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Lodge celebrates The Atkinson Masonic Lodge will celebrate 100 years Dec. 28 with a special program and a visit from the North Carolina Grand Master.

Read more on page 3A.

The Pender-Topsail

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Hardwood holiday play Pender County sports teams will participate in several holiday tournaments during the Christmas holiday break.

Read about it in sports beginning on page 8A.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Volume 45, No. 12

2015 in Review

Santa’s got a brand new ride

Stories making headlines in Pender County Editor’s Note: Each year we recap the year’s news stories in the final two editions of year of the Post & Voice.

This week’s edition will feature ne ws stories that made headlines from January through June.

Next week, we will look at July through December. The stories were taken directly from the pages of the newspaper.

Jan. 1 Board chairman urges representatives to push for bypass In an email dated Dec. 17, Pender County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Williams urged State Senator Bill Rabon and representative Chris Mills to “get down to business” regarding the Hampstead bypass.

“This email is not aimed at any one particular person.

It’s just mainly out of frustration,” Williams said.

Jan. 8 Flu outbreak widespread in Pender County According to the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu outbreak in North Carolina has reached epidemic levels. Pender County Health Director Carolyn Moser says flu is widespread in the county and expected to get worse over the next several months.

“We are hearing a lot about it in the community, but we are not seeing that much of it here in the health department.

The hospital is seeing a lot of flu cases coming through the emergency room.”

New county manager on the job Jan. 20 New Pender County manager Randell Woodruff will be in his new office Jan. 20, according to outgoing interim manager Bob Murphy. Murphyís last day as interim will be Jan. 16.

“Randell will be in town next week and we will get together to talk about some ongoing issues,” Murphy said.

“There won’t be any formal overlapping period for us.”

Jan. 15 School board to talk bond at Feb. 2 BOC meeting The School Board plans to be on the agenda for the Feb. 2 Board of Commissioners meeting to present the latest infor mation on the school bond. School officials will present three architects and bids for the bond projects to commissioners. School officials will also update com-

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missioners on a tract of land selected for the location of the new Surf City school project.

Shiloh-Columbia VFD improves fire rating North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin announced Friday the ShilohColumbia Fire District completedits routine inspection and received a 7/9E rating.

The improved rating will result in an increased fire insurance savings.

Pender County Commissioner Jimmy Tate, who represents the district, said the ratings improvement was good news for residents of the area.

Jan. 22 Commissioner calls for strict oversight of school bond funds N e w l y - e l e c t e d Pe n d e r County Commissioner David Piepmeyer says the board of commissioners needs close oversight of school bond projects to avoid cost overruns.

Piepmeyer referenced an article published in the Raleigh News and Observer that says Wake County’s school bond could run out of money before projects are complete due to increased construction costs.

In an email dated Jan. 16 to commissioners, Piepmeyer said “the question that needs to be asked of our school board is, how are they going to prevent this from occurring here in Pender County.”

Topsail Beach to consider paid parking When the Topsail Beach commissioners meet in their February board retreat, one of the items up for discussion will be parking fees.

“I just think it is something we need to throw out there and talk about,” Commissioner Julian Bone said at the Jan. 14 board meeting. “I know I have more questions than answers.”

Bone said he thinks the town needs to investigate parking fees as a source of revenue.

Jan. 29 Court officials seek security, expansion at Pender Courthouse Clerk of Superior Court Bob Kilroy led a delegation of lawyers and judges who urged Pender County commissioners to consider a larger court facility, security, and of the Pender County Courthouse.

Kilroy said when the roof was damaged at the Courthouse Annex, officials scrambled for facilities to conduct court business.

“It was a wake-up call,” said Kilroy. “We need to be thinking of more courthouse space.”

Bogus bills in Burgaw Counterfeit money has turned up recently in Burgaw, according to Police Chief Montrina Sutton.

Sutton says it’s not a flood of bad money, but enough to keep an eye on.

“Every now and then this rears its ugly head. The bills were detected at the bank when someone made a deposit,” Sutton said.

Feb. 5 Burgaw Walmart to open in May The Burgaw Walmart will likely open in May, according to the lastest reports. In the weekly report to the town board, the Burgaw building inspection department says the Walmart contractors have experienced significant delays due to weather. The completion of the building was originally projected for March.

School officials ask for money, get questions School officials came to the Pender County Commissioners asking for funds – what they received was a lot of questions from the board.

A 45-minute discussion between the county commissioners and Pender County Superintendent Dr. Ter ri Cobb and David Smith opened the Feb. 2 commissioners meeting. Smith informed the commissioners about architect selections and testing of potential land.

Feb. 12 Officials say school grades do not show student progress Pender County school received one A, four B’s five C’s and six D’s on the North Carolina school report card report released last week.

Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Terri Cobb says the grades do not reflect an accurate picture of what is happening in the county’s school system.

Cobb says the grades are largely based on where a child is academically at the beginning of the school year and does not take into account the progress students make during school year.

Staff photos by Andy Pettigrew

The sleigh and eight tiny reindeer must have been elsewhere as Santa arrived at the Paul’s Place annual Christmas party Sunday afternoon by helicopter. Paul’s Place owner David Paul (left) greeted the Jolly Old Elf. See more photos on Page 4B and on Facebook.

Rocky Point woman arrested on drug charges Six people are awaiting court proceedings on arrests for operating a prescription drug ring in Eastern North Carolina that yielded more than 6,000 illegally obtained pills valued at $50,000, according to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Four local law enforcement and the SBI combined efforts to investigate Amy Wynne Blankenship, 36, of Rocky Point, her two brothers and three of their friends who police believe were selling a large number of the illegally obtained drugs, mainly Lorcet.

Feb. 19 BOC to consider meeting change Pender County Commissioners are considering a change in the board’s meet-

ing schedule. Commissioners delayed making the decision to change monthly meetings to the second and fourth Mondays in the month until the next board meeting.

Bojangles applies for permit in Burgaw Representatives of Bojangles have applied for a conditional use permit to build a restaurant on property across from Walmart, according to Burgaw planning director Rebekah Roth.

The restaurant would be located on about two acres of land across from the Walmart.

A house currently occupies the property.

Feb. 26 Late winter storm dusts Pender County With just a few weeks remaining in winter, snow and ice fell across Pender County early Tuesday morning, caus-

ing schools to close and numerous traffic accidents. As typical with many winter storms, the amount of snow varied across the county, from a light dusting along the coastal areas to as much as three inches in western and northern areas of the county.

Burgaw saw about two inches of snow fall before the precipitation turned to sleet and then freezing rain as Tuesday progressed.

Tourism director fired by county Pender County tourism director Monique Baker was released from her job with the county Friday, according to Pender County Commission Chairman David Williams.

Williams says the announcement would normally come through the county manager’s

Continued on page 2A

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office, but since Randell Woodruff is new on the job, he was making the announcement.

Bakerís dismissal was discussed by commissioners in closed session at last week’s board meeting.

Mar. 5 Contract approved for Surf City school property purchase The Pender County Board of Education gave a nod Monday night with an option to purchase a tract of land off Atkinson Loop Road in Surf City for a new school. The exact cost of the 97-acre property depends on the amount of usable land located on the tract.

The contract price is $10,000 per usable acre. Land that cannot be developed will not be included in the sale.

“Right now we are working out the easements to the property. We have several options for getting into the property,” said school board member Tom Roper. “One of the options is more attractive ñ itís a little longer and would allow us to stretch out traffic and pick up lines better.”

Fugitive arrested in Surf City U.S. Marshals arrested a man in Surf City wanted on drug charges in Virginia.

James Roberts, 28, was wanted out of Fanquier County, Virginia for manufacturing meth at a residence.

The U.S. Marshals set up surveillance last night outside the Gateway Apartments near the Family Dollar on N.C. Hwy.. 50. Reports say Roberts was arrested at the apartments about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Mar. 12 Final county audit filed with LGC Pender County Manager Randell Woodruff says a final county audit for fiscal year 2013-14 has been submitted to the Local Government Com-

mission.

“Initially we had a draft and they wanted some changes.

They wanted us to make and tweek some things,” Woodruff said. “We are very pleased the audit has been finalized.”

The final audit will be submitted to County Commissioners at the board’s Mar. 16 meeting.

Courthouse magnolias come down; some residents upset B u r g aw b u s i n e s s m a n Johnny Westbrook stood in front of the west side of the Pender County Courthouse Saturday evening, along with BurgawMayor Eugene Mulligan. Two freshly-disturbed piles of soil marked where two old magnolia trees once stood. A bundle of old Christmas lights was piled beside an electrical outlet that once provided power for the tree’s holiday lights.

“This is a tragedy. It’s a sad day for this town,” Westbrook said. “I can remember looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights turned on the magnolia trees at the Courthouse.

Now they are gone.”

Mar. 19 Commissioners, school board to work together Pender County commissioners and the county board of education issued a joint statement declaring they will work together. Chair man David Williams and Karen Rouse, the chair of the Pender County Board of Education, said, “Each of our boards authorized us to work together with the superintendent, county manager, and our respective staffs to formulate a plan for the completion of the bond projects.”

DSS to begin office hours at the Hampstead Annex Ef fective April 1, T he Pender County Department of Social Services will have staff at the Hampstead Annex every Wednesday to assist citi-

Pender EMS & Fire Report Dec. 13-19 EMS Report Total number of Patient Contacts: Calls per station Burgaw Station 1 Sloop Point Station 14 Hampstead Station 16 Surf City Station 23 Topsail Beach Station 4 Union Station 5 Rocky Point Station 7 Maple Hill Station 8 Atkinson Station 9 Scott Hill Station 18 Hwy 421 South Station 29 Type of Calls Cancelled: 20 Cancelled en-route: 1 No patient found: 4 No treatment required: 0 Refusals: 75 Stand by: 2 Transported: 85 Treated and released: 4 Fire Department Reports Total number of Fire Calls: 12 EMS First Response: 11 Motor Vehicle Crash: 10 Cancelled Response: 5 Calls per station Rescue Station 1 Burgaw EMS 2 Motor Vehicle Crash 5 Cancelled 5 Fire Station 14 Sloop Point Fire 6 Motor Vehicle Crash 3 EMS Assist 0 Fire Station 16 Hampstead Fire 1 Motor Vehicle Crash 0 EMS Assist 3 Fire Station 18 Scotts Hill Fire 2 Motor Vehicle Crash 0 EMS Assist 0 Fire Station 21 Long Creek Fire 1 Motor Vehicle Crash 1 EMS Assist 0 Ocean Rescue--Beach Assist EMS 0 Fire Station 29 Hwy 421 South Fire 2 Motor Vehicle Crash 1 EMS Assist 6

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Appointments are suggested but not required.

Mar 26 Topsail Beach hearing on paid parking April 7 Should the Town of Topsail Beach charge one-day visitors to park? On April 7, at 7 p.m. town officials are conducting a public hearing to answer that question.

According to town officials, paid parking is a possible revenue that will help fund the townís 30-year beach, inlet, and sound maintenance program. Currently there is no paid parking anywhere on Topsail Island, which invites many day trippers to the beach during the summer months. Topsail Beach business owners are concerned the possibility of paid parking could send visitors elsewhere on the island.

Wallace wants sewer rate hike; Burgaw asks for proof of costs The town of Wallace is asking Burgaw for another sewer rate increase – a 7.5 percent increase on top of a 10 percent hike last year. Burgaw town manager Chad McEwen is asking Wallace to justify the rate increase.

According to the contract between the towns, rate increases are tied to rising operational costs at the Wallace waste water facility.

“Part of the contract spells out what our rate can be based on. It’s the operating expense of their plant plus the depreciation of their plant,” McEwen said.

April 2 Commissioners discuss range of issues at retreat Pender County Commissioners wrestled with a range of issues at the board’s annual budget and planning retreat last week. Commissioners Thursday evening and all day Friday to discuss the upcoming budget and addition concerns.

“We talked about customer service training for county employees. We discussed the Hwy. 17 bypass. We talked about long-range plans for utilities, office space, and schools,” said commission chairman David Williams.

“We want to continue to work with the school board and outside agencies on these long-range planning opportunities.”

Challenges come with growth in county Pender County has been named among the 10 North Carolina Counties with the highest growth rate from 2010 to 2014, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pender County was tenth on the list, posting a 7.8 percent growth rate during the period.

Brunswick County is the only other southeastern North Carolina county to make the list, coming in at number

two. Schools and government services feel the pressure of growth.

The school bond is evidence of the strain growth puts on the local school system. Until the new school facilities are built, schools do the best they can with the space available.

April 9 Tate resigns from board of commissioners Pender County Commissioner Jimmy Tate resigned his seat on the county board at Tuesday’s meeting. Tate accepted a promotion to vice president at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville in December. Tate’s new position at the community college requires Duplin County residency.

Tate read his resignation letter to the board and those gathered for the meeting, including a number of his family members and supporters and spoke with the media after leaving the meeting.

Spring is wildfire season Despite a wet winter, officials are still calling for caution as more area residents turn to fire to clear out the dead brush and debris of winter.

Pender County Fire Marshal Charles Newman says no serious wildfires have occurred in the county so far this season. A wildfire Monday in Brunswick County scorched about 500 acres near the Compass Point subdivision off Hwy. 74/76.

April 16 Surf City CFCC campus dedication Saturday The Surf City campus of Cape Fear Community College will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 18 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will open the A.D. (Zander) Guy building and dedicate the Alston W. Burke Center at the new campus. CFCC Interim President Dr. Amanda Lee says the college is excited to be able to share this event with the public and looks forward to opening the facility later this spring.

“We are thrilled to be opening this new building to extend educational and job training opportunities to the residents of eastern Pender County,” Dr. Lee said.

School bond moves ahead; BOC approves funds Pender County commissioners approved funding to proceed with initial work on the school bond projects at the board’s meeting April 7. Commissioners approved funds from the county’s fund balance to begin initial engineering and site work on school bond projects.

The county will partner with the school system to provide funds to begin work on the projects before the bond money becomes available, which is projected to be in July.

Continued on page 7A

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Santa makes a visit to Moores Creek Battlefield

By Lori Kirkpatrick Post & Voice Staff Writer You never know where Santa Claus might make an appearance. To the delight of many Pender County children, he and Mrs. Claus recently visited Currie. The Currie Events Committee organized the event, Santa Comes to Currie, that took place the afternoon of Dec. 20 in Patriots Hall at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield. The grassroots civic group has planned the community event for the last several years.

The occasion was planned and implemented by committee members Walter Moore, Janice Mowery, George Murphy, Brenda Williamson, Edwina Zuniga and other Currie community members. Currie Events was established in 2009 and incorporated in 2011. “We hold events for the Currie community,� said committee treasurer Janice Mowery. “Past events include but have not been not limited to Santa Comes to Currie, Trunk-o-treat, Family Day and the Fourth of July parade. The committee members have always said that together, through hard work and dedication, ideas become reality.�

The committee has held other events throughout the year, as well. “We hold a trunk-o-treat every Halloween. For the past few years, we have held it at Mary Fry’s home on Battleground Road. She has the perfect yard.

The Pender County Sheriff ’s Department has been very supportive, and has participated in the past few years passing out candy to all of the trick or treaters. For Christmas, we have Santa come and give out

an early treat to every girl and boy. They get to talk with Santa and tell them what they want.

We give them an activity book and crayons, and then give them cocoa and cookies for a treat,� said Mowery.

Cur rie resident Nancy Keith helped out with the Christmas event this year.

She is also a board member of another local civic group, the Greater Currie Community Action Group. “They set up a big Christ-

mas tree and decorate. They put posters around and invite all the kids from Currie. Word has gotten out about Santa’s visit. They have things they give them like hot cocoa and cookies, and they can sit on Santa’s lap. It‘s a nice thing to do for the kids. They had 70 kids come last year to see Santa. “They give them a bag with homemade cookies that Janice actually makes, and some candy. They also get oranges and apples from Eagle Island, so they put something healthy in the bag. Then they get an activity book, with coloring and games in it, a pack of crayons, and Santa gives them a candy cane. The kids take turns seeing Santa, and they have tables set up. There is a Christmas tree and decorations, and they have the kids go through the line . They can have hot chocolate, or if it’s warm outside like it might be this year, they might have something like lemonade. “They have tables set up so the kids can sit with their parents and drink their hot cocoa. They are only there for a short period. They expect to get 70 kids again this year.

That’s a pretty good turnout for this area.,� said Keith.

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Atkinson Masonic Lodge celebrates centennial

By Lori Kirkpatrick Post & Voice Staff Writer Atkinson Masonic Lodge # 612 will hold a Centennial Celebration Dec. 28 at 5 p.m.

