January 2026 Leland Magazine

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STAFF EDITOR

FROM THE PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carla Edstrom

Jeffrey Stites

Jan Morgan-Swegle

editor@lelandmag.com

Joe Jancsurak Patricia Langer

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny

Lisa P. Stites

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

Jeffrey Stites

LEAD DESIGNER

PUBLISHER & SALES

Liz Brinker

Jeffrey Stites

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

CONSULTANT

Chuck and Sue Cothran

Kris Beasley

Leland Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media.

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

Annual Subscription: $45 email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741 Leland Magazine PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461 www.lelandmag.com email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

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Happy New Year The Pet Issue

his year, more of you sent us photos of your pets than ever before, and that makes us happy. There’s nothing like starting the new year off on the right foot, or paw, or hoof. We inherited the tradition of a January Pet Issue when we purchased the magazines, and I think it’s one of the best ideas our founder Kris ever had. Spending the holiday season being bombarded with the cutest photos ever is pretty wonderful. And it reminds me, as we go into the new year, that we can learn a lot from our pets. Copper the News Hound reminds me to be thankful for loved ones. Whenever we walk in the door, whether we’ve been gone all day or just walked out to check the mail, he wags and bounces around in joy at seeing his person again. We walk about the same route most days, but Cooper never gets bored. His super-powered sniffer always finds new things to sniff, he sees (and sometimes tries to chase) every squirrel and bird, he’s thrilled to meet other dogs or people on our walks, and he takes the time to greet each one. He reminds me that there’s untold amounts of interesting and joyful things out there in the world if we just pay the attention required to see them. He knows the simple value of a snuggly nap, of treats no matter how small, of toys no matter how tattered and torn. Small things can and do mean a lot, and my life is better when I remember that. I know from your emails that your own pets make your lives richer, and we can’t thank you enough for sharing them with us and with our readers. Happy New Year, and wag lots!— Jeffrey

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Biz Q&A

The Photo District

home. I fall in love with them all the time.

But my job is to help them find their homes, and with limited space at my own home, I focus on giving each dog the best chance to find theirs. We have been talking about starting to foster soon, so I know that day is coming.

Helping Rescue Pets Find A New Home STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

W

hen we did a story a few months ago on Paw’s Place Dog Rescue, they supplied us with a few photos of their pets up for adoption. They told me to attribute them to “The Photo District,” and I found out that this was a woman who took all their adoptable dog photos for social media and the website. The photos are terrific, and really make the dogs look like they would like nothing more than to come home with YOU. I just had to learn more about this, so I reached out to out to Bre Burge of The Photo District to find out what she does to make these photos so wonderful.

Can you explain what The Photo District offers?

The Photo District is a pet-focused photography studio in Wilmington, NC that specializes in portraits of pets and the people who love them. I offer both studio and outdoor sessions and specialize in custom artwork designed for homes. I also partner with local rescues to photograph adoptable pets and support community adoption efforts.

What is your history before founding The Photo District?

Before photography, I worked in data analytics and completed a master’s program where I first started exploring entrepreneurship in the animal world. When I moved back to Wilmington, I wanted to reconnect with the community and do something meaningful. Helping local shelters by photographing their animals was the beginning of everything.

What led you to rescue photography?

It started as a simple desire to help.

I began volunteering for a local rescue and photographed a few dogs to help them get noticed online. Seeing the impact those images had and watching dogs who were overlooked suddenly get adoption inquiries made me realize how powerful photography could be for animals who need a chance. It quickly became a mission instead of a hobby.

What is the Seen + Saved Initiative and how can people and businesses help?

Seen + Saved is my ongoing effort to photograph as many shelter pets as possible and give them the visibility they deserve. Every image helps make them seen, and every adoption makes them saved. The initiative is something I have built entirely on my own time and my own dime, and I am now looking for sponsors to help grow it even further.

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How does the perfect photo help a pet get adopted?

A good photo is often the very first impression a potential adopter has. When pets are at the shelter, they can seem nervous, shy, or excitable, but they just need a chance. The right photo gives people a glimpse of who they really are and helps them fall in love before that first in-person meeting. It can make someone stop scrolling, read their story, and start to envision them in their own lives.

