Leland Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media.
The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.
Annual Subscription: $45
email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
Locals’ Summer
Ialmosthate to say it, but it seems like the hottest of the Dog Days of Summer are behind us. Not sure why they’re the Dog Days — our dog is not a fan. The News Hound much prefers these cooler temperatures when he can take a stroll and enjoy the ocean breezes. I have to agree with him. I love the summer, but as things cool down, both in temperature and the general tempo of life in our little vacation destination community, I find myself with a little more bounce in my step. And while things may seem a little less rushed without the new waves of visitors coming each week, this time of year is when we locals get out and enjoy all the things that bring tourists to town, and a few they miss by not being here in the fall. It’s the season for festivals, a full slate of weekend programs at Brunswick Town, car shows, and concerts. It’s what we like to call Locals’ Summer. The water is still plenty warm and the beaches are less crowded. The stores have shorter lines, and the restaurants less of a wait for tables. We hope you enjoy this time as much as we do, and that you use it to get out and enjoy our community and all it has to offer. Go see a concert. Take a look at in that new shop you’ve seen the tourists popping in and out of all summer. Try out a new restaurant. Live life to the Locals’ Summer fullest! — Jeffrey
Outdoor Kitchen Fun
What The Grill Helps Create Family Spaces
STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS BY TONY SWEGLE
American Chef Daniel Boulud, noted for the contemporary appeal he adds to traditional French cuisine, once said, “Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important – fun, food, and life.” Jeff and Lisa Jones, the owners of “What the Grill,” located at 1026 Appleton Way NE in Leland (just off Village Road, in the same strip mall as Z’s Barbershop), share this sentiment. When you walk into what they proudly call “The Ultimate Grilling Destination,” you’ll discover everything you could need for outdoor grilling. They offer a wide selection of gas grills and smokers, along with a variety of seasonings, rubs, and numerous accessories.
They go above and beyond by creating custom outdoor kitchens for your backyards, patios, or poolside areas, and they are truly beautiful. “Outdoor kitchen grilling has become increasingly popular, especially since Covid,” Jeff said. “People are spending more time at home, opting for ‘stay-cations’ and maximizing their home experience. Leland is a rapidly growing area, largely due to an influx of retirees. They are investing not only in enhancing their retirement quality but also in increasing the value of their homes.”
The process is straightforward — visit the Design Center at What the Grill and discuss your needs with Jeff and Lisa. Are you looking for just a large grill with ample counter space, or do you want cabinets, a refrigerator, and a built-in
smoker? Would you like to incorporate an outdoor pizza oven? Do you prefer HD deck composite, aluminum, stainless steel or HDPE? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in the right place. There are as many options for building your outdoor kitchen as there are for designing an indoor kitchen.
Your dream outdoor kitchen comes alive on the big screen in front of you, reflecting your choices in size, shape, and features. And then you work on the countertops and finishings, selecting from a variety of tiles in rich colors. Materials can be stainless steel or aluminum-based custom custom-designed, or from “ProFit,” which is a pre-fab package, or HDPE, which Jeff and Lisa explained stands for “High Density Polyethylene,” and is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is known for its strength, high impact resistance and ease of maintenance.
quartz, and Dekton, which are manufactured to withstand changing weather conditions and high temperatures. After Jeff gets an idea of what you want to create, he comes out and does a site visit, viewing the area to ensure your design is a good fit for the space. Depending on whether you are right-handed or left-handed, there is a way to design the space efficiently to avoid crossing your hands over the grill when you are cooking. They do not subcontract; Jeff is the builder. He said, “I’ve been in this business for over 30 years, so I know what to look for and what suggestions to give to homeowners to truly maximize their kitchens.”
“We live here in Leland. We don’t want to be just another vendor in the area, we want to be an active part of the community,” Jeff said. “We’ve been sponsors at a Veterans Day breakfast, Healing Place golf tournament, Paw’s Place fundraiser, the Shriners Auction, and a VFW golf tournament. We are trying to give back to a community that has been very accepting of us and very helpful. The small business community in Leland is a great network of people who help each other, share experiences, learn from each other, and are committed to making Leland a great place to live.”
Lisa added, “We were lucky to get this space; it was originally rented to another organization, but the changes they wanted to make to the space couldn’t be accommodated, so we toured it and loved it. It only took 30 days from signing the lease to moving in and opening the business.”
You can’t be in What the Grill without noticing the vast amount of seasoning, rubs, and sauces they have to make your grilled food choices even better. Lisa said, “We have a try-before-you-buy policy and over 130 items in stock. Come in and sit at our rub and sauces tasting bar and try some of our products. We are your basic, anything outdoor fire-related kind of business. We have fire pits with specialized glass colors and all kinds of things to enhance your backyard and make it a place to enjoy with your family.”
Jeff and Lisa collaborate with several design companies to create the look and feel you want for your project. They also work with local businesses in the area to select countertops made of marble,
Although you are “building” a kitchen, often there are no permits required unless you need to extend a gas or electrical line, so a basic design could be completed in 4 to 6 weeks, while more complicated styles with multiple accessories and materials could take 8-12 weeks. But you are the designer, so you are in control. Jeff and Lisa are your consultants.
Originally from New Jersey, Jeff and Lisa have been in this area for about six years and couldn’t think of a better place to open their business.
Proudly displayed in the office area was a plaque designating What the Grill as the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year award for 2025. The criteria, in part, are that the business owners must demonstrate ethical leadership and corporate stewardship and impact in the community
Biz Feature
through the use of personal or financial contributions. They also have to demonstrate outstanding customer service, innovativeness of products or services offered, and creativity and imagination. When I was growing up, the place to be during holidays was in my grandmother’s kitchen. There were pots and pans on the stove and things in the oven. The smells that came out of that kitchen were bold and yet comforting. The anticipation of the pending meal was almost unbearable. My grandmother, her face red from the heat of the room, would come out to the living room occasionally, fanning her apron and sitting down for just a minute to catch her breath and get away from the heat, before disappearing back into the fire and steam to make the final touches on meals I can still remember. She was never a part of the living room conversations, and I think she missed out because she was the star of the kitchen.
