W R I G H T S V I L L E B E A C H ’ S C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 2 0 0 2
November 28 - December 4, 2019
Friday Party Kicks Off Flotilla Weekend The party will resume for the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla this year with the return of the Friday party on the eve of the boat parade, which was cancelled last year in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Like in years past, the party will be held at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, which this year is the title sponsor of the event. However, instead of being called the “Captain’s Party,” this year’s fete will be known as the “Flotilla Launch Party.” Entertainment for this year’s party will be provided by Jack Jack 180, a local favorite known for playing pop, rock
and dance hits. Tickets to the party on Friday, Nov. 29 are $35. Organizers cancelled the party in 2018 after the Blockade Runner was forced to close for repairs following Hurricane Florence. The flotilla will again offer a $5,000 grand prize, which this year is sponsored by Atlantic Marine. In addition to the $5,000 Best in Show prize, flotilla entries can win $1,500 for the People’s Choice Award (most text votes), $750 for best sailboat, $750 for best costumes and crew spirit and $750 for the best powerboat over n See FLOTILLA Page 3
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Thursday, Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Day Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot • 5k Run • 8:30 a.m. - Begins at Wrightsville Beach Town Hall • Race Course: The Loop • Salisbury Street/Hwy 74 - CLOSED from 8:25 a.m. – about 9:20 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 29 Tree Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall • 5:30 p.m. – Elf Patrol Performs • 5:45 p.m. – Santa Claus Arrives • 6:00 p.m. – Performance by the Wilmington Celebration Choir 36th North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Kick-Off Party at the Blockade Runner • Jack Jack 180 Band Performing • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Flotilla Parade Route
Saturday, Nov. 30 Festival in the Park • Wrightsville Beach Park • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Artisans, Vendors & Fun • Car Show Flotilla Boat Parade • Intracoastal Waterway thru Banks Channel • Begins PROMPTLY at 6:00 p.m.
Music by Jack Jack 180 Friday Night Flotilla Party Blockade Runner Beach Resort Friday, Nov. 29 Doors at 7 p.m, Band at 8 pm
The 36th Annual Flotilla weekend will be held on Saturday, November 30th For more information: www.ncholidayflotilla.org
Fireworks • Begins at the conclusion of the Boat Parade
Flotilla Weekend Weather Forecast - NCPressRelease.org
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Monday: Sunny, 64 high, 44 low, 0% chance of rain
• • •
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, 67 high, 50 low, 10% chance of rain Wednesday: Partly Cloudy, 71 high, 49 low, 20% chance of rain Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 61 high, 41 low, 10% chance of rain
• • •
Friday: Mostly Sunny, 55 high, 40 low, 10% chance of rain Saturday: Partly Cloudy, 60 high, 54 low, 15% chance of rain Sunday: Cloudy, 68 high, 53 low, 40% chance of rain
Federal judge dismisses jet ski operator’s suit against Wrightsville Beach ‘with prejudice’ By Terry Lane Staff Writer
A federal judge has dismissed “with prejudice” the lawsuit a jet ski rental company has filed against the town of Wrightsville Beach, potentially ending a years-long dispute between the town and local business operator. In a judgment issued on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina ruled that many elements of the lawsuit filed by Chris Mangum, on behalf of his business Wrightsville Beach Jet Ski Rentals, against the town had been already decided in previous legal actions between the two. In the decision, U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan wrote that several of the issues raised by Mangum were “res judicata,” meaning that they were addressed in prior court rulings, and several of those claims were dismissed “with prejudice,”meaning that Mangum couldn’t pursue a similar suit in the future against the town. Some issues relating to state court were dismissed “without prejudice,” the ruling noted. In the latest motion, Mangum challenged the constitutional authority for the town to impose a $500 fee to bring a challenge to the town’s zoning rulings before the town’s board of adjustments. Joining Mangum in the suit was Mitchell Seitter, and his business Carolina Coast Watersports, which leased equipment from Mangum, the suit said. But Flanagan ruled that Seitter’s participation didn’t change any issues related to prior court orders and rulings. At the heart of the issue, town officials said that Mangum’s jet ski rental business couldn’t conduct formal operations in the town, including collecting money. Town officials told Lumia News in previous interview that a key point of contention was that Mangum was launching the jet skis from underneath the drawbridge, which is town property. Jet skis could be launched from the boat ramp, which is town property, but can also be crowded, especially on peak boating days. In a prior interview with Lumina News, Mangum said that town officials were targeting his business while ignoring other businesses, including other jet ski rental businesses that were launching from the same area. After dozens of citations and several years of court battles, a New n See LAWSUIT Page 3
