June 2023 Leland Magazine

Carla Edstrom

Jan Morgan-Swegle

Joe Jancsurak

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

Spring Has Sprung!

Our cover features the fishing pier at Belville’s Riverwalk Park, and it certainly looks inviting, doesn’t it? That pier will be full of parents and children fishing on Saturday, June 10, during the Belville Take A Kid Fishing Day, but it’s a great spot to drop a line or just chill out and watch the world go by any time of the day. This reminds us of how wonderful it is to have so many outdoor recreation options in all the parks in northern Brunswick County, and also of all the cool events we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in those parks. We want to thank all the town and county employees who keep these parks looking great and who organize things like the Kid’s Fishing Day, Food Truck Rallies, celebrations, concerts, markets, movies and more. They help make this the community it is and often go without any sort of recognition. So hats off to them, and if you happen to see town employees doing their thing in a park, please thank them in person.

River Tour Guides

Cruising With Wilmington Water Tours

STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE; PHOTOS BY TONY SWEGLE

There is nothing so calming as the sound of the sea. Whether it’s the ocean or a river, there is a soothing peace about the sound of the water. We are lucky to live near both. We are also lucky to have Wilmington Water Tours as part of our community, located at 212 South Water St. (between Orange and Ann Street) in Wilmington, right on the Cape Fear River. Captain Doug Springer and his team provide a glimpse of history and a peek into the future with the narrated river tours they offer on a custom-built, 49 foot passenger motorized catamaran, appropriately named, the “Wilmington.” Our tour was skillfully navigated by First Mate Patrick, while Captain Doug narrated the sights and sounds of the river.

If you are new to the area, taking a river tour is an excellent way to learn about old Wilmington and how it has evolved into an active port that now welcomes post-panamax container ships, some of the longest ships in the world. The river is currently teeming with fish because we are at the height of one of the best seasonal fish migrations we have seen in years. A river teeming with fish also brings in a vast variety of birds that thrive on the fish. The bald eagle population grows every year, and the ospreys competing with the eagles add to the excitement. To the surprise of many, we also have bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and alligators sharing the same waters.

Captain Doug served as the Cape Fear Riverkeeper as part of Cape Fear River Watch, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1993. This organization and specifically, the position of “Riverkeeper” is to provide a voice and advocate for the river. They act as our voice for clean water and water quality to state and federal legislators and hold accountable those who pollute our waters. Captain Doug’s experience as a Riverkeeper informs his views of the river and the information he shares with his passengers.

According to Captain Doug, the Cape Fear River is one of the most heavily monitored rivers in the U.S. He said, “We were fortunate that GenX was discovered early in the process where now so many other rivers are just discovering similar pollutants. The bad news is that any industry is currently allowed to discharge any chemical into

any body of water.”

He continued, the Cape Fear River at one time was the main economic engine in the state of North Carolina. We can create jobs here on the river if we keep her clean, protect her and invest in her, he explained. The mission is to get more people on the river so they understand the river’s potential. It is without a doubt one of the most underutilized natural resources in North Carolina and probably the U.S. “We welcome new businesses on the river and don’t have to fight over the pie. We must make the pie bigger and better.”

Captain Doug and his wife, Diane Upton, have been doing water cruises for the past 17 years. Although originally from Ohio, Doug has always had an affinity for water. As a child he used to vacation in the Outer Banks and he fell in love with the ocean. Building this business was his dream and together with Diane and their partners, Mary DeLollo and Garland Valentine, they have made it a success.

Wilmington Water Tours offers a wide

variety of daily tours, specialty, and private cruises, and partnered they provide water taxi service to and from the USS North Carolina battleship. Every time someone steps onto one of their boats, their goal is to exceed all expectations. They say their business is built upon their returning customers, incredible employees, and working to be an integral part of the community.

Their tour offerings include daily Eagles Island Cruises, Sunset Cruises with live music from local artists, the “Black River Adventure” on Saturday mornings, Birding Cruises, a wide range of history cruises featuring well-known historians such as Dr.Chris Fonville, and of course private cruises tailored to your wish. In total, they estimate that they have taken more than 500,000 people on various water trips that would equal in

FINDERS

distance traveling three times around the equator! Anyone can book a private or charter cruise by contacting Diane Upton.

