September 2025 Southport Magazine

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

bring your rooms to life FALL FOR STYLE

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Making The Rooms You Live In The Rooms You Love

Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm • 619 N. Howe • Southport, NC 910-363-6939 • www.MadRiverDesigns.com

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 prefers these cooler temperatures when he can take a stroll and enjoy the ocean breezes. 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

STAFF

EDITOR

Jeffrey Stites

editor@southportmag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Chuck and Sue Cothran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carla Edstrom

Patty Langer

Loiuse Sheffield-Baccarny

Janet Fortney

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeffrey Stites

PUBLISHER & SALES

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

CONSULTANT

Kris Beasley

PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461

Southport Magazine is published once a month by

Live Oak Media with an extra publication in July for the Southport Fourth of July Festival.

The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.

Annual Subscription: $45 jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

Community

Southport History Tour

Explore

Historic Sites With Updated Tour

STORY BY JANET FORTNEY, PHOTOS BY SCOTT FORTNEY

Time spent strolling around Southport can certainly feel like time-traveling to the past. In July 2024, Anizet Flores-Lopez was assigned the job of making the city’s fascinating history even more accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. At that time, Flores-Lopez began her one-year Lead for North Carolina Fellowship in Southport. (Lead for North Carolina, an AmeriCorps program facilitated by the University of NC School of Government, places recent college graduates into local government service roles to facilitate real-world job experience.) Her main project was to revamp the Southport Historical Society’s (SHS) 25-year-old walking tour.

The newly-printed brochure, the product of Flores-Lopez’ year in Southport, takes participants through the 28-stop Historic Southport Self-Guided Walking Tour. It is now available at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center (203 E. Bay St.) and on the bulletin board at the Indian Trail Meeting Hall (113 W. Moore St.). For an enhanced experience, walkers are encouraged to access the electronic version of the tour by scanning the QR code on the brochure.

“The main vision [I had],” explained Flores-Lopez, “was to see how I could take these unique Southport stories that were presented to me and transform this tour to get locals, visitors, and day-trippers to experience it for themselves – not just taking the brochure and being like,

‘Okay, I don’t really want to take the tour; I just wanted to read about this.’ I was looking for different ways to transform that experience from just being an interaction at the Visitors Center to actually implementing people to walk around, to get to know our local shops, or walk through our streets and look at the SHS’s interpretive signage and to see how much Southport has changed.”

Allayna Dail Taylor, the city of Southport’s Director of Community Relations, oversaw Flores-Lopez’ work on the walking tour project, which is now a joint project between the city and the SHS. “This was an opportunity to work with [the Society] and go through the content and make sure that what was included was worth including and that there hadn’t been any new additions or details we’d found out since [the tour’s creation],” explained Taylor. “Anizet did a really fabulous job marrying the branding of the Historical Society and the City of Southport. [We also wanted] the tour brochure to look a little bit

more engaging, so when someone sees it on a rack they might say ‘What is that?’.”

In reworking the tour, Flores-Lopez explained, “We weren’t working from scratch; we were basically looking over everything [to confirm facts]. I worked with [SHS President] Bob Surridge. He was very helpful and I was so very grateful for his time. We pieced everything together to see what information we wanted to keep and what would be changed. We were able to make the stops more distinct and update the information.”

Flores-Lopez was also able to substantiate the accuracy of the tour brochure’s images. “So many things have changed, of course. For example, we weren’t able to tell if the house on Bay Street was moved to Atlantic Avenue. And there was a point where we got kind of confused because a thing about the houses in Southport is that a lot of them have been moved and repurposed! Thankfully, I had the valuable insights of Bob and Jessie [Labell, Southport’s Assistant Director of Community Relations], who were able to help me by confirming ‘Hey, this house actually was moved to

Rich Sullivan (l) and Jim Lightbourne are volunteers at Stop #10 on the tour, the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum

Stop #9, Trinity United Methodist Church, dates to 1814 and has 24 stained glass windows

Anizet Flores-Lopez (l) and Jessie Labell, Southport’s Assistant Director of Community Relations, were instrumental in creating the city’s new walking tour (photo contributed by Anizet Flores-Lopez)

this street’.”

The new tour, Taylor said, is an “opportunity to remind people that we have these resources available because I know, for example, that many Southport locals

may only pop into the Visitors’ Center when they’re buying a ticket to a special event or bringing a guest from out-of-town, so it’s been a good reminder to them that we’re here and we’re putting these things out.”

For Flores-Lopez, whose favorite part of the undertaking was “the fun of collaborating with the volunteers and picking their brains,” the tour is a way to make people more aware of “the beautiful stories of Southport and the education that this tour offers. Just look at how much history is in this small town, how much heart there is in Southport, and how much pride our community members have in being able to share this history with someone taking the tour.”

