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Go Out And Have Fun
made some changes to our Events Calendar, and we hope you’re taking full advantage of our new format. Jeffrey and I love to go out and about for adventure, and we often find plenty of that right here in Brunswick County. We live on Oak Island, and we love our little Oak Island/Southport area. We love the beach, watching boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway, and even waiting in line with tourists to get an ice cream cone. But we also love to go to the Battleship park outside Leland or seeing art on display in the Leland Cultural Arts Center. We love Belville’s beautiful Riverwalk Park, whether it’s full of festival goers or quiet with just a few fishermen on the pier. We’ve taken in a lakeside concert in Boiling Spring Lakes. We love Sunset Beach and its mainland park with all the majestic live oak trees. We’ve taken Copper the News Hound to a dog event in Holden Beach and we’re not embarrassed to admit that we enjoyed counting down to the new year early at Ocean Isle’s Noon Year’s Eve party. We used to “cross-pollinate” our calendars anyway, because there is only one historical swing bridge park (in Sunset Beach) and maybe some of you in Leland want to visit it sometime. So check out our story about a cool disc golf store in Leland and all the fun events listed on the calendar, and get out there for something new. Have some fun, don’t forget to shop local, and we hope to see you out and about! — Lisa
Community
The Throw Coast Building A Community Around Disc Golf
STORY BY JANE MORGAN SWEGLE, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
If you are local to this area, you know that we have been called “The Port City,” “Cape Fear Region,” and even “Hollywood East” when the film industry was at its peak. But did you know we are also the “Throw Coast?”
I found that out when I went to speak to Nicholeen and Ryan Frusti, owners of Throw Coast Disc Golf, at 1026 Appleton Way (off of Village Road, just a few stores down from Z’s barbershop,) a new business in town that caters to one of the most popular sports in North Carolina — disc golf.
Like many people coming into the shop, I wasn’t prepared for the explosion of colors, the variety of displays, the long, shiny wood bar (stocked with more than 40 rotating beers, ciders, seltzers, THC beverages, and a few wines) and the themed pinball machines that just scream “fun!”
This isn’t just a pro shop. This is a community center where pinball tournaments happen on Thursday nights and disc golfers sharpen their putting skills in the indoor putting and disc golf simulator area, using, Nicholeen explained, “top-of-theline TechDisc technology that helps players understand their throw speed, angles, and
accuracy” — all available to the community six days a week.
“Our goal was to create a place that feels like a second home for the disc golf community,” said Nicholeen. “And we’re proud to say it’s becoming exactly that.”
Before meeting the Frustis, I didn’t know much about disc golf. I knew that Leland had a disc golf course on Village Road, very near the shop, but I didn’t realize how wildly popular the sport is or that there are championship and professional level players.
Ryan introduced me to the sport by explaining the layout of the disc displays. “On the bottom rows, you’ll find your putters — used for short, controlled shots into the basket,” he said. “Above that are your approach discs, like mid-range irons in golf, designed for controlled distance. Then come the fairway drivers, and at
the top, your distance drivers — the discs you pull out when you need to cover big ground, like a drive off the tee.”
Each disc, Ryan explained, has a specific purpose, and even among drivers, there are different speeds to match different throwing styles. “We have 14 different speeds of discs,” he said. “The higher the speed number, the more arm strength and velocity you need. Someone using a 14-speed disc should be throwing close to 65 miles per hour.”
He continued, turning over a disc and showing me some small numbers, “These are the flight numbers,” he explained. “They tell you how the disc is meant to fly. Some are built to fly straight, some curve to the left, and others to the right.” He smiled and added, “Imagine you’re out on the course and there’s a tree in your way — you need a disc that curves around it. We’ve got discs that can do exactly that. If you throw them right, they’ll fly the line you need.”
One of the best things about disc golf is that it can be played by all ages. It is a low-level impact sport, good for older people or those recovering from an injury who may have some mobility issues. This is a sport that is accessible to all people. There is even a pro division for people over 70 years old. Nicholeen added, “You will meet the most friendly, sincere people on a disc golf course. They are inclusive and helpful. It’s a whole different vibe from a
country club — you feel welcome and encouraged, no matter what your level of play.”
“The sport started in California, but North Carolina is the number one state for disc golf,” Ryan said. “We have well over 450 courses in the state. We just found out that our little course here in Leland is the 24th most played course out of all of those in the state. There is a huge draw to play in North Carolina because of our nature and year-round weather. Charlotte is another popular disc golf region thanks to the leadership of the Parks and Recreation Committee, who were disc golfers. In this area, there are 15 to 20 courses within an hour’s drive that you can access. There is some cool technology out there for disc golfers, one of them is actually an app called, ‘Udisc’ where you can find disc golf courses all around the country. Udisc showed us that last year, there were three and a half new disc golf courses being put in per day. If you look at our area and the number of courses we have, you can see why this area is called, The Throw Coast, hence, our name.”
Ryan and Nicholeen use their shop not only to promote the game, but to help people improve their skills. “Sometimes we will use the practice and simulator area for events like putting week,” Ryan said. “You can come in and just practice. The simulator we have, TechDisc, shows people the speed, distance and angle of their throws. It’s a try before you buy kind of
Community
thing. It’s an excellent training tool. What you see on the screen is actually how you are throwing.” He continued, “we have a shop teaching pro, Carson Ham, and our shop manager, Hastin McGill, who routinely help newer players who want to play competitive style disc golf and give lessons on Tuesdays and Sundays.”
Not far from the simulator is a row of pinball machines. Ryan said, “Our goal was to create a space for the entire community, not just disc golfers. We created the 36foot bar area and then the pinball arcade. We collaborated with our friend, Eric, from Flippin’ Balls Entertainment to rent the equipment and add a whole new element to our shop. This is the only pinball arcade in Leland. We have really strived to create a family fun environment.”
Every Thursday night, the Cape Fear Flipper Club hosts a tournament at Throw Coast, bringing together both avid pinball fans and disc golfers looking for a little midweek fun. “It’s amazing how much overlap there is between the two groups,” Ryan said. “Both communities really value skill, practice, and just having a good time.”
Their Flight Plan Takes a Turn, Landing Them in Leland
It was family that brought Nicholeen and Ryan to this area. They moved from Northern Michigan to Cancun, Mexico and lived there for three years to, in their words, “relive their twenties!”
When one of their daughters got married and moved to Charlotte, the pull to be closer to family, and get back to life in the U.S., grew stronger. During the height of the COVID pandemic, Nicholeen and Ryan made a trip to Wilmington to help their daughter and son-in-law find an investment property. What began as a three-week house-hunting trip turned into something much bigger.
Nicholeen described moving here to be near family as “planting seeds.” Those seeds have since grown to include their two granddaughters, Charlotte Azalea, now three years old, and Magnolia Honey, who recently celebrated her first birthday. Today, the Frustis proudly call Leland home.
Both Nicholeen and Ryan have entrepreneurial spirits. They have owned a digital
marketing company for many years and Ryan does design work for ProCoast, a disc golf apparel company offering custom and branded jerseys, but they wanted to own something that they could grow themselves. It was Ryan’s design work that gave birth to the idea of opening a disc golf pro shop. They signed the lease for their space on April 11, 2024 and opened on June 15 — just 63 days later.