The celebration will include a visit from Bryant D. Webster, Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina. Freemason Ben Sorensen of St. John’s # 1 in Wilmington will be speaking as well.

Following the presenters, food will be served. The public is welcome to attend the event.

According to Past Master George Elton Lee, minutes of the lodge noted that in 1912 there were at least twelve masons living in the Atkinson community. The nearest Lodge at that time was King Solomon Lodge #138 in Burgaw, 15 miles to the east. This was quite a distance to travel in those days, so the masons living in the area petitioned the Grand Lodge of North Carolina for dispensation to form a Lodge.

The petition was granted in 1914. In the early Lodge records, there is no clear evidence of a permanent location and physical account of the meeting hall. However, it was clear that there was a strong desire to build a nice hall.

Three years later, the Lodge rented the hall in W.H. Lewis’ building until a permanent location could be provided.

Soon after that, the Woodmen of the World joined in renting the hall and agreed to pay $5, half of the rent. E.A. Hawes, Sr. and Lewis offered to give the Lodge half a lot each.

Eventually Lewis’ son, the late Dr. William Lewis, donated more land where the present Lodge still stands. Electric lights were installed by the landlord in 1927 at the monthly rent of one dollar.

The building was finally purchased by the Lodge in 1946 for $4,400, and 23 years later the cornerstone was laid for what is the present hall.

Masonic ritual refers to freemasonry as a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. “Our motto is ‘to take good

men and help them to become better’,� began Lee. “The history of masonry has survived for thousands of years, from King Solomon’s time through many cultures and countries until now. Our teachings on friendship, morality and brotherly love have not changed; only societies have. Without the visions and sacrifices of past masons, the dedication to our principles and precepts of the order, life as we know it would certainly be different.

It’s because of these earlier masons that Atkinson Lodge # 612 came to be.�

Lee described masonry as a fraternity based on giving to those in need, who have no one to turn to – the widows, orphans, the homeless, the physically hurting. The masons have hospitals, burn centers, eye care, hearing care specialists and more. Atkinson Lodge # 612 supports and gives to many organizations, and holds fundraisers to minister to those in need.

The cur rent Master of the Atkinson Lodge, Donald R. Hufham, M,CL, was first touched by the work of the Freemasons long ago. “My mother’s baby brother was born with the handicap of multiple sclerosis, and had to have surgery. That operation

was fairly expensive, and my aunt knew a friend who was also a Mason and a Shriner.

They covered the cost of the surgery. I always felt like I needed to give something back for what they had done for us.

As Masons, we are obligated to widows, orphans, Masons who are sick, and to any human being that needs our kind offices,� said Hufham.

The men of Atkinson Masonic Lodge 612 are looking forward to the upcoming year. “Since 2010, our lodge has adopted a plan to raise money for a project to give to the Masonic Eastern Star Home and the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. At this point we have begun to build picnic tables and other items, something different each year.

All proceeds go to the Oxford Home and now will also go to White Stone Retirement Center, which is new. It’s challenging at times, but so rewarding. “We have become the second largest contributor in the state of all lodges. Wow, just visit one of these places with one of us and see for yourself. Seeing is believing. This year with our new, younger Master is going to be exciting with new ideas, harder work,

and with efforts to be better than ever before for Atkinson Lodge # 612,� said Lee. Atkinson Masonic Lodge is located at 116 E Main Street in Atkinson. For more information, contact Donald R. Hufham at (910) 520-4774.

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Pender-Topsail Post & Voice

Opinion Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 4A

Yes, Virgina, there is a Santa Claus Editor’s note: In 1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner’s assistant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was asked by his then eight-year-old daughter, Virginia O’Hanlon (1889–1971), whether Santa Claus really existed. O’Hanlon suggested she write to The Sun, a prominent New York City newspaper at the time, assuring her that “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”[3] In so doing, Dr. O’Hanlon had unwittingly given one of the paper’s editors, Francis Pharcellus Church, an opportunity to rise above the simple question and address the philosophical issues behind it.

Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, a time that saw great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope and faith in much of society. Although the paper ran the editorial in the seventh place on the page, it was both noticed and well-received by readers.

More than a century later it is the most reprinted editorial in any newspaper in the English language.

Each Christmas, we are happy to publish the classic Yes Virginia, There is A Santa Claus.

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas time again

Chestnuts roasting in the-BOOM!

Bill Messer Christmas time again Chestnuts roasting in theBOOM! “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” I tried to sing as I walked toward the entrance of Harris Teeter the other day. My heart wasn’t

in it as I spoke my thoughts out loud to a woman walking toward the entrance, she being clad in shorts and a tee-shirt.

“I know what you mean,” she agreed.

“I wonder what it’s like in Australia?” I again wondered, out loud but this time to no one.

When I got home, I looked it up. Sure enough, it is a mixed religious observance, with Santa themes mixed in, though images of Santa show him often in red shorts.

It seems to me that I have been through too many seasonal, that is, properly cold,

Welcome to my world

Regina Hill Post & Voice Columnist

Revenge

A faded yellow clipping Somewhere in the office at home – if you knew my home office, that phrase would frighten you – we have a simple yellow file folder with a single badly yellowed clipping inside.

That file, of course, is simply referred to as “Yes, Virginia.”

This particular one is interesting because it’s from a 1927 newspaper. You’d think coming from a family of newspaper people this would be from one paper or another which had employed my folks or myself. This one, however, came from some of my GreatAunt Eleanor’s collection.

That clipping of “Yes, Virginia” turned up in a mishmash of Great Grandfather’s stuff, notebooks and scrapbooks whose bindings had long rotted away. It wasn’t the type of thing he would normally save, based on the evidence at hand.

His clippings ran mostly to reports of historical interest, columns about the war in Europe (The Great War, as he called it), articles about Confederate veteran meetings, and hundreds of column inches about a young men’s choral society. Obituaries for young men. An odd collection, until you know the man.

The reports from France involved places his son-inlaw, my grandfather, was fighting.

Mr. Traylor organized that particular UCV group from the last survivors of his company.

He directed and sponsored the choral society to keep young men “out of mischief.”

I always wondered if he thought young women in the early 1900’s didn’t get into mischief, since he didn’t organize a young women’s choral society.

The obituaries were from my Grandfather’s friends,

My Spin

Continued on page 5A Tom Campbell

Priceless Christmas Gifts Sometime during this season you will no doubt hear or

Jefferson Weaver and Great-Grandfather’s singers, killed in Europe.

One was for my Grandfather, struck down by a trolley car just after the Great War. And then there’s “Yes, Virginia.”

It didn’t seem like the kind of thing Aunt Ellie would save, either.

Aunt Ellie’s newspaper clippings ran more like the collections of a proud mother or grandmother. I remember two drawers full of stories, columns and initialed editorials by Mother or Papa in her stuffy old maid’s parlor.

Aunt Ellie was in pretty bad shape when I finally started having regular bylines. She did have a copy of a column I’d written when I was about nine, and a clip of a burglary story I’d “helped” write.

Maybe she clipped “Yes, Virginia.” But that wasn’t like her.

Did Mr. Traylor have a sudden soft spot in his heart after reading Frank’s column?

Maybe Aunt Eleanor, despite having no children of her own (and seeming to tolerate few outside the most immediate family) was maybe even sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This spirited cumulative song, with each verse built upon the previous one, lists the increasingly lavish gifts given by the recipient’s true love.

There are many legends regarding the origin of this song but Pastor Ben Williams, at St. Mark’s UMC in Raleigh, told of one that, even if not totally true, is worth repeating because of its spiritual significance.

England’s King Henry VIII banned the Catholic Church in the 1530s, because it refused to annul his marriage.

The Anglican Church became the “official” state religion and some myths say Catholics

touched by that piece, written when she was two years old, but clipped when she was a young woman.

Either way, only one Christmas story – the original one – tops “Yes, Virginia” in our family.

I learned the story of Frank’s life from an old friend, a New Yorker named Stewart who came South to start a magazine years ago.

Stewart’s family lived on Long Island, where Francis lived in his later years. His family knew Frank’s family. For reasons unknown, nobody seemed to recall what happened to the author of “Yes, Virginia.”

This is the Christmas season, and in the interest of being cheerful I am going to violate one of my personal rules. I’d like to think Frank came out of his depression, quit drinking, and lived happily ever after.

And that, boys and girls, means it’s time to go to bed.

Santa Claus is coming.

How do I know Santa’s real?

Easy. I read it in the newspaper.

Sometimes even newspapers from New York City have to tell the truth.

Yes, Santa Claus does still live; he may not drive a sleigh with reindeer, but he’s all around us.

Santa Claus and Christmas are about carols and hymns, families; smiles; helping people you don’t even know; and most importantly, the Gift of the Son. Without Him, there would never have been a question requiring the answer, “Yes, Virginia.”

Ya’ll have a Merry Christmas.

–Weaver is a columnist for the Post & Voice. Contact him at jeffweaver@whiteville.com. were shunned, imprisoned or put to death. While not totally proven, it enhances the story.

At a time when they were not openly permitted to worship in England two Jesuit Priests penned the seemingly innocuous lyrics Catholics knew to be code words for the tenets of their faith. The explanation can be just as relevant for Christians today.

On the first day of Christmas the present given by the true love was a partridge in a pear tree. Catholics understood this represented Jesus on the Cross. The two Turtledoves given on the second day stand for the

Continued on page 5A

Public Opinion Letters to the Editor

Staff photo by Bill Messer

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Not this year.

Public opinion is welcome.

Send your Letters to the Editor to P.O. Box 955, Burgaw, 28425 or to posteditor@post-voice.com.

Please include your address and phone number with your letter.

We reserve the right to edit letters for content, clarity, and length.

Unsigned letters will not be published.

The opinions expressed on the Opinion pages are not necessarily the opinions of Post Voice LLC.

My last column outlined the thievery that has been occurring in Surf City, particularly in the vicinity of Highway 210 East. My empathetic stance was probably an outcry from the helplessness that I felt-a way to justify the deplorable actions of others.

Having personal items stolen is easier to face when I imagine that they were taken by someone in need, someone who despises the act but is forced to put food on the table for a starving family. Perhaps my stolen items may be funding the feeding of the tiny kittens who reside at the Surf City Park.

For two weeks, I have been eagerly awaiting the return of my stuff in the hopes that, driven by guilt, the crooks have a change of heart.

My feelings, however, have morphed into bitterness and anger as of late. I’m a peace-loving citizen, but malicious, vengeful thoughts have started to darken my heart and I can’t let it go.

Not only was my physical property stolen, so was my sense of security and the naïve conviction that my fellow man would never think to take from me. In stealing my computer, my thoughts were taken, along with the draft of my first book and pictures of friends and family members.

My mother will be livid when she reads this, but I’ve been mentally formulating several plots to single-handedly bring an end to the thievery. Forensics and criminal psychology intrigue me and watching hours of Law and Order have prepared me to think about the logistics of my scheme to thwart the bad guys and bring justice and order to the fine folks of lower Surf City. After all, I hold a Master’s Degree and effectively manage twenty-two second graders and a lovely, albeit needy, household.

I seriously doubt that the wrongdoers are seeking higher educational opportunities or spend their spare time analyzing string theory, so it may be relatively easy to snag them (I will refer to the perps as a collective “they,” although there has been no clear evidence to point to the number or gender of the thieves).

So, to the individuals responsible for the debauchery on my street and to those who know who they are-heed this warning. Should I catch you breaching my property again, I will bust through my front door like a ninja, leap from my porch and side tackle you to the ground.

My son is an offensive lineman and I have been carefully observing his techniques and waiting for the opportunity to use them. An angry woman is not easily reckoned with, so don’t underestimate my 5-2 frame and charming personality.

Once you’re down, I will rake my fingernails across your soulless eyes, thereby providing the Pender County Sheriff ’s Department with the finest DNA sample in county history. Then, Chicken Littles, you may run away like the cowards that you

Continued on page 5A

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 5A

Messer

Continued from page 4A Christmases to think of an enjoyable mid-summer celebration of the event.

As I child, I wondered how the weather always seemed to conspire against me, personally. If my big gift was a bicycle, the day was rainy or snowy, if a sled, it was a balmy day, unseasonably warm.

But even then, even if it was warm, it was only too warm for snow, not warm enough for shorts: it still seemed like Christmas.

Chestnuts roasting by an open fire?

Yes, but only if it’s cold enough for a fire in the fireplace. In truth, one set of grandparents had put gas logs on the hearth, but that was OK, the chestnuts would be lined up across the front and would roast just fine. My other grandparents also had gas logs, and would roast a few in front of the fire for tradition, but this grandmother was ‘serious’ with her chestnuts and boiled them, for later use in the turkey stuffing.

Chestnuts are good, and I think this year I will try some, even though the forecast for Christmas day seems to point toward late-spring type temperatures.

Should the temperature make any difference at all?

Christmas Day is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, a real event that occurred for certain, but likely in a different time of the year than is currently celebrated.

The Star of Bethlehem led the wise men bringing gifts.

Scientists have calculated the star to be possibly a supernova, a planetary ‘conjunction’ during overlapping orbits, a comet, or an optical effect, an occulation, in which an object in the sky, the moon or another object, has passed in front of another planet or star, blocking its view, then passing by and uncovering the previously blocked or hidden view. “It’s a miracle,” observers might have thought.

What ever the reason, “Christmas is the reason for the season” and the early church, possibly as early as two hundred years after the event, tried to localize the celebration to a time fitting for the event. It was a time of

Campbell

Continued from page 4A Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The three French Hens represent either the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh given by the Magi or the virtues of faith, hope and charity. Four Calling or “Colly” (black) Birds are the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We love the emphasis given in the song to five golden rings, understood to underscore the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Old Testament.

Six Geese a laying are the precepts of the church: church attendance, confession of sin, Holy communion, fasting and repentance, tithing and generosity, and upholding the marriage

Christ’s Mass, a church service to celebrate the birth.

Santa was unknown, generally, but Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas were around in Europe, rewarding good children with presents delivered on December 24.

It was the time of year after the crops were in, and the fields were to cold or wet to work. It was an ‘inside’ time, with people huddled in front of a roaring fire to stay warm, and if you were inside, warm and comfortable, with a cellar full of food, it was a time of joy, and possibly a time to share the joy, both within the family and with those outside the family. Community celebrations of the winter time season merged with the notion of a benevolent Father Christmas who kept track of such things and passed out ‘boons’ to the good, the worthy. Children who misbehaved got a lump of coal in their stockings.

Merchants loved the whole idea and an entire industry has sprung up to fulfill the needs of the season, whether spiritual in nature, or crassly commercial.

Most Americans celebrate a blended version, remembering the birth of the Christ child, the events of the birth, and a suitable reflection on the meaning of it all, as my family did at one of my favorite things of all time, the midnight High Mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Augusta, Ga., a festival of lights, of incense, of solemnity and song, the thready opening to ‘Ave Maria’, the piercing trumpets call, ‘Adeste Fidelis’ from the choir loft festooned with greenery, and ‘Joy To The World’ as the finale brought home the event of the birth.

After the mass, hopefully dozing children were snuggled in their beds, sugarplums dancing away, the menfolk were off to bed, and my grandmother, the sainted lady, got the turkey ready and in the oven and cooking underway, to try to grab a couple of hours of sleep before preparing the house and grand meal for the visiting kin and rush of guests that would begin trickling in midmorning.

It was a time of joy, even though the visiting family engaged in their perennial squabbles, with one family occupying the basement,

another group having the upstairs bedroom, but all at various times of the day circulating around and through the celebration, petty quarrels forgotten for the moment, and ending in the general agreement that this was the ‘best ever’.

By three o’clock in the afternoon, it was done, nothing but empty plates and turkey bones left on the dining room table, a couple of olives and a half tube of canned cranberry sauce remaining on the condiment tray, the tree looking disheveled, and empty boxes and wrapping paper piled up around the base.

My grandfather had retired to his chair with his cigar, and the family dispersed around the room on sofa and chairs, around the table in the kitchen, or napping. It was the another ‘best ever’ regardless of the weather, and I would be outside skating up and down the sidewalk on my new skates, never mind the pall of cold drizzle that covered the land on that day.

For some reason, it seemed to be always cold and drizzly on Christmas Day, like it ought to be, maybe, to bring it indoors, a time of family together.

Yes, a 75-degree day and a walk on the beach might be pleasant, but it lacks something, the connection with the ‘chestnuts roasting by an open fire’ has given way to cooking chestnuts in the microwave.

I tried reliving the memory.

