August 2025 Southport Magazine

DQ CONE

20 Naber Drive

BEACH: 5701 E. Oak Island Dr.

106 Southport-Supply Rd., SE

5901 Oleander Drive

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Being a small business owner is stressful and sometimes a bit too exciting. But it does have its advantages, mainly that you are the boss and you get to make the decisions. When your business is publishing, that means you get to decide what appears (and does not appear) within the pages of your publications.

This month we begin a new feature that flows straight from my personal love of history, and particularly local history. We are going to be joining in the fun of America 250, the countdown to our nation’s 250th birthday next July 4. We’ll be featuring photos from America 250 events and when we don’t have that, we’ll be taking our own look back at what was happening in our region that helped guide our new nation along the road to independence.

Ihope you enjoy this as much as I do, and I trust you will, based on the interest in the history content we’ve covered already. We are truly lucky to live where we can walk in the footsteps of those who helped bring the concept of self-government to life. It’ll be a year-long birthday party for America. --Jeffrey

STAFF

EDITOR

Jeffrey Stites

editor@southportmag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Chuck and Sue Cothran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carla Edstrom

Patty Langer

Loiuse Sheffield-Baccarny

Janet Fortney

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeffrey Stites

PUBLISHER & SALES

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

CONSULTANT

Kris Beasley PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461

Southport Magazine is published once a month by

Live Oak Media with an extra publication in July for the Southport Fourth of July Festival.

The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.

Annual Subscription: $45 jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

Community Entrepreneur of the Year

Brandon Hill: How An Idea Became A Brand

STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

One of the greatest entrepreneurs in the world, Walt Disney, said, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s exactly what Brandon Hill, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, is doing.

Brandon is the owner of Gimmzi Smart Rewards, an online program that offers rewards to consumers and supports local businesses. Brandon explained, “From a consumer standpoint, all you have to do is download the app through either Google Play Store or Apple. It’s a pointbased system where the points are currency. Consumers earn points and, in turn, use those points to redeem deals and discounts at local businesses. Businesses who sign up with us host coupons such as percentage off, dollar off, and

even BOGO offers. Also, they can host what we call digital punch cards where consumers can use to earn points. You know like, buy five ice cream cones and get the sixth for free or spend $100 on accessories and get the $15 off you next order. You can take the points to other businesses, they cross over. It’s very important to me to support small, local businesses.”

Gimmzi, which launched this year, started out as a conversation among friends about the benefits and perks of home ownership. Some of the friends in the conversation were living in apartments, arguing that not all people want to be homeowners. But they highlighted that their choice of living space did not afford them some of the same cost saving opportunities that their homeowner friends had. That didn’t seem right to Brandon.

“I had a quiet epiphany,” he said. “I realized that I could do something for the local economy, small businesses and consumers. The timing and the market were perfect for what I had in mind. At that point, my focus was apartment residents so after I started to develop the app, I named it ‘Renters Advantage Plus.’ That didn’t really describe what the app could become over time, so I played around with the term, “gimme.” That morphed into “Gimmzi,” and my company was born. It worked for apartment residents—developers and management companies could offer residents points every month based on marketing initiatives.”

Brandon continued, “We have a travel and tourism component that gives travel partners points based on the number of nights they book at participating lodges or resorts. For example, if you travel

from Charleston to Oak Island, you can scan a QR code in your vacation listing, use your points and go to early adopters today like Doodles Market and Convenience and Throwbaxe Axe House and Board Game Lounge and get deals and discounts from their locations. Both family-owned, locally loved and go-to destinations in Oak Island and Southport. We call it living like a local.”

Brandon explained how this concept is a win/win for consumers and businesses. “Gimmzi is different from that big bulky envelope homeowners get with coupons in it. We offer businesses a target marketing approach to soliciting new customers. When you buy into a traditional coupon-based program, the only thing you can hope for is that some of the coupons will fall into the hands of someone that can use them. For the most part, you just don’t know what works. Paper coupons are expensive and difficult to track in terms of effectiveness. Gimmzi is all digital. We give you a number of ways to present your deals and discounts to your customers. Those bulk coupon

mailings typically don’t go to apartments—and look at how many apartments there are in this area. Look at how many people could potentially use your product, but they don’t know you are out there. Businesses, especially small businesses, need to use every advantage they can to promote their products and services.”

It’s really not surprising that Brandon was selected as Entrepreneur of the Year. He names Reginald Lewis, the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, and Steve Jobs as people who have inspired him, but it’s his parents who get the credit for influencing his life choices and dreams.

“My father was in construction for over 40 years,” Brandon said. “He woke up every day and provided for his family and still does to this day. No excuses, you worked to take care of yourself and your family. He instilled a work ethic in me that is vital to who I am today. I needed that direction. Equally, there is my mother, she was ahead of her time in terms of finding ways for us to be exposed to things available outside of the neighborhood and beyond. She focused on education. A ‘C’ on your report card was not acceptable. You could do better. She worked the other side of our brains to become movers in this complex world. That’s what made me who I am, and I want to pass that same work ethic and opportunities to my own children.”

Brandon’s voice reflects pride when he talks about his children. “Kiera attends UNCG and wants to be a pediatrician. My son Brandon is 17 and attends South Brunswick High School. Like most kids his age, he’s trying to figure out what he wants to do. They are both great kids. I also have another son, Bash, who just

turned one in July. He is my number

The other important person in Brandon’s life is his fiancée, Cherell, who has supported the concept and the hard work it took to make Gimmzi a reality.

Brandon also gives credit to the success of Gimmzi to his team of software developers and engineers. “I am the one-man founder and CEO, but I have some really talented people working with me,” he said.

As if raising a family and starting a business wasn’t enough, Brandon is an Ambassador of the Oak Island/Southport Chamber Commerce, a board member of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, an Ambassador with Port City Young Professionals, and a business mentor for District C, a non-profit organization that empowers high school students through real-world problem solving, collaborative thinking, and entrepreneurial skill-building. He is also a “C level” mentor for Genesis Block’s incubator program, a non-profit organization that helps minority businesses grow.

“I help with tech stuff,” Brandon said. “I like the energy of helping others. You get to see dreams and the spark in people’s eyes when they want to pursue those dreams. When you are a small business, you may have the energy to be successful, but you still have to get over the hump of consistently getting people in your store. I see this daily—small businesses have to be really creative in attracting new customers.

“It’s so important to support small, local businesses,” he continued. “I believe in that. I believe that we have to slow down the large corporate takeover that happens in communities all around us. I believe in the corner store concept, do business with your neighbor — the one you know and the person who knows you and your family. “

Brandon is originally from a small neighborhood called Pine Crest, near Calabash. He laughed and said, “I’m one of the few locals around.” But his voice shifted when he talked about being selected as the Entrepreneur of the Year. “I am extremely honored and grateful to be

recognized. The community has seen us start from the ground and grow. I want to add value to the community and make local businesses shine. I want to continue to improve the concept of my company and use local communities to refine it. I want to make it easier to the consumer

and the business owner to come together. I’m hoping to expand our travel and tourism initiative into the Asheville, Raleigh and Charlotte markets then push for national growth, but that growth will depend on how quickly we can get feedback from users.”

Every once in a while, doing the job of reporting, you meet an exceptional individual. Someone who goes out of their way to make a difference for others, and that sums up Brandon Hill.

His message to future entrepreneurs is, “Never give up. There’s always something else that is awaiting around the corner of struggle. Continue to push, continue to believe and have faith that any and all situations can come out with a positive outcome.”

If you are a small business owner or a smart consumer looking for great deals, visit http://www.gimmzi.com, or call (844) 444-6694. Businesses should go to the “Become a Partner” dropdown menu and schedule a demo. Do it now during the early start-up phase and start to reap your rewards.

Community

80 Years Of Service

Southport Lions Club Celebrates This Month With Car Show and Family Day

STORY BY DANA JORDAN, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Mark your calendars and shine those fenders — the Southport Lions Club Car Show is coming back this Labor Day weekend, promising another unforgettable celebration of community, classic cars, and charitable impact. And this year, there’s the addition of the Family Fun section on the Fort Johnston lawn. So whether you’re a die-hard gear head, a casual car lover, or just looking for a great day out with the family, this is a day you won’t want to miss.

Located in downtown Southport along Bay Street by Waterfront Park, the Lions Club Car Show has become a beloved tradition in Southport, drawing auto enthusiasts from across the region to show off their rides and admire the unique craftsmanship of others. From meticulously restored vintage beauties to high-performance modern muscle cars, last year’s show featured a number of crowd favorites, including a 1930 Ford Model A, a 1963 VW split-window bus, and a stunning 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.

Don’t worry, though; just as in years past, this year’s show promises not to disappoint

— attendees can expect to see returning classics and new contenders rolling in from garages across the Carolinas and beyond. And with awards such as “Mayor’s Choice,” “Best Survivor” and “Spectators’ Choice,” the show not only celebrates automotive excellence, but also offers bragging rights for those who bring their best to the lineup. Of course, there is more to the Southport Lions Club’s Car Show than gleaming vintage vehicles — it’s also one of the club’s most important fundraisers. The proceeds help fund a wide variety of impactful initiatives that directly benefit our neighbors in Southport and across the entire state.

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Trophies awarded:

Since 1925, when Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs International to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” vision programs have been a core focus of the organization’s mission. The Southport Lions Club is no exception — by providing free vision screenings to identify and address vision issues early, the group has had a tremendous impact on the community. And thanks to the community’s support at previous car shows, the Southport Lions Club was able to raise the money to purchase a SPOT vision screener, a remarkable tool that enhances early detection and makes these screenings possible.