But opening the shop was just the beginning. They want to continue to grow the sport in this area and are active supporters of the Leland Disc Golf Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the sport and supporting youth initiatives. The Frustis said they see the shop as a natural extension of their passion.
They’ve also taken a hands-on approach to helping newcomers, offering private lessons, organizing events, and supporting local school initiatives to introduce disc golf into physical education programs.
“Our dream was to create something lasting, not just for players today, but for future generations who will discover disc golf here in Leland,” said Nicholeen. “We want kids to grow up seeing disc golf as part of their community, just like Little League or soccer.”
Throw Coast Disc Golf is nearing its first anniversary, and the Frustis said they have plans for the future, including expanding the event schedule, growing their amateur
that feels like home but is a step to a global brand, which can only be a good thing for all of us.
If you haven’t stopped into Throw Coast, you are missing an opportunity to learn about a fun sport and meet two dynamic people.
Throw Coast Disc Golf is closed on Mondays, but open from 11 am to 9 pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 am to 7 pm on Sunday. Call them at 910- 399-5077 for more information. You can also contact them at nicholeen@throwcoast.com, or ryan@throwcoast.com.
Leland is the “throw coast,” get out there and throw!
Throw Coast Disc Golf
and professional shop-sponsored teams, and launching more community-focused programs throughout the year.
They hope to host larger disc golf tournaments in partnership with nearby parks, and are looking at ways to bring even more entertainment options into the shop.
Like many of us, Nicholeen and Ryan came to Leland and fell in love with the area. They are committed to bringing something of real value to us, something
1026 Appleton Way, Leland (910) 399-5077
Hours: 11 am - 9 pm Tuesday-Saturday 11 am - 7 pm Sunday
nicholeen@throwcoast.com ryan@throwcoast.com
TechDisc Simulator
Community
Celebrating 15 Years
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Brunswick Civil War Round Table held its first meeting in May, 2010. With the planning and start-up phases completed, nervous anticipation prevailed. According to Civil War enthusiast and co-founder Wally Rueckel, “Tom O’Donnell, my good friend and co-founder in this new venture, had some concerns. Will people show up? Will they enjoy this first program? And, most importantly, will they return for future meetings?” Well, that first meeting was clearly a success. More than 50 people arrived at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport to hear guest speaker, historian, and author Col. Black Jack Travis discuss “The Guns of Gettysburg.” With a sigh of relief, meetings have continued on the first Tuesday of the month ever since, from September through May. And every month this fledgling organization grew and grew, eventually earning the envious reputation of being the largest Civil War round table in the country with 1,170 members, and that growth continues today.
Success is never guaranteed. But over time, one realization became clear; the success of this fast-growing organization would be attributed to a combination of exceptional speakers, effective communications, a committed Board of Directors and Advisors, and a strong and growing volunteer corps. Yet audiences were primarily interested in who will be speaking at the next meeting? So, guest speakers became a top priority for success. They were urged to focus on topics that were unique, diverse, and well beyond discussions of battles or tactics. Plus, they should reflect both North and South points-of-view, or said another way, no partiality. Speakers were renowned historians, authors, educators, and Civil War re-enactors. Importantly, presentations would ideally be captivating and entertaining. No one enjoys a dull presentation.
Speakers in Civil War attire portraying Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Generals A.P. Hill, William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant fascinated audiences. So did prominent speakers like “living national treasure” Ed Bearss, distinguished national historian James I. (Bud) Robertson, popular local historian and educator Chris Fonvielle, and Site Manager at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, Jim McKee, to name just a few. Others would focus on
volunteers. They serve numerous meeting functions like greeters at the computerized registration desk, manning the Sutlers and 50/50 tables, the new member sign-up desk, managing the A/V equipment and computer files, and the frequent additional needs as membership growth dictates.
rarely discussed topics like Civil War communications, railroads, hospitals, logistics, naval battles, prisons, and Civil War heroes and battles that changed the course or outcome of the war.
And no one will ever forget Round Table Director Dr. Max Williams, Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University, who took center stage at the May 7, 2013 meeting. Max made an impromptu presentation entitled, “Causes of the Civil War” without a note or visual aid when the planned guest speaker was a last minute “no show.” His audience was astonished by his knowledge of Civil War history and flawless delivery, earning him a resounding standing ovation!
Over the years, speakers proved time and time again to be the primary reason for membership growth. Beginning with initial hopes for success in 2010, to now boasting well over 1,100 members, this 15th anniversary celebration takes on a very special meaning.
Membership loyalty over the years was important. This proved to be the case during the September, 2020 season when COVID forced meetings to be held virtually via Zoom. With a decline in members during that time when groups and audiences were discouraged or forbidden, some Civil War round tables could not sustain their membership bases and had to dis-
band. This Round Table resolved to stay the course, and has since rebounded beyond expectations. In fact, those Zoom presentations were so important, they continue to this day as an option for those who couldn’t physically attend the meeting that evening. Almost from the beginning, the Board of Directors and Advisors sensed they needed to meet the needs and expectations of its members to maintain their interest and involvement. A monthly newsletter, “Call to Arms” was created. It began as a black and white publication emailed to all members. It has since become a colorful, comprehensive, multi-page newsletter to include news, updates, and what’s planned for the future. Over time, a Facebook page was created for Round Table news and updates. Also, an informative website allowing everyone to read about ongoing activities, upcoming events, speakers and their topics, and a huge photo gallery of past meetings was started.
Periodic on-site tours are scheduled to various Civil War locations which are always well-attended and informative. Another exclusive feature which began in 2013, and designed exclusively for the ladies, was appropriately called the “Civil War Ladies’ Forum.” It became an annual event featuring topics of particular interest to them. Oh, male friends and husbands are not invited! These meetings have been attended by as many as 100 ladies, both Brunswick Civil War Round Table members and the general public. By the way, these meetings are usually better attended than most other Civil War round tables.
Another indication of the vitality and dynamics of this thriving non-profit organization is the enthusiasm of more than 60
“Giving back” is another goal that was established many years ago. It’s giving back to the community, providing an annual scholarship to a worthy college student, or donations to the more than thirty non-profit organizations supporting Civil War preservation, museums, battlefields, including local historic visitor sites. Funding comes from visitor fees of $10 and the annual membership dues of $25 which can include a spouse. Annual membership dues have not increased since the first meeting in 2010.
The Round Table’s summer break occurs from June through August. But there is no break for those responsible for booking and confirming quality speakers for the coming season, or ongoing communications with its comprehensive publicity network to reach members and the community about what lies ahead beginning in September.
One speaker commitment is already booked for the Tuesday, Sept. 2 meeting. The guest speaker will be Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Actually he is popular actor Thomas Jessee portraying Lee. One thing is certain, his presentation will captivate and entertain his audience. This will be a dramatic way to kick off the new season, and a meeting not to be missed. As a reminder, meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month, except June through August.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Advisors, and its volunteers, president John Butler extends an invitation to everyone to learn more about Civil War history and this dynamic organization as it looks ahead to the next 15 years. Please feel free to contact John at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com. Or, call him personally at 404-229-9425. If you prefer, check out the website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com. There’s always so much going on!
