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Salute To Our Columnists
Welove our writers, and we know you do, too. Be sure to check out Jan Morgan Swegle’s story about the Magnolia Greens History Club in this month’s issue. But have you also been enjoying our regular columns?
Victor Fernandes writes our monthly Fitness column, and I personally love it. I look forward to his inspiration each month, and I can’t tell you how many times it has felt like he’s watching me and telling me just what I needed to hear. If you love Victor as much as we do, be sure to grab a copy of his new book “Reclaiming my Authentic Self.”
Nicole Weller brings us insightful and useful tips for playing the game of golf better, whether that means a lower score or simply having more fun on the links.
Steele Park’s Fishing Report is an experienced angler’s monthly take on how to make the most of that fishing trip, whether you’re on the jon boat in the area creeks, riding a big sports fisherman out to the Gulf Stream, or anywhere in between.
And last but certainly not least, we have Carla Edstrom with her monthly Art Beat. She allows us to meet artists of all kinds and get a look inside of what makes them and their creativity tick.
Ahuge thank you to these regular columnists. Their work makes this Magazine better and we are extremely grateful.
Community Amateur Historians
Magnolia Greens History Club
STORY BY JANE MORGAN SWEGLE, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
There is much to be said about having a passion. We define our passions and often, our passions define us. If you ask Jerry Spencer about his passion, his eyes light up and he says, “history.” Jerry Spencer, lives his passion as an American History teacher at Leland Middle School, and as a leader of the Magnolia Greens History Club.
The club, founded by Jerry in 2024, offers residents in Magnolia Greens the opportunity to explore the rich history of Wilmington and the surrounding areas. “My vision or mission when I was creating the History Club was two-fold,” Jerry explained. “I wanted to create a community, a social space where members can bond over common interests, participate in group activities like museum visits or historical reenactments and build lasting friendships with people that have an interest or a passion about history. I’m a teacher, I also wanted to create something that could serve to be an educational experience. Long term, I hope that this club will foster some critical thinking by encouraging members to analyze sources, consider different perspec-
tives and to utilize an important tool when source mining that you examine topics of history with an objective lens.”
Jerry has been a “history buff” for quite a number of years, giving credit to his father, who served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner. “When my father served in the reserves, we went to Norfolk, Virginia almost every summer,” he said. “My dad would work on the Naval Base and my mom, sister and I would explore Virginia Beach. My father had such a wealth of knowledge of history from all over the world. He served during the Vietnam War era, mainly in the Mediterranean. With his help, I would build model planes and ships. I would make dioramas of famous battles in a sandbox we had. And stamps, he loved collecting stamps. I still have the world stamp collection that my father passed on to me. We used to spend time talking about the countries of the world and the historical events shown on stamps. I particularly enjoyed the U.S. commemorative stamps.”
nection to meaningful content,” he said.
Augmenting his own extensive historical knowledge, Jerry relies on guest speakers to enlighten the club and make history come alive. “I have been surprised that we have had such high-level speakers in this area, eager to come to our community and make a con-
One of the club’s favorite speakers was Professor Chris Fonvielle, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Department of History, UNCW, who has published books and historical articles including “The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope,” “Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: An Illustrated History,” and “Fort Fisher 1865: The Photographs of T.H. O’Sullivan.” Fonvielle spoke about the Civil War and the role that the city of Wilmington had, being considered the “lifeline of the Confederacy,” because it was the last major port open to blockade runners supplying the South.
Jerry also plans to have his wife, Professor Sharon Woznaik Spencer, do an interactive lecture on Ancient Art. “She does a great presentation on Ancient Art history from Prehistoric up to around the 1400s,” he said.
But the club isn’t just about lectures. Members tour local historical sites such as Thalian Hall, the Burgwin-Wright House and the Bellamy Mansion. In the near future, the club will travel to New Bern to visit Tryon Palace, the first permanent capitol of both colonial North Carolina and the state
of North Carolina.
There is a fascination in seeing how our ancestors lived, that “people side” of history that is so different from the life we live now. Touring their homes brings them to life — whether you are looking at a much too small bed with a chamber pot next to it, or realizing that yes, indeed, their great mansions had grand parties with an extensive array of food, but the windows, which would have been open in the summer, didn’t have screens, so those parties and that food catered to local bugs that flew freely in and out. Or, examining the ladies wear of the day—long gowns with layers of “foundation,” you tend to wonder how they didn’t faint from the heat of the North Carolina summers.
But, too often, history is the re-telling of war — of great victories or stunning defeats. The quote, “history is written by the victors,” has been attributed to Winston Churchill, though not substantiated. It implies that history is not a re-telling grounded in actual facts, but in the winners’ interpretation thereof. That interpretation ultimately becomes fact over time, but fact from one perspective.
Community
Jerry uses the example of one of his historical artifacts, the front page of the New York Journal dated February 17, 1898, to illustrate how the media can shape perspective. The headline screams “Who Destroyed the Maine?” This was in reference to an explosion on the USS Maine when it was docked in Havana Harbor, Cuba. Almost two thirds of the crew was killed. The article suggested that the explosion was not an accident, but there was really no basis in fact to prove this. The newspaper was using sensationalism and exaggeration to shape public opinion, another practice that Jerry teaches his students to question.
that we examine the efforts made by many to improve society and learn from mistakes made in the past.”
Summer
Many among us were taught that we study history to ensure that we don’t repeat practices or events that led to wars or mass displacement of an ethnic group. Jerry references “The Trail of Tears,” as an example. In 1830, the government passed the Indian Removal Act, which involved five “civilized Indian tribes.” The tribes were forcibly removed from their land in the southeastern United States and moved to “Indian Territory,” west of the Mississippi. The relocated tribes suffered from disease and starvation while on route and thousands died from disease shortly after arriving at the new reservation.