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

The Walker-Pyke House, c. 1800 and Stop #16 on the tour, may be the oldest surviving house in Southport

Renee’s Jewelry at 25 Local Jeweler Keeps The Personal Touch

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTO BY JEFFREY STITES

Renee Ward has owned Renee’s Fine Jewelry for 25 years, and she is celebrating by inviting all of us to a party. Stop by the store, at 602 N. Howe St. in Southport, from 3-7 pm on Friday, Sept 12 and enjoy bubbly, food, and jewelry giveaways.

Thinking back over her 25 years with the business, Renee says she was around it since she was a little girl, and that her parents had a little shop, but she didn’t start really working in the business until she was 19 or so. After working in management at a store and working for her parents a bit, she found there was a need in Southport that she could fill.

“People were asking for help with an appraisal or repair, and I had the knowledge,” she said.

And she had The Book.

“I started with a book, and I made my first ring sale out of that book. Then I had a book and a desk. I started meeting people by appointment only,” she said.

She worked out of her husband’s business, with him working out front and her office in the back, complete with a couch and Disney movies for the kids.

She worked by appointment only for about a year, and was surprised with the success she had. She got a small, second-hand jewelry display case, and not too much later, added a second.

“I just started growing like that,” she said. “Then I had four showcases.”

She stayed there for about five years, and had employees helping her with the jewelry business and her mother-in-law helping with the children.

“It just sort of worked out. Nothing was given to me. I had to start from scratch,” she said.

Renee’s Fine Jewelry has been in its current location for 19 years. “It’s my home away from home,” she said.

“We immediately treat them as friends,” Renee said of her customers. “We want customers to want to come in. They

want an experience. We want them to feel warmth. We want them to feel that we want to know who they are. We put them at ease. Not all jewelry stores do that. We want people to feel like they’re on vacation. We offer wine, or beer or water. Sometimes they don’t know what they are looking for,” she said. And even when customers don’t by something, Renee said she and her team are happy to take a look at what jewelry they’re wearing, looking for broken pieces, needed repairs or even giving something a good cleaning. “I don’t want anybody to leave my store with dirty jewelry,” she said.

Renee and her team are glad to help customers pick out just the right piece for that special someone, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or just because. But Renee wanted to offer customers more, so she also stepped into the design realm, helping customers create new pieces or working with customers’ old pieces to give them new life.

She once worked with a couple who asked for repairs to the wife’s ring.

Unbeknownst to the wife, the husband

saw the chance to upgrade her stone, and when she got her new ring, similar to her old ring but with a larger stone, Renee said she cried.

“Jewelry is very personal. It’s about emotions as much as it is about beauty,” she said.

Renee said when her children were younger, they did not want to work in the jewelry business because they thought their mom worked too much. But now her daughters are working with her, on the design side and in the store, which makes her so happy.

Another change in the past several years has come with relying more on technology, like social media or online reviews, or even using video chat to consult with a customer oversees or pick out a particular gemstone. Renee said she had a customer from Switzerland who was referred to her store. She dealt with him online, helped him save thousands on the yellow diamond he wanted for his wife, and she got to see a video of his wife opening the gift box, holding her custom ring made just for her.

“That means so much to me,” she said.

Like many retail store owners, Renee said the jewelry business means she is never really off, but she calls what she does a happy business. And as she moves into the next chapter for her store, she’ll continue to watch for trends, travel to shows throughout the world, and look for lines and pieces that others aren’t offering.

“We’re just keeping up with the times, constantly evolving, making it better and better and better and letting people know we’re there and that we will help you,” she said. “We want to be your lifelong jeweler.”

Renee Ward and shop dog Jewel

Community Involving 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 include 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.

“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. “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.

Dads could be doing anything from working right in the classrooms reading or doing flashcards, to helping out

Male role models from the community are welcome to be Watch DOGS

Dads lined up to sign up for volunteer shifts

Community

at a sign up event

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 volunteer, 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.

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 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 Fa-

ther 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 ownership 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 DADS - NBHS 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 25 - Dads & Kids Pizza Night-Belville 6:30 pm

September 26 - All Pro Dad LaunchShallotte Middle 6:30 am

October 14 - Dads & Kids Pizza NightSupply Elementary 6 pm

Keith Schumacher

Community Johnathan Blue

Brunswick County 4-H Youth Development

STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER

Cooperative Extensions, established by the Federal government more than 100 years ago, serve as the community outreach arm of our nation’s land-grant universities. Cooperative Extensions work to improve lives, particularly in rural areas, by working with farmers, families, youth, and communities. Extensions provide research-based knowledge on things like food safety, horticultural practices, conservation, water safety, soil testing, and other quality of life areas.

In North Carolina, the Cooperative Extension is managed by NC State and NC Agricultural and Technical State University, with a focus on small farms, agriculture and natural resources; community and rural development; Family Health & Wellness; and 4-H Youth Development.