All that horsepower and chrome, and the fuel they provide for the service initiatives of the Southport Lions Club, are exciting to

Community

be sure, but this year is extra special, as it marks the club’s 80th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the Lions are inviting the entire community to participate in a Family Fun Day on the Fort Johnston lawn in conjunction with the auto show. In honor of their 80th year, the Lions are offering Family Fun Day attendees hotdogs and hamburgers at 1980 prices. Other activities include Family Day games, a moon bounce house with slide, cornhole games, a car club game challenge, and more.

“The Family Day activities are our way of saying thank you to the Southport community for supporting us these last 80 years,” said Roger Albizu, the Lions Club chairman of the Family Fun Day. “We hope Southport residents will come out and enjoy the day, our ‘80s hotdogs and hamburgers, other delicious foods, and all the various activities!”

Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader, founded Lions Clubs International in 1917 during the First World War. A member of a businessmen’s luncheon group, Jones had the visionary idea of pooling the talents, energy, and resources of the successful individuals gathered for business networking and channel them

instead toward the service of their community. Today, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club with close to 1.4 million members. The Lions motto, “We Serve,” not only reflects Jones’ guiding philosophy, but the commitment of service that today’s members have to their commu-

nities and beyond.

Jones’ mantra of “service above self” certainly influenced the group of 20 concerned and dedicated citizens who obtained the charter for the Southport Lions Club in 1945. Eighty years later, the Southport club has over 50 members and continues to grow and serve the city of Southport and neighboring areas in a wide variety of ways. Its impact on the region is far-reaching — from the vision care it provides the young children of the community to sponsoring service projects that make life better for neighbors in need.

In reflecting on the significance of the club’s 80th anniversary, Albizu noted that when the initial 20 members received their charter on May 24, 1945, the outcome of World War II had not yet been determined, with the war in the Pacific still raging.

“It’s amazing that these initial volunteers thought of serving the community when the future was uncertain,” he said. “This year we are honoring those initial 20 members and ALL the men and women that came after to serve this community as a Southport Lion.”

So save the date, bring the family, support your neighbors, and help celebrate the anniversary of the Southport Lions Club, a cherished and storied community resource, with a day full of family fun, the spirit of giving, and automotive flair.

Want to get involved or become a sponsor? Reach out to the Southport Lions Club directly by emailing Roger Albizu at Roger. Albizu@gmail.com.

Showcase

Brushes And Beats

Join NC Museum of Art To Paint A Mural

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

The North Carolina Museum of Art is going to help to help our community stretch its creative muscles, enjoy a day of painting and music, and create a piece of art that will be enjoyed for years to come. All ages and experience levels are welcome to Brushes and Beats at Barbee Library, 8200 East Oak Island Drive, on Thursday, Aug. 12 from noon to 5 pm to paint a large mural that will hang inside the library.

“So it’s through the North Carolina Museum of Art, and they’re collaborating with libraries across our state to do mural projects,” said Missy Tripp Ronquillo of Pescado y Amor gallery, a sponsor of the program. “They’re doing it over their summer reading theme, which is Color Our World.”

Missy said that while each mural across the state will share a theme, they will all be unique.

“What we’re going to be painting is called Color Our World: Getting To Know The World Beneath,” she said. “So we’re going to have, you know, an ocean theme, but with the planet involved and so I think the main focus is the planet, but we’re kind of underwater. There’s underwater creatures and then some are reading books, because this will be hanging in the library. It’s kind of a joyful collaboration of our planet and the stories that connect us all.”

The NC Museum of Art supplies the 10 by 5 foot canvas, and Missy will be sketching an outline, but during the event, the community will make the art take shape. “It’ll be, sketched out, so if somebody feels unsure of how or what to do, there’ll be something that they can paint in, but then I’m thinking we’re going to expand beyond what I drew,” she said.

“The main focus for the museum of North Carolina Museum of Art was to get the community interested in the arts. But also teaching them about color and texture and mixed media kind of form of doing art, not just straight up painting,” Missy said. “We’re going to be using all kinds of tools to paint. Besides using paint brushes, we’re going to be using unconventional tools like sponges, our hands, like bubble wrap, to paint with. And then we’ll talk about color and texture and so all ages, like I’m thinking even like the little kids can come and we can do like crabs with their handprints or something fun like that. So this in an all ages event, and no experience is necessary.”

This is an outside event, but painting will tale place under the shade.

The NC Museum of Art and the Brunswick Arts Council with both have tents set up and Double Cherry Pie will be playing music from 2-4 pm.

Missy said while she’s done some school murals before, she’s not done something at this scale, within this many people, in just five hours.

“I think the hardest part is going to be the heat and keeping everybody comfortable and the paint from drying too fast,” Missy said. “but always have the ocean breeze and we’ll be in the shade, so we’ll be fine!”

The World on Your Plate

Community Dog Days of Summer

Volunteers Make Paws Place Run For Rescue Dogs

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANET FORTNEY AND THE PHOTO DISTRICT

Editor’s Note: We included some photos of dogs, produced wonderfully by The Photo District, but please be aware that some or all of these dogs may have found homes by the time you read this. Please go to the Paws Place website for a listing of current dogs in need of a forever home. They’re all just as adorable!

Althoughyou may recognize her from her frequent appearances – always with an adoptable dog beside her – on local television stations WECT, WWAY, and WSFX, Lee VanOrmer is more often walking through the kennels of Paws Place Dog Rescue. Paws Place, of which VanOrmer serves as the volunteer President and Secretary, is an 18-acre Winnabow no-kill dog shelter founded in 1999. The facility, which houses and can care for 40 dogs in 26 indoor/outdoor kennels at any one time, is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption.

Most Paws Place dogs have been saved from imminent euthanasia. The non-profit organization receives an extremely generous amount of physical and financial support from local volunteers and members of the community.

On a recent tour of the Paws Place facility, VanOrmer explained the logistics that go into a day-in-the-life of the shelter, starting with the invaluable services of the facility’s volunteer veterinarian.

“We have a vet room,” VanDormer explained. “Dr. Carolyn Evers is our volunteer licensed vet. It’s on our application to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture for the state of North Carolina. [She] comes in and helps us reduce our costs by doing a lot of the in-house stuff here. Doing blood draws, doing fecals, nail clips, vaccinations – anything to help us reduce having to take our dogs up to [an outside] vet.”

“We have a dog wash, so we wash all of our dogs here. Our volunteers do all of our laundry for us. There’s storage for all of our towels and bedding. We have 26 indoor/outdoor kennels plus five quarantine kennels in the back. Every kennel, indoor and outside, is cleaned every day – scrubbed top to bottom with disinfectant. That means anything that was in there comes out. So any blankets, any towels, any linens get brought up here and washed. We

don’t reuse anything, so that’s the reason we’re doing 20 loads of laundry a day. So we have to have a big supply to restock all of the kennels while we’re washing everything.”

VanOrmer led the way to another area that would have thrilled any dog in Brunswick County and beyond as it was brimming over with dog toys. “Yes, we have lots of toys donated! We have soft toys and we have hard toys because we have a number of dogs that aren’t allowed to have any of the soft toys. Some dogs, they’ll tear it apart, get the fluff out, and get the squeakers out. And the next thing you know, we’re up at the vet getting stomachs pumped.

“Over here is kind of our kitchen area,” she continued, “where we do all of the prep for all of the dogs’ meals. We have a lot of variety of dog food that we have to use. All the dogs that are on special medications have their own little bins and baskets with little carts and what medication they’re on, when they’re supposed to get it, mornings and afternoons. Everything’s checked off every single day. We have puppies. We have seniors. We have dogs with sensitive stomachs. We

have dogs that are allergic to certain things. And as you can see, basically, other than a couple of prescription dog foods, all of this stuff is donated. We put out the call periodically to say, hey, we’re running low on [a certain] dog food. And our supporters send us what we need. And we have some dogs that can only eat wet. We have some dogs that will only eat dry. We have some

Lee VanOrmer, Paws Place President and Secretary,

The dog food room at Paws Place stores food for dozens of rescue dogs

that do a combination of both.”

As VanOrmer came to the highlight of the tour – introducing the dogs currently residing at Paws Place – her affection for them became apparent. “Hi, Mocha!” she greeted one dog. “Good girl. She’s come home to my house a couple of times.” Often, when a dog is going to be featured on an early-morning television adoption segment, they get to enjoy an overnight stay at VanOrmer’s home. “I come out here the day before and get the dog,” she explained. “As our kennel manager refers to it, they get a spa getaway at my house.”

VanOrmer went on to greet other dogs – Flash, Johnny Bravo, Simon, Sissy, Gavin, Sasha, Sissy, Richie and Fonzie, and Cashew, among others.

“Cashew is the last one available of the ‘nutty puppies,’” she noted. “We had a

Stop by before school to grab breakfast, and swing by after school to

bunch of puppies we named after nuts: Pistachio, Peanut, Kui, which is a Hawaiian nut. So he’s just a puppy. He’s adorable.

“If a person comes and wants to adopt,” said VanOrmer, “first we walk around [the outdoor kennel area] and we find out which dog they’re potentially interested in. Then we harness the dog up and we walk around the property so that you can get a feel for how much does this dog pull. How strong is it? Then they’ll spend some one-onone time in the meet-and-greet room. But we really encourage getting the dog out of the kennel [because] you never want to shy away from seeing the true nature of the dog. Every dog, before we send them home, is spayed or neutered, microchipped, brought up to date on all of their vaccinations, any medical conditions that we’re aware of, we’re addressing that. They’re started on flea and tick medication, as well as

heartworm prevention. So they’re in great shape.”

If you are interested in adopting a Paws Place dog or would like to donate to support the shelter, go to www.pawsplace.org.