Bre Burge, owner of The Photo District

People and businesses can help by: Sponsoring adoption photos Sharing the images online Covering the cost of a dog’s adoption session Donating to keep the program running year-round Every bit of support helps another pet get noticed.

How do you not take home all the dogs?

I actually did take one home. I met him at one of the first sessions I ever photographed.

He wanted nothing to do with photos and just wanted to cuddle on me the whole time.

Now it is two years later and he is currently curled up by my feet.

It is still incredibly hard not to bring more

How is photographing pets different from photographing people?

Pets do not understand the concept of a photoshoot, so I start by acknowledging where they are and using whatever motivates them, whether it is treats, toys, or squeakers. The goal is to capture their personality and the love they share with their people.

How should a client prepare for a shoot with you?

Part of my process includes a call beforehand to discuss what clients are looking for and how to prepare for the shoot.

During that call, we talk about things like giving pets a quick walk to burn off energy, bringing their favorite treats, toys, or anything that shows their personality, and doing a little grooming or brushing beforehand. Most importantly, I remind clients not to worry about perfection.

The best photos come from relaxed pets and excited humans.

What’s the trick to capturing an animal’s personality?

The trick to capturing an animal’s personality is letting them be themselves and finding what motivates them. Once the people are in the photos, it is about observing their interactions, responding to genuine moments, and capturing the connection they share with their pets.

Are some breeds easier or harder to photograph?

It is less about breed and more about the individual animal. Some dogs are naturally confident, while others are nervous or easily distracted. My job is to adapt to what each animal needs, whether that is time, treats, squeakers, or a quiet space. That said, I do find pit bulls are often the most eager to please, and hounds can be the most stubborn.

Any tips for people taking photos of pets at home?

When taking photos of pets at home, use natural light whenever you can and get on the pet’s eye level. Keep sessions short and use treats to guide their attention, not force it. Silly noises can also be incredibly helpful. When I start a session, I always say, “Pets do not judge me for my weird noises, so please do not either.”

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What’s in the future for you and The Photo District?

Looking ahead, I am focused on growing the adoption work through Seen + Saved, turning each session into beautiful, lasting artwork for clients using the best products I have sourced, and incorporating pet-focused adventure sessions next year that highlight some of the fun activities our area offers.

What else would you like our readers to know?

Many times people reach out and tell me they have never had professional photos taken before. These sessions are a reminder that family photos are for everyone, not just those with partners or children, and that pets are very much a part of our lives and deserve to be celebrated.

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Pet Photos

Hooray For Our Pets W

e asked for your pet photos and you came through in a big way! This is one of my very favorite issues of the year. Imagine how great it is to start each day in Novmeber and December checking your work email and finding it full of adorable critters.

This year, we got a wider variety than usual. We have the normal dogs and cats, bunnies make a return, and we have our very first snakes and fish! Thank you so much for your support of our annual Pet Issue. I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I enjoyed putting this togehter. -- Jeffrey

Cheyenne

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Pet Photos

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Pet Photos Lindsay & Brownie

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Keeping Fit

New Year’s Fitness

Resolve, Not Resolutions, Provides Results

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

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

W

e’re now in the heart of New Year’s resolution season, which means many people - perhaps even you – will “vow” to get in the gym, eat healthier, lose weight, get back into skinny clothes, run a 5K for the first time, even get on the floor to play with their grandchildren and be able to get back up without feeling like they have been run over by a bus.

But there’s one thing you have to accept if any of those goals become reality.

The work is hard. It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t, everyone would do it — and there would be no need for coaches like me because everyone would be in great shape and possess the quality of life they have always coveted.

Anything worth doing in life, personally and professionally, is hard.

Dropping 75 pounds and taking control of my health was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, followed a close second by changing careers after 26 years at 47 years old, and then a few years later launching Fernandes

Fit LLC.

Dropping 75 pounds paved the way for a more confident version of me to take on those challenges.

Much of life is uncomfortable, and change when little to nothing has changed in someone’s life in many years is even more uncomfortable.

People remain in the same equally disappointing and frustrating place in life — as I did for two decades — because it’s the pain they know. They deem the pain they know to be tolerable because it’s far less scary than the pain they don’t know.