Johnathan Blue was recently hired by NC A&T as the new Area Specialized 4-H Youth Development Agent, serving Brunswick County and the surrounding region. His role is to expand the reach and impact of 4-H in our area, with a specific focus on STEM programs. I recently met with Johnathan to find out what brought him to the Cooperative Extension and what he hopes to accomplish.

You earned your BA in mathematics from UNC-Charlotte in 2016 and a Masters in Conflict Management & Resolution from UNC-Wilmington in 2024. Those seem like two very different fields to me. What led you down that path?

I was a high school math teacher in Charlotte after I graduated from college. I taught up until Covid. By then, my wife and I had relocated to Leland (where Johnathan grew up) and I was teaching at North Brunswick High School. Once Covid hit, we re-evaluated our lives. I chose an entrepreneurial path for a while. When our daughter Shiloh was born, I decided to be a full-time stayat-home Dad for a while – something I tell every young man I know they should do, if they have the opportunity. It’s the most amazing thing! We have two beau-

tiful girls now who are 1 and 4. (At this point, Johnathan pulls up a picture on his cell phone. His daughters are adorable!) I went back to work in 2022, taking a job in human resources at UNCW. That’s where I learned about the Master’s program in Conflict Management. The degree focuses on communal conflict, personal conflict, generational conflict, and organizational conflict. I have had a lot of exposure to all of those things in my life, so it seemed like a perfect fit. For whatever reason, I am the type of person who is “found by fires.” I don’t look for them, but I am good at putting them out. My master’s degree led me to this job working for NC A&T at the Cooperative Extension. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I did take some time to be home with our second daughter, Jireh, before I started.

I am embarrassed to admit that I am not aware of what Cooperative Extensions do. Can you enlighten me?

You’re not alone. There are a lot of people in this area who aren’t aware of them. I think it’s because so many people relocate here from different parts of the country that may not have active Extensions. Cooperative Extensions are the best kept secret in the United States! Every county has them. The intent of Extensions is to bring the knowledge and research of our universities to the people in the communities. Part of my job is to help raise awareness, specifically for the 4-H program. Do you know that 4-H is

the nation’s largest youth development program?

I did not know that. I was a Girl Scout growing up, so my exposure to 4-H was limited. The county where I grew up in northeastern CT had a huge agricultural fair every summer, where the 4-H kids showed pigs, cows and sheep, or they entered contests for homegrown vegetables and flowers. What else do 4-H clubs do?

That and so much more! The NC 4-H program focusses on STEAAM: science, technology, engineering, art, agriculture and math. Because we are in a coastal region, there are not a lot of agricultural fairs here, so we focus more on the science and technology parts here.

The 4-H platform is “Beyond Ready,” meaning we want to give kids the knowhow, the moral fiber, the aptitude and attitude to advance themselves in the world. That’s what the 4 “H”s are all about: head/heart/hands/health

What are some of the STEM programs you’re working on for kids in our area?

We are getting ready to kick off Game of Drones, which is a state-wide competition for middle school and high school kids. The challenge involves using critical thinking skills to decipher missions and then write code to manipulate both land and aerial drones to complete those missions. Teams will be picked by mid-Oc-

tober and the competition will be held at NC A&T in the spring.

We also have the Lego CYFAR Competition coming up in October. It’s another state-wide competition with CYFAR, which stands for children, youth and families at risk.

Then there’s the Reality of Ag program, which is a collaborative effort to introduce middle and high schoolers to what modern agriculture looks like, using fun, hands-on activities. We want them to know there’s more to it than farm work and livestock. There are so many other aspects to agriculture – there’s a lot of science and technology. We want to enhance appreciation for all these different areas and raise awareness of different job avenues in agriculture. I am hoping that Brunswick County gets chosen as a test site for this program.

Oh! And this spring we’ll be testing the Embryology program with 2nd graders.

Okay – I’m once again embarrassed by my lack of knowledge. What is embryology?

Baby chickens! We’re hoping to work with the Brunswick County schools as part of a STEAAM opportunity program based on baby chickens.

That’s a lot of exciting stuff you’re working on! What are some of your personal goals in your new role with 4-H?

My primary goal is to be my authentic self every day. To give everything I have to this job and not worry whether parts of me will be well-received. I’m a nerd by birth! And that’s okay. Choosing to call myself a nerd is an attempt to reclaim a portion of my identity that I tried to hide throughout my adolescence because it was frowned upon. Then I learned of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences and realized that we’re all “nerds” in some form, fashion or subject area.

Community

I am also an educator at heart, so I love the role of mentor/teacher/leader. I get to teach kids all these cool things and help them learn about career paths they might not be aware of. Kids can only be what they see, so give them a chance to see something cool.

I understand you are known for your enthusiasm and creativity. How do you bring those qualities to this job?

