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Vets & Small Business
Thesetwo aren’t always mentioned in the same breath, but if you think about it, they have a lot in common. First of all, they are both bedrocks of what make our country and our community great. We’ve shown the world, from our founding, that a nation built by entrepreneurs, that protects the rights necessary to live your dreams and put your imagination and skills to work for yourself and your community, will prosper. Our veterans are a huge part of keeping those rights in place and spreading them around the world.
And November is the month set aside for official recognition of both small businesses and veterans. November 11 is Veterans Day, and in this issue you can read all about the big plans that have come together to celebrate it in Belville’s Riverwalk Park. You’ll also find a story about a group that flies veterans, at no charge to them, to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. It’s a labor of love and we’re sure you’ll be moved by the effort that goes into honoring these heroes. November is also Small Business Month, and we feature a profile of veteran-owned small business Home and Lawn Hero.
We hope you enjoy this run-up to the holidays and remember to Shop Small/Shop Local, and take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made to allow us to carry on this wonderful life we have here. — Jeffrey
Leland Hardware Leland Hardware
Vet-Owned Handy Heroes
Leland Business Building Relationships
STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
You can always tell when you meet someone who has been in the military. Their stance and the way they walk is different— they stand just a tad taller than the rest of us and the way they walk has distant memories of a march in their gait. And then, there’s the way they remove their hats and cover their hearts when our National Anthem is played. But mainly, it’s the way they always appear to be the first to volunteer for charitable events or to help people in need, and how they give back to their community as if they are still in the service of our country. They are all heroes, whether they are scarred from battle or returned to their families relatively unscathed.
We spoke to John Walton, owner and operator of Home and Lawn Hero.
John and his wife Shasta own and operate Home and Lawn Hero, proudly serving Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. They handle everything from mowing and trimming to larger landscaping projects and property maintenance.
As their team grew and their customer base expanded, so did John’s business model. “We also offer a full range of handyman services, in addition to mowing and landscaping, we do home repairs and renovations. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, building a deck, or maintaining a property year-round, our mission is to make every customer’s home and yard something they’re proud of while providing the reliable, professional service you’d expect from a veteran-owned business,” John said.
Speaking about his military service, John explained, “After serving 22 years in the Coast Guard, first as an Avionics
Electrical Technician and later as a Special Agent for CGIS, I wasn’t sure what my next chapter would look like. My wife and I had run small lawn care businesses before I enlisted, so returning to that line of work felt natural. Beyond that, I wanted to create opportunities for veterans and military dependents, a goal that has been one of the most rewarding parts of owning our business. We’ve been in business for just over two years and are growing rapidly thanks to our loyal customers and dedicated crew. Right now, our team includes one veteran and four military-connected employees.”
Military service runs deep in John and Shasta’s family. “My father served in the Air Force, and my grandfather was a Marine. My wife also comes from a military family. Her mom and dad served in the Navy, her brother served in the Army (and is a member of our team), her grandfather was in the Air Force, and her uncle and cousins were in the Marines.
Their service and dedication profoundly influenced me and my wife,” John said.
“I retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) after serving from July 2002 to September 2024. My wife and I both wanted to join the military, and the Coast Guard’s policy of stationing couples within 50 miles of each other made it the perfect fit for us. We had always heard that the USCG was the most fam-
ily-friendly branch of the military. I began my career as an Avionics Electrical Technician, working on H-60 helicopters as a flight mechanic and instructor, stationed in Cape May, New Jersey, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Pensacola, Florida, Mobile, Alabama, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Later, I transitioned to Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and served in Bahrain, Kodiak, Alaska, Washington D.C., and finally Wilmington, North Carolina,” he added.
John credits his military career for much of his business success. “The Coast Guard’s motto, Semper Paratus or Always Ready, shaped our business philosophy. Our company motto is ‘Always Ready. Always Reliable.’ Whether it’s a major repair or simply changing a lightbulb for someone who can’t, our team is ready to help.
John at his retirement ceremony on the USS North Carolina next to Admiral Karl Schultz (retired)
Biz Feature
My time in the service also taught me that you’re only as strong as your team, and I’m incredibly proud of ours. We don’t limit ourselves to one specialty. We enjoy the variety, whether it’s a simple repair, a remodel, or a custom project, we take pride in doing the job right,” he said.
John said he’s happy his customer base is growing. “Our expanding and diverse customer base now includes homeowners, businesses, and property managers across the area. We take care of everything from residential clients who need extra help maintaining their homes to commercial accounts and rental properties. Currently, we service clients from Rocky Point to Oak Island. Many customers appreciate the opportunity to support veterans and trust the discipline, integrity, and reliability that come with military service. It’s rewarding to see how much respect people have for those values, and we strive to uphold them every day,” he said.
John, who was born in Chapel Hill, and Shasta, who was born in Loris, South Carolina, started their relationship early. John smiled as he said, “I’m married to
my high school sweetheart, Shasta. We started dating at 16 and married right before I left for boot camp at 18. We have four children: two sons (Jordan and John Jr.) and two daughters (Alexis and Anna), as well as three dogs, Iris, Cane, and Felicia.”
When he’s not working, John enjoys fishing, relaxing at the beach, and watching UFC, Tar Heels basketball, and the New England Patriots. He also said, “Actually, I enjoy working, building, and growing our business; it is one of my favorite hobbies.”
What’s next for John and Shasta? “We’ve purchased land off of Village Road and are currently constructing a new facility that will allow us to sell mulch to homeowners and landscapers. We’re also expanding into holiday light installation and Christmas tree delivery this season. We’re always exploring ways to grow and serve our community better.
“We’re a family-owned, veteran-operated company that genuinely cares about the community we serve. We strive to build relationships, not just complete jobs. We proudly hire veterans and military family members, and we believe giving back is the best way to honor those who’ve supported us. My time in the service also taught me that you’re only as strong as your team, and I’m incredibly proud of ours. They work hard, care deeply, and make our success possible,”
John said.
If you have a handyman or lawn job coming up, give John a call at 910-8008889, or go to his website at: https:// nclawnhero.com and fill out a quote request form. A list of services offered is on the website as well.
John served and supported his country well. Please say “thank you,” by supporting his business.
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Community Thanking Veterans
Honor Flights of the Cape Fear Area
STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER
By the time the World War II memorial was completed in 2004, nearly 60 years after the end of that brutal war, many of the veterans were too old, or too infirm, to travel to Washington D.C. to see it. Thankfully, there were people around the country who recognized the need to help these soldiers visit the memorial and receive the appreciation they deserve. A non-profit organization called the Honor Flights Network was established to serve this purpose. Over the years, the program has expanded to include veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, honoring their service and the sacrifices they made for our country. Honor Flights of the Cape Fear Area (HFCFA), the local affiliate in southeastern NC, transports veterans to Washington D.C. once a year, on an all-expenses-paid flight, to see the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials.
The Honor Flights Network was founded in 2005 by a physician’s assistant in Ohio named Earl Morse. He was determined to help an elderly patient, a veteran of World War II, who had no way to get to Washington to see the new monument. Morse developed a plan to transport his patient to Washington, along with several other
World War II vets from the area, by recruiting a team of volunteer pilots, each willing to donate the use of a private plane for the mission. The inaugural Honor Flight flew 12 World War II veterans in seven small planes to see the new memorial. It was a mission of gratitude that provided veterans with a community of support. Today, there are
more than 128 independent Honor Flight “hubs” throughout the country, run entirely by volunteers. More than 300,000 veterans have been flown to Washington since the inception of this amazing program.