People need to learn to live in discomfort because the reward is far more satisfying than the pain is uncomfortable.

They have to accept that the journey to the reward is long and hard.

That’s what makes it so rewarding.

When it comes to getting in better mental, emotional and physical shape, people often need to correct years

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of bad habits, inactivity and neglect.

They will find themselves constantly making decisions and choices they don’t want to make.

Read this laundry list of important tasks and ask yourself if you’re willing to do it (if you’re not already doing it consistently, of course). * You have to get up early to work out. * You have to work out when you’re sore. * You have to work out when you’re tired. * You have to work out when it’s cold outside and your bed is nice and warm. * You have to choose the healthy option to eat when your friends are eating all the unhealthy foods you love and have eaten for years. * You have to cut back on alcohol consumption, including during the holiday season. * You have to get quality sleep instead of binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows. * You have to deal with the inevitable pushback from family and friends who don’t want you to change for the better because it forces them to take a look at themselves, their bad habits and the changes they haven’t made in their lives.

All that is hard. But you know what’s harder? Living with yourself knowing you and your life could be better, and you haven’t done a thing to change it.

That was my life for my early adult years. I never took care of myself, and at the time I convinced myself that it was more important to sacrifice my health and well-being to take care of my family and build my name in what

became a 26-year career in the sports journalism industry.

I couldn’t ignore the damage I had done while ballooning to nearly 250 pounds. Still, I convinced myself there was nothing I could do to change my fate. But in reality, I simply didn’t believe in myself enough to take on the challenge.

And the end result – I feel like I wasted the better part of 20 years of my adult life.

Which is why, when asked about where I stand in life, I always say in my relative infancy of life, and the best is yet to come – because I put in the work every day to make it happen. There are no resolutions but rather resolve.

That will always be my vow – because Fitness Is Our Business.

If you need help laying out the best plan of action to take control of your health and well-being, I’m here to help.

Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started. You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit. com.

Golf Tips Swing Ropes And Rods

The Second In A Series Explaining Golf Clubs

BY NICOLE WEL LER, LPGA / PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

W

hat comes to mind when watching an accomplished amateur or professional golfer swing a club? Is it the whoosh sound that the clubs makes? Is it the seemingly effortless smooth move seen from start to finish? Is it the great balance? To make this happen, one of the keys within a golf swing is being tension-free in the arms and as a teaching professional, I can tell you that’s one thing we don’t see with many golf swings. Golfers ‘grip’ the club so firmly that their knuckles turn white, their hands get sore and their arms block all the energy from smoothly traveling from the body out through the hands and into that golf club. Tension is a big through your arms and into the club problem, so what can we do about it?

I was just teaching at a big PGA Women’s Clinic corporate event in Charlotte and host/former LPGA player Jane Blalock was there. She mentioned that she doesn’t hold the club soft but gently…sometimes different words bring about a better image. Either way, the pressure was definitely on the lighter than tighter side!

1.Change wording from grip as a verb to grip as a noun and then the verb being hold, place or apply. Place your hands on the club. Apply your hands to the grip. Hold the club. But please don’t GRIP it! For right-handed golfers, Tight usually goes Right since the arms can’t let the club head release softly around. The hands have to be able to allow the energy to let the club swing.

2.Imagine your arms being two thick ropes or lines like at a gym or on a boat instead of two steel rods. One could even imagine the arms being like the tips of a fishing rod with some suppleness and flex to them.

3.Hit shots/chips/pitches with five different grip pressures from extremely light to extremely firm. You could even use a number system from 1 (soft) to 5 (firm). Keep the same grip pressure in both hands and keep it constant throughout the swing. Do this four times with each of the grip pressures. Can you start with a 2 in each hand and finish with a 2? Or do you start with a 1 and end with a 4? What pressure is best for you?

4.Repeat #3 with different tension levels in your forearms and shoulders. What pressure is best for you?

5.You can get a sensor to measure grip pressure. I used to have a grip way back when that screeched loudly if it was held too tightly. I loved that as a training tool, made for one loud session in most cases! Unfortunately it was on a club permanently but these days there are other tools out there, like Smart Swing that measures pressure.

