Issuu

Neighbors of

September 2026

Changing Lives, One Porch at a Time

Cover photo by G. Frank Hart

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Hello Neighbors! PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Debby Daigle Content Coordinator: Doreen Sargente Designer: Jong Vang Contributing Photographer: G. Frank Hart Photography

ADVERTISING Contact: Debby Daigle Email: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com Phone: (910) 443-3199

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dsargente@bestversionmedia.com

NEIGHBORHOOD SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Are you on the communication committee for your neighborhood? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to your neighbors. Email dsargente@bestversionmedia.com Content Due:........................................Edition Date: December 1................................................... January January 1......................................................February February 1...........................................................March March 1...................................................................April April 1.......................................................................May May 1......................................................................June June 1.....................................................................July July 1.................................................................August August 1....................................................September September 1..................................................October October 1...................................................November November 1...............................................December Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

There’s something about September that feels like a fresh start. Maybe it’s years of associating September with the beginning of a new school year, or perhaps it’s simply knowing that cooler days are (hopefully!) somewhere around the corner. Life, much like the seasons, isn’t meant to stay the same. We go through periods of high energy and excitement, times when we need to slow down and reflect, and moments when we simply know it’s time for something new. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” That thought has been on my mind lately. September often symbolizes fresh starts and bittersweet transitions, which may explain why I’ve been feeling a little reflective. Change is on the horizon for me, and while I’m excited about the renewed energy and new adventures that may come with it, change also means letting go of familiar routines— even some that may not have suited us quite as well as we thought. How about you? Does September make you want to reset, try something different, or simply look at life from a new perspective? This month’s feature story reminds us that sometimes making a difference doesn’t require a grand idea—it simply requires neighbors willing to help neighbors. PORCH is a grassroots organization built around that straightforward mission. Through neighborhood-based food drives and a dedicated network of volunteers, PORCH brings communities together to help fight hunger and provide food for neighbors who need it. It’s a wonderful example of what can happen when people take something as simple as helping a neighbor and turn it into meaningful action. Learn more about PORCH, the people behind its mission, and how neighbors are making a difference on page 10. September is also Be Kind to Writers Month, making this the perfect time to recognize the people who help bring Neighbors of Leland to life each month. Thank you to the residents who contribute stories, ideas, photographs, and experiences from Magnolia Greens, Waterford, and Compass Pointe. Your participation is what allows this publication to truly reflect the communities we serve. I especially want to recognize our Content Coordinator, Doreen Sargente. Doreen has a wonderful ability to discover the interesting people and stories around us and bring them to life on the pages of this magazine. A great deal of what you enjoy each month begins with her curiosity, creativity, and countless hours behind the scenes. If you happen to see Doreen out and about, please thank her for sharing her time and talent with all of us. As we welcome September, perhaps we can embrace a little change, show a little extra kindness, and remember the simple message behind this month’s feature: neighbors helping neighbors can make a remarkable difference. Here’s to fresh starts—and whatever comes next.

Ciao! Debby Daigle Publisher

Doreen Sargente Content Coordinator

Neighbors of LELAND SEPTEMBER 2026 | 3

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

REAL ESTATE STATISTICS - JULY 2026

Compass Pointe (CP) | Magnolia Greens (MG) | Waterford Residential Community (WRC)

SOLD Community CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP MG MG MG MG MG WRC WRC WRC WRC WRC WRC WRC WRC

Information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.

Address

List Price

SOLD

year

bed/bath

sqft

DOM

8266 Stenton Dr. NE 8144 Garden Point Dr. NE 9006 Mango Bay Ct. NE 2494 E. Timber Crest Dr. NE 2270 Reefside Loop NE 2355 Amorosa Loop NE 8564 Shady Ridge Ct. NE 8474 N. Shoreside Way NE 1007 Plum Leaf Ct. SE 1127 Greensview Circle 1134 Grandiflora Dr. 1205 Grandiflora Dr. 1044 Ridgemont Dr. 1053 Garden Club Way 1106 Garden Club Way 1130 Spring Glen Ct. 1140 Veranda Ct. 1230 Nightingale Ct. 1138 Veranda Ct. 1035 Golden Sands Way 1232 Wood Lily Circle