Wilmington resident Ruth Ravitz Smith established Honor Flights of the Cape Fear Area (HFCFA) five years ago. Ruth, a New York native, spent much of her professional career working in government and public affairs in the Washington area, where a military presence was part of everyday life.
“Seeing them every day, I always felt a certain respect for people who serve our country,” Ruth said.
Ruth remembers the first time she encountered an Honor Flight arriving at Reagan International Airport. “I was at the airport on my way to see a friend in Connecticut, when I heard all this commotion. There was a band playing and people cheering. It turned out to be an Honor Flight arriving and there were all these people there to greet the veterans and cheer them on. It just really tugged at my heart.”
Ruth began going to Reagan International to join the hundreds of volunteers welcoming veterans back from subsequent trips.
When she and her husband moved to Wilmington in 2015, where she held a position as Chief Communications Officer
for New Hanover County, Ruth learned that there had been an Honor Flight “hub” in Wilmington, but it had disbanded a few years back. When she retired in 2019, Ruth made it her mission to restart the group. The Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Region was officially recognized by the network in 2020, just at the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We were disappointed, but it actually gave us the time we really needed to build the non-profit into a strong organization” Ruth said.
In the spring of 2022, as the world slowly returned to normal, the HFCFA’s first flight took off. The group has made one flight each year since, increasing the number of veterans taken each year. In 2025, HFCFA flew 85 veterans to Washington, along with 85 “guardians,” plus a small medical crew and a small crew of volunteer coordinators.
It’s a long day, requiring military-strength stamina. Veterans are flown to Washington on a chartered commercial plane in the morning, where they are met by four buses and a team of volunteer tour guides. They visit the World War II Memorial, the Navy Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, the Iwo Jima memorial, the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Ceremony, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. Accommodations are made for veterans who need wheelchair services. The buses pass by several other monuments along the route. Meals are provided, then they catch an evening flight back home to Wilmington, where a welcoming committee meets them.
The welcome back ceremony is a joyful celebration that brings many veterans to tears, after a long, emotional day. Ruth estimates there were about 1,000 people to greet the return flight last spring, including a local high school band, members of the military, various groups and individual volunteers.
“We encourage people to join the welcome home ceremonies at Wilmington International Airport. Part of our goal is to educate the public about the service and sacrifices our veterans endure on our behalf, and this gives them an opportunity to express their gratitude,” she said.
Ruth recalls a particularly emotional Honor Flight a few years back, when a veteran
HFCFA founder Ruth Ravitz Smith with veteran Craig Kern, photo by Janet Fortnay
Community
named Craig Kern embarked on his Honor Flight. Kern, a pilot himself, was one of the original pilots who volunteered to fly his private plane to take veterans to Washington during the startup of the program in 2005. This time around, he was receiving the honor himself. Now living in the Wilmington area, Kern still volunteers to help honor other veterans every year.
All veterans on an Honor Flight is accompanied by a guardian who serves as an escort for the day, ensuring their safety and assisting them on and off the bus at the memorials. HFCFA does not allow spouses or significant others to serve as guardians, however, other family members or friends are encouraged to apply for the role. The aim with guardians is for them to experience the emotional impact of the event and hopefully allow them to develop a deeper understanding of the sacrifices endured by their loved ones. Alternatively, veterans can opt to be matched with volunteer guardians. Guardians are asked to make a donation to help defray
the cost of the Honor Flight. Honor Flights require year-round planning and fundraising. Ruth estimates that it takes more than 100 volunteers to make the day a success. Costs are steep to cover the chartered commercial plane and pilot, the buses in Washington, meals, and other expenses. American Airlines has been
a terrific partner to HFCFA for the last few years, according to Ruth. Donations come from foundations and corporate sponsors, including G.E. Aerospace and Novant Health, along with numerous local businesses, civic organizations, groups, and individuals. Applications for Honor Flights in the Cape Fear area are taken year-round through the group’s website, www.honorflightcfa.org. The 2026 flight is expected to be in mid-late April. The exact date will be announced in early November 2025, so be sure to check the website.
To learn more about the program, make a donation, or to volunteer, visit www.honorflightcfa.org
For more information, email info@honorflightCFA.org or call 910-344-1050
Raising funds and awareness at Oak Island’s Live and Local
Community Veterans Day Event
Celebrate Veterans At Belville’s Riverwalk
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Brunswick County numbers 13,096 veterans, according to Census Data dated July, 1, 2024. That is just slightly more than New Hanover County, yet to celebrate one of the biggest veteran holidays, veterans have had to go to Wilmington.
“The Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 and Auxiliary feel it is time to act our size. There is no reason to take the best of ours to theirs when, with a little work, we can show off who we are,” said Gerald Decker, Commander, Leland VFW Post 12196 and Auxiliary. With the help of the Town of Belville and Deb Pickett, of Signature Wealth Strategies, the group hopes to put together a pro-
gram that the North Brunswick County area Decker added.
“First, and very important to veterans, this event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Belville Riverwalk Park. The actual day for Veterans Day, not on Saturday for commercial purposes. Combatants didn’t wait till the appropriate commercial weekend to get killed. We want to celebrate our comrades on the day
of the year that is actually set aside for them,” said Decker.
The day will start with the annual Veterans Breakfast at 8:30 am at the Leland Arts Center, hosted by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. From there the event will move to Belville Riverwalk where opening ceremonies will begin at 11 am. Closing ceremonies will begin at 3:45 pm.
Theme of the Day:
From area scouts to todays’ military, North Brunswick is ready to face any challenge.
Event organizer Gerald Decker said, “We will have 30-35 vendors on site as well as the Leland Police and Fire, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Sea Cadets, Wounded Warriors, NBHS Key Club, and Boy Scouts. Entertainment will be
provided by our announcer Eric Medler and music by Jeff Moss and the Salty Dawgs.”
Sponsors:
Victory Lane Quick Oil Change
Deb Pickett-Signature Wealth Strategies,
MattyGetsYouHome-Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Meineke Car Care-Leland
Novant Health
State Farm Insurance, Josh London Ins Agency Inc.
For more information
Contact VFW Post 12196 at 910-4081934 Vfwpost12196@gmail.com https://vfwpost12196.org/
One Cool Family
50 Years of Fulford Heating and Cooling
STORY BY LISA STITES
We often hear about the tourism business industry in Brunswick County, and we have people from all over moving here and vacationing here., but Brunswick County also has many families with deep roots and long history in the area. One of those families has been working together for more than 50 years, and we found out more from Justin Fulford about this long-standing family business.
Can you tell us about the start of Fulford Heating and Cooling in 1974?
The business was started by Grandfather Hinton Fulford Sr. He operated the business with Al Fulford (my dad) and Marty Fulford until 1986. Al Fulford and Teresa Fulford took over the business (my parents) and are still the owners and operators of the company. I have worked in the business with my parents for over 25 years. I became heavy involved in the business in 2008 and currently operate our Wilmington Office. We are a full service, maintenance, and new install HVAC company. We service all major brands from residential to commercial.
It’s a family-owned business — how
much of the family is involved?
Yes, it’s a big family business. My parents, brother, sister in-law, and myself are involved in the business daily. Over the years we have employed most of our direct Fulford family in the business. It’s a unique way of doing business.