The microwave chestnut cooking suggestions included ‘potato’ as the setting. I punched in 3 minutes, and left the microwave to perform its wonders. A couple of minutes into the adventure the sound coming from the kitchen had changed quite a bit and I ran back in to find the microwave engulfed in smoke! The chestnuts were on fire! Yes, flames! The house quickly filled with smoke – time to change the battery in the smoke detector – and the chestnuts were black through and through, burned to a crisp. Going traditional, I roasted some in the oven. Perfect.

Times change, often for the better, but go carefully into the future. Is it as satisfying as times remembered?

Merry Christmas, everybody, and try to build pleasant memories this year to serve you well later.

covenant. Some versions say they could also represent the Genesis Creation Story in which God created the world in six days. The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are the seven Swans a swimming. The eight maids a milking represent the Beatitudes preached by Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount.

The nine ladies dancing indicate either the fruits of the spirit or choirs of angels.

Easily recognized are the ten Lords a leaping, symbols for the Ten Commandments.

Eleven Pipers piping can only stand for the eleven faithful Disciples and the twelve Drummers drumming are the twelve beliefs spelled out in The Apostles Creed.

Whether the lore surrounding this traditional Christmas song is true or not the mnemonics can help in

remembering and valuing them. PNC reports that today the twelve gifts would cost $34,131.

Most of us don’t face the threats of persecution represented in the legend but we know they exist today in the forms of discrimination, prejudice, war and injustice.

In a world where one in four North Carolina children face food anxiety and one in thirty is without a home there are indeed battles to fight to make this a world where suffering and depravation are eliminated.

So the next time you hear “The Twelve Days of Christmas” be mindful of what these gifts represent and cost, remembering this is truly the season for giving, not just to loved ones or friends, but to those in need. These are the priceless gifts of Christmas.

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My 82-year-old mother is having some trouble keeping up with her bills, and I just found out that she has been making a lot of small contributions to suspicious charities.

Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Millions of adult children today serve as financial helpers to their elderly or ill parents or other loved ones. They provide services like paying bills, handling deposits and investments, filing insurance claims, preparing taxes and more.

Here are some tips and resources that can help you help your mom.

Have a talk.

Taking on some or all of the financial responsibility of an elderly parent or other loved one can sometimes be awkward and difficult.

The first step in helping your mom is to have a thoughtful and respectful talk with her, expressing your concerns, and offering your help in simplifying her financial life. If you have siblings, it can be a good idea to get them involved too. This can help you head off any possible hard feelings, plus, with others involved, your mom will know everyone is concerned.

Get organized If your mom is willing to let you help manage her financial affairs your first order of business is to get organized by making a list of her financial accounts, and locate her important legal documents. This will help you get a handle on her

Hill

Continued from page 4A are. Slinking around under cover of night and avoiding employment for the sake of easy money demonstrates the level of bravado you possess.

I am watching. And, you will be caught eventually.

While my law-abiding family and I continue to enjoy

overall financial situation and let you know if any key documents are missing.

Your list should include her: s-ONTHLY BILLS 0HONE

cable, water and trash, gas, electric, credit card accounts, etc. s&INANCIAL ACCOUNTS Including bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, safe-deposit boxes and any other financial assets she has. s#OMPANY BENElTS !NY retirement plans, pensions or health benefits from your current or former employer. s)NSURANCE POLICIES ,IFE

home, auto, long-term care, Medicare, etc.

Important legal documents: A will, advanced medical directive which includes a living will and health-care proxy, and durable power of attorney which gives one or more people the legal authority to handle her finances if she becomes incapacitated.

Make sure these documents are prepared. s4AXES #OPIES OF YOUR mom’s income tax returns over the past few years. ºContact list: Names and phone numbers of key contacts like insurance agents, financial advisor, tax preparer, family attorney, etc.

Seek advice If your mom has considerable assets or a complex financial situation, you and your mom should sit down with her financial advisor or attorney to review her the spoils that come with hard work, you will be making new friends in a North Carolina corrections facility. Perhaps you’ll become roomies with Handy Hank, otherwise known as inmate #781423 from cellblock D, a friendly guy who has a knack for homemade tattooing and late-night snuggling.

But, don’t let Hank’s massive size intimidate you. As long as you stay still and

situation. If she doesn’t have anyone, consider hiring a reputable fee-only financial planner who can help you figure things out and put a smart plan in place. Fee-only planners do not earn commissions by selling you financial products. They charge only for their services, which can be around $150 to $300 an hour. To locate one in your area, visit napfa.org or garrettplanningnetwork.com.

Simplify financial tasks One of the easiest ways to simplify your mom’s monthly financial chores is to set up automatic payments for her utilities and other routine bills, and arrange for direct deposit of her income sources. You can also make arrangements to have her bank statements mailed directly to you, so you can monitor what’s coming in and going out each month. Or, you could set up your mom’s online banking service (if available), so you can pay bills and monitor her account anytime.

For more tips on financial caregiving, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers four guides on “Managing Someone Else’s Money” that you can read online at consumerfinance.gov/blog/managingsomeone-elses-money.

If you need some help or live far away, you may want to consider hiring a daily money manager.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. remain quiet and cooperative, Hank will be friendly.

The words cell phone and gated community will take on a whole new meaning as you learn new skills such as shank making.

When you find yourself in the cantones, I hope you enjoy the Jack Mack at jug-up and be on the lookout for the jockers. Your world is going to be rocked.

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Education

Pender-Topsail Post Post & & Voice, Voice, Thursday, Thursday, December December 24, 24, 2015, 2015, Page Page 6A 6A Pender-Topsail

Create new holiday traditions

(StatePoint) The winter months come with many gifts to wrap and unwrap, parties to plan, family-style meals to whip up -- the list goes on. Now more than ever, technology can help us get creative with how to make time with family more meaningful, and then help us capture all the fun so the memories last far longer than just a moment.

Here’s how to get started. s-AKE THINGS TO SHARE )Nteractive computers such as Sprout by HP are recreating what it means to make things by merging the physical and digital worlds. Sprout is what (0 CALLS AN )MMERSIVE #OMputer; it comes with a touch screen, touch mat, overhead projector, HD camera and 3D scanner. s$O IT YOURSELF DECORATING )F YOU RE IN THE MOOD TO GET crafty with the family, you can make non-traditional items such as garlands out of leftover sprinkles from holiday baking. JoJotastic.com blogger, Joanna Hawley, doesn’t Photo contributed throw away leftover ingrediThis little piggy didn’t go to market – she went to Cape Fear Elementary, where the principal, Mr. Charles Chestnut, ents; instead she recycles them gave her a big kiss. Students raised $300 for the PTO through a Kiss the Pig contest this week. Mr. Chestnut won, for a decorating project. Take her lead by throwing some beating Mrs. Braune. sprinkles on the touch mat to scan, print and cut the images into your favorite shape. Then, tie each piece to ribbon and voila, festive garlands to hang on the wall for any holiday party! s"EAT HOLIDAY BOREDOM

The K-kids at North Topsail Elementary School organized a canned food drive.

Spending time at home can be a nostalgic, cheerful expeRIENCE "UT BETWEEN BAKING pumpkin muffins and holiday shopping, there are bound to be stretches of free time -- esPECIALLY FOR THE KIDS "ORROW a few tips from LunchboxDad. COM BLOGGER "EAU #OFFRON

who uses creative holiday boredom busters to keep the KIDS BUSY ,IKE "EAU AND HIS family, you can explore apps LIKE #RAYOLA $* TO BRIGHTEN up a chilly winter day. The kids will love interacting with the projected turnstiles on the touch mat to show off their musical skills. s$IRECT A FAMILY VIDEO 'IVE the traditional family video a new twist by recording quirky moments and piecing them together on apps like Video #APTURE ,UNCHBOX $AD LIKES the eye-catching DreamWorks Story Producer app that lets you create and direct your own How to Train Your Dragon animated film. You can even choose the difficulty level. Try challenging the family to see who can get the fastest time! s$ON T FORGET TO SHARE 7HEN used imaginatively, technology can unite the family to inspire new, meaningful traditions. #ELEBRATE YOUR CREATIONS ON social media by sharing the HASHTAG 'O-AKE4HINGS AND see what others have created with f amily this holiday season.

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The Trask High School Key Club collected dozens of gifts for elementary school students in Pender County.

Photo contributed

Malpass Corner Elementary and West Pender Middle partnered with area sponsors to provide gifts to 62 children this holiday.

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Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 7A

Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman. com.

Joseph William Waseleski CLARKSVILLE, TENN, -- Joseph William Waseleski, age 81, of Clarksville, Tenn., passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Morganton, N.C. Joseph was born July 7, 1934, in Norwood, Mass., to the late Joseph William Waseleski and Hazel Rowell Waseleski. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lona Comey Waseleski; two sons, Mark Waseleski and Jay Waseleski; and stepdaughter, Cheryllann Hause.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Sylvia Waseleski; two sons, Joseph Victor Waseleski of Foxboro, Mass. and Craig Waseleski of Maine; two stepsons, Gary Audette of Dorchester, Mass. and Jay Audette of Clarksville, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.

Joseph’s remains are to be cremated and buried at a later date, in St. Mary Cemetery, in Foxboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman

Year review

Continued from page 2A April 23 Burgaw Police Chief suspended amid reorganization Town officials suspended Police Chief Montrina Sutton and announced a reorganization of the town’s police department.

In an announcement released late Monday afternoon, town manager Chad McEwen said Sutton will begin serving a two-week disciplinary related suspension beginning at 5 p.m. April 20.

For mer Burg aw Police Chief Wayne Briley will serve as acting administrative police chief during Sutton’s suspension.

Demetrice Keith to take seat on county board Pender County Democrats elected Demetrice Keith to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner Jimmy Tate.

Tate resigned earlier this month due to job obligations.

Pender County Democratic Party Chairman James Faison Jr. made the announcement. Commission Chairman David Williams says Keith will be sworn in at the next board meeting May 11.

April 30 Reorganization underway at Burgaw Police Dept.

With former Burgaw Police Chief Wayne Briley in

Obituaries

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you consider a memorial gift to Cora’s Grove P.F.W.B. Church for World Missions and/or Crusader Youth Camp, 4875 Cora’s Grove Road, Watha, NC 28478.

Myrtle will be spending Christmas in heaven. Halleluiah!

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com. The family was served by Quinn McGowen Funeral Home.

Myrtle Blanton Holder BURGAW -- Myrtle Blanton Holder, 90, of Burgaw departed her earthly life to be welcomed into her Heavenly home on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. She was at her home surrounded with love by her precious family.

She was born May 16, 1925 in Pender County, one of ten children born to Alfred Sivie and Lily Wells Blanton. Also she was predeceased by her beloved husband, C. Curtis Holder.

Myrtle is survived by her daughters, Mary Lillie H. Avery (Gary) and Carolyn H. Carlyle (Billy); grandchildren, Aubrey Avery (Susana), Joy A. Harman (Kristopher), Jessica Angelica Guillemette (Adam), Michael Carlyle, and Rhonda VanCleave (Robert); great grandchildren, Jhoselinne Meza (Ethan), Zachary Harman, Michael Avery, Elizabeth Harman, Emma Cate Guillemette, and Adelyn Harman; sister, Lois B. Cromer and Janie B. Spell;

and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

What a blessed and Christian life Myrtle lived as she was a shining example to family and friends. For 39 years she taught elementary school, 37 years in North Carolina and two years in South Carolina.

Her benevolent spirit reached beyond her membership to Cora’s Grove P.F.W.B. Church.

She was founder of P.F.W.B. Crusader Youth Camp, served on several committees of the P.F.W.B. Conference and also served on the Missions Board and Bible College Board. In her local church she taught Sunday school, was director of Girls and Ladies Auxiliary, and served as youth director and choir director.

Not only was Myrtle a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, but a generous and supportive friend to many. She loved being outdoors in God’s beautiful nature working in her garden. Myrtle was known for her wisdom, thoughtfulness, generosity, and humility, and for her great devotion to her family, loyalty to friends and faithful service to her church and community.

The family received friends 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw. A Celebration honoring Myrtle’s life was at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Cora’s Grove Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Little, Rev. Dr. Herbert Carter, Rev. Dean Walker, and Rev. W. E. Smith officiating.

Burial followed in Riverview Memorial Park with Rev. Baris Lanier and Rev. Preston Heath officiating.

charge as acting administrative chief, Burgaw officials are looking at the police department with an eye toward reorganization.

Chief Montrina Sutton was given a two-week suspension April 20. She is scheduled to return May 4.

“We are looking at a study of our needs and that is one thing Wayne is working on,” said town manager Chad McEwen. “We have known for some time we need more emphasis on patrol. We found we were top-heavy with command staf f. That was the reason behind the reduction in force of the captain and majorís positions. We are going to put a lot of weight on Wayne’s opinion. He is a former chief and has a lot of insight and knowledge.”

Attempted break-in leads to gunfire and manhunt A man with addresses in Kelly and Teachey is under $1.5 million secured bond after a homeowner stopped a breakin attempt with a shotgun.

According to arrest reports, James Calvin King, 29, was confronted by a homeowner Thursday while King was allegedly attempting to break into a home near the NC 53/ NC 11 intersection.

King, who is the suspect in more than 20 break-ins in Kelly, White Oak and Ammon, was captured after a multi-agency manhunt near Haw Bluff Baptist Church.

May 7 Tax increase in 2016-16 budget is unavoidable As Pender County Commissioners wrestle with the new 2015-16 budget, one hard truth is clear – county residents will see an increase in the tax rate.

“A tax increase is unavoidable,” said Commission Chairman David Williams.

“We made no bones about that over the past year ñ for the county projects that have been done and the upcoming school projects. There is no way around it. We have been up front about that.”

Williams stopped short of saying how much of an increase taxpayers could expect, but said the board would have the budget ready in the next 30 days.

County fund balance dips, affects budget The Pender County unassigned fund balance has dipped to just over $8 million, according to Pender County manager Randall Woodruff.

Unassigned fund balance is money that is not assigned or encumbered to designated projects.

The fund balance, which was at $18.77 million in 2010, has been on a steady decline as spending on projects increased and tax revenue remained flat.

May 14 Burgaw Police Chief resigns Montrina Sutton has resigned as Burg aw Police

Chief. In a press release dated May 8, Burgaw Town Manager Chad McEwen announced Sutton’s resignation effective May 6, following two weeks of disciplinary suspension which ended May 5.

McEwen says Sutton was required to give two weeks notice for the resignation, and was given two weeks of paid administrative leave during the notice period.

Former Burgaw Police Chief Wayne Briley is serving as acting administrative chief for the Burgaw Police Department.

TS Anaís visit leaves rain, but little else Tropical Stor m Ana

This Week’s CROSSWORD

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com. The family was served by Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.

Larry Walter Olesen ROCKY POINT -- Larry Walter Olesen, 75, of Rocky Point passed from his earthly life on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 at Ashe Gardens Memory Care in Burgaw.

Born on Dec. 28, 1939 in Portland, Maine, Larry was the son of the late Theodore Olesen and Marjorie Hansen Olesen Glander.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Annette Huggins Olesen, daughters, Candice O. Alexander (Rick) and Tamron Waters (Jeff); grandchildren Danielle Alexander and Lacey Waters; brother, Bill Olesen; sister, Diana Slater as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 at St. Mary’s EpiscopalLutheran Church, 506 S. McNeil Burgaw with the Rev. Ron Abrams officiating. A visitation preceded the service from 3-4 p.m. held in the Fellowship Hall. At other times the family received friends at the Olesen residence.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you consider a memorial gifts to St. Mary’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church, PO Box841, Burgaw NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com. The family was served by Quinn-McGowen

Mary Miller Murray BURGAW -- Mary Miller Murray, 85, of Burgaw passed gently from her earthly life on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at the home of her son, Richard.

She was born Oct. 18, 1930 in Duplin County, the daughter of the late John Richard Miller and Ida Heath Miller Hall. Also remembered are daughters, Linda Fussell and Janice Harrell and two grandchildren, all who preceded Mary in death.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Connie Murray; sons, Richard Murray (Nancy Croom), Larry Murray (Dawn), Frank Murray, and Raymond Murray; eight grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sisters, Ruby Taylor, Sandra Rivenbark, and Lou Rackley; and many extended family and friends.

She was a devoted member of Mt. Holley Baptist Church.

The memorial service was held at 11 a.m Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at English-Brown VFW Post 9161 in Wallace with Reverend Horace Hawes officiating.

Funeral Home of Burgaw.

Reed Brady Smith WILMINGTON -- Reed Brady Smith, 70, of Wilmington passed peacefully from his earthly life on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice with family by his bedside.

He was born Dec. 24, 1944 in Wilmington, the son of Reed and Leola Gore Smith.