Margi Erickson, Marketing Assistant for Wilmington Water Tours explained that in addition to the “Wilmington,” they also offer “The Busy Bee,” a 39-foot water taxi that on a daily basis taxis folks to the Battleship from Market Street or the bottom of Orange Street. In addition, an option for free parking is to park at the Battleship Park and with the purchase of a ticket for one of Wilmington Water Tours regular tours, you will be picked up and dropped off at Battleship Park.

“Our tours are relaxing, fun and easy to get to,” Erickson said. “We have started a new tour called ‘Burgwin-Wright Presents…Outlander in the Cape Fear.’ It explores the connection of the Outlander Series to Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. It’s also a collaboration with the Burgwin-Wright Museum and Hunter Ingram (Assistant Museum Director). Our next Outlander cruise is June 7. Sign up at our website. And, we plan to offer it weekly, so keep checking our website for details.”

Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying, “A river is time in water; as it came, still so it flows, yet never is the same.” He could have been talking about the Cape Fear River! As we learned from the cruise, the river, which is 25 miles to the ocean, used to be fresh water and only about 15 feet deep. Now, the tides have doubled, and it is quite salty due to it being deepened to over 40 feet deep. Captain Doug stressed, “The river is constantly changing, it’s like a laboratory. With the river breaking a record for being its warmest in recorded history year after year, we see Mother Nature trying to adapt. For instance, over 50 percent of the young ospreys that live on the

FINDERS

Captain Buddy Benton

Photo Contributed By Wilmington Water Tours

river, which would normally migrate south for the winter, no longer do so. It’s so warm that the fish stay near the surface allowing the birds to attempt to survive the winter here without migrating.”

We also learned that in the spring, the marshes are so fertile that in only eight days, they change from brown to a rich and beautiful green in an amazing display of color. The birds that do migrate south come home to nest and the river comes alive.

Our cruise passed by huge container ships and tiny tug boats. The large ships rely on the tugboats to get them positioned into the port. We saw a large pile of wood chips made from local trees which is then is exported to Turkey, and piles of lumber being shipped here from Germany and Scandinavian countries.

We saw 17-story high domes with walls that are 3-feet thick. They looked like giant balloons. They held wood pellets that will be shipped overseas to be mixed with coal in power plants in the UK and other countries to theoretically help the coal burn somewhat cleaner.

We also learned about the over 240 Liberty ships, and cargo ships that were built on the banks of the river during World War II. These were the first ships to be welded and

the passion associated with Rosie the Riveter was shared by the female workforce here in Wilmington. Rosie was a popular World War II iconic poster figure designed to encourage women to join the effort to build and produce machinery to help our country win the war. It became a symbol of heroism and patriotism. The poster told women, “We Can Do It,” and showed a woman flexing her muscle as she left the kitchen to head to the factories to do her part.

“Rosie” could have lived in Wilmington. “Large cafeterias were built at the shipyard to attract workers, but they stood empty as the workers didn’t want to take any time away from the important job they were doing to help win the war. Eventually, meals were brought to them at their worksta-

tions,” Captain Doug said.

Captain Doug and his wife Diane are doing an important job in creating a learning environment that will help our children understand the importance of clean water and environmental safety that will support generations to come.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience that we provide to people,” Captain Doug said. “We want to teach you, but we also want to entertain you, and engage with your questions and interest. I have six captains that narrate tours and I encourage them to make the narration their own. The narrations are not scripted, and every one is different. Our product runs deeper than our boats. Our product is you and what you take away from the experience.”

Our experience was a wonderful mixture of being out on the cool river, enjoying drinks from the bar and learning about this wonderful area in which we live. As we head into summer, make it a priority to take several of the Wilmington Water Tours excursions. It’s an excellent way to celebrate or just relax with family and friends. Contact them at 910-602-3862 or book online. If you want to book a private charter, ask for Diane Upton 910-6324095. Check out their website at, www. WilmingtonWaterTours.net. If you are interested in having Doug speak to a group or organization, contact him at doug@ wilmingtonwt.com.

Don’t wait — it’s time you went on a cruise!

Riverwalk Rentals

Getting Out On The River In Belville

STORY BY JOE JANCSURAK PHOTOS BY RIVERWALK RENTALS

Long known for its riverwalk trail, fishing pier and playground, the Belville Riverwalk Park now provides water enthusiasts with easy access to kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and fishing equipment with the recent opening of Riverwalk Rentals.