Community Brunswick Winds
Music From Around The World Spring Concert
STORY CONTRIBUTED BY FELICIA SEXTON, BRUNSWICK BANDS
Celebrate spring as the Brunswick Winds presents “Music from Around the World”. Our spring concert is free. Join us at 3 pm on Saturday, May 10, at Hatch Auditorium, NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell.
Brunswick Saxes, Brunswick Brass, and Trilogy Trio, our small ensembles, will also join this celebration to bring a concert experience offering something for everyone! Music selections include a sprinkling of classical, latin and sacred pieces, and selections from movies and theater.
Our volunteer musicians, along with talented high school students, simply enjoy performing music, and are dedi-
cated to enriching our Brunswick County area with a variety of fabulous instrumental music. Admission for any of our concerts is always free.
The Bands encourage Brunswick County students to participate with community and school band programs. The Music Student Assistance Program loans musical instruments to students, and a scholarship program is available to graduating Brunswick County musi-
cians. Some individual Band members also assist the music programs at middle and high schools in the county. Brunswick Bands, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Financial support comes from donations, sponsorship opportu -
nities and Friends of the Brunswick Bands.
For more information, visit www. brunswickbands.org.
Community Southern Hospitality
Welcome Center Director Found Her Calling
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and for the huge numbers of travelers entering Brunswick County and North Carolina from the south on U.S. 17, that first impression is made by Terri Madison Gurganus Director of the newly reopened North Carolina Welcome Center in Shallotte. And she has been making those first impressions great ones for more than 30 years.
The Welcome Center opened in mid January of 1992 and Terri was one of the first employees. “Sabrina Hodges was the first director here. In 1995 her husband got transferred so I went from full time to director. You know, you don’t grow up thinking this is the job you want to do, but it’s perfect for me,” she said. “That’s just my personality, I love to connect with people. I think everybody’s important.”
The Welcome Center in Shallotte was the second built by a committee formed by the North Carolina’s nine coastal counties. Terri explained that each county chipped in $10,000 for construction, but that soon the state began providing all the funding to run the Welcome Centers via contracts with
the committee.
Drawing visitors is big business in the state of State North Carolina. “We started in 1992, and in 1994 tourism surpassed agriculture to become the number one industry in North Carolina,” Terri said. “We’ve got over 300 miles of coastline and we’ve got over 6,000 foot elevation in the mountains, so within a day’s drive it goes from sea level to over 6000 feet. It’s just neat that we’ve go that much in 600 miles of width and 300 miles of height, roughly.”
Terri said the last count of visitors, which was done before the Welcome Center closed for refurbishment in late 2023, showed more than 1 million people per year coming through.
That many visitors makes for some interesting people watching, and also a lot of opportunities to make that first impression. “I never know what’s going to happen each day. Every day is different,” Terri said. “With the tint on the windows, they don’t know we’re here.
“The thing is I get to meet people from all over the world. And I learn as much
from them as they do from me because I like to know things like what’s the main meat that your family eats, or anything about another country. Because I like to learn new things,” she said. “People of different religions will come out, you now when they have to pray to the east or to the west, and get their little straw mats and put them down.”
But it’s not only travelers from far flung places making use of the Welcome Center. “We have people locally that’ll take their little chaise lounge and sit in the sun,” Terri said.
As busy as a million a year sounds, Terri said the Welcome Center has felt the impact of technology like GPS and smart phones. But the Welcome Centers three inside employees still help a lot of people find their way.
“A lot of families will come in to find ideas for younger children,” Terri said. “And we do a lot reservations and directions and golf tee times. We make the most ferry reservations in the state. We’re on the path to Kitty Hawk, so people heading that way will stop in and make a reservation for the Ocracoke ferry. We make reservations all over the state.”
As a child in a traveling family grow-
ing up, Terri said one of her favorite things was brochures from welcome centers, and this one is well stocked.
“We have over 500 different brochures, and they’re from cities and counties depending on the populations of each,” Terri said. “We get them from from Chambers of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureaus. We get some from the state of North Carolina. We have some places that can’t afford the postage, so if someone’s coming by, they’ll just drop them off. And I’ll pick them up from some towns.”
Terri said that the state publishes three state visitors guides and the winery guide. “The state owns the largest printing press in the state of North Carolina, and they have the prison system, they’re the ones that man it. So we have Department of Corrections on each box we get in. So I didn’t learn that until I started working here. It’s not just license plates.”
The brochures are arranged to represent different areas of the state, including some that feature local attractions.
“We have guidelines that are set by the state and I have to run it by that and see if they meet the criteria,” Terri explained. “We went through a lot of that the first 10 years, but people know now, our community locally, we just don’t have room to put everyone in. We do have a local interest table though, for people that don’t meet the criteria. They’re still important in the community.”
The Welcome Center staff is ready to answer questions too, like long it will take to get to the battleship or into Wilmington, but Terri shared one of particular local interest. “How do you pronounce ‘Shallotte’?” That’s a huge question. And I’m like ‘Long “O.”
While visiting the Welcome Center to talk to Terri, I ran into a couple of travelers, one of whom considers himself an expert on welcome centers and rest stops. “I’d stop at all of them if I
The De Michels, self described welcome cneter experts, give this location a thumbs up
Welcome Center Director Terri Madison Gurganus
could,” said Phil De Michel, who was visiting Myrtle Beach with his wife. The two were set up under a tree in folding rocking chairs just enjoying the shade a a break on their way to Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. I had to ask what they
One,” Phil said. Phil told me that what made a welcome center great was the staff. He wasn’t a fan of those that were unmanned. He was impressed that this welcome center’s staff seemed to love their jobs, and Terri, a real people person, truly does.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s enough paperwork and stuff to keep me on my toes, but in the morning I come in and I work the front desk first. I used to come in and knock out paperwork, but that’s not how I need to start the day. I have to get my fix, and then I can do the pa
the schedule.
“I used to wonder if I should retire at 62 or 65, but after this I know I’m not ready to retire soon, Terri said. “It’s just that I feel it’s the perfect job for me.
Beach Baby Boomer Insurance Services
You know how you’ll see a teacher or be at the hospital and you know they’re doing what they were meant to do? That’s how I feel this is for me, where my strengths work.”
Facing Our Fears
Being Afraid Can Give Us Power
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Which is why I work hard to keep my past struggles with fear (and even those fears I keep around purposely to keep me honest and on track) from keeping my youngest son, Zach, from the inner strength he has inside to face his own fears.
Allow me to paint you a picture…
Our family traveled to Boone for an extended Easter holiday weekend to enjoy downtime and sightseeing in the picturesque and rugged terrain of the western North Carolina mountains.
That included a trek up Grandfather Mountain, which at 5,946 feet above sea level is the tallest peak in the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, and features the Mile High Swinging Bridge - all 228 feet of it, which swings (literally) one mile above sea level and 80 feet above the chasm below.
He was afraid to cross the bridge due to its sheer height.
Initially...
So my wife, Shelly, and I didn’t push him to do it, although I was tempted. All I could hear in my mind, over and over again, was “Be careful, be careful” - a phrase my mother used often while I was growing up. She was always afraid of me getting hurt, physically or otherwise.
Soon enough, I began to live that mantra. I allow many great opportunities to experience life, personally and professionally, to slip away out of fear of getting hurt - in those cases, because failure hurts. In my mind, it was easier to handle disappointment than rejection.