$515,000 $539,900 $540,000 $674,900 $675,000 $759,000 $775,000 $839,000 $365,000 $437,500 $518,000 $570,000 $650,000 $389,000 $399,000 $424,900 $524,900 $540,000 $549,000 $550,000 $589,000

$500,000 $535,000 $535,000 $675,000 $675,000 $748,500 $770,000 $815,000 $365,000 $421,000 $515,000 $554,000 $650,000 $390,000 $395,000 $424,900 $524,900 $537,500 $525,000 $540,000 $589,000

2015 2013 2023 2021 2021 2023 2018 2021 2000 2005 2001 2004 2006 2006 2006 2006 2004 2007 2003 2006 2004

3/3 3/2 3/2 3/3 4/4 4/3 4/3 4/3 3/2 3/2 4/3 4/3 4/3 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/2 3/3 3/2 3/2 4/3

2,400 1,944 2,100 2,294 3,034 2,618 2,724 2,762 2,243 1,744 2,015 2,513 2,796 1,418 1,828 2,076 2,207 2,675 2,243 2,435 2,755

29 102 100 1 20 13 66 61 16 90 97 29 4 14 205 37 47 73 16 63 142

PENDING Community CP CP CP MG MG WRC WRC WRC

Information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.

Address

List Price

2202 E. Oak Bridge Dr. NE 8256 Ibis Point NE 2388 Sugargrove Trail NE 1081 Ridgemont Dr. 1547 Grandiflora Dr. 1151 Spring Glen Ct. 1005 Layne Ct. NE 1206 Wood Lily Circle

$414,400 $575,000 $739,500 $625,000 $750,000 $479,900 $689,000 $779,000

SOLD

year

bed/bath

sqft

DOM

2009 2009 2019 2003 2002 2014 2021 2015

4/3 4/3 4/4 4/4 5/4 4/2 4/3 4/3

1,650 2,319 2,565 2,634 3,304 2,313 2,813 2,631

113 90 26 10 83 168 8 116

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

4 | SEPTEMBER 2026 Neighbors of LELAND

COMMUNITY

In the End, We’ll All Become Stories BY ARCHIE GIDWANI | PHOTO BY ANGELA FEMOT

I am absolutely stoked to give our readers a fantastic opportunity to light up their Tuesday evenings this September and October. The Cape Fear Literacy Council is officially bringing back its highly anticipated Adult Story Hour, and it is an experience you won’t want to miss.

New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash. A three-time winner of the Southern Book Prize and recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature, Wiley is celebrated for his brilliant Southern Gothic novels like A Land More Kind Than Home and The Last Ballad.

What exactly is an Adult Story Hour? Fair question!

Wiley Cash himself is one of the star literary figures reading this year, and yours truly will have the distinct honor of hosting the Q&A session right after his performance!

If a podcast and an audiobook had a baby, this event is what it would look like. Famous North Carolina writers and entertainers will step up to the mic to read humorous, moving, and poignant literary works—tailored just for grown-ups. Each 90-minute evening features 40 minutes of animated, performative reading from discrete passages, always keeping a delightful element of surprise. The rest of the evening is dedicated to an interactive Q&A session. Your $20 ticket guarantees a fabulous evening at Azalea Station in the Cargo District, complete with a cash bar and endless food choices nearby. You will head home with broader horizons, a smile on your face, a fresh list of book recommendations for your next book club, and a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded neighbors. The original inspiration behind the Adult Story Hour is none other than

Celia Riverbark: A New York Timesbestselling author of seven humor collections, an award-winning playwright and author of a popular political humor blog called “Celia Dishes” which can be accessed at celiarivenbark.substack.com. and is enjoyed by readers in 46 states and 17 countries. To meet this incredible cast and enjoy an evening of literature, libations, and lively conversations, secure your spot today.

Other incredible readers in this year’s star-studded lineup include:

Event Details at a Glance

Rhonda Bellamy: The founding Executive Director and President/CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington/ New Hanover County, who has served as the heartbeat of Wilmington’s arts scene for over a decade.