With hours on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 6 pm, owner and Leland resident Mario Barron and his assistant Eliaz Brown are ready to rent kayaks, both single and tandem; fishing equipment and accessories; and paddle boats by the hour or the day.

“I’ve always enjoyed being on the water and I want to share my love of the water with the community,” says Barron, a 31-year-old married father of two who grew up in Ocean Isle Beach and now works as a construction manager for Brunswick Coun-

ty. “Growing up, I was constantly kayaking, surfing, boating and fishing. For me, being on the water and immersing myself in that environment provides me with a sense of peace and calmness.”

Spoken like a true veteran water enthusiast. But what about the novice who’s nervous about getting a boat in and out of the water? “With us there to help, everyone can easily the experience the stress-free fun part of being on the water. Leland and the surrounding area are growing fast and with that comes certain growing pains such as traffic and congestion. We’re here to offer

our community a means by which they can disconnect from everyday stressors, unplug for a few hours and enjoy the natural surroundings of our area, without the boat traffic that’s a huge part of the Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach experience.”

Barron added, “We do rent fishing gear. It is $10 for half day $20 all day. We have them rigged up with popping corks but you can rig it how you want. The rental of fishing gear comes with additional tackle and soft baits. You can bring your own gear or bait if you would like. We will have classes to allow people who have not fished to understand the basics of rigging and technique.

Looking for a guided tour? “We do guided tours for just paddling and we do some with fishing,” Barron said. “Both are on the weekends. The times vary depending on conditions and tide. We will launch from different areas with the tours. Some in Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. To help people explore different water areas. We will meet and shuttle to launch locations.”

Barron, who also owns a food truck and a commercial cleaning business, knows the importance of daily preparation. “I want customers to know that we take pride in the condition of our equipment the close attention we pay to weather conditions, tides, etc., enabling us to know when and where to go,” he said. “Having a plan enables our customers to have worry-free fun on the water. That brings us joy.”

So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to recharge and reconnect with nature, check out Riverwalk Rentals at the Bellville Riverwalk Park. For more information, call 910269-8248; email riverwalkrentals@ gmail.com; or visit www. rentatriverwalk.com

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Donations Needed Maritime Museum Creating Fishing Exhibit

STORY CONTRIBUTED

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is designing a new exhibit that showcases the rich history of commercial fishing in the Cape Fear region, and to help tell the full story, museum staff is seeking the community’s help. “We’re looking for anything related to the commercial fishing business,” N.C. Maritime Museums’ Design Curator Rebecca Edwards said. “Specifically, we’d like items related to any of the shrimp or fish houses that were down on the water.”

Edwards said she’s seeking objects like commercial fishing gear, cannery tins and tokens, boating equipment and other historical items related to commercial fishing in Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender and lower Onslow counties. She added they’re also interested in items like pictures, letters and other documents that add historical context.

“We would love the opportunity to dis-

play a wide variety of artifacts that give the visitors insight and appreciation for the Cape Fear fishing communities,” Edwards said.

Edwards cautions that items should not be brought directly to the museum since the staff there is not set up to accept artifacts. Instead, the acquisition process is a structured one that goes through the collections staff, who are based out of the mu-

seum’s sister site in Beaufort.

To donate an object or documents, contact Collections Manager Tessa Johnstone at tessa. johnstone@ncdcr.gov with an image of the object and/or a brief description. Johnstone will work with Edwards to determine which items would work best in the exhibit based on when it was used, what each item illustrates, if there is already a similar item in the collection and other criteria. They’ll then schedule an appointment to see the item in person.

Edwards said they’re looking for objects used during the 18th, 19th, and late 20th centuries in shad, mullet, menhaden, shrimp, clam and oyster fisheries, both farm-raised and locally harvested. She is hoping to also see something related to one specific fishery.

“We don’t have anything for the sturgeon fishery, not even pictures, only a couple of news articles,” Edwards said, noting that’s partially attributable to the fishery’s brief period in operation.

Edwards said the goal is to create a comprehensive display that honors the commercial fishing community, which played a vital role in the region’s history.

“That was Southport’s main economy back then,” she said, “and I want to pay homage to them.”

For more information, contact Edwards at rebecca.edwards@ncdcr.gov or 252504-7745.