Figure out what tension works best for your body to transmit the energy

with arm ‘ropes’ instead of ‘steel rods’ and I hope you start seeing more shots get out there long and in play.

Nicole Weller is an award-winning LPGA & PGA Instructor who instructs

local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

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The Battle For Gold

History

January Brunswick Civil War Roundtable STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

T

o enter any war both sides require huge budgets to pay for weapons, ammunition, equipment, and of course, food, clothing, and supplies for the troops! When it came to the Civil War, funding was a crucial issue. On the Union side, $73 million was available. However, the Confederates could only muster $500,000!

Despite the difference, both sides desperately needed access to America’s mineral wealth to stabilize their wartime economies. The main focus was the Desert Southwest regions, especially California.

To explain this rarely discussed topic, guest speaker Neal Chatelain will join us at the Tuesday, Jan. 6 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table. His captivating presentation is entitled, “Treasure and Empire in the Civil War: The Panama Route, the West, and the Campaigns to Control America’s Mineral Wealth.”!

So, what does the Panama Route have to do with the Civil War? Everything! The conflict extended beyond traditional battlefields to the American West and the high seas. In the beginning, California’s gold deposits, which were in abundance about that time, played a key role in financing the Civil War. For the Union, the question was how to get extracted gold safely from California all the way

to New York. The route stretched from San Francisco to Panama City.

From there a relatively brief Panama Railroad journey across the narrow isthmus (no Panama Canal yet) to the Atlantic port of Colon. Finally, the ships of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s steamship company carried the gold to the port of New York.

The Confederate government attempted to stake its own claims to this “gold rush.” Confederate armies

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advanced to seize the West and its gold and silver reserves, while their warships steamed to intercept the Union’s Panama Route ships. Their desire was to intercept U.S. treasure ships which could carry up to $1.5 million in gold during a single voyage. The Confederate Navy Department’s plan in part employed the use of commerce raiders, privateers, and small clandestine groups who would book passage on enemy vessels and attempt to seize them from within.

However, these “pirates” never captured a single gold-laden prize ship!

Even with those problems and shortcomings, the route and convoy system was credited as having been a “cost-effec-

tive” measure to ensure the Panama Route ships safely completed their voyages. So, between April 1861 and June 1865 nearly $171 million (almost $6 billion in today’s dollars) in bullion was transported safely.

As an aside, capturing ships carrying gold from California could have doubled the Confederacy’s treasury at any given point in time. It never happened.

In a broader sense, just the mere presence of the convoys and their support facilities enhanced U.S./Caribbean relations, helped enforce

History

the Monroe Doctrine during a troubling period of international conflict, and raised the stature and visibility of the United States as a premier hemispheric power. While all this was going on, Civil War battles continued, in large part due to California’s gold funding!

Neil Chatelain is a professor, historian, teacher, and author who specializes in researching, writing, and speaking on naval operations of the Civil War. He spent nine years as a

U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, both on active duty and in the Navy Reserve.

He is an associate professor of history at Lone State College – North Harris, in the greater Houston area, and is the vice president and editorial board chair for the non-profit Emerging Civil War. A prolific author, Neil has written scores of articles in journals, magazines, books, and online forums, and speaks at dozens of conferences, museums, podcasts, and Civil War round tables.

This will be the first meeting of the New Year, and will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Hatch Auditorium in Caswell Beach. Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee is still only $10, and may be applied toward the $25

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History soldiers did not necessarily have any maritime background.

Battle of Roanaoke Island January Cape Fear Civil War Round Table STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

O

n Jan. 8, the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table will host Michael P. Zatarga, the author of “The Battle of Roanoke Island: Burnside and the Fight for North Carolina” in The History Press Civil War Sesquicentennial Series. He will speak about the pivotal battle for control of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and the sound country.

Zatarga grew up surrounded by history in New York’s Hudson Valley, resulting in a career in the history field. He has worked with the National Park Service at Guilford Courthouse NMP in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Fort Raleigh NHS in Manteo. He was the living history coordinator for the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War on the Outer Banks: Flags Over Hatteras event.

