May 2025 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine
EDITOR
Jeffrey Stites
jeff@liveoakmediainc.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Lisa P. Stites
lisa@southportmag.com
LEAD DESIGNER
Liz Brinker
lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS
Chuck and Sue Cothran
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Louise Sheffield-Baccarny
Carla Edstrom
Patricia Langer
Jan Morgan-Swegle
Janet Fortney
Lisa P. Stites
Jeffrey Stites
PUBLISHER & SALES
Jeffrey Stites
jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine is published once a month by
Live Oak Media, Inc
The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.
Annual Subscription: $45
email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
Countywide Fun
We’ve
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 the old swing bridge. 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 Maritime Museum in the County. It’s in Southport, and maybe some of you in Calabash want to visit it sometime. So check out our story about the new owners of the produce shop on U.S. 17, read about how Terri at the Shallotte rest stop helps travelers coming into Brunswick County, look at 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
Butler’s Produce New Owners Refresh Longtime Location
STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
The azaleas have bloomed, the birds are chirping and the sun is slowly warming our coastal community. Spring has sprung in Brunswick County and after a long, cold winter, I do believe everyone is ready for more enjoyable weather. Later sunsets allow for more time spent outdoors playing, planting and grilling. On your next trip out running errands and grocery shopping, stop by our newest farmer’s market, Butler’s, for a quick and opportune alternative to the crowded grocery chains.
On Thursday, March 20 2025, Butler’s Farm Market officially opened for their first season. Conveniently located at 5600 Ocean Hwy (U.S. 17), Shallotte, a produce market in this location may not be all that new to locals. Originally known as Holden Brothers since the early 90s, this building has housed fresh fruits, vegetables and goods for many years. With changing names to “Lucky Day” in the last few years, everyone coming into or out of town has surely seen or heard of this iconic spot to shop.
Owners Nic Butler, Mary Mooney, Darin Carroll and Brad Cheers are us-
ing the same novel storefront but with fresh paint, lighting, and handcrafted displays and counters. After renovations overseen by Darin and tirelessly carried out by family and friends, the market still holds a strong family-owned and operated presence. If you stop in, you may not see Darin or Brad as they are often busy working behind the scenes with accounts and payroll, but Mary manages the store and Nic manages the farm and they are in and out daily.
After spending the last 14 years working in the film industry and living in Chicago, Mary met Nic in downtown Wilmington. A native to Shallotte, Nic has managed the farm at Ludlum’s Produce on Holden Beach Road in Supply for four years. After 2020, Nic brought Mary down south and together they’ve been growing produce, business ideas and a family….a baby is due any day!
Since opening, Butler’s has been greeted with returning costumers full of excitement and ready to fill their baskets full of goodies.
Striving to offer the best in seasonal produce, fruits and vegetables are not only grown and delivered to them by their sister business, Ludlum’s, but also grown by the Grissett family in Ocean Isle/Grissettown, the Holden Family in Shallotte and the Morse Family in Ash. Nic also goes to the farmers market in Columbia, South Carolina, twice a week to hand pick what they cannot provide from local fields.
After farming since 1952, Ludlum’s has perfected growing strawberries and they are now available at Butler’s along with their famous boiled peanuts. Tomatoes, cantaloupe, okra and mustard are customer favorites this month, but South Carolina peaches will be arriving soon followed by different varieties of watermelons, squash, cucumber and corn this summer. The majority of market products are from
North Carolina and southeast regional companies. Ashe County Cheese, Wholesome Country Fresh Milk, local honey, Phillip’s Brother’s Ham and Sausage, Coastal Creamery Ice Cream, Pies and Sides Take and Bakes, Seaside Sourdough, Darel’s Bakery and John Brown’s Pimento Cheese (a Butler Family favorite) are among the many items that line the shelves alongside various jams, jellies and sauces.
With plans to add to their store selection and also grow more produce on location next year, Butler’s will be
continuously evolving but will keep the freshest seasonal staples for your kitchen. Current store hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, and updates are available on social media.
A word of caution for your first visit to Butler’s Farm Market — make sure you have a napkin in your pocket or purse for the drive home because you may not make it back without resisting a bite of something fresh!