I love what I do, so it’s easy. I love that I get to play with robots and fly drones as part of my job! Most people are willing to give more of an effort if they feel like you are excited to be there. So, I try to bring my enthusiasm to everything I do. I get pumped up by the kids I mentor and the people I work with.

I walk in on 10 and leave on 20 every day!

As for creativity, I am collaborating all the time with people I work with. We have a great 4-H agent and a 4-H program assistant here at the Extension who both work for NC State. I see what programs they are working on and try to find

ways to integrate my ideas with them.

What’s something you want people to know about you?

I come from a family of coastal North Carolinians, going back five generations. We are primarily a fishing family. Since coming to the Cooperative Extension, my coworkers are getting me to try a bunch of new things that are definitely outside my comfort zone, like camping, hunting, and chickens!

Who should people contact if their kids want to join a 4-H club or if they want to volunteer?

To register a child or to volunteer with Brunswick County 4-H, please send an email to myself (jhblue@ncat. edu), Jamie Lester (jamie_lester@ncsu. edu) or Carolyn Habib (cmhabib@ncsu. edu). You can also follow the Brunswick County 4-H Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1NgkCVHy45/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Community Green Swamp Tours

Explore A Uniquely Diverse Ecosystem

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

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.

Showcase

Little Theatre News

Brunswick Little Theatre Hosts Fundraiser, Table Read

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Whetheryou’re looking for a sneak peak at a future production or just want to enjoy some entertianment and wine for a good cause, Brunswick Little Theatre has somehting just for you this month.

Table Read Invite

Brunswick Little Theatre is producing “Greetings!” by Tom Dudzick in December of 2025. Auditions will be held Sept. 28 and 30 and are open to all who are interested.

An open table read will be held in the Ryan Tewell Studio on Sept. 3 at 6:30 pm at Brunswick Little Theatre, 8068 River Road in Southport. If you would like to join this table read, the Theatre will be accepting the first two women and the first three men to respond. The table read does NOT take the place of auditions and will not lead to any preferential consideration once auditions are held. All roles are open and the entire community is encouraged to audition if interested. It is an opportunity to participate in a table read, a chance to get to hear the full play and a night to

have some fun!

Characters:

Andy Gorski - 33 years old

Randi Stein - Andy’s fiancé, 29 years old

Phil Gorski - Andy’s father, mid-60s

Emily Gorski - Andy’s mother, mid60s

Mickey Gorski - Andy’s brother, 30 years old

Setting:

Gorski household in Pittsburgh, PA 1990

Synopsis:

Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour Catholic father and an intellectually disabled younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow-ups are realized.

To participate, contact Stephanie

Hall at hallsv4@gmail.com

Cabaret & Cabernet:

Brunswick Little Theatre’s First Annual Gala

Brunswick Little Theatre is inviting the public to a cabaret night club show complete with music, dancers, and singers. There will be wine (and other beverages) to whet your whistle, des-

serts to satisfy your sweet tooth, raffles that tickle your fancy and much, much more. BLT is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and 100 percent of BLT’s revenue comes from ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and grants.

WHEN: Sept. 26, 2025, 7-9 pm

WHERE: Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St., Southport HOW: Tickets are $75 and available now at www.brunswicklittletheatre. com or at Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 North Howe St., Southport.

For those interested in joining as sponsors, BLT is offering a number of different levels — Platinum at $5,000, Gold at $2,000, Silver at $1,000, Bronze at $500 and BLT Stars at $300.

The Brunswick Little Theatre is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to create awareness and appreciation of the performing arts in the greater Brunswick County area. Their mission is to entertain, enrich and educate. They strive to produce transformative theatre and provide quality theatrical and technical instruction for all in a nurturing, inclusive environment.

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The World on Your Plate

Thursday, September 25th

Featuring California food & wines

Thursday, October 30th

Featuring Romanian food & wines

variety of House made desserts • Using our Space & Services to foster Unity: Out of Many One!

Dinner: Tuesday thru Thursday 5pm to 8:30pm Dinner on Friday and Saturdays: 5pm to 9pm, or Close

We celebrate our 15th year

We’re excited to take bold steps in sharing the food, culture, and lives of our local and global communities. Expect new entrées, tapas, appetizers, salads, desserts, and sides on our menus, along with advanced cooking techniques like sous vide. We’ll spotlight steamed, braised, and grilled dishes from Indonesia, Spain, the Middle East, and beyond, alongside regional and American favorites and fusion creations that prove all food is global food. Fresh, made-to-order meals will remain our focus, and our craft mixed beverage program will continue to grow.

Thank you for voting us: Maggie Award: “Best International Cuisine”

People’s Choice Awards: “Best Bistro” and,“Best Martini”

We’ve been working to Serve You since 2011. Thanks for these prior awards:

Home & Lifestyle Show and US Open

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce

Discover the best in home, garden, and coastal living at this annual public event hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and meet local businesses who can help with projects big and small, find inspiration, and enjoy free giveaways from participating vendors. The 5th annual Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 am to 1 pm at Middleton Park Pavilion area, 4610 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island.

