind the scenes and of course, Santa got all the credit.” Parents sacrifice for their kids and go through hard times, but they want to make Christmas special for their children. Cooke remembers this about his parents and feels it had an influence on him. He likes being a “behind-the-scenes guy,” working for the good of his community and those he is serving as a public official.

William Sraver, Jr. Boiling Spring Lakes Planning Board Member Previously Commander of Island X5 Seabee Veterans of America

ill Sraver is 96. He was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and spent much of his life there as Chief of Space Management for the State of Maryland. Sraver is a proud veteran of the Second World War. He joined the war effort in January 1944 at the young age of 18.

battalion, whose motto is “We Build. We Fight.”

“My three brothers were already in the Navy, so I decided if they were out there in the war, then I had to be there too,” Sraver says. His sister, Ida, was a real life “Rosie the Riveter,” working for Glenn L. Martin Aircraft factory. He joined the Seabees, a construction

Sraver spent Christmas of 1944 stationed in Milne Bay, New Guinea. “Well, there wasn’t much to celebrate,” Sraver says. The heat in December was stifling. “You take your salt tablets and your Atabrine to prevent malaria. It rained all the time. It was muddy. We just went to

Boiling Spring Lakes Planning Board member Bill Sraver shows some of his memorabilia from his days in the Seabees. He spent Christmas 1944 sta oned in New Guinea.

church that day. There were 400 men in that unit. We went to the theater where services were held. There were coconut logs for us to sit on and we listened to a sermon.” Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was a hit song that year, a song of nostalgia and longing for home for American soldiers overseas. Sraver recalls happier memories

Once upon a time in Brunswick County

DECEMBER 2021

Holiday Memories

The Coastal Buzz

Brunswick County Celebrities Recall Holidays Past

Donna Prince Long Mayor of Calabash

onna Prince Long is a true local girl, born and raised in Calabash. She has wonderful memories of what Christmas was like in a rural coastal town. “There was always the annual tree lighting at Callahan’s and that was a big thing,” Long says. Callahan’s was the local gift shop and yearround Christmas shop, one of Calabash’s biggest attractions. “The tree lighting at Callahan’s is still a big thing, even today. I have no memory of a time when we didn’t have it. The biggest thing, though, was the town Christmas party at the fire station. My dad was the fire chief so I was always there. The kids loved it! We would get these small brown bags full of candy and nuts and then go sit on Santa’s lap to tell him what we wanted for Christmas. “Christmas was special for me and my sister because of the community. My dad was a single parent, raising two girls. I remember him doing everything he could to make Christmas special at home. The people who made up the community of Calabash made sure

William Sraver, Jr.

continued

of Christmases here. “We always spent the Christmas holidays visiting my sister in the Adirondack mountains where she had retired, but after becoming tired of the snow, she moved to Oak Island. We began to

Calabash Mayor Donna Long, a few years back, tells Santa her wish list at the annual town Christmas party at the ﬁre sta on. Her dad Jerry Prince was ﬁre chief.

we lacked for nothing.” She laughed, “Dad bought us a lot of gifts but makeup was always included. I guess he was making sure it was girly enough for us. It’s funny, though, because Jenn and I were tomboys and rarely wore the stuff. “I remember going to Marge and Bob Crocker’s house. Every year there were things under the tree for

spend Christmas with her here and my wife Maureen fell in love with the beach. She found that she was a beach girl, and she told me we were moving.” They bought their home in Boiling Spring Lakes in 1998. Sraver joined the Boiling Springs Lakes Planning Board and both he and

us there. The community loved my dad and loved us and they made sure we never wanted for anything. We were community kids. I think that’s why—no, I know that’s why—I wanted to be mayor. This community gave so much to me, I wanted to give something back.”

—Casey Freed

Maureen were active members of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. He recalls the live nativity that St. Peter’s would host every year at Christmas when Boiling Spring Lakes was a much smaller town.

—Casey Freed

The Coastal Buzz

Up in the air

DECEMBER 2021

Feet out. Climb out. Go! 14,242. That’s exactly how many times Bob Mehl has jumped out of an airplane. Mehl says, “To me, jumping is like walking down the street. Just another day. Depending on the weather and how much time I have, I jump up to 25 times in one day, but sometimes just one or two.

In reality, I jump as much as I can!” Mehl has jumped in over 22 states from California to South Carolina and in over 12 countries including Africa, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Canada.

A Family Affair Mehl started skydiving in the 1970s when he was just 16. He

Photo by Beth Klahre

Skydiver Thomas Herzog prepares to jump out of a perfectly good airplane owned by Skydive Coastal Carolinas. Intrepid reporter Beth Klahre went along for the ride.

didn’t jump again until 1974 in the U.S. Army. Skydiving is in his blood. “My uncles were in the 82nd Airborne Division specializing in parachute assault operations and in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II, and they jumped on D-Day.” Today, Mehl jumps at Skydive Coastal Carolinas, a commercial skydiving center owned by Brian Strong, at Cape Fear Regional Jetport on Oak Island. Mehl’s wife Leslie is also a skydiver and instructor with 3,000 jumps of her own.

Photo by Beth Klahre

By Beth A. Klahre

Bob Mehl enjoys some #me on the ground, talking about skydiving.

DECEMBER 2021

Up in the air

The Coastal Buzz

Age is Just a Number The Oak Island dropzone, the place where parachutists take off and land, is open seven days per week. Nearly 30 skydivers jump on any given weekend. Ages range from16 to the 90s. There are 70 percent males and 30 percent females involved in the sport at Oak Island.