Also remembered is Reed’s niece, Carol Ann Smith who preceded him in death.

Reed is survived by his cherished wife, Ellen Barnhill Smith; daughter, Holly L. Bowden (Tracy Houston); son, Darren Brady Smith (Melissa); grandchildren, Elizabeth Johnson, Ashleigh Bowden, Caleb Smith and Oliver Smith; brother, Steve Smith (Catherine); and many extended family and friends.

T h e f a m i l y r e c e iv e d friends at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at Wrightsboro Baptist Church with service beginning at noon. The Rev. Dr. Brad Harrison and The Rev. Mike Lewis conducted the service. Burial followed in Black River Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 65 Eddie Jones Road, Ivanhoe.

The family would like to thank you for all acts of kindness bestowed upon us during Reed’s lengthy illness.

May the Lord continue to bless you as He has us, Reed’s family Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen. com. The family was served

by Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home .and Cremation Center of Burgaw.

brought heavy rain and wind to Pender County last weekend, dumping more than four inches of rain across the county. Rain bands from the unusual early season storm began to move across Pender

County Saturday, but the heaviest rain and wind gusts came Sunday as Ana made landfall near Myrtle Beach.

Continued on page 10A

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Pender Sports

Pender-TopsailPost Post& &Voice, Voice,Thursday Thursday December24, 24,2015, 2015, Page Page 8A 8A Pender-Topsail ,,December

Titan men hammer Union Spartans

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer The Heide Trask men’s basketball team is rapidly developing a reputation of being one of the premier 1A basketball programs in the eastern part of the state.

Last week they were forced to reschedule their opening Four County Conference game with Wallace – Rose hill due to the Bulldogs run to the stet title. That may have been the best thing that could have happened to the Bulldogs.

However, the Union Spartans suffered the wrath of the well-rested Titans as the home team used a 25-5 second quarter to pull away from the Spartans 64-40.

The scouting report on the Titans has been to try and force them into a halfcourt game. The Spartans attempted to do that in the early going but found little success.

Seniors Kobe Owsley and Johnathan Jordan worked the boards while the Titan backcourt exploited the Spartan perimeter to the tune of a 13-9 lead after one quarter of play.

Owsley opened the second period with 1-2 free throws to extend the lead to 14-9. In the next two minutes the Titans went on an 11-1 run to extend the lead to 25-10. Owsley scored six in a row to give the

Titans a 31-12 lead and the rout was on. The home team Titan boys carried a 38-14 lead into the break.

The Titan defense forced Union into 10 turnovers in the first 16 minutes. Coach Orr’s crew dialed in on the defensive end in the third frame and wreaked havoc on the Spartan offense.

Union again tried to slow the Titans down in the third frame. The Sparts kept pace with the Titans in the third eight minute session but could not cut into the lead.

The Titans took a 50-28 lead into the final frame.

With the game well in hand Coach Orr substituted freely.

The Titans second five were better than the Spartans first five and the Titans were able to get out on the break. The final margin of 24 points was not indicative of the Titans complete domination of the visiting Spartans.

The Titans had three players in double figures led by senior Tynaffitt Davis (14) and Johnathan Jordan (14). Owsley finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Titans, (4-1/1-0) will participate in the Nathan gay Holiday tournament at Union this week before playing in the Cape Fear academy Christmas tournament the following week.

Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew

Jacquan London looks for an opening along the baseline.

Lady Pirates open conference play with losses to Hoggard, Laney

By Lee Wagner Contributing Sports Writer

of the credit goes to the Laney players and their coaches, they just took us out of our game.”

Topsail managed just seven shots in each of the first and second quarters, converting on 4-of-14 while turning the ball more than 15 times.

Melville had the hot hand early for Laney (6-3, 1-0), scoring four points in the first quarter and five in the second in leading the Lady Buccaneers to an 18-9 halftime.

With their senior leaders (Keri White and Brandy Williams were both scoreless) unable to get on track, the Lady Pirates continued to struggle offensively in the second half, scoring eight in the third quarter and six in the final eight minutes. Edwards too up the offensive slack for Laney with six in the third period and five in the fourth.

Sophomore Carmen Pyrtle came off the bench to lead Topsail with seven points, four rebounds, and a steal. Junior Dominique Bryant had six, freshman Lauren Caveness had four, and senior Amberly Wolf had four. Freshman Payton Little came off the bench to score two9 points and pull down four rebounds.

The Lady Pirates came into the Hoggard game unbeaten but they simply had not run into a well-coached, athletic team that played defense like the Lady Vikings.

Topsail struggled to get their offense going against

Continued on page 9A

Pender men fall to Clinton, can’t handle Midway The Pender Patriots Four County Conference schedule seems to be front loaded with the Clinton Dark Horses and Midway Raiders on the opening bill. ,The Pats have played a tough non-conference slate in an attempt to prepare for those tough openers. That strategy seems to have made little difference as the Patriots lost at Clinton 75-62 early in the week before dropping

a home game to Midway 7151.

In the Clinton contest the Patriots were victimized by a poor second quarter that saw the Dark Horses outscore the Patriots 20-4. Clinton had a 42-24 lead at the break.

The Patriots cut the lead to 14 at 56-42 heading into the fourth stanza. A 20-19 Pender advantage was not enough to offset the 16-point deficit that the Patriots faced in the second period.

Rodney Hansley led the

Patriots with 19 points including three treys while Jarious Williams added eight.

The second game of the week was a home affair with the undefeated Midway Raiders. Again the Patriots were the victims of a bad second period with the Raiders outscoring the home team Pats 19-9.

Pender held a 17-14 lead after the first quarter. The 10-point deficit in the second period gave the Raiders a seven point lead at the break.

They extended the lead to 15 points after three periods and coasted to the win.

Hansley again led the Patriots with 16 points but the Pender crew shot just 37 percent from the field and 16-26 from the free throw line. The Pats were 1-10 from beyond the arc.

Pender (2-6/0-2) will attempt to get back on track with an appearance in the Dixon Christmas tournament this week. They resume conference play Jan. 4.

Topsail men lose to Hoggard, Laney

By Lee Wagner Contributing Sports Writer When a team struggles, especially at the beginning of a season and under a new heads coach, it tends to struggle mightily, and that has definitely been the case for the Topsail High Schoolboys’ basketball team.

So far, when the defense is clicking, the offense is struggling, and vice-versa.

The only game the Pirates have put things completely together was in the 54-46 win over White Oak on Dec. 1. The inconsistency reared its ugly head again this past week as play began in the tough MidEastern 3A/4A Conference.

Junior Chris Bennett and freshman Sherod Sidbury each scored 18 points to offset three Pirates in double figures as Laney held off Topsail 64-59 on Friday in

www.facebook.com/PostVoice www.facebook.com/PostVoice

In My Opinion

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer

After cruising through six subpar teams and surviving a tough battle against Coastal Christian Academy, the Topsail High School girls’ basketball team took that step up to Mid-Eastern 3A/4A Conference play last week feeling pretty optimistic.

But teams like Dixon, Pender, Trask, and yes, even Coastal Christian, were no match for was ahead, and the Lady Patriots found out they have to turn it up more than a few notches to be competitive in this tough, well-balanced league.

Senior Baley Edwards scored 14 points – 11 in the second half – and sophomore Lexi Melville had 13 – nine in the first half –as Laney defeated Topsail 44-23 Friday in the Michael Jordan Gymnasium at Laney.

The Lady Pirates (7-2, 0-2) struggled mightily to crack the Lady Buccaneers’ defense, and were unable to handle the Laney press. Topsail committed 27 turnovers in the game.

“Obviously, I am very disappointed,” said Topsail Coach Andrew Ellington, who was hoping for a better present as he celebrated his birthday on Saturday. “I think, like in the Hoggard game, we fell behind early and it takes a lot of energy to get back into a game. We did not have that Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew tonight.

“We also didn’t handle the The Lady Pirates will see action again on Dec. 29 in the press they through at us. All Cape Fear Academy Holiday Tournament.

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer

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the Buccaneers’ conference opener.

The Pirates started strong behind the sharpshooting of freshman D. J. Montano (16 points), who hit three long three-point jumpers in the second quarter to help lead the Pirates to a 22-20 halftime advantage.

The lead seesawed backand-forth in the third quarter with the Pirates maintaining a one-point lead (40-39)

with 1:237 left in the stanza.

But a cheap – and totally unnecessary technical foul call against Topsail Coach Jamie Rochelle for being out of the coaching box (no warning, a usual courtesy, was given.

Chase Rhew converted both free throws to give the Buccaneers a 41-40 lead heading into the final eight minutes – a lead they would never re-

Continued on page 9A

Almost every high school athlete dreams of making it big. They hope to get a scholarship and attend college. The dream does not stop there. They want to become the next Michael Jordan or Stef Curry.

While I don’t want to discourage anyone who dreams the dream, I want to make sure that these young folk know that no matter how good you are on the court of field, if you don’t do the class work you don’t see the field.

For the female athlete there are very few full athletic scholarships available. Most Universities do not have an abundance of scholarships to offer a volleyball player or a softball player. In fact, if you talk to many of the young ladies from our area that played sports in college they will tell you that they were offered a partial scholarship.

The rest was either paid out of their pockets or was paid via student loans.

My old buddy Ron Watson’s daughter Marie was a 4A star in softball. She played at Hoggard and went to the state championship. She was the real

deal, a left-hander that could throw the softball hard and hit it with power.

She did everything well.

Marie Watson was a division one prospect for sure.

When it came time for her to decide where she was going to attend college she was offered by several schools. However, like most female athletes, she was offered a partial athletic scholarship. Marie was one of the smart ones.

She had excellent grades and was given an academic scholarship as well. She played division one softball and graduated from Appalachian State. She has taught school and is very successful.

Without that academic scholarship she may well have had to get a student loan. Most people will tell you that a student loan is the last resort.

If you are a female student-athlete with an eye toward college you will need to keep your grades up and study extra hard. It really does not matter how good you are on the court or in the field.

What really matters is that GPA and SAT score.

Without the grades you are just an athlete. Without the student in front of the word athlete you will never make it in college.

I know many young men and women from Pender County that have earned their degree as a studentathlete. They all say the same thing. Make sure that you have the grades.

Going into college with an inflated GPA is a recipe for failure. It’s all about the grades.

Post & Voice Top Performers

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer Last week was a busy one for the area high schools as they prepared for the Christmas break. The Lady Titan basketball team dropped two conference games last week.

However, they came close to earning their first win of the season before falling to Union. Markayla Ballard scored 13 in the loss while Jaleah Lee scored 10.

The Pender girls dropped two conference games as well.

Freshman Ratavia Merritt led the Pats in both games.

Rodney Hansley led the Pender boys last week in their two losses. He averaged 17.5 points a game.

The Topsail Lady Pirates have found life in the MidEastern Conference tough compared to their non-conference opponents. Sophomore Carmen Pyrtle came off the bench to lead Topsail with seven points, four rebounds, and a steal against Laney while junior Dominique Bryant had six. Keir White led Topsail in their loss to Hoggard with 17 points.

The Topsail men were winless last week. D.J. Montano led Topsail in their loss to Laney with 16 points while Alec Baker added 15 on five three-pointers. Michael Dillion scored 10 points.

The Topsail swimmers were action last week. 17 swimmers topped their personal best at the meet with .

Drew Marshall had a second-place finish (2:08.62) in the girls’ 200 freestyle along with a second in the 500 freestyle.

On the boys’ side, Brandon Croom was second in the 100 butterfly and fourth in the 100 individual medley.

The Trask Titan men’s basketball team won their only game of the week in fine fashion over Union. Tynaffitt Davis and Johnathan Jordan each scored 14 points to lead the Titans.

Kobe Owsley had a big week for the Titans. He was accepted to East Carolina University and followed that news up with a 13 point seven rebound performance against Union. He is this week’s Top Performer. .

Lady Titans drop two

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer At the beginning of the year Trask ladies basketball coach Marcus Ballard talked about what he was looking for out of his young basketball team. He never mentioned wins and losses.

He only talked about improving. If that is what the first year coach is judging his team by then he may look at last week as a successful campaign as the Lady Titans fell to the Wallace – Rose Hill Bulldogs 58-43 early in the week before losing a tough

game to the Union Lady Spartans 42-38.

“We’re improving in a hurry,” said Ballard. “We have a lot of girls that have never played organized basketball and it is hurting us on the offensive end. I see a lot of improvement. I expect us to be clicking by the second round of conference games.”

The Lady Titans played the Bulldogs close in the first quarter with Wallace only holding a one point advantage after eight minutes. The Titan offense sputtered a bit in the

Continued on page 9A

Pender-Topsail Post Post & & Voice, Voice, Thursday Thursday,, December December 24, 24,2015, 2015,Page Page9A 9A Pender-Topsail

On the Mat

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer

The three high schools are preparing for the busy season that begins in earnest after the holidays. Trask wrestled early in the week beating both East Carteret 45-30 and Lejuene 53-30.

The Titans had seven grapplers go 2-0 on the night including Bradley Johnson, Joseph Chung, Dakota Fredenhall, Eric Lopez, Jose Juarez, Kyle Hancock and Jesus Dominguez.

Topsail Pirates dropped a 61-12 decision at home against Ashley last week.

Winners for Topsail, which was forced to take forfeits in four weight classes were Zarion McRae with a forfeit win, and Tyler Dempsey at 170 pounds with a pin over Ashley’s Nathan Ellen in one minute.

The Titans hosted a tournament at their place last weekend. Coach Chris Johnsons team went 1-4 with its only win against South Brunswick 40-29. The top grapplers were Dakota Fredendall 4-1, Kyle Hancock 4-1 and Joseph Chung 3-0.

The top wrestlers going into the Christmas break for Trask are Bradley Johnson 20-9, Dakota Fredendall 18-8, Jo-

Sculthorpe drops wrestling to prepare for college football

By Lee Wagner Contributing Sports Writer

seph Chung 16-4 and Kyle Hancock 11-3.

The top six grapplers 1 Alpha Barrow-Pender 2 Joseph Chung-Trask 3 Bradley Johnson-Trask 4 Kristian Still-Pender 5 Kyle Hancock Trask 6 Dakota Fredendall Trask

Topsail Sports Roundup

By Lee Wagner Contributing Sports Writer The Christmas and New Years’ break is upon us for most sports, although the Topsail High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will be competing in the Cape fear Academy Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28-31.

The Pirate swim teams and wrestling team wrapped up competition this past week with the swimmers doing well and the short-handed wrestling team suffering through some growing pains. s3WIMMING The Pirate teams competed in a fourteam Mid-Eastern 3A/4A Conference meet at the UNCWilmington Natatorium last Thursday and both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished third in the team scoring.

Topsail

Continued from page 8A linquish.

Laney (6-3, 1-0) opened the final period on a run and the Pirates (1-8, 0-2) never totally recovered. Down 10 (58-48) with 2:06 remaining in regulation, Topsail charged back.

Drew Bagwell started the rally with a pair of free throws as the Pirates went on a 11-6 run over that final twoplus minutes. However, Top-

Lady Titans

Continued from page 8A second quarter and trailed the Bulldogs by eight points at the break. “We’re just taking bad shots,� said Ballard.

The Lady Bulldo gs extended their lead in the third

Lady Pirates

Continued from page 8A Hoggard’s zone defense and made one field goal over the course of the first eight minutes. White had the two-pointer and added a free throw to go along with a charity toss

by Bryant and the four points was all the hosts had on the scoreboard at the end of the quarter.

Bannerman brings muscle to Trask basketball

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer When the Heide Trask Titan varsity basketball coaching staff runs a practice, there is no doubt that there is plenty of fire power. With a bevy of shooting guards that can fill it up the team does not lack for fire power.

There are a limited number of players that like the contact that happens in the paint on a nightly basis. Senior forward Kansas Bannerman is one of those players.

Bannerman is one of those players that does not mind getting down and dirty inside. He hits the boards with a vengeance each and every play.

Kansas does the dirty work that is vital to a teams success. Without him the Titans would not be the team that they are going into the Four County Conference season.

There is no doubt that Kansas Bannerman provides the muscle for the Trask Titan basketball team.

New Hanover won the girls’ competition with 107 points, followed by Hoggard (78), Topsail (58), and Ashley (19). Hoggard won the boys’ competition with 126 points, followed by Ashley (58), Topsail (57), and New Hanover (49).

Individual titles did not come easily for the Pirate individuals although 27 individual Topsail swimmers achieved personal-best times in the meet.