Sherol Lappala

Brian Deutsch

Verilyn McKee Sarah Smith

Brian Quinn Katherine Hufham

Kim Anne Russ Pamela Frandano

Fred Fiss

David Thorp Myles Williams

Lee Ann Walker Sally Stidham

Valerie Earman Karen Saunders

Katherine Wooten

Tanya Broussard

Kim Moss Annabelle Pivarnik

Shea Williams

Andrea Milligan

Community

Furr Jam Fundraiser

Music, Food & Fun To Support

Pet Rescues

SUBMITTED BY FURR JAM VOLUNTEER KENDRA MAXWELL

Calling all animal and music lovers! Please mark your calendars and save the date for Furr Jam 2025 to be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 5-8 pm at Woodlands Amphitheatre, 2623 Parkridge Drive, St. James. Mike’s Garage Band is once again generously donating their awesome music, and you just bring your dance shoes!

This event is a pure double win. While providing attendees with yummy BBQ and slushes for purchase, and a chance to walk down memory lane with terrific music, Furr Jam also benefits SOAR ( a local no-kill animal shelter) and the medical fund at the Brunswick County animal shelter.

There is  a never-ending stream of pets being abandoned, relinquished  and returned to local shelters. Your help is crucial to save these forgotten pets and

give them a second chance at a loving forever home.

Please consider gathering your friends and neighbors, your boating gang, bunco group, yoga classmates, and anyone else you can find to support Furr Jam and our four-legged friends by purchasing a $10 wristband. This event is open to everyone, St. James resident or not, but you must have a pre-purchased wrist band for entry. Wrist band purchases are cash only.

Wristbands will be offered for sale at the Homer E. Wright Event Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Rd SE (across from the St. James entrance) on the following dates: Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 10 am to noon; Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 1-3 pm; and Monday, Aug. 25 from 3-5 pm. Please contact Kendra at 239-841-3982 or dogcatlover213@gmail. com for further information or to arrange a wristband purchase.

Bring your chairs and libation of your choice, and cash for a 50/50 and vendors — enjoy dinner with Cooper’s BBQ Haven & Sunset Slush.

The animals are counting on you!

3

Saving The Whales

New Program and Exhibit At the Museum of Coastal Carolina Warns Boaters At Sea

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Imagine cruising to your favorite fishing spot a few dozen miles offshore and suddenly hitting something as big as a school bus. Not only would that risk your boat and, more importantly, its passengers, but it may injure or even kill a critically endangered species. A new exhibit at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach explains how the museum has became part of a warning network to help prevent boaters and save the lives of the North Atlantic Right Whale.

“We’ve got an antenna and a receiver, so we can we can see where boats are and broadcast a warning out up to 50 miles into the Atlantic Ocean,” said Museum Executive Director Jim Hoffman. The speed limit for boats in the protected area is 10 knots, so the system auto-

matically detects vessels in the protected area and can send what is essentially a push notification to their GPS display and asks them to slow down if they are exceeding the limit.

The museum exhibit, installed with the help of The GPS Store of Ocean Isle Beach, shows visitors the Automatic Identification Equipment (AIS) and how it works and also includes a Stationkeeper box that connects the monitoring equipment to an antennae on the outside of the museum.

Jim said the program is an arrangement made by Jamie Justice, the museum’s director of programs and exhibits, with MotionInfo, a company in Massachusetts. Currently most of the 20 stations in the MotionInfo network are in New England, except the museum’s station. Another recently installed on the Frying Pan Light Tower is helping with the company’s goal of covering the entire East Coast.

Jamie said that the Right Whales are most active off

our coast in the spring and early summer. “We’re their kind of calving areas, so down from our area, the Cape Fear, all the way down to Florida is their southeastern calving area. Around November they head back up to New England, where their main food source is,” she said.

You’ll learn from the exhibit’s signage that there are only about 370 North Atlantic Right Whales left in the wild, and Jamie said that only about 70 of those are breeding females.

“These whales are 150,000 pounds,” said Jim. “They’re the size of a school bus. These are incredible, beautiful creatures. And that’s why it’s important to protect them.

Director of Programs and Exhibits Jamie Justice with a volunteer-made sign that will soon lead the way to the museums new exhibit

Visitors can interact with the exhibit’s GPS unit

The Stationkeeper’s box holds all the electronics used to send messages to vessels entering the protecred area. Signs also teach visitors about the North Atlantic Right Whale

“Their impact as living creatures is enormous on the food web because they eat so much,” he said. “But then they are impacted by vessel strikes more than anything else, vessel strikes and entanglement, but probably more vessel strikes is how they meet their demise. And so a vessel hits them and the whale dies, it sinks to the bottom of the ocean and decays, and then that adversely affects the ocean.”

Jamie said that these whales play an important role in keeping up the balance of the ocean ecosystem.

“They are baleen whales, so they have baleen, which is kind of like a giant filter, and they eat zooplankton,” she said. “That helps keep the balance in the ocean because the zooplankton eat phytoplankton, which is the base of the ocean food chain. So if the zoo-

Jim said he knows that limiting speed can be a sensitive issue for commercial

fisherman and charter boats who need to get to where the fish are as soon as possible.

“But I think the point that we would try to make is that we’re trying to do something that preserves the ocean so that their children and their grandchildren can the fish in the ocean too,” Jim said.

“A lot of times you don’t even realize you’re near a whale until you end up hitting it. This can help bring awareness,” Jamie added.

In the future, it is hoped that the system can be paired with whale tracking to let vessels know they are close to a whale, rather than just in the general migratory route.

The system and exhibit were installed and operational as of World

plankton get too much, you throw off the balance of the entire ocean food chain.”

Ocean Day on June 6. The display is on a wall near the museum’s touch tank in the Seashore Gallery.

Antennae equipment facing the ocean

M-F 7:30am-6:00pm Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm

in august

FLAG CEREMONY NIGHTLY WATERFRONT PARK

WEDNESDAYS WATERFRONT PARK SOUTHPORT SUMMER MARKETS

FOOD TRUCK RODEO

AUGUST 2

BAY STREET

SOUTHPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 TUESDAY TALK ND

TUESDAY , AUGUST 12 HARPER LIBRARY

SOUTHPORT CONCERT SERIES

THURSDAYS FRANKLIN SQUARE PARK

WHITTLERS BENCH SOUTHPORT LIONS CLUB CAR SHOW AND FAMILY FUN DAY

SATURDAY AUGUST 30

o r gotocityofsouthport.com/event s FORMOREINFORMATIONSCANHERE

Pro Pictures And More

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce

Freshen up your Professional Portrait! The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with its professional photographers, makeup artists and hair stylists to provide you the opportunity to freshen up your look. Held in January and August each year.

Date: Wednesday, August 20

Time: 9 am – 1 pm

Location: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce

4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport Pretty Plum Beauty – Hair touch up Photographer: Katie Dorsett-Dye, Katie

D Photography

$75.00 package (cash/check) $77.25 online -two different poses in two formats (JPEG & PNG). Limited to one person or two-person teams together. Includes hair

and makeup touch ups. Reservations Required by August 15th. We will contact you to arrange specific time. Complete form and mail with check payable to the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce,4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461. Or complete online form at www.sptokimerchandise. com

If you miss the August 20th event, no worries we will host another one in January.

Schedule of Events

7/29   Business Connections – Networking begins at 11:45am, meeting at 12pm @ Chamber Sponsored by Corning Credit Union, Hamilton Realty eXp Realty, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,  and SPTOKI Magazine.

7/29- Business Networking After Hours – 5:30pm-7:00pm @ Carolina Crab Brewing Company, 4810 Long Beach Road, Southport. Sponsored by Up Your Arts and Carolina Crab Brewing Company. Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar, Door Prizes. RSVP (910) 457-6964.

7/31   Faces of Commerce –10:00am - Call to schedule (910) 457-6964

7/31   Golden Pineapple Award Nomination Deadline- https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/5gZSaLj/Golden

8/5     Business Connections – Networking begins at 11:45am, meeting at 12pm @ Chamber Sponsored by Corning Credit Union, Hamilton Realty eXp Realty, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,  and SPTOKI Magazine.

8/6     Benefit YOU (Your Opportunities Unfolded) – 5:00pm @ Chamber. A review of the benefits of being a member of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. New, Existing or Potential businesses welcome.

8/7     Faces of Commerce –10:00am - Call to schedule (910) 457-6964

8/12   Business Connections – Networking begins at 11:45am, meeting at 12pm @ Chamber Sponsored by Corning Credit Union, Hamilton Realty eXp Realty, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,  and SPTOKI Magazine.

8/14   Faces of Commerce –10:00am - Call to schedule (910) 457-6964

8/19   Coffee with the Girls – 8am @ TBA.

8/19   Business Connections – Networking begins at 11:45am, meeting at 12pm @ Chamber Sponsored by Corning Credit Union, Hamilton Realty eXp Realty, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,  and SPTOKI Magazine.

8/20 -  Professional Portraits – 9am-1pm @ Chamber Conference Room. Cost: $75.00 package includes two different poses in two formats (JPEG & PNG). Photographer: Katie Dorsett-Dye, Katie D Photography.    Hair & Makeup: Pretty Plum Beauty.    https://www.sptokimerchandise.com/home/Professional-Portrait-Day-August-p655722306

8/21   Faces of Commerce –10:00am - Call to schedule (910) 457-6964

8/21 – Business Networking After Hours – 5:30pm -7:00pm @ Cattail Cottage, 416 N. Howe Street, Southport. Hors d’oeuvres, Refreshments. Door Prizes. RSVP (910) 457-6964.