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
Welcome Center Director Terri Madison Gurganus
Community
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 Cen-
ters 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 growing 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
The De Michels, self described welcome cneter experts, give this location a thumbs up
Community
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 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 thought of this particular welcome cen-
ter.
“I love rest stops on the interstates, and I rate them. This one is a Number 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 paperwork. That’s what I missed for 16 months. I liked not having a schedule, but I missed the interaction. And my poor husband, he needed me to have 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. 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.”
Community
It’s A Spring Fling
The Seaside UMC Country Fair Returns
CONTRIBUTED BY CAROLYN HIRST-LOUKS
Seaside United Methodist Church will be hosting the Country Fair Spring Fling at the church, 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach, on Saturday, May 17, from 8 am to 1 pm. This year, for customer comfort, almost all of the events will be inside – temperature-controlled and weather-worry free.
Upon entering the church building, shoppers will encounter a fabulous bakery section filled with delicious homemade goodies just like mom used to make. In the Fellowship Hall there will be tables and tables filled with a huge variety of housewares. If you can imagine it, it will be there at rock-bottom prices. Look for baskets, dishes, pet supplies, small appliances, rugs, paintings, knick-knacks, pottery and much, much more. Moving through the building, shoppers will have the opportunity to shop in our Better Buys; these are household items that are extra special and though still a bargain, priced higher than goods found in Housewares. You’ll also find a Crafting Corner, where handcrafted items take center stage. For fixer-uppers, tools, hardware and electronic items will be available for sale.
Right outside the church will be a tent for sporting goods and equipment. Want a
bike? We’ve got one, maybe two or three for you! Golf clubs? Absolutely! Look for fishing poles, tennis rackets, beach chairs and beach toys – really, anything to do with sports and leisure activities. Also outside will be a tent filled with garden items. We’ll have pots, starter plants, gardening equipment, flags, birdhouses, lots of fun items to add interest to your home’s garden and lawn.
Of course, while shopping you might get hungry – we’ll have breakfast items and for lunch – hot dogs! If you are unsure where to start, visit our Welcome Desk and ask for help. Our friendly greeters will point you in the right direction. For young and old, Charles, The Great Illusionist, will astound you with his magic and card tricks.
Proceeds from the Country Fair go to Seaside’s Outreach Ministries at the local, state, national and international level. Just a few of the programs are the SUMC Food Pantry, Edge of the Field Free Store, Brunswick County Literacy Council, Beach House Recovery, Rainbow Covenant, UMCOR Disaster Relief, STARS Program, South Brunswick Interfaith Council, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Aid Fund, Brunswick County Christian Recovery Center, Brunswick Family Assistance, and many more. Your purchases positively impact these programs and help people here at home as well as farther afield. How much better can it get? When you shop, you help others.
Remember the date and time for the
Seaside United Methodist Church Country Fair Spring Fling — Saturday, May 17, from 8 am to 1 pm at Seaside United Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach. Please mark your calendars now, as you will want to be the first in line to shop the treasures that will be awaiting you and in turn support necessary outreach programming. In the unlikely event that the fair needs to be rescheduled for any reason, the new date will be May 24, from 8 am to 1 pm.
Community Plein Air Festival
Outdoor Artists Take Over Southport
CONTRIBUTED BY CARMEL GONDEK, UP YOUR ARTS
Mark your calendars for the return of the Southport Plein Air Festival, one of Southport’s most treasured events, from Thursday, May 1 to Saturday, May 3. Hosted by Up Your Arts and the City of Southport, the annual Plein Air Festival is a favorite amongst artists from near and far and is open to all talent levels. Last year more than 90 artists participated over the three days of the festival.
Plein Air, a French term for ‘in the open air’ means the public will have the opportunity to observe the artists painting outdoors all day Thursday and Friday, and in the morning on Saturday. Southport is blessed with many scenic painting locations, which makes this a favorite spot amongst the artists. Popular painting locations include the Cape Fear River, Southport’s historic buildings, impressive live oak trees, and the waterfront with its colorful buildings, serene salt marshes, marinas, and wildlife. The public is encouraged to take a stroll around town and to interact with the artists as they have repeatedly expressed how much they enjoy Southport’s hospitality.