During your 50 years in business, you’ve surely seen a lot of change in Brunswick County. What stands out the most?
Lots of development and new families moving to the area. We love our customer base from all over the USA. My grandfather once told me that Wilmington and Myrtle Beach would be connected down Highway 17, and we are right in the middle in Supply.
Our HVAC system now have built in computers for remote access and diagnostics.
Has your company always offered services all the way up to Hempstead, or did you expand over the years?
Yes, We have an office in Wilmington in the Ogden area. The Wilmington office covers from Leland to Holly ridge. The Wilmington/ Duke energy market is offering great rebate incentives when upgrading the HVAC system.
We see you have a blog on your website about preventative maintenance — what services do you offer customers other than responding when something has stopped working, and why are those services important?
How has your business changed along with Brunswick County?
Our business has always taken on the cutting edge of the HVAC technology. We focus on Geothermal systems, High SEER inverter technology, and ductless mini splits.
Preventive maintenance on the HVAC systems is like changing the oil in your car every 4,000 miles. These AC units are working in the extreme conditions winter and summer and need to be maintained. Cleaning coils, flushing drain lines, and tightening electrical connection are very important to the longevity on the AC system. We enjoy seeing our maintenance customers twice a year and
getting their HVAC units tuned in.
Now that you have been in business your first 50 years, what’s in store for the next 50?
In the years to come we plan to keep do a great job keeping our customer comfortable in their home and upholding our family legacy. We plan to continue servicing our coastal market from Sunset Beach to Topsail Island.
Community Master Gardener
Cooperative Extension Program Begins Soon
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Join a network of passionate gardeners dedicated to learning, sharing research-based information, and enriching the Brunswick County community through horticulture. Applications are now open for the 2026 Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteer Training Program.
The eight-week course prepares participants to become certified EMG volunteers who support NC State Extension’s mission of public outreach and education. Trainees explore topics such as soils, plant nutrition, turf, insects, plant diseases, native and woody plants, food production, and landscape design— while learning how to apply and share sustainable gardening practices.
Classes will be held Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 am–noon, Jan. 13–March 10, 2026, at the Brunswick County Cooper-
ative Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, in Bolivia. The program includes approximately 75 hours of in-person instruction, weekly assignments, quizzes, an open-book exam, and an intern project that puts new knowledge into practice. Instruction is led by Extension staff and subject-matter experts. Prospective students begin with an interview and an application to the local county program.
“I came to grow my knowledge, but I ended up growing so much more—skills,
friendships, and confidence. The Master Gardener program was hands-on, inspiring, and full of practical wisdom. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done with a pair of garden gloves on,” said Ken, participant in the Master Gardner Class of 2025.
Graduates become part of an active volunteer network that supports the Brunswick County Botanical Garden, hosts plant sales and public workshops, and engages in community partnerships such as Habitat for Humanity and school outreach programs.
Master Gardener volunteers make a lasting difference by:
·Teaching sustainable gardening practices
·Helping residents solve landscaping and gardening challenges
·Promoting environmental stewardship and water quality protection
For more information or to apply, visit brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu.
To learn more about the Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Association, visit bcmastergardenerva.org.
About North Carolina Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers
Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices that grow healthy people, gardens, landscapes, and communities. Their vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.
The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Association of Brunswick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports volunteer education, fosters camaraderie, and provides skilled volunteers for Cooperative Extension projects. Key events include plant sales and public workshops. Proceeds support educational programs and the Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, where visitors are invited to explore on a self-guided tour.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kelly Vendetti at 303-547-6275 or email communications@bcmastergardenerva.org
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Keeping Fit
Fitness Isn’t Free
Your Quality of Life Is Worth Every Penny
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
My wife, Shelly, and I did a thing recently. We signed up our youngest son, Zach, for a sports broadcasting camp next summer in my ol’ stomping grounds of suburban New York City..
And since it costs as much as one month’s rent for an average one-bedroom apartment in this area, we told him it was a gift that covers Christmas, Easter, his birthday in July, Valentine’s Day, Arbor Day and every other holiday we can think of all rolled into one this year.
But in reality, it’s an investment in his future.
If you have seen Zach in action at vendor events in the area these past few years, you’ve seen that he has a knack for this whole business thing — and a gift for gab.
I’ve told him to learn how the business world works from the ground up, so he doesn’t have to wing it like I did when I ventured out on my own five years ago.
Build that solid foundation now, and you’ll be light years ahead of me soon enough. But first, he had to discover
his passion — sports broadcasting.
He loves it. Zach actually calls games he watches on television, as well as the sports video games he plays. But he also has real world experience. He appeared on radio shows in our days in Erie, Pennsylvania, on a number of occasions. He grew enough of a following back then that I became known on air as Zach’s Dad.
But now, he’s in high school, and college and the real world aren’t too far off, so it’s time to start paving his own way. He has already outlined a list of colleges with strong broadcasting programs that we will begin visiting next summer.
Visits that will take him right into the Bruce Beck Sports Broadcasting Camp in New York next summer. We stumbled across it while watching the Little League World Series final in August. Three graduates from the camp were calling the game live on national television.
It will be an experience of a lifetime, including getting to call a game from Citi Field — home of his favorite major league baseball team, the Mets.
He will be challenged in ways he hasn’t before. He will experience things he hasn’t before. It will open doors for him, if he puts in the work.
Putting in the work. That’s always the key.
You may be asking, why have I shared this story? What does this have to do with health and well-being? Because the confidence he has to conquer this latest challenge on his road to a promising career stems from lessons we have instilled in the importance of taking care of himself.
I didn’t become a health and fitness coach, or launch a health and fitness business, by accident, even though sometimes it feels like it happened that way.
Those were the furthest thoughts from my mind when I began taking control of my health and well-being 15 years ago. Regaining control of my health and well-being was a daunting enough task at the time.
Yet, as I began to lose weight and gain confidence, I discovered that I could accomplish anything if I can accomplish this. Suddenly, doors opened for me, and I walked through them instead of talking myself out of it.
That’s why I often say that losing weight and feeling better, although great goals to set, are merely the vehicle to something greater. We may not know what that something greater is yet, or we may be too afraid at the moment to admit it.
But when we take control of our health and well-being, and subsequently our quality of life, we now have the blueprint to tackle all those things we previously thought were impossible to achieve.
Now, I get it – Zach is 15 years old, he’s much younger than you or me. He has his whole world ahead of him. He has the opportunity to tackle these challenges head on and conquer them. Opportunities like that have passed us older folks by.
It’s not true. It’s only too late to start facing those challenges we have previously shied away from is when our time on earth is done. Until then, there is always a chance to affect positive, and life-altering, change in our lives, if we’re willing to put in the work every day. Putting in the work — that’s always the key. So set your goals. Believe you
can achieve them. Make them happen. If you need help laying out the best plan of action, I’m here to help. Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started. You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit.com..
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Community Autumn in the Arts
Franklin Square Gallery Fall Events
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Associated Artists of Southport (“AAS”) and Franklin Square Gallery are welcoming the season with a number of wonderful events.
First, AAS is celebrating the success of its Empty Bowls 2025 charity event held on Oct. 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Thanks to the generosity of AAS’s talented potters and painters, along with dozens of local restaurants, sponsors, musicians and community members, the event raised more than $25,000 in donations that will be shared among Matthew’s Ministry, Brunswick Family Assistance, and the Southport-Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry.