Community Raffle Fundraiser

Win A Trip To The Cherry Blossum Festival

CONTRIBUTED

The NC 4th of July Festival is proud to announce an exciting new fundraising initiative in support of the Festival: a raffle offering a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for two to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.

Valued at $3,000, this extraordinary prize package allows you to choose from round-trip airfare, luxury accommodations, and a customized a la carte itinerary tailored to your interests, all arranged by expert travel advisor Lina DiCola of Cruise Planners.

This unique travel experience will immerse winners in one of the nation’s most iconic spring celebrations. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to

Washington, DC, draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually and features a month-long celebration of art, culture, and friendship between the United States and Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. is scheduled to run March 20-April 12, 2026.

Only 200 raffle tickets will be sold at $100 each, available online through the NC 4th of July Festival website. With limited entries and a high-value prize, participants not only have great

odds of winning, but also a direct hand in supporting a treasured Southport tradition.

“All proceeds will directly benefit the NC 4th of July Festival, helping us continue to honor the legacy of our historic celebration,” said Lucinda Arnold, President of the Festival. “This is an opportunity to both give back and possibly receive a dream vacation in return.”

Prefer a different destination? If

you’re unable or choose not to attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival, you may opt for a $3,000 travel voucher instead, valid for custom travel planning through Cruise Planners.

Stay tuned by following us on Facebook and visiting www.nc4thofjuly.com for raffle updates. The drawing will occur on Labor Day weekend.

About Cruise Planners & Lina DiCola Cruise Planners has delivered exceptional travel services for over 20 years, helping more than 5,000 travelers experience unforgettable journeys. Lina DiCola, a seasoned travel advisor, will work with the winner to plan a custom itinerary aligned with their personal interests, from cherry blossom tours to hidden gems across DC.

Community

30 Years of Impact Celebrating Communities In Schools

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS) will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Friday Oct. 3. This special celebration will highlight the positive impact the organization has had for thousands of Brunswick County students over the past 30 years through its dropout prevention programs, while raising funds to help sustain this vital programming, currently serving more than 600 at-risk students each school year. The Brunswick County community has played a critical role in helping CIS achieve this milestone, and the group would love to have everyone join them for this special evening of festivities!

The 30 Years of Impact event will include dinner and dessert from Middle of the Island Catering, cash bar, music by The Beehive Blondes, a fun photo bus, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, time to dance and socialize, recognition of special guests, and the opportunity to hear stories of student successes. It promises to be a fun and memorable evening!

This past school year, 14 CIS Success Coaches worked daily in 11 local schools alongside school staff to support students identified as being at risk of not being promoted to the next grade at the end of the school year and at risk for eventually dropping out of school. CIS works through indi-

vidualized Student Support Plans to provide targeted services to at-risk students to help them be successful inside and outside of the classroom. Supports include academic tutoring, mentoring, behavior and attendance interventions, provision of basic needs, college and career exploration, building positive social connections, parent engagement activities, character development, and overall case management. CIS works to ensure that all students, regardless of personal circumstance, can learn, grow, and thrive at school and in their community.

The mission of Communities In Schools is “to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.” CIS looks forward to the new school year as it continues to serve the most vulnerable youth in our community so they can keep pace with their peers and continue working toward graduation and a high school diploma.

go on sale on the CIS website on August : https://www.cisbrunswick.org and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting bjordan@cisbrunswick.org.

An educated community is a strong community for all. Communities In Schools looks forward to continued partnership with the community so, together, we can continue to have a critical impact on the lives of local students, strengthening our community and building bright futures!

30th Anniversary event tickets

About Communities In Schools of Brunswick County:

Communities In Schools of Brunswick County is an accredited affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, operating programs proven to keep students in school and on the path to graduation. Working closely with schools and partner organizations, Communities In Schools of Brunswick County uses evidence-based programs to serve students and their families. Based directly inside schools throughout the county, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical educational and community-based resources, working hand-in-hand with schools, communities and families to identify students’ unique needs and surround students with a caring network of support. Learn more about Communities In Schools of Brunswick County at www.cisbrunswick. org.

Community August Dosher Events

Hospital Tour & Drive Thru School Supply Drive

CONTRIBUTED

Dosher

Memorial Hospital invites community members to take an in-person tour of the hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 1 pm. This will give local residents an opportunity to get an up-close look at the services offered and to have questions about the hospital answered by knowledgeable professionals. The tour group will meet in the front lobby of the main hospital building at 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Space is limited, therefore an RSVP is requested. Call 910-457-3900, or email marketing@dosher.org to reserve your spot.

Operation School Supplies

Dosher Memorial Hospital’s annual “Operation School Supplies” school supply donation event is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Local residents are invited to drop off new school supplies at the hospital

front entrance. Donations will benefit students served by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County. Participants will be able to drive through and drop off donations without having to leave their cars.

This event will be held in conjunction with the Communities In Schools annual

Back to School Supply Drive which takes place each August, where collection boxes can be found at their thrift shops. Dosher looks forward to hosting an alternative location for this event, with the convenience of a drive through arrangement. The school supplies collected enable every student to be prepared for the school year by having the tools they need to succeed.

Needed supplies include the following:

•Headphones or ear buds

•Crayons

•Backpacks

•Colored Pencils

•Glue Sticks

•Dry Erase Markers

•#2 Pencils (not mechanical) and erasers

•Pencil pouch for binder or supply box

•Two-inch 3 ring binders

•Composition books wide ruled

•Spiral notebooks and dividers for 2-inch binders

•Three-inch 3 ring binders

•Spiral notebooks and dividers for 3 -inch binders

•Blue or black ink pens

Call Dosher Community Relations with any questions about this event at 910-4573900.

Community 2025 Dinghy Dash

Dutchman Creek Cardboard Boat Race

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Round up those Amazon boxes and find your duct tape, because it’s time for the Oak Island Police Department’s Dutchman Dinghy Dash. If you haven’t experienced this spectacle, it involves teams of two trying to row out to a waiting boat and back aboard a boat made entirely of cardboard. Yes, it goes about as you’d expect. Each time I’ve covered one of these, I’ve left with my face hurting from laughing and smiling so much.

The fun kicks off at 10 am at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road. The entry fee is a donation of at least $10 worth of non-perishable food goods. There are both youth and adult divisions, with youth being those 12 and younger. Adult and child teams compete in the adult division. Complete information and an entry form can be found at OakIslandNC.gov/D3.

Schedule

Boat Registration 10-10:30 am

Boat Introductions 10:30-10:45 am

Boater safety briefing 10:45-11 am

Youth Race 11 am - noon

Adult Race 12-1 pm

Award Ceremony 1:15-2:15 pm

Conclusion 2:15-3 pm

Time could vary based on the number of participants.

Awards

Youth Division - Farthest or Fastest (1st & 2nd Place)

Adult Division - Farthest or Fastest (1st & 2nd Place)

Titanic Award (Most Dramatic Sinking)

Best First Responder Agency boat Judge’s Choice for “Best in Show”

D3 EVENT RULES

1. Boats and oars must be made entirely of cardboard.

2. Boat size limit: Max 6 feet wide by 12 feet long. No height limit.

3. Boats are a 2-man vessel

4. Surfboard and Raft style designs are

NOT ALLOWED. Consider “staying dry” as part of the challenge.

5. You can use thick or layered cardboard.

6. Cardboard tubes (like carpet tubes) are NOT permitted.

7. But you can’t use waterproofed or coated cardboard like Sono-tubes.

Allowed adhesives: duct tape, masking tape, strapping tape, wood glue, or contact cement.

Not allowed: You may NOT completely wrap the or encase the boat in duct tape.

Not allowed: metal or plastic fasteners (no staples, screws, nails, clamps, etc.).

8. Paint/seal with water-based products only. Paint must be dry before your boat hits the water.

9. Not allowed: tar, wax, silicone, fiberglass, epoxy, or Styrofoam.

Paper Mache is allowed for decorations, but the main material must still be cardboard.

10. Everyone in the boat must sit during the race. Sitting area can’t be enclosed, and you must be able to get in/out easily.

11. No motors or kicking to move the boat.

12. No electricity on the boat once it’s in the water.

13. Judges may test boats with a probe to make sure they’re cardboard only. If a rule is broken at any time, the boat will be

disqualified.

14. All racers must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Bring your own if possible (they fit better), but extras will be available.

15. Helmets are required for kids 12 and under.

16. Crew with both a child and adult goes in the adult division.

17. Youth division is for teams where both members are under 12.

18. Teams must clean up and take apart their boats after the race.

FISHING REPORT

August Fishing Report

Summer’s Warm Waters Mean Hot Fishing

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

Area fishing has been heating up right along with the weather. Whether you’ve been heading offshore or sticking closer to the creeks and inlets, the bite has been solid across the board— and there’s no sign of it slowing down as we roll into August.

Offshore

(20+ miles out)

If you’ve made the run offshore this past month, you likely found some good action. King mackerel have been biting well in the 10- to 30-mile range, especially along temperature breaks and near bait pods. Mahi-mahi are still around in decent numbers, with smaller “bailer” mahi being the most common, though a few bigger gaffers have been mixed in. The occasional sailfish has also shown up for those trolling ballyhoo in the deeper water.

Bottom fishing has been a dependable option too. Anglers targeting reefs and wrecks have brought in nice catches of black sea bass, gag grouper, and amberjack. Squid, cigar minnows, and live bait have all been productive. As long as the seas stay relatively calm, the offshore bite should stay steady through August.

Near-shore (3–10 miles out)

Closer to shore, Spanish mackerel have been thick. Early mornings have been

best, especially when trolling small spoons or casting to surface-feeding schools. You might run into some king mackerel nearshore as well, especially in the 5-10 mile range. Anglers have also reported hookups with bonito and sharks, which always add some excitement to the day. Look for diving birds—they usually lead you right to the action.