Drew Marshall had a second-place finish (2:08.62) in the girls’ 200 freestyle, just .49 behind New Hanover winner Rihanne Hsu (2:08.13), and a second in the 500 freestyle (5:35.14) behind New Hanover’s Brynn Jewel (5:34.00). Three girls – Liza Martin (2911), Ally Pagans (29.60), and MacKenna Mc-

Culen (30.02) – finished fifth, sixth, and eighth, respectively, in the 50 yard freestyle, and Danielle Swiss (1:00.76) was second in the 100 freestyle behind Ashley’s Sydney Westra (58.45), and third in the 100 backstroke (1:14.17).

Swiss, Marshall, Scout Pennington, and Kersten Parrella joined forces to finish second (4:13.39) in the 400 freestyle relay.

On the boys’ side, Brandon Croom was second (1:01.40) in the 100 butterfly and fourth (2:17.33) in the 100 individual medley.

Topsail is now off until Wednesday (Jan. 6) at Brunswick Community College in a conference meet against South and West Brunswick. s7RESTLING The Pirates lost a 61-12 decision at home against Ashley this past

Wednesday, just days after learning their standout senior heavyweight Joe Sculthorpe gave up the sport to concentrate on getting ready for his collegiate football career at North Carolina State University.

Winners for Topsail, which was forced to take forfeits at 220 pounds, 285, and183, were 120-pounder Zarion McRae with a forfeit win, and Tyler Dempsey at 170 pounds where he pinned Ashley’s Nathan Ellen in 1:00.

The Pirates, with 14 freshmen among their 22 wrestlers, will next wrestle at the Big Horn Duals in Havelock on Friday (Jan. 1) and Saturday (Jan. 2). The next conference match is Jan. 6 ay West Brunswick.

sail was forced to foul and the Buccaneers hit on 6-of-8 charity tosses down the stretch to complete the victory. “I thought offensively we played well, at times it was the best we played this year,� Rochelle said. “Defensively we struggled to stop penetration and we didn’t have good help defense, something I knew we’d struggle with this year but we have to keep working on that. “What we need to do is just hang in there. We have a lot of basketball yet to play and

I told them we are making steps. In the past had we gotten down 10 with a couple of minutes left (down 58-48 with 2:06 remaining) we would have lost by 20. But we hung in there, we were still fighting to the end. We’ll get there.�

Montano led Topsail with 16 points (4 treys), Baker added 15 on five three-pointers, and Michael Dillion scored 10 points to pace the Pirates.

Basketball has a simple premise –no matter how good your defense, if you don’t score you chances of winning

roll between slim and none, and that was the case against Hoggard on Tuesday (Dec. 15). “The shots weren’t falling,�

Rochelle said. “We were taking quick shots. I knew they’d play zone on us, and they played it well, but we made the zone look really good because we didn’t do what we were supposed to do. We’ve been working on it and working to get the ball inside and we just didn’t do it.�

The Pirates are off for Christmas week and get back into action on Dec. 29.

frame and went into the final quarter with a 40-23 lead.

The Titans came out for the fourth period on fire. They turned the defensive intensity up. However, the Bulldogs held on for the win.

Next up was another home contest. this time the Titans hosted Union. Again the Titans fell behind early. This time they fought back and

made a game of it before falling by four points.

Union held a four-point lead after three quarters of play and were in good shape heading into the fourth frame. Trask had built some confidence and were looking to earn their first win of the year. The Titans held a 36-35 lead with just under three minutes to play before a steal

and bucket by the Spartans gave the visitors a one point advantage.

Trask was within a point with under a minute to play but could not pull off the win.

Markayla Ballard (13) and Jaleah Lee (10) led the young Titans in scoring.

The Titans (0-6/0-2) will play in the Union Tournament.

The Lady Vikings forced Topsail into eight first-period turnovers with a tenacious press, and scored points on free throws (8) as sophomore guard Mia Boone penetrated the lane and got fouled – making six-of-seven from the stripe. Senior Emma Haywood scored five points in giving Hoggard a 15-4 lead after on stanza.

Williams scored four points for Topsail, freshman Payton Little came off the

bench to score three, Caveness hit a trey, and Bryant added a deuce as the home offense came alive for 12 second-period points to just nine for the Lady Vikings in closing the deficit to eight (24-16) at the intermission.

But a 7-2 run to open the second half, fueled by five points from Haywood, took the steam out of Topsail’s comeback attempt. It was 39-26 after three periods and multiple trips to the free-

throw line allowed the Lady Viking to maintain, and slightly increase, the lead.

Hoggard finished 21-for-29 from the striper in the game, including 11-for-18 in the final period. Haywood finished with 17 points and Boone added 11 for Hoggard. White led Topsail with 17 points – the only Lady Pirate in double figures. “The fact that we committed so many fouls (20 to13 for Hoggard), plus the turnovers

Intrepid Hardware

Dillion plays big for Topsail Pirates hoops

The Pender-Topsail Post & Voice

presents this week’s

Athlete Spotlight

Kansas Bannerman Heide Trask High School

INTREPID HARDWARE Intrepid Square 8206 Hwy. 117 Rocky Point, NC 910-675-1157

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer In the split 3A-4A MidEastern Conference there are many big and strong individuals that play in the paint as well as on the perimeter. As a senior member of a very young Topsail Pirate varsity men’s basketball team senior Michael Dillion has had to play against those imposing figures on a nightly basis.

Thus far the Pirates have struggled to keep pace with those 4A teams. They hope to fair better against the 3A squads.

Michael Dillion has played tough inside the paint as well as on the perimeter for first year coach Jamie Rochelle. He has made some timely baskets and has played hard on the defensive end of the court.

The Pirates have struggled this year. However, they are getting better. With the likes of Mr. Dillion on the floor, it is just a matter of time before the Pirates get over the hump and win a few games.

presents this week’s

Athlete Spotlight

Michael Dillion

Topsail High School

The Media of Record for the People of Pender County 108 W. Wilmington St. • Burgaw, NC 910.259.9111 www.post-voice.com e-mail: posteditor@post-voice.com

Many outstanding, multi-sport high school athletes face the hard choices when faced with the choice of which sport to play in college and, of course, which college to attend.

But often the decisionmaking process doesn’t end there and Topsail High School football and wrestling standout recently found that out after his official visit to the campus of North Carolina State University.

Earlier in his two-sport career Sculthorpe made the decision to follow the football path and he made a verbal commitment to become a member of the 2016 Wolfpack team. With that decision put to rest the talented offensive and defensive lineman set forth to finish his senior year on the wrestling mats, where he had already enjoyed a plethora of success.

Sculthorpe finished second in the state at heavyweight in his freshman season and captured the 2A state championship to end his sophomore campaign before finishing – for him – a somewhat disappointing junior year with a 3A thirdplace finish.

Sculthorpe wanted to make amends for that, as well as work at staying in shape for football, and embarked on his senior year on the mats by going 5-0 and winning the 285-pound weight class gold medal at the Bulldog Invitational.

The five wins pushed his amazing career record to 157-14, inclusive of a 27-0 mark in matches wrestled in the state of South Carolina.

Things were looking good and a trip to the state meet was pretty much assured if he remained healthy until he went to Raleigh over the Dec. 4-6 weekend.

Sculthorpe took notice as to how big and strong the Wolfpack linemen, and most of the players, were, and the realization struck that maybe wrestling wasn’t the best way to get prepared for the collegiate wars. That led to the somewhat stunning decision to give up wrestling and concentrate on strength and conditioning work in order

(25), compounded together made it a pretty long night,�

Ellington said. “I’m guessing the free throws (26-to-11 in Hoggard’s favor) went a long way to determining the final score. “I told them after the game that some of the weaknesses we had in our game in the early wins came back tonight and got exposed, and those are the things that got us.

But we’ll go back to work to-

Vincent plays hard for the Lady Pirates

By Bobby Norris Post & Voice Sports Writer When the Pender Patriot ladies basketball team takes the court there are several players that have the ability to score the basketball.

However, shooting the basketball is only part of playing the sport at the high school level. The defensive part of the game is something that takes heart. Junior Gracie Vincent is one of those players that does the little things including playing defense.

Vincent has honed her skills on the junior varsity team and has worked hard to become a varsity basketball player. She has made the team this year and has earned playing time with her tenacious attitude.

The Lady Patriots are still looking for their first win of the season. Coach Gardner Eakins is leaning on the likes of Miss Vincent and company to come together for a winning cause. Vincent is playing hard for the Lady Patriots.

to get ready for the next step. “It had nothing to do with N. C. State or any of the coaches making the suggestion, “Sculthorpe said. “I saw the boys up there and I decided I had to make myself stronger. It was totally my decision. “It was a hard decision.

I’ve been wrestling a long time, and it wasn’t easy walking away. But I realized my future was in football. I had some success in wrestling so I know I can walk away with no regrets.

Again, it was totally my decision and had nothing to do with the coaches up there.�

Sculthorpe said he spoke to his wrestling teammates and to wrestling Coach Morgan Fore and they were both understanding, and supportive. Fore admitted he was disappointed but indicated he totally understood and supported Joe in his decision. “We definitely have a good relationship,� Fore said. “He’s a very talented young man and I believe he was on his way, if he is not already to becoming one of the best heavyweight wrestlers in North Carolina history “But I totally understand. Football is his passion and I could tell when I talked to him he was upset.

His goals now are to prepare for his collegiate career and, hopefully, a trip to the professional level.�

Bob Sculthorpe, Joe’s Father, said he would have liked to see what this year had in store in wrestling but he, too, understands where is son in coming from. “He kind of made up his mind and his Mother and I were probably the last to know, although I wasn’t too surprised,� Bob said. “When he got back from his official visit, he said he didn’t want to continue to cut weight (Joe is 6-5, 290 pounds) to wrestle, he wanted to bulk up. He is going to go to Port City Performance and work with Coach (Jake) Pence and Coach (Dan) Willis and try to get stronger. “It is his choice and, while there is a shred of disappointment on my part, I completely understand and we will support him in any way possible.

morrow and try to fix those things.�

The Topsail girls are off for Christmas week and get back into action on Dec. 29 (Tuesday) against Wilmington Christian Academy (7 p.m.) in the Cape Fear Academy Holiday Tournament. The Lady Pirates will play Harrell’s Christian Academy on Wednesday (7 p.m.), and host Cape Fear (4 p.m.) on Thursday.

A River Runs by Me Photography presents this week’s

Athlete Spotlight

Gracie Vincent

Pender High School

910.470.9561

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 10A

Bill Howard Outdoors

By Bill Howard Post & Voice Columnist

We all have our firsts. Our first kiss, our first car, our first whatever; they all hold a special place within us forever.

I often wonder if animals feel the same nostalgia that we do

News review

Continued from page 7A May 21 County tax increase could top 18 cents Pender County manager Randall Woodruff has submitted an 18-cent tax increase in the upcoming budget – and according to Board of Commissioner’s Chairman David Williams, the board is doing all they can to lower the increase.

“We are trying and optimistic that we can do better than that,” Williams said.

“We knew there was more on top of the school bonds, but I don’t believe anyone was counting on something that high.”

Second countyWalmart opens in Burgaw T h e B u r g aw Wa l m a r t opened its doors to the public Wednesday morning following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Located on Hwy. 53 east, the 69,000 square-foot store has been under construction since late fall 2014, with construction slowed and opening delayed by a wet winter and spring.

May 28 Traffic, crowds jam beach Memorial Day weekend With beautiful weather for the holiday weekend, Memorial Day beachgoers crowded Pender County beaches and got cash registers ringing as the summer season began on a high note. Surf City officialsbraced for the crowds that visit the island during the holiday weekend.

“It was a challenge, but a good challenge,” said Surf City Mayor Zander Guy. “Challenge is a learning curve, and we had a very steep learning curve last weekend. It was

at times.

That brings us to this week’s column. Another first. I have a new pup that is vying for my heart after my beloved Riley passed away. Ari is the name we gave her. Ari is a short form for Artemis which happens to be the Goddess of the Hunt, a bowhunter. Remarkably, Ari’s brother’s name was given as Riley. Obviously the Lord was looking over me with all of this.

Riley didn’t care much for the water. In fact, I once ran over him with the boat after he made a desperate leap from the bow. I had already prepared my wife that Ari was going to have to be comfortable with me in tight quarters while on the water, as I wanted her to go out on the kayak with me.

This is the story of Ari’s first kayak fishing trip. Ari does not get outside as much as I would like. We fostered for

a while and one of our foster pups came down with parvo.

Since Ari is still young, she still has shots to be received and we have had to keep a tight leash so to speak on her.

I would take her to safe places, and I have developed her into quite the model for my photography as my social media pages will dictate. It is hard to beat the look of a cocker spaniel pup, especially one with freckles.

Gradually I would get her more and more accustomed to sitting in the kayak with the kayak in the yard. I also purchased a small doggie life vest for her. She would wear it every now and then in the house, just to make sure she didn’t panic with it on. All was working out well.

The time had come. Ari and I would go fishing as we had unseasonably warm December weather. I kept it simple, decid-

ing to go out for crappie. Small minnow bucket with two rods set up with a single weight and a single small hook was all that would be taken other than a net, a Mountain Dew, a bottle of water for Ari, and a bag of Jack Link’s beef jerky for the two of us.

Ari was a little unsure of the situation as I pulled the kayak off the truck and drug it to the side of the lake. We were fishing a lake where I caught some of my very first fish, and where I carried my youngest son so he could catch his very first fish. See what I was saying about firsts meaning something to me?

But I picked up Ari by the handle on the back of her life vest and placed her in the kayak. I climbed in and pushed off before she could object. She first climbed in my lap and then a few minutes later climbed to the center console lid of the

kayak and laid down.

The crappie didn’t cooperate. Never had the first bite from a crappie. But as I reeled in two bass and two chain pickerel, Ari didn’t mind at all. She behaved like a champ. I have a new fishing partner!

The sun began to settle along the tops of the trees on the horizon and I decided to paddle to another area on the way back in and try one more minnow. The rod bent double within a few seconds and I had something big. Another jack fish? A big largemouth? I tried to figure out how to tire the fish out without losing my hook or the fish, after all I was fishing with a small bream hook and was lucky to catch the fish I already had.

I was able to tire the leviathan down as he dragged the kayak around in the water, Ari sitting alert trying to figure out what was happening. Then I

saw it. A good sized bowfin staring at me with its menacing eyes. I wrapped it up in the net and plopped it down in the front of the kayak.

Ari did not care too much for that bowfin. She whined and wimpered and tried not only climbing in my lap, but over my shoulder. Why the bowfin bothered her and the other for fish did not I don’t know. The pickerel were nearly as long and their jagged razor teeth and deep mouths are nearly as ugly and fearsome looking. But whatever the reason, Ari just did not like it.

As I paddled to the shore, the bowfin still netted, Ari made a flying leap to the safety of earth and bee-lining it to the truck.

I noted in my brain, Ari makes a good fishing partner as long as I don’t bring in a bowfin. I wonder what our second will be like.

good for the merchants and good for business.”

Balanced budget, no tax increase for Burgaw The town of Burgaw will have a balanced budget with no increase in taxes for the upcoming fiscal year, according to town manager Chad McEwen. Town residents will see an increase in sewer rates, thanks to a rate hike from Wallace.

Truck driver charged in fatal Hampstead crash The driver of a truck involved in a multiple-vehicle accident on U.S. Hwy. 17 in Pender County May 23 has been charged in the crash, which resulted in the deaths of two children.

According to District Attorney Ben David, the driver of the truck, Matthew Deans, 28, of Wilmington, has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed. David says more charges are pending.

The crash occurred at Hwy. 17 and Sloop Point Loop Road.

June 4 Proposed tax increase slips to 17-cent range As work continues on the Pender County budget, the proposed tax increase estimate has slipped from 18 cents down to 17, according to commission chairman David Williams.

“With the potential savings on the insurance, we are down to the 17 cent range now,” Williams said. “When you look at the budget items that are non-mandated, that is the hardest to cut. There are a lot of things people seem to want. We are looking at everything.”

Chairman defends manager ís memo to employees A memo from County Manager Randell Woodruff to county employees sparked

controversy when the memo was picked up in a story by a Wilmington television station.

In the memo, Woodruff told county employees to take concer ns and complaints related to work and county business to their supervisors, not directly to the board of commissioners. Comments about the story on Facebook said employees were county citizens and should be able to voice concerns directly to their elected officials. Commission Chairman David June 11 Residents voice concern over tax increase Pender County resident Jerry Groves stood before the County Commissioners at Monday’s meeting and held up a nearly empty tube of toothpaste representing Pender County taxpayers who are being squeezed by the proposed tax increase.

BOC faces school bond questions Pender County Commissioners responded to charges leveled against them that Commissioners David Piepmeyer and David Williams had a meeting and discussed delaying school bond projects in western Pender County, specifically the Penderlea School, in favor of funding projects in the east.