CARE Project retreat creates resources, camaraderie for families facing challenges of hearing impairment By Sherri Robinson Contributing Writer
Last weekend, the CARE Project came home, returning to Wrightsville Beach, where it all began a decade ago. They staged a weekend retreat for families with children who are deaf or experiencing profound hearing loss. Not only did these families enjoy wonderous weather, the sea, and the sand, they discovered they were not alone. They found out others shared their burdens and challenges and, more importantly, would lend a hand in helping them by sharing information and camaraderie. One of the most poignant parts of the weekend retreat held at the Holiday Inn Resort on Wrightsville Beach was the teen panel discussion. The panel included seven teens who shared their experience navigating their deafness, hearing loss, or that of their siblings. Three of these teens are part of the Bob and Wylene McDonald clan; they are their grandchildren. Twins Ella and Tanner are seniors at Hoggard with little sister Luci beginning her approach to high school, where
For daily updates visit LuminaNews.com
she will be bringing her incredible soccer skills. Ella was born hearing while Tanner and Ella both have cochlear impacts acting as their ears. Their parents, Robin and Mark Hosley still count their blessings with this amazing trio. The teen panel candidly shared their experiences, including their problems and triumphs with different technologies. They shared moving stories of how teammates and classmates “had their backs” when others made fun of their hearing challenges or attempted to bully. Ella Hosley provided a unique perspective as the sister to two siblings with impactful hearing loss, not only being forthright about her fears but radiating her pride and love for Luci and Tanner. That love was entirely reciprocal. Prompted by questions from parents with younger children who are deaf or with significant hearing loss, from CARE Executive director, Dr. Johnnie Sexton, and occasionally prodded by Mom, Robin, or Grandma, Wy, all of the teens were impressive in their poise, honesty, and mindful responses. Family retreats are organized, funded, and hosted by The CARE n See CARE Page 3
LUMINA N EWS LuminaNews.com YO U R C O A S TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E M AY 2 0 0 2
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November 28 - December 4, 2019
Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002
Lidl Launching on Eastwood this week THE WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BOARD OF ALDERMEN WILL MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE:
Something new is coming to the corner of Eastwood and Military Cutoff roads. The Cape Fear’s first Germanbased supermarket, Lidl, will
open early next month. Lidl announced it would open its first area location Wednesday, Dec. 4. A ribbon-cutting event begins at 7:40 a.m. at the store, located at 1451 Eastwood Road with chances for customers to win giveaways and prizes. The Wilmington store will be the 19th in North Carolina in the
chain’s move stateside. The grand opening for the new Eastwood Road location is Dec. 4. Grand opening festivities take place from Wednesday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 8. According to a company briefing, the first 100 customers will receive a special gift card ranging from $5 to $100 each. All
Lumina News
A publication of Lumina Media LLC (ISSN 1937-9994) (USPS 025-292)
PLANNING BOARD, HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION, PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Town of Wrightsville Beach is now accepting applications from Town residents who are interested in serving on the Planning Board, the Historic Landmark Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The Town is also accepting applications from Town residents and representatives from the Town’s business community who are interested in serving on the Wrightsville Beach Marketing Advisory Committee. Appointments will be made by the Board of Aldermen at their January 2020 meeting. Applications are available on the Town’s website (towb.org) and at Town Hall, 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. January 3, 2020. For additional information, please contact Sylvia Holleman: 239-1771 or sholleman@towb.org.
customers will receive a free Lidl reusable bag and, if you sign up for the Lidl newsletter, you’ll earn a chance to win a $500 Lidl gift card. There will also be an abundance of samples all weekend long - Sherri Robinson.