Inshore (beaches, jetties,

ICW)

Inshore fishing has been strong, particularly early and late in the day when temperatures are a bit cooler. Speckled trout have been hitting topwater lures at sunrise and switching over to soft plastics as the sun climbs higher. Red drum (puppy drum) have been feeding around oyster beds, docks, and grass lines on cut bait and live shrimp. Black drum and sheepshead are hanging around pilings and rocky structure—fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp are your best bet here.

Fishing the tides has made a big difference lately, with the best action hap-

Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919

pening on moving water. Pay attention to the tide charts before you head out.

Back creeks and rivers

The creeks and backwaters around

Southport, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island have been alive with action. Trout, red drum, and sheepshead are being caught regularly. Mud minnows, live shrimp under popping corks, and small soft plastics have been working great. The fish are holding near structure—so don’t be afraid to fish close to docks, oyster beds, and bends in the creek.

Looking Ahead

As we move into August, expect the bite to stay strong. The warmer water temperatures keep baitfish close, which keeps predators feeding. Offshore and nearshore action will likely remain steady with kings, mahi, and Spanish mackerel still active. Inshore, redfish and trout will continue to feed heavily, especially on those cooler mornings.

No matter where you fish—offshore, nearshore, or deep in the creeks—now’s a great time to wet a line. Stay safe, watch the weather, and tight lines to all!

Pictured: General Surgeon Paul Armstrong,

Keeping Fit

Returning To Roots

Vacation Can Provide Time To Reflect, Reset

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness

I’ve been asked many times since returning from Portugal at the end of June what was my favorite part of our trip to Portugal, and I’ve given a number of answers.

But one part of it was much needed — time to think.

Day by day we do the best we can to build our lives, personally and professionally. So it can be difficult to look past the day to day. Time away changed all that.

I had time to think about Fernandes Fit and what I want it to look like moving forward, and to assess if I’m doing the things the right way that lead me in the right direction.

Which of course, led me back to my health and fitness journey at its core, because it’s why I’ve reached this point in my life in the first place.

We don’t work hard solely to become physically fit. If it were that simple, ev-

eryone would do it — and not everyone does, based on the 40-plus percent obesity rate in the United States.

We do it for the impact it has on the rest of our life.

When I tell people I lost 75 pounds 15 years ago, they marvel at the number. To me, that was a small blip in the greater picture that is my life when compared to what that number represents — shedding the weight of fear of failure and disappointment over missed opportunities.

Anyone can lose weight. I’ll bet those same 40-plus percent of people in this country deemed obese, and the 70-plus percent labeled as overweight, have lost weight at some point in time or another in their lives. I have lost a few hundred pounds in my adult life.

used to be the former. Now, I’m part of the latter. Taking control of my health and well-being paved the way for making that life-changing shift happen.

When I returned to my family’s roots in Portugal, I also returned to my personal and professional roots — why I do what I do, who I do it for, and what I want to get out of it.

Sometimes, we need that clarity. We need a renewed perspective on things. Which meant going back to basics that built the foundation of my life, and namely, to a topic I have also been asked about many times since returning from Portugal. Specifically, how to

Little good that did me when I gained most of the weight back.

Looking back on it, the real problem was the impact not taking care of myself had on my family and career. I was a spectator in my life in every way when they needed me to be, not an active participant and a leader. I couldn’t take care of myself, much less anyone or anything else. That is what prompted me to change, not the number on a scale.

Everyone has goals that frighten them. Some lean into those goals and go after them. Others run and hide from the challenge. I

stay on track when the rest of the family doesn’t follow the same nutritional plan.

I recall one such conversation in particular, when I learned a person’s spouse lived on hot dogs and baked beans because they could eat whatever they wanted and not gain weight.

That’s a good problem to have for some, and kudos to you if you can’t sustain that. But many of us haven’t been graced with the ability to do that. So it’s not the plan to follow for someone struggling to shed pounds.

These days, my family tends to eat similarly. So, meal prepping, for example, has been easier to do. But there once was a time when I ate differently than everyone else at home.

Yet at the time, when my wife, Shelly, was grocery shopping, she picked up foods she knew would fit into my plan. She asked me what I wanted for dinner, and made a conscious effort to select meals that fit into my plan even if she and Zach ate a different meal.

In these ways and so many more, the positive impact of taking control of our health and well-being permeates our entire life. But first, you have to take control.

So, set your goals. Believe you can achieve them. Make them happen. And of course, if you need help laying out the plan of action that leads you to success, I’m here to help.

Contact me at 814-5047774 or by email at info@ fernandesfit.com to get started. You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit. com.

New 2025-26 Season

Brunswick Civil War Roundtable

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

During the past 15 years, the Brunswick Civil War Round Table has entertained and educated audiences, presenting prominent Civil War historians who spoke about events and activities that occurred during the infamous four-year Civil War period. These thought-provoking programs are the main reason visitors that come to meetings become members, and the reason members keep coming back. And this momentum is a major reason this non-profit organization continues to hold the envious reputation of being the largest Civil War Round Table in the country with almost 1,200 members!

Looking ahead, the coming season will once again live up to its well-earned reputation. Speaker commitments have been confirmed, and their topics are unique, so that there is assurance that programs will be of interest to everyone as demonstrated in the following 2025 – 2026 schedule.

Tuesday, Sept. 2: “Confederate General Robert E. Lee.” Since this is the first meeting of the new season, you are cordially invited to attend the meeting and meet Gen. Lee. He will be dressed in his Confederate uniform, of course, and is quite eager to share personal insights and answer your questions about his life, his illustrious military career and battlefield decisions. Actually, Gen. Lee is portrayed by Thomas Jessee, a respected and popular living historian dedicated to bringing history to life and mesmerizing his audiences.

Tuesday, Oct. 7: “Sherman’s Carolinas Campaign.” Award-winning Civil War historian and author of 21 books, Eric J. Wittenberg, will bring to life the dramatic campaign of Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” His tactics devastated the South, and while his destruction of civilian property is still debated by Civil War historians and scholars to this day, Sherman undeniably played a crucial role in the Union’s eventual final victory.

Monday, Oct. 20: The Civil War Ladies’ Forum (sponsored by BCWRT): “Confederate Spy Rose Greenhow.” Rose was a prominent antebellum society hostess in

Washington, DC. However, with her network of Confederate spies, she was credited by Jefferson Davis for the South’s victory at the First Battle of Bull Run. First–person interpreter, Emily Lapisardi, dressed in her Civil War-styled gown, will portray Rose as if she was actually sharing the meeting room with you. Sorry guys, this is “ladies only!”

Tuesday, Nov. 4: “A Town Turned Topsy-Turvy: Wilmington during the Civil War.” No historian knows more about Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear, especially during the Civil War-era, than our own renowned local historian, Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus at UNCW. He amazes audiences when he shares his vast knowl-

edge and fascinating stories about Wilmington when it played a crucial role in the 1860s, and was considered the Confederacy’s most important city. Who knew that?

Just ask Chris!

Tuesday, Dec. 2: “Runners and Raiders.” Consider exciting adventure, imminent peril, and boring quarantine…all for unbelievable profit. That is what blockade runners realized running in and out of the Cape Fear River during the Civil War. Popular local historian Jim McKee, site manager at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site, will focus his audience on a rare adventure into these ironclad vessels, and the critical Confederate roles they played within North Carolina, as well as fierce localized battles off the Carolina coast.

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026: “Treasure and Empire in the Civil War: The Panama Route, the West, and the Campaigns to Control America’s Wealth.” Across North America, Civil War campaigns were waged over whether the United States or the Confederacy would dominate lands, mines, and seaborne transportation networks of the country’s much needed mineral wealth. Guest Neil P. Chatelain, historian, professor, and author, delve into this thought-provoking topic which has never been discussed in our previous Round Table meetings.

Tuesday, Feb. 4: “The Atlanta Campaign: Missed Opportunities.” In the summer of 1864, Atlanta became the linchpin of the South’s hopes and the North’s determination. Each side was seeking victory. The city became the epicenter of a battle that became the turning point of the war, where

Thomas Jessee as General Robert E. Lee

Chris Fonvielle

Jim McKee

Angela Zombeck

lost opportunities and false hopes prevailed. It’s a chilling saga between two very determined armies. Volumes have been written about the Atlanta Campaign, none

more captivating than guest speaker and prolific author, David A. Powell.

Tuesday, March 3: “The Incredible Odyssey of Nicholas Said: From Central Africa through Czarist Russia to the Frontlines of the Civil War.” Journalist and author Dean Calbreath will attend this meeting to share the forgotten history of Nickolas Said. Said’s adventures began in a thousand year-old African kingdom. He was a master of languages, a collector of knowledge, and a friend to kings and tsars. Oh, by the way, he later became a Union Army sergeant in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida! Historians consider Dean’s book about Said as “essential reading.”

Tuesday, April 7: “Competing Visions of the Post-war World: Military Reconstruction and Southern Resistance in North Carolina.” With the war ended, serious questions arose; like how to bring Confederate states back into the Union, treating enslaved individuals, and how the federal government can begin to heal the nation’s wounds? Returning guest speaker Angela Zombeck, Ph.D. shares critical insights into what seemed to be impossible odds. Both

sides clearly had opposing visions, but as you will learn, it would take time and patience to heal.

Tuesday, May 5: “The Fight for the Old North State: The Civil War in North Carolina, January – May, 1864.” At this 16th anniversary meeting of the Round Table, award-winning author, Hampton Newsome returns to reveal a desperate ploy by Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederates during the early months of 1864. The objective was intended to gain momentum right here in eastern North Carolina. Despite all efforts, including some successes by Lee’s army and his ironclad gunboats, the Civil War was finally coming to a close. Everyone is invited! As a reminder, the upcoming season begins on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day. Meetings are held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registrations begin at 6:15 pm and programs start at 7 pm. The visitor fee remains at $10, and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which importantly can include a spouse. By the way, about one-third of our audiences are female!