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources

Youth Programming

Snack Club

Ages 8 - 12 | TH Jun 8 - 29 4 - 5:30 PM | $90

Embroidery By Hand

Ages 10 - 16 | Jun 21 & 28 6 - 8 PM | $50

Soap Casting

Ages 8 - 12 | Jun 17 9 - 10:30 AM | $20 Register online or in person at the LCAC

Artistic Voice Found

Marcus Dawson’s Collage Art LCAC Show

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Weall dealt with the pandemic times and the separation from society that it caused in different ways. Marcus Dawson fought the dark by cutting bright and happy things from found media, like magazines, and creating collages. In doing so he found an artistic voice that drawing or painting couldn’t awaken. Marcus is the featured artist in the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) Gallery this month, giving him the chance to share his artwork in its physical, rather than digital, form with his community for the first time. We spoke to Marcus about his show and how he turns “waste” into art.

When will your exhibit go up and how long will it be on display?

My exhibit “A Collaged Life” will be on display from May 30 - June 28. I will also be having a public reception of the work on June 8 from 6-8 pm at the LCAC.

How did you get the opportunity to

display at the LCAC?

Last year I saw a post that LCAC made stating that they were looking for exhibitions for 2023. I knew that I was a newer artist so I found myself a little hesitant to apply. With some faith, and after a good pep talk with myself, I submitted my proposal for my show. Shortly after my submission I received a congratulations letter and here

we are.

What does it mean to you to be able to share your work in its physical form

with the community?

Being able to share my work with the community means everything to me. As an artist we often create in solitude but when a work is displayed openly, there is a beautiful connection that happens between you, the viewer and the work. Also, I often share my work online but there is no better feeling than seeing the work up close in person. With collage especially, you see the nuances of the work, the little rips and cuts that make the work come alive.

What is your history as an artist?

I have always been a creative person but honestly I didn’t think at first that I could be an artist because I didn’t paint or draw. I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. It wasn’t until I discovered collage art that I truly found my voice as an artist. I saw that through this form of art I could use my skills of storytelling to create these one-of-a-kind art pieces out of things that others considered scraps.

Collage making has changed my life in the most surprising and beautiful way,

What drew you to college art? Was your work during the pandemic your first try at that?

I was first introduced to collage by my Mother. She was a Vacation Bible School teacher several years ago and one of the crafts for her class was making collages. When I created my first collage back then I was so inspired at how I could take images and quotes that already existed in the world and transform them into a completely new masterpiece.

During the pandemic I was trying to find ways to express myself. Having all of that alone time made me feel so disconnected. One day I picked up some old magazines and books from a thrift store. When I got home I began to cut out images and create collages. It was like I came alive for the first time during the difficulty of the pandemic. It was then I found my voice... I found myself again.

How do you choose images to use? What sort of sources do you use? I honestly use anything that is available. That is the beauty about collage making. I use anything from high-end fashion

magazines, newspapers, thrifted books, and so much more. I do however love using classic books and magazines from the 60’s and 70’s. I specifically use bright and bold colors in my work to evoke feelings of peace and light. We all have experienced heavy times and I wanted the art that I make to be an escape — even if it’s for a moment — from those times.

Any plans for next steps after your exhibit closes?

There are so many things that I want to do! I do have some artwork that I was commissioned for in a magazine this upcoming fall. I also would like to teach some Collage workshops before the year is out.

2023 Hurricane Expo

Town of Leland Helps Residents Prepare

June

The town of Leland is here to help with its 2023 Leland Hurricane Expo to be held Saturday, June 10 from 10 am - 2 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way

The goal of this third-annual expo is to ensure residents are ready should a hurricane impact our region by offering a one stop shop for emergency resources, and to answer all their hurricane and storm-related questions, said town of Leland Communications Manager Jessica Jewell.

Events will include vendors and “toucha-truck” throughout the day, workshops on the hurricane season outlook from the National Weather Service, and presenta-

tions on flooding, insurance, and stormwater management from town staff at 10:30 am , 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Town staff and public safety officials will also host a question and answer session at 12:30 pm. Submit questions for the panel to Emergency Management Chief John Grimes via email at jgrimes@townofleland.com. Submit questions for the panel to Emergency Management Chief John Grimes via email at jgrimes@townofleland.com.

“The time to prepare for a possible hurricane is now, and preparation begins with knowledge,” Chief Grimes said. “Since its inception, the Hurricane Expo has proven to be a critical tool in ensuringthousands of our community members, whether brandnew or lifelong residents, are prepared for the potential impacts of hurricane season.”