It’s why when teaching his students Jerry instructs them to look at history from different perspectives. “I believe many contemporary social, political and economic issues, such as racial inequality, immigration debates and voting rights have deep historical roots,” he said. History provides context to better understand and address them. It is amazing how many students did not know about the Wilmington Race Riots, the Trail of Tears, the Chinese Exclusion Act or the detainment of American Japanese in internment camps during World War II. I explain to them that it is important to understand the perspectives of not one source, but many. I tell them that the pages of American History have some stains on them, some in blood, but it is important
The Magnolia Greens Historical Club once toured Thalian Hall, which was built between 1855 and 1858 and was a major stop for nationally known touring artists of the time. In 2014, Thalian Hall was transformed into Ford’s Theatre for a Smithsonian documentary about Abraham Lincoln. During the tour, Jerry touched the back of the stage, which still has the original brick from when the theatre first opened. “I said I liked touching history, and a friend laughed and said, maybe I touched the same wall that John Wilkes Booth had touched. It makes you think that maybe “history” isn’t that long ago and is still all around us,” he said.
Originally from Latham, New York, Jerry and his family moved here for the weather, the beach and a slower pace than New York City. He has used that slower pace to watch his children grow up, coach them in sports and be active in their lives. Jerry is creating a history with his children that they will remember and carry on. “I have one son that has shown the same type of passion when talking about history,” he said proudly. “Often, we will read the same book and have really deep discussions about it. We were very lucky to visit the Holocaust Museum. It had just opened its doors while we were there. It was a moving experience for both of us.”
The English writer and philosopher, Aldous Huxley, once said, “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.”
Summer Regional Show
6/23-7/19
Deadline 6/6
He may be right, but with Jerry Spencer at the helm of the Magnolia Greens History Club and teaching our middle school children, my sense is that the “lessons of history” will be reviewed in a balanced method with all perspectives considered, and isn’t that the way it should be? Call for Artists
Award Winner Rachel Sunnell’s Painting Work Shop 6/16-6/17
July 4 th Raffle Tickets on sale 5/19-7/4
5/26-6/19 by
Susanne Corbelletta
Community Registration Open
The 2025 NC 4th of July Fest Freedom Run
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
It seems like we just started with spring, but it’s already time to start planning for the NC 4th of July Festival! If you’re new to the area, this is a weeklong event not to be missed. Highlights of the celebration include picnics, arts and crafts, a car show, parade, fireworks, firemen’s competition, children’s games, live entertainment nightly, great food, and, of course, lots of red, white, and blue.
Registration for one of the festival’s most popular events, the Freedom Run and Walk sponsored by Novant Health, is open now. The run will be held on Saturday, June 28 with the 1-Mile Run/Walk beginning at 7:30 am and the 5k Run/ Walk at 8 am. Both races begin and end at Southport’s Waterfront Park on Bay Street and participants are guaranteed a Freedom Run t-shirt if entered by June 14. This year’s fee is $35 for the 5K. There is no charge for the 1-mile run/walk. Interested participants can visit the festival’s website, www.nc4thofjuly.com, for details and an entry form. Fleet Feet of Wilmington, NC, will be contributing to
winner prizes.
“For over 200 years, Southport, North Carolina, has celebrated the nation’s independence. More than 50,000 people visit during the festival each year, and we’re excited to welcome even more visitors this year,” said festival committee member Trisha Howarth. “We’re proud to offer such a unique and memorable experience for families celebrating this important holiday.”
For more information on the festival, please visit www.nc4thofjuly.com.
Summer Art Show
Call For Artists Countywide To Participate
STORY CONTRIBUTED
The Associated Artists of Southport (“AAS”) invites artists throughout the lower Cape Fear region to submit original artwork for exhibit in Franklin Square Gallery’s Summer Art Show, scheduled for June 23-July 19. The event will showcase 2D work in a wide variety of media and styles, and 3D work in the form of pottery and sculpture. All work featured in the Show will be offered for sale to the public.
Exhibiting artists will compete for more than $1,200 in prizes awarded by this year’s judges, Rachel Sunnell (2D), an award-winning painter and instructor based in Brunswick County, and Jamie Futera (3D), an accomplished painter and sculptor based in North Myrtle Beach whose work encompasses a variety of media. The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception and presentation of awards on Friday, July 11 from 5-7 pm at the Gallery.
To enter work in the show, artists must register by June 6. Application forms and entry fees ($36 for AAS members; $46 for non-members) must be submitted online using the link provided at https://www. franklinsquaregallery.com/home. Additional information regarding the Show may be obtained on the Gallery’s website or by contacting Show chairperson Marian MacKerer at mtmackerer@gmail.com or 301-943-8326.
Artists may also wish to consider enrolling in the 2-day painting workshop that
Rachel Sunnell will be offering on June 1617, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Gallery. Entitled “Creating Color Harmony,” this immersive workshop is open to acrylic and oil painters of all skill levels, and will focus on essential techniques for exploring and creating color harmony. Space is limited, so interested artists are encouraged to visit the Gallery’s website for more information regarding registration and fees.
Franklin Square Gallery, the home of AAS, is a cooperative of more than 120 artists, and is currently accepting applications for new members. It is located at 130 E. West Street in the heart of historic downtown Southport. With support from the Brunswick Arts Council ARPA Program, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Gallery embodies the rich artistic culture that thrives in Southport. It offers original art and pottery for sale and is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.
Hurricane Food Kits
Considering Health And Safety In Storm Prep
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Hurricaneseason is here and it’s time to prepare an emergency hurricane kit. There are lots of lists available to follow, however, most of these lists are fairly limited when it comes to advice about food and food safety. They usually say something like “shelf stable foods” or “an emergency food and water supply.” The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) team from the Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County has developed a program that expands and clarifies these instructions.
The Hurricane Meal Kits: Nutrition and Food Safety program encourages assembling a kit of food specifically for use during and after a hurricane. Developing a plan, a shopping list and collecting a few recipes with shelf stable foods will enable the preparation of nutritious and safe meals during a natural disaster. Being prepared and having a hurricane meal kit can help reduce stress and
anxiety and will provide healthy meals during an emergency. Food safety before, during, and after power outages is also an important part of the meal kits program.
The Family and Consumer Science team is taking this Hurricane Meal Kits: Nutrition and Food Safety program on the road to several of the libraries in the
the specific library. Upcoming class locations include:
• June 6: 10-11 am at Barbee Library, Oak Island
• June 10: 10-11 am at Southwest Library, Carolina Shores
• June 24: 11 to noon at Rourke Library, Shallotte
Teams will also be at the Hurricane Expo at the Leland Cultural Center on Saturday, June 14, from 10 am to 2 pm. A sample hurricane kit will be shared along with suggestions for how to personalize a kit.