Williams quickly answered the allegation. “Someone is either stretching the facts or told you a blatant lie,” Williams said.

June 18 Vote on new county budget June 22 Pender County Commissioners are set to vote on the 2015-16 budget at Monday’s board meeting. The new budget will include a 17-cent tax increase, along with cuts to employee health benefits.

Commissioners will discuss and vote on the final budget proposal June 22 at 4 p.m. at the county offices in Burgaw.

According to county officials, 11 cents of the increase is attributable to the school bond, passed by county voters in November 2014. The remaining six cents will be used to fund other county debt, including the water treatment plant, renovations to the old Topsail High School building, now the county’s Hampstead Annex, and other projects.

Sheriff’s Captain new Burgaw Police Chief Burgaw officials announced the hiring of Jim Hock as the new police chief for the town of Burgaw. Hock is with the Pender County Sheriff ’s Office serving as a captain over the support division, which includes civil, records, school resource, and training sections. Hock has more than 18 years law enforcement experience. Hock’s first day on the job is scheduled for July 9.

June 25 County budget passes 3-2 Pender County Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday afternoon to approve the new county budget, which includes a 17.3-cent increase in property taxes. Commissioners David Williams, George Brown, and Fred McCoy voted for the budget, with David Piepmeyer and Demetrice Keith voting no.

After failing to pass a new county budget Monday night, commissioners continued their meeting Tuesday afternoon. Monday evening Brown made a motion to approve the new budget, but failed to get a second on his motion. McCoy said he was against the budget due to the funding of the school bond, leaving only Williams and Brown in favor

of the budget. Chairman Williams is unable to make or second motions.

Rabies increase in Pender CountPender County Health Director Carolyn Moser is urging county residents to be aware of the rabies threat.

Four rabid animals have been reported over the past four

weeks – two raccoons and two foxes – including several attacks.

“This has us worried. I think we had seven cases in 2014 and here we are in June with four back-to back,” Moser said. “If you see a wild animal acting strangely, stay away.”

PENDER COUNTY GOVERNMENT NEWS

WANTED! A FEW GOOD MEN & WOMEN! VOLUNTEER! The Pender County Board of Commissioners will consider appointments to the following boards/commissions/committees: # of Name of Board Vacancies Positions/Categories Advisory Board of Health 3 Veterinarian***, Dentist***, Engineer*** Animal Shelter Advisory Committee 1 Veterinarian Board of Adjustment 2 District 3, District 5 Council on Community Affairs 2 District 1, District 5 Housing Initiative Board 1 Low-Income Representative Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Author.

7 Business/Insurance/Attorney/Banking Nursing/Adult Care Homes Adv. Board 2 Public Members Parks & Rec Board 1 District 4 Tourism Development Authority 1 District 3 Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization 1 Citizen Committee Member District 1 = Upper Topsail; Surf City District 4 = Union; Penderlea; Grady; District 2 = Scotts Hill; Lower Topsail Columbia; Caswell; Canetuck District 3 = Rocky Point; Long Creek District 5 = Burgaw; Holly *** These positions can be temporarily filled by someone associated with this field who may not be currently licensed.

Applications can be completed on-line at www.pendercountync.gov (click on “How Do I” on the home page); or write or call Ms. Melissa Pedersen, Clerk to the Board, PO Box 5, Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-1200, and complete an application.

NOTICE OF HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURES Pender County Government Offices will be closed on the following dates in observance of the Christmas/New Year’s Holidays: Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 Monday, December 28 Friday, January 1, 2016 HOLIDAY HOURS AT ALL CONVENIENCE SITES AND TRANSFER STATION All County operated Solid Waste Convenience Sites will be closed all day Friday, December 25, 2015. All sites will open on th Saturday, December 26, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Transfer Station will be closed on Friday, December 25 and th re-open again at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26 .

DISPOSAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES Convenience site users wishing to dispose of Christmas Trees may do so at the Burgaw, Rocky Point and Hampstead sites. th Receptacles will be available from December 26 through January 31, 2016.

DATE OF HEARINGS: TIME OF HEARINGS:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS THE PENDER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD WILL HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS AS FOLLOWS: January 5, 2016 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION OF HEARINGS: THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTED WILL BE HELD IN THE PUBLIC MEETING ROOM AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ROOM 145, 805 SOUTH WALKER STREET, BURGAW, N.C. 28425

TOPIC OF HEARING:

Zoning Text Amendment Tracy Lange, applicant, is requesting the approval of a Zoning Text Amendment to the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to further clarify requirements for Pet Care Services (NAICS 812910) by delineating Pet Grooming Establishments. The proposal includes adding use standards specific to Pet Grooming Establishments in Section 5.3.11 and including a definition within Appendix A – Definitions.

For Additional Information: Contact Pender County -Planning & Community Development 805 S Walker St Burgaw, NC 28425 Phone 910-259-1202

Town of Surf City Government News December 24, 2015 MEETING TIMES Surf City Town Council Planning Board

1st Tuesday of every month 2nd Thursday of every month

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The public will take notice that the Town Council of the Town of Surf City, North Carolina, has called a public hearing at 7:00 o’clock p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on January 5, 2016 at Surf City Town Hall on:  Subdivision Text Amendment: Amending: Appendix B: Subdivision Regulations, Article VI

Public Notice The Town Council of the Town of Surf City intends, at its regular meeting to be held at 6:00p.m. on January 6th, 2016, to authorize the lease or rental of personal property, for a term of 5 years: Motorola Handheld Portable Radios TOWN OF SURF CITY 214 N. NEW RIVER DRIVE PO BOX 2475, SURF CITY, NC 28445 Phone 910-328-4131 Fax 910-328-4132/1746 www.townofsurfcity.com

12/24/2015 IMPORTANT NOTICE ALL PENDER COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS All taxable personal property and all changes made to real estate must be listed for taxation with its status on January 1 of the tax year. Taxable personal property includes mobile homes, manufactured homes, boats, motors, jet skis, aircraft, multi-year tagged trailers, and any unregistered or untagged automobiles, trucks, trailers, campers, motor homes, motorcycles, farm equipment, and business personal property. Pender County is on a permanent listing system for real property, owners of real property who do not own taxable personal property are not required to list unless improvements have been made to the real estate within the last year. Doublewides located on land owned by another person are required to be listed for taxes.

Tax listing will begin on Friday January 1, 2016 and end on Monday February 1, 2016 List takers will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. in the Howard Holly Building at 300 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC. Please Note county offices will be closed on Friday January 1st and Monday January 18, 2016 for holidays.

Listing forms will only be mailed to those who listed taxable personal property in 2015. If you did not list in 2015 but now own taxable personal property, you may call the Pender County Tax Office at 910-259-1221 and request a listing form. All listings returned by mail must be postmarked (Not Metered) no later than February 1, 2016.

All persons, owning property subject to taxation, must list during the month of January and any person who fails to do so shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law.

NOTICE INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX HOMESTEAD EXCLUSION FOR ELDERLY AND/OR DISABLED, DISBLED VETERANS AND CIRCUIT BREAKER DEFERMENT General Statute 105-277.1 Property Tax Homestead Exclusion For Elderly Or Disabled Persons: North Carolina excludes from property taxes a portion of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by North Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age or are totally and permanently disabled, a deeded owner as of Jan 1 and whose income does not exceed $29,500. The amount of the appraised value of the residence that may be excluded from taxation is the greater of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of the residence.

Income means all moneys received from every source other than gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal ancestor, or lineal descendant.

Unless there were changes that would affect your qualifying status or you are due the Octennial audit, you do no need to apply annually. Failure to notify the Tax Assessor that the property no longer qualifies for the exclusion may cause the property to be subject to discovery with penalties and interest pursuant to G.S. 105-312.

If you did not receive the exclusion last year, but are now eligible, you may obtain an application from the Pender County Tax Assessors office. It must be filed by June 1st.

General Statute 105-277.1C Disabled Veteran: A permanent residence owned and occupied by a disabled veteran is designated a special class of property by the North Carolina Constitution and is taxable in accordance with this section. The first forty -five thousand dollars ($45,000) of appraised value of the residence is excluded from taxation. A qualifying owner who receives exclusion under this section may not receive other property tax relief. A disabled veteran is a veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions and who satisfies one of the following requirements: a.

As of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the exclusion allowed by this section is claimed, the veteran had received benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 2101. b.

The veteran has received a certification by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal agency indicating that, as of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the exclusion allowed by this section is claimed, he or she has a service - connected, permanent, and total disability. c.

The veteran is deceased and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal agency has certified that, as of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the exclusion allowed by this section is claimed, the veteran's death was the result of a service - connected condition If you did not receive the exclusion last year, but are now eligible, you may obtain an application from the Pender County Tax Assessors office. It must be filed by June 1st.

General Statute 105-277.1B Property Tax Homestead Circuit Breaker Deferment: North Carolina defers a portion of the property taxes on the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a North Carolina resident who has owned and occupied the Property for at least five years is at least 65 years of age or is totally and permanently disabled, and whose income does not exceed $44,250. If the owner's income is $29,500 or less, then the portion of property taxes imposed on the residence that exceeds 4% of the owner's income may be deferred. If the owner's income is more than $29,500 but less than or equal to $44,250, then the portion of the property taxes on the residence that exceeds 5% of the owner's income may be deferred. The deferred taxes become a lien on the residence and the most recent three years of deferred taxes preceding a disqualifying event become due with interest upon one of the following Disqualifying events: 1) the owner transfers the residence; 2) the owner dies; or 3) the owner ceases to use the property as a permanent residence. Multiple owners of a permanent Residence must all qualify for the circuit breaker before a deferment of taxes will be allowed. You must apply for the opportunity to defer property taxes each and every year that you wish to defer taxes.

If you did not receive the exclusion last year, but are now eligible, you may obtain an application from the Pender County Tax Assessors office. It must be filed by June 1st.

www.pendercountync.gov

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 11A

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice

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Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices 15-SP-0041 AMENDED NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Johnny Ray Hodgson and Robin Sue Hodgson dated November 7, 2002 and recorded on November 22, 2002, in Book 1993 at Page 313, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned of Poore Substitute Trustee, LTD (Substitute Trustee) will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Burgaw, Pender County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on December 29, 2015 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Pender, North Carolina and being more particularly described in the above referenced Deed of Trust: Address of Property: 533 Godfrey Creek, Hampstead, NC 28443 Tax Parcel ID: 3283-66-60080000 Present Record Owner: Johnny Ray Hodgson and Robin Sue Hodgson Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The Substitute Trustee reserves the right to require a cash deposit or a certified check not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty Dollars ($750.00). In the event that the holder is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder may also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. §7A308 (a) (1).

The real property described above is being offered for sale ‘‘AS IS, WHERE IS’’ and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law.

If the Trustee or Substitute Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey title include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Substitute Trustee(s). If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee(s), in its/their sole discretion, if it/they believe(s) the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice where the Real Property is Residential with less than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or/after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the Notice that is at least ten (10) days, but no more than ninety (90) days, after the sale date contained in the Notice of Sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the Notice of Termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of such termination.

This is a communication from a debt collector. The purpose of this Communication is to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

If you are under the protection of the bankruptcy court or have been discharged as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding, this notice is given to you pursuant to statutory requirement and for informational purposes and is not intended as an attempt to collect a debt or as an act to collect, assess, or recover all or any portion of the debt from you personally.

David L. Tkach, PLLC, Attorney for Poore Substitute Trustee, LTD 2020 S. Tryon Street, 2A Charlotte, NC 28203 (704) 930-0300 #7138 12/17, 12/24/2015 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 5 SP 222 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Leonard S. Bell, Jr. and Barbara S. Towne aka Barbara Bell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Leonard S. Bell and Barbara S. Bell aka Barbara S. Towne) to Fidelity National Title Insurance Co of New York, Trustee(s), dated the 29th day of

August, 2005, and recorded in Book 2767, Page 060, in Pender County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Burgaw, Pender County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 2:00 PM on December 29, 2015 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Pender, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING 0.2607 acres, more or less, and being the southern portion of Lots 11-A, 11-B, Block 2 of Hampstead on the Sound, as shown on a map recorded in Map Book 7 at Page 23 of the Pender County Registry, and being more fully described by metes and bounds in an instrument recorded in Book 2027 at Page 073 of the Pender County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 206 First Street, Hampstead, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/ security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1166554 (FC.FAY) #7139 12/17, 12/24/2015 14 SP 112 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jerry Tanner and Christina Young to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), which was dated

December 7, 2009 and recorded on December 17, 2009 in Book 3718 at Page 245, Pender County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 29, 2015 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Pender County, North Carolina, to wit: Beginning at a railroad spike in the centerline of Pender County Secondary Road #112 directly above the center of a large concrete culvert that accommodates the waters of a canal beneath said roadway, said railroad spike is further located at a point that is North 53 degrees 11 minutes West 133.75 feet from another railroad spike in the centerline where the Easternmost line of J. W. Orr, Jr.’s, “Gurgainous Tract” crosses said road; and running thence from said beginning spike, so located, with a large canal; South 05 degrees 01 minute West 365.95 feet (passing over an inline iron pipe at 35.30 feet) to an iron pipe at the intersection of two canals; thence with the intersecting canal, South 83 degrees 13 minutes West 238.45 feet to an iron pipe in said canal; thence North 08 degrees 18 minutes East 541.60 feet (passing over an inline iron pipe at 506..30 feet) to a railroad spike in the centerline of Pender County Secondary Road #1112; thence with the centerline of said Secondary Road, South 53 degrees 03 minutes East 238.40 feet to the beginning, containing 2.27 acres, more or less, and is as surveyed by Dosher Surveying Company, Burgaw, North Carolina, in September, 1970.

The above described tract of land is a portion of J. w. Orr, Jr.’s “C.E. Gurganious Tract”, the deed for same being recorded in book 272, page 219, of the Pender County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 823 Richard Switch Road, Currie, NC 28435.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jerry Tanner and wife, Christina Young.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 4521.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no The Media of Record for the People of Pender County. further remedy.

201-A West Fremont Street NC 28425 Trustee Services of• Burgaw, Carolina, LLC 910.259.9111 • posteditor@post-voice.com • www.post-voice.com Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 11-25496-FC02 #7140 12/17, 12/24/2015

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA PENDER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF MICHAEL JUNE HALL 15 E 403 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Michael June Hall, deceased, are notified to exhibit them to Jodie Bostic Hall, Executrix of the decedent’s estate, on or before March 4, 2016 at 22 Kings Landing Road, Hampstead NC 28443, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Executrix.

Jodie Bostic Hall, Executrix Estate of Michael June Hall c/o Mark I. Nunalee BIBERSTEIN & NUNALEE LLP Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 598 Hampstead NC 28443 910-270-4347 #7133 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2015 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Having qualified as Executrix of the estate of Elmer F. Miller, deceased, of Pender County. This is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said decedent Elmer F. Miller to present them to the undersigned on or before March 17, 2016 at 111 Circle Drive Hampstead, NC 28443 or be barred from recovery. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment. This the day of December 10, 2015.

Wendy L. Purser 111 Circle Drive Hampstead, NC 28443 #7141 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2015 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ELIZABETH H. BATSON The undersigned, having duly qualified as the Executrix of the Estate of Elizabeth H. Batson, late of Pender County, North Carolina, hereby gives notice to all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before March 16, 2016 or this Notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned Executrix.

This the 16th day of December, 2015.

Nancy B. Mizelle, Executrix 185 Admiralty Way Milledgeville, GA 31061 Please submit claims and payments to: Matthew T. Dill, P.L.L.C. Attorney and Counsellor at Law Post Office Box 1226 Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480 #7144 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2015, 1/7/2016 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Having qualified as Executor of the estate of James Leroy Walston, deceased, of Pender County. This is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said decedent, James Leroy Walston to present them to the undersigned on or before March 17, 2016 at 3910 West Durant Court, Wilmington, NC 28412 or be barred from recovery. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment. This the day of December 10, 2015.

Kelly L. Walston 3910 West Durant Court Wilmington, NC 28412 #7143 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2015 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15 SP 144 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ronald D. Greer Jr. and Lisa Renee Hodges Greer (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ronald Darryl Greer, Jr.) to Webb & Graves, Trustee(s), dated the 4th day of May, 2007, and recorded in Book 3227, Page 36, in Pender County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Burgaw, Pender County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 2:00 PM on January 5, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Pender, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 13 of Sandy Run Subdivision, Section 2 as shown upon a map of same title prepared by Cowan & Jones, PA of Burgaw, N.C. Said map is duly recorded in Mop Book 28 at Page 72 of the Pender County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements thereon, said property located at 305 Woodpecker Parkway, Rocky Point, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §4521.23.