Next, Franklin Square Gallery’s 3rd annual Southport Maritime Art Show opened on Oct. 27. Running through Nov. 15, the show features artwork relating to the sea, including wildlife, boats, seascapes and more. All who love coastal art are invited to view the show and attend the First Friday reception on Nov. 7 from 5-7 pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and great art, as well as a live portraiture demonstration by Paul Jordan. At the Dec. 5 First Friday reception, Kristine Koval will demonstrate ceramic ornament-making and 2D artist
Chris Kennedy will demonstrate his 2D graphite, colored pencil and mixed media techniques.
The Gallery’s Holiday Gift Shoppe is open now, featuring unique artwork, crafts, jewelry, notecards, prints, ornaments, children’s books, pottery and much more. Shoppers are also invited to purchase Franklin Square Gallery Gift Cards, which make the perfect holiday gift for that special “someone who has everything.”
Franklin Square Gallery, the home of AAS, is a cooperative of over 120 artists and is seeking new members. It is located at 130 E. West St. in the heart of historic downtown Southport. With support from the Brunswick Arts Council ARPA Program, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Gallery offers original art and pottery for sale and is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 am to 5 pm (changing to 4 pm on Nov. 3), Monday through Saturday.
Historic Christmas
Enjoy Two Holiday Brunswick Town Events
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
Christmas at Brunswick Town State Historic Site is not to be missed. Two events allow visitors to experience the site at dusk turning to nighttime. If you’re familiar with Brunswick Town, you’ll know how special this can be, and if you’ve never visited our county’s very own State Historic Site, this is a perfect opportunity.
During A Light in the Darkest Night, visitors will get the chance to experience a peaceful evening amongst the ruins of St. Philips Church as it is decorated in its holiday finest, with candlelight and greenery.
This free program will be held Friday, Dec. 12 from 4-7 pm, and allows for self guided exploration and meditation. The Visitor Center and gift shop will remain open during the course of the evening to also allow a chance for a little holiday shopping.
An 18th Century Christmas allows visitors to explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. During the program, you can enjoy 18th century inspired refreshments in the Visitor Center, participate in traditional games, or try your hand at Moravian paper stars and other 18th-century crafts. The church ruins are decorated beautifully, but simply, with greenery and candles, which really add to the general peace and quiet and celebratory atmosphere.
The highlight of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church. The service will begin at 5 pm and will conclude by 5:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance online beginning on Nov. 15 through the site’s Square website at https://friends-of-brunswick-townfort-anderson.square.site/ upcoming-events.
FISHING REPORT
November Fishing Report
Enjoy Prime King Mackerel Season And Much More
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
Fall fishing has been in full swing along our coast. Fortunately, we avoided major storms this season, though persistent northeast winds have kept much of the fleet close to shore. On the calmer days when conditions allowed, offshore anglers enjoyed excellent action for king mackerel and cobia. With November underway, we’re hoping for a stretch of more stable weather to open up even more opportunities on the water.
Backwater
With water temperatures holding in the low to mid-60s, the main river bite is beginning to taper off as finger mullet migrate south into the ocean. Still, November offers some of the most exciting backwater fishing of the year. Red drum and speckled trout are pushing deep into the creeks, feeding on shrimp and taking advantage of warmer mud flats and deeper holes. Early to mid-November often brings the chance to spot tailing reds in the marshes — best tempted with paddle-tail jigs worked slowly ahead of them. Trout are staging on secondary points and in fast currents where creeks intersect, and they respond well to popping corks rigged with live or artificial shrimp. On a falling tide, focus on feeder creeks as red drum work their way out of the marsh. Topwater lures shine in low-light periods at dawn and dusk, and even more so on cloudy days.
Nearshore
While most of the Spanish mackerel have departed by November, bluefish remain for those trolling Clarkspoons behind planers. Through mid-month, anglers can still find schools of bull reds lingering around pogy pods, the hot hole, Yaupon Reef, and McGlamery Reef. The sloughs of Frying Pan Shoals, along with Bald Head Island’s east beach up to Fort Fisher, also offer prime sight-fishing for large red drum schools.
Offshore
November is peak season for king mackerel offshore, where big schools are feeding aggressively. Productive spots include Christina’s Ledge, Shark Hole, Cucumber, Cabbage Patch, and the Northeast Rocks in roughly 65 feet of water. The Horseshoe is another reliable November hotspot, often
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
producing kings with the bonus of blackfin tuna. Dead cigar minnows on king rigs remain the go-to bait.
Bottom fishing also comes alive this month. Keeper black sea bass can be found in 65–80 feet, with vermilion snapper thick in 80–100 feet. While gag grouper have moved into the 65–80-foot range, they remain under seasonal closure. Scamp grouper can still be targeted in 100–150 feet around ledges and live bottom, and amberjacks are active from 50 feet all the way to the Gulf Stream.
Gulf Stream
For many anglers, November is the highlight of the offshore season. Wahoo and blackfin tuna dominate the ledges in 200–400 feet, with big wahoo shadowing schools of tuna and bonito. Look for water temperatures in the low to mid-70s around traditional hotspots such as the 100/400, Blackjack, Gene’s Ledge, Steeples, Same Ole, and Nipple.
A mixed trolling spread works best this time of year. On the planer rod, try a BWC Jag in crystal blue, black/purple with flash, or black/red with flash. Short riggers can
run purple/black or blue/white chuggers or Islander Sea Stars, while long riggers perform well with flashy bullet heads such as a mylar BWC Tweener. Vertical jigging is also productive — work jigs aggressively in the bottom 30–50 feet for grouper, triggerfish, and large beeliners, or in mid-water for blackfin tuna.
Even as the air cools, the fishing remains hot. From tailing reds in the creeks to wahoo screaming off the Gulf Stream, November is packed with opportunities for anglers willing to get out there. Bundle up, cast a line, and enjoy one of the finest months of the year on the water.
Art Beat
Meet John Lowder Turning Wood Into Unique Artwork
STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
After an extensive work history that includes naval architecture and marine engineering, then returning to college and becoming a physician with a 34-year private practice, NC native woodturner John Lowder has finally settled into retirement at the coast. His work is mesmerizing, geometric, award-winning art vessels and sculptures. Not your typical wooden salad bowls.
“I primarily consider myself a woodturner,” said John. “Most of my art is produced on a wood lathe. For those unfamiliar with a lathe, this machine spins wood, in my application, at a high rate of speed. The wood is shaped using a variety of very sharp cutting tools. Numerous gouges and scrapers of various configurations are the primary tools. These develop the final shape of the art form. My art ranges from bowls, vessels, and hollow forms. These can be entirely wood, a combination of wood and resin, or wood with embellishments. I do a limited amount of flat woodworking, which doesn’t require a lathe.”
“The artist in me has been developing over the past eight years. My home was designed with a designated woodworking shop. Although I have acquired tools for most of my adult life, I had limited occasion to use them until retirement. Now I am fortunate to spend, on average, a couple of hours daily pursuing this hobby. I consider myself a “hobbyist” woodturner. I principally produce art that I find of interest. Most of the art I sell is items that are now replaced by new ideas. There has become a limit to the amount of personal art reasonably maintained at home.”