When: Tuesdays, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 PM; the program starts at 5:30 PM.

John Jeremiah Sullivan: A massive addition to the celebrity factor, John is a recipient of the Whiting Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and two National Magazine Awards. His widely acclaimed essays, stories, and poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, and The Paris Review. Marlon Ramos: An endearing local theater personality whom you might have recently spotted in the hit production of Come from Away.

Where: Azalea Station (1502 Castle Street) Tickets: $20 each, available online at cfliteracy.org/adult-story-hour Parking: Free on-site parking and nearby street parking are available. Food & Drinks: Drinks are available for purchase at the venue bar, and incredible food is just steps away at the Cargo District Food Court.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPCOMING GOLF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN – LPGA AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATION CAPE FEAR/WILMINGTON NC CHAPTER

• THURSDAY, September 3, 9AM, $44, Castle Bay Country Club, Hampstead

• SATURDAY, September 12, 10:50AM,

Sunday, September 13 MIKE CAMPBELL & THE DIRTY KNOBS

@ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ iconic guitarist brings classic rock energy and driving rhythms to the stage. Time: Evening; check venue details for exact curtain time Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by section

$64, Rivers Edge Golf Club, Shallotte

• SUNDAY, October 11, 12:30PM, $48, Meadowlands Golf Club, Calabash

• SATURDAY, October 24, 9:30AM, $47, Ocean Ridge Plantation Golf, Ocean Isle Beach

• Every Thursday, 11:30AM (18 holes) and 4:30PM (9 holes – dining afterwards), Beau Rivage Golf,

Carolina Beach

Tuesday, September 15 LELAND WE DON’T KNOW

@ Leland Cultural Arts Center A special community program featuring a presentation and guided bus tour with Mayor Bozeman exploring Leland’s history, current growth, and future plans. Time: Check venue schedule for exact start time Cost: $27

Tuesday, September 15 JAMES TAYLOR & HIS ALL-STAR BAND

• Mondays (2nd and 4th of the month) 10AM: 9 holes ($20) or 18 holes ($39), Ironclad Golf, Hampstead

Non-members may golf twice before they decide if membership is right for them.

Visit: lpgaamateurswilmingtonnc.com for details and to register. For questions, email lpgaamateurswilmingtonnc@yahoo.com

Friday–Saturday, September 4–5 HASSAN PHILLS LIVE

@ Dead Crow Comedy Room High-energy stand-up performance packed with funny observations and engaging storytelling. Time: Shows at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM Cost: $42

Saturday–Monday, September 5–7 LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND COOKOUT

@ Bald Head Island A festive holiday celebration featuring a community cookout, family games, beach activities, and unique island-wide fun. Time: All weekend long Cost: Free event admission; food and ferry transport ticketed separately

Saturday, September 12 POPLAR GROVE PLANTATION GHOST HUNT

@ Historic Poplar Grove Plantation Explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s historic manor houses after dark, blending local history, folklore, and paranormal exploration. Time: 8:00 PM Cost: Ticketed; advanced registration required

@ Live Oak Bank Pavilion The legendary singer-songwriter delivers a hit-filled outdoor performance along the Wilmington riverfront. Time: 7:30 PM Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by section

Wednesday, September 16 PIXIES LIVE IN CONCERT

@ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College Influential alternative rock pioneers bring their signature sound and electric stage energy to Wilmington. Time: Evening; check venue details for curtain time Cost: Ticketed; prices vary

Thursday–Sunday, September 17–27 AVENUE Q

@ Thalian Hall A witty, Tony Award-winning musical comedy featuring a mix of puppets and live actors navigating life’s milestones. Time: Evening performances at 7:30 PM; Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM Cost: Ticketed; prices vary

Saturday, September 26 BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO + DVOŘÁK SYMPHONY NO. 9

@ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra opens its season with Dvořák’s famous “From the New World” symphony alongside Samuel Barber’s violin concerto. Time: 7:30 PM Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by section

Saturday, September 26 BATTLESHIP ALIVE!

