4 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENED
Exotic Hemp Co. Opens in Surf City
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On December 16 Exotic Hemp Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce. Exotic Hemp Co., located at 100 Charlie Medlin Drive, Suite E in Surf City, sells full and broad spectrum CBD products including tinctures, salves and creams, bath products and pet products.
Bella + James Children's Boutique Opens in Surf City
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On December 21 Bella + James Children's Boutique held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce. Special deals and holiday mimosas were offered in celebration. Visit them at 104 Charlie Medlin Drive, Unit C in Surf City for adorable children’s wear, toys and gifts.
Share the Table Feeds the Hungry
In 2021 Share the Table distributed 560,903 pounds of food equaling 472,340 meals to our neighbors in need. Share the Table is currently seeking monetary donations for their capital campaign/ building fund. They are also in need of food and household staples donations, including canned fruit, cereal, condiments, flour, sugar, salt & pepper, coffee, diapers, baby wipes and pet food. To help, visit sharethetablenc.com.
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The Blueberry Drop Is Back
The Town of Burgaw, Pender County Tourism, Pender County Parks and Recreation and the North Carolina Blueberry Festival welcomed the return of the annual New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop powered by W. O. Grubb Crane Rental. A crowd turned out for the celebration, which included live music, food trucks and the lighted Blueberry Drop at 7 pm. Look for the annual event again on New Year’s Eve 2022.
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area awarded $6,000 in grants to teachers at Surf City Elementary and Surf City Middle school on January 7. On January 19 they awarded more than $5,000 in grants to teachers in Onslow County Schools. The grant money was awarded to teachers who had previously
applied, and it will allow students a chance for deeper understanding in areas of learning that may have not otherwise happened inside of the classroom. Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area is proud to support innovative programs to educate the students in Pender and Onslow counties, with just more than $18,000 awarded so far this year.
Coastal Window Fashions Opens in Hampstead
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Together with Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Window Fashions held a grand-opening and ribboncutting ceremony on January 6. Coastal Window Fashions offers custom window treatments and upholstery services. You’ll find them at 16406 U.S. Highway 17, Unit 8, in Hampstead.
Pender County Schools Receive Purple Star Award
Nineteen Pender County schools have received the 2021-22 Purple Star Award, given by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to schools that demonstrate militaryfriendly practices and show commitment to military students and families. Additionally, as a district Pender County Schools will receive the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award. The schools that received the award will be honored at a ceremony in the spring. “Pender County has long been home to a large number of service members,” says Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill. “Many of our students have parents or siblings who are either active, reserve or veteran armed service members. We strive to do our best to serve the families of those who serve our country.”
Pender County Library Presents Black History Month Local History Program
On February 18 at the Main Library in Burgaw, Pender County Library hosted a local history program about the legacy of Rev. Richard Keaton and the Black Missionary Movement in the Middle Cape Fear region. This program, entitled Unsung Heroes and presented by local historian Earnestine Keaton, was offered both in person at the Main Library in Burgaw and online via Zoom. During this hourlong program, Keaton explored the economic and cultural development of several rural majority Black faith-based communities in Columbus and Pender counties. Keaton began to research her family history in 1998. In doing so, she discovered the rich and interesting history of the Cape Fear region. Her primary focus is the cultural traditions and economic development of the communities that grew out of the area’s plantations, particularly Lloyd Plantation.
Fancy Flamingo Opens in Hampstead
Fancy Flamingo hosted a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce on February 3. The new boutique, which sells clothing, home décor, jewelry and gifts, is located at 17230 N.C. Highway 17, Suite 100 (in the Lowe’s Foods shopping center) in Hampstead.