That’s the fear I wrote about in my best-selling book, “Reclaiming My Authentic Self: A Journey From Fear to Freedom”the fear that for two decades left me merely existing in life, not living it.
So Shelly and I simply crossed the bridge, then made the return trip - and we allowed him to cross that bridge when he came to it.
Keeping Fit
wasted.
Which led to a sense of pride (and a little relief, I’d say) within him - and us - after Zach and I completed the trip across and back together. He made it look easy, but it was far from it.
The easy choice would have been to not face his fears. It’s so easy for us as human beings to convince ourselves that it’s OK not to face our fears. It’s harder to push forward, even with fear staring us in the face, than have the sense of disappointment eat away at us. Sad but true.
It’s OK to be afraid. It’s not OK to let fear win.
I try to live life without regret. But there is one way that I have a difficult time making peace with in my life - the regret of having so many regrets over all those missed opportunities in life, and all the time I settled for existing in life rather than living it to the fullest.
I’m often reminded that everything that happens to us in life happens for a reason. So all the struggles I encountered in my early adult years, all the shortcomings I faced - every last one of them led me to this point in my life. And I accept that fact. Still, it’s hard to fully come to grips with all the time wasted over all those years. It’s hard not to play the “Where would I be?” game when you realize how much was
Where would I be if I began my health and fitness journey sooner than 15 years ago? How far along in my health and fitness career would I be if I had begun my journey much sooner?
How many more people would I have helped by now if I had approached taking care of myself better more seriously? How many books would I have written by now? It really does me no good to have thoughts meander through my mind. It doesn’t change anything that’s happened to me in the past. But it will have an impact on everything that lies ahead - positively or negatively, depending on how I choose to approach life.
And since one of my goals in life is for my kids to have a better, more fulfilling, life than me, I use the mistakes I have made and the lessons learned from them to instill the strength Zach needs to fight the fears he faces now and will face in the future.
Zach earned a reward for making the walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge and back - a decal that reads “I Crossed The Mile High Swinging Bridge Grandfather Mountain” with the word ‘Crossed’ crossed out in red.
It’s the equivalent of a check mark on a to-do list, or gold star on a test in school.
As he continues to grow up, he will discover those rewards will come in different forms - namely the life he wants out of life. That means showing strength in the face of fear.
And doing it with the spirit to live life to the fullest.
FISHING REPORT
May Fishing Report
Action Heating Up Along The Carolina Coast
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
Spring has officially arrived—and so have the fish! As I write this, I’m on the road back from a month-long stay in the Bahamas, where we got an early start to the season with some outstanding bill fishing and plenty of tasty mahi mahi. Now, back home in southeastern North Carolina, May is shaping up to be nothing short of epic.
With mild to warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and far less wind than in recent years, water temperatures are rising steadily. That consistency is bringing with it the timely arrival of many of our favorite inshore, nearshore, and offshore species.
Backwater
The red drum bite has been outstanding already this year, with plenty of healthy bull reds in the mix. With water temps in the mid to upper 60s, these fish are cruising the flats behind Battery Island and stacking up in the secondary feeder creeks during falling tide, feeding on bait flushed out with the current. Fresh shrimp, crabs, or artificial paddle tail baits on jig heads are all effective choices.
Sheepshead are also beginning to stack
up around bridge and dock pilings. A jig head tipped with a live fiddler crab, dropped right beside the structure, is a proven method to hook these scrappy fighters.
We’re also seeing our first consistent flounder action of the season—always a welcome sight. This will only improve as more fish move in. While the small pogies are just beginning to show up, they’re around and can be found in various locations along the Intracoastal Waterway. Try mud minnows or pogies on a Carolina rig along the Southport waterfront, creek points, or beside oyster beds for a solid shot at a flounder.
Nearshore
April saw Spanish mackerel and Atlantic bonito dominating the nearshore scene. As water temperatures continue to rise, the bonito will migrate on, but the Spanish are here to stay. Look for birds working bait in 12 to 35 feet of water. Early mornings are ideal for casting Gotcha plugs or metal jigs with light spinning gear. As the sun gets higher, trolling Clarkspoons behind a No. 1 or No. 2 planer is a great way to keep the action going.
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
portunities. And don’t head out without a bucktail jig tied to a medium-heavy spinning rod—cobia are on the move. These curious fish often show up right behind the boat while trolling for kings.
If you want to target cobia specifically, head to one of the artificial reefs or wrecks in 45 to 65 feet of water with a baitwell full of pogies or a solid chum line. Anchor up current and let the scent do the work. The cobia will find you.
Offshore
May also brings the annual blacktip shark migration through our nearshore waters. These powerful fish provide thrilling battles for anyone looking for big action close to shore. Drift cut bait on the surface and run a second line with a sinker to target those roaming the bottom.
King mackerel are beginning their spring push off the beaches and are steadily moving offshore. Areas of live bottom in the 15- to 20-mile range should offer some exciting op-
May marks the long-awaited opening of grouper season. These prized bottom fish can be found on ledges in 85 to 120 feet of water, especially around Frying Pan Tower. Countless
ledges in this area hold grouper. Live bait on a grouper rig is your best bet. I personally like using jigged or trapped pinfish, but pogies work well too. High-speed vertical jigs can also be productive, especially in deeper waters—120 to 250 feet is ideal for jigging.
Gulf Stream
If you’re going to make a run to the Gulf Stream, May is the time to do it. This month consistently delivers some of the hottest fishing action of the year, with wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, and billfish all in the mix. Troll ballyhoo with skirted lures to entice a wide variety of strikes. And whatever you do, don’t drive past the fish! Once you see the water shift to that signature dark blue of the Gulf Stream and start spotting flying fish, it’s time to start fishing.
Avoid locking in on one spot—these pelagic species are chasing bait and not always tied to structure. By late May, you’ll start to see mahi pushing in shallower as the blue water moves closer inshore.
If you’re fishing from a smaller boat, please make sound decisions regarding weather. Otherwise, gather a group and book with one of the many experienced charter captains in the area.
While more challenging to hook, blue marlin fishing has been particularly strong this year. Though they can occasionally be found in 150 to 300 feet of water, most are being caught farther offshore—in the 400to 2,000-foot range.
In short, fishing along the southeastern North Carolina coast in May is as good as it gets. Enjoy the action out there, and tight lines!
Art Beat Arts Opportunities
Two Chances To Indulge Your Love Of Art
STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
Mark your calendars for Saturday May 17 as a day filled with original art and creativity! Two significant art events will be held in Southport all day, offering you the perfect opportunity to explore the many fantastic artists in our area. Both events are free and open to the public. Bring your friends and family!
show and sale
Artful Home, a group of hand picked, talented area 2d and 3d artists, will have its 3rd annual show and sale, starting at 10 am. This year, with 16 artists, the annual show and sale of original art will be held at the Homer E. Wright Event Center on N.C 211 across from the St. James main entrance, (Formerly called the St. James Community Center). The event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring original paintings, woodwork, pottery pieces, jewelry and more. The group is a testament to a shared passion for art and promoting art in our area. This year, there will be food and beverage vendors at the center for your enjoyment. Follow Art-full home on Facebook (The Art-Full Home NC) and Instagram (art_full_home) for more information and bios on the artists and previews of the art that will be for sale.