Many people, even seasoned Civil War history buffs, seem to glance over the importance of the war on the water, saving all their interest for the dramatic, large-scale land battles that involved so many more men. Yet, without a blockade of serious effectiveness, the Union would have faced a much greater risk of intervention by the European nations and also Confederate interference with troop movements by sea. Gaining control of the North Carolina sounds was key early in the war and the the battle for Roanoke Island in February 1862 was vitally important.

A Union expedition had taken two Confederate forts at Hatteras Inlet in late August 1861, thus controlling most maritime traffic in and out of Pamlico Sound. To solidify control of the sound, a joint Army-Navy plan was put into place in late 1861 to seize major points on the sound, including Roanoke Island, today dominated by the resort town of Manteo.

The commanders were Gen. Ambrose Burnside—well known for his extravagant facial hair that gave rise to the word “sideburns”—and Navy Flag officer Lewis M. Goldsborough, commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. The squadron was charged with controlling the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to Wilmington, that is, from Cape Charles to Cape Fear. Operating out of Norfolk, the squadron was ineffective largely because of the fact that its base was too far from the major blockade running port of Wilmington. The Navy needed a base closer to Wilmington to provide coal and other supplies and for repair and maintenance of the ships attempting to enforce the blockade.

Burnside and Goldsborough were to capture Roanoke Island, New Bern, Beaufort and Fort Macon and seize the railroad as far west as Goldsboro. Success in this endeavor could lead to possible strikes against other crucial points such as Raleigh and Wilmington.

According to Andrew Duppstadt of the NC Historic Sites office, “What became known as the Burnside Expedition was initially a combination of ideas put forth

by Goldsborough and Col. Rush Hawkins of the 9th New York Regiment. Following the capture and occupation of Hatteras, both felt that the Pamlico Sound region of North Carolina was ripe for invasion.

Hawkins specifically pointed to what he perceived as strong Unionist sentiment in coastal North Carolina and the ability to

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recruit soldiers from the region who were loyal to the Union, an idea that both appealed to President Abraham Lincoln and made sense strategically. By controlling a large swath of coastal North Carolina, the Union could deny the Confederacy much of the area’s agricultural output.”

Burnside, born in Indiana in 1824, graduated from West Point in 1847 and resigned from the Army in 1853 to go into business manufacturing small arms, especially the Burnside Carbine invented by the erstwhile soldier. Burnside volunteered for service at the outbreak of the Civil War and was tapped to lead the Army force tasked with operating with the Navy to control the sound country of North Carolina. Burnside put together what was called “The Coast Division.” His idea was to create a force of volunteer soldiers from New England who might be expected to be more adept at coastal operations because of the importance of seafaring in the New England states.

Ultimately, his 13,000-man force drew heavily on regiments from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut but those

Still, it was a creative idea. To be most effective, the blockade and General Winfield Scott’s famous “Anaconda Plan” would have to depend on joint Army-Navy operations. Sitting in an armchair 164 years after the outbreak of war, one many be forgiven for thinking that this should have been obvious. Alas, it was not. In spite of successful and, ultimately effective Army-Navy operations in the Mississippi Valley, Confederate port cities like Mobile, Charleston and Wilmington remained effective blockade running havens for far too long. Perhaps the most effective joint Army-Navy operation in the war was the reduction of Ft. Fisher in January 1865, an operation that was of decisive importance in cutting off supplies to Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and finally leading to the end of the terrible war.

The Jan. 8 meeting begins at 7 pm and doors open at 6:30 pm. Come and hear the story of the February 1862 Battle of Roanoke Island. 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 centrally located meeting place is near Independence Mall. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. All are welcome. For more information about membership, check out the Round Table’s website at https://www.cfcwrt.org/ See you there!

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SPOTTINGS

Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) has broken ground on Advanced Care Leland, a new 68,000-square-foot medical office building designed to expand access to high-quality outpatient care for the rapidly growing Leland community.

The state-of-the-art facility will offer a full range of advanced services, including CT, ultrasound, Xray, MRI, primary care, orthopedics, and urology.

“With the growth happening in Leland and surrounding areas, we see the need to expand our services to meet the community’s needs,” said Jason Beck, CRHS CEO. “As a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Hip and Knee Replacement, we have the physicians, technology, availability, and compassion to serve this community well. Patients may not remember the technology used in their procedure, but they remember how people made them feel, and our team at Advanced Care Leland are known for just that.”