For more information about the Round Table, the upcoming season, or if you wish to become a member, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit their website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for background and current information, news, and updates.

Eric Wittenburg

Neal Chatelain

Medicine At Bentonville

August Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Continuing its well-supported summer program, on Aug. 14

Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table will bring a distinguished EMS practitioner and dedicated amateur historian to the podium to speak about “the fight to save lives at the Battle of Bentonville.” All are welcome to the event at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, beginning at 6:30 pm.

Presenting the program will be Fred Claridge, a member of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table’s executive committee and the club’s program director. Fred is a native of historic Falls Church, Virginia, and like many who grew up in that area, childhood trips to the Civil War battlefields in the vicinity aroused a lifelong interest in history.

After graduating from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, North Carolina, with a degree in history—and varsity letters in soccer—Fred ended up spending much of

his working life in northern California where he was the Emergency Medical Services Director for Alameda County across the bay from San Francisco. Fred personally experienced the devastating Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989 and was recognized for his dedicated work as an emergency medical specialist who helped people in danger on the 1.6-mile section of I-880, the Cypress Street viaduct, which collapsed. killing and injuring many people.

Fred is now retired and living in Leland after a 41-year career in EMS and emergency management. Additionally, he is a member of the board of directors of the National EMS Museum.

He volunteers at the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site and is also a member of the board of directors with Friends of Bentonville Battlefield and a regular contributor to the From the Trenches blog.

Fred has written, “As a history major in college, and as a volunteer at the Bentonville Battlefield, I love Civil War history—especially the medical component. One of the treasures we have at Bentonville is a farmhouse used as a field hospital by the Union Army for the three-day battle there.It’s set up as it would have looked during the battle—with doors on tables as operating tables, a Hospital Stewards office, and an officer recovery room. The upstairs remains as a set of bedrooms—which the Harper family stayed in during the

battle. That would have been a memorable experience to say the least. Not to mention that 54 wounded Confederate soldiers were left at the house after the battle, under the care of the Harper family. Twenty-four of them died; 20 unknowns are buried next to the Harper family burial ground across the road from the visitor center. If you haven’t been to Bentonville in a while, come by and take a tour of the Harper House and drive the battlefield. It’s a great way to learn about the biggest Civil War battle in North Carolina. “

According to an article by Dr. Robert F. Reilly, M.D., published by the Baylor University Medical Center, the American Civil War era is often referred to in a negative way as the “Middle Ages of medicine in the United States. Many misconceptions exist regarding the quality of care during the war. It is com-

monly believed that surgery was often done without anesthesia, that many unnecessary amputations were done, and that care was not state of the art for the times. None of these assertions is true.”

The germ theory of disease was not yet established in the 1860s, and surgeons and other medical personnel did not practice sterile and antiseptic medicine. Few effective medications to treat wounds, infection and diseases were known. “Each side was woefully unprepared, in all aspects, for the extent of the war and misjudged the degree to which each would fight for their cause. Despite this, many medical advances and discoveries occurred as a result of the work of dedicated physicians on both sides of the conflict,” according to Dr. Reilly.

It’s well known that about twice as many soldiers died of disease during the war than as a result of combat. As terrible as that sounds, it was a marked improvement compared with the Mexican War (1846-1848), in which Americans experienced 7 to 10 deaths from disease for every death in battle.

Dr. Reilly wrote: “Soldiers died from two general causes: battlefield injuries and disease. Contributing factors to combat-related deaths were inexperienced surgeons; the lack of a coordinated system to get the injured off the battlefield quickly; wound infections, since sterile technique was not yet recognized as important…Contributing

Harper House at Bentonville

Door as operating table

Fred Claridge

factors to disease-related deaths included poor sanitation and overcrowded camps; the ignoring of sanitation by line officers; inadequate pre-enlistment screening of recruits; poor diet; lack of immunity to childhood diseases; and few specific treatments for disease.”

Fred will cover the evolution of battlefield medicine during the war including the development of evacuation, triage and tiered hospital care that developed. All these factors were at play in the Battle of Bentonville that occurred late in the war in March 1865.

There were only 113 physicians in the U.S. Army before the war and 24 resigned to go to the south and three were dismissed for disloyalty. By the end of the war, there were over 12,000 doctors in the Union Army and over 3000 in the Confederate Army, according to Dr. Reilly. There was also a dearth of medical facilities, especially hospitals but by the end of the war many hospitals were established and they contributed to more favorable survival rates for wounded and ill soldiers. By the end of the war, there were 200 hospitals with 137,000 beds in the U.S. Army system.

Make plans to come and learn about Civil War medicine. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening, Aug. 14, beginning at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30. As usual, the meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. Bring a friend! For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table, go to http://www. cfcwrt.org and pick “Join/Rejoin.” See you there!

America 250! Celebrating America

Our New America 250 Monthly Feature

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY AND LISA STITES

Nextyear’s Independence Day will mark the 250th birthday of our nation, and we are really excited. We love history, love living in a place where we can walk in the footsteps of some of America’s first patriots, and love the ideas that flow from our Declaration of Independence. Our magazines would not exist without the building blocks of free minds and free markets — ideas set forth in that wondrous document.

This year, leading up to July 4, 2026 will be full of events and remembrances organized and/or promoted by our nation’s, state’s, region’s and county’s America 250 Organizations. We plan to join in the nation’s celebration with a monthly America 250 feature. Some, like this first installment, will share photos and stories from America 250 events. Some may be columns reflecting on events that took place in last half 1775 and the first half of 1776 in our region or nationally and how they formed the road to independence. And of course we’ll also try to point you to upcoming America 250 events in our area.

Much like our Founders, we’ll be making this up as we go along. We hope you enjoy this, learn a little something, and pause to think about how important this time 250 years ago was, and still is, to the country and our entire world.

On the night of July 18, 1775, about 500 men gathered in Brunswick Town and began a march down along the Cape Fear River with the goal of taking and occupying Fort Johnston in what is now Southport. Royal Governor Josiah Martin, feeling the winds of revolution blowing around him, had left the fort already and taken shelter aboard a Royal Navy ship anchored offshore. The rebels, calling themselves Sons of Liberty, reached the fort in the early morning hours of July 19 and found it pretty much empty. All of the cannons, small arms, gunpowder and other supplies had been moved to the ship offshore.

Realizing they were without cannon, and being in range of the Royal Navy’s cannons, the rebels burned the fort to the ground. They destroyed the King’s property, which was a huge deal. It naturally made the King very angry and set the North Carolina colony firmly on the road to independence.

On July 18 and 19 of this year, these events were celebrated with the dedication of a new historical marker at Brunswick Town by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and by a day of lectures and living history at Fort Johnston in Southport sponsored by the NC Maritime Museum-Southport.

SPOTTINGS

Dosher Memorial Hospital hosted a drive-through food donation event which, between staff and community donations combined, collected 514 pounds of food and $25 in cash.

Dosher staff coordinated distribution to the food pantry located at Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. (BSRI) in Southport, which provides food assistance to local qualifying seniors.

Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley said, “We appreciate the important work of BSRI and are grateful to be able to assist them in providing nutrition services to their members. We would like to thank our community and Dosher team for their generous donations which helped make this event a success.”

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Chad Cumber as the new Director of the Brunswick Interagency Program (BIP), a nationally recognized initiative supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Cumber brings more than 16 years of experience in the mental health field and a deep commitment to student success. A longtime resident of Leland, NC, he has been part of the BIP team for the past 12 years, most recently serving as Assistant Director. In that role, he led the on-site implementation of the North Carolina Community College System’s IDD Pilot Program, which helped establish the now statewide Access to Achievement initiative. This program expands career pathway options and employment connections for students with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

“My greatest joy comes from making a difference in the lives of our students,” said Cumber. “Witnessing the fulfillment of their goals and the happiness on their faces is a constant source of motivation for me.”

Originally from Wilmington, NC, Cumber earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the donation of a vibrant enamel-on-aluminum sculpture by the late American artist Dorothy Gillespie.

The piece was generously gifted through The Foundation of BCC to the Southport Center for Heritage Arts by Gillespie’s son, Gary Israel, on behalf of the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation. Dorothy Gillespie (1920–2012) was an influential painter and sculptor known for her dynamic, brightly colored works made from cut aluminum. Her career spanned over seven decades and included significant contributions to public art and arts advocacy. Gillespie was a trailblazer who championed the inclusion of diverse voices in the arts, and her installations continue to inspire creatives across multiple disciplines.

“We’re thrilled that this sculpture has found its forever home at the Southport Center for Heritage Arts,” said Barbara McFall, Southport Center Director. “Dorothy Gillespie’s work will surely inspire and be admired by the many local artists who walk these halls.”

During a special visit, Gary Israel presented the sculpture to BCC President Dr. Gene Smith, Barbara McFall, and Teresa Nelson, Executive Director of the BCC Foundation. The piece now resides in the Southport Center, where it will be accessible to students, faculty, and community members.

Gillespie had a special connection to the North Carolina coast, making this gift especially meaningful to the region. BCC is deeply honored to house a piece of her artistic legacy.

For more information about BCC’s Southport Center for Heritage Arts, visit https://brunswickcc. edu.