Participants in the event include town of Leland staff from Fire/Rescue, Police, Public Services, and Planning and Inspections de-

partments; Brunswick County Emergency Services; Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office; Red Cross; NC Cooperative Extension Agency; NC Department of Insurance; Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry; and WWAY TV3.

We hope everyone will take this opportunity to get their questions answered and get ready for whatever comes our way this year.

marks the beginning of hurricane season, and though we can’t control nature’s storms, we can do our best to be as prepared for them as possible. The winds and flooding associated with hurricanes and tropical storms affect areas far inland from the storms’ landfall positions, so those living in the Leland area need to know all they can about storm preparation and safety.

Art Beat An Investment In Art

Allison Ford Helps BCC Improve In Southport

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Brunswick Community College Southport Center on Lord Street has been open for nearly eight years, and the enthusiasm to take art classes is still as strong as ever. The courses offered have grown and expanded steadily, with many creative classes currently available. Southport Center has something for everyone if you desire to learn a new craft or develop your art. Even though it’s been open for several years, it is still somewhat of a secret being on Lord Street, hidden off the main path into Southport. However, with the constant flow of new residents to the area, the campus has gained many creative people seeking a place to create and learn new skills.

Over the years and with people seeking out arts as a creative outlet, many classes rapidly outgrew the building and the budget in the short time the campus has been operating. Bursting at the seams, BCC Southport was recently blessed with a large donation from a new resident and art student, Allison Fox. According to Barbara McFall, director of Southport Center, “The Heritage Arts donation was the second significant gift from Allison Fox to the Southport Center. The BCC Southport Center is a uniquely wonderful creative community made possible by our state and local partners, school administration, students, instructors and staff, and generous donors

like Allison.”

Her generous donation has helped tremendously in so many ways. Specifically, her contribution has added more effective storage for many classrooms and equipment, including a new glass fusing kiln, pottery shelving for ongoing work, vent hoods for the kilns in the jewelry classroom that alleviates possible health concerns, plus paid for the electric installation to run all the equipment. “The initial goal at Southport Center was to add capacity to a top-rated program in glass by increasing efficiencies,” said McFall. “We are so very grateful for these significant improvements to our classroom experience.” In her honor, BCC has named the glass classroom the Allison Fox Glass Studio.

Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, Allison spent most of her life living in MD, DC, or VA. “I was living near Annapolis on the water. But, after my best friend and husband of 38 years passed away, I wasn’t enjoying the beautiful property as

much as I once did with him. So I needed a change and an adventure,” she said. “Forbes magazine said Southport was the happiest town in America to retire in. So I was visiting a friend in Sunset Beach and wandered up to see.”

The arts are close to her heart as well as giving back to her community. Over the years, Allison has taken several art classes, including pottery, painting, drawing, and watercolors. Then she started with a fused glass class when she got to BCC Southport. “Gina Poppe was my very patient and gifted instructor,” said Allison. “Another glass artist, Debbie Appleby, and I met at a crafts show she was in. I bought a couple of her fused pieces, and we exchanged phone numbers. A while later, she called and asked me to come to her studio, and she showed me the basics of designing, cutting, and producing pieces ready for the kiln. What a gift that was! She called again a few days later from the School and said the fused class was short on signups. She said, ‘Get in the car and bring your checkbook,’” she said.

“Once I started the class, I saw a great facility sitting just a few blocks from my house. The instructors were dynamic!!! And there were some great fellow students I have become friends with. But there were obvious budget shortfalls, and there was a need for some items to make things better that were within my reach,” said Allison. “My parents were involved in our community in MD. I needed to be also in my new hometown of Southport! I asked for advice from my first friend here - a lovely and kind business owner, my realtor, a local

government person, and a state political figure. They all said BCC needed me to help if I could. So, after meeting with the head of the BCC Foundation, I created an endowed scholarship to be granted to students wanting to become police officers or folks in the trades. Chief Todd Coring was a local star to me, and that scholarship is named for him, and we are joint administrators,” said Allison. “At the same time, I made a donation of the same amount to make improvements to the BCC Southport center. So glad I did!”