Art May-nia
Downtown Southport Inc. and Brunswick Community College Southport Center are excited to share the first annual Arts MayNia. This one-of-a-kind event is a collaboration with the Southport Garden Club, Southport Unity Group, and Caswell Avenue Community Garden, promising a day filled with art, culture, and community spirit. The event is at Brunswick Community College Southport Center lawn, 701 N. Lord St., May 17, from 9 am to 4 pm. It will feature arts and crafts by BCC students, instructors and other local artists, plant sales, food vendors, art demonstrations and live musical entertainment. Check out the artists selling their wares and learn about the many art classes available at the Southport Center.
Golf Tips
Nicole’s Golf Notes
Play Practice-- Beyond The Driving Range
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.
Golf is a unique sport in that it’s one of the only games in which, in current times, we don’t train where we actually play. Back in the day there were no driving ranges — golfers just played golf. Maniacs. From Lee Pace, ‘The concept of practice in the early part of the 20th century was slow to evolve,’ and as Richard Tufts, grandson of the resort founder, once observed: “I always thought it very strange that Walter Travis persisted in practicing chip shots, putting and even full shots when a vacant fairway was available. Why should he, of all golfers, need to waste time practicing?” Indeed, most golf instruction in the early days followed the Scottish custom of the professional taking his pupil out onto the course and giving a lesson as they played along.
Based on how many golfers in today’s times might think Top Golf-style ranges, driving ranges and practice greens train golfers how to play the game, what we see are people learning how to create certain shots (drives, fairway shots, chips, putts) but not necessarily learning how to use them within a play setting.
Enter the discussion of Block Training and Transfer/Random Training with Play Practice. A basketball player can work on free throws for a long time in the sterile, safe, one-after-the-other style shot making from the free throw line – it’s one way to shoot a basketball. But asking that same player to shoot a ball within the context of a game with having to pivot, face a charging opponent or make a shot with 2 seconds left on the clock…that’s quite a different use of the shot making skill. If one doesn’t practice in that situation, the chances of the skill transferring are much slimmer. In Golf, being able to hit a bunch of 7 irons of a perfectly level range tee or mat while never leaving the footprints of the prior shot or re-gripping a club teach one skill. But this isn’t playing golf. A golfer needs both block and random practice through Play Practice. So what is Play Practice? Play practice is allowing your to test and explore the skill in more of a real play situation that can be done either at the training facility or the course. Oftentimes with tee times busting at the seams at courses or the expense for
some to just go play a few holes to test the skills within play, one can even create more situational games at the practice facility. At one past PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit I had the pleasure of attending at Port St. Lucie back in the day, Dr. Rick Jense explained how he worked with Beth Daniels while she was hitting balls at the range. He’d introduce variables once her blocked/ repetitive shots were done and now seeing if she could allow the shots to hold up with perceived pressure (bets to heighten the emotion, training tools that blocked her miss shot, etc.) Beth also noted that if things were working well, she’d stop hitting and go to the course and hit the shots out there while moving along, using her preshot routine, introduce different terrain. If it wasn’t holding, she’d head back the to range but if it held, she’d play.
At both the Pinehurst Golf Academy and the Pine Needles Golfari Schools, our afternoons with the students are out on the course following lunch… we do more situation training like teeing off, picking up the balls, heading to a shot around or on the green with 3-4 balls all at once and then on the next hole work on 3-4 shots in the fairway all at once allowing the idea to be tested on the course always moving along with pace of play and testing 1-2 different types of shots on the course. We’re not looking for score, we’re looking to allow the skill to have time to settle and transfer.
My Master’s degree background in Sport Psychology has an emphasis on motor skill learning, how one learns to execute a skill like tie a shoelace, throw a beanbag, feed oneself, zip a zipper or hit a golf ball. The first step is Understanding what’s needed and that needs to resonate with the student’s vocabulary and images. The second stage is the longest, the skills Acquisition stage, in which the skill needs to become more engrained. While living in a world of immediate result expectations, this is difficult, as it can take 21 rehearsal days to even start seeing change on a larger scale than just a few shots here and there (2-3 months for most). When a Tour player makes a swing change with his or her coach, it’s done during off-time when possible and isn’t learned over a weekend, although they spend hours together. Hours. And just because something can be performed after a few tries doesn’t mean it’s been Learned. Conversely, even when something is Learned doesn’t mean it’s always going to be Performed perfectly. How many times do we still see Tour players hit the shots into the water, trees or bunkers despite having hit thousands of golf balls?
Dr. Robert Bjork, who has done extensive research at the UCLA Psychology Department and was a speaker I brought in for our members at a prior Club, has many great articles and research on this, if you’re interested in checking them out. The last stage of Learning is Automatic/Maintenance. It takes many Tour players a year to get to this seamless stage at their level of competition to where it’s a part of them now. We see Tour players have their coaches with them even at tournaments…aren’t they capable of working it out themselves? No human will ever be able to maintain. We’re variable, which is why when we fluc-
tuate, and we always will, at the maintenance stage it’s a check-in and smaller reboot than the Understanding Stage.
Play Practice at the Practice Facility Range Drill: Use the Game of Threes at the range for some play practice after 10-20 minutes of flushing out an idea or skill drill.
1. Hit three shots
2. Hit three good shots.
3. Hit three good shots in a row.
4. Hit three good shots in a row to three different targets.
5. Hit three good shots in a row to three different targets with three different clubs.
6. Hit three good shots in a row to three different targets with three different targets from three different lies.
Now there’s variability to see if your skill can start holding up! If not, be patient, rinse and repeat, as they say, until it starts sticking. Be patient. Be patient.
Play Practice at the Short Game Green Drill:
Create 5 stations with objects (headcovers cones, towels, gloves, etc.) all within 5-30 yards from the green. You need one ball and a few short game clubs (some high lofted like wedges and some run like 9/8/7 irons or hybrid). Play a ball from station 1 onto the green. Putt it out. If you make a three or less, advance to the next station. If you make a 4 or higher, repeat Station 1. At station 2, chip/pitch your shot onto the green and putt. If you make a 3 or lower, move to the next station. If you make a 4 or higher, start all over again at station 1. Repeat until you can get around all 5 stations. Eventually up to 9 holes. If a lower handicap golfer, benchmark each hole with a 2 instead of a 3!
Have fun practicing like you play!
Civil War In Fine Art
May Brunswick County Civil War Round Table
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Combine the music of a local family bluegrass band and the paintings of a Civil War professional artist and that’s fine arts! One could get the feeling a celebration is about to take place. That is exactly what the Brunswick Civil War Round Table has planned to celebrate its 15th anniversary on Tuesday, May 6 at Generations Church on N.C. 211, down the road from the St. James main gate. Registration begins at 5:30 pm, then get ready for Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers to kick things off from 6-6:45 pm. The program, featuring guest speaker Brad Gottfried and his story of artist and Union Captain James Hope, begins at 7 pm. Everyone is invited, so y’all come! Guests only pay $10, and that can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which haven’t increased since 2010!
The band is a family affair, with sisters Isabella on fiddle and AnnMari on guitar, add brother Pete on banjo, and the youngest sibling Chris on mandolin, and there will be some foot stompin’ music mixed with a little rabble-rousing sibling fun!