John’s understanding of form and function is evident in his work. Being mostly self-taught by watching videos, books, and DVDs, John has also significantly learned by trial and error. “I consider my specialty to be that of a segmented woodturner. This involves cutting hundreds of trapezoidal wood segments at precise dimensions and angles,” said John. “These are individually sanded and glued into rings of predetermined diameters. These rings are then glued in a stack with the desired rough profile of the vessel. This glue arrangement is mounted on the wood lathe
and then “turned” to its final shape and dimensions,” said John.
Although a small fraction of woodturners actively participate in segmented woodturning, John considers it his specialty. He explains that some people may be disillusioned by the math involved in the design process and the time required to complete a project. “I enjoy the math and geometry used in the design, which is relatively straightforward with some practice,” he said. “When I started with this form, my vessels were sketched on graph paper, and calculations were manually performed. This method is still used occasionally, but most calculations are now done with commercial computer programs and smartphone apps,” he said. “Segmenting offers unique design options in size, wood or wood combinations, and accents that would be unavailable using a single block of wood. Each item is unique. By the methods used to produce my art, even a duplicate from the same plan will be slightly different due to the procedures used in making the items,” he said. “A vessel of similar size could be turned from a block of wood in a fraction of the time of a segmented vessel. Much time is devoted to the design and construction of the lathe, and much less shaping is needed on the lathe. Most woodturners are drawn to the actual process of turning the wood,” he said.
His work has been shown in local galleries and many art shows. It’s exciting that he is now teaching woodturning, where he can share his excellent knowledge and skills. “I am fortunate to have been invited to join several talented woodturners and add segmented woodturning to the curriculum at BCC in the Southport Campus. This is an opportunity to offer my
knowledge about this topic, interact with fellow woodturners, and learn through questions and techniques of others, which are slightly different due to the procedures used in making the items. It’s never too late to become a woodturner. If you’re new or interested in advancing your skills, basic and specialty courses are available at Brunswick Community College.”
His interest and fascination with the shape of antique pottery and vessels is where John finds his greatest inspiration for his projects. He also finds abundant ideas in magazines, journals, YouTube videos, and other woodturners’ work. “A piece of wood
will often ‘speak’ to you in the woodturning process. The color, grain pattern, and inclusions will often help dictate the final shape of an item. Every piece of wood is unique, and it often does reveal itself until it is cut or turned,” said John.
“I have participated in some of the sales events by the Artisans on Howe and their sales events, and recently, an Art-Full Home event. I am fortunate to have participated in local art events and have had award-winning art entries,” he said. If you are interested in John’s work or segmented woodturning, email him at mokshawoodturning@yahoo.com or call 540-336-0895.
ALL WINTERFEST LONG SHOP, DINE & ENJOY LOCAL
Downtown •
Spt-OKI Area Chamber of Commerce
Holiday promotions, gift guide, and dining updates from local businesses. Info: www.shopsouthportoakisland.com
STOREFRONT SHOWCASE
Downtown • City of Southport
Vote for decorated storefronts in festive categories. Winners announced Dec. 15.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
DOWNTOWN TREE LIGHTING
6 PM • Whittler’s Bench • City of Southport
The mayor lights the tree with Trinity UMC Children’s Choir, plus cocoa and cookies from the Beautification Committee.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
WINTERFEST TEA
1 PM • Community Building • Winterfest Tea Committee
Holiday tea with entertainment. Tickets at Ft. Johnston. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
PET PICTURES WITH SANTA
2–4 PM • Indian Trail Meeting Hall • APS & Police Dept.
Bring pets for photos with Santa plus treats and activities. Donations accepted.
MONDAY, DEC. 8
SHOP-WITH-A-COP CONCERT
6–8 PM • Franklin Square Park • Police Dept. Concert by Back Porch Rockers + golf cart decorating contest.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
WINTERFEST-IVAL OF TREES
6–8 PM • Franklin Square Park • Southport Garden Club
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
COOKIE CONTEST
3:30–5 PM • Community Building •
For more information, please visit
For more information, please visit cityofsouthport.com/winterfest cityofsouthport.com/winterfest
For more information, please visit cityofsouthport.com/winterfest
Decorated trees, crafts, games, Santa & Grinch, carols, and refreshments. Info: southportgardenclub.org
The State Port Pilot Taste and vote for your favorite cookies. Info: cookies@stateportpilot.com
SUPPER WITH SANTA’S ELVES
5–6:30 PM • 209 Atlantic Ave. • Parks & Rec Kids enjoy pizza & a movie while parents shop. $5/child. Preregister at 910-457-7945.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
POLAR EXPRESS MOVIE
Dusk • Ft. Johnston Lawn • Parks & Rec & Intracoastal Realty
Free outdoor movie with cocoa and snacks. Bring chairs/blankets.
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
BOOKSTORE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
10 AM–4 PM • 727 N Howe St. •
Once More Bookstore & FOLSOI Cider, cookies, books, and gifts. Proceeds support local libraries.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
6:30 PM (kids board at 5:30) • Southport Fire Dept. Parade along Moore & Howe Streets. Visit from Santa following the parade.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
WINTER ARTS & CRAFT FESTIVAL
10 AM–4 PM • Bay Street • Community Relations
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
10–11 AM • 209 Atlantic Ave. • Parks & Rec
Kids make ornaments, cookies, and crafts.
PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM
11 AM–3 PM • Ft. Johnston Lawn • Up Your Arts
Performances include a barbershop quartet.
OLD JAIL TOURS
11 AM–5 PM • Old Brunswick County Jail • Southport Historical Society
Tickets $30 via Southport Historical Society website
TRAIN & TOY SHOW
12–5 PM • Indian Trail Meeting Hall • Grand Strand Model Railroaders
CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS PARTY
3–5 PM • Southport Community Building • Brunswick Arts Council
Play, characters, Santa, games, contests, photo booth, and more.
WINTERFEST FLOTILLA
6 PM • Southport Waterfront •
Cape Fear Yacht Club, DSI & City of Southport
Lighted boat parade from Old American Fish with student judges and live broadcast.
History
Civil War Wilmington
Brunswick Civil War Roundtable
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
It was during the mid-1860s when Wilmington transformed from a thriving, prosperous Confederate port into a Union-occupied city struggling with the end of slavery and the turmoil of Reconstruction. No historian knows this incredible period of Wilmington’s history better than popular local historian Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Ph.D. Chris will share his knowledge at the Tuesday, Nov. 4 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, with his presentation, “A Town Turned Topsy-Turvy: Wilmington during the Civil War.”
This title cleverly captures a dramatic reversal of fortune. In 1860, Wilmington was North Carolina’s busiest port and most populated city, built on the export of naval stores (turpentine, tar, and pitch), and some cotton. By 1863, Wilmington continued to play a pivotal role during the Civil War because it also became the Confederacy’s busiest and most vital Atlantic seaport. It was clearly a boomtown for blockade-runners smuggling luxury goods and military supplies to the Confederate army. European blockade-runners, who risked the journey to profit from the
demand, turned the city into a lavish hub of activity, so much so that Wilmington soon became known as the “Lifeline of the Confederacy.” However, that reversal of fortune occurred when the Union army captured Fort Fisher in January, 1865, along with a victory at the Battle of Wilmington when Federal troops occupied the city on Feb. 22, 1865, effectively sealing the Confederacy’s fate.