Admission is free and open to the public. This outdoor show will highlight nearly 40 businesses that specialize in home maintenance and repair, outdoor living and supporting a healthy and active lifestyle. There will be live music by The Good Times Trio, giveaways, and a chance to enter a drawing for a chance to win $200.

“The Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase provides an opportunity for residents and second homeowners to connect with many of the area businesses that provide home and lifestyle product and services in a fun and casual setting,” said Kevin Annas, event chairman for the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. “This annual event is one of the ways the Chamber fulfills its mission of creating opportunities for the local business community and supports the

residents in our area.”

Business owners who would like to participate in the showcase are encouraged to complete the online application at coastalhomeandlifestyleshow.com by Oct. 9. The show is open to chamber member businesses and non-members. The vendor fee is $75 for members ($200 for non-members) and $50 for member food and beverage businesses and non-profit organizations ($150 non-members).

The Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by The State Port Pilot, Southport Magazine, and SPT-OKI Magazine. For more information about the showcase please call 910-457-6964 or email info@southport-oakisland.com.

US Open King Mackeral Tournament Info

The 47th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is right around the corner! This year’s event will take place Oct. 2-4 at Dutchman Creek Park on Fish Factory Road.

Recognized as one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast and part of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) Tournament Trail, the U.S. Open attracted 565 boats in 2024 and paid out more than $425,000 in cash prizes.

The tournament offers an all-cash guaranteed prize structure that does not depend on participation numbers, paying 55 places in its primary category, including $25,000 for the largest king mackerel. More than 40 sponsors contribute additional prize money, making this a must-fish event for competitive anglers.

Spectators and participants alike can look forward to a lively tournament atmosphere, complete with food trucks, live entertainment (Thursday – Almost Blue, 4-7 pm; Saturday – The 52nd Street Band, 5-8 pm), a sponsor showcase, and the thrill of watching anglers bring in their catches to be weighed.

The tournament will continue with its “lines in the water” format adopted last year, eliminating physical checkouts.

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament will mail prize checks, but that won’t diminish the excitement at the Awards Party on Saturday, October 4, at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill. The 52nd Street Band will perform from 5–8 pm, followed by the awards ceremony at 8 pm.

Tournament participants attending the ceremony will be entered for a chance to win a week-long stay in Costa Rica (airfare not included) sponsored by FishingNosara. com, or a Goat BoxCo Hub 50 cooler with the tournament logo. In addition to cash prizes, the top three overall winners will each receive a custom trophy by local artist George Kinley (Copper by George), a Goat BoxCo Hub cooler with the tournament logo, and a Battery Tender charger.

(l-r) Terry Eason, II, Captain William Zeron & Carol Magnani (2023, 24 & 25 Tournament Chair) photo by Zeb Starnes Photography

Food Court

•Thursday, noon to 7 pm – Easy Eats Food Truck, Candy Girl Sweet Truck, Big Pups Coffee Co., Lil & John’s Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream

•Friday, noon to 5 pm – Easy Eats, Candy Girl Sweet Truck, Big Pups Coffee Co., Lil & John’s Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream

•Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm – Wallace Catering, Candy Girl Sweet Truck, Big Pups Coffee Co., Lil & John’s Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream

Sponsor Showcase

Visit the Grand Patron Sponsor Showcase at Dutchman Creek Park Oct. 2-4, featuring:

Battery Tender, Better Beach Rentals & Sales, Bob King Buick GMC, Brunswick Electric Membership Corp., Builders First Source, Dutchman Creek Bait & Tackle, Garmin International, Hamilton Realty Group eXp Realty, Interstate Sign Co. Inc., MOcean Contracting, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, Safe Harbor South Harbour Village, and the SKA.

Registration

•Early Bird Registration: Online, postmarked, or at the Chamber’s Welcome Center by midnight, Friday, Sept. 12.

Chamber News

•Online Registration: Closes Sept. 30 at 11 pm

•On-site Registration: Oct. 2, 10 am to 9 pm at Dutchman Creek Park

Packet Pickup & Captain’s Meeting

•Packet Pickup: Oct. 2, 10 am to 9 pm at Dutchman Creek Park

•Live Music: Almost Blue performs 4-7 pm

•Captain’s Meeting: Oct. 2 at 7 pm in person at Dutchman Creek Park or online at www.usopenkmtlive.com (important rule updates announced here)

Weigh-ins

Watch live at Dutchman Creek Park or online via www.usopenkmt.com, PointClickFish will live stream on Friday (2-5 pm) and Saturday (2-4 pm).

Merchandise

Available until Sept. 30 online at www.sptokimerchandise.com and in person at the Chamber Welcome Center (M-F, 8:30 am to 5 pm).  Also available at Dutchman Creek Park during the tournament while supplies last.