Team members are available to teach this class at additional locations. If you have a group that would be interested, contact Avery Ashley, Brunswick County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent at 910-253-2610 or at arashley@ncsu.edu.
Information on the Hurricane Meal Kit program can also be found in the Family and Consumer Science (FCS) section of the NC Brunswick County Cooperative Extension website. This information includes sample hurricane shopping lists and recipes that use these foods. There is also a link to a YouTube video featuring hurricane foods along with a simple no-cook recipe.
county. These classes are free of charge and open to the public. Pre-register at
Community Smuggler’s Run
Small-Batch Craft Sauces Available Locally
STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
We love our craft beer and our small batch bourbons, so why not a small batch, artisanal barbecue sauce? Chuck Wilson, who you might see helping out guests at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach (that’s where we met him), saw a market for handcrafted sauces and turned a hobby into business. We spoke to Chuck about his Smuggler’s Run sauces, how they came to be, and what sets them apart.
Can you tell us the story of Smuggler’s Run? How it was created, ended, came back and now has expanded to two states?
That is best answered here by my nephew Tom:
Twenty-something years ago, my uncle Chuck had a desire to start a small business. With a passion to cook and share that love by feeding those in his circle, especially on the grill, BBQ sauces were the direction his
culinary compass pointed him. Three BBQs and a unique hot sauce were created and sold at small local markets; Fire Island Pirate Hot Sauce became an award-winning recipe because it was not just hot but offered a fiery heat with amazing flavor that complimented the food it was on.
Due to medical reasons Chuck closed the company and anchored the ship. The Smuggler was no more! When Chuck moved south to retire, he offered me (Tom) the few scraps of what was left of the venture, the recipes and some equipment. I began to distribute products throughout New York’s Wine Country and again saw strong growth in that market. Thirsty for more, I asked Uncle Chuck what he thought about joining him in the dream and being a vital part in opening up the Coastal Carolina region to these Pirate-themed creations. Currently, we have dozens of local retailers in both areas selling the Smuggler via a Direct Store Delivery (DSD) system where we service the store regularly and replenish what they have sold
Why did you choose Tom as the one to handle your sauce legacy?
Tom has always shown an interest in the sauce and
the business since its inception. We never had kids and while I love each of them (two nephews and 1 niece) Tom was always the best match for the business.
How did you choose these flavors to release?
It started with the hot sauce and I wanted to make It different from everything else out there, so i added a blend of herbs and spices to the mix. After that I just played with different flavor profiles until something slapped my pallet. I settled on:
Chili Lime-sweet tangy with a citrus twist
Chipotle Cream-smooth and smokey
White Grilling Sauce-onion and garlic sauce for marinating that pops when used on the grill
What sets your small batch products apart from more mass produced offerings?
We feel small batch micro-brewed sauces lead to a better quality handcrafted product that today’s consumer strives for.
How did you decide on the maritime theme?
Bloomfield is a good way from the sea.
Starting small business is an adventure, to say the least, as is any good culinary experience. It seems like a natural course for it to take. The original four releases had versions of the hot sauce labels with a Skull and Crossbones. When we rebooted the brand we spent many hours creating the labels that more aptly fit the product names. The labels inspire the customer to try us. The flavor brings them back again and again.
What are the plans for there Future of Smuggler’s Run?
Our plans are to expand the hot sauce line to include flavor variations such as… Honey
Dill Pickle
Pineapple
We are in the process of perfecting these recipes and processes
How did you choose retailers in our region to sell your products?
We strove for mostly tourist venues. That way when a customer wants more after they return home from vacation, it drives our internet sales. But we have a good mix of outlets, some grocery, farm markets, gift shops and a few specialty food store such as a seafood store and butcher shop.
I understand you check on and restock your retailers in person. What’s the advantage of doing that?
Years back, I was a Wise chip delivery guy. Store/door service is a great way to maintain a strong relationship, excellent service and customer interaction. Translation…. We sell more product!! Lol
Please add anything else you’d like to include that I may have missed
Where Can I Buy Smuggler’s Run Sauces?
Museum of Coastal Carolina 21 E 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach
Southport Cheese Shoppe 417 N Howe St Suite B, Southport
Jewelry by Wendy 10152 Beach Dr SW Ste 6, Calabash
Island Seafood Co. 6778 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach
The Brew House 7207 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach
Silver Coast Tap & Tasting Room 105 S Howe St, Southport
Ace Hardware Southport 8848 River Rd SE Southport
We have seen more growth in the last year than ever before. The consumers appreciate the care and love that goes into
Ace Hardware 9030 Beach Dr SW Calabash
Callahan’s of Calabash 9973 Beach Dr SW Calabash
out specialty sauces, making Smuggler’s Run truly a taste to die for!
Chipotle
Keeping Fit
The Fire Within The Road Back To My Authentic Self
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind, most notably due to the launch of my book, “Reclaiming My Authentic Self: A Journey from Fear to Freedom,” and the subsequent book signing events that followed.
And through it all, I hit a wall.
Burnout hit me to my core. I don’t mean the “I need a nap because I’m tired” kind of burnout. I mean the kind of burnout where our passion dims, our drive fades, and the things we once loved begin to feel like more work and less like the passion that drew us to them in the first place.
No amount of caffeine or pep talks could fix it. That’s when I knew something had to change.
I needed a reset — and traveling to a place that’s well off the beaten path pushed the right button.
During our youngest son Zach’s spring break from school in April, we finally took a long-awaited trip to the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina. The trip was originally postponed last September after Hurricane Helene struck the area with devastating force on the same day we were scheduled to make the five-hour trip across the state.
Our cabin was nestled deep in the woods, two miles down a dirt road that ran alongside a quiet river.
We had little to no cell service, and barely any internet. And honestly, I didn’t mind it at all. It was precisely what I needed to regroup and recharge.