Sitting in What the Grill, I thought of my grandmother. There weren’t any backyard kitchens back then; if you were “the cook,” you were isolat-
ed from the fun and memory-making. I like the idea of being able to prepare a great meal for my family and being present for the fun and activities that an outdoor kitchen allows. I like the idea of looking out and seeing something that I designed that has purpose and makes my life easier. But mostly, I like the idea that one day my grandchildren would remember the fun times we had on our patio and that Grandma was right there, having fun with them.
To see examples of their work, go to the What the Grill website at www.whatthegrill.com. Or call 910-399-1262 for information.
Better yet, drop by on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 am to 3 pm to help Jeff and Lisa celebrate their one year Grillaversary! They are celebrating all things grilling by having a storewide sale with discounts on select grills and live grilling demos. Don’t miss the party!
What the Grill store hours are:
Monday by Appointment
Tuesday - Friday, 10 am to 5 pm Saturday - 10 am to 3 pm
Community Involoving Fathers
Father Friendly Schools Helps Bring Dads To Class
STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
After his career as a professional firefighter, Kieth Schumacher has a new mission: to help fathers find ways to become involved at their children’s schools, and to help schools find ways to encourage that assistance from fathers and father figures. As Executive Director of Father Friendly Schools, Schumacher has programs up and running in nearly every school in Brunswick County to welcome students’ dads into the classroom.
“Father Friendly school programs are intended to allow the school community to get past stereotypes about the role of family members in the school community,” Schumacher explained. “It is generally moms or grandmothers who carry the burden of supporting the school through school volunteering and educational support. Dads want to be engaged, but often don’t know how. Father friendly schools specifically invite them and give them programming that they can identify with and call their own. They are recognized for who they are and the important role that they play in the community.”
The programs are designed to in-
clude male role models of all types, not just biological fathers. “These role models include fathers, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, neighbors, coaches, teachers, clergy, etc. Students who may not have a ‘dad’ are encouraged to participate in father engagement programming with an adult role model whom they are free to invite,” he said.
“One thing I do want to be clear on is that we use the term dad very loosely,” Schumacher said. “We just want people to understand that these programs are for every child in the school regardless of what their family structure is. Because we do get a lot of pushback because of using the word ‘Dad.’”
The program in elementary schools is called Watch D.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) and is active in all 11 Brunswick County elementary schools.
“And the idea is, hopefully, to have at least one or two volunteers at school every school day.”
The number of volunteer days and the choice of dates depends on the participant’s schedule, but Schumaker said that the student’s birthday is a really popular choice.
“But the idea is to not interfere with their work schedule. They get to choose the day. And then they come in and volunteer that full day at the school,” he said.
unteer, but they don’t give them anything. They don’t give them any specific direction. And then they wonder why they don’t come back because they feel like they showed up and lost their time, you know. But when they give them assignments to do throughout the day and utilize them, they feel useful. You know, I always say the schools that work the guys the hardest are the ones that are the most successful.”
In middle and high schools, the program is called All Pro Dad and centers around a monthly breakfast event.
“They provide a pretty structured curriculum, and the best part of the whole thing is when the adult that comes with a student, the event opens up with that adult standing up, not introducing himself, but introducing a child and saying, ‘I’m proud of so and so’ because of some, you know, something. And each dad gets a chance to kind of affirm the child out loud in front of the group. And that’s really impactful because as guys, we’re just not wired to do that. And it sometimes gets emotional, because the guys realize that they, you know, the impact that they have by just saying that,” Schumacher said.
“So the idea behind that is the schools have two events, and at those two events, they ask the dads to choose one day out of the whole school year to volunteer,” Schumacher said.
Dads could be doing anything from working right in the classrooms reading or doing flashcards, to helping out with arrival and dismissal, to PE or lunch duty. The key is that the volunteers have specific jobs they know about in advance. They aren’t just showing up and trying to find ways to help. They have an assignment.
“Because guys aren’t going to walk in and say, ‘oh, what can I do?’” Schumacher said. “You know, it’s got to be it’s got to be structured. And that’s where a lot of schools kind of miss the mark by saying, you, hey, we want you to vol-
Each month the breakfast focuses on one of nine curriculum sets. One month it could be Courage and another Integrity.
“They prompt the one-on-one conversation between the dad and the kid, but it’s within the walls of the school
Dads lined up to sign up for volunteer shifts
Male role models from the community are welcome to be Watch DOGS
Community
building, so it ties the kids’s life in the school together with what’s going on in the family,” Schumacher said.
For both programs, Schumacher said that consistency is important.
“Because what happens when you have a school that will say, ‘Hey, we’ve got a dad’s school, we had Donuts for Dads,’ which is great. It’s a first step. But what they don’t realize is if that’s the only thing that they offer for dads, they create the illusion that that’s the only day dads are welcome,” he explained. “So we want to be able to create consistency across the whole school year. And that’s where what we do is a little bit different.”
Schumacher said the response to Father Friendly Schools from the dads is overwhelmingly positive.
“Most of the time, the guys will say, especially when their school first starts up, you know, they’ll say, well, I never had an opportunity to do anything with my kid before,” Schumacher said. “And it’s not that the schools have the
men locked out or anything, it’s just that our American culture sees school as mom’s world. When you think PTA, you think mom. When you think school volunteers, you think mom, and that’s that’s just our American culture.”
He said that when the schools use one of these programs and make that consistency wide open, we see guys who are very thankful. They say they just didn’t know how to get involved, where to step in, and this gives them something that they can have owner-
ship in.
“They don’t have to show up and defend why they want to be engaged with the school,” Schumacher said. “And we just need to kind of defeat the concept that, you know, a man wanting to be engaged to the school and supporting his children is a bad thing. It’s just that they default to the assumption that dads are too busy and that dads don’t care about education. And what we’ve seen time and time again is that the guys do care. It’s just they don’t have the specific invitation.”
“What we’ve seen just here in Brunswick County is blowing people away,” he said. Schumacher uses a sign up event at Southport elementary as an example, where 200 men showed up.
As this school year swings into gear, Father Friendly Schools is hosting events all over the county. We’ve provided a list of everything scheduled as of press time, but if you would like to participate at your child’s school, and don’t see an event scheduled, feel free
to contact Kieth Schumacher at info@ fatherfriendlyschools.org.