Should the property be purchased

by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1159053 (FC.FAY) #7118 12/24, 12/31/2015 15 SP 118 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Monique J. Price and Brian W. Price to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated August 5, 2005 and recorded on August 5, 2005 in Book 2739 at Page 136, Pender County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 5, 2016 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Pender County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 5-R, Washington Acres, as shown on map, recorded in Map Book 35, Page 119, Pender County, North Carolina Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 775 Washington Acres Road, Hampstead, NC 28443.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes,

special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Monique J. Price.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 4521.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 13-03147-FC01 #7145 12/24, 12/31/2015 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF LEWIS FARMS OF BURGAW, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Dissolution of Lewis Farms of Burgaw, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, were filed in the office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina on the 4th day of September, 2015, and that all creditors of, and claimants against, the corporation are required to present their respective claims and demands immediately, in writing, to the corporation at PO Box 234, Burgaw, NC 28425 so that it can proceed to collect its assets, convey and dispose of its properties, pay, satisfy and discharge its liabilities and obligations and do all other acts required to liquidate its business and affairs. Any claim should state the specific amount owed, describe the transaction from which the claim arises and be supported by documentation when the claim originated. In the event the corporation rejects any claim made pursuant to the this notice, the claimant must commence an action within five years of the publication of this notice or be forever barred. The notice is made pursuant to the provisions of NCGS §55-14-07.

This the 17th day of December, 2015.

LEWIS FARMS OF BURGAW, INC. c/o Mark I. Nunalee, JD CPA BIBERSTEIN & NUNALEE, LLP P.O. Box 598 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-4347 #7154 12/24/2015 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF PENDER NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS – File 15 E 433 The undersigned, having been duly qualified as Executrix of the Estate of John N. McKnight, Deceased, of Pender County, North Carolina, hereby notifies all persons having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned at A-3 Pleasure Island Plaza, Carolina Beach, North Carolina 28428, on or before the 23nd day of March, 2016, or this Notice shall be pleaded in bar of any recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 17th day of December, 2015.

Veronika V. McKnight NED M. BARNES, ATTORNEY AT LAW A-3 PLEASURE ISLAND PLAZA CAROLINA BEACH, N. C. 28428 (910) 458-4466 #7155 12/24, 12/31/2015, 1/7, 1/14/2016 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Mary Ruth Loftin Fennell, deceased, of Pender County. This is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said decedent, Mary Ruth Loftin Fennell to present them to the undersigned on or before March 24, 2016 at 1295 Mooretown Road, Rocky Point, NC 28457 or be barred from recovery. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment. This the day of December 24, 2015.

Cynthia D. Shaw 1295 Mooretown Road Rocky Point, NC 28457 #7147 12/24, 12/31/2015, 1/7, 1/14/2016

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 13A

Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices 15 SP 83 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, PENDER COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sally M. Howell to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated June 30, 2005 and recorded on July 6, 2005 in Book 2710 at Page 63, Pender County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 5, 2016 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Pender County, North Carolina, to wit: Located in Pender County, North Carolina and being all of Lot 187 of Topsail Greens, as shown on map recorded in Map Book 22, Page 143, aforesaid County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 210 Champion Drive, Hampstead, NC 28443.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Sally M. Howell.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 4521.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 15-06148-FC01 #7146 12/24, 13/31/2015 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15-SP-257 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by MICHAEL S. SAWYER to PHILIP E. GREER Trustee(s), dated the 27TH day of JULY, 2011 and recorded in BOOK 3952, PAGE 241, PENDER County Registry, North Carolina, Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANDERSON & STRICKLAND, P.A., having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of PENDER County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door, in the City of BURGAW, PENDER County, North Carolina at 10:00 A.M. ON JANUARY 7TH, 2016, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of PENDER, North Carolina, and being more particularly

described as follows: Tax ID Number: 3341-88-2231-0000 Legal Description ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND SITUATED IN HOLLY TOWNSHIP, PENDER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO DITCHES THAT IS LOCATED SOUTH 22 DEGREES 35 MINUTES WEST 91.56 FEET, AND SOUTH 19 DEGREES 21 MINUTES EAST 126.92 FEET FROM A METAL SPIKE IN THE CENTER OF THE PAVEMENT OF S.R. NO. 1318 (CROOMS BRIDGE ROAD) THAT IS DIRECTLY OVER THE CENTER OF A LARGE CONCRETE PIPE THAT IS LOCATED 0.8 MILES IN A NORTHWESTWARD DIRECTION FROM THE INTERSECTION OF N.C. HIGHWAY NO. 53 WITH S.R. NO. 1318 (CROOM’S BRIDGE ROAD) AND RUNS THENCE FROM THE BEGINNING CORNER SO LOCATED AS FOLLOWS: 1.WITH THE CENTER OF AN OLD DITCH SOUTH 45 DEGREES 58 MINUTES EAST 274.03 FEET, SOUTH 36 DEGREES 26 MINUTES EAST 237.07 FEET AND SOUTH 56 DEGREES 13 MINUTES EAST 40.00 FEET TO THE WEST EDGE OF AN OLD FARM ROAD; THENCE, 2. WITH THE WEST EDGE OF THE OLD FARM ROAD SOUTH 21 DEGREES 18 MINUTES WEST 398.40 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE, 3. WITH AN OLD DITCH, NORTH 88 DEGREES 13 MINUTES WEST 361.85 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE AT THE BEND OF THE DITCH; THENCE, 4.LEAVING THE DITCH NORTH 38 DEGREES 51 MINUTES EAST 217.00 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE BURIED IN THE CENTER OF THE OLD MOORE FIELD ROAD; THENCE, 5.WITH THE CENTER OF THE OLD MOORE FIELD ROAD NORTH 65 DEGREES 05 MINUTES WEST 261.75 FEET TO AN OLD IRON STAKE IN THE CENTER OF THE OLD MOORE FIELD ROAD; THENCE, 6.TO, AND WITH A LARGE DITCH NORTH 26 DEGREES 03 MINUTES EAST 538.75 FEET TO THE BEGINNING. THE ABOVE TRACT OF LAND CONTAINS 6.19 ACRES TO BE THE SAME MORE OR LESS. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE NOTE: In the 5th call above, the correct directional calls are North and West rather than South and East. The Substitute Trustee has made these corrections to the directional calls. The property described above presently has a situs of 5884 Croomsbridge Road, Burgaw, NC 28425, contains 6.19 acres, more or less, and is currently represented

by PIN # 3341-88-2231-0000, Pender County Tax Department.

Said property being located at: 5884 CROOMSBRIDGE ROAD, BURGAW, NC 28425 PRESENT RECORD OWNER BEING: MICHAEL S. SAWYER Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that person must pay the statutory final assessment fee of forty-five cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required

by N.C.G.S. 7A-308 (a) (1), and any applicable county and/or state land transfer tax and/or revenue tax.

Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid, in cash or certified check, at the time the Substitute Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price so bid, at that time he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in N.C.G.S. 45-21.30(d) and (e).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

A cash deposit or cashier’s check (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

That an Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the Notice of Sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the ten-

ant provides the notice of termination.

The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

N.C.G.S. 45-21.16(b)(2).

This the 10TH day of December, 2015.

Michael W. Strickland, as Attorney for and President of ANDERSON & STRICKLAND, P.A., Substitute Trustee 210 East Russell Street, Suite 104 FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina 28301 (910) 483-3300 #7148 12/24, 12/31/2015

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION PENDER COUNTY 15SP255 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY EDWARD O. JONES AND BRENDA C. JONES DATED JUNE 22, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3259 AT PAGE 4 IN THE PENDER COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:00PM on January 5, 2016 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Pender County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Topsail Township, Pender County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 193, Section I, Belvedere Plantation according to the map of the Revision of Section I, Belvedere Plantation recorded in Map Book 16 at Page 20 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina, reference to which said map is hereby made for a more particular description.

And Being more commonly known as: 120 Pine Needle Dr, Hampstead, NC 28443 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Edward O. Jones and Brenda C. Jones.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 15, 2015.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 13-048876 #7150 12/24, 12/31/2015 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION PENDER COUNTY 14SP9 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES BOWEN AKA JAMES A. BOWEN DATED AUGUST 31, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1763 AT PAGE 33 IN THE PENDER

COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:00PM on January 5, 2016 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Pender County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point in the center of Mount Gallon Road, said point being located North 04 degrees 14 minutes 49 seconds East 645 feet from its intersection with the center of Arvida Road; running thence from said beginning corner, so located, with the center of Mount Gallon Road North 4 degrees 14 minutes 49 seconds East 270.00 feet to a point the Southwest corner of Lot No. 10; thence with the Southern line of Lot No. 10 South 85 degrees 45 minutes 11 second East 773.49 feet to a point, the Southeastern corner of Lot No. 10 in the western line of Lot No. 14; thence with the western line of Lot No. 14 South 22 degrees 34 minutes 50 seconds West 284.44 feet to a point, the northeast corner of Lot No. 12 in the western line of Lot No. 14; thence with the northern line of Lot No. 12 North 85 degrees 45 minutes 11 seconds West 684.02 feet to the Beginning, containing 4.52 acres more or less and being all of Lot No. 11 as shown on in Book 674, Page 138 which is made a part of this description, and was surveyed during July 1983 by Salmon and Associates, P.A., Surveyors.

The above described Lot or Parcel of Land is subject to a 60 foot right-of-way easement for Mount Gallon Road along the western boundary of said Lot. And Being more commonly known as: 160 Mount Gallon Pond, Rocky Point, NC 28457 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of James A. Bowen.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 15, 2015.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway,Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 13-056594 #7151 12/24, 12/31/2015 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15 SP 263 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joshua P. Willoughby (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joshua Paul Willoughby) to CB Services Corp, Trustee(s), dated the 20th day of December, 2007, and recorded in Book 3375, Page 328, in Pender County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of

Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Burgaw, Pender County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 2:00 PM on January 5, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Pender, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 1 of Holly Hill Subdivision as shown on a map by the same title, prepared by Cowan & Jones, PA of Burgaw, North Carolina. Said map is duly recorded in Map Book 23, at Page 138 of the Pender County Registry. Reference to same is hereby made for a more complete and accurate description.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 251 Holly Lane, Rocky Point, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1169675 (FC.FAY) #7152 12/24, 12/31/2015 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15 SP 261 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James Owen Claxton and Angelia Claxton (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James Owen Claxton) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated the 7th day of September, 2007, and recorded in Book 3317, Page 1, in Pender County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Pender County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Burgaw, Pender County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 2:00 PM on January 5, 2016

and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Pender, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 57, of Bay Harbor, Phase III, as recorded in Map Book 24, Page 114, of the Pender County Registry, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 805 Wildwood Circle, Hampstead, North Carolina. Being the same property conveyed to James Owen Claxton

by Deed from Darrell Beauchaine and Natalie Beauchaine recorded 01/08/2001 in Deed Book 1654 Page 52, in the Register of Deeds Office of Pender County, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §4521.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1170225 (FC.FAY) #7153 12/24, 12/31/2015 EXECUTOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Herbert Hoover Pate, deceased, late of Pender County, North Carolina, this is to notify that all persons having claims against the said estate to present such claims to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of March, 2016, or this notice will be placed in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 24th day of December, 2015.

Virginia H. James 8756 Wildcat Road Ivanhoe, North Carolina 28447 Robert C. Kenan, Jr. MOORE & KENAN Attorneys at Law P. O. Box 957 Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-9800 #7149 12/24,12/31/2015, 1/7, 1/14/2016

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Living

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Decorating Much of the splendor of the holiday season comes directly from the intricately decorated houses and storefronts. Twinkling lights and garlands of fresh pine boughs can instantly transform any building. Decorating a home can take an entire day or more, but delegating the work to a decorating service will provide you with professional-looking results as well as free time to tackle other obligations. Decorators can work outdoors stringing lights and creating a winter wonderland in the fraction of the time it takes homeowners to decorate their homes.

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Parties Social calendars fill up come November and December. When hosting a gathering of coworkers, family or friends, choose local venues for social events so travel to and from the party is easier on guests. Parties can take place anywhere, including movie theaters, bowling alleys, wine stores, and indoor floral nurseries.

Baking What would the holiday season be without the sweet treats and inviting smells of freshly baked goods? The cooler weather is an ideal time to turn on the oven and whip up a batch of cookies or cakes with the aroma of pungent cinnamon and nutmeg. Others would prefer desserts that provide homemade flair without the effort. Local bakeries experience an upswing in business this time of year as shoppers flock to choose among the pastries, cookies and pies in display cases.

Whether a dessert comes directly from your kitchen or that of a local confectionary shop, chances are guests will enjoy each delectable bite. If you have a custom-order dessert in mind, consult with the bakery well in advance to ensure your dessert will be available when hosting friends and family.

Gifting Shopping at local vendors often means more personalized service and a less stressful experience. Develop a rapport with a favorite shop owner so that he or she can alert you to private sales or put coveted items on the side.

A specialty store may have that unique gift not easily found elsewhere, and shop owners may be able to specialorder bulk gifts. Smaller retailers may also offer specialized services, such as gift-wrapping or personal shopping.

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“I am God’s humble servant. Let this be to me as you have declared.�

Mary’s answer in Luke 1: 38 You may not realize this, but the first chapter of Luke is a kind of interplay. It is really two stories interwoven in a way that brings out the truth in both. One is the story of the birth of John (later known as the Baptist), the forerunner of Jesus.

The other is the story of the birth of Jesus. You have for in John’s parents, the aged couple Zechariah and Elizabeth, old and childless.

They represent the past, the old ways, the old days before Jesus. These old ones are set

over against the youthful Mary (and Joseph too though he doesn’t play a major role).

Mary represents the new, vital way of faith and trust.

The two stories play out in various ways to reveal how God is doing something new, something fresh, something promising in this new day.

As the story unfolds, an angel comes to Zechariah in the Temple and tells him that his wife Elizabeth will become pregnant and bear a son. Given their age and circumstance, Zechariah is greatly surprised and a tad skeptical.

He’s not sure Medicare will cover childbirth for one thing and he not sure that he or Elizabeth have the stamina for parenting. In other words he cannot seem to suspend his disbelief long enough

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to imagine that God can do something this remarkable.

He, the priest, is reluctant to trust what he has been told.

For this reluctance, Zachariah is struck dumb, he cannot speak again until the child is born. Zechariah, a temple priest, from a long line of temple priests, does not have enough faith to believe in any way in the amazing power of God. Set beside this is Mary’s story. She is visited by an angel, too. The angel tells her that she, virgin that she is, will become pregnant and bear a son as well. Furthermore this child will be the son of the most High, God’s own son.

The stakes are considerably higher for Mary. Her pregnancy could create scandal. She and Joseph are not yet wed. It could be embarrassing to Joseph. It might discredit him in the eyes of others. She is young and inexperienced. Why was she chosen for so great an under-

taking?

With all this swirling around her, Mary, answers the angel in a very different way. She says, “yes.� Luke puts it this way “I am God’s servant, let this be to me as you have declared.� In other words, Mary has faith – faith in God, faith in His promise, faith in God’s providence and care.

Mary puts her life and her future in God’s hands. She trusts in God’s love and grace to carry her through it all.

I realize that in these days, God doesn’t send angels to bring us “good tidings of great joy� or some special word from on high. At least I have heard of it lately. But I still believe that God calls us even today in marvelous and mysterious ways. God’s word still comes to us and we are called to God’s purposes.

And as in the olden days, those ancient Bible days gone by, when God calls, the right answer, the faithful answer is still “yes.�

4 C’sFood pantry open in Hampstead

HENDERSON RooďŹ ng Service

T he Christian Community Caring Center distributed food locally to those in need.

The food pantry is generously supported by local churches, businesses and individuals.

The 4C’s Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. until

Wallace, NC 28466

Any Type RooďŹ ng Pressure Washing 910-285-5707 910-231-0682 910-231-7068

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noon. Additionally, the 4C’s pantry will be open the last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until noon.

The 4C’s Food Pantry is located in the Jones Plaza, 15200 U.S. Hwy. 17 N. in Hampstead.