@ USS Battleship North Carolina Living-history reenactors bring the World War II battleship to life with crew demonstrations, drills, and interactive tours. Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Cost: Included with standard battleship admission ticket

Sunday, September 27 OKTOBERFEST AT THE BOARDWALK

@ Carolina Beach Boardwalk A family-friendly autumn festival featuring traditional music, fall food favorites, games, and seaside boardwalk fun. Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Cost: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase

Friday, October 2 FAREWELL SUMMER JAZZ FUNERAL

@ Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion A colorful coastal tradition featuring a lively brass band procession, festive costumes, and live music bidding farewell to summer. Time: Procession begins near sunset Cost: Free admission

Friday–Sunday, October 2–4 BROADWAY SERIES: WAITRESS

Friday, September 25 LIL JON LIVE

@ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater A high-energy hip-hop and crunk performance setting an energetic mood by the shores of Greenfield Lake. Time: 8:00 PM Cost: Ticketed; prices vary

Friday–Sunday, September 25 – October 4 DRACULA

@ Thalian Hall A thrilling stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic tale performed

6 | SEPTEMBER 2026 Neighbors of LELAND

by the Thalian Association Community Theatre. Time: Evening performances at 7:30 PM; Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM Cost: Ticketed; prices vary

@ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College The hit Broadway musical featuring music by Sara Bareilles brings its uplifting, heartwarming story about friendship and baking to Wilmington. Time: Check venue schedule for matinee and evening showtimes Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by section

COMMUNITY

Leland Area Garden Club Cul va ng Community, Conserving Nature, Celebra ng Beauty A 501(c)(3) Nonpro t Organiza on SUBMITTED BY BESS BLACKBURN

The Leland Area Garden Club is dedicated to promoting the love of gardening, protecting our environment, and enhancing the natural beauty of our community by educating our community.

TOGETHER, WE GROW A BETTER COMMUNITY! EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITY Learn about native plants, pollinators, bluebirds, and sustainable gardening through engaging programs and events.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, there’s a place for you in the Leland Area Garden Club.

Be a part of something beautiful. Grow with us!

BEAUTIFY OUR COMMUNITY Participate in projects that enhance parks, public spaces, and local green environments.

Together, we can make a difference. Meet • Learn • Grow • Give Back

SUPPORT WILDLIFE Promote conservation and create habitats that help birds, bees, and butterflies thrive.

Monthly Meetings | Interesting Programs | Community Projects | Fun Outings

lelandareagardenclub.org

BUILD FRIENDSHIPS Connect with others who share your passion for gardening and giving back.

Leland Area Garden Club

✉ lelandareagardenclub@gmail.com

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Neighbors of LELAND SEPTEMBER 2026 | 7

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Will Your Family Know What to Do With Your Home? SUBMITTED BY CHRISTOPHER CREEKMORE

Most of us spend years planning for retirement. We think about our finances, healthcare, travel and where we want to live. But there is one important question many homeowners never ask:

documents, understanding the mortgage and HOA, coordinating repairs, and sorting through decades of belongings can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, a little preparation today can make tomorrow much easier.

“What happens to my home if I’m no longer able to care for it—or when I’m gone?”

Create a Home Legacy Plan A Home Legacy Plan is simply an organized roadmap for your family if you become unable to manage your home or after your passing.

I was recently contacted by a past client who asked me to help a family whose loved one had passed away. As we began preparing the home for sale, we discovered that although there was a Will and a Trust, the home had never been transferred into the Trust. That oversight created unnecessary stress and delay in putting the home on the market.

Start by having a North Carolina estate-planning attorney review your deed, Will, Trust and Powers of Attorney to answer one important question: Who has legal authority to manage or sell my home if I become incapacitated, and who will have that authority after my death?

Ironically, my own father, an attorney for more than 40 years, had a detailed estate plan. Yet his home also wasn’t properly vested in the Trust, and my brother and I experienced a year long delay in settling the estate.

Next, create a Property File containing your deed, survey, insurance information, mortgage documents, HOA information, warranties, repair records, service providers and a history of major improvements. Your family will be grateful they don’t have to search for this information during an already difficult time.