One night, we lit a fire in the pit outside the cabin. My wife, Shelly, cap-
tured a photo of it that you may have seen if you follow me on social media, but I didn’t take the photo. My eyes were closed.
I was savoring being in the moment instead of trying to capture it — feeling the heat from the flames, hearing nothing but silence, and soaking in the peace and serenity of mountain life.
The fire wasn’t just for warmth. It relit the passion inside me.
It also reminded me of a valuable lesson I needed to learn again. At that moment, I realized something I already knew, but often ignore…
We run ourselves into the ground. We give until there’s nothing left, especially for ourselves.
That trip reminded me to check in
with me, to unplug, to breathe.
Because here’s the truth: if we don’t make time for rest and recovery, our bodies and minds will force us to do it, often at the most inconvenient time possible. We need to make space before we break.
Of course, we don’t need a mountain getaway every time in order to reset. We just need space. That could mean:
* 10 minutes of silence in the morning
* An evening walk
* A hard stop on phone use after dinner
* A full day offline each week
Rest and recovery aren’t a luxury. They aren’t selfish either. They’re a necessity.
When we protect our peace, we return sharper, stronger, and more grounded in our purpose.
Since then, I returned to work after that trip with a clearer mind, fresher energy, and a renewed sense of direction — my authentic self. I again know why I do what I do, and that feels really, really good. And this feeling should last me awhile, at least until the next time I need to get away.
Which takes me to a recent experience — namely a telephone conversation with a representative from my phone service provider. I spent 30 minutes explaining that you can’t suspend an account that doesn’t exist. And I be-
gan to lose my cool in the process.
Then five minutes after the call ended, Shelly showed me a text message from a friend saying my book has become her “bible.” She described it as “insightful,” “full of wisdom,” and “very uplifting.”
That instantly changed my mood at a moment when I needed something to bring my frustration and anger down a few notches. Those words absolutely made my day.
Whether it’s a trip to the mountains or a simple text message, those moments that truly rejuvenate us can be found anymore. If this message resonates with you, take a moment to reflect, reset, and rekindle your own fire — because as I always say…
Fitness Is Our Business.
If you would like to learn more about improving your mindset and taking control of your health and well-being, or if you would like to learn more about me and Fernandes Fit, call 814504-7774, send an email to info@fernandesfit.com, or head to fernandesfit. com.
•
FISHING REPORT
June Fishing Report
Summer Is Here—And So Are The Fish!
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
We’ve enjoyed a fantastic spring with generally favorable weather and very good ocean conditions. From the backwaters to the Gulf Stream, anglers are finding consistent action.
Backwater
Despite multiple closures affecting some of our favorite species, the fishing remains both productive and fun. Speckled trout have reopened following a winter closure due to cold conditions and are now showing up in good numbers. Fishing fast-moving currents around structure is a great way to get bites from these feisty fish.
Nearshore
Flounder fishing has really heated up. While it’s currently catch-and-release only, a harvest season is expected this year—though the exact timing is still unknown. Gulp shrimp or paddle tails on a jig head will draw plenty of strikes. A Carolina rig with live pogies or mud minnows is another highly effective setup.
Red drum are cruising the flats in the
river and along marsh grass near oyster beds. They’re particularly active on a falling tide, when bait is flushed out of the marshes. Early mornings are ideal for tossing topwater plugs for exciting surface strikes. During the day, using a quarter of a blue crab on a jig head or Carolina rig is sure to keep the action going.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish have been providing steady action. The best time to catch them is early in the morning, before the sun gets high. As the day progresses, the fish tend to move deeper and become less active.
Trolling Clarkspoons on a No. 1 or No. 2 planer is an effective way to cover water. Look for birds working over schools of glass minnows to locate Spanish mackerel. Instead of driving straight through the school, circle around the birds for better success. If you see fish jumping and feeding on the surface, casting weighted jigs on light tackle makes for great fun.
Offshore
There are plenty of fishing opportunities in the 12-40 mile range this time of year. Grouper fishing has been excellent in 75-100 feet of water. Dropping live pinfish on a grouper rig is a reliable method to
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 910620-9919
entice these delicious bottom dwellers.
Cobia have arrived and are holding on wrecks and live bottom in 50-75 feet of water. To target cobia, try anchoring up-current from the structure, deploying a chum bag, and putting out live baits under balloons. The chum draws them in, and they often take the live baits. Keep a spinning rod rigged with a bucktail handy for any cobia that swim up beside the boat.
With clean, blue Gulf Stream water pushing inshore, mahi-mahi are moving in as well. The Horseshoe, Navy Wreck, and Frying Pan Tower are great spots to target summer mahi. Trolling small ballyhoo behind a seawitch lure is a productive technique.
Gulf Stream
While the Gulf Stream fishing may slow down in variety during summer, the quality of fish goes up. Big mahi, yellowfin tuna, and billfish will be around throughout the season.
Though the action can be more sporadic, a well-defined weedline can produce excellent fishing.
The best way to work a weedline is with cut-up bonito chunks. Toss a handful of chunks near the weedline and watch for mahi to appear. Then bait a hook with a chunk and cast it into the mix for a solid chance at a hookup.
Summer fishing off our coast offers incredible diversity and the opportunity to target a wide variety of species. Get out there and enjoy the water!
Art Beat Basket Weaving A Personal Take On An Ancient Craft
STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
Basket
weaving is an essential ancient craft that dates back at least 10,000 years to the Neolithic era, according to archeological findings. Early weavers utilized natural materials like grasses, reeds, and vines, using techniques passed down by generations, such as coiling and twining. Originally utilitarian and crucial in everyday use, basket weaving has since evolved into an artistic expression, with modern makers exploring new materials and complex forms.
Taking a class with friends for fun 20 years ago has turned weaving into a passion for local basket weaver Carol Szot. After moving here from a highstress government job, Carol met with friends to learn a new craft. “As I met our new neighbors, many of the ladies were excited about a basket class that was being taught by Mary Brown, another neighbor, at the Oak Island Senior Center,” Carol said. “I couldn’t believe I would consider basket weaving, but I wanted to join my friends in something fun. I’ve been weaving ever since. Other than the two or three classes I had with Mary, I am self-taught.”