Returning by popular demand, Chris always captivates his audiences with his vast knowledge of local history along with his vibrant and dynamic personality. He is a native of Wilmington, and has a lifelong interest in the Civil War, North Carolina, and Cape Fear history. He is Professor Emeritus from the Department of History at UNC Wilmington, and recipient of the Order of the
Long Leaf Pine. In addition, he has published books and articles focusing on the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the history of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear.
This meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee remains at $10, and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which importantly can include a spouse. Everyone is invited. Incidentally, about one-third of our audiences are female!
For more information about the meeting or the Round Table, please
contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit their website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for background and current information, news, and updates, or the group’s Facebook page.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths On Sale Now To Honor Veterans
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The annual observance of Wreaths Across America will begin noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at Wilmington National Cemetery. All attendees will have the opportunity to lay a wreath on the grave of an American veteran. Wilmington National Cemetery is the final resting place for 5,126 veterans.
Wreaths are $17 each and are available through www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, where you can specify the cemetery of placement. Purchase through the website should be made by Dec. 1.
The annual program at national cemeteries across the country grew from a small personal effort by the family that owns Worcester Wreath in Maine. The family and volunteers formed a nonprofit in 2007 in order to expand the annual event and to assist other groups across the country who wanted to do the same. In the following year wreath-laying ceremonies were held in every state, Puerto Rico, and 24 overseas cem-
eteries. More than 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves by more than 60,000 volunteers. Dec. 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the U.S. Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day.”
WAA’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as the world’s largest veterans’ parade, stopping at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities all along the way to remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach.
Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization founded in 1890 for women who can prove
direct, blood lineage from a Revolutionary War Patriot. The organization promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation.
DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer organization with more than 185,000 members in 3000 chapters across the world. There are more than 100 chapters in North Carolina.
The Brunswick Town Chapter has more than 170 members, several of whom descend from Patriots who lived in Brunswick County while fighting for our country’s independence. The chapter’s membership descends more than 700 proven Patriots from the original 13 colonies.
The Glorius Pelham
November Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Nov. 13 meeting of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table features a presentation by Sarah Kay Bierle titled “John Pelham’s Fall and the Rise of a Confederate Legend.” Sarah reconsiders Pelham’s extraordinary, if short, life by drawing on primary and secondary sources and her extensive knowledge of the Civil War battlefields where Maj. John Pelham made his reputation.
Pelham’s zest for living carried him from Alabama to the military academy at West Point, while his zeal in command of the Stuart Horse Artillery earned him well-deserved plaudits. But like every other man who served the Confederate cause, the remarkable young officer was a human being with flaws. As Sarah has pointed out, “He deserves his place in history as he lived it, not varnished with the perspectives shoved upon him by later generations.”
Sarah Kay Bierle is a native of California but she graduated from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, N.J., with a B.A. in History, and now lives in Central Virginia within easy distance of several major battlefields
of the Civil War. Sarah works in the public history field, focusing on education and battlefield preservation. She has spent years researching, writing, and speaking about the American Civil War. Her work helps audiences gain a stronger appreciation and understanding for the accounts of real people caught in the struggles of the Civil War era. Sarah has published three historical fiction books and her first nonfiction book, “Call Out The Cadets: The Battle of New Market,” is part of the Emerging Civil War series. Her latest book, “Glorious Courage: The Life of Confederate John Pelham in the Army of Northern Virginia,” has been recently published and is also part of the Emerging Civil War series.
and in a duel, Benton shot Jackson in the arm. The name of the county was changed to Calhoun County in 1858 to honor the pro-slavery, states rights icon, Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina.
The third son of Dr. Atkinson Pelham and Martha Pelham, John was not destined to follow in his father’s footsteps as a medical professional. Instead, he accepted an appointment as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy, becoming a member of the famed West Point Class of ‘61. Ultimately, the cadet chose to resign just weeks before his graduation and went to war with the Army of Northern Virginia.
“Stonewall” Jackson once remarked that “with a Pelham on each flank, I could whip the world.” Likewise, Robert E. Lee affectionately referred to the “Gallant Pelham” in his official reports. According to a book review by Riley Sullivan, who teaches U.S. history at San Jacinto College, in the Houston, Texas, area,
“Even with such praise, John Pelham is perhaps one of the most misunderstood officers from the Army of Northern Virginia. In no small part, this is a function of sources: precious few documents produced by Pelham survive today. Instead, much of what is known about Pelham is based on the faulty and unreliable recollections of his contemporaries. Veteran author and historian Sarah Kay Bierle mines those sources (as well as an abundance of original military records) with a careful and discerning eye, bringing her old subject to new life.”
We know that John Pelham was born in Benton County, Alabama, in 1838. Benton County, in northeastern Alabama, about 50 miles east of Birmingham, was still the frontier in 1838 and the county was named for Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, who served in Alabama in the 1813-14 war against the indigenous Creek Indians. Benton, born in North Carolina, was an officer in the Tennessee militia who was a close associate of Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812; the two men later fell out
Pelham was baptized by fire at the battle of First Manassas, after which his reputation rose like a rocket. Drawing the eye of Confederate officials, Pelham became instrumental in forming J.E.B. Stuart’s Horse Artillery.
Winning praise from several Confederate officers on the Peninsula, at Second Manassas, and at Fredericksburg, Pelham was seen as a rising star in the Confederate Army. His actions during the Loudoun Valley Campaign earned similar praise. Bierle argues that the “campaign mark[ed] the height of Pelham’s success as a horse artillery commander.”
Pelham helped to transform the concept of mobile artillery on Civil War battlefields. He did not invent horse artillery, and he was not the only American officer to attempt and refine the concepts during the 1860s, however, he was one of the most successful horse artillery commanders, learning to place his cannons on the flanks of his enemy or directly in their path and then rapidly shift to another advantageous position. On the offensive or as a best defense, he added firepower to support traditional cavalry units. He used mobile artillery to screen movements or guard the rear of a column. He positioned artillery to cover the flank of infantry. Pelham
Union horse artillery
brought innovation and daring to his artillery role.
History
Pelham’s life was cut tragi cally short when he was killed in action at the Battle of Kel ly’s Ford on March 17, 1863. He was just 24. His death had a profound impact on both Lee and J.E.B. Stuart, who regarded him as irreplace able. “Pelham’s death,” Bierle writes, “acquired meaning far beyond the personal grief of his family, his commander, and his comrades.”
After Pelham’s death in bat tle in 1863, his place as a be loved Southern hero soared, and admirers firmly elevated him into the upper ranks of the Confederate pantheon. His status as a Lost Cause martyr exacted a price, though: Ad mirers transformed Pelham’s memory into “the beau ideal of Confederate arms,” some times altering and clouding the real ities of his life. His memory has been
CALENDAR
Our Calendar is full of 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 we think 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.
November
NOV 6
Gallery Reception — Art League of Leland Artists are exploring the color green for this reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way
NOV 4
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
This month’s program features “A Town Turned Topsy-Turvy: Wilmington during the Civil War,” renowned local historian, Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road. Doors open at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Annual memberships (for two) are just $25; the cost for visitors is $10.
NOV 6
Southport Historical Society Meeting
The Society’s General Meeting will include a presentation from Dr. Chris Fonvielle, who will share images from the vast collection of art, including lithographs, paintings, woodcut and copper plate engravings, drawings and sketches of Ft. Fisher. Autographed copies of “Fort Fisher Illustrated: Art of the Battle” will be available for purchase. Call 910-477-3461 to reserve your spot.