When the program begins at 7 pm, Brad Gottfried will share his vast
knowledge of James Hope during his presentation entitled, “The Battle of Antietam: Paintings of James Hope.” Captain Hope, a professional artist, was 43 years old and a member of the 2nd Vermont Infantry. He had taken part in a dozen engagements prior to Antietam. Disabled by illness, he was assigned to sideline duties as a scout
and mapmaker. He recorded in his sketchbook the battle scenes before his eyes, and then after the battle converted his sketches into a series of five large panoramic paintings of the Battle of Antietam between 1888 and 1892. These paintings are considered to be some of the most important and detailed depictions of the battle ever created. Hope’s paintings are unique because they were based on his own eyewitness sketches, as well as the photographs of Alexander Gardner, well-known for his incredible Civil War photography. The paintings depict the carnage of the battle in graphic detail, but they also show the heroism of the
soldiers on both sides. The Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland currently houses four of the five paintings. The fifth painting was severely damaged at Hope’s studio in Watkins Glen, New York during a flood in the 1930s, but a smaller version of it still exists.
Brad Gottfried is a Gettysburg Licensed Tour Guide, and also chose to become a Certified Antietam Battlefield Guide for many reasons. It was the turning point of the war, and the bloodiest one-day battle in our history. Plus, Antietam is filled with troop movements, combat, human interest stories and drama which he relates to on his tours. He has written 14 books about the Civil War. One full-color book worked on by Brad and his wife Linda is entitled “The Antietam Paintings of James Hope” which he characterized as a “labor of love,” and is the focus of his Round Table presentation. Brad is also an educator. With his Ph.D., he taught for 11 years at three colleges, eventually rising to the role of president for 17 years at two colleges, one of which is the College of Southern Maryland, retiring in 2018. He now devotes much of his time to writing and conducting tours of the Antietam battlefield.
With the envious reputation of being the largest Civil War round table in the country with well over 1,100 members, it’s the monthly programs that make this Round Table special. And while this May 6 meeting is the last one until Tuesday, September 2, we are happy to announce that the fall schedule of speakers and topics is al
HISTORY
ready booked. Joining us for that first meeting will be Gen. Robert E. Lee. Actually, he is actor and Civil War historian Thomas Jessee, decked out in his Confederate uniform, with quite a few stories and experiences to share with his audience. It’ll be another unforgettable monthly meeting back at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach, and one not to be missed. With all this excitement going on, you might have some questions or
want to know more about the Round Table. So, for more information, how to become a member, or if you’d like to volunteer, just email president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com. Or better yet, call him directly at (404) 229-9425. You should also visit their interesting website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for additional information, news, and updates.
History
History Double Header
April Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
STORY CONTRIBUTED
For our May 8 meeting, the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table will feature a special “Members Forum” presentation from two distinguished members. Christina Grazer is a guide at the Bellamy Mansion whose tours are in great demand. MaryBeth Allison recently earned her Ph.D. in History and is working on a book based on her dissertation. As usual, the round table meets at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The meeting offers an opportunity to engage with the speakers before and after their presentations and to ask questions in a friendly, informal setting. The doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7 pm.
A native Texan, Christina moved to Wilmington and quickly became enamored with the local history. The first time she drove past the Bellamy Mansion, the magnificent antebellum house at 5th and Market, she fell in love with it and for the past seven years has served as a Premium Tour Guide. The incredible story of William B. Gould awakened a deep passion for, as Paul Harvey put it, “the rest of the story.” As well as escorting visitors from around the world through the house, Christina has recently started giving tours of downtown Wilmington with the Wilmington True History group. She is looking forward to participating in the excitement and events surrounding the 250th birthday of our great country!
She will tell the story of William B. Gould, an enslaved artisan who worked on the construction of the mansion. He was responsible for much of the decorative plaster work seen in the moulding of the mansion. Gould and seven other enslaved men commandeered a small boat on a stormy September night in 1862 and rowed down the Cape Fear River—28 nautical miles, according to Gould’s diary—and out to the USS Cambridge, a U.S. Navy ship on blockade duty in the open ocean. Gould
After graduation, MaryBeth used her research and writing skills as a proposal manager at two companies focused on correctional products and services. In her own words, “feeling restless,” MaryBeth enrolled at Liberty University and obtained her M.A. in history in the fall of 2021, focusing on American history and European history, and, of course, Civil War history, delving into the world of Civil War prisons and prisoners of war. She ultimately returned to Liberty University for her doctorate in history with her dissertation, “Shine a Light into the Darkness: Illuminating the Battles Fought by Civil War Prisoners of War.”
went on to serve honorably and well in the U.S. Navy and after the war settled in Massachusetts with his wife, a fellow North Carolinian, and raised a distinguished family that has contributed to the country in many ways in succeeding generations, including extensive military service. Gould wrote a diary of his Civil War service and his great grandson, William B. Gould IV, a distinguished jurist, is the author of Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor, which presents his great grandfather’s wartime diary along with much supporting information.
The publisher, Stanford University Press, wrote that after his escape from slavery, the elder Gould “served in the United States Navy for the remainder of the Civil War and left a diary of his experiences— one of only three known diaries of African American sailors from the period. It is distinguished not only by its details and eloquent tone, but also by its author’s reflection on the conduct of the war, on his own military engagements, on race, on race relations in the Navy and on what African Americans might expect after the war and during Reconstruction.” Christina will tell this stirring and little known story with skill and in-depth knowledge of Gould’s work and life.
Next, Dr. MaryBeth Allison, Ph.D., will focus on a little studied aspect of the Civil War prisoner of war experience. MaryBeth is a Civil War Era historian from Cambria County, in southwestern Pennsylvania. She received her B.A. in history from the Pennsylvania State University in 2005, with her senior capstone focusing on America’s response to the Holocaust.
During her research, MaryBeth traveled considerably for primary sources, mainly prisoner diaries, manuscripts, and letters. Her travels took her to West Virginia University’s Regional History Center, Virginia Tech, the Library of Virginia, Andersonville National Historic Site, and Wilmington, where she had the privilege to learn from Dr. Chris Fonvielle and Dr. Angela Zombek of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. We’re lucky to have her as a member of our round table in Wilmington.
Four hundred thousand Union and Confederate soldiers found themselves imprisoned by the enemy during the American Civil War. Of that number, more than 56,000 captives died in the prison camps while their comrades endured unspeakable conditions. The amount of misery and suffering inside these prisons is undeniable, and the history of Civil War prisons encompasses a dark chapter in American history.
Understanding the day-to-day life of prisoners of war is crucial to understanding their experience. Mary Beth focuses on the experience of Union POWs as they struggled with extreme levels of physical deprivation, psychological abuse, and brutal treatment at the hands of guards and, in some cases, fellow prisoners. They often coped through engagement in everyday activities such as letter-writing, Bible-reading, playing sports, and other means. In the process, these survivors formed a strong bond that enabled them to endure these difficult conditions.