Upcoming Events
September 8 - NBHS All Pro Dad Launch 6:30 pm
September 12 - FRIDAY NIGHT DADSNBHS vs ST. PAUL 6 pm Belville Elementary Leland Middle
Lincoln Elementary
Town Creek Elementary Town Creek Middle
September 17 - Dads & Kids Pizza Night -Jessie Mae Monroe 6 pm
September 18 - Dads & Kids Pizza Night - Virginia Williamson 6 pm
September 19 - WBHS All Pro Dad Launch 7 am
September 26 - All Pro Dad LaunchShallotte Middle 6:30 am
This fall you have the opportunity to join The Adventure Kayak Company for a series of birding and nature walks exploring the Green Swamp Preserve located off Hwy 211 in Supply.
The Green Swamp is famous for its carnivorous plants, orchids, wildflowers and birding opportunities. Within the Preserve are some of the country’s finest examples of Longleaf Pine savannas.
These walks are open to all levels of nature enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars, camera, notepad, pen and join the fun!
Guided Birding and Nature Walk tour fee is $40 per person. Pre registration is required.
Guided Green Swamp Nature and Birding Walks:
Sat., Sept. 13, 7:30 am
Mon., Sept. 29, 7:30 am
Sat., Oct. 11, 8:30 am
Tues., Oct. 21, 8:30 am
Thurs., Oct. 31, 8:30 am
Thurs., Nov. 6, 8:30 am
Tues., Nov. 18, 8:30 am
(additional dates will be added by request)
Call The Adventure Kayak Company for more kayak tour information and for reservations at 910-454-0607.
Community Safe Plates Classes
Food Safety Certifcations In September
CONTRIBUTED
NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County is offering the Safe Plates course to promote food safety at the food service level. Food safety is the safeguarding or protection of food from anything that could harm consumers’ health. This comprehensive course is appropriate for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, and other food-handling establishments.
NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County is offering the Safe Plates course to promote food safety at the food service level. Food safety is the safeguarding or protection of food from anything that could harm consumers’ health. This comprehensive course is appropriate for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, and other food-handling estab-
lishments.
The Safe Plate class will be Sept. 22 and 29. These classes will meet at the NC Cooperative Extension Training Center at the Government Center in Bolivia from 9 am until 4 pm on each day. This two-day training is recommended for those who are new to food service or have not taken a certification exam before. It is recommended, but not required, that participants attend
both days.
The registration fee is $125 per person. This includes all instruction, materials and the exam. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages. The certification exam will be given on the second day.
Safe Plates is a food safety certification course developed by North Carolina State University. Safe Plates for Food Managers is different from other food safety manager training because it is taught through case studies, storytelling, activities and discussion.This class is interactive and encourages participants to engage with the material. Food service managers successfully completing the exam will meet the 2022 FDA Food Code requirement for an ANSI (American National Standards Institution) approved Certified Food Protection Manager. Managers will receive a certificate to display in their operation which will verify to the local Environmental Health Department that they are in compliance. A certified person in charge (PIC) should be present at all times the establishment is in operation.
Instructors for the class will be Cheryle Jones Syracuse and Avery Ashley, Family
and Consumer Science team members with NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County. Staff members from the Brunswick County Environmental Health will also be on-hand to answer questions.
The class will be taught in English and the ook and handout materials are available in English only. The Food Safety Manager Certification test is available in English, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Spanish.
For more information or to register contact Avery Ashley at Brunswick County Center of the N. C. Cooperative Extension 910-253-2610. Pre-registration is required. Additional details at https://brunswick.ces. ncsu.edu/ Seating is limited to the first 30 registered.
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.
Keeping Fit
Don’t Rush Success
Playing the Long Game Leads to Wins
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
Irecently shared on social media a series of five photos spanning the past 15 years. Not to showcase how much progress I have made in that time, but to show the sheer length of time it takes for that much progress to be made.
And that’s if we have done the work to put ourselves in position to make progress. The path to transforming our health and wellness, and our life, truly is a journey, and it takes as long as it takes because anything worth doing takes time.
Not a moment more. Not a moment less.
Anything worth doing is worth getting uncomfortable, becoming frustrated, thinking about quitting, and knowing there are no guarantees no matter how hard you work.
Embrace every step along the way, because every step either moves you that much closer to reaching your goals, or sends you veering off the path to success, depending on each decision you make.
So, why are so many people trying to fast forward through the process?
I see it so often — restricting calorie intake to a potentially dangerous level, training way too hard too early and too often, using non-traditional methods to lose weight, such as injections and procedures, without learning how to live a healthy lifestyle that will carry them through the rest of their lives.
(Don’t even get me started on the last one!)
Simply, I see the need to be impatient to see the journey through from start to finish. I understand that. I lived that for two decades.
I stopped and started, stopped and started, stopped and started again because I wasn’t in it for the long haul. I tried to accomplish everything I wanted to do all at once – all the weight loss, all the muscle gain, all the energy. Even all the mental and emotional health that goes along with it, if the health and wellness program is truly rock solid.
I lost tons of weight, likely hundreds of pounds, during my early adult years – only to gain them all back and more, as soon as I burned myself out from
tackling a program that was simply too much for me to handle at that stage of my journey.
Those failed attempts due to my impatience are the only regrets I have on this ongoing journey to transforming my life. It takes time to regain the quality of life you want on the road to living a long and healthy life. But it’s worth every second.
True quality health and wellness is a lifetime commitment, with much of that time spent quietly behind the scenes being consistent and intentional while knowing we’re not guaranteed anything.
We do the work as best we can each day without any visible results for a long time. But we remain committed to the process, to the journey we’ve chosen to make.
And since it’s the long game, we feel all those aforementioned feelings – being uncomfortable, frustration, thoughts of quitting, and yes even impatience.
No matter what route you take, no matter what traditional or non-traditional method of health and wellness you choose to follow, these are all part of the long game. We still have to play that game if we want to win. If you continue doing the work the right
way, frustration will eventually become elation. That’s what happens when you win.
Which, the more I think about it, is how the Fernandes Fit Way was born, and why I wholeheartedly believe #FitnessIsOurBusiness is more than a hashtag or mantra.
It’s a way of life — because our life depends on it.
Fitness is the only job we can’t retire from, because the only way to benefit from it is to keep doing it every day until our time here on earth is complete. Yet so many of us try to race through it in hopes of getting to the finish line –their goals – faster.
That’s a road to nowhere that simply puts further behind in our quest to accomplish our goals. So set those goals. Believe you can achieve them. Make them happen.
But remember, success in anything we do in life doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes patience. And consistency, discipline, and determination.
And if you need help laying out the best plan of action along the way, 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.
Fall Fishing in Brunswick County: The Season Ahead
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
As summer winds down and the first hints of fall arrive, anglers across Brunswick County are gearing up for what many consider the best two months of fishing all year. With yellow butterflies drifting through the air and cooling temperatures settling in, conditions are ideal for both inshore and offshore fishing. From the backwaters to the Gulf Stream, fishermen are taking full advantage of the season’s favorable weather, calm ocean conditions, and exceptional opportunities on the water.
Backwater Fishing
Flounder fishing has been outstanding, with the open season running from Sept. 1 through Sept. 14. The flounder population in our area is healthier than ever — raising the question of why strict seasons are necessary at all. It’s critical that we continue advocating with legislators and fisheries officials to ensure fair regulations. Historically, once restrictions or seasonal closures are put in place for any species, they have never been fully reopened. Keep the pressure on!
Flounder can be found from rivers and creeks to nearshore reefs. Finger mullet are abundant right now, and fishing them on a Carolina rig is a sure way to find success.
Red drum fishing has also been excellent throughout the season, and as waters cool, these fish will begin schooling and feeding
more aggressively. Productive spots include riverbanks with rocks or structure that disrupt current flow, as well as oyster beds. Floating a live shrimp under a popping cork around oyster beds is a tried-and-true method for plenty of action.
Speckled trout fishing is expected to strengthen throughout the month. Anglers should focus on fast current areas in the river, structure-rich locations, and feeder creeks with moving water. Live shrimp or artificial shrimp, whether free-lined or fished under a popping cork, will draw consistent strikes.
Nearshore Fishing
This is arguably the most exciting time of year for nearshore anglers, with multiple opportunities to target active species. Large
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
schools of Spanish mackerel can be found along the beaches, feeding on mullet and glass minnows. Early mornings are ideal for casting jigs into the schools, though trolling spoons behind a #1 or #2 planer is often the most effective approach. Look for white birds working the water — they’ll point the way to the Spanish.
The arrival of yellow butterflies also signals the presence of king mackerel. With baitfish especially plentiful this season, a strong beach bite is expected. The most effective technique is slow-trolling live pogies on king rigs around bait balls, near inlets on a falling tide, or at nearshore artificial reefs.
The annual bull red drum migration provides anglers with both excitement and challenge. These powerful fish can be caught on live pogies fished with a knocker rig and circle hooks. Because these mature fish are vital to sustaining the red drum population, it’s essential to handle them responsibly. Use heavier tackle to prevent overexertion, support their bellies when lifting them, and release them promptly.
Offshore Fishing
Offshore anglers look forward to this time of year for good reason — Gulf Stream fishing can be nothing short of spectacular. Large numbers of wahoo move into our waters during the fall, feeding aggressively, especially in the five days leading up to the full moon. High-speed trolling is particularly effective this time of year, as wahoo often move into shallower waters with dense concentrations of bonitas and barracuda. Since wahoo can strike at high speed, this approach helps eliminate unwanted bites from other species.
Blackfin tuna are also abundant, providing plenty of opportunities for action. In recent years, the fall sailfish bite has grown significantly, with many boats reporting multiple catches per day. Running dredges and teasers can be especially effective in enticing these acrobatic fish.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in our area during the fall season is simply too good to miss. Whether you’re casting in the backwaters, trolling nearshore, or chasing the Gulf Stream bite, the next two months promise unforgettable experiences on the water.
See you out there!
Art Beat
Pottery For Good Empty Bowls--Nourishing Hearts with Art
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARLA EDSTROM
Join us in celebrating community, creativity, and compassion at the 2025 Empty Bowls event, Oct. 14, from 11 am to 2 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 East Nash St., Southport. Empty Bowls brings together local businesses, artisans, and community members to fight hunger and support the arts, all with a bowl of soup and a handmade treasure in hand.
With each ticket purchase, you’ll receive:
* One handcrafted bowl lovingly created and donated by local potters and artists.
* A delicious bowl of soup, crafted by local restaurants and community groups.
* The knowledge that your support is helping to nourish our neighbors and inspire the arts.
For the past 30 years, The Associated Artists of Southport has been hosting Empty Bowls fundraisers in our community. The Empty Bowls program is a global movement that began in 1990, initiated by Michigan art teachers John Hartom and Lisa Blackburn to
combat hunger. In this program, potters create handmade bowls, which are used for a fundraising luncheon. Attendees pay for their meal and can choose and take home their own handcrafted bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls in their community. All proceeds from the event benefit local food banks and charities. What started as an initial event has evolved into an international effort that involves artists, students, restaurants, and community organizations around the world.
“I have been involved with Empty Bowls since the early 2000s in the Triad area,” said Charleea Yarbrough, AAS Empty Bowls chairperson and
local potter. “When moving to South port, I became a member of Franklin Square Gallery and volunteered for the event in 2017. This year, driven by my passion to fight food insecurity, I chaired the event. Marybeth Johnson and I, along with our entire gallery, have dedicated a year to this cause. We host this event every four years, with the fundraiser in 2021 reduced to selling bowls only due to COVID-19,” she said. “During our 2017 event, we sold 817 bowls with all proceeds benefiting local food banks, Mathews Ministries, OISPT Food bank, and Brunswick Family Assistance. Our goal is to sell 1200 bowls for this event.”
“Initially, the event was held at Southport Gym Community Building behind the gallery, but it was moved to Trinity United Methodist Church in 2013. Artists from all of Brunswick County have created bowls, painters have additionally painted bowls at “paint parties” that included AAS
members, and individual artists in our area have also donated their talent,” she said. “Empty Bowls is truly a com-
munity effort to fight food insecurity, one bowl at a time.”
According to Charleea, this year there are many more raffles and silent auction items, including a $1,000 gift certificate to a spa treatment, boat tours, golf rounds, original artwork, gift certificates, baskets, and more. Many superb restaurants in our area are donating soup meals for the event, including Mr. P’s Bistro, Salt 64, Southern-A Gathering Place, Oliver’s, Frying Pan, Blue Cow Grille, Royal James Rummery, Dry Street Pizza, Carolina Coastal Cafe, Purple Onion Catering, Falcones Pizzeria, Lazy Turtle, Oak Island Sub Shop, Shagger Jacks, Duffers, Tranquil Harbour, Rusty Hooks, Joseph’s Italian Bistro, Swains Restaurant and Cut, The Clubs at St James, Bella Cucina, Cafe Koa, Los Primos, Bald Head Coffee, and Port City Java. This year, local personalities will also be volunteering to serve the soup.
To Purchase Tickets
www.franklinsquaregallery.com
Tickets can also be purchased in person at Franklin Square Gallery and Ricky Evans in Southport.
All proceeds benefit Mathews Ministry, Oak Island Southport Food Band, and Brunswick Family Assistance.
Gen. Lee Returns
Brunswick Civil War Roundtable
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Confederate
General Robert E. Lee is alive and well as the Brunswick Civil War Round Table anticipates his appearance at the first meeting of the new season on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day. Actually, General Lee will be portrayed by Civil War re-enactor Thomas Jessee, a respected and celebrated “Living” Historian, dressed in his Confederate uniform, of course!
Gen. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, remains one of the most compelling and controversial figures in American history. What we remember most about him is a complex combination of his renowned military genius, his symbolic role in the “Lost Cause” of the Confederacy, and the ongoing, often heated, re-evaluation of his legacy focusing on his role as a slaveholder, and his fight to preserve
human suppression, better known as slavery.
It is simply impossible to briefly summarize his incredible three-year military career, from assuming command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June, 1862 to his surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865. But equally important, what about his early life which has been largely ignored by many historians? Or, if time his permits, what about his life after the war? As best expressed by Thomas Jessee, “I’ll be there so you can meet me, talk to me, and ask me questions. I look like General Lee. So when you go away, you’ll remember the experience, which also
means you’ll remember this part of history.”
Jessee is a longtime student of Gen. Lee. He has portrayed him in various venues throughout the United States over the years. As a Living Historian, he is well known for his in-depth research to capture Lee’s character and demeanor. In 2015, he was approved by the National Park Service to portray General Lee at the 150th Anniversary of the Appomattox Surrender in Virginia, and he appears in the new Appomattox Visitors Center film shown to the public daily. He recently appeared in the role of Gen. Lee on April 2022 at the park. He also has been a re-enactor since 1969 at the age of 18, starting out as a Private, and through the years worked his way up the ranks to General.
Save the date. The new season of monthly meetings begins on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day. Meetings are held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registrations begin at 6:15 pm and programs start 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 welcome. By the way, about one-third of our audiences are female!
For more information about the meeting or the Round Table, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable@gmail. com, call him directly at 404-2299425, or visit Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for background and current information, news, and updates.
History Letters and Journals
September Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
On Thursday, Sept. 11, Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table welcomes back Dr. Robert W. Browning Jr., Ph.D. to talk about his latest book “I Am Fighting for the Union: The Civil War Letters of Naval Officer Henry Willis Wells.” Dr. Browning, retired chief historian of the U.S. Coast Guard, is the acknowledged expert of the Civil War blockade and his subject presents one of the most moving and insightful accounts of life on the blockade. All are welcome to the event at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Wilmington, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Dr. Browning is now retired and resides in Roxboro, NC. He graduated from UNCW in 1977, earned his MA from ECU in 1980 and his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 1988. He was an historian for the Coast Guard from 1989 through 1991 and chief historian from 1991 to 2015. He received the Commodore Dudley W. Knox Naval History Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naval History Foundation in 2021.
In 1993 Dr. Browning published “From Cape Charles to the Cape Fear,” which chronicles the establish-
ment of the essential blockade from the entrance to Chesapeake Bay south to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. It was crucial to control this stretch of the coast and the inland waters of Chesapeake Bay, James River and the North Carolina sound country.
In 2002, he added “Success is All That Was Expected,” a history of the South Atlantic squadron that sailed the coast from the Cape Fear to Florida. This story covers the harrowing engagements between ships and forts, daring amphibious assaults, and the evolution of submarine warfare in the form of the CSS Hunley. In “Lincoln’s Trident,” he continued his magisterial series to chronicle the squadron that operated in the Gulf of Mexico.
Knowing the Navy’s role in isolating the Confederate economy and preventing the movement of troops and supplies within the South is crucial to fully understanding the outcomes of the Civil War, as well as the importance of naval power in military conflicts
“I Am Fighting for the Union: The Civil War Letters of Naval Officer Henry Willis Wells,” edited and introduced by Dr. Browning is available from the publisher, the University of Alabama Press. The book is 368 pages, with 10 black and white illustrations and four maps. It was published in April 2023.
An insightful, detailed, and invaluable account of daily life in the Union Navy, it is also a dramatic human story. Henry Willis Wells was born on July 4, 1841, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Wells began his sailing career at the age of fifteen, circling Cape Horn in the clipper ship Ocean Telegraph. During the Civil War, he sailed with the United States Navy from 1861 to 1864, serving on multiple ships including the Cambridge (armed steamer), the Ceres (armed steamer), and the Gem of the Sea (bark).
On May 18, 1862, Henry Willis Wells wrote a letter to his mother telling her in clear terms, “I am fighting for the Union” since August 1861, when he joined the US Navy as a master’s mate, a junior officer’s rank that carried important responsibilities. He never wavered in his loyalty. He wrote to his family frequently that he considered military service a necessary and patriotic duty, and the career that ensued was a dramatic one, astutely and articulately documented by Wells in more than 200 letters home, leaving an invaluable account of daily life in the Union Navy.
Wells joined the navy shortly after the war began, initially on board the
USS Cambridge, attached to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which patrolled the waters of the Chesapeake Bay down to Cape Fear. He witnessed the Battle of Hampton Roads and the fight between the ironclads CSS Virginia (the former USS Merrimack) and the USS Monitor. Of special interest to locals, the Cambridge next participated in the blockade of Wilmington. In one instance, the warship chased the schooner J. W. Pindar ashore during her attempt to run the blockade, and Confederate forces captured Henry’s boarding party. After a short prison stay in the infamous Libby Prison in Richmond, his Confederate captors paroled Henry. He travelled back to Brookline, and soon thereafter the Navy Department assigned him to the gunboat Ceres, which operated on the sounds and rivers of North Carolina, protecting army positions ashore. Henry was on board during the Confederate attempt to capture Washington, North Carolina. During this April 1863 attack, Henry was instrumental in the town’s defense, commanding a naval battery ashore during the latter part of the fight.
His exceptional service gained him a transfer to a larger warship, the USS Montgomery, again on the blockade of Wilmington. Later the service assigned him to the Gem of the Sea, part of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Through his hard work and professionalism, he finally earned his first command. In September 1864, he became the commanding officer of the Rosalie, a sloop used as a tender to the local warships. Later he commanded the schooner Annie, also a tender. At the end of December 1864, however, the Annie suffered a massive explosion, killing all hands, including Wells. He was 23 years old when his life and career ended tragically. Wells’s letters document both his considerable achievements and his frustrations. His challenges, triumphs, and disappointments are rendered with candor. “I Am Fighting for the Union” is a vital and deeply personal account of a momentous chapter in the history of the Civil
War and its navies.
The papers of Henry Willis Wells (1841-1864) span the years 1851 to 2012, with the bulk of the material dating from 1851 to 1865. The collection documents Wells’s young adulthood as a sailor traveling from his home in Massachusetts to various American and international ports, as well as Wells’s service aboard Union naval vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and Florida Keys during the United States Civil War. The bulk of the collection consists of Wells’s correspondence to his mother, Elizabeth Sewall Willis Wells. Additional correspondents include his father, Thomas Goodwin Wells; two of his sisters, Eliza May Wells Greeley and Louisa Wells Wendte; and his brother, Benjamin Wells. There are also some letters to his cousin, Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women. Wells’s nephew and namesake, Henry Willis Wells (18951978), transcribed many of his uncle’s Civil War letters, and these transcriptions, in manuscript form with errors, are contained in the collection now housed at the Library of Congress.
The collection also includes various journals kept by Wells, a copy of the order book of the steamer
Cambridge (copied by Wells), various certificates and appointment letters, and a photograph of Wells set into a fragment of porcelain.
Make plans to come and learn about the Civil War blockade. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening, Sept. 11, beginning at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. Bring a friend! For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table, go to http://www.cfcwrt.org and pick “Join/Rejoin.” See you there!
USS Cambridge, Library of Congress
Chamber News Annual Car Show
Leland Under The Lights, September 20
Calling all car enthusiasts, vendors, and sponsors! Applications are now open for the 21st Annual Leland Under the Lights Car Show, benefiting North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce programs and Education/Scholarship Funds. Enjoy an evening of classic and custom cars, trophies, food, vendors, entertainment, and more. This free to attend event goes on rain or shine on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 3–8 pm in the Emerge Ortho/Wilmington Eye parking lots in Brunswick Forest.
Sponsorships:
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Chamber and the NBCC Education and Scholarship Funds. These funds provide scholarships and other financial aid for North Brunswick High School students to help them continue their education.
A goodie bag, dash plaque and t-shirt, printed especially for this event, will be given to the pre-registered participants. To help defer expenses, the Chamber is offering the following opportunities for sponsorship:
T-Shirt Sponsorship $1,700 – Your company name, logo is printed on the shirt, logo on event page of Chamber website and your company name in all media releases.
Dash Plaque Sponsorship $500 –Your company name is printed on the dash plaques given to the participants, and logo on event page of Chamber website.
Club Participation Award Sponsorship $250 – cash award and trophy –Your company name will appear on the Club Participation Award Trophy and listing on event page of Chamber website.
Top 25 Trophies-$350 - Your company name will appear on all 25 trophies presented to the winning cars.
Trophy Sponsorship $100 each – Your company name will appear on a trophy presented to a winning car.
Your name or company name on the back of the T-Shirts - $75, Single line$125
Please support our local students and the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and promote your business at the same time by taking advantage of one or more of these unique opportunities.
Cars:
Get Your Registration in Early! First 100 Pre-Registered Cars Receive:
Dash Plaques
T-Shirt
Goody Bag
The event features paved parking and is open to all vehicles. Clubs wishing to park together must pre-register and arrive together.
Trophies
Best In Show • Best Paint • Best Interior • Best Motor • Powder Puff • Kids Choice Award * Best Ford, Chevy, Mopar, GM, Import • Top 25 • Best in Class (Class 1:1985 & Older and Class 2:1986 & Newer) • Most Unique • Best Truck Best • Unrestored *Club Participation Award
Vendors:
Exhibitor spaces will be assigned and
marked by 1:30 pm on Saturday, Sept. 20. Exhibits must be set up and vehicles removed by 2 pm.
Vendors must exhibit until close of the show. Spaces will be approximately 10’x10’. Vendors must provide all displays, tables, tents, chairs, etc. An accepted application is a commitment to show. No refunds will be made for a cancellation by a vendor or due to inclement weather. Promoters reserve the right to accept or reject any application.
Vendor requirements: Exhibit space fee payable to North
Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
Fees for one day exhibitor space: Member: $75 Non-Member: $100
Completed application form
Mail vendor application to: NBCC, PO Box 100, Leland, NC 28451
For further information please contact the Chamber office at 910-3830553 or email: northbrunswickchamber@gmail.com
Make checks payable to North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
Complete the online form and fax to 910-383-1992. Pay by PayPal or Credit Card: www.northbrunswickchamber. com
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.
September
SEPT 3
and Wednesdays through September (weather permitting) One Love Market
9887 Oak Street, Calabash
Markets are held from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, weather permitting, featuring music, crafts, artwork, jewelry, fruits, flowers, local flowers and photography. This market is a non-profit, benefitting local rescue and aid agencies for humans and all kinds of animals. Find the market at 9887 Oak St., Calabash.
SEPT 6
277th Anniversary of the Spanish Attack at Brunswick Town
Take a guided tour and learn about the recent discovery of the La Fortuna and the events surrounding the ships fate! Tours will be offered at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm; tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the site before the tour. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site is at 8884 Saint Philips Road SE, Winnabow (off NC 133).
SEPT 6
Up Your Arts - Cool & Fancy Gala
Entertainment will feature Wilmington’s 8-piece dance party band, Uptown Easy. Dinner and dessert will be catered by Live Oak on Howe, enjoyed along with a variety of beer and wines served throughout the evening. A bourbon bar with signature UYA collector glasses will also be available, and the evening also includes many raffles. Tickets are $75
per guest, plus sales tax and ticket processing fees; visit https://www.upyourarts.org to purchase tickets. The gala is 6-10 pm at the Homer Wright Event Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road (St. James).
SEPT 6
Gallery Reception — Artist Andy Álvarez
Andy Álvarez is a mixed-media artist who uses art to connect with her home and share an authentic experience of what it truly means to live in Puerto Rico, balancing between the beauty and chaos of the island. This gallery reception is free to attend, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
SEPT 6
Cars in the Park - Belville
The Sun Coast Cruisers host this show, which includes a 50/50 drawing, vendors, food trucks, and door prizes. The show is 9 am to 3 pm at Belville’ Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road.
SEPT
6
Sunset on Summer Music Festival - Oak Island
Enjoy music from Hoods Creek, North Tower, Departure (Journey tribute band) and Deep Creek Soul on two stages, noon at 8 pm at the Middleton Park fields, at the corner of SE 46th Street and Beach Drive. There will be food trucks on site, and the evening ends with a fireworks display.
SEPT
11
9/11 Commemoration — Ocean Isle Beach
The Coastal Carolina First Responders Association invites everyone to a 9/11 Memorial Monument Dedication and Honor Tribute Ceremony, 2 pm at the Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd St. Lunch will be provided to first responders on a first-come, first-served basis at 12:30 pm.
SEPT
12
Kayak Adventures - Eagles Island
Paddle along Sturgeons Creek to Eagles Island, learning about the local wildlife along the way. The cost includes equipment, and the outing is from 8:45 am to 11:3 am.
SEPT 13
Feast of the Pirates - Belville
Arrr! Be a pirate at this swashbuckling event, hosted by the Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust at Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road. The fes-
tival is 10 am to 4 pm, with plenty of opportunities to learn more about pirates. The rain date is Sept. 27.
SEPT 16
Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Event
A book signing is being hosted by the Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island as part of the group’s Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Event. The event is 1-3 pm at Harper Library, 223 E. Bay St., Southport. Diane Chamberlain is a New York Times, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of 27 novels published in more than twenty languages. Influenced by her former career as a social worker and psychotherapist, she writes suspenseful stories that touch both heart and mind. Her most recent novel, “The Last House on the Street,” tells the story of a community’s past sins rising to the surface when two women, a generation apart, find themselves bound by
CALENDAR
tragedy and an unsolved, decades-old mystery. Two women with two stories, both on a collision course with the truth in this riveting, powerful novel about the search for justice. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Books will be available for purchase and signing, and there will be light refreshments. Register at Harper Library, call 910-457-6237, or register online at https://brunsco.libcal.com/ event/15091974
SEPT 20
Community Yard Sale - Belville
Clean out those closets and sell your gently used, unopened or unwanted items at the Belville Fall Community Yard Sale at Belville Riverwalk Park, 584 River Road SE. There will be music and a food on site to enjoy while you shop, 7-11 am. Visit https://belvillepr.recdesk. com to apply for a space to sell.
SEPT 20
Holistic Health and Wellness Fair
Barn & Beach Designs hosts this fair, featuring holistic vendors, classes, and food trucks. The event is free, but there is a cost for some classes. The fair is 10 am to 4 pm at Barn & Beach, 4874 Long Beach Road. The rain date is Sept 21.
SEPT 20
Leland Under the Lights
Stroll among beautiful classic and souped up newer cars at this annual fundraising event for the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. The car show is from 3–8 pm in the Emerge Ortho/Wilmington Eye parking lots in Brunswick Forest (1168 Cutlar Crossing). The Chamber will use proceeds from entry fees toward scholarships for North Brunswick High School students.
SEPT 20
The WWII Anti-Aircraft School
The Maritime Museum - Southport hosts this session, part of the Deep Dive program. North Carolina was home to several anti-aircraft artillery training centers during World War II. Join a costumed interpreter to learn about the
role these sites played in the evolution of aerial combat. The program is 10 am to 3 pm at the museum, 204 E. Moore St. in downtown Southport. The free drop-in program is designed to give visitors a deeper understanding of our shared past through costumed interpretation. Visitors can interact one-on-one with the presenter at any time during the program. For more information, call (910) 477-5151.
SEPT 21
Low Country Boil - Museum of Coastal Carolina
Enjoy coastal cuisine, drinks, lawn games, and live music from guitarist Johnny White. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. The festivities are 4:30-7 pm. Visit museumplanetarium.org.
SEPT 24
Fire Truck Push-In Ceremony - Leland
Help settle Leland’s new fire truck into its home at Station 52, 1379 River Road SE, Leland. The ceremony starts at 10 am, and attendees can also tour the station.
SEPT 25
Battle of the Bowls
Leland’s fire and police departments face off in this chili cook off. Attendees can vote for their favorite with a donation of a non-perishable food item. There will also be live bluegrass music and an artisans market; the event is 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
SEPT 25
Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament
This annual tournament will be at The Thistle Golf Club, 1815 Ole Thistle Club Road, Sunset Beach. The day promises a day of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit, all while supporting a great cause. Shotgun start at 8:30 am and registration begins at 7:15 am. Visit https://brunswickcountyhabitat.org/ golf/ to register.
SEPT 27
Brunswick Heritage Riverside Ride
This 5th annual bicycle event is a 16mile ride along the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor. There is no cost to ride. Check in is between 6:45 am and 7:30 am at Phoenix Park, 2727 Mount Misery Road, Navassa, and the ride starts at 7:3 am.