Known office of publication: 530 Causeway Drive, Suite A2, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480 Address all correspondence to: Lumina News, P.O. Box 869, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480 Phone: (910) 719-9180 • E-mail: info@luminanews.com
PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL Terry Lane
Lumina News Since 2002, Lumina News has illuminated Wrightsville Beach with award-winning news, beautiful photography and insightful views of life on Wrightsville Beach. Lumina News is published weekly and is distributed to the public on and around Wrightsville Beach. Printed circulation 1,500. www. luminanews.com. • For distribution locations nearest you, please call (910) 719-9180.
• Postmaster: Send address changes to: Lumina News, P.O. Box 869, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480.
• LUMINA NEWS is published weekly, 52 times per year.
•P hotography* published in Lumina News is available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call (910) 719-9180. *Some exceptions apply.
• Subscriptions to Lumina News can be made by calling (910) 719-9180. A yearlong subscription to Lumina News can be purchased for only $42.95 In-County, $68.95 Out of County. • Periodicals Postage Paid at Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Andrew Consulting Engineers, P.C. STRUCTURAL, MARINE and FORENSIC ENGINEERING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT 3811 Peachtree Avenue : : Suite 300 Wilmington, NC 28403 : : Phone: 910.202.5555 www.andrewengineers.com
• Advertising information for all publications can be obtained by calling (910) 719-9180. • Back issues of Lumina News may be available. Call (910) 719-9180.
Lumina News is published weekly by Lumina Media LLC. All property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of Lumina Media LLC. Lumina News’s content is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. Content may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright owner.
“Journalism will kill you, but it will keep you alive while you’re at it.” — Horace Greeley
Have your voice heard
G
ot something on your mind about Wrightsville Beach? Lumina News has openings for guest writers from the Wrightsville Beach area. Business
owners, clergy, politicians and students are all invited, but you don’t need a title, just an idea. If you’re interested, write me at terrylane@luminanews.com or call (910) 719-9180.
THEME: STATE CAPITALS ACROSS 1. Ten Commandments word 6. Problem with concentrating, acr. 9. Black sheep’s gift 13. “The game of unspeakable fun!” 14. “Fancy that!” 15. One Direction’s “Truly, ____, Deeply” 16. Consumed, two words 17. Finish, with “up” 18. Extra software 19. The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You ____ in Magic” 21. *Badger State capital 23. Snow runner 24. Boris Godunov, for one 25. Every American’s uncle? 28. Aquarium organism 30. Hound or plague 35. He sacrificed a rib? 37. Nordic native 39. Singular of salpae 40. Sites 41. Joker or Batman, e.g. 43. Olympic one is 50 meters long 44. Terminate mission 46. Boor 47. If it fits... 48. *Centennial State’s capital
50. Form of approval 52. As much as this and a leg 53. Saintly glow 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *Pine Tree State capital 61. *Garden State capital 65. Idle talk 66. Morning condensation 68. Île de la Cité river 69. Painter Degas 70. U.N. workers’ grp. 71. Samurai dagger 72. Fraternity recruitment season 73. Dog tags 74. Ancient Greek building for entertainment
DOWN 1. Bayonet wound 2. Angie Thomas’ “The ____ U Give” 3. Killed by Cain 4. Jazz musician Armstrong. 5. *Sunflower State capital 6. Fit of shivering 7. *____ Moines 8. Regards 9. Dry riverbed 10. Bookie’s quote 11. Mishmash 12. Country singer Loretta 15. Hot curry dish 20. Mexican
revolutionary 22. “I see!” 24. Food thickener 25. Type of bar 26. Acrobat maker 27. Wine from Mâconnais 29. Chutzpah 31. What Kanye does 32. *Greeting in Honolulu 33. Animal trail 34. *Beaver State capital 36. Type of missile 38. *St. ____ 42. It can lead up or down 45. Movie preview 49. Hard to escape
routine 51. Faster than allegro 54. Forearm bones 56. Work the dough 57. Copycat 58. Pakistani language 59. Silences 60. *Salt Lake City State 61. A child’s “terrible ____” 62. Pitchfork part 63. Aware of 64. Ne 67. Old age, archaic
Saturday, November 30
Justin Fox Trio w/ Medicated Sunfish
Since 1955 Saturday, Nov. 30
Bring a bike! or other toy for...