Burgaw Vape

Located inside SOUTHERN PRINTING 203 S. Dudley St. • Burgaw, NC 910.259.4807

311 S. Campbell St. Burgaw, NC 910.259.6007

TRI-COUNTY PEST CONTROL, INC. Ants • Fleas • Ticks • Spiders • Flies Rodents • Termites Serving New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, and Onslow County

Real Estate Inspections • All Work Guaranteed Wood Destroying Insect Reports Moisture Control • Termite & Pest Control Financing Available Locally Owned & Operated

910.392.3275 910.270.1190 www.tri-countypestcontrol.net

Bread giveaway at Herring’s Chapel UMC

Owned and Operated by the Debnam Family since 1979

Herring’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1697 Herring’s Chapel Rd. Burgaw, has a free bread giveaway every Saturday from 10 a.m. until

308 W. Fremont Street Burgaw, NC 910-259-2364 612 S. Norwood Street Wallace, NC 910-285-4005 Traditional Funeral Services and Cremations Preneed Arrangement Program for Advanced Funeral Planning

noon.

Most all types of bread from white to multigrain to hamburger and hotdog buns are available.

Send your church events to:

Riverview Memorial Park Watha, NC 910-285-3395 Riverview Crematory 910-259-2364 or 910-285-4005 Duplin Memorial Park Wallace, NC 910-285-3395

posteditor@post-voice.com

Rockfish Memorial Cemetery Wallace, NC 910-285-3395

910.532.4470 Hometown Convenience 45 Wilmington Hwy. Harrells, NC

Roman Trophies & Engraving, Inc.

“Award Achievement, Deed & Affection�

Trophies, Plaques, Medallions Name Tags, Desk Sets, Engraving & More 910-821-5002 • 16643 US Hwy 17 N Hampstead, NC 28443 MON-FRI 9AM-5PM (CLOSED 1-2 FOR LUNCH)

140 Industrial Drive Burgaw, NC 28425

THE FISHING EXPERTS Located in The Fishing Village

Producers of the finest select pork rinds and pork cracklin products in the USA

409 Roland Avenue Surf City, NC 910.328.1887 www.eastcoastsports.com

Harrell’s

Intrepid Hardware 910.675.1157, Rocky Point

FUNERAL HOME

Office of Rocky Point Mini Storage Climate Control • First Month Half Price •

S. Dickerson St. Pender’s212 Original Funeral Service Burgaw, NC 28425

& Cremation Service

NEW BEGINNING CHURCH

corner of Fremont & Wright Street (Courthouse Square) Burgaw, N.C. • 910-619-8063

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome! Pastor Bill Howell

Church Directory BURGAW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FRIENDLY COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

1730 US Hwy. 117 N. • Burgaw, NC 28425 910-259-3046

110 E. Bridgers Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 • 910-259-2295

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m., 6 p.m. www.fcbcb.org

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

ST. M ARY’S CHURCH

18577 NC 53 E, Kelly, NC • 910-669-2488

CURRIE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

28396 Hwy. 210 W. • Currie (1/2 mile from Moores Creek Battlefield)

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. Bible Study Wednesday: 7 p.m.

Rev. Roger Malonda Nyimi, Pastor Sunday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Mass Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. Mass Thursday 8:30 a.m. Mass

WATHA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP (CF2)

Adult Bible Study: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Children’s Biblical Studies (ages 3-12) from 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Men’s Breakfast, 2nd Sunday of Each Month, 8-9 a.m.

Ladies’ Circle, 2nd Monday of Each Month, 6:30-8 p.m.

Choir Practice & Bible Study, Tues., 7:30-9 p.m. Youth Group Every Other Wed. 6-7:30 p.m.

www.CF2.us Worship Hours: Sunday Morning, 11 a.m.

Wednesday Night, 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Ernie Sanchez

200 E. Fremont St. • Burgaw, NC 28425

WESTVIEW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

160 Camp Kirkwood Road, Watha, NC

910-470-4436

Pastor John Fedoronko

ROCKY POINT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

located at the intersection of Hyw. 117 & 210

Pastor Mark Murphyw

5610 Hwy. 53 W • Burgaw, NC 28425 (Across from Pender High)

Services: Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Bible Study: Tuesday at 6 p.m. www.RPUMC.org

MISSION BAPTIST CHURCH

54 Camp Kirkwood Rd. • Watha, NC 28478 • 910-448-0919

Pastor Judy Jeremias Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Evening Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and classes at 6:45 p.m.

FAITH HARBOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

14201 Hwy. 50/210 • Surf City, NC 28445 • 910-328-4422 Services: 8 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. http://faithharborumc.org

MOORES CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

3107 Union Chapel Rd. • Currie, NC 28435 Pastor Roger Barnes

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHOLIC CHURCH

Sunday School: Sunday 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.

607 S. Walker Street • Burgaw, NC 28425

www.BurgawBaptistChurch.org

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Discipleship Training: 6:00 p.m. Pastor Lamont Hemminger

BURGAW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Jim Herchenhahn / Pastor Worship Services: 8:30 a.m. & 10:50 a.m. Youth each Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday evenings: Meal at 6:00 p.m. / Study for all ages 7:00 p.m.

100 E. Bridgers Street • Burgaw, NC 28425 910-259-4310

Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer Service & Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Worship Service with Holy Eucharist: 11 a.m. www.stmaryschurchburgawnc.org

RILEY’S CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

212 S. Dickerson St. • Burgaw, NC 28425 www.harrellsfh.com

BURGAW BAPTIST CHURCH 910.259.2136

CENTERVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

An Episcopal - Lutheran Community 506 S. McNeil Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 910.259.5541

19845 NC Hwy. 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457 910-675-2127

910.259.2136 Affordable Prices www.harrellsfh.com Dignified Funeral Services Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1913

CALVARY CHAPEL COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor: Tony Fontana Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sun. Worship: 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday 7 p.m. Youth Group: Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

JORDANS CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4670 Stag Park Rd. • Burgaw, NC 28425 • 910-259-5735 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

1303 Hwy. 117 • Burgaw, NC • 910-259-2601

10509 US Hwy. 117 S., Rocky Point Business Park Rocky Point, NC • 910-232-7759

ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC CHURCH

18737 Hwy 17 North, Hampstead • 910-270-1477 Rev. John Durbin, Pastor

Weekend Mass Schedule: Hampstead - SAT 5 p.m., SUN 9 a.m.

Surf City - SAT 5 p.m., SUN 9 & 11 a.m. (through Labor Day) Daily Mass - Hampstead: TUES & WED 4p.m., THURS & FRI 9 a.m.

Confessions SAT 4-4:30 p.m. or by appt. www.allsaintsccnc.org

CHAPEL BY THE BAY IN LANIER’S CAMPGROUND 216 Michigan Avenue • Holly Ridge, N.C. 28445 910-328-6252 Pastor: Don Myers Associate Pastor: Nathan Swartz Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study 5:45 p.m.

Children’s Church 6:15 p.m. Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: Youth Group 6:30 p.m.

Christmas recipes

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 3B

Hope’s Cooking Corner

By Hope Cusick Contributing Writer Merry Christmas! Here are some treats to make your holiday festive.

Enjoy!

Holiday french toast This should be made the day before and refrigerated.

Serve with Drunken Strawberries or peach slices, if desired.

Serves 4-6.

1 stick butter 2 / 3 c u p b r ow n s u g a r, packed 1 tablespoon maple syrup 6 one inch thick slices French bread from a wide 1-pound loaf 5 large eggs 1½ cups half-and-half 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (I use Grand Marnier.)

Cinnamon Confectioners’ sugar Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and maple syrup and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and arrange bread slices over it in a single layer.

Whisk together eggs, halfand-half, vanilla, and orange liqueur in a bowl. Pour over bread, sprinkle top with some ground cinnamon, cover, then refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove dish from refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Bake, uncovered until puffed and lightly browned, about 35 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve hot.

Drunken strawberries Cut up one quart strawberries, add Âź cup Grand Marnier, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar, then mix in a bowl and

let set overnight. This may be chilled or heated also.

Oyster pie with biscuits Serves 6.

Biscuits 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Ÿ teaspoon baking soda 1½ sticks cold butter, cut into ½-inch cubes ½ cup plus 2-tablespoons milk stirred with one tablespoon vinegar, chilled In a large bowl whisk flour with baking powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Add the butter; using your fingers, rub the butter with the flour until pea-size crumbles form. Add buttermilk and stir until a dough forms.

Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until it forms a ball.

Using a rolling pin, flatten dough until Ÿ inch thick, then fold in thirds like a letter. Repeat rolling and folding twice more, and then flatten dough until ½ inch thick. Using a 2½- inch round floured cutter, cut out biscuits, rerolling scraps as needed.

There will be about 10 biscuits. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet (may be frozen for up to a week) and set aside.

Oyster Filling 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 ounces smoked country ham, finely diced 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 1 bunch spinach leaves or Swiss chard, stems removed, roughly chopped 1 dozen shucked oysters, with juices 2 tablespoons dried chives, chopped Ÿ cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, chopped Heat the oven to 450 degrees.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over mediumhigh. Add the ham and cook,

stirring, until browned and crisp, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the celery and onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften, about eight minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about two minutes.

Slowly pour the milk into the pan and stir until it comes to a boil. Add the spinach or Swiss chard, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until the spinach or Swiss chard wilts down, about 6-8 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the oysters, chives, wine, and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and pour the oyster filling into a 1 1â „2 quart baking dish. Arrange the biscuits evenly over the filling and place the dish on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake the oyster pie until the filling is bubbling in the center and the biscuits are golden brown, about one hour.

Transfer the pie to a rack and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cornish hens with orange marmalade Serves four. The hens maybe roasted whole or cut in half, lengthwise. I usually bake half a hen per person, but if your guests want a whole one just get four hens.

2-4 whole Cornish hens 2 tablespoons butter, melted Ÿ cup orange marmalade ½ cup orange juice 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 4 bay leaves Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place two bay leaves in the cavity of each hen. Tie legs of each hen together; turn wing tips under backs. Place on a greased rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter; and sprinkle with onion and garlic powders. Bake uncovered, in a 375 degree oven, for 35 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, brown sugar, and orange marmalade; bring to a boil then lower heat and sim-

mer for 4-5 minutes. Spoon half the sauce over hens. Bake for another 10 minutes, baste again and continue to roast until meat thermometer reads 180 degrees or when a fork inserted in thigh is tender. Let hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

If using half hens, cut hen lengthwise then lay cut side down on greased rack and proceed with the rest of the recipe. Hens will take less time to roast.

Gingerbread pie 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust ½ cup light brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup granulated sugar Ÿ cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon Chinese Five-Spice or ½ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of salt Ÿ cup unsulphured molasses 2 cups half-and-half 4 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Press pie crust into a nineinch pie pan and prick bottom and sides with a fork. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Set a fine mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl. Set aside.

In a saucepan whisk together sugars, cornstarch, ginger, Chinese Five-Spice, and salt . Gradually whisk in molasses and half-and-half until smooth. Whisk in egg yolks.

Cook mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until large bubbles appear on surface, about 6-7 minutes. Lower heat to low and cook, whisking constantly, about one minute.

Remove from heat and pour through sieve or cheesecloth.

Whisk in butter.

Pour filling into baked pie crust, put a sheet of plastic wrap directly on surface of filling and refrigerate for about four hours.

When ready to serve, lightly beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Top each slice with some whipped cream.

Thursday, December 24 The Kiwanis Club of Hampstead will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Sawmill Grill on Hwy. 17 in Hampstead. s!LCOHOLICS !NONYMOUS WILL MEET FROM NOON P M AT THE Surf City Community Center. Call 328.4887 for more information. s0ENDER #OUNTY -USEUM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR FREE DONAtions are welcome) every Thursday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Group tours are available at other times by contacting the Museum at 259-8543 by email at penderhist@hotmail.com.

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 29 s4HE +NIGHTS OF #OLUMBUS #OUNCIL MEETS THE SECOND AND fourth Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Building, 16660 U.S. Hwy. 17 in Hampstead.

Wednesday, December 30 s!LCOHOLICS !NONYMOUS WILL MEET FROM P M AT THE Surf City Community Center, 201 Community Center Dr. Call 328.4887 for more information s4HE #OASTAL 0ENDER 2OTARY #LUB MEETS EACH 7EDNESDAY AT 12:30 p.m. at the Belvedere Country Club, 2368 Country Club Drive in Hampstead.

Thursday, December 31 s4HE +IWANIS #LUB OF (AMPSTEAD WILL MEET AT A M AT THE Sawmill Grill on Hwy. 17 in Hampstead. s!LCOHOLICS !NONYMOUS WILL MEET FROM NOON P M AT THE Surf City Community Center. Call 328.4887 for more information. s0ENDER #OUNTY -USEUM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR FREE DONAtions are welcome) every Thursday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Group tours are available at other times by contacting the Museum at 259-8543 by email at penderhist@hotmail.com.

Friday, January 1 Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 6 s!LCOHOLICS !NONYMOUS WILL MEET FROM P M AT THE Surf City Community Center, 201 Community Center Dr. Call 328.4887 for more information s4HE #OASTAL 0ENDER 2OTARY #LUB MEETS EACH 7EDNESDAY AT 12:30 p.m. at the Belvedere Country Club, 2368 Country Club Drive in Hampstead.

Thursday, January 7 s4HE +IWANIS #LUB OF (AMPSTEAD WILL MEET AT A M AT THE Sawmill Grill on Hwy. 17 in Hampstead. s!LCOHOLICS !NONYMOUS WILL MEET FROM NOON P M AT THE Surf City Community Center. Call 328.4887 for more information. s0ENDER #OUNTY -USEUM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR FREE DONAtions are welcome) every Thursday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Group tours are available at other times by contacting the Museum at 259-8543 by email at penderhist@hotmail.com.

Send community news and information to posteditor@post-voice.com

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS Surf City Futsal Clinic still has openings Highly experienced Brazilian Coach Humberto Simao will head up the coaching staff for the TetraBrazil futsal clinic at Surf City Community Center Dec. 29-30. He played and coached at and the Federal University of Vicosa, was head coach at Ubaense FC for two seasons and has worked as an Academy Coach at Euro FC in Rochester, Minn. An indoor soccer specialist, Humberto has been with TetraBrazil since 2012.

Morning clinics will take place from 9 a.m. until noon for participants from ages 6 through 12 while evening sessions for players from 12

to 17 are 5:30-8:30 pm both nights. The cost is $60 for one three-hour session or a total of $85 for two. Some openings are still available in both age groups.

All participants receive a ball and a shirt and hours of valuable training in a structured environment. TetraBrazil, a division of Challenger Sports, has previously assigned coaches to summer soccer camps in this area including Surf City and are leaders in teaching indoor soccer techniques to youth players of all ages.

In the summer of 2016, Surf City Parks & Recreation will also host a complete Futsal Camp via TetraBrazil and

Challenger Sports from June 13-17 for Surf City Parks & Recreation. Those who register in the summer camp after coming to the holiday clinic will receive a bonus premium jersey. Registration will begin in December.

Please register for the upcoming futsal clinics at www. surfcityparksandrec.com.

Futsal is a five-a side indoor soccer game played with a special ball on marked court (usually in a gymnasium or arena) without using any walls coming into play. It is very popular worldwide and gaining an increasing number of adherents in this country.

Surf City Parks and Recreation has run both youth and

adult futsal leagues for the past three years, pioneering this variety of indoor soccer in the area. Practices are already underway with league competition starting in January.

Holiday volleyball clinic Registration numbers are brisk for the two-part Surf City Holiday Volleyball Skills Clinic over Christmas break Dec. 2930 from 1-4 p.m. Once again, heading up this event is Lacey Van Dalen, an experienced volleyball coach who has already participated in a variety of Surf City programs including

camps and numerous other clinics.

Lacey originally hailed from Maryland where she has hosted clinics and camps. She also went to the state championships and AAU Nationals Tournament in Orlando as a player. “I look forward to returning and doing this great clinic for the third year in a row at the Community Center,� said Lacey.

The cost for one day is $30 but for two days the total is $40.

This year the clinics are geared toward players from 12-18 years of age. On Tuesday, participants will focus on serving, passing and setting while on Wednesday, the featured topics are serve/receive, hitting and blocking.

Fewer than a dozen openings remain and both beginners and experienced players are welcome. Registration is through www.surfcityparksandrec.com. For more information, please call (910) 328-4887 or contact by e-mail at thletics@townofsurfcity.com.

Photo contributed

Burgaw Rotary Club president Jimbo Robbins presents a $500 check to Pender County Christian Services Director Sandy Harris.

The preschool children at the Hampstead Library enjoyed story time with local children’s author, Hope Cusick reading her stories, The Gingerbread Boy and the Candy Cane Tree, Pedro and His Donkey Rico, and ElďŹ n, The Christmas Elf. She then gave out candy canes to celebrate the holidays.

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice, Thursday, December 24, 2015, Page 4B

87th Annual Christmas Party at Paul’s Place

Staff Photos by Andy and Katie Pettigrew

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