Two receptions will be held to welcome the artists to Southport and give them an
opportunity to meet and interact with their fellow artists. Haven of Southport, 307 N. Howe St., will host them on Thursday, May 1, from 4 to 6 pm. This happy hour event is open to the public. On Friday, May 2, a private event will be held for the artist at Frying Pan, 319 West Bay St.
On Saturday, May 3, beginning at 10 am, music and festivities will be held in Franklin Square Park. The day will start with the ever popular Kids Plein Air, where children can try their hand at painting. There will also be a variety of other art forms that will be demonstrated by local artisans and all members of the public are invited to participate and try something new free of charge thanks to the generosity of grants from the North Carolina Arts Council, via Brunswick Art Council.
At 3 pm guests will be asked to leave Franklin Square Park for one hour while the artists set up for the much anticipated wet paint sale. At 4 pm, guests will be in-
vited to return to the park to view and purchase their favorites from among paintings the artists created during the festival.
Following the sale, a panel of judges comprised of selected local artists will present awards for their favorite paintings. The premier award, the People’s Choice Award, is selected by the public. The People’s Choice Award recipient has the honor of
having a painting featured on T-shirts and other graphics promoting the 2026 Plein Air festival.
A raffle will be held for two paintings created and donated by last year’s People Choice winner, Denise Nelson. Tickets will be available at the event all day Saturday. The raffle for the paintings will be held at 6 pm following the awards ceremony, and the winner does not need to be present to win.
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 dedicated to enriching our Brunswick County area with a vari-
ety 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 musicians. Some individual Band members also assist
Community Theatre Happenings
Mothers Day Show and Auditions Coming To Brunswick Little Theatre In May
CONTRIBUTED
Brunswick Little Theatre (BLT) presents an exclusive staged reading production that takes the audience on a 90-minute journey featuring a diverse collection of stories about motherhood. From hilarious and heartwarming, to emotionally intense and profound, “Listen to Your Mother” entertains, energizes and leaves everyone feeling a little less alone and a little more understood.
Debuting on Mother’s Day 2010, the show became an instant sensation, growing into a grassroots phenomenon that now boasts an estimated 250 productions in more than 50 cities across North America.
This year, BLT has once again assembled a unique and talented cast of women to read these captivating stories. Returning “listeners” can rest assured that this year’s stories are completely new and different. You won’t want to miss this!
BLT will be staging this production for one day only, Saturday, May 10, at 3 pm and at 7 pm at the Brunswick Little Theatre, 8068 River Road, Southport.
Tickets are $25 and are available to purchase online at www.brunswicklittletheatre. com or at Ricky Evans Gallery at 211 N. Howe Street, Southport. For more information, contact (910) 447-2586 or email blt@brunswicklittletheatre.com
“Red Velvet” Table Read and Special Auditions
Brunswick Little Theatre is hosting a table read and a special audition for “Red Velvet,” a play by Lolita Chakrabarti. The table read will be on May 10 from 1-4 pm and the audition for the play’s lead, Ira Aldridge, an African American male in his 20s, will be held on May 18 from 1-4 pm and an on Amy 19 from 6-8 pm at the Brunswick Little Theatre, 8068 River Road.
Auditions for the remaining roles will take place in August and the play will take to the stage from October 9-26. No appointments are necessary for the table read or the auditions, but any questions can be directed to kdolphin48@aol.com or (910) 368-3922.
“Red Velvet” synopsis:
Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage while playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. A black man has never starred on a major London stage—not even as Othello—until tonight.
An imagined version of true events, RED VELVET transports audiences to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in Covent Garden to tell the little-known story of Ira Aldridge. As British Parliament debates the abolition of slavery, Aldridge prepares to make his entrance as Othello. His groundbreaking performance upends centuries of British stage tradition and changes the lives of everyone involved.
In reality, the audience was enamored but the critics were not amused and the Theatre Royal temporarily shut down. Despite this, Aldridge went on to build a stellar career with an impeccable reputation throughout Europe, however, he never returned to a London stage again.
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.
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.
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 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 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 disband. 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’ Fo-
Generals Sherman and Grant
Founders O’Donnell and Rueckel
Carolyn Evans as Harriet Tubman
Community
rum.” 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 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.
“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!
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!