Much scholarship exists on the prisons and the conditions of the prisons; however, MaryBeth’s work focuses on the prisoners’ experiences in their own words. Prisoners continued fighting battles, and most of all, they battled to find light in the darkness, as told in their letters, journals, and memoirs written after the war. Experiences of Civil War captives go beyond the suffering and excessively high death rates as MaryBeth explains how they lived: from captivity,
through daily living where some worked, others enrolled in classes, to their battles to maintain their faith, and how they struggled after the cessation of the Dix-Hill Cartel exchanges, battling disease and the environmental conditions, and fighting to stay alive. Finally, she reveals how prisoners learned to heal and the symbolism of healing as former POWs and their healing within a once-fractured nation.
MaryBeth continues her work as a proposal manager while teaching part-time at Penn Highlands Community College. She published two academic journal articles and is currently working on her book manuscript, “Shining Light into Darkness: Dayto-Day Lives of Civil War Prisoners of War.” MaryBeth will be relocating to Beaufort, SC, this summer, along with her husband and their gang of cats, where she hopes to pursue more teaching opportunities and further her research and writing.
The May 8 meeting of the round table will be held at Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive, Wilmington. The church parking lot, close to the entrance to our meeting room, is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round table, go to http:// www.cfcwrt.org and click on “Join/Rejoin.” There is no charge for admission. See you there!
SPOTTINGS
Belville Mayor Allen Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine
The Award was proudly presented by Sheriff Brian Chism at the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 24, 2025. The Long Leaf Pine Award is an award from Governor Josh Stein presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the State, contributions to their communities, and many years of service. Representative Charlie Miller and Senator Bill Rabon could not be present, but they sent a flag to be presented that was flown over the Capital. District Attorney for Brunswick and Columbus County, John David and his wife were present, along with two Chief deputies from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Laurie Watson and Brian Sanders. Mayor Allen’s family and his Board of Commissioners and staff from the Town of Belville were also present.
Mayor Mike Allen serves the citizens of Belville not only as Mayor, but also serves Brunswick County as a captain with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, where he has been a law enforcement officer for more than 35 years.
Originally from Lumberton, Mayor Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and graduated from the United States Army Sergeant’s Major Academy. He retired from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major after a military career that saw him operate as a drill instructor and as a logistics manager during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also retired from AT&T.
Mayor Allen first served on the Belville Board of Commissioners as a Commissioner in 2009, before becoming Mayor in 2012, and has been Mayor ever since.
Congratulations to North Brunswick High School (NBHS) JROTC Cadets LTC Valeria Alvarado, 1LT Eliza Moore, and CSM Julian Seda, recipients of the 2025 John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 scholastic awards. Cadet LTC Alvarado won a $1,000 John E. Jacobs Scholarship. Cadets Moore and Seda each received checks for $500, with 1LT Moore awarded the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal and CSM Seda awarded the Legion’s Military Excellence Medal.
John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 is a long-time enthusiastic supporter of the NBHS JROTC. Post 68 officers John Hacker, 1st Vice Commander; Dale Todd, Parliamentarian; and Jim McAvoy, Chaplain, presented the awards at the annual JROTC Change of Command and Awards Ceremony at NBHS on April 14, 2025.
Left: L to R - LTC Alvarado, 1LT Moore, Post 68 Officers Dale Todd, and Jim McAvoy
Above: L to R - Cadets CSM Seda, LTC Alvarado, and 1LT Moore
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.
May
MAY 1
Fashion With Friends
The Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce’s Fashion with Friends event is on Thursday, May 1, at the Town of St. James Homer E. Wright Event Center (4136 Southport-Supply Road). The evening will feature resort wear fashions from of our local boutiques; there will also be door Prizes, contests and a raffle, a swag bag, dinner and drinks. It’s a Kentucky Derby themed event, so wear your best derby inspired hat. Call 910-76964 for more information.
MAY 1-3
Plein Air Festival — Southport
Artists paid at various locations in Southport Thursday and Friday, with festivities culminating in the wet paint sale in Franklin Square Park (Howe Street). Kids Plein Air starts at 10 am in the park, and events will be held throughout the day. Guests are asked to leave the park at 3 pm, and the sale begins at 4 pm, with awards also presented.
MAY 3
Brunswick Community Baby Shower
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center is hosting a free baby shower for new and expectant mothers in Brunswick County. The hospital is inviting several community nonprofits to participate in the event. Vendors will give out clothing, diapers, toys, toiletries and more. Parents can also learn about breastfeeding and have a car seat safety check. You can help new mothers by do-
nating new, unopened items including: bibs, books, bottles, clothing (newborn to 2T), diaper rash cream, sippy cups, toiletries, toys, walkers, wipes! Drop off donations by May 1; contact 910-7211450 for more information. The event is 9-11 am at the hospital, 240 Hospital Drive, Bolivia.
MAY 3
Founders Day — Belville
Join the Town in celebrating Founders Day, 10 am to 3 pm at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE.
MAY 3
Seafood Festival — Oak Island
This delicious event includes a Peel&-Eat Shrimp Competition, cooking demonstration, education events, a craft and artisan market, food trucks, and live music by The Ford Project. The festival is noon to 5 pm at the Middleton park Fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive.
MAY 3
Sowderfest 6
This fundraiser for Brunswick Family Assistance features music from five bands, 1-8 pm at Ocean Isle’s Town Center Park, 11 E. Second Street. Bring your chairs and wear your best hippie outfits! Attendance is free.
MAY 3
Wilmington Cape Fear Rose Society Rose Garden Tour
This year’s tour includes two locations in Brunswick County — one in Brunswick Forest and one in Magnolia
Greens. The tour is free, 9 to 5 pm in the various garden locations; meet with the garden owners and learn more about how to grow these lovely blooms in our area. Visit https://www.wcfrs.org/rosetour.html for a list of garden locations.
MAY 4
Take a Kid Surfing Day
Children can take free surfing lessons from 9-11 am at Oak Island’s Trott Street beach access. Pre-registration is required; visit liveheats.com/surfdreams. The event is hosted by the South Brunswick High School Sur Dreams Club. Contact Jennifer Ordonez 910-2741065 for more information.
MAY 4
Badges, Boats & Boots - First Responder Softball Game
Members of the Oak Island Police and Fire Departments take on the U.S. Coast Guard in this mostly friendly softball game. The game is 2-4 pm at the Middleton Park fields on Dolphin Drive. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to support a local charity.
MAY 6
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
This Round Table anniversary celebration features Bradley M. Gottfried, Ph.D., who will lead a session on “The Battle of Antietam Paintings of James Hope” at Generations Church, 4019 Executive Park Blvd SE, Southport. James Hope was a Civil War veteran and artist who created five large panoramic paintings of the Battle of Antietam between 1888 and 1892. These paintings are considered to be some of the most important and detailed depictions of the battle ever created. Registration begins at 5:30 pm this month, and there will be live music in addition to the lecture. The visitor fee is $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues.
MAY 7
Dosher Memorial Hospital Tour
Residents can get an up close look at the services Dosher provides with a tour at 1 pm. The group will meet in the
lobby, 924 N. Howe St. Space is limited, and registration is requested. Call 910457-3900, or email marketing@dosher. org to reserve your spot.
MAY 7
ReadyBrunswick Preparedness Expo
Stop by the Brunswick County Government Complex between 11 am and 2 pm to learn how you can be prepared when disaster strikes. Representatives from more than 20 organizations will be on hand to answer your questions. There will be free Sunset Slush Classic Italian Ice, popcorn, a vast display of rescue vehicles, a free raffle contest, and many handouts related to emergency preparedness and recovery. Find preparedness information on our website anytime at brunswickcountync. gov/emergency. Learn more about the ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System and sign up at brunswickcountync.gov/e-alerts.