With various materials for weaving available to use, Carol mainly uses reeds. “There are many types of materials that are used for basket weaving. I use reed versus pine needles or sweetgrass. Because my pieces are
displayed and sold in a gallery, I try to design the size, colors, and shape of the basket that would appeal to others. However, I often just want to try something new, either a new design or technique, and do not consider whether it would appeal to others. I usually learn a new process via a book or instructions from a master weaver but make it my own either through its application or overall basket design,” she said. “I have a huge closet full of reeds of all sizes and colors, as well as wood bases and accessories for the baskets. I go idea hunting in the closet or through my books. Many do not make it to completion but those that do, I usually like. There are many tools such as a dremel, saws, types of cutters, and reed packers to help keep
bly my best tool.”
Born in Philadelphia, Carol enjoys a quieter lifestyle now. After raising their son and working in the fastpaced environment of Northern Virginia for nearly 30 years, Carol retired with her husband to the coast, adopting our more casual pace for retirement. “After all that stress, we decided to look for a quieter, calmer place to retire. Several homeowners in our small community had discovered the Southport area, specifically St. James. So we decided to check it out. We found a piece of property on the golf course, with a pond, and made it our new home.”
With 20 years of weaving experience behind her, Carol also teaches others her craft. “I do teach small classes in my home studio and also have given classes for the Artisans’ non-profit organization, Stepping Up for Arts, which sponsors many work-
shops,” said Carol. “I am proud to say that we have introduced basketweaving to many and found some very talented people. I have four men who have joined the classes as well.”
Carol’s baskets are for sale, and she also accepts commission work. “As a member of the Artisans Association, I participate in the Artisans Gallery on Howe in Southport. The organization also holds at least three retail events around the community. The next one is June 13-14 at the Homer Wright Event Center (formerly St. James Community Center) on Southport-Supply Road (N.C. 211). Our Holiday Boutique will be on November 7 and 8 at the Event Center.”
You can reach Carol by email at cszot417@gmail.com.
the reed tight, but my nails are proba-
Golf Tips
Nicole’s Golf Notes
Importance Of Keeping Up Pace Of Play
BY NICOLE WELLER LPGA/PGA GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. Feel free to submit your question or topic for the Nicole’s Notes column via her website ‘Contact Nicole’ page. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.
Irecently had the pleasure of attending an online webinar with coaching greats Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott of Vision54. Pia and Lynn coach many of the top Tour players but have helped thousands of golfers through their schools, presentations and resources for playing the game of golf, not focusing on just the mechanics of the game. Their holistic approach takes into account the Human Factors that we all deal with (tension, tempo, balance, self-talk, emotional resilience, etc.) and give us ways to explore how to be a better human, and therefore golfer, in our self-regulation and growth…fun stuff, and it works! Going to one of their programs is like a special holiday x 10. It’s super rewarding.
I recently had the pleasure of attending an online webinar with coaching greats Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott of Vision54. Pia and Lynn coach many of the top Tour players but have helped thousands of golfers through their schools, presentations and resources for playing the game of golf, not focusing on just the mechanics of the game. Their holistic approach takes into account the Human Factors that we all deal with (tension, tempo, balance, self-
talk, emotional resilience, etc.) and give us ways to explore how to be a better human, and therefore golfer, in our self-regulation and growth…fun stuff, and it works! Going to one of their programs is like a special holiday x 10. It’s super rewarding. They’ve begun to address the issue of golfers spending way too much time on the preparation for a golf shot and how to become a better player with Less Thought. If you think about it, a golf swing
takes two seconds…multiply that times 70/80/90/100 shots and it really only takes 2-3-ish minutes to actually play this game. All the other time is spent moving, or not moving, along and that affects your group and all the groups playing behind you. We are EACH responsible for a pace of play as a courtesy to our fellow players within our group and everyone else on the course that day. It’s part of the game’s etiquette and just common kindness to other humans.
Consider some of Pia and Lynn’s pace of play concerns and ideas relating to PreShot Routine within their new Pace of Play Training Guide…
—Golf is not a reactionary sport like basketball, football, tennis or soccer. In golf, the ball is sitting there waiting for you to take action! Players have a tendency to take more and more time to prepare with the expansion of data options available before a shot. Also, very few players have ever had their routines timed or explored to determine what is optimal for their performance. It’s like over-packing! Each item is good and useful, but all together, it’s just too much! A carry-on would be much better.
—In golf, you need to volitionally pull the trigger and execute. Standing too long over the ball makes it too easy to get distracted under perceived pressure. It also makes it harder to be athletic and use your instinct. A more efficient pre-shot routine will save you a lot of energy for the actual execution and for entire round and a whole tournament.
—There are many things affecting pace of play. There are obvious things that improve pace of play: being ready to play when it’s your turn (start preparing while others are hitting their shots), choosing where you leave your bag or cart by the green, deciding when it makes sense to write on the scorecard (when others are hitting).
—For many, the missing piece is fine-tuning your own routine — how do you best prepare for a shot and execute to play great and be efficient.
—We want to highlight the Think Box (the preparation for a shot) and the Play Box (when you step into a shot and simply execute). We have seen this Think Box space get larger and take more time for so many players. We are particularly concerned about this with junior players we support who are learning the game and starting to compete more. The availability of information to make a decision has expanded, players are obsessing and wanting to make sure not to miss anything – get the exact yardage in a myriad of different ways, checking wind, lie conditions, slopes, making enough practice swings until it feels right, lining up the ball perfectly on the green, etc. We feel it’s getting totally out of hand and it makes players over-prepare and underperform, as well as making the game way too slow.
REMINDER: Two important things in the Think Box are ‘make a decision about a shot or putt’ and ‘get an internal GO signal.’
Stay tuned for more parts to this series!
Summer Solstice Fest
Making Music And More In Ocean Isle
STORY BY JEFFREY STITES PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
If the day is long, why not fill it with music? And if you’re going to have music, why not throw in storytellers, food, arts and crafts and maybe even a little Shakespeare? That’s the idea behind the Brunswick Arts Council’s Solstice Festival coming to Ocean Isle Beach Park, on the mainland at 6483 Old Georgetown Road SW, on Saturday, June 21 from 10 am to 8 pm.