Art-Full 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.
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.
Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919
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.
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 opportunities. 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 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.
FISHING REPORT
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 400- to 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!
Your Safety is our Top Priority MAINTENANCE SPECIALS
• LOF 59.95
• Coolant Flush 15% off
• Battery replacement $20.00 off
• Road Force Tire Balance with rotation $89.95
• Spark Plug replacement 15% off parts and labor
• Timing belt replacement 10% off parts and labor
ALIGNMENT SPECIAL $109.95
Get the most life out of your tires with a 4-wheel alignment special. We adjust your tire pressure, inspect suspension, tire life and your rims. Road test and provide a computerized printout.
ENGINE OIL & FILTER CHANGE SPECIAL (basic) $59.95
• Replace engine oil with synthetic blend
• Replace oil filter and drain plug washer with Acura Genuine Parts
• Check/Adjust fluid levels
• Inspect wiper blades
• Inspect tires and set pressure. Upto5quarts,syntheticoilextra,taxesand environmentalfeesareextra.
BATTERY SPECIAL
• Inspect battery voltage and Amperage • Inspect charging system
• Inspect alternator belt $20.00offanyAcuragenuine100monthbattery
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.
BHP Fun-Raiser
Food, Music and Fun For A Great Cause
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Areyou ready for some dancing, food and fun for a great cause? Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH) is holding its 4th annual fun-raiser on Tuesday, May 20 at the American Fish Company, 150 Yacht Basin Drive in Southport. Doors open at 5 pm and The Salty Dawgs band will be playing from 6-8 pm. Tickets are $50. Come on out and enjoy food from The Frying Pan, a 50/50 drawing and cash bar, all on the beautiful American Fish deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. To purchase tickets online, visit brunswickpartnership.org and click the bar at the top of the Home page. There will be an additional $2 service fee. To purchase tickets with cash or check, text your request to 267-235-6132. Checks are payable to BPH.
“The Frying Pan, American Fish Company and The Salty Dawgs have been with us over these four years and have made this event a huge success. Through their generosity, the proceeds go directly to BPH,” said Sally Learned, executive director.
Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH) is a nonprofit organization in Brunswick County. It provides services to unsheltered individuals and families and promotes affordable housing in Brunswick County. In the last four years, BPH has served more than 1,000 unsheltered people. BPH seeks to provide a stable living environment for those seeking a permanent housing solution. Using a trauma informed care approach, BPH cultivates a safe, supportive and respectful environment to empower clients in achieving their housing goals. For more details and information about BPH and to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit the BPH website at brunswickpartnerhship.org and look for us on FaceBook.
Keeping Fit
Make The First Step
You Can’t Win If You Don’t Start
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
Allow me to paint a picture of how my current health and fitness journey began nearly 15 years ago.
I stepped onto a treadmill.
I walked slowly for 10 minutes.
I stepped off the treadmill.
I went home.
That’s it. That’s all I could do, so that was all my health and fitness coach at the time wanted me to do. There is no good that could have come from trying to do more than I was prepared to do. My past health and fitness history, filled with countless starts, stops and an unhealthy lifestyle that had full control over my life for many years, proved that.
We all have to start somewhere. The healthiest people you know weren’t the healthiest people you know until they took the first step toward reaching their goals, and then built upon that day after day, month after month, and year after year. Until that first day, those people faced the same challenges we all face when tackling the most precious commodity we have — our health and well-being.
Until that day, they had goals they wanted to accomplish but hadn’t made happen to that point. We all have goals, and I understand those goals you currently have in mind seem daunting, which likely is why you haven’t faced them head on yet. But all that matters now is to start.
It all starts with a proper mindset. Mindset is such an integral part of what my clients and I discuss on a daily basis. If our minds and hearts aren’t in the
right place, if they’re not in alignment, the best health and fitness plan ever created will fall woefully short of helping anyone accomplish anything.
If you work or have worked with me for any length of time, or had a conversation with me about health and well-being, or follow me on social media, you’ve heard me share the following thought.
If I put an apple, a bag of chips, a bottle of water and a can of soda on a table, I would be challenged to find anyone across the United States who didn’t know the healthiest options to select.
If I gave you the following two options — to go for a walk or to sit on the couch and watch television, I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t know which was the healthiest option to choose.