There are currently many plans to expand the unfinished part of the Southport Center, which is a work in progress. They already have some classes in there, including wood turning and metal sculptures. However, much work and funding will be needed to expand that to its fullest potential. “There is a large unimproved space at the arts center that needs finishing. It could sure improve the number of available classrooms, students and other types of art. We could all help accomplish that,” said Allison.

To inquire about donating to the Southport Center, go to www.brunswickcc.edu/foundation/, Or contact Teresa Nelson, Executive Director of The Foundation of Brunswick Community College, at nelsont@brunswickcc.edu or by phone at 910-755-6530.

A glass fusing kiln paid for with Ford’s donation

Botanical Garden Fun

Enjoy The New Child-Friendly Signs

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Looking for something educational and fun that all get you and the family outside enjoying nature’s beauty? The Brunswick County NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners invite parents and grandparents to bring the children in their family to visit their 15 beautifully maintained Extension Brunswick County Botanic Gardens.

Visit the Azalea Garden, Celebration Garden, Container Garden, Curb Appeal Garden, Discovery Garden, Edible Landscape Garden, Live Oak Garden, Fragrance Garden, Micro-Climate Garden, Pollinator Garden, Rain Garden, Reflection Garden, Rose Garden, Sunny Native Garden, and the Welcome Garden.

Ask the children which are their favorite ones! Sit down on a bench or chair—we have children’s chairs too--and take in the beauty of flowers and plants.  We’ve added signs for children to better understand pollination, seeds and plant growth.

The Extension Brunswick County Botanic Garden is a hidden jewel in Brunswick County that’s located adjacent to the NC Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, of the Brunswick County Government Complex, in Bolivia.  Special signs are on display designed especially for children to better understand seeds, pollination and plant growth and other gardening concepts.

Visit the garden during daylight hours on weekdays or weekends.

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3 Cheers Party Rental

Construx Concrete

Cape Fear Fitness

D’s Italian Dominos - Southport

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Hotworx – Monkey Junction

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Southport

Summer Polinator Sale

Extension Office Offers Helpful Plants

In conjunction with National Pollinator Week and just in time for the Monarchs, numerous butterflies and other pollinators, the Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Association will hold a Pollinator/Native Plant Sale featuring Milkweeds, summer blooming perennials, and other critical pollinator-beneficial plants to celebrating the importance of pollinators in the food chain.

This sale offers plants endorsed by Monarch Watch, the North Carolina Butterfly Highway, and the North Carolina Native Plant Society as critical to sustaining our butterfly and pollinator habitat. Organizers have increased the variety of plants offered to include some of the most wildlife-beneficial

Let Us Help You Achieve the Lawn of Your Dreams

shrubs and trees.

The sale will be held on Thursday, June 22, from 8 – 11:30 am at the Brunswick County Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, greenhouse area behind Building N, Government Complex, Bolivia.

Payment accepted: Cash, Check, or Visa/Mastercard with 3 percent processing fee added to the total.

For more information about the plants offered, visit www.bcmgva.org.

For other information or questions, email bcmgvat@gmail.com.

We work hard, so you don’t have to!

Adult Education

BCC Launches New Job Training Site

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Brunswick Community College has launched a new online information site, as well as a digital advertising campaign, to quickly and efficiently share job training programs and college information with adults all across the region. Interested adults are encouraged to visit https://betterskillsbetterjobs.com/brunswick-community-college/ to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college.

“Brunswick Community College’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to be successful in the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of Brunswick Community College. “As the higher education institution in the fastest growing county in the state, we continue to be ready to serve by providing the skills to land a new job, launch a new career, or change careers.

“In just a matter of months on our campuses, adult learners can acquire the skills,

credentials, and degrees they need for a better job, a bigger paycheck, and an even brighter future for themselves and their families,” he said.

Part of the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. initiative includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult

learners reconnect and re-enroll.

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, but unfortunately, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages 25 and 44 have the education and training needed to fill these jobs. Meanwhile, employers across the region are frantically looking for the skilled talent needed to fill current positions.

It’s why Brunswick Community College, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to launch the special outreach campaign to attract even more adult learners back to college.

“We know that many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and we believe our community colleges are a great place for their journey to begin. Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an

education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state,” said M.C. Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment.

“We know that many North Carolinians are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and we believe our community colleges are a great place for their journey to begin. Our goal is for all residents of our state to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state,” Pelon said. For more information about the “Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.” initiative, please visit: https://betterskillsbetterjobs.com/brunswick-community-college/.