NOV 6-DEC 31
Festival of Trees-Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The museum is decked out for the
holidays with Christmas trees donated by area groups. Open Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, Noon-4pm
NOV 7
Holiday Boutique — St. James
The Artisans Association hosts this market, just in time for some holiday shopping, featuring art, glass, crafts, baskets, fabric arts, jewelry, woodworking and more. The market is 10 am to 4 pm at the Homer E. Wright Event Center (St. James) at 4136 Southport-Supply Rd SE
NOV 8
Coastal Home and Lifestyle Showcase
Mingle with local business owners in home, garden and coastal living at this annual showcase hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. The showcase is 10 am to 1 pm on the Middleton Park fields, SE 46th Street and East Dolphin Drive. Our magazines are a proud sponsor, so stop by and say hello!
NOV 11
Veterans Day Events
The day starts with breakfast at 8:30 am, hosted at the Leland Cultural Arts Center (1212 Magnolia Village Way) by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. Commemorations, with speakers and music, begin at Belville’s Riverwalk Park (580 River Rd SE) at 11 am, and the closing ceremony starts at 3:45 pm. For more information, contact VFW Post 12196 at 910-408-1934, email Vfwpost12196@gmail.com or visit https:// vfwpost12196.org/.
NOV 11
Santa Paws Photos — Ocean Isle Beach
Bring your pets all decked out for the holiday, and your own camera, for posing with Santa, noon to 2 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
NOV 15
Sparkling Holiday Show & Fundraiser
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs - South Brunswick Islands hosts this fundraiser featuring Felix and Fingers Dueling Piano Interactive Show. Tickets include dinner, and there will also be a cash bar, silent auction and raffle. General admission tickets are $75, and VIP tickets are $100. Contact any GFWC-SBI Club Member, call 910-4700394 or email jcarter0394@gmail.com to purchase tickets. The group provides funding to many local community organizations, and members also offer handon support through community service.
CALENDAR
NOV 15
Contra Dance — LCAC
Enjoy a night of live music and folk dance. Participants don’t need a partner, and no experience is necessary! The program is 7-10 pm, and a 30-minute lesson for beginners kicks things off at 7 pm. Flat, closed shoes are recommended. Tickets will be available closer to the date; Contra Dance is at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
NOV 18
Paddle for Presents
Join the Aventure Company for this kayak outing an bring an unwrapped toy valued at $35 or more; toys will be donated to the Brunswick County Angel Tree program. Kayakers will paddle off from the Rice’s Creek ramp (797 Gordon Lewis Drive, Winnabow) at 9:30 am.
NOV 18
Brunswick Newcomers Club Meeting
Join the Brunswick Newcomer’s Club for an exciting and informative presentationby Shane Fernando, CEO of Thalian Hall and former founding executive and artistic director of the Wilson Center. The Newcomers Club meets monthly (no meeting in Decmeber) at 9:30 am in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash Street, Southport
NOV 21
Pink Friday - Support Small Business First
Prioritize shopping local before the Black Friday madness, and plan on shopping local on Small Business Saturday, on Nov 29.
NOV 28
Tree Lighting — Sunset Beach
Enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate and festive music at the Town’s tree lighting. The event starts at 5 pm at Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. North. Donations of dog and cat food for Pawsability will be accepted.
NOV 28
Tree Lighting and Letters to Santa — Sunset Beach
This jolly celebration includes visiting with Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree and even some festive surprises. The event is 6-8 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
NOV 29
Holiday Market in the Park — Sunset Beach
Local artisans offer unique works for purchase at this special holiday market, 10 am to 2 pm at Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. North. Donations of dog and cat food for Pawsability will be accepted.
NOV 29
Ocean Isle Beach Christmas Flotilla
Boaters come out in a big way to celebrate the season and to raise money for Brunswick Family Assistance while they’re at it. Boats are transformed into all kinds of Christmas decor — one entry last year was a huge floating snow globe! The flotilla starts from Inlet View Marina at dusk-ish and turns at the bridge and turns at the canal.
DEC 1
Christmas Tree Lighting in Shallotte
It’s time to light the tree, and Santa Claus will be on site to lend a hand. Join the evening festivities at Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St.
DEC
2
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
“Runners and Raiders.” Consider exciting adventure, imminent peril, and boring quarantine…all for unbelievable profit. That is what blockade runners realized running in and out of the Cape Fear River during the Civil War. Popular local historian Jim McKee, site manager at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site, will focus his audience on a rare adventure into these ironclad vessels, and the critical Confederate roles they played within North Carolina, as well as fierce localized battles off the Carolina coast. The group meets
at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road. Doors open at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Annual memberships (for two) are just $25; the cost for visitors is $10.
DEC 2
Santa Paws — Oak Island
Take your furry friends to Middleton Park Complex, 4610 E. Dolphin Drive (at the amphitheater) from 4-8 pm for photos with Santa.
DEC 4
Christmas Tree Lighting — Holden Beach
More details to come, but plan on lighting the tree at the park, 125 Davis St.; entertainment starts at 5:30 pm.
DEC 5
Tree Lighting — Oak Island
This annual event includes train rides, craft stations, live entertainment, letters to Santa, a vendors market and a visit from Santa Claus. The program is 5-7 at the Middleton park Complex, 4610 Dolphin Drive.
DEC 5
Tree Lighting - Southport
Gather at 6 p.m. at the Whittler’s Bench (the foot of Howe Street and enjoy carols with the Trinity UMC Children’s Choir, hot cocoa and cookies, and the official lighting of the Christmas tree!
DEC 6
Breakfast with Santa — Oak Island
Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus before his big appearance in the parade later that day. Breakfast is 8-10 am at the Community Center, 102 SE 47th St.; preregistration is required and the cost is $10 for residents/$12 for non-residents.
DEC 6
Winterfest Tea — Southport
You and your favorite ladies, or gentlemen, can help support local community organizations with this elegant event at the Southport Community
Center, 223 E. Bay St. Tickets are $50; visit http://cityofsouthport.com/winterfest.
DEC
6
Christmas By The Sea Parade — Oak Island
Festive crowds line Oak Island Drive for this annual parade. The parade steps off at 2 pm at NE 46th Street and travels east, ending at McGlamery Street.
DEC 6
Christmas Craft Fair and Festival — Belville
Shop for all things Christmas at this festival, 10 am to 3 pm at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Rd SE. There will be a movie in the Park as well, starting at 7 pm.
DEC 6
Christmas Parade and Festival — Northwest
This festival has it all — a parade, music, shopping with local vendors, food trucks, and a chance to visit with Santa! Parade lineup starts at 9 am, and the festival starts at 10 am, 4440 Blue Banks Loop Road.
DEC 6
Holiday Market — Leland Shop for unique gifts and maybe treat yourself at this annual market, 10 am to 3 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
DEC 6
Grand Illumination — Leland
Leland’s Mayor will welcome everyone to the Town Hall complex (Town Hall Drive) and give Santa his cue to light up the park, officially bringing back Leland in Lights! After the park lights up, visitors can stop in Santa’s Workshop and visit with Santa, and the Leland Express kids train will be chugging around the park. The event is 6-8 pm.
DEC 6
Calabash Christmas
Small town family fun at its best — a parade with loads of entries, a tree
lighting, live music and caroling, an appearance from Santa Claus, and hot cocoa. There will also be a mailbox with direct service to the North Pole and a reindeer food station. The festivities start at 6 pm at Callahan’s, 9973 Beach Drive in Calabash.