HOMES/LAND FOR SALE

2391 FRINK LAKE DR. - BOILING SPRING LAKES. 3 BED | 2 BATH | $289,000. This charming home offers a peaceful lakefront retreat with an open floor plan and modern updates throughout. Recent renovations include a new front porch, stylish LVP flooring, and a refreshed kitchen with updated appliances and fixtures. Nestled in a peaceful setting on an elevated lot, this home offers a comfortable and open floor plan, perfect for accommodating extra guests. Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (910) 540-8320.

626 N. FODALE AVENUE | 3 BED | 1.5 BATH| $369,900. This charming Southport cottage, set on nearly half an acre, offers a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to local amenities like the hospital, shops, dining, and the Cape Fear River. The well-maintained home features three bedrooms, bright and spacious living areas, a sunroom, and outdoor spaces including a patio, greenhouse, and flower-filled yard. Upgrades include luxury vinyl flooring, custom kitchen cabinetry, modern appliances, new fixtures, and a mix of brick and hardiplank siding with colorful accents. Complete with two sheds and rich in character, this warm and inviting home is a rare downtown Southport gem Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty Inc., for more information, (910) 540-8320.

MARKETPLACE

2100 MARSH GROVE LANE, UNIT

2407 | 2 BED | 2 BATH | $420,000 BRAND NEW ROOF! This freshly painted, neutral interior is awaiting your personal touches! Delight in TOP-FLOOR, unobstructed views of watercolor sunsets, passing boaters, and abounding wildlife in this coveted condo, situated alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. The Preserve at Oak Island is a condominium community constructed of steel and concrete, providing CAT 5+ hurricane wind ratings. It is the only one of its kind in the Southport and Oak Island areas. The community is currently receiving a new roof, ensuring longevity for many years to come. Unit 2407 has been beautifully maintained and features updated appliances, HVAC system, water heater, and the addition of window treatments such as balcony privacy shades and overhead ceiling fans, battery-operated sliding glass door shade, plantation shutters, and comfort-height toilets. The kitchen is positioned towards the front entry, a favorite layout among residents for the increased natural light. There is an additional office alcove off of the living area with a built-in desk and drawers. Enjoy unmatched convenience to the beach and local businesses. The HOA fees comprehensively cover water, sewer, and trash services, along with building property insurance, wind and hail, and flood coverage. Amenities include an outdoor pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. Call Valerie Earman, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (540) 878-9465.

2928 JOHN T. HOLDEN ROAD. 3 BED | 2.5 BATH | $549,000 Waterfront Home & Stunning 180° Views of the Intracoastal Waterway ! Whether you’re looking for a private

retreat, a family vacation home, or a permanent residence, this waterfront property offers the perfect coastal lifestyle ! This home features two master ensuites, providing comfort and convenience for family and guests. A spacious 22’ x 30’ double-car garage. The front of the house is designed for breathtaking water views, complete with an open deck and a covered screened porch. Several recent upgrades add value & peace of mind, including a new septic system installed in 2025, a new roof and water heater installed in 2024. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 620-8962 for more information.

5104 BOSS CT 4 BED | 3 BATH |

$414,900. Located in the much sought after development of South Harbour Village in close proximity to area beaches, marina, restaurants, playground, public boat ramp, par 3 golf course and so much more. Inside, you will find that this home has been tastefully rejuvenated to satisfy even the pickiest of tastes. New paint and LVP flooring. A completely transformed kitchen boasts new cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless appliances, along with the addition of a coffee station. Newly upgraded bathrooms with luxurious finishes complete the downstairs renovations. Upstairs, you will find 2 more bedrooms, a large bonus room and a full bath with new vanity and comfort height toilet. Outside, the front porch has been beautified with Trex decking and new vinyl shake accents the eaves and porch surround. Don’t wait to take a private tour of this spacious home!. Call Karen Saunders, Southport Realty, Inc. (910) 713-0021 for more information.

4381 FISH FACTORY ROAD SE, SOUTHPORT. RARE Commercial

Investment Opportunity. 4,210-SF

Mixed Use Building + 1.16-Acre Parcel | Zoned CLD. Iconic establishment, including 2 businesses, an on-site residence, and approximately 868-SF of exterior storage available for purchase. Don’t let this catch of a lifetime slip away! Recently Reduced Price of $2,200,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Jonathan McLaughlin at 910-2698200 for details.

LOT 73 NE 31ST STREET, OAK ISLAND. 0.15 Acres | Zoned R6 |

Listed at $239,000. Own a piece of beach life with this perfectly located piece of residential land on Oak Island. Build your home with easy access to the scenic walkway over the Davis Canal. Great price for a lot on the island! Listed at $239,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Amy Gereb at 336543-0220 for more information.

130 NE 35TH STREET, OAK ISLAND RECENTLY LISTED!! 0.12

Acres | Zoned Residential | Just blocks from the ocean, tucked along NE 35th Street, this vacant lot is more than land, it’s potential! Build right in the heart of Oak Island. Listed at $180,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Brooke Rudd at 910-512-1361 for more information.

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You’ll notice that our Calendar is bigger and carries more information from all of Brunswick County. We publish three magazines — Leland Magazine, Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine, and Southport Magazine. We love collecting details about all the of the fun events from all across our county and thought that everyone in the county, no matter which magazine they read, should be able to see all of the opportunities our community offers. We hope you’ll find something unexpected in this month’s Calendar and we really encourage you to hop in the car and go to something you’ve never experienced before.

August

AUG 1

Brunswick County Health and Wellness Fair—Government Center, Bolivia

This family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature over 30 local businesses and organizations that are ready to teach you and your loved ones how to live healthier through interactive demonstrations, health screenings, activities, handouts, and more. Free demonstrations include nutrition planning, cross-fit, and yoga. Food can be purchased from the various food trucks that will be on-site. 10 am - 1 pm

AUG 2

Dutchman Dinghy Dash — Oak Island Police Department

This fourth-annual cardboard boat race takes place in Dutchman Creek (Fish Factory Road, Oak Island). The event brings together multiple first responder agencies, town government departments, local businesses and residents who all have the same goal — complete the course before their boat sinks! Registration begins at 10 am, and the event goes to 3 pm. The fee to register is $10 in non-perishable items.

AUG 2

3rd Annual Southport Food Truck Rodeo

Enjoy live music and more than 15 food trucks on Bay Street in Southport, in front of the Fort Johnston Visitor Center, 11 am - 3 pm.

AUG 2

Instructor Showcase and Open House — LCAC

Learn more about the instructors who lead all sorts of arts programs at the Le-

land Cultural Arts Center at this showcase and open house. The program is 10 am to 1 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

AUG 5-15

Brunswick Arts Council 25th Annual Art Show

Showcasing 2D and 3D artwork created by teens and adults across our county. Includes special artwork created for America’s 250th Anniversary! Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia way. 9 am - 5 pm Mon-Thurs; 9 am - 3 pm Fri & Sat

AUG 6

Dosher

Memorial Hospital Tour

Take a guided tour of the hospital and learn more about the services offered. Participants will gather in the hospital lobby, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. The tour is at 1 pm; space is limited and an RSVP is requested. Call 910-457-3900, or email marketing@dosher.org to reserve your spot.

AUG 7

School Supply Donations Drop-off

Dosher Memorial Hospital’s annual Operation School Supplies school supply donation event is scheduled for the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Local residents are invited to drop off new school supplies at the hospital front entrance, 924 N. Howe St. in Southport. Donations will benefit students served by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County. Participants will be able to drive through and drop off donations without having to leave their cars. This event will be held in conjunction with the Commu-

nities In Schools annual Back to School Supply Drive which takes place each August, when collection boxes can be found at their thrift shops.

AUG 12

Brushes and Beats — Barbee Library

Help paint a 10 ft. x 5 ft. ocean-inspired Community Canvas Mural with the NC Museum of Art! This program is a joint venture between Brunswick County Library, NC Museum of Art, Brunswick Arts Council, Pescado Y Amor, Double Cherry Pie, and Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island. The band will play from 2-4 pm, and the painting is scheduled for noon to 5 pm. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and no registration is required. Mural painting will take place behind the library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive.

AUG 12

Southport Historical Society 2nd Tuesday Talk

This month features “Southport at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.”

Southport native Laverna Hargrove will discuss the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In August 1963, then 16-year-old Laverna and other members of the Southport NAACP youth group rented two buses and traveled to Washington D.C. to hear Martin Luther King deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. Laverna will share her memories of this seminal event. The talk will be at Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St. in Southport, at 10 am. The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome. Reservations requested: 910-457-6237. For more information, contact info@southporthistoricalsociety.org.

The fourth-annual Dutchman Dinghy Dash cardboard boat race takes place in Dutchman Creek (Fish Factory Road, Oak Island). The event brings together multiple first responder agencies, town government departments, local businesses and residents who all have the same goal — complete the course before their boat sinks! Registration begins at 10 am, and the event goes to 3 pm. The fee to register is $10 in non-perishable items

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AUG 28

Fall Garden Seed Starting Workshop

Prepare a mini greenhouse ready for fall while learning the basics of seed starting. Planting, timing your plantings, soil choices, and care will be covered. This is a workshop aimed at beginner gardeners or gardeners who have tried to grow from seed and struggled. No fancy equipment needed at home, just a sunny window or porch, and a variety of vegetable and flower seeds will be available to choose from. The class is 6-7 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

AUG 30

Southport Lions 80th Anniversary Family Day & Car Show

Enjoy a family day with the Lions Club on the Fort Johnston lawn in Southport, 203 E. Bay St., with classic cars on display, games, a bounce house, and hot

dogs and hamburgers for sale at 1980s prices. The event is 8 am to 2 pm, with awards handed out at 2 pm. Proceeds will benefit Southport Lions vision programs, community programs and youth programs

AUG 30

34th Annual Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival

Enjoy original art, hand-crafted items and food trucks in Middleton Park on Oak Island from 9 am - 4 pm. Free admission, plenty of paid parking available

SEPT

6

Up Your Arts - Cool & Fancy Gala

Entertainment will feature Wilmington’s 8-piece dance party band, Uptown Easy. Dinner and dessert will be catered by Live Oak on Howe, enjoyed along with a variety of beer and wines served throughout the evening. A bourbon bar

with signature UYA collector glasses will also be available, and the evening also includes many raffles. Tickets are $75 per guest, plus sales tax and ticket processing fees; visit https://www.upyourarts.org to purchase tickets. The gala is 6-10 pm at the Homer Wright Event Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road (St. James).