Awards Ceremony

•Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 pm at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

•Live music from The 52nd Street Band, 5-8 pm

•Parking available at Dutchman Creek Park and Shoreline Baptist Church

For details: Visit www.usopenkmt.com, call 910-457-5787 or 800-457-6964,  email karen@southport-oakisland.com  or stop in at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport.

Community

Focus On Southport

Fiber Optic Access Expanding In City

STORY AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Multi-gigabit broadband service delivered over a 100 percent fiber optic network is now available in the first phases of FOCUS Broadband’s expansion project in the City of Southport. Residents and businesses in the downtown area near West Saint George Street and West Brown Street can now order high-speed internet, as well as wireless, security, and smart home automation services.

“We’re pleased to bring our high-speed internet service to Southport,” said FOCUS Broadband CEO Keith Holden. “For years, we’ve received requests to expand into the downtown area, and thanks to the city’s project to move utilities underground, we’ve been able to extend our fiber optic network into parts of Southport.”

In addition to the downtown area, FOCUS Broadband has made services available in parts of Osprey Landing, Cades Cove and along portions of West 9th Street and North Lord Street. Construction is currently underway in areas west of North Howe Street between West Street and Bay Street, with service expected to become available in the coming months. Expansion to additional areas will take place as the project to move utilities underground continues.

To better serve customers in Southport and surrounding communities, FOCUS Broadband will soon open a new customer care location on Long Beach Road in the Food Lion shopping center. “We want to make it as convenient as possible for customers to do business with us,” shared Holden. “This new store will allow us to provide even better local support for customers in Southport, Boiling Spring Lakes, and St. James. We anticipate opening this location in October.”

This expansion follows an earlier effort by FOCUS Broadband to support connectivity in Southport. In 2023, the company awarded the City of South-

port a $10,000 Connect Grant to install free public Wi-Fi in city parks. The project expanded internet access for visitors and vendors alike, helping to enhance digital inclusion and support community events.

For more information about FOCUS Broadband services, or to find out if FOCUS Broadband internet services are available at your address, visit www.getfocusbroadband.com/brunswickcounty or call our Customer Service at 888367-2862.

About FOCUS Broadband

FOCUS Broadband is a member-owned cooperative providing a multitude of communications services, including telephone, business services, wireless, broadband internet, television, and home security, in southeastern North Carolina. FOCUS Broadband is the largest communications cooperative in North Carolina and one of the largest in the country. For more information on products and services from FOCUS Broadband, visit www.FOCUSBroadband.com.

Medicine Drop-Off Dosher’s Operation Medicine Cabinet

STORY AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Dosher

Memorial Hospital’s 29th semi-annual “Operation Medicine Cabinet” medication disposal event is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Operation Medicine Cabinet is a drive through drug take back event which enables local residents to drop off unwanted and expired prescription medications at the front entrance of the hospital without having to leave their vehicles. Operation Medicine Cabinet helps prevent drug misuse and minimizes environmental impacts by providing an alternative to household disposal methods.

The drug drop hours are between 9 am and 1 pm, and the location is the Dosher Hospital front entrance at 924 N. Howe St., Southport.

Sharps containers will not be accepted at this event, however, Dosher staff members will have information on hand on how to safely dispose sharps at home.

Please note that Dosher is unable to collect any medications outside of the published hours of this event. Participants who arrive early will be asked to

hold onto their medications until 9 am. Community members who arrive after 1 pm will be directed to other local safe medication disposal locations. These measures are for the safety of our staff and community, and Dosher staff appreciates everyone’s understanding.

For questions about Operation Medicine Cabinet, call the Dosher Office of Marketing and Community Relations at 910-457-3900 or email marketing@ dosher.org.

Showcase

A Classical Benefit

Partnership For Housing Fundraiser

STORY AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The musical trio Synchronicity is hosting a benefit concert on Sept. 18 at 7 pm. at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Rd, Southport. The Synchronicity trio is comprised of Diane Lusk (pianist), Carol Amaya (soprano) and Michele Barkalow (flutist), and the program will feature selections by Handel, Ravel and Schubert, to name a few. In addition, members will perform pieces for flute/piano and soprano/piano.

All proceeds (free-will offerings) will benefit Brunswick Partnership for Housing, an organization dedicated to helping unsheltered individuals and families by providing transitional housing as they work toward permanent housing. BPH also advocates for affordable housing in Brunswick County. Meet the trio and BPH board members at a reception following the concert.

About Synchronicity

Synchronicity has been defined as a destined chain of events that happen at just the right time.  In 2018 Carol, Diane and Michele, all new to the Southport area at that time, had met and discovered they had a common desire to share their musical talents with their new community.  After performing two successful House Concerts in St. James, the trio decided it was time to choose a name and look for ways to reach a wider audience. They believe this is more

than a coincidence — it’s Synchronicity!