MAY 8
Wellness
Seminar
and Cooking Demo
Dosher Memorial Hospital offers this cooking demo entitled “Beyond the Scale: Eat Smarter for A Healthier Life.” The session is 4-5 pm at Made New Interiors, 5021 Southport Crossing Way, Suite 326, Southport.
MAY 8
Cape Fear
Civil War Round Table
This month features a members forum, with sessions led by Christina Grazer, a guide at the Bellamy Mansion, and Mary Beth Allison, a Civil War Era historian from Cambria County, in southwestern Pennsylvania. The meeting is at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Drive, Wilmington. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm.
MAY 10
NC Reads featuring “The Girls We Sent Away”
Participants are encouraged to read the book ahead of time; “The Girls We Went Away” author Meagan Church and UNCW professor Jennifer Le Zotte
at Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St. in Southport. Visit https://folsoi.org/ to register for either the 10 am or 2 pm session.
MAY 10
Brunswick Winds Spring Concert
Celebrate spring as the Brunswick Winds presents “Music from Around the World.” This free spring concert is at 3 pm at Hatch Auditorium, at the NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell (100 Caswell Beach Road). Brunswick Saxes, Brunswick Brass, and Trilogy Trio, the group’s small ensembles, will also join this celebration to bring a con-
cert experience offering something for everyone! Music selections include a sprinkling of classical, latin and sacred pieces, and selections from movies and theater.
MAY 17
Southport Arts MAY-nia
Enjoy arts and crafts, plant sales, food vendors, art demonstrations, kids activities and entertainment at this first-ever event on the Brunswick Community College Art Lawn, 701 N. Lord St. The event is from 9 am to 4 pm at the BCC Southport Campus.
MAY 17
Art-Full Show and Sale — Homer E. Wright Event Center
Artful Home, a group of hand-picked 2d and 3d artists, will host a show and sale, starting at 10 am at the Center (formally called the St. James Community Center).
MAY 17
Seaside United Methodist Church 2025 Country Fair Spring Fling
Seaside United Methodist Church will be hosting the Country Fair Spring Fling at the church, 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach, from 8 am to 1 pm. Shop for all sorts of used and craft items with proceeds benefitting a variety of charities. This year, for customer comfort, almost all of the events will be inside – temperature-controlled and weather-worry free.
MAY 17
2nd Annual Community Faith Breakfast
Habitat for Humanity hosts this meal to share gratitude to partner churches. The event starts at 9:30 am at Coastal Church, 5200 Bridger Road, Shallotte, and features keynote speaker Dr. Doug Cushing of The Bridge Church in Leland. The breakfast is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested; call 910-457-0004 ext. 1010 or email michaelf@bchabitat. org.
MAY 20
Adult Spelling Bee
The Brunswick Literacy Council hosts this annual fundraiser, in which teams of two compete for bragging rights as the top spellers. The Bee is 7-9 pm at Brunswick Community College’s Odell Williamson Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 pm, which leaves plenty of time for putting in bids on a variety of silent auction items. If you don’t enter the competition, plan to show up and cheer the competitors on — we know from experience that it can be kind of terrifying.
MAY 20
Brunswick Partnership for Housing Fun-raiser
The American Fish Company plays host for this fundraiser for Brunswick Partnership for Housing. Tickets are $50, and include food from The Frying Pan, a 50/50 drawing, and music from The Salty Dawgs from 6-8 pm; there will also be a cash bar. The American Fish Company is in Southport’s Yacht Basin, 150 Yacht Basin Drive, and doors open at 5 pm.
MAY 22
Commemorative Bricks Celebration
Join the Southport Historical Society for an evening of celebration and excitement, starting at at 5:30 pm. Take a lawn chair and enjoy Southport’s salubrious breezes at the Garrison Lawn, where SHS will celebrate the Commemorative Bricks that are placed in the walkway in front of Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center. Word has it that a few special guests will include past members of our community as portrayed by our “Living Voices” Actors,” along with live musical entertainment. This program is free and open to the public.
MAY 26
Memorial Day Ceremony
Commemorate Memorial Day with the Town of Belville, 9 am to noon at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE.
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 located at 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.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Boiling Spring Lakes Concerts in the Park
Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road (6-8 pm)
CALENDAR
May 30 — Class Act Band
June 13 — Hoods Creek
June 27 — The Chance Union Band
Boiling Spring Lakes Movies in the Park
Behind the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road (start at 7:30 pm)
May 9 — “Pikachu”
May 16 — “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
May 23 — “Top Gun”
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
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
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way (6-8 pm, $15)
May 22 — Chocolate Chip & Company
June 5 — Phantom Playboys
Moonlight Movies (7:30 pm)
Ocean Isle Beach, Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
May 21 — “Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet”
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”
Sound Waves
Concerts at Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd. North (6-8 pm)
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
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
May 2 — Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
May 3 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs Errante: A Celebration Symphony, celebrating longtime music director Steven Errante’s final performance with the group.
May 4 — The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra presents a program entitled The Magic of Music
May 11 — The NC Symphony performs Stravinsky: The Firebird
May 21 — Napoleon Dynamite Live
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
May 2-4 — Ten-Minute Miscellany from the Port City Playwrights
May 9 — Gaspard & Dancers
May 16-25 — “Legally Blonde” by the Thalian Association Community Theatre
May 22 — Cathy Ladman
May 22-June 1: Big Dawg Productions presents What the Constitution Means to Me
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Greenfield lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
May 2 — The Dead South
May 8 — Fitz & The Tantrums
May 10 — Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
May 14-15 — The String Cheese Incident
May 16 — Mat Kearney - Headlights Home Tour
May 17 — The Stews
May 24 — Umphrey’s McGee - Cruising Altitude 2025 Tour
May 27 — An Evening with Dark Star Orchestra
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
May 9 — Michael Franti & Spearhead
May 13 — Wilco with guest Waxahatchee
May 14 — Teddy Swims
May 15 — Coheed Cambria Mastadon: The Infinite Arc Tour
May 25 — Mike: Upside Down Tour Pt 2
OPEN AIR MARKETS
Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd North
The Market is held from 9 am to 1 pm on Thursdays at the park (on the mainland by the bridge).
Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market
Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville
Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is available every day.
Craft Fair — Varnamtown
100 Varnamtown Road
Shop for gifts for some special or yourself at Varnamtown’s Craft Fair. The Fair is 10 am to 3 pm on May 3 at the Varnamtown Town Hall.
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 May 10 and 24, and June 7 and 21.
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
Summer markets are on May 10 and June 14, 9 am to 3 pm, and there will be music and food on site too!
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 (Understanding Japan starts May 8) and the Socrates Cafe meetsApril 7 and 21 at 9:30 am. 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 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. The Deep Dive Into History program is May 24, 10 am to 3 pm. 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.
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 Memorial Day observances, Battleship 101 (March 8), Hidden Battleship for a behind-the-scenes tour (March 22) 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 and Sundays from noon until 4 pm.Sandbar lectures are on the second Tuesday at 5:30 pm, and the Museum is open until 7 pm those days.
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! Thank you!