State Treasurer Chat

Q&A With Steward Of Our Public Funds

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LISA AND JEFFREY STITES

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was born poor in resource and rich in opportunity. Some have said, not to my face, that I am the smartest person in the room, so I am getting ready to release my high school transcripts, my Winston-Salem State transcripts and my UNC-G transcripts so we can mathematically prove that is not accurate. What I am is somebody who God gave the vision to see what needs to be seen — as a Quaker, once I see something, I can’t unsee it — and the humility to listen for what needs to be heard, and the courage to act on what needs to be done.

And you worked as an accountant?

I was a motorcycle mechanic and a garbage collector. For the first 26 years of my life, I made my living with my hands my back and my feet. What I told some UNC-Wilmington students yesterday, I told them three things. Number one, generally speaking, their generation doesn’t do too well with conflict resolution, and a lot of times, that starts with the parents. What I’d like for them to do, from that moment forward yesterday, is that any time your parent says something to you, run it through this filter of PPP — pray, provide, or protect. Are they trying to pray for me, are they trying to provide for me, or are they trying to protect me from something? Secondly, I want you to realize that it doesn’t matter how handsome they are or pretty they are or smart they are or wealthy they are, that one day they are going to get their senior citizen discount at Harris Teeter just like I am, and they’re going to look back and realize they’re standing on the shoulders of somebody else, and their job is to figure out who those people need to be now, and gravitate toward them. And the last thing is that God possibly made every one of them better at something than anyone in the whole world, but you’re never better than anyone else and that most of the big decisions in your life are going to be made when you are not in the room, like the decision to be accepted at that campus. Whatever they submitted had to speak for itself. You need to be known as somebody that what you say speaks for itself. I didn’t know all this when I was 11 years old, but these are things that I’ve developed and that I’ve utilized that put me in a position, ultimately,

when somebody convinced me that you can be successful with your hands and your back and your feet, but you have a really good mind and you should think about getting an education.

Why accounting?

It was the toughest degree on campus. My brother was an accountant, my sister-inlaw was an accountant, and I obviously have some mathematical skills. During the Arab oil embargo, I was working at Cloverdale Shell in Winston-Salem, and I was able to tell which of my middle school teachers came in and switched their license plates so they could buy gas every day; they had odd and even days. I realized I had an ability to see things and memorize things and process things, and accounting was a good place for that.

What made you want to run for State Treasurer? Was that your first foray into politics?

This is my 27th year (in politics). I was on a school board for eight years, in the North Carolina State House of Representatives for eight years, the last two years as Speaker Pro Tem. Rep. Carolyn Justice introduces me by saying I was one good haircut away from being Speaker of the House. After Carolyn introduces me that way, I explain to people that it costs a lot to look this cheap. I’m trying to take things that are invisible, and in a way that the New York Times doesn’t appreciate because they said my humor is “well hidden,” I try to put some humor into these invisible things that most people don’t know about. When I talk about paying off 60 percent of the State debt, or refinancing State debt, I put it in terms of their mortgage. It’s millions of dollars, but it’s not different than their mortgage. When I talk about the credit rating, it’s their credit score. I try to put things in basic terms. So, what I said seven years ago is that whoever the next Treasurer was going to be was going to make the generational difference in the future of our State. I didn’t have any vision about COVID, and I said that not emotionally or politically, but mathematically, because of the fact that the pension plan had not achieved its assumed rate of return for 20 years, which is no fault of any treasurer. Treasurer Boyles left it in great shape; a year in, Treasurer Moore was hit with 9/11. At the end of his term and the first

year of Treasurer Cowell’s, it was the financial crises. I said that seven years ago, and it was a thousand percent accurate. I think our team has made a generational difference in the future of our State. (At this point in the conversation, Treasurer Folwell used a wrinkled, worn, much used-graph on a piece of paper to show the previous and future debt trajectories for the State). The State’s debt will fall 60 percent over eight years. When you get designated as number one in the country for business outlook and business activity, it just doesn’t jump up on the table. It’s not a revolution, it’s an evolution of several things.

How does having a lower state debt

benefit the average North Carolinian?

It sends a signal that we have a disciplined General Assembly that balances budgets, builds surpluses, and establishes rainy day funds. It sends a message to the business community who is thinking about expanding or relocating to North Carolina that they’re not going to have to come here and pay taxes to bear somebody else’s debt burden. It creates a great degree of financial certainty for any business thinking about expanding or relocating to North Carolina.