You’ll be able to hear
2 pm — Empress
3 pm - 6 pm — Open Mic-3 hours - use QR code (see next page) to follow instructions for free entry
6 pm — Ian Daviz
7 pm — Tina Smith Trio-Tina Smith, Lynwood Salvo, Bass, Cliff Hackford, Drums
others perform or join the fun yourself during three hours of Open Mic performances. To participate in the Open Mic shows, just scan the QR code on the graphic on this page. This year’s Solstice Festival is happening in conjunction with the worldwide Make Mu- sic Day event. What’s make Make Music Day you ask? Mary Beth Livers, executive Director of the Brunswick Arts Council explains:
“Make Music Day, which originated in 1982, is a global celebration observed on the same day in over 1,000 cities across numerous countries. This unique music festival invites everyone to participate, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you’re a budding amateur or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you in this harmonious gathering.
The beauty of Make Music Day lies in its inclusivity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re strumming your guitar on a front porch, belting out tunes on a grand stage, or tapping out rhythms on a city sidewalk. All musical styles are welcome—jazz, rock, classical, hip-hop, and everything in between.
And the best part? It’s completely free and open to the public. So, mark your calendar for June 2, and let’s create a symphony that resonates around the world!”
Make Music Day SOLSTICE FESTIVAL at Ocean Isle Beach Park
Performance Stage Times
10 am — Purple Reign
11 am — BAC Community Players A Midsummers Night
Dream, 30 minutes, Rosina Whitfield Director
11:30 am — Dougy “YellowBeard” McKenna story telling & performance
Noon — The Reflections
1 pm — Camp Fireball w/Corey Howard
Empress
Ian Davis
Purple Reign
Tina Smith Trio
The Reflections
Florida’s Fort Jefferson
May Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
STORY CONTRIBUTED
The June 12 meeting of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table features a presentation by Dr. Angela Zombek, Ph.D., associate professor of history at UNCW. Dr. Zombek, an expert on the prisoner of war experience in the Civil War, will talk about the strategic Union outpost of Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, located on the remote island Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West.
Fort Jefferson, posted far out on the western entrance to the Florida Straits, is closer to Cuba than to the mainland of Florida. The fort encloses about 16 acres and was constructed with 16 million bricks. The site was recommended for military use by U.S. Army engineer Captain Robert E. Lee in the early 1840s. Construction began in 1846 under the direction of another U.S. Army engineer captain, Horatio Wright, who would rise to the role of commander of the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac in 1864-65.
Fort Jefferson was constructed as part of the Third System of Defense, which aimed to reduce the need for a standing army, protect American commerce, and defend the nation from foreign adversaries. No one anticipated that, and come the 1860s, Ft. Jefferson would also be used to suppress a domestic rebellion.
Professor Zombek’s talk will examine the experiences of Union soldiers assigned to garrison duty at Ft. Jefferson during the Civil War, and give an overview of the fort’s wartime purposes, which ranged from defending the Florida Straits, to serving as a coaling station for naval vessels, to imprisoning Confederate POWs and Union soldiers who violated army rules and regulations while in the ranks.
Today, Fort Jefferson is the keystone of the remote and very beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park. The park can be reached by seaplane or a pleasant boat ride from Key West. With outstanding coral reefs and marine life, it is a premier snorkeling destination. Camping is also available in the park. Yet, it was much different in the 1860s, and, indeed, after the war the fort fell into disuse. It was plagued by a lack of fresh water and susceptibility to diseases like yellow fever.
Fort Jefferson National Monument was designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act in 1935. The monument was expanded in 1983
and re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992 by an act of Congress.
Dry Tortugas was established to protect the island and marine ecosystems of the Dry Tortugas, to preserve Fort Jefferson and submerged cultural resources such as shipwrecks, and to allow for public access.
Dr. Zombek (PhD University of Florida) is an historian of the Civil War Era and is Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is also coordinator of the Masters Program in History at UNCW and the managing editor of “Interpreting the Civil War” series at Kent State University. She is the author of “Penitentiaries, Punishment, and Military Prisons: Familiar Responses to an Extraordinary Crisis during the America Civil War” (Kent State University Press). Her current book project, “Stronghold of the Union: Key West Under Martial Law,” is under contract with The University Press of Florida.
The Sachsman Symposium on the 19th Century Press recently announced that Professor Zombek was named to deliver the signature Hazel Dicken-Garcia address at Augusta University in November 2025. Augusta University is located in Augusta, Georgia.
She is a native of Ohio and holds an MA from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. She recalls a visit to the Camp Chase historic site in Columbus, Ohio, as the spark that ignited her interest in Civil War history, especially the history of incarceration in the war.
Camp Chase became a prison for captured Confederates and many died there. More than 400,000 soldiers—about 194,000 Union and 214,000 Confederate—were captured over the course of the war. Prison conditions were brutal with approximately 30,000 Union soldiers and 26,000 Confederates dying while imprisoned. Deaths occurred most often because of medical conditions including infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, yellow fever, malaria, etc. Many also died because of malnutrition and exposure to the elements.
Make plans to come and hear this fascinating story about a little know aspect of the Civil War. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening, June 12, 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!
Showcase Theatre Happenings
“More Fun Than Bowling” and Auditions
CONTRIBUTED
Brunswick Little Theatre is holding auditions for the Jones, Hope and Wooden comedy “Hallelujah Girls” on Sunday and Monday June 1 and 2 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the classrooms behind the theatre at 8068 River Rd SE in Southport. Callbacks, if necessary, will be Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 pm. Actors aditioning should bring a headshot or candid photo and be prepared to list conflicts between June 8 and July 30. Auditions will be from selected sides from the show. “Hallelujah Girls” will open July 31 and the final of 10 shows will be on August 17. Performances will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Contact Director Dan Barth at dbarthnc@outlook.com or 617-921-0260 with any questions.
Synopsis:
Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action in this rollicking Southern comedy takes place in SPA-DEE-DAH !, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is precious, and if they’re going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to get on it now!
Character Overview:
⁃ The characters call for age ranges of 50 to 65. However, the director has some flexibility in casting and if you can play ages 40 to 70 you are encouraged to audition.