SEPT 27
3rd Annual Fall Food Truck Festival
Sample all the tasty treat from participating food vendors at this annul festival. The event is 11 am to 3 pm at Ocean Isle Beach’s Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd St. The rain date I Sept 28, if needed.
SEPT 30
8-Count Swing Dance
Learn the quintessential move in swing dance - the swing out! Get comfortable moving to jazz, dancing on the social floor, and expanding your dance vocabulary. All levels of dancers are welcome — come with dance shoes or shoes that slide on hard floors. The dance is 7:15-8:30 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
OCT 1
Operation Medicine Cabinet - Dosher Memorial Hospital
Drop off expired and unused medication at this drive-through collection
event at the hospital’s front entrance, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Drop off medicines from 9 am to 1 pm.
OCT 4
Sunset on Sunset Festival
Enjoy a day of music, art, food and family-friendly fun at this end of season celebration at Sunset Beach Park, 200 Sunset Blvd N. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm and will include children’s activities and shuttle buses for transportation.
OCT 3
30th Anniversary - Communities In Schools
Celebrate 30 years with CIS! Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert, music and dancing with The Beehive Blonds DJ group, and a fun photo bus experience. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available throughout the evening. The event will also feature a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and an inspiring look at the impact of Communities In Schools programs on local students. This event will help raise funds to continue CIS dropout prevention programming in nine local schools, serving over 600 Brunswick County students each school year. The celebration is 6-1 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St. Visit https:// secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/UAgcBMcrqya2CKAZnbgeeQ for more information and for tickets.
OCT 3
Leland a Hand in Leland
This community-side day of service brings together individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in the community. Projects will be completed from 8:30 am to noon at various locations; visit https://www.townofleland. com/lendahand to register for a project.
OCT 7
National Night Out - Leland
Get to know Leland’s law enforcement officers a little better, while enjoying treats from food trucks and browsing among vendors. The event is 5-8 pm at Northwest District Park, 1938 Andrew Jackson Highway (U.S. 74/76).
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Boiling Spring Lakes Concerts in the Park
Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road (6-8 pm)
Sept 5 — 17 South (5-7 pm)
Sept 12 — Hoods Creek (6-8 pm)
Oak Island Concerts
Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)
Sept 6 — Sunset on Summer Music Festival, featuring music from Hoods Creek, North Tower, Departure (Journey tribute band) and Deep Creek Soul. Music will be on two stages, and the even is from noon to 8 pm, ending with fireworks.
Oct 4 — the Live and Local fall series kicks off with food and craft vendors starting at 4 pm, and music from The Back Porch Rockers starting at 6 pm.
Movies on the Lawn - Southport Garrison Lawn, starting at 7:20 pm/ dusk
203 E. Bay Street
Sept 12 — “Moana 2”
Family Movie Night
Belville Riverwalk Park
584 River Road SE, Belville
Sept 19 — “Pirates of the Caribbean— Curse of the Black Pearl”
Shallotte Summer Concerts
Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St.
Sept 4 — The Extraordinaires
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Sept 9 — One Night of Queen
Sept 10 — Tower of Power
Sept 11 — Choir! Choir! Choir!
Sept 13 — Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Sept 18 — The Robert Cray Band
Sept 19 — Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear
Sept 20 — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra - Opening Night with new Music
Director Peter Askim
Sept 23 — Avitar: The Last Airbender in Concert
Sept 26-27 — Mark Twain Tonight! with Richard Thomas
Sept 28 — MasterChef All-Stars Live!
Sept 29 — Soweto Gospel Choir
Oct 2 — Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
Oct 9 — The North Carolina Symphony presents All Beethoven
Oct 11 — The Voice of Whitney
Oct 14 — Ami Bruni
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Sept 1-19 — Cape Fear Arts in Motion from Forward Motion Dance
Sept 26 - Oct 5 — The Thalian Association Community Theater presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct 1 — Mohamed Abozekry
Oct 11 — Gunhild Carling
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Greenfield lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
Sept 14 — The Runarounds
Sept 17 — Vance Joy
Sept 18-19 — Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Sept 20 — Kaleo
Sept 21 — The Brook & The Bluff
Sept 22-23 — Maren Morris
Sept 25 — Molly Tuttle
Sept 26 — Steep Canyon Rangers
Sept 27 — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Oct 2 — JJ Grey and Mofro
Oct 3 — Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Oct 5 — The 502s - Easy Street Tour
Oct 10 — Blackberry Smoke
Oct 11 — American Aquarium
Oct 12 — Phantogram
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
Sept 12 — Billy Currington & Kip Moore
Sept 17 — Vance Joy
Sept 30 — Lake Street Drive
Oct 3 — Gavin Adcock
Oct 12 — Lukas Nelson - The Ameri-
CALENDAR
can Romance Tour with Stephen Wilson Jr.
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). The market runs through Sept 25
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.
Mulberry Market — Shallotte Shop for arts, crafts, and more at Shallotte’s Market on Sept. 20, 10 am to 2 pm at Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry Street.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.!
ONGOING EVENTS
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island
The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Visit https:// folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.
Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details
on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.
Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.
NC Maritime Museums - Southport
204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 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. This month’s Skipper’s Crew children’s program, 10 am to 3 pm, will have museum visitors making Venus flytrap sock puppets! Visit www. ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Historic Bike Tours in Southport
Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.
Oak Island Recreation Department
Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. The summer art show is on exhibit June 23-July 19. The summer lectures are 3-5 pm, with The Macchiaoli: Italian Impressionism on July 9 and Art in the Digital Age on July 23.
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. Battleship Alive is scheduled for Sept. 27, when visitors can interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting dai-
ly duties and drills. 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. Carolina Blues: Indigo on the Cape Fear is set for Sept 27, and visitors will have a chance to view and work an active fermentation vat, and dyeing demonstrations will occur throughout the course of the program. T-shirts will also be available for purchase for visitors to try their hand at resist dyeing..
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 Fridays, 11 am to noon..
Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium. org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.
Leland Library
487 Village Road NE
Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly
market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation
Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington
Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