Jimmy’s annual Toys for Tots drive until December 15th
FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT
5 A NORTH LUMINA AVE | WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | 910-599-1931
Open Daily 2 pm – 2 am
Blue Footed Boobies Saturday, December 28
Coming Soon Thursday, November 28
Open Thanksgiving - Free Pool
Friday, November 29
(910) 509-3040 11 E Salisbury St Near Johnny Mercer’s Pier
Slick Mahoneys
Saturday, December 7
Machine Funk
Saturday, December 13
Nick & the Nomads
Friday, December 20
Groove Fetish
November 28 - December 4, 2019
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Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002
n CARE
Project across the state of North Carolina. This weekend’s retreat was a three-day event providing experiences full of informational seminars, family-to-family bonding time, social activities, and breakout groups for moms, dads, siblings, and children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Programming encourages advocacy, resilience, and communitybuilding. The CARE Project also offers retreat experiences in other Continued from Page 1
states through agency partnerships and in other countries. They recently held their first Guam retreat experience. The CARE Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope to families who have children and adults with hearing challenges through counseling experiences aimed at the processing of the emotional stages of grief. CARE also is a tool for teaching professionals and pre-professionals about the importance of active listening with their clients/patients and validating their emotional state. CARE is a multidimensional tool that addresses the grief associated with hearing loss for individuals, families, communities, professionals, and pre-professionals. Coming in 2020 is the CARE Project’s 10th Anniversary Gala, one of the most significant sources of funding for their many projects. The gala features a Roaring 20s theme and is on February 8th at the Cape Fear Country Club. Visit tcogala2020.eventbrite.com for tickets. The event chairs are Linda Brown and Ashley Robbins. To learn more about The CARE Project, visit thecareproject.com.
Hanover County judge ruled in August 2018 that Magnum was in contempt of Continued from Page 1 court after town officials testified that he continued to operate the business on public land in Wrightsville Beach, despite not having a physical presence in the town. The contempt of court ruling follows more than two years of dispute between the business and the town. In a May 2018 presentation to the town, Mangum said he had received eight citations in 2015 and another 14 in 2016. During that period, town officials said that Mangum would launch the jet skis from underneath the bridge, where there is less traffic than the nearby boat ramp. “We have to be pretty strict about operating businesses on town property,” town manager Tim Owens told the Lumina News in August 2018. “Businesses have to operate with the permitted and conditional uses. They can’t just operate in rights-of-ways. We wouldn’t allow someone to operate a business in Wynn Plaza or at the park.”
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31 feet, best powerboat 23 – 31 feet, and best powerboat 22 feet and under. While there have so far been a handful of entries, Brown said there are still plenty of spaces open for boats in the parade. The entry fee for a boat is $25. Other familiar events will return for this year’s flotilla, including the Saturday Festival in the Park, which will feature nearly 100 vendors, as well as several games for the kids, including the Shriner’s Arab Choo Choo. The Antique, Classic & Special Interest Car Show will also return on Saturday to Wrightsville Beach Park, giving a glimpse of some of the hottest cars of yesteryear. Continued from Page 1
CLASSIFIED
Classified and display deadline: Friday noon • Call 910-719-9180 • classifieds@luminanews.com LEGAL NOTICES EXECUTRIX’S NOTICE
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
The undersigned having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Sheryl Jean Valentine (Deceased) of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 20th day of February 2020, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Charles John Cody (Deceased) of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 13th day of February 2020, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Joseph White Wheeless (Deceased) of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 13th day of February 2020, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Charles E. Tingley, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned do hereby notify all person, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned, c/o Jill L. Peters Kaess, Post Office Box 4548, Wilmington, North Carolina 28406, on or before the 17th day of February, 2020 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This is the 21st day of November 2019.
This is the 14th day of November 2019.
This is the 14th day of November 2019.