The Characters
Carlene Travis – female, 50s, a no-nonsense gal with a dry wit.
Nita Mooney – female, 50s, a very sweet and simple country woman.
But Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. Carlene’s given up on romance, having buried three husbands. Nita’s a nervous wreck from running interference between her problematic son and his probation officer. Mavis’ marriage is so stagnant she’s wondering how she can fake her own death to get out of it. And sweet, simple Crystal entertains them all, singing Christmas carols with her own hilarious lyrics. The comic tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal comes from an unlikely suitor and Sugar Lee’s archrival vows she’ll stop at nothing to steal the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together to overcome these obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud.
Mavis Flowers – female, 65, blunt but likable.
Crystal Hart – female, 50s, daffy and lovable, sings and plays Jingle Bells on the piano (you do not actually play the piano).
Sugar Lee Thompkins – female, 50s vivacious.
Bunny Sutherland – female, 50s, upbeat and seemingly pleasant with an ever-ready smile.
Bobby Dwayne Dillahunt – male, 50s, rugged good looks with a self-depreciating sense of humor.
Brunswick Little Theatre opens its 2025 Summer Season with “More Fun Than Bowling,” a play by Steven Dietz directed for BLT by Rosina Whitfield. Shows will run June 5-8, 13-15 and 20-22 at the theatre at
“More Fun Than Bowling” cast
8068 River Rd SE in Southport.
BLT’s Jeanette Harrison-Sullivan said, “ This droll, quirky, philosophical comedy/ drama uses bowling as a metaphor for life and is rich with an abundance of amusing, unconventional characters.” She offered the following synopsis:
Jake Tomlinson is the eccentric owner of a bowling alley with a complicated life. As a young man, a foul tipped baseball broke Jake’s fingers, but luckily, the accident to his hand formed a perfect bowler’s grip. Now divorced, twice a widower and a single father, Jake is raising his teenage
daughter Molly who is often tickled but understanding about her father’s ways. In flashback sequences, Jake is also often visited by his two deceased, but cheerful wives, Lois and Loretta. Added to the mix, there’s a mysterious revolver-wielding stranger constantly lurking in the shadows, but who takes time to chat directly with the audience. Join us to see if this complicated but heartwarming tale ends with “happily ever after.”
Tickets are available at www.brunswicklittletheatre.com or Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 N. Howe Street, Southport.
CALENDAR
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.
June
MAY 29-31
Juried Art Exhibit and Sale
The Art League of Leland’s (ALL) It’s ALL Art 6th Annual Juried Exhibition and Sale will be held at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Show dates and times are 10 am to 6 pm on May 29, and 10 am to 4 pm on May 30-31. Free admission and parking.
JUNE 3-25
Art Exhibit at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
This month, the gallery features Marybeth Bradbury, who creates colorful contemporary paintings. Her works will be on display during the Center’s regular hours. Meet the artist at a reception on June 5, from 6-8 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland.
JUNE 6 (AND JUNE 27)
Green Sweeps — Leland
Volunteers help staff spruce up the parks, 9-11 am. June 6 will be Westgate Nature Park and June 27 will be at Cypress Cove Park.
JUNE 7
Food Truck Rodeo — Belville’s Riverwalk Park
The third-annual rodeo is 11 am to 4 pm at Riverwalk park, 584 River Road SE. The day will feature great food from all sorts of food trucks and live music from School of Rock, a beer garden, a dunk tank, inflatables and games for kids, and craft vendors.
JUNE 7
Art Around Town — Leland
The June session of the Town of Leland’s Art Around Town program features tie-dying at Brunswick Beer and Cider, 1313 S. Dickinson Dr, Leland. Participants are encouraged to bring their own t-shirt or garment to dye, or they may choose from a selection of provided items. The program is noon to 3 pm, and registration is not required.
JUNE 7
Dosher Cookout
Enjoy a summer cookout at the front entrance of Dosher Hospital, at 924 N. Howe St. from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. All are welcome to join Dosher staff, Trustees, Volunteers, and hospital leaders for the celebration, which will include a cookout lunch, dessert, and music. Pre-registration is appreciated; visit Dosher.org/birthday, or call 910-4573900.
JUNE 12
Cape Fear Civil Round Table - Wilmington
This month’s meeting features a presentation by Dr. Angela Zombek, Ph.D., associate professor of history at UNCW. Dr. Zombek, an expert on the prisoner of war experience in the Civil War, will talk about the strategic Union outpost of Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, located on the remote island Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. 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.
JUNE
14
Youth Fishing Day — Belville
Children ages 6-15 can enjoy a morning of fishing at Belville Riverwalk Joseph A. Breault Fishing Pier, 584 River Road SE. The event is 7 am to noon, with three times slots available. Registration with the Town of Belville is required.
JUNE 14
Hurricane Expo — Leland
The Town of Leland hosts this annual expo to help residents prepare for storm season. Visit with Town personnel and area partner agencies to learn what to do before, during, and after a storm. The expo is 10 am to 2 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
JUNE 14
Electronics Recycling — Seaside
Take old electronics (and their batteries and cords, but no light bulbs) to a recycling collection at Seaside Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road SW, Sunset Beach. The event is free and there will be volunteers on site to help unload your vehicle. Electronics will be accepted starting at 9:30 am until 11 am or until the truck is full, whichever comes first.
JUNE 14-15
Frying Pan Tower Dash — Cape Fear Yacht Club
The Dash is an open Regatta, for Self-Righting Boats 20’ and up. This is an overnight race starting in the Cape Fear River Channel past Bald Head between 6 and 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 14, and the time limit to complete the race expires at noon on Sunday. Visit https://www.capefearyachtclub.com/regattas for more information.
JUNE 19
Elevating Access Golf Tournament
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation is hosting this fundraiser which will benefit efforts to improve access to some areas of the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The tournament is at Ocean Ridge’s Tiger’s Eye golf course, 8 am to 1 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ event/elevating-access-golf-classic/ to register or find other ways to support the event.
JUNE 20
Teens Night Out — LCAC
Teens ages 13-17 can enjoy a night of music, play games or make a project in one of the art studios at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. The event is 7-9 pm, and the cost is $5.