Yet, studies show that more than 40 percent of this country’s population — which reportedly stands at approximately 340 million people — is deemed obese, with more than 70 percent deemed overweight.
Frankly, I believe those sobering numbers don’t stem from people failing to have the most basic knowledge about health and well-being. The true reasons — the root of those people’s struggles — run much deeper, and have very little to do with their physical health and well-being. Losing weight, building muscle, feeling energized and having our clothes fit better, although important goals, often aren’t the real
reasons why people focus on improving their health and well-being.
So why are there so many unhealthy people in this country? Ultimately, only those people know for sure. Only they know what’s going on in their heart and mind. Until they address what’s going on with them, they will be stuck in the position they’re in — and if asked to be honest with themselves, they likely would say they want to make positive changes in their lives.
I’m Exhibit A...I spent the opening half of my adult life living that life of disappointment, and nothing changed (except for my 70-plus pounds of weight gain, of course) until I finally began to face the obvious obstacles
in my way and took action to overcome those obstacles. I allowed the fear that controlled my life to keep me from living my life to the fullest instead of merely existing within it.
Nearly 15 years later, so much about me has changed. My career, my business — that only begins to explain it. But none of it would be possible if I hadn’t taken that first step back then.
It may be called physical fitness, but it is much more mental and emotional than physical. The sooner we accept that, the clearer the path to our goals becomes for us.
That’s when we start to win.
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.
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-
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 website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for additional information, news, and updates.
Summer Concert Series
Holden Beach
Sunset Beach Pier
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.
Golfis 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!
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 donating 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.
It’s time once again for the Seaside United Methodist Church Country Fair Spring Fling!
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 concert 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)
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
CALENDAR
June 20 — Too Much Sylvia
June 27 — Julio & The Saltines
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
June 19 — John Toppings - Desperado
June 16 — Sun & Sea Band
June 18 — Chocolate Chip & Company
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 Celebra-
tion 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
June 1 — City Ballet presents “The Sleeping Beauty”
June 4 — Ledisi with special guest Marsha Ambrosious
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
June 6 — Charles Wesley Godwin
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
June 8 — Dispatch with John Butler
June 11 — The Black Keys 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-onone 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.
Historic Bike Tours in Southport Tour historic Southport on bike with
CALENDAR
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.
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-re -
sources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Bat-
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!
tleship 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.
Looking for something to do besides going to the beach? Here you’ll find lots of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check before you go as hours may change and some attractions may be seasonal
Attractions
INGRAM PLANETARIUM
7625 High Market Street
Sunset Beach (mainland)
https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/
Enjoy musical laser shows and learn more about the night sky; check website for schedule and tickets. Hands-on activities and interactive displays are available in the Paul Dennis Science Center, and admission to the Center is free.
MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA
21 E. 2nd St.
Ocean Isle Beach
https://museumplanetarium.org/
Learn more about our coastal environment, with a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs. The Mu-
Attractions Guide
seum is open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday for sandbar lectures.
SHALLOTTE RIVER SWAMP PARK
5550 Watts Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland)
https://www.shallotteriverswamppark. com/
This adventure park features zip line tours, an aerial park, guided ATV tours and eco-tours on a swamp boat.
PLANET FUN/STARZ GRILL
349 Whiteville Road
Shallotte
https://planetfuncenter.com/
This family entertainment center offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling (including cosmic bowling on weekends), many TVs for watching all the games, and a restaurant.
SHALLOTTE RIVERWALK
Gazebos at 159 Cheers St. and 146 Wall St.
The Riverwalk is open from dawn to dusk, and features a quarter mile boardwalk, gazebos at each end and beautiful views of the Shallotte River.
OLD BRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
109 Shoreline Drive West Sunset Beach (mainland) http://www.theoldbridge.org/
The old swing bridge that used to connect Sunset Beach to the mainland has been preserved as a museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, with stories about the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge tender house, local history, and more.
STUMP HILL FARMS
2030 Ash-Little River Road NW
Ash
https://www.stumphillfarms.com/
The farm is open on Saturdays in April and October, and by appointment or for special events other times of year, with hay rides, games for children, and educational opportunities covering bee pollination and local crops.