Sherry Lynne Valentine, Executrix 6351 Greenville Loop Road Wilmington, NC 28409
Jeffrey S. Cody, Executor 24 Twin Oaks Drive Castle Hayne, NC 28429
November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2019
November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019
Stephen Lewis Wheeless, Executor 1823 South Live Oak Parkway Wilmington, NC 28403 November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019
This the 14th day of November, 2019. Charles B. Tingley and Lida Fee Tingley, Co-Executors of the Estate of Charles E. Tingley Jill L. Peters Kaess Lee Kaess, PLLC P. O. Box 4548 Wilmington, NC 28406 November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019
The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Elsie Wells (Deceased) of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 6th day of February 2020, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 7th day of November 2019. Glenn R. Wells, Executor 508 Sandcastle Court Wilmington, NC 28405 November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019
Church Services NEAR THE BEACH LITTLE CHAPEL ON THE BOARDWALK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) Rev. Patrick Thomas Rabun, pastor 2 W. Fayetteville St., 910-256-2819, ext. 100 www.littlechapel.org Sunday School (for all ages): 9:15 a.m. Traditional Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided. ST. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH Rev. Trent Watts 209 S. Lumina Ave., 910-256-2471 Mass: Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.,
BETH SIMCHA MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATION Congregational Leader/ Rabbi Marty Schilsky 7957 Market St. Wilmington, N.C. 28411 910-681-0117 Shabbat Services 10:30 a.m. Saturday WRIGHTSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Doug Lain, senior pastor 4 Live Oak Drive, 910-256-4471 Worship Services: 8:15, 9:45, 11:15 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC CHURCH Father Patrick A. Keane 1011 Eastwood Road, 910-392-0720 Vigil Mass: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. en Español Monday Mass: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday Masses: 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday Mass: 8:30 a.m. Thursday Mass: 8:30 a.m. Friday Mass: 8:30 a.m. followed by Adoration with Benediction at 9 p.m.
ST. ANDREW’S ON-THE-SOUND EPISCOPAL The Rev. Richard G. Elliott, rector 101 Airlie Road, 910-256-3034 Monday-Wednesday at 8:30 a.m 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., Celtic Service 5:30 p.m. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH John McIntyre, senior pastor 601 Causeway Drive, 910-256-3682 Traditional Worship: 9-10 a.m. Sunday School for all ages: 10:10-11 a.m. Contemporary Service: 11:10 a.m to 12:20 p.m
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Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002
November 28 - December 4, 2019
Reasons to be festive, and thankful, this Flotilla Holiday Weekend Community Cooler By Sherri Robinson Hello, Wrightsville Beach. Many of you know me or at least know some of my images and articles in area publications. Now, I will be sharing things in this, the Community Cooler, a hodgepodge of news, notes, thoughts, and points for pondering. I wanted to begin this Thanksgiving week to bring to mind the many, many things we, living on or near Wrightsville Beach, have to be thankful for and to remind us they are well worth celebration – in moderation, of course. Having weathered Hurricane Florence, dodged a bullet with Dorian, lost precious friends and made new ones, welcomed the next generations and cherished those older ones still among us, we have learned a lot, through tears and laughter. We’ve come together to support others and bonded in new and indivisible ways with one another. With gratitude, immense gratitude, we will gather around and across tables, big and small, with those we cherish and with those who might need to know they are worthy of being loved. We, as a community, share our abundance just as we share our challenges. We are a community comprised of ordinary and extraordinary people with a common condition; we are grateful. Grateful for all that we have and all we can give. So, as you bundle up to cheer the Turkey Trotters on Thursday morning or to trot yourself, be thankful for the air you breathe,
the beautiful course those legs propel upon, and the forecasted sunny skies above. As you clasp hands around your table, feel the warmth in their embrace, and squeeze a little tighter. When you take the family to watch the tree lighting and welcome the jolly guy in the red suit, look at the sparkles in the little one's eyes, then smile, remembering wonder still exists in the world. With babysitters on board, make your way to the kick-off party beginning the 36th North Carolina Holiday Flotilla and know this night and tomorrow our island welcomes visitors from all over the world – all to support local, all helping us; remember to be thankful, be helpful, be kind. We, all of us, are Wrightsville Beach. Then, when the island returns to normal on Sunday night, take a moment to be thankful and proud to have hosted the most illuminating and glorious holiday celebration in The Old North State. But, before you go bed, make a note to show a little gratitude to the hard-working town employees who erected all the beautiful lights and decorations, the flotilla committee, the vendors, businesses, and volunteers making everything possible, and the tireless Wrightsville Beach Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation departments. Most of all, know I am grateful for you; thank you for welcoming me to the community.