DEC 6
Christmas Parade — Shallotte
Join neighbors and friends new and old for this annual parade on Main Street in SHallotte. The parade starts marching at 10 am.
DEC 6-7
Sea Notes Concert
Start your holiday celebrations early with the Sea Notes holiday concert, “We Wish You the Merriest.” The concert is at 3 pm at Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College (150 College Road NE, Bolivia). Tickets are free, but are usually snapped up quickly.
Tickets are available at the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach Road;
Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport; The Shoe Center in the Villages at Brunswick Forest, Leland;
Port City Java, Olde Waterford Way, Leland; Scott’s Farm and Family, Main Street, Shallotte and Lanvale Road, Leland.
DEC 7
Pet Pictures with Santa — Southport
From 2-4 pm, your furry family members can get their picture with Santa! The photo op is at Indian Trail Meeting Hall, 113 W. Moore St.
DEC 7
Holiday Market — Oak Island
The fields at Middleton Park Complex (4610 E. Dolphin Dr.) will be filled with vendors and lots of goodies to buy. The Market is noon to 4 pm, and keep an eye out for your favorite magazine publishers (us, of course!) who will have photos and crafts for sale.
DEC 8
Shop With a Cop Concert
This concert with the Back Porch Rockers helps support the Southport Police Department’s program to help provide gifts for families in need. The concert is 6-8 pm at Franklin Square Park on Howe Street; this year’s event also includes a contest for decorated golf carts..
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The Historic Amuzu Theatre
111 N. Howe St.
Dec 5-7 and 12-14 — Christmas at The Amuzu (tickets available at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport and Crossroads Gathering Place on Oak Island)
Odell WIlliamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College
150 College Road NE, Bolivia
Nov 1 — ABBA-Mania
Nov 15 — Sail On (Beach Boys tribute band)
Dec 6-7 — Sea Notes (at 3 pm)
Dec 13 — Barracuda, America’s Heart tribute
Visit https://bccowa.com/ for tickets.
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Nov 1 — Dvorak & Colberg from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Nov 8 — Il Divo
Nov 12 — The Life & Music of George Michael
Nov 14 — Musical comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Nov 20 — Manheim Steamroller
Nov 23 — Reggie Watts
Nov 25-26 — Rain: A Beatles Tribute
Dec 3 — Wilmington Choral Society presents Season of Celebration
Dec 6-7 — City Ballet performs “The Nutcracker”
Dec 11 — The North Carolina Symphony presents Holiday Pops
Dec 13-14 — “The Nutcracker,” performed by The Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts
Dec 16 — La Nueva Generación (mariachi)
Dec 18 — Michael Feinstein in Coming Home, The Holiday Celebration
Dec 20 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra plays the score along with “The Muppets Christmas Carol” movie
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Nov 2 — Jamie deRoy & Friends
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Greenfield lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
Nov 6 — The Revivalists
Nov 12 — The Elovaters
Nov 15 — Kicking Cancer County Style Benefit Concert featuring Cody Webb
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
Oct 3 — Gavin Adcock
Oct 12 — Lukas Nelson - The American Romance Tour with Stephen Wilson Jr.
Oct 22 — Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guest Little Feat
Oct 29 — John Legend
OPEN AIR MARKETS
Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market
Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville
Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is
available every day.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.!
Market on Mulberry
Shop for unique items from among local artisans, crafters and farmers, and enjoy live music too. The Market is Nov 15 and Dec 13, 1 am to 2 pm at the Riverwalk, 158 Mulberry St.
One Love Market
Sunset Beach (at the Pier)
The Market will hold its 5th annual “Empty Bowls-Senset Beach” Markets on Saturdays in November.
The market features more than 20 artisans and creators of jewelry, photography, home decor, fashion, skin care, candle makers and more, and can be found at 101 West Main St. at 27th St. Hours are 8:30 am to 12:3 pm. Rain dates each will week will be Sundays, with hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
ONGOING EVENTS
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island
The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Donations accepted Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am - noon.Visit https://folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.
Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.
CALENDAR
Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. the Southport Historical Society’s Tuesday Talk is Nov 4 with Old Baldy Foundation’s Jake Grossman presenting “Digging for the FutureDiscovering and Reconstructing Old Baldy’s Glasis Wall.” The program is at 10 am at the library. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.
Boiling Spring Lakes VFW Post 10400
3161 George II Hwy (N.C. 87)
Taco Tuesdays are 3-7 pm (or until sold out!); Trivia Nights are the second and fourth Fridays for teams of four with registration starting at 6 pm; and bingo is on the first and third Thursdays with door opening at 5 pm and games starting at 6 pm.
NC Maritime Museums - Southport
204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Historic Bike Tours in Southport
Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.
Oak Island Recreation Department
Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. Works in the 2025
Maritime Art Show will be on display through Nov. 15..
First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport
The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and the Intracoastal Realty Downtown Southport Office. Stroll along and browse in the shops to see what local artists have to offer.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island
Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.
Battleship North Carolina — near Leland
Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Brunswick Town/Fort
Anderson
State Historic Site
8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
.Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday) and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Sandbar lectures are every Tuesday at 6 pm. Snakes Alive is on Thursdays at 6 pm. The touch tank is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fri-
days, 11 am to noon..
.Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium. org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.
Leland Library
487 Village Road NE
Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation
Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and
more.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington
Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@southportmag.com before the 20th of each month!
Thank you!
Paddle for Presents with the Adventure Kayak Company on November 18
SPOTTINGS
Brunswick Community College (BCC) welcomed Justin W. Whiteside as a member of the BCC Board of Trustees during a ceremony held Thursday October 16. Whiteside was nominated by Representative Frank Iler and appointed by the North Carolina House of Representatives. The oath of office was administered by Rep. Iler, who is stepping down after 18 years of dedicated service as a Trustee. Assisting in the ceremony was Whiteside’s son, Walker, who proudly held the Bible as his father took the oath.
Whiteside, a native of Rutherford County, North Carolina, attended community college prior to his graduation in 2003 from Appalachian State University. Following graduation, he relocated to Brunswick County and began a career in public service with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, where he currently serves as Town Manager. In that role, Whiteside focuses on effective local governance, strategic community development, and fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of life for property owners and residents.
Whiteside resides in the Ocean Isle Beach area with his wife and two children.
From the North Brusnwick Chamber of Commerce:
The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Thom Kelly as our new Executive Director. Thom brings a wealth of experience, energy, and community spirit to this role, and we’re excited to see his leadership guide the Chamber into its next chapter of growth and service.
As we welcome Thom, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dana Fisher, who has faithfully served as Executive Director for the past 15 years. Under their dedicated leadership, the Chamber has grown stronger, fostered countless business connections, and supported our community through times of change and success alike.
Please join us in thanking Dana Fisher for their years of commitment and in welcoming Thom Kelly to the North Brunswick Chamber family!
Brunswick Community College participated in the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress (2025), the premier national gathering for community college leaders.
BCC representatives at the Leadership Congress included Board of Trustees
Chairman Alan Holden, President Gene Smith, Vice President Continuing Education Economic & Workforce Development Greg Bland, and Brunswick Interagency Program Director Chad Cumber. Their presentation shared how BCC is leading by example in providing support and creating learning environments that transform lives and strengthen communities.