CRHS opened four clinics in Leland in 2021 and now sees more than 11,000 outpatient visits each year, underscoring the demand for expanded services.

“It’s so exciting to see our next phase of development to increase high-quality medical care in Southeastern North Carolina.,” said Dr. Roc McCarthy, Urologist with Advanced Urology.

The project team includes Thomas Construction Group as Construction Manager and LS3P as the Architect of Record, both bringing extensive healthcare expertise to ensure the successful delivery of this modern outpatient facility.

Advanced Care Leland is scheduled for completion in December 2026.

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W

CALENDAR

e’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. (For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way). Register online for Town of Oak Island programs at www.OakIslandNC.goc/PROGRAMS.

J

anuary is pretty sparse for our Events Calendar. I don’t mind a little bit of a break from the overloaded fall calendars, but I still want to share tidbits about interesting events, so let’s talk about our libraries. Obviously the written word is near and dear to our hearts here at the magazines, but do you know how many programs our libraries offer? There are five locations in the county, and each has a full array of activities. There are way too many to reproduce here, but you can see a calendar for all locations at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/160/Library. There are loads of book clubs, children’s programs, lifelong learners programs, tech support, movies, story time for children, and so much more.

January may not offer the best weather for outside activities, but that makes it the perfect time to check out your local library. — Lisa

January DEC 31

Noon Year’s Eve — Ocean Isle Beach

This family-friendly event lets you ring in the new year and still go to bed at a decent hour. Gather at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St., from 11 am to 12:30 pm for music, dancing, crafts, and the countdown to noon..

JAN 3

Latin Dancing — LCAC

Salsa, bachata, and merengue the night away with Wilmington Latin Dance at this all-levels social dance. A beginner lesson will run from 7 to 7:30 pm, followed by open dancing. The dance is held at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Road.

JAN 6

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

The January program is “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, delves into this thought-provoking topic which has never been discussed in our previous Round Table meetings. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registrations begin at 6:15 pm and the programs start at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10 and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which importantly can include a spouse.

JAN 8

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

The January program features Michael P. Zatarga, the author of “The Battle of Roanoke Island: Burnside and the Fight for North Carolina” in The History Press Civil War Sesquicentennial Series.

He will speak about the pivotal battle for control of North Carolina’s Outer

Be among the first to ring in the new year at Ocean Isle Beach’s Noon Year’s Eve at Town Center Park from 11 am - 12:30 pm

Banks and the sound country. The program is held at Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington, near Independence Mall. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. The meeting begins at 7 pm and doors open at 6:30 pm.

FEB 3

Art Show and Reception

This art show, hosted by the Southport Women’s Club and the City of Southport, will highlight works from South Brunswick High School students.

First place winners will advance to the district competition, and winners from

that level advance to the state. The reception is 5-7 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St.

FEB 3

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Guest speaker and prolific author, David A. Powell will speak about “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 lost opportunities and false hopes prevailed. It’s a chilling saga between two very determined armies.

The group meets at Hatch Auditorium

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CALENDAR

on Caswell Beach. Registrations begin at 6:15 pm and the programs start at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10 and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which importantly can include a spouse.

FEB 7 AND 14

For the Love of Frogs

Fort Fisher Aquarium leads two days of training for potential FrogWatch USA volunteers. You’ll learn how to identify identify frog and toad species by their calls, collect data and share findings with a national online database for scientists performing conservation research. Volunteers will need to attend both training sessions, 10 am to 4 pm on Feb 7 and 10 am to 1 pm on February 14. The sessions will be held at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

FEB 12

Coastal Consumer Showcase

The Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event which highlights local businesses and the goods and services they offer. The Show is 4-7 pm at the Homer E. Wright Center at St. James (the Community Center), 4136 Southport-Supply Road (N.C. 211), and entry is free. There will be giveaways, samples, and a pick-aprize auction.