JUNE 21
Make Music Day & Solstice Festival
The Brunswick Arts Council hosts this annual festival, held this year at the Ocean Isle Beach Park, 6483 Old Georgetown Road SW. The festival features seven musical groups, an open mic from 3-6 pm, food, and arts and crafts vendors. The festivities are 10 am to 8 pm.
JUNE 21
Swing Dance
No experience needed for this fun night of dance! Instructors will lead a group lesson, followed by open dance. The dance is 7-10 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center 1212 Magnolia Village Way. This is a free event.
JUNE 21
Luau Dance — Oak
Island
Everyone loves a summer luau, and this event at the Oak Island Recreation Center will be a fun afternoon filled with dancing, finger foods and even a photo booth. The dance is 3-5 at the Rec Center, 303 E. Oak Island Drive. The cost is $20/couple for residents and $25/couple for non-residents.
JUNE 28-29
Sea Notes Choral Society Concert
The Sea Notes present “A Tribute to ALL Our Heroes,” at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NW, Bolivia. Performances are free, and begin at 3 pm both days. For more information about the Sea Notes, visit sea-notes.com.
JULY 1
Beach Bash — Ocean Isle Beach
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach and the Museum of Coastal Carolina are hosting this beach party for all ages at
program is free, but registration is required.
JUNE 5
(and Thursdays through June)
Kids Events in Mulberry Park
123 Mulberry St., Shallotte
Events start at 10 am, and June 5 is time with the police and fire departments (a limited number of free bicycle helmets will be available for free), June 12 is Character Day, June 19 is Arts & Crafts Day and June 26 is Nature Day, including a change to meet Shally, the Town mascot
Kids Activities in Ocean Isle Beach
Town Center Park
11 E. 2nd St.
Art in the Park — craft making is at 10 am (through June 24 and July 8-Aug 12). On Wednesdays (except July 3), 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, starting June 18. The programs 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
Oak Island Summer Concerts
Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)
May 23 — The Entertainers
May 30 — Christine Martinez Band
June 6 — Jim Quick & Coastline
June 13 — Wicked Fire - Santana Tribute
June 20 — Too Much Sylvia
June 27 — Julio & The Saltines
July 1 (Beach Day, 6-9 pm) — Chairman of the Board featuring Ken Knox
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way (6-8 pm, $15)
June 5 — Phantom Playboys
June 21 — Brunswick Band, 7-9 pm — a free evening of swing and big band music
Moonlight Movies (7:30 pm)
Ocean Isle Beach, Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
May 28 — “Alexander & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
June 4 — “Despicable Me 3”
June 11 — “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania”
June 18 — “A Dog’s Way Home”
June 25 — “Under the Boardwalk”
July 2 — “Playmobil: The Movie”
Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St. The party is 10 am to noon, and will include activities, crafts, music photo ops, and more.
Summer Activities and Events
JUNE 4
(and 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
Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road (6-8 pm)
May 30 — Class Act Band
June 13 — Hoods Creek
June 27 — The Chance Union Band
July 11 — The Doorsmen
July 18 — Lunar Tide Band
Calabash Summer Concerts
Calabash Town Park, 868 Persimmon Road SW (6-8:30 pm)
June 3 — Band of Oz
June 17 — Chocolate Chip & Company
June 24 — Too Much Sylvia
Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series
Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
June 6 — Christine Martinez Band
June 13 — the Entertainers
June 20 — The Tonez
June 27 — Blackwater Band
July 3 (Monday) — The Extraordinaires
Sound Waves
Concerts at Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd. North (6-8 pm)
CALENDAR
May 28 — North Tower Band
June 4 — Rivermist
June 25 — The Switch Sunset Beach Pier
101 W. Main St. (6-8 pm)
May 30 — The Mac Daddys
June 5 — Backline
June 12 — Trublmkrz
June 19 — John Toppings - Desperado
June 16 — Sun & Sea Band
June 18 — Chocolate Chip & Company
Southport Summer Concerts
Franklin Square Park
May 29--Back Porch Rockers
June 5 --CMB
June 12 -- Rev and the Flying Flamingos
June 19 -- Double Cherry Pie a la Mode
June 26 -- Sandy Branch Band
Holden Beach Summer Concert Series
Bridgeview Park (6:30-8 pm)
May 25 — The embers Feat Craig Woolard
June 1 — Too Much Sylvia
June 8 — Carolina Kool
June 15 — Gary Lowder & Smoking Hot
June 29 —The Extraordinaires
Odell WIlliamson Auditorum
Brunswick Community College
150 College Road NW, Bolivia
June 10 — Big Daddy Weave - Let It Begin Tour
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
June 1 — City Ballet presents “The Sleeping Beauty”
June 4 — Ledisi with special guest Marsha Ambrosious
June 15 — Wynonna Judd
June 21-25 — Leanne Morgan
June 28 — Gladys Knight
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
May 22-June 1: Big Dawg Productions presents What the Constitution Means to Me
June 19 - July 6 — the Opera House Theatre Company presents “Hairspray”
June 27-29 — The Performance Club Theatre Company performs “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Greenfield lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
June 6 — Charles Wesley Godwin
June 18 — Ziggy Alberts
June 20 — Collie Buddz
June 28 — Big Something
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
June 8 — Dispatch with John Butler
June 11 — The Black Keys
June 13 — Riley Green
June 14 — Slightly Stoopid
June 15 — Glass Animals
June 17 — Goose
June 19 — Dwight Yoakam
June 20 — Rainbow Kitten Surprise
June 27 — Parker McCollum
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, Bel-
/June 2025/ Leland Magazine
ville
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.
Mulberry Market — Shallotte
Shop for arts, crafts, and more at Shallotte’s Market, 9 am to 1 pm at Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry Street. Dates are June 7 and 21.
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 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.
Barnfield Market at Barn & Beach Designs
4880 Old Long Beach Road
This eclectic market is open June 14, 9 am to 3 pm, and there will be music and food on site too!
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 American Masters covered on June 4 and The Body In Art: Humanness, Abstraction and Identity on June 18..
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, 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 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. Guided tours are now available, at 10 am on Fridays and Saturdays; the cost is $5.
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-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!