What does the job of State Treasurer entail?

A 4th grader asked me the other day if I signed the $1 bill. Some people might think that’s silly, but it’s actually a good question. Where else do they see that word? We don’t sign the $1 bill, but we manage the 25th largest pool of $1 bills in the world. We manage $248 billion, which is eight times the State budget; it’s the State pension, the 401(k), and the State health plan. I’m the State banker. To quote from Harlan Boyle’s book, “Keeper of the Public Purse,” the State Treasurer of North Carolina has more constitutional and statutory authority and duties than any other elected official in the State, including the Governor, except when the Governor has command of the Militia. I sit on or chair 20 boards. On the pension I am the sole fiduciary; I take recommendations from our management team, but there is only one signature. I chair the pension

When you have the opportunity to interview the head of a State agency who also happens to be running for Governor, you take it. We met with North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell while he was in town to speak with the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis, and we sat down for a Q&A style interview, just like we do with so many of our local business owners.

Dale Folwell with his well-worn charts and graphs

board, the 401(k) board, the State health plan board, banking commission, debt affordability commission, the ABLE Board, State Board of Education and the Community College Board, and that is just nine of them.

What surprised you when you took office and got to work?

Because I was Assistant Secretary for the Department of Commerce, I was not surprised by the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of a lot of our State employees, because the untold business story about reforming the unemployment system and paying off that massive debt is not the legislature changing the law or employers paying more taxes. The untold story is the unbelievable ideas from the people inside that building who no one had ever listened to. I had to improve the system, because we sucked at getting people the money they deserved.

When you’re $2.8 billion in debt, you can’t suck at anything. Sometimes it takes my breath away, the courage and the ingenuity of the State employees who worked with me — but that did not surprise me. What has surprised me, even though I have been working on it for 10 years, is how unbelievably powerful the health cartel is, and the insurance cartel and the prescription drug cartel. They told me 13 years ago, when I tried to do a little something about health care when I was a freshman in the House of Representatives. They said you know a little about motorcycles, but do you know anything about baseball? I said no and was told then you must be unfamiliar with the term “cleats high.” I said I was. He said if you file this bill, then you’re going to be cleats high, which means you’re going to get thrown out at second base and you’re going to hurt somebody along the way. I should have remembered that, but since then, the health care, insurance and prescription drug cartels have gotten unbelievably powerful.

So that’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?

It comes back to me working in a motorcycle shop for 10 years where my income required me to repair things and they be right. There’s not a lot room for failure when you’re dealing with two wheels. The frustrating part about this is that we have in this county, among your readers, beginning teachers and beginning troopers who have to work one week out of every four just to pay their family premium on the State health plan. We have frozen family premiums for five years, but just because the price is frozen for a motorcycle doesn’t mean I can afford to buy it, afford to ride it or afford to maintain it. My goal six years ago was not just to freeze the premiums but also lower the family premiums so we get some young, healthy people and their kids and their spouses on this plan to help offset the people my age, and I have been unable to do that. Freezing family plans has been Herculean. I can see how this can get back into good shape, but the cartel has no interest in working with us.

So how do you fix that?

The positive things that happened in this country in the 60s were not the result of the

lawmakers. It was the music and the lyrics that changed people’s minds, that got everyone singing in the same direction about certain injustices they were seeing, which then changed the minds of the lawmakers that resulted in the changes that happened. What I am seeing now is a choir of people from different political parties, of different genders, of different races, coming together and in the words of Popeye, saying that’s all they can stands and they can’t stands no more. We can no longer be in a position of not being able to see ourselves past our poverty because of things associated with healthcare.

What do you look forward to in the job?

Advocating for the invisible. There are a million people on this pension plan. One out of 10 of our citizens are connected to the pension plan. Many of them don’t know that I run it and that I am the Treasurer, and that not what is important. What is important is that I know who they are. This comes back to my Quaker roots, because I was one of these, I call them the forgotten woman and the forgotten man. I describe them as people who don’t have the money to have political influence, and that is why I am going to be the best governor money can’t buy. They make just a little too much money to get help from time to time. They spend their whole lives working one and two jobs, paying their taxes, and praying for a better outcome. Those are the people I think of when I think of how to advocate for the invisible.

You’ve announced for governor — what drove you to that decision?