FEB 15

Darling Daughter Dance

WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. hosts this dance that’s the perfect opportunity for fathers and father figures to spend some time with their favorite girl. The dance is held at the Southport Community Building4-7 pm. Tickets are $40 and include red carpet photos, dancing and dessert. Visit www.waves4kids.org for tickets and more information.

FEB 21

Dancing in DEfiance: A Night of Merriment and Rebellion Visitors will experience period music, dancing and a vignette of the march on Tryon’s house during the Stamp Act re-

sistance in 1766. The reenactment will be fully immersive as

Darling Daughter

WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. presents it’s 3rd annual -

visitors join the mob. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 1218. The merriment commences at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 St. Philips Road, WInnabow (off N.C. 133), 5-8 pm. Sponsorships are available for covering the costs for food and beverages and shuttles to Russellborough. For more information email btfastrategicplan@gmail.com or call at 910-371-6613.

DANCE

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Odell WIlliamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College

150 College Road NE, Bolivia

Jan 23 — Get Ready: The Motown Tribute Feb 6 — The Boss Project: The Premier Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band Feb 27 — Jim Witter: Feelin’ Groovy Show, Featuring Songs of Simon & Garfunkel Visit https://bccowa.com/ for tickets.

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

An opportunity for dads & dad figures to bring their favorite girl out for a memorable evening.

Attire: Semi-formal with dancing shoes!

Sunday, Sunday, February February 15th, 15th, 4-7 4-7 pm pm Southport Community Building

701 N. Third St., Wilmington

Jan 18 — Young People’s Concert — An instrument discovery zone opens at 2:30 pm, and the concert starts at 4 pm; for ages 6 and older.

Jan 22 — The North Carolina Symphony performs an All Mozart show.

Jan 24 — Trae Crowder Feb 4 — Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Feb 7 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons Feb 11 — David Foster & Katherine McFee Feb 13 — An Evening with Sutton Foster Feb 14 — Trey Kennedy Feb 15 — Drum Tao Feb 17-18 — Chicago: The Musical Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com

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223 E Bay St, Southport

Shoresound Production

Dinner Dinner -- Dessert Dessert -- DJ DJ Dancing Dancing -- Face Face Painting Painting Red Red Carpet Carpet Photo Photo -- Raffles Raffles Auctions Auctions -- Door Door Prizes Prizes

Photography By: Katie D Photography & RAW Imagery and More by Shae

Get your tickets now:

To support the mission of WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. & become an event sponsor call: Jennifer@828.230.1160 All proceeds benefit:

WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. a Federally Sanctioned 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, helps children and teens under the care of the Brunswick County Department of Services by providing resources and services not available through public funds.

for more information.

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

Jan 2-11 The Opera House Theatre Company presents “Rock of Ages” Jan 16-18 — The Willis Richardson Players perform “Purple Victorious” Jan 30 — Three American Troubadours Feb 5-15 — The Techmoja Dance and Theatre Company presents “The Scottsboro Boys”

$40 per person Scan the QR code to purchase or visit waves4kids.org

Feb 6-15 — The Thalian Association Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Orient Express” Feb 12 — Cordâme Fabula Femina Feb 19-March 1 — The Opera House Theatre Company performs “To Kill A Mockingbird” Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.

OPEN AIR MARKETS

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.

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 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Donations accepted Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am - 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. the Southport Historical Society’s Tuesday Talk is Nov 4 with Old Baldy Foundation’s Jake Grossman presenting “Digging for the Future Discovering and Reconstructing Old Baldy’s Glasis Wall.” The program is at 10 am at the library. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.

Boiling Spring Lakes VFW Post 10400 3161 George II Hwy (N.C. 87)

Taco Tuesdays are 3-7 pm (or until sold out!); Trivia Nights are the second and fourth Fridays for teams of four with registration starting at 6 pm; and bingo is on the first and third Thursdays with door opening at 5 pm and games starting at 6 pm.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport 204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 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. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

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. Works in the 2025 Maritime Art Show will be on display through Nov. 15..

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.

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.

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 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. .Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Thursday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Also open January 1819 for MLK Day and February 15-16 for President’s Day .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. Also open January 18-19 for MLK Day and February 15-16 for President’s Day Laser shows are Fridays and 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-resources 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.

Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@southportmag.com before the 20th of each month!

Thank you!

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