GRAYCE WYNDS FARM AND THE WILD HORSE RESERVE AT GRAYCE WYNDS
2450 Grayce Wynds Drive Supply, NC 28462
Visit the farm, take a guided tour, or participate in special events. Check https://www.graycewyndsfarm.com/ for tours available and events.
SILVERY COAST WINERY
6680 Barbeque Road
Ocean Isle Beach https://silvercoastwinery.com/
Winery tours, tastings, and shop for wine accessories and gifts; event rental space also available.
OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF
6391 Beach Drive SW
Ocean Isle Beach http://oceanisleminigolf.com
TREASURE ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF
3445 Holden Beach Rd.
Holden Beach (910) 842-4878
Parks
There are so many great spots to get out and enjoy this beautiful county. We’ve listed a few of the main parks here, but keep an eye out for smaller pocket parks and water access areas.
HOLDEN BEACH PAVILION AND BRIDGEVIEW PARK
The Pavilion is tucked in next to the west side of the bridge on the island, and Bridgeview Park is a couple blocks down the Intracoastal Waterway, at Davis Street.
TOWN CENTER PARK
11 E. Second St.
Ocean Isle Beach
This town park has an amphitheater, interactive fountain, bocce ball court, playground, and plenty of bike parking.
SHALLOTTE PARK
5550 Main St.
Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground, picnic shelters and a dog park.
MULBERRY STREET PARK
123 Mulberry Street
Shallotte
Picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and home to Shallotte’s outdoor markets
SUNSET BEACH TOWN PARK
Sunset Boulevard North (mainland)
Stroll through five acres of live oaks along the Intracoastal Waterway, sit a spell on a bench, do some fishing or visit the Veterans Memorial.
Go Under The Sea at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK
6483 Old Georgetown Road
The Park features 2 playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelter and a multipurpose field for soccer/football with walking trail and fitness stations.
WACCAMAW PARK
5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash
This park features ball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, bocce ball and a nine-hole disc golf course.
Fishing Piers
SUNSET BEACH FISHING PIER
101 W. Main St. Sunset Beach http://sunsetbeachpier.com/
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER
1 W. First St. Ocean Isle Beach https://oibpier.com/
Locations in Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Southport https://tourh2o.com/
BLUE PLANET WATERSPORTS
7156 Beach Drive
Ocean Isle Beach
https://blueplanetwatersports.com/
HOLDEN BEACH JET SKI RENTALS
1305 Cedar Landing Road SW Supply
https://www.holdenbeachjetski.com
SORTA SALTY FISHING CHARTERS
Holden Beach
https://sortasalty.com
OLLIE RAJA CHARTERS
3238 Pompano St. SW
Holden Beach/Oak Island
https://holdenbeachfishingcharters. com/
Book Signings and Meet The Author Events
The Pelican Bookstore is hosting a series of book signings this spring, givings us plenty of time to line up our summer reading schedules. Book signings are held at the Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach (mainland). The festivities start at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45 and include a glass of wine, light hors d’oeuvres, a copy of the book, and a meet and greet with the author. For more details and a longer synopsis of the book selections, visit www.pelicanbookstore.com.
May 9 — Mary Alice Monroe
In 1908, the Lowcountry of South Carolina is at the cusp of change. Mayfield, the grand estate held for generations by the Rivers family, is the treasured home of young Eliza. Free spirited, she refuses to be confined by societal norms. Instead, Eliza revels in exploring the golden fields and sparkling ponds of Mayfield, observing wildlife, and riding horses. But her halcyon days are cut short by the Great War, coastal storms, and unexpected challenges to Mayfield. “Where the Rivers Merge,” tells Eliza’s story through the years.
May 29 — Kristy Woodson Harvey
In “Beach House Rules,” Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-andbreakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town.
Barbee Library, 8200 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island
Barbee Library hosts author Bob Adamov in a Meet the Author event May 6, 5 pm at the Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive. Adamov is an Ohio resident but often uses the Brunswick County beaches and towns as locales. In Adamov’s “Holden’s Promise,” investigative reporter Emerson Moore visits Shallotte, North Carolina to relax with an old friend but is quickly pulled into the intrigue surrounding a suspicious boat offshore.