SEPT 6

Gallery Reception — Artist Andy Álvarez

Andy Álvarez is a mixed-media artist who uses art to connect with her home and share an authentic experience of what it truly means to live in Puerto Rico, balancing between the beauty and chaos of the island. This gallery reception is free to attend, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Wednesdays through August 6

Story Time by the Sea - Oak Island Children ages 12 and younger can enjoy a coastal-themed story and make a craft project to take home; the weekly event (except for July 2) is at the cabana, at the corner of E. Beach Drive and SE 46th Street, from 10-11 am. The program is free, but registration is required.

Youth Explorers

Summer at the Old Bridge — Sunset Beach (Mainland)

Through Aug 14, children ages 5-12 will have an educational activity, make a craft project to take home and enjoy a snack. A parent must remain on the property and can relax under one of the beautiful live oak trees. No registration is needed, and the program begins at 10:30 am.

Kids Activities in Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park 11 E. 2nd St.

Art in the Park — craft making is at 10 am, July 8-Aug 12. On Wednesdays, kids can go on a Scavenger Hunt from 10-10:30 am (registration is required; visit https://www.oibgov.com/)

Holden Beach Turtle Patrol Turtle program volunteers will lead

Turtle Talk on Wednesdays. The programs are at 7 pm at Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothchild Street. Children’s Turtle Time (for children ages 3 through 6, who are accompanied by an adult) is on Wednesdays at 4 pm.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Boiling Spring Lakes Concerts in the Park

Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road (6-8 pm)

Aug 1 — The Band Whiplash

Aug 8 — Hoods Creek

Calabash Summer Concerts

Calabash Town Park, 868 Persimmon Road SW (6-8:30 pm)

July 29 — J.B. and the Get Down Browns

Aug 5 — The Tonez Oak Island Summer Concerts

Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)

July 25 — Rivermist

Aug 1 — The Sand Band

Aug 8 — The Extraordinaires

Aug 15 — The Salty Dawgs

Aug 22 — 52nd Street Band

Aug 30 (sat) — The Main Event Band

Moonlight Movies (7:30 pm)

Ocean Isle Beach, Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.

July 30 — “Planet 51”

Aug 6 — “The Croods”

Aug 13 — “Sinbad: Legend”

Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series

Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

Aug 1 — Band of Oz

Aug 8 — Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot

Aug 15 — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard

Aug 22 — Special Occasion Band

Aug 31 (Sun) — Continental Divide)

Sound Waves

Concerts at Sunset Beach Town

Park

206 Sunset Blvd. North (6-8 pm)

July 30 — JB & The Get Down Browns

Aug 6 — Julio & The Saltines

Aug 13 — The Mac Daddys Band

Aug 20 — Too Much Sylvia

Aug 27 — 52nd Street Band

Sunset Beach Pier

101 W. Main St. (6-8 pm)

July 27 — Trublmkrz

July 24 — Salt Road

July 31 — John Toppings - Desperado

Aug 7 — The Mac Daddys Band

Southport Summer Concerts

Franklin Square Park

July 31 — Deep Creek Soul

Aug 7 — Almost Blue

Aug 14 — Jazz Adjacent

Aug 21 — Mike’s Garage Band

Aug 28 — Brunswick Big Band

Family Movie Night

Belville Riverwalk Park

584 River Road SE, Belville

Aug 15 — “A Minecraft Movie,” with trivia and prizes before the movie, and food and snacks available from vendors on site

Holden Beach Summer Concert Series

Bridgeview Park (6:30-8 pm)

July 27 — Continental Divide

Aug 3 — Blackwater Band

Aug 10 — Band of Oz

Aug 17 — The Entertainers

Aug 24 — North Tower

Aug 31 — Chairman of the Board

Shallotte Summer Concerts

Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St.

July 31 — Thomas Road band

Aug 7 — Julio & The Saltines

Aug 14 — The Entertainers

Aug 21 — Chris Taylor & The Rumor

Aug 28 — Band of Oz

Sept 4 — The Extraordinaires

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third St., Wilmington

Aug 2 — Henry Cho

Aug 8 — Chris Isaak

Aug 14 — Three Dog Night

Aug 21 — Roots & Boots

Aug 25 — Brit Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Sept 9 — One Night of Queen

Sept 10 — Tower of Power

Sept 11 — Choir! Choir! Choir!

Sept 13 — Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Sept 18 — The Robert Cray Band

Sept 19 — Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear

Sept 20 — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra - Opening Night with new Music

Director Peter Askim

Sept 23 — Avitar: The Last Airbender in Concert

Sept 26-27 — Mark Twain Tonight! with Richard Thomas

Sept 28 — MasterChef All-Stars Live!

Sept 29 — Soweto Gospel Choir

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

July 17-27 — The Opera House Theatre Company presents “9 to 5”

Aug 14-24 — “Oklahoma” by the Opera House Theatre Company

Aug 21-31 — “Mercury,” by Big Dawg Productions

Sept 26 - Oct 5 — The Thalian Association Community Theater presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.

Greenfield lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington

Aug 3 — Drive-By Truckers & Deer

Tick

Aug 14 — The Wood Brothers

Aug 16 — Houndmouth

Aug 23 — Andy Frasco & The U.N.

Aug 24 — The Struts

Aug 30 — Watchhouse

Sept 11 — Michael Franti & Spearhead

Sept 18-19 — Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Sept 20 — Kaleo

Sept 21 — The Brook & The Bluff

Sept 22-23 — Maren Morris

Sept 25 — Molly Tuttle

Sept 26 — Steep Canyon Rangers

Sept 27 — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

10 Cowan St., Wilmington

Aug 10 — Cypress Hill & Atmosphere

Aug 14 — Jim Gaffigan

Aug 15 — The Red Clay Strays

Aug 31 — Caamp

Sept 12 — Billy Currington & Kip Moore

Sept 17 — Vance Joy

Sept 30 — Lake Street Drive

OPEN AIR MARKETS

Sunset Beach Town Park

206 Sunset Blvd North

The Market is held from 9 am to 1 pm on Thursdays at the park (on the mainland by the bridge).

Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market

Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville

Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is available every day.

Oak Island Farmers & Artisans Market

Shop for produce, baked goods and arts and crafts at this Monday market, 8 am to 1 pm at the Middleton Park Fields, at the intersection of E. Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street.

Ocean Isle Beach Summer Market Series

5 West 3rd St.

This summer market is on Tuesdays, from 9 am to 1 pm. The market will run

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through August 26.

One Love Market

9887 Oak Street, Calabash

Markets are held on Wednesdays through August 6, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring music, crafts, artwork, jewelry, fruits, flowers, local flowers and photography. This market is a non-profit, benefitting local rescue and aid agencies for humans and all kinds of animals.

Southport Summer Market

Waterfront Park, E. Bay Street

The summer market runs Wednesdays through August (except the week of July 4). The market’s hours are 10 am to 4 pm, weather permitting.

4th Friday Art Market

Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.!

ONGOING EVENTS

Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island

The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Visit https:// folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.

Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.

Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport

204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesdays

through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Anchors Aweigh, a drop-in children’s program, is offered 11 am to 3 pm on Wednesdays, starting June 11. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Historic Bike Tours in Southport

Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.

Oak Island Recreation Department

Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.

Franklin Square Art Gallery

The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. The summer art show is on exhibit June 23-July 19. The summer lectures are 3-5 pm, with The Macchiaoli: Italian Impressionism on July 9 and Art in the Digital Age on July 23.

First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport

The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and the Intracoastal Realty Downtown Southport Office. Stroll along and browse in the shops to see what local artists have to offer.

Tide-Dye Tuesdays at Holden Beach

Bridgeview Park, 125 Davis St.

Make your own personalized beach summer of 2025 memento with a tiedyed shirt. The program is 1-2:30 pm at the Park, and participants must be in line by 2 pm to do a shirt. The cost is $7$10, depending on shirt size needed.

Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island

Bingo games are on the second and

fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.

Battleship North Carolina — near Leland

Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and

special programming throughout the year, such as a Memorial Day observance at 10 am (weather permitting), Museum Ships Weekend with the Azalea Coast Radio Club (June 7-8), and more. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/.

The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow There is plenty to do and see, with

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a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. A new speakers series debuted this summer, and though times and specific details are forthcoming, the scheduled programs are: Bonnie Mitchell, NC Coastal Federation on July 10; Todd Rhoades with the Battery White Historical Association on July 12; Hunter Ingram with the Burgwin-Wright House & Gardens on July 26; and Paul Shivers Friends of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson on Aug 2.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm (Until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday)and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Sandbar lectures every Tuesday at 6 pm. Snakes Alive, Thursdays at 6 pm. The touch tank is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, 11 am to noon.

Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium. org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule..

Leland Library

487 Village Road NE

Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

4th Friday Art Market

Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.

Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation

Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-re -

sources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.

Wilmington River Tours

212 S. Water St., Wilmington

Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https:// wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.

Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled ride through Southport’s historic waterfront district aboard our state-of-the-art tram!

Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373

www.southportfuntours.com

Voted Best Thing for Visitors To Do!