About Brunswick Partnership for Housing

Brunswick Partnership for Housing is a private, nonprofit organization in Brunswick County. Its mission is to address the needs of unsheltered individuals and families seeking permanent housing and advocate for affordable housing. In the last four years, BPH has served more than 1,000 unsheltered people. Using a trauma-informed care approach, BPH cultivates a safe, supportive and respectful environment.

left to right: Michele Barkalow (flutist), Carol Amaya (soprano), Diane Lusk (pianist, seated)

Cool And Fancy Gala

Up Your Arts’ Annual Fundraiser and Raffles

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Up Your Arts’ 4th Annual Cool & Fancy Gala will be held at the Homer E. Wright Event Center on Saturday, Sept. 6. This event is more than just an opportunity to dress up in fancy clothes and dance the night away — this fundraiser is key to funding Up Your Arts’ free public programs that promote and enhance visual and creative arts in the greater Southport area.

Seats at the gala are currently in wait-list status but there two additional components of this annual fundraising event that contribute to Up Your Arts’ mission: five different raffle ticket sales and an online silent auction with more than 100 items with starting bids well under their fair market value.

The best raffle deal is a Royal Caribbean cruise for two -- six to eight nights just about everywhere Royal Caribbean goes, double occupancy stateroom with a balcony, and $500 in RC dollars for upgrades. The winner can choose a booking date this year or next. For only $100 per ticket, the raffle yields a solid chance at winning a very luxurious vacation for two. Use for a birthday gift or anniversary gift, or split the cost with a travel buddy!

The other four raffles are equally exciting:

•A Trek Electra Cruiser Go! eBike for only $50, a $1,000 value (winner’s choice of color and frame style)

•A limited-color pink and blue Shibumi Shade with Wind Assist for $10, or three tickets for $25, a $288 value

•Dinner for a year with $100 gift certificates from twelve local restaurants for a

$25 ticket, or five for $100, a $1,200 value

•Lunch for a year with $50 gift certificates from twelve local restaurants for a $10 ticket, or six for $50, a $600 value

Online raffle ticket sales end at noon on Sept. 5, but in-person sales will continue until 8:30 pm the following evening at the gala. You do not need to be present to win. Check out the details and buy raffle tickets here: https://upyourarts. betterworld.org/

The silent auction offers even more good deals. Do you fancy original art? A brandnew Fender acoustic guitar? An overnight stay in Wilmington with wining and dining and tickets to the theater? Or a Bald Head Island Club Member-for-a-Day package?

The sky’s the limit! Details and bidding are here: https://upyourarts.betterworld.org/ Bidding ends at 8 pm the night of the gala. Winning bidders will be notified by email; you do not need to be present to win. Seas the arts! and be sure to get your gala tickets and raffle tickets soon. Email bbray@upyourarts.org with any questions. Proceeds of Up Your Arts’ 4th annual Cool & Fancy Gala support the organization’s mission to promote and enhance creative and performing arts in the greater Southport area.

September Fishing Report

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!

Pictured: General Surgeon

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Community Safe Plates Classes

Food Safety Certifcations In September

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 establishments.

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.

OFFICE SPACE

Beautiful office space for rent entering downtown Southport area. Up to 800 sq’, or smaller options, newly renovated and has file area, 2 large office, built in shelving, kitchen nook, restroom, reception/meeting area, private entrance. Includes internet, parking, utilities. Contact David 860.729.8276

HOMES/LAND FOR SALE

2391 FRINK LAKE DR. - BOILING SPRING LAKES. 3 BED | 2 BATH |

$279,000. This charming home offers a peaceful lakefront retreat with an open floor plan and modern updates throughout. Recent renovations include a new front porch, stylish LVP flooring, and a refreshed kitchen with updated appliances and fixtures. Nestled in a peaceful setting on an elevated lot, this home offers a comfortable and open floor plan, perfect for accommodating extra guests. Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (910) 540-8320.

2928 JOHN T. HOLDEN ROAD. 3 BED | 2.5 BATH | $499,000 Waterfront Home & Stunning 180° Views of the Intracoastal Waterway ! Whether you’re looking for a private retreat, a family vacation home, or a permanent residence, this

MARKETPLACE

waterfront property offers the perfect coastal lifestyle ! This home features two master ensuites, providing comfort and convenience for family and guests. A spacious 22’ x 30’ double-car garage. The front of the house is designed for breathtaking water views, complete with an open deck and a covered screened porch. Several recent upgrades add value & peace of mind, including a new septic system installed in 2025, a new roof and water heater installed in 2024. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 6208962 for more information.