For many families, a home is their largest asset—but without proper planning, it can also become their biggest challenge. Imagine trying to sell a parent’s home while living several states away. Finding important

YOUR HOME HAS CHANGED.

IS YOUR FAMILY

Finally, keep up with deferred maintenance and begin simplifying possessions over time. A wellmaintained home with organized records is much easier for your family to manage and sell. Give Your Family a Roadmap Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as leaving your family clear instructions. While I don’t provide legal or tax advice, I can help organize the real estate side of your plan. For legal guidance, I recommend Ashley Hopkins of Sound Retirement Solutions, who partners with Integrated Trust Systems to help families with estate planning, probate avoidance, privacy and proper trust funding. I’d be happy to meet with you for a complimentary Home & Estate Readiness Review and help you create your own Personal Home Legacy Plan. Together we’ll organize your property’s information, review your home’s current value and condition, and build a practical roadmap that can save your family time, stress and uncertainty in the future.

SCAN TO GET YOUR FREE HOME & ESTATE READINESS REVIEW

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8 | SEPTEMBER 2026 Neighbors of LELAND

We help homeowners in Brunswick County make smart Real Estate decisions TODAY and create a plan for TOMORROW

COMMUNITY

Short and Sweet Swing Fixes: Slices BY NICOLE WELLER

One of the challenges in golf is to maintain accuracy and keep the ball in play. Many of the best players have a natural curve that they know how to let the ball curve back towards the target. But for most recreational golfers, the ball’s curvature tends to move away from the target and into trouble. For right-handed golfers, a slight curve to the right is called a Fade (my favorite shot) and a large curve to the right is called a Slice. For left-handed golfers, the fade curves slightly left and the slice curves significantly left.

To find out which of these causes it might be, contact your local PGA or LPGA teaching professional and let’s get that slice under control and in play! Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

What’s happening? The club face is open to the swing path. For lefties, the club face is facing left of where the club is swinging and for righties, the club face is facing right of where the club is swinging. Possible Causes: 1. The golf grip isn’t in the most effective position to allow the forearms, hands and clubhead to rotate as it should. If the handle gets too high up in the palm and isn’t down enough in the fingers, it makes that motion difficult. I see the way many golfers take their grip as a huge deterrent to a natural motion and club head release. 2. There is too much tension in the forearms and hands. How one applies the hands to the club can block the arms and club head from rotating. It’s almost like keeping a bat back for a bunt or a tennis racquet open for a cut volley. For righties, tight goes right! 3. Some golfers might contact the ball off-center, which can gear the club face open. 4. Many golfers have a swing that moves inward through the impact zone (out to in, pull) and in doing so, they keep the club face open to get the ball moving back to the target. 5. Some golfers think they need to keep the club face facing the hole through the shot on a straight line. The golf swing isn’t a straight line, it’s a circle. Imagine a hula hoop laying on the ground with the golf ball at the top of the circle. Now imagine a protractor from back in the school days where the point stays in the center and the pencil makes the circle around the point. The body is the point and as it rotates away from and back towards the target, the arms and then lastly the club head moves around the center, so there can’t be a straight line in the impact zone, it’s a circle but up on an angle.

LPGA / PGA INSTRUCTOR • Wake Forest D-1 Player • LPGA Top 50 Teacher

P R I VAT E L E SS O N S • C L I N I CS & S C H O O LS • 2013 LPGA and PGA National Youth Leader • 3x Golf Digest ‘Best in State’ Teacher

Named the

2026 Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award Winner News | LPGA Ladies Professional Golf Association

nicoleweller.com 912-695-5211 nicolewellergolf@gmail.com

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Neighbors of LELAND SEPTEMBER 2026 | 9