Training for Safe Jumps It takes six hours to learn everything to jump safely for accelerated freefall, plus passing a 25-question test. It takes about 30 minutes to train for a tandem jump with a skilled jumper. Military training for jumping requires three additional weeks to learn to pack a parachute. Mehl’s credentials are impressive. He is a licensed United States Parachute Association instructor and examiner, qualified to train others to be instructors and examiners. He is also a certified United Parachute Technologies tandem examiner and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) master rigger qualified to pack reserve parachutes and maintain equipment. Mehl also holds a FAA commercial pilot license with 7,500 hours of flying time and divides his time between jumping and flying the King Air turbine airplane at Oak Island.

Close Calls… In all those jumps, Mehl describes only a couple of close calls. “In the military, my reserve didn’t open properly and I spun into the water. It’s not a soft landing when you hit the water wrong. In

Photos above and below by Timothy Wood

Above, a skydiving Santa lands on the Oak Island beach in the 2020 Santa Jump, see below. Below, a Santa talks with kids a er the jump.

sport jumping, I was hit in freefall by another jumper and knocked out for a short time.”

…But Still Jumping Yet Mehl continues to jump. He understands and accepts the risks of not having control over all the aspects of skydiving that can result in broken bones, getting hit by an aircraft in flight, plane crashes, and even death. “The sport, as with any sport, is not for everyone,” he says. “I enjoy the jump, both freefall and canopy descent. Most dropzones are social clubs, too. We get together after a jump day, have a meal and a drink.” Mehl is quick to add that both sport and military jumping is a lot safer today due to automatic opening devices in the reserve chute and greatly improved equipment. To any senior who has skydiving on their bucket list, Mehl advises, “Do it! Make sure you talk with your doctor first.” He recommends a tandem jump, but accelerated free fall with two instructors or instructor-assisted deployment of the parachute are also good first jumps.

SKYDIVING - IS IT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Then put your feet out. Climb out. Go! For more info, contact: Cape Fear Jet Port (Airport) 4019 Long Beach Road, Southport Call 910-457-1039 to make sure it’s a good day for jumping! ….And don’t miss Skydiving Santas who will land on the beach on Oak Island Dec. 4 for the fourth consecutive year. Head to the shore near the Lazy Turtle Bar and Grill, 601 Ocean Drive to watch the holiday fun. Time of jump to be announced.

The Coastal Buzz

WEllness

DECEMBER 2021

Multiple Paths to Self-Care for Life Balance By Francesca Gazelle Wellness Program Intern

your body the rest and recovery it needs.

Social Health

elf-care is a conscious act to take care and tune in to what your body needs. Your overall health is a combination of physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional health. These divisions of health are all interrelated, and it’s important to take care of each so that no one gets too much or too little attention. There are many ways that your body needs to be taken care of. Health is not just the absence of disease or illness; balance is key.

Physical Health Improving your physical health includes exercising and being active as well as eating nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Getting enough sleep and water is also important to allow

Interacting with your friends and family is important to your social health. Get involved in your community by volunteering or joining a new club. Creating new relationships and working on old ones will help to improve your social health.

Mental Health Mental health is the relationship we have with ourselves. To de-stress and relax your mind, practice positive self-talk. Do things that excite you, like watching a new TV show or movie, or reading books that are inspiring, or getting outdoors.

Spiritual Health Spiritual health does not always

involve religion. Spiritual health is finding inner, deeper meaning and understanding of yourself. Strong spiritual health can increase your appreciation for life.

Emotional Health Emotional health is how we deal with our emotions, the good and the bad. Check in with yourself and see how you deal with them. Telling others how you feel can help us with tough emotions that are hard to understand. Also, understand what you need to feel good and recharge your energy: Maybe you do something by yourself, or maybe you want to socialize with others. When looking to understand your overall health, it is important to look at each spectrum of health, to determine where the balance is low. Start small in your daily routine to improve your overall health.

Cranberry Oat Bars 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 cup flour ¾ cup coconut sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ½ cup coconut oil ¼ cup almond butter ¼- ½ cup milk 2 cups cranberry sauce Powdered sugar (optional) Preheat oven to 375℉. Line a 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper. Mix oats, flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add coconut oil and almond butter

to mixture. Using clean hands, mix to form a crumble. If mixture does not stick together, add milk until it does. Set aside ½ cup of mixture, put the rest in the pan, and press down evenly. Then spread the cranberry sauce on top. Finish with sprinkling the remaining crumble on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges and top turn golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes and serve. Nutrition per 1 square: Calories: 189; Carbohydrates: 24g; Protein: 3g; Fat: 10g; Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 12g

DECEMBER 2021

Best Bites

The Coastal Buzz

A Warm Winter Soup that Works Year-round By Joan Leotta

oup is a year-round staple at our house. We have replaced Sunday pasta (moved to Monday) with soup, to finish off a weekend with something light. Sometimes we accompany the soup with a salad or bread but the soup is always the star of the Sunday supper.

Rest Your Feet, Rest Your Soup Making soup allows us to rest more and to invite others over who want a simple supper. And when making soup on top of the stove, one thing I find particularly important is the “rest.” Resting is important in making almost every soup. I start the soup, cook until finished, let it rest for at least an hour, and turn up the heat again. Also important is separate cooking for noodles and rice. I don’t like the sheen of gluten in my soup. And if those soups are left over, the noodles or rice become mush. I cook my pasta separately to just below done, strain, and then put in a strainer in the soup. This way no pasta will escape while the noodles absorb the broth and leftovers will taste fresh. My grandmother did it this way and I simply follow her lead. Soup is easy to personalize with whatever you like in addition to the basic recipe. By its nature, soup isn’t exact in process or ingredients, so it’s easy to cut down to just two servings or multiply to serve many guests. Soups can be brothy or creamy. I’d like to put together a Soup Sunday Cookbook with 52 recipes from the years of Soup Sundays we have enjoyed, including recipes from friends and family.

Quick Italian Chicken Soup Courtesy of Joan’s Grandma with tips from Aunt Helen Grandma made this in large amounts starting out with a whole chicken and water. This version needs less cooking time and uses a no-MSG broth to fortify it and a couple of chicken thighs. Cooking the soup with the bones gives a good flavor. If you are really in a hurry, clever Aunt Helen made the soup with no meat. It was done when the veggies were soft, about 20 minutes. Serves 2 2 bone-in chicken thighs (Can be roasted first for 30 minutes at 350˚) 2 carrots, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1-2 cloves of garlic, chopped 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 can (15 oz.) no-MSG chicken broth 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, and a half-can of water

Parsley, basil, salt, and pepper to taste ½ cup pastina or orzo or rice Grated Romano cheese (optional) Sauté the chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the oil in a large pot until the onions and veggies are soft. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Cook this covered for 30 minutes and then another 10 minutes uncovered on low, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are soft. Cover again, turn it off, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. While it’s resting, cook the pasta or rice to just under done. Heat the soup again. With the lid off, put the pasta into the soup in a strainer so it will not disperse but the pasta will gain a bit of the soup flavor. Serve with grated cheese.

The Coastal Buzz

In the Garden

DECEMBER 2021

Brighten Up Winter with Indoor Herbs By Pat Naughton

ather than reaching for some old, dried herbs in the pantry, why not pick some fresh herbs from a windowsill?

Dried herbs have a recommended shelf life of one year. They generally stay in the pantry longer than that. Fresh herbs offer an aroma and a better appearance than dried herbs. Growing herbs indoors also gives a sense of warmth to the room that house plants provide.

Start Your Indoor Garden Herbs can be grown from seed or cuttings from plants. There are nurseries in Brunswick County that sell herb plants: Just search for “herb nursery near me.” Look for plants that have a short mature height. Select plants based on the amount of sunlight you have available. Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage need 6 to 8 hours of light per day. Shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro can get by with 4 hours of light a day. Any container can be used for herbs provided it has good drainage. The container should be a few inches wider than the plant to allow room to grow before it needs to be repotted. Terra cotta containers absorb moisture and help prevent the soil from staying too moist. They are

Follow Pat’s ps for the freshest herbs in town! For fresh herbs all winter, start a windowsill herb garden. If your window doesn't provide 4 to 8 hours of sunlight, add a grow light. Photo by Sir Green on Pixabay

well-suited for herbs that should be kept on the dry side, like savory, rosemary, oregano, and sage. Let the soil dry out in between watering. Plants like mint, basil, parsley, and lemon balm like soil to stay moist, but not soggy.

Choose Your Potting Mix Use indoor potting mix rather than potting soil. Indoor planting mix is lighter and allows drainage. Potting soil may have soil, which makes it heavier and slows drainage. Fill the container two-thirds full, set the plant in, and fill around the sides. Give the plant plenty of water initially until new leaves begin to form. After checking the soil for dryness with your finger, add water sparingly. The ideal location is next to a south-facing window. Plants that begin to get leggy are suffering from insufficient light. A grow light can be added, or the plant can be pinched back to promote a bushier plant. Harvest new growth with scissors or pinch with fingertips. Don’t remove more than a quarter of a stem to avoid stressing the plant. Periodic cuttings will promote new growth. Don’t wait till next summer to enjoy fresh herbs. Grow a few herbs indoors this winter.

DECEMBER 2021

Read all about it

The Coastal Buzz

Making a Holiday List? Add These Books By Donna Ruth Morgan

ur December books offer you a good read by a local author and some excellent non-fiction to peruse. All these books are recent, from 2021, and all are available in Brunswick County libraries. Indoor Kitchen Gardening Handbook: Projects & Inspiration to Grow Food Year-Round – Herbs, Salad Greens, Mushrooms, Tomatoes & More is a book that novice and seasoned indoor gardeners will treasure. Elizabeth Millard provides all the tools to grow produce and herbs within your home with tips, illustrations, and every step from idea to mealtime. Beautifully illustrated, lots of fun to read and (hopefully) implement. Nutshell review: Great winter project to feed yourself, or a gift idea for the holidays. Brunswick County author Henry Hack ticks all the boxes in Absolution: believable characters, realistic setting, and a compelling plot. This tale of two protagonists, linked by tragedy and on a collision course with world-wide ramifications, provides plenty of

mystery and even philosophy. It is by turns infuriating then heartrending. Check the Local Authors shelf at your library to borrow an excellent read. Nutshell review: A standalone novel that’s the best to date from Henry Hack. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty (2021) is a saga-length family drama with a mishmash of topics— sibling rivalry, broken relationships, mistrust, and a few social issues. Dysfunction on so many levels overwhelm the elements of suspense or mystery and render it more depressing than enjoyable. Nutshell review: A slog peopled by shallow characters, a chapter on Covid (enough, already!), and an anticlimactic resolution. Nicholas Sparks’ latest flips the narrative from past to present as a dying woman shares her story with an unlikely friend. The Wish moves between NYC at Christmas to traumatic past events in coastal North Carolina. Elements that detracted from my enjoyment: predictability, dragging plot, and excessive somber facts about terminal illness. Nutshell review:

Though a good reminder that life is short and each moment a treasure, this book is too depressing for my recommendation. Fuzz dives into the wacky world of criminal animals and insects. Humorist Mary Roach gives readers an up-close view of a variety of “pesky” critters with the audacity to act like nature intended—even when it’s prohibited. Travel from the U.S. Rockies to Down Under to learn how people and wildlife interact, and the humane and barbaric ways our “superior” species prevails. Fun, informative, and thought-provoking. Nutshell review: When nature breaks the law, who ya gonna call?

“There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.” –Bob Phillips

The Coastal Buzz

Boiling Spring Lakes nutrition Site

BOILING SPRING LAKES SENIOR SITE at Boiling Spring Lakes Parks & Recreation Department 1 Leeds Road Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 910-363-0018

December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

BSRI Nutrition Program Operating Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 910-754-2300 Program Information www.cityofbsl.org or 363-0018

*For more info call or email Sara at 910-363-0276 or sgoodwin@cityofbsl.org* **Schedule is Subject to Change**

Monday

Tuesday

Pancake Breakfast Saturday, 12/4/21 8:00am - 10:30am BSL Community Center 1 Leeds Rd

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games 6:15pm Yoga

2 6:15pm Yoga

3 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games

$7.00 for Adults $3.00 for kids under 14 6 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games 6:15pm Yoga

7 6:30pm Line Dancing

8 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games

9 6:15pm Yoga

10 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games

13 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games 6:15pm Yoga

14 6:30pm Line Dancing

15 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12:15pm BSRI Presentation 12:30pm Senior Games

16 6:15pm Yoga

17 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games

20 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games 6:15pm Yoga

21 6:30pm Line Dancing

22 10am Move & Groove 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm BSRI Lunch 12:30pm Senior Games

Community Center Closed

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at calabash

DECEMBER 2021

CALABASH Holley Norris, Director Amy Segen, Assistant Director

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

10050 Beach Dr. SW Calabash, NC 28467 910-754-7427 bsrinc.org/calabash/

DECEMBER WEEKLY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

DAILY “Drop In” Ac vi es: Reading, Coﬀee w/Friends (8A), Fitness Room, Table Games (2P-3P), Coloring, and more! No Symbol = No Fee (Contributions always appreciated); $ = Fee Associated ; ^ = Requires Advanced Registration; * = New Offering/Time 9:00

20/20/20

9:00

Zumba GOLD

8:00

"Hoop It Up!" $4

9:30

Card Club

10:00 Scrabble Club

9:00

20/20/20

10:00 Holiday Classics

10:15 Muscle Fusion Exercise

9:30

Dominoes

10:30 Rummikub

10:30 Beginner Dulcimer Class^

12:00 Lunch

10:30 BINGO

12:00 Lunch

8:45

Mah Jongg

1:00

1:15

Chat with Amy (Virtual)

Knit & Crochet Club

12:30 Beginner Mah Jongg^

1:15

GeriFit

1:00

1:30

Tai Chi

Hand and Foot

9:00

Muscle Fusion $2

9:00 Craft “Awesome Abs” 10:30 BINGO via zoom

8:45

10:00 Gentle Yoga

12:00 Lunch

1:00

Zumba GOLD$4

12:00 Lunch 12:30 Painter’s Group 1:15

GeriFit

12:00 Lunch 1:15

Intermediate Line Dancing

2:15

Beg. Line Dancing

DECEMBER BONUS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS MONDAY

TUESDAY

Want updates about Schedule Changes, Cancella ons, Closings? Add your name to our ReGroup No ﬁca on list in the Front Lobby! 6

10:45A Safe Driving Q&A

Pearl Harbor Day 12:00 Nutrition Chat with Mallory

WEDNESDAY

11:00 Blood Pressure Checks

10:00-1:30

BAKE SALE!

21 NO MUSCLE FUSION 10:15 Name that Holiday Tune! 28

10:15 Dreidel Game

with CommWell Health

2:00 Caregiver Support Group

10:00 Holiday Family Feud Game

11:00 Balance Screening with Level Up Physical Therapy

THURSDAY

10:00 Dessert Decorating with Directors

Pajama Day

FRIDAY

9:00 Christmas Ornament Wish lists must be turned in today!

9:00 Wine Cork Santa Hat 11:00 A1C Screening

17Ugly Christmas Sweater Day 12:00 Birthday Celebration

Sponsored by Kindred at Home & Comm. HomeCare & Hospice

Holiday Party at lunch! CENTER CLOSING AT 1:00 29

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at calabash CALABASH Holley Norris, Director Amy Segen, Assistant Director

DECEMBER 2021

10050 Beach Dr. SW Calabash, NC 28467 910-754-7427 bsrinc.org/calabash/

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Happy Holidays to you all. May you stay safe and healthy this Holiday Season! IMPORTANT DATES: The Center will be closing at 12:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 22. The Center will be closed through Jan. 2, 2022, and will reopen Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at 7 a.m. SAVE THE DATE! Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 10AM-2:30PM The Red Cross bus will be holding their blood drive in the Calabash Parking Lot. One pint of blood can save 3 lives! If you are able, please donate to this great cause.

Muscle Fusion with MaryBeth! Tuesdays at 10:15am & Fridays at 9:00

New Program! Join Amy Mondays at 1:15 to discuss any ideas you may have for the center, ask questions, or just sit & talk! This will be held in-person & virtually via Zoom. Link will be sent out prior to the 1st meeting.

A big thanks to Heather, our Nutri7on Coordinator, and our Center Cook, Braden, for all their hard work!

December Special Programs: Blood Pressure Checks December 1st at 11:00 Safe Driving Q&A December 6th at 10:45 Nutri&on Chat with Mallory December 7th at 12:15 Caregiver Support Group December 8th at 2:00 A1C Screening December 10th at 11:00 Balance Screening December 14th at 11:00

DECEMBER 2021

The Coastal Buzz

The Brunswick Center at Calabash CALABASH Holley Norris, Director Amy Segen, Assistant Director

10050 Beach Dr. SW Calabash, NC 28467 910-754-7427 bsrinc.org/calabash/

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday Happenings: Christmas Classics: Mondays at 10am in the Meeting Room 12/6 Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer 12/13 Frosty the Snowman/Little Drummer Boy 12/20 The Year without a Santa Claus Monday December 20th 10:00am-1:30pm BAKE SALE Benefiting Calabash Center 12/21 Name that Holiday Tune!

12/2 Dreidel Game 12/3 Make Your Own Christmas Ornament 12/9 Make Your Own Christmas Card 12/10 Wine cork Santa hat 12/16 Dessert Decorating with Directors– $2 Fee. Please sign up ahead of time. 12/17 Jingle Bell Snowman Craft 12/18 National Ugly Christmas Sweater 12/22 Pajama Day AND Holiday Party!

Senior Stocking Program If you would like to participate in the Senior Stocking Program, have your form completed and turned in NO LATER than Friday, Dec. 3. Gifts will be distributed just after lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 22. If you plan to have lunch that day, please let us know by calling (910) 754-7427.

As in years past, New Life Church is sponsoring this program. Should there be any Senior Stocking Wish Lists left on the tree after Dec. 3, the Calabash community will come together in purchasing. A BIG thank you to New Life Church and Laura Ward. We appreciate your kindness during this holiday season and always!

The Coastal Buzz

BSRI NEWS

DECEMBER 2021

Dec. 5 – 11 is Influenza Vaccination Week

ational Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend an annual influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older to reduce the risk of illness and hospitalization. Now is a great time to vaccinate to protect your family, friends, and yourself. Medicare Part B covers one influenza vaccination and

its administration each influenza season for Medicare beneficiaries. If medically necessary, Medicare may cover additional seasonal influenza vaccinations. For more information, contact René Tarquinio at (910) 754-6224 or rtarquinio@bsrinc.org.

Lower Your Prescriptions Costs—We Can Help! By Marilou Smith Prescription Assistance Program Coordinator

e have been off to a good start this year! People all over the world have been showing love and compassion to others. I am here to help spread the love and compassion. Did you know that there are over 365 manufacturers’ programs that can help you with your medication cost? Did you know that you have access to local retailers that offer medications at a low price to free? These include Wal-Mart, Publix, GoodRx, Sam’s, Costco, Patient Access Network (PAN Foundation), and many more. Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. has a prescription coordinator who will help guide you in the right path of this medication maze. It’s so easy to enter the maze, but navigating out

is the scary part. Marilou Smith and Vikki Hine are happy to help you with your medication needs, and we will help you the whole way. We will work directly with you, your healthcare provider, and the manufacturer program to help you obtain your medications at a low cost to FREE! It doesn’t matter if you are insured, underinsured, or not insured, we are here to help you.

We even have local counselors that can help you with your Medicare plan and ways to save money. Don’t waste time in trying to navigate the medication maze—call Marilou or Vikki. We are here to help with your medication needs. Contact Marilou Smith at 910-754-6559 or msmith@bsrinc.org or Vikki Hines at 910-754-5097 or vhines@bsrin.org.

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at leland

DECEMBER 2021

~An NC Certified Senior Center of Excellence~ 121 Town Hall Drive NE Leland, NC 28451 Veronica Lett-McGee, Director 910-754-7701 Brittany Steinkamp, Assistant Director

Center Hours Mon - Fri 8a - 4p

December 2021 - Weekly Ac vity Schedule EVERY MONDAY

EVERY TUESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY THURSDAY

EVERY FRIDAY

Black = No Fee ; Green or $ = Fee Based Class; Red ^ = Requires Prior Sign Up Blue = New Offering/Time; Purple = Virtual/Online

9:30

9:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:15

Geri-Fit

*11:30a Lunch* 1-3p 1:30

Pinochle TRX ^ Interval Training Acrylic Painting Bridge Lesson

9:30 Geri-Fit 10:00 Crafts 10:30 Line Dance (Int)

*11:30a Lunch*

Mah Jongg Zumba GOLD

12:30 Tai Chi 1:00 Sleep Mats

9:00 Pinochle 9:30 Chair Aerobics 10:00 BINGO (25 cents/card)

*11:30a Lunch*

12:30 Acrylic Painting 1:00 Bridge Club

9:00 Walking Group 10:00 Hula Hoop 10:30 Line Dance (Beg)

*11:30a Lunch*

12:30 Tai Chi 1-4p Oil Painting 1:30 Zumba GOLD

Class Rooms & Times Are Subject to Change. Look for Posted Flyers or Subscribe to Email Updates from LelandGeneral@bsrinc.org

December 2021 - Monthly Calendar MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

2 1 Hand & Foot 1p

FRIDAY

Daily Announcements: During Lunch PRN

3 Quilting Bee 9a Mo. Birthday Celebration

7 Center Decorations 10:30

8 Bible Study 10:30a

Monthly & Semimonthly Events: 1st Fri, (At Lunch): Mo. Birthday Celebration 1st & 3rd Tues, 10:30: Bible Study 1st & 3rd Wed, 1-3pm: Hand & Foot Cards 1st & 3rd Fri, 9a-12p: Quilting Bee 2nd Mon, 11:45a: Monthly Nutrition Ed.

CG Support Group

10a

2nd Thurs, 10a: CG Support Grp 3rd Wed, 10:30a: Blood Pressure Cks

15 Blood Pressure 10:30a

Nutrition Ed. During Lunch

Hand & Foot 1p 21

20 Christmas Sing-a-long

22 Bible Study 10:30a

17 Quilting Bee 9a Meet w/Case Mgr Ugly Sweater During lunch Day! Holiday Party 10:30a

3rd Thurs, 11:45a: Meet w/ Case Mgr

12/20, 10:30a: Christmas Sing-a-long

CLOSING AFTER LUNCH

Cancelled for Dec.: Coups for Troops

Special Events & Presentations: 12/6, 10:30a: Help Decorate Xmas Tree 12/17, 10:30a: Holiday Party! 12/22: Early Closure, Hours 8a-12p

**REOPENING** *Monday, Jan. 3, 2022*

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at leland ~An NC Certified Senior Center of Excellence~ Veronica Lett-McGee, Director Brittany Steinkamp, Assistant Director

HOLIDAY PARTY! When: Friday, December 17th at 10:30a Where: Leland, Friendship Hall What to Wear: Ugly Sweater for Na%onal Ugly Sweater Day!

121 Town Hall Drive NE Leland, NC 28451 910-754-7701

DECEMBER 2021 Center Hours Mon - Fri 8a - 4p

What’s the “Buzz” in Leland?!

A huge thank you to Linda Veale! Linda donated plant markers to the center for the Garden Club! They look fantas%c and are perfect for our raised garden beds. We very much appreciate your dona%on and you thinking of us, Linda!

Let’s Decorate! A special thank you to the Knights of Columbus for pu.ng on a coat drive and providing the Leland center with over 50 coats to distribute!

Join us in decora%ng the center and trimming the tree on Monday, December 6th at 10:30a!

Medicare & Wellness Talk Let’s sing and be merry! A few of the Leland Larks will be doing a Christmas Song Sing-a-Long Monday, December 20th at 10:30a.

w/ Marilou & Mallory Thursday, December 16th December’s Topic:

High Blood Pressure

The Brunswick Center at Leland will have reduced hours on December 22nd, open from 8a and closing a er lunch. We will be closed star ng December 23rd for the holidays and reopen again on January 3rd. Happy Holidays everyone!

DECEMBER 2021

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at leland ~An NC Certified Senior Center of Excellence~ Veronica Lett-McGee, Director Brittany Steinkamp, Assistant Director

121 Town Hall Drive NE Leland, NC 28451 910-754-7701

Center Hours Mon - Fri 8a - 4p

Cra ing for Community! Miss Bobbie’s Cra class is making fidget blankets for nursing homes and for those who need them. Fidget blankets can help relieve agita on for those with Alzheimer’s/Demen a. It also engages a person’s fine motor skills. These fidget blankets have buckles, zippers, bu'ons, and so many fun items on them to be fidgeted with. Join Miss Bobbie’s Cra class on Wednesdays at 10a to help out your community!

We are so grateful for our par cipants!

The Coastal Buzz

Oak island nutrition site

102 SE 47th Street Oak Island, NC 28461 Call 278-6552 910-754-2300 for Reservations

DECEMBER 2021

Stephanie Stiller, Community Center Assistant Operating Hours: Mondays through Thursdays 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.

Senior Activity Calendar December 2021 (Subject to Change)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 1 10:30 Chair aerobics 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub 12:30pm Social Time 1:30 Corn Hole

6 10:30 Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub 12:30pm Social Time 1:00pm Movie 13 10:30 Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub 12:30pm Social Time 1:00pm Movie

7 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO

8 10:30 Chair Aerobics 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12;00pm BSRI speaker 1:00pm Cra( )me

Red and Green day 14 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO

15 10:30 Chair aerobics 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:00 pm Rummikub 1:00pm Cra( )me

20 10:30 Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub 12:30pm Social Time 1:00pm Movie

21 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO

22 10:30 Chair aerobics 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub 12:30pm Social Time 1:30pm Corn Hole

27 Center is closed

28 Center is closed

29 Center is closed

Halloween Party celebra)on

Thursday

Friday

2 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO Cozy Christmas sock day 9 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO Hat Day 16 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 Playing Pool 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm BINGO Christmas Party Christmas sweater/ shirt day 23 Center is Closed

3 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 am Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub

30 Center is closed

31 Center is Closed

Dan, Ron, and Mary celebrated birthdays in October!

10 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 am Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub Cider /hot chocolate social 17 10:00 am Rummikub 10:30 am Corn Hole 11:45 am Senior Lunch 12:30 pm Rummikub

CLOSED

In October we wore Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at shallotte

DECEMBER 2021

Center Hours: 3620 Express Drive SHALLOTTE Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Jillian Hardin, Center Director Shallotte, NC 28470 7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Tonya Barnes, Assistant Director 910-754-2300 1002 Wednesday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Weekly Ac vity Schedule EVERY MONDAY

10:00 Cardio Low Impact 10:00 Beginner Line Dancing 10:30 Basic/ Intermediate Line Dancing

EVERY TUESDAY

8:00

Bridge

10:45

* Strength/Tone/ Stretch

11:30

Lunch

1:00

$Tai Chi w/ Dean $5

11:00 Intermediate Line Dancing

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY THURSDAY

10:00 Cardio Low Impact

10:45 * Strength/Tone/ Stretch

10:00 Beginner Line Dancing

11:30 Lunch

11:00 Intermediate Line Dancing 11:30 Lunch

11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo

12:00 Special presentations 12:30 Charcoal and Pencil Art class 1:00

11:30 Lunch

EVERY FRIDAY

$Tai Chi w/ Dean $5

12:15 Bingo

Monthly Ac vity Schedule for Shallo e MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

2 3 ^ Christmas Card Making Class 10:30A Medication and Wellness 11:30A

6 * Donuts with the Director 9A

8 ^ Christmas Craft 11A

9 Ugly Sweater Contest 10A

10 * Blood Pressure Checks 11A

14 Live Music Day! 11:45A

15 Christmas Carols! 11:15A

16 ^ Holiday Party/ Gift Exchange 12:15P

21 Christmas Carols! 10:15A Kwanzaa Celebration/ Drum Circle 10:30A

22 Center Closes Early 12:30P

23 Holiday Center Closed

24 Holiday Center Closed

27 Holiday Center Closed

28 Holiday Center Closed

29 Holiday Center Closed

30 Holiday Center Closed

31 Holiday Center Closed

CONTRIBUTIONS ALWAYS WELCOME

**CALENDAR IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

*BOOST AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE*

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at shallotte

DECEMBER 2021

We appreciate our Volunteers! Special thank you to: ♦Brenda Ambrose and Tonya Barnes for providing

participants a day trip on Veterans Day. ♦Susan Walsh who calls BINGO and helps in the kitchen. ♦John and Nina Mucha who purchased Chick-fil-A

sandwiches for all of the Meals on Wheels Drivers. A special treat!

Volunteer Myra Coﬀee organizes our puzzle shelf, storage room, and reception area!

♦Myra Coffee who has organized our puzzle shelf

and storage room. ♦ Senior Stockings Program

We are in need of Volunteers at the Brunswick Center at Shallotte! If you enjoy crafting such as seasonal decorations and wreaths, please stop by the front desk! We also need volunteers who can help in the kitchen as well as Meals on Wheels drivers. Also, do you play music? We’d love to have special music sessions during lunch. Contact Jillian for more information at 910-754-2300 ext. 1002 or email jhardin@bsrinc.org.

Strength/Tone/Stretch!

NEW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CLASS! Start the new year with health and wellness! Join JoAnn for our newest class called

Strength/Tone/Stretch! When: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:45 a.m.—11:45 a.m.

DECEMBER 2021

The brunswick center at shallotte

The Coastal Buzz

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, Jillian, Tonya, Brenda, Grace, Brett, Laura and Tammie! You’ve probably noticed some new faces around the center.

Join us for some Holiday Fun! ♦Christmas Craft Making with

Kathy & Tonya— Make a Christmas gift or holiday decoration during this special crafting event. Wednesday, December 8 @ 11:00 a.m. ♦Ugly Sweater Contest—Wear

your ugliest Christmas sweater on Thursday, December 9 @ 10:00 a.m. ♦Live Music and Christmas Caroling! Sing along on Wednesday, December 15 @ 11:15 a.m. ♦You’re invited to our

Christmas Party and Gift Exchange on Thursday, December 16 @ 12:15 p.m. (Please limit the gift to $5)

Front left to right: Brett Baughman, Chef; Jillian Hardin, Director; Laura Collins, Case Manager. Back left to right: Tonya Barnes, Assistant Director; Brenda Ambrose, Administrative Assistant; Grace Consoli, Nutrition Coordinator.

COMING JANUARY 2022! ♦Monday and Wednesday— 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Balance—Flex– Aerobic w/ JoAnn Messerlie ♦Tuesday—11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Chair Yoga w/ Kathyrn Stutey ♦Tuesday— 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Slow Stretch and Breathe w/ Kathryn Stutey ♦Thursday—9:30 a.m.—10:30 a.m.

Zumba ($5) w/ Kathyrn Stutey ♦Thursday—10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Yoga w/ Kathyrn Stutey

The Coastal Buzz

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS 1. "Lord of the Flies" shell 6. *New Year's Eve choice: Brut or Demi-____ 9. Get-out-of-jail money 13. Convex molding 14. *"____ I Want for Christmas..." 15. Sign of life 16. Redo, to a carpenter 17. Flying saucer acronym 18. O6en-missed humor 19. *Hanukkah toy 21. *____ Santa, gi6giving tradi:on 23. Ides mo. 24. Part of a hammer 25. Cook's leaf 28. "Hey!" 30. Brain's ____ system 35. Revered one 37. "____ Your Enthusiasm" 39. Capital of Egypt 40. Went by horse 41. "I do" spot 43. *____ Sandler's "Eight Crazy Nights" 44. Scary movie consequence 46. Dexterity 47. Boundary line 48. Modern self-portrait 50. Superman's last name 52. Actor's domain 53. Wild plum 55. Mama sheep 57. *"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my ____" 60. *African-American celebra:on 64. Town news announcer 65. Charged par:cle 67. Elephant poacher's ware 68. Give new guns 69. *The night before Christmas 70. Present 71. *Like a Christmas sweater, o6en

Puzzles

DECEMBER 2021

72. Uncooked 73. Adherents of Sikhism DOWN 1. Umbilical connec:on 2. *"Grandma got run ____ by a reindeer..." 3. *Santa's "cheeks were like roses, his ____ like a cherry" 4. Request to Geico 5. Carriage on top of elephant 6. Pulitzer winner Bellow 7. *Santa helper 8. Bring to an end 9. Jeﬀerson's Vice President 10. Medicinal succulent 11. Nega:ve contrac:on 12. Bovine hangout 15. Alfresco meal 20. Novelist Jong 22. Sushi restaurant choice 24. *Have a piece of Christmas Goose, e.g. 25. *"Five golden rings, four calling ____..." 26. Dig intensely 27. Cry of the Alps 29. *Time for log 31. Address with apostrophe 32. Stays somewhere 33. About to explode 34. *Vixen follower 36. Table extension 38. Diamond's corner 42. Sign up again 45. Divest one of a gun 49. "Slippery" tree 51. Mark and Shania 54. Twig of a willow tree 56. End of a poem 57. Fortune-teller's residue 58. Iranian coin 59. Sugges:ve of the supernatural 60. Was aware of 61. Fall asleep, with 'out' 62. Foot part 63. Pirates' aﬃrma:ves 64. French vineyard 66. Female gametes

SUDOKU

STATE POINT MEDIA PUZZLE ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at southport

DECEMBER 2021

SOUTHPORT Melissa Catlett, Director Jackie Knott, Assistant Director

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1513 N. Howe St., Ste. 1 Southport, NC 28461 Phone 910-754-7109

Weekly Ac vity Schedule– Lunch Served at 11:30 daily EVERY MONDAY

EVERY TUESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY THURSDAY

EVERY FRIDAY

DAILY Drop In Ac vi es: Billiards, Coﬀee with Friends, Fitness Center, Library Green ($) = Fee Based Class; Red (#) = Requires Prior Sign Up; Blue (+) = New Oﬀering/Time Purple=Class in person + zoomed 9:00 9:00 10:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 1:00 1:00

6:30

Yoga for Healthy Bones $ Tai Chi Forms $ Silver Samurai $ Hand, Knee and Foot Canasta Card Making Chair Yoga $ Mah Jongg Zumba Gold $ 1st & 2nd Monday Jam Session

1:00 1:00 2:30

Geri Fit with Jackie Boxing Bridge Technology Workshop Pinochle Silver Paddles Fit and Strong

6:30

Square Dancing

9:00 9:00 9:30 10:00

Yoga for Healthy Bones $ 9:00 Tai Chi Forms $ 10:00 Silver Samurai $ 12:15 Bible Study Interfaith 12:30 Jewelry Class 1:00 Beg . Tai Chi wIth Dean $ 9:00

No Charge for Classes viewed from home via Zoom

Geri-Fit with Jackie 9:00 Boxing$ 9:30 Knit and Chain 10:00 Bible Study with Joel 11:30 Beginning Line Dance 1:00 Intermediate Line Dancing 1:00 CraFs and Sewing with Sherry 1:00 Mah Jongg 9:00

Yoga for Healthy Bones $ 9:00 Tai Chi Forms $ 9:30 Hand, Knee & Foot Canasta 10:00 Beginning Tai Chi $ 10:30 Chair Yoga $ 2:00 Hand Drumming 2:30 Fit and Strong 9:00

Monthly Ac vity Schedule for Southport– email jkno @bsrinc.org for regular updates MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 3 .Photography 1:00

Christmas Tree . Decorating

Party 7 .

Nutrition Presentation By Mallory Tuesday December 14 @ 11:15

10 .

Zumba Gold 1:00 5.00 fee 13

14 B/P Checks 11 :15 . Parkinson’s Support Group 10:15

20 Christmas Party 11:30 Stroke Support Group1:00

Zumba Gold 1:00 5.00 Fee

Center Closed

Photography . 24

Center Closing Early Time TBA 29

Center Closed

17.Photography 1:00

Caregiver Support Group 10:00am

Center Closed 30

Center Closed

Center Closed 31

Center Closed

Corn Hole with the Directors Fridays Time TBA

Center Closed

Make a Cork Wreath With Sherry Ross Thursday December 2 @12:30 BSRI Fundraiser Calendars for sale Photos from Our Area!

Please be Safe and Happy Holidays To All of You!

The Coastal Buzz

The brunswick center at southport SOUTHPORT Melissa Catlett, Director Jackie Knott, Assistant Director

1513 N. Howe St., Ste. 1 Southport, NC 28461 Phone 910-754-7109

Sherry Ross, Kris Krupp and Marcy Merkle (not pictured) (phenomenal volunteers) made Halloween bags for our homebound people!

DECEMBER 2021 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just look at the beau ful corn hole boards that Ken Geiman painted for us! Huge thank you, Ken!

What a Dynamic Duo! Tai Chi instructor Dean Sutzer and Olive bring such posi ve chi to our halls!

Brooke with the Alzheimer’s Associa on, presen ng the Program 10 Signs. Thank you!

Martha Johnson, always there to help, is spo ed assis ng a voter.

The brunswick center at southport

DECEMBER 2021

SOUTHPORT Melissa Catlett, Director Jackie Knott, Assistant Director

1513 N. Howe St., Ste. 1 Southport, NC 28461 Phone 910-754-7109

The Coastal Buzz

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We are so excited to share with you that the ugly and less-than-welcoming corner in the back of your Center is going to reﬂect the beau ful and exuberant spirit found within our walls! The COA has granted you the right to design your outdoor space! The Wellness Coali on is ready to jump in and make this transforma on happen! All sugges ons are welcome!

Huge thank you to Tedi Reiher for dona ng the smart TV for our December drawing!

Thank you to Leigh with the Wellness Coali on and her two lovely UNCW Interns for helping create a wonderful future outside green space for our Center!

COMING IN DECEMBER Corn Hole Talks with your Directors! Play the game while asking us ques ons. December Fridays, Time TBA

We are delighted to announce Your Center will be holding a Holiday Party this year! There will be a delicious buﬀet with a variety of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. We will play games and there will be lots of prizes.

Monday, December 20th at 11:30 in the ballrooms. Please sign up at front desk.

The Coastal Buzz

Puzzles / BSRI news

STATE POINT MEDIA PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzles on page 30

DECEMBER 2021

The Coastal Buzz

The Brunswick center at supply

DECEMBER 2021

SUPPLY Melissa Starr, Director Robert Hunt, Assistant Director

101 Stone Chimney Road Supply, NC 28462

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

December 2021 - Weekly Ac vity Schedule EVERY MONDAY

EVERY TUESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY THURSDAY

EVERY FRIDAY

No Symbol = No Fee (Contributions always appreciated); $ = Fee Associated ; ^ = Requires Advanced Registration; * = New Offering/Time 8:00

Rummikub

8:00 Rummikub