5104 BOSS CT 4 BED | 3 BATH |

$399,000. Located in the much sought after development of South Harbour Village in close proximity to area beaches, marina, restaurants, playground, public boat ramp, par 3 golf course and so much more. Inside, you will find that this home has been tastefully rejuvenated to satisfy even the pickiest of tastes. New paint and LVP flooring. A completely transformed kitchen boasts new cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless appliances, along with the addition of a coffee station. Newly upgraded bathrooms with luxurious finishes complete the downstairs renovations. Upstairs, you will find 2 more bedrooms, a large bonus room and a full bath with new vanity and comfort height toilet. Outside, the front porch has been beautified with Trex decking and new vinyl shake accents the eaves and porch surround. Don’t wait to take a private tour of this spacious home!. Call Karen Saunders, Southport Realty, Inc. (910) 713-0021 for more information.

612-B W. BROWN STREET | 2 BED

| 2 BATH |

$395,000 Premium location! This immaculate, furnished condo is located in the quiet and peaceful neighborhood of The Village at Southport. This unit has an open floor plan with a sizable kitchen, dining area, living room, and an open deck that overlooks the community pool. The two bedrooms each have adjoining bathrooms and there is a separate laundry area. Assigned parking that can accommodate 2 cars can be found on the ground level along with a private storage room, and a central elevator. All exterior landscaping/ maintenance is handled by the HOA. The location offers easy access to Morning Star Marina, and downtown for shopping, galleries, museums, restaurants, and enjoying the Cape Fear River views. Don’t miss out as these condos don’t come on the market often! Call Katherine Hufham, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (910) 470-4045.

505 W. OAK ISLAND DRIVE | .10

AC | $235,000 Beautiful wooded lot on the quiet West end of Oak Island Dr. where lots are 60 ft. wide. Located within walking distance of the ocean. Ideal for folks wanting to build a dream home or a simple beach cottage. Close to the beach and access to the mainland at Middleton. Priced to sell! Call Verilyn McKee, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (910) 470-0527.

103 SE 74TH ST., OAK ISLAND. COASTAL ELEGANCE IN EAST BEACH. 4 BR | 4 BA (3 FULL, 1 HALF) | 2,176 SF. Ideally located home offering direct beach access via the 74th Street access or by the private community path complete with scenic gazebo and wooden walkway! Designed with an inverted floorplan, this property features 2 primary suites, a full laundry room with a soaking sink, and multiple covered porches! Schedule your tour today! Listed at $1,122,077 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Contact Christine Luciano at 704363-7866 for details.

207-209 CLARENDON AVENUE, SOUTHPORT. UNIQUE PROPERTY IN SOUTHPORT’S HISTORIC WEST END. 3 BR | 3 BA (2 FULL, 1 HALF) 2,725 SF. Own a piece of quiet coastal life with “Old Morse Hide-AWay”, a truly unique piece of property located a short walk from the waterfront and Yacht Basin restaurants and marina. Check out this listing and schedule your private showing! Listed at $1,577,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Howard Mullendore at 336-262-4788 for more information.

2021 E BOILING SPRING ROAD, SOUTHPORT. BOILING SPRING

LAKES PARCEL NEAR FRINK LAKE. 0.35 ACRES | ZONED R1 LISTED AT $39,900. Located a quarter-mile from BSL’s 2 large lakes in a clean, settled neighborhood on a paved road, this level parcel is a great opportunity to own in Brunswick County! Don’t hesitate to contact us! Listed at $39,900 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Elvira Gilbert at 910-619-4087 for more information.

119 NE 17TH STREET, OAK ISLAND. PARTIALLY CLEARED RESIDENTIAL LOT. 0.15 ACRES ZONED OK-R-6 | LISTED AT $242,000. Looking for a lot on Oak Island? This is it! Ideally located just a short walk from the beautiful walkway on 20th Street, you’ll have a scenic route over Dutchman Creek directly to the beach! Lot is partially cleared and has been recently separated from the lot next to it. Listed at $242,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Reach out to Amy Lynn Boltz at 910-880-2696 for details.

117 NE 17TH STREET, OAK ISLAND PARTIALLY CLEARED RESIDENTIAL LOT. 0.15 ACRES | ZONED OK-R-6 | LISTED AT $242,000. Looking for a lot on Oak Island? This is it! Lot is partially cleared and is ready for your building plans and dream home! Come see this space and the available separate lot next to it! Listed at $242,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Let Amy Lynn Boltz at 910-880-2696 know when you’d like to see this piece of paradise!

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 respond-

ers 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

CALENDAR

Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road. The festival 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 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

CALENDAR

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 American 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.

CALENDAR

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 daily 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 Wilm-

ington, 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!

ADULTS

$15

CHILDREN

$7

Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled ride through Southport’s historic waterfront district aboard our state-of-the-art tram!

One Hour Tour Covering:

• History and Culture

• Movie Locations

• Spectacular Coastal Views

• Shopping and Dining

Reservations

Advised

Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373 www.southportfuntours.com

Voted Best Thing for Visitors To Do!