COVER FEATURE

A Small Act. A Big Impact. By Doreen Sargente Photos provided by G. Frank Hart

Sometimes the best community ideas are also the simplest. PORCH is a grassroots organization built on one straightforward mission: neighbors helping neighbors. Through neighborhood-based food drives and volunteer networks, PORCH Communities helps provide food and support to local families experiencing food insecurity, while also creating stronger, more connected communities along the way. What makes PORCH especially appealing is that getting involved is remarkably easy. Residents simply sign up online and receive reminders before collection days. Participating households leave donated food items on their porch, and volunteer drivers pick up the donations and deliver them to local food pantries and families in need. The organization has already seen tremendous success in Brunswick Forest, where residents have embraced the program and demonstrated how effective this simple model can be. Now, PORCH leaders hope to bring that same energy and community spirit to Compass Pointe, Magnolia Greens, Waterford, and other nearby neighborhoods. And the timing could not be more important. Food insecurity affects more families than many people realize. Seniors living on fixed incomes, working families balancing rising costs, and individuals facing unexpected hardships can all struggle to keep enough nutritious food on the table. Local food pantries continue to see strong demand, and organizations like PORCH help fill a very real need within the community. What makes PORCH unique is its neighborhood-based structure. Rather than operating as a distant organization, each chapter functions within the community itself. Communities rally around a shared goal of helping local families. That local connection is part of what makes the program so successful. Many volunteers say they appreciate knowing their donations are staying within the broader area and directly helping people close to home. Others enjoy the sense of purpose and community involvement the organization creates. In many cases, participation starts small. One family signs up, then another neighbor joins in, and before long an entire neighborhood is participating together. Some volunteers help organize collection routes. Others drive and pick up donations once a month. Many residents simply contribute food items from their regular grocery shopping. Every role matters, and even small contributions add up quickly when many households participate. The beauty of PORCH is that volunteers are not expected to reinvent the wheel. The organization already has an established system, guidance, and support in place to help new chapters get started smoothly. Communities interested in launching local participation are given tools and assistance to make the process manageable and successful from the beginning.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2026 Neighbors of LELAND

© Best Version Media At a time when so many problems can feel overwhelming, PORCH focuses on practical action. For neighborhoods like Compass Pointe, Magnolia Greens, and Waterford, that means there is already a proven model ready to go. Our communities are filled with active, civic-minded residents who value connection and giving back. PORCH offers an opportunity to channel that community spirit into something both practical and deeply impactful. And unlike some volunteer efforts that require large blocks of time or major commitments, PORCH is intentionally designed to fit into busy lives. A resident can participate simply by leaving a bag of groceries on the porch once a month. Yet when entire neighborhoods do that together, the results become significant. The organization’s growth throughout North Carolina shows just how powerful this approach can be. What began as a local effort has expanded into multiple community chapters, all built around the same simple idea that small acts of kindness, multiplied across neighborhoods, can create meaningful change. There is also something refreshing about the organization’s simplicity. At a time when so many problems can feel overwhelming, PORCH focuses on practical action. A bag of pasta. Peanut butter. Canned vegetables. Breakfast cereal. Everyday grocery items become a direct source of relief for families who need support. What may feel like a small donation to one household can make a tremendous difference to another. And for many volunteers, the experience becomes rewarding in unexpected ways. People often join because they want to help others, but they stay because they enjoy the sense of connection the organization creates. PORCH brings neighbors together around a common purpose and reminds communities of the good that can happen when people work collectively toward helping others. The success already seen in Brunswick Forest shows that the model works exceptionally well in communities like these. Now the goal is to expand that success into neighboring communities where the need for volunteers and participation continues to grow. Getting started is easy. The impact is real. And sometimes changing lives truly can begin right at your own front porch. To learn more about PORCH Communities or how to help launch participation in your neighborhood, visit www.porchcommunities.org. Cover photo of Roxanne Lansdowne, Executive Director of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Neighbors of LELAND SEPTEMBER 2026 | 11

PET CORNER

M t Coby

SUBMITTED BY TONYA MILLS

Coby is a goldendoodle and is so full of energy. He always greets me with a kiss and a paw shake. He tilts his head back and forth and understands what I say to him. Tonya Mills Magnolia Greens

’ Whos Y r Be Fri d? BY DEBBY DAIGLE

Let Neighbors of Leland feature your bff! We want to highlight your best furry friend. Send us your photos with 2 - 3 sentences telling us why they are special!

SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

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12 | SEPTEMBER 2026 Neighbors of LELAND

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Did you know that you can identify certain broadleaf trees just by looking at the color of their fall leaves? Some trees’ common names are even derived specifically from their primary autumn leaf color. During the fall months, you may notice a lot of red, yellow, and orange. This is because they’re the most common fall leaf colors. However, in the summer, all the leaves are green. This is due to the presence of chlorophyll, a group of green pigments. These green pigments are abundant during the growing season, and during this time, they actually mask the color of any other pigments that may be present in the leaf. Chlorophyll is responsible for helping a tree produce nutrients

during summer, but as autumn rolls around, chlorophyll starts to be destroyed due to factors such as weather and the length of nights. As the green pigments disappear, other previously masked pigments are allowed to shine through.

Here’s a short reference list:

The two other pigments present in leaves are carotenoid (produces yellow, orange, and brown) and anthocyanin (produces red). Carotenoids are already present in the leaf cells during the growing season, but most anthocyanins are produced in autumn. Orange and yellow leaves are revealed through the destruction of chlorophyll. Warm, sunny fall days and cool fall nights lead to an excess of sugar (food) within the leaf, which presents as the color red.

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Oaks: red, brown, or russet

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Hickories: golden bronze

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Aspen and yellowpoplar: golden yellow

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Dogwood: purplish red

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Beech: light tan

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Sourwood and black tupelo: crimson

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Red maple: brilliant scarlet

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Sugar maple: orange-red

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Black maple: glowing yellow

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Striped maple: almost colorless

Now this fall you can make informed estimations on what kind of tree it is based on what color its leaves are! Happy tree-identifying! References: www.fs.usda.gov

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The Crisp Days of Fall: A Beginner's Guide to Apple Picking SUBMITTED BY MIRANDA DOW

As the autumn air turns crisp, there is no better way to celebrate the season than by heading out to a local orchard. Going apple picking is a classic, family-friendly tradition that offers fresh air, beautiful views, and delicious rewards! If you are planning your first trip, this simple guide will ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the whole family.

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Before You Go: Do a Quick Check A little planning goes a long way before you leave the house: Check the Ripening Schedule: Different apple varieties mature at various times throughout the fall. What is ready in September might be completely different from what is available in October.

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Review Orchard Policies: Check the orchard's website for specific guidelines, entry fees, pet policies, and hours of operation.

What to Wear: Comfort is Key Orchards require a lot of walking on natural terrain, so dress for an outdoor adventure: Footwear: Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or hiking boots. You will be walking across uneven ground, tall grass, and potentially muddy pathways.

Clothing: Dress in layers. This allows you to stay warm during chilly autumn mornings and cool down as the afternoon sun heats up the orchard.

Master the "Roll and Twist" Technique Once you are in the trees, it helps to understand the correct way to harvest the fruit so you do not damage the branches: Avoid Tugging: Yanking hard on an apple can shake other fruit loose or damage the tree.

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The Proper Motion: Gently cup the apple in your hand, lift it upward toward the sky, and give it a slight twist. If the apple is ripe, it will easily separate from the branch with the stem still intact.

Fun and Accessible for Everyone Orchards are incredibly welcoming spaces designed for families and individuals with diverse needs: Accessible Options: Many locations offer paved or flat pathways close to the entrance. Many orchards also plant dwarf fruit trees, which have low-hanging branches that are perfect for young children or individuals using mobility devices. Kid-Friendly Games: Keep little ones engaged by turning the trip into a fun matching game—ask them to spot the reddest or largest apples on the lower branches.

Storing Your Harvest After bringing your bounty home, proper storage will keep your apples crisp and flavorful for weeks: Keep it Cool: Keep your apples in a cool, dark place— ideally the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Store Separately: Keep them away from other produce, as apples naturally release a gas that can cause nearby fruits and vegetables to spoil faster. Whether you enjoy baking homemade pies, cooking fresh applesauce, or simply snacking on a juicy fruit straight from the fridge, a day at the orchard is the perfect way to welcome the fall season! Sources: University of Illinois Extension: extension.illinois.edu United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): usda.gov Pick Your Own: pickyourown.org

Neighbors of LELAND SEPTEMBER 2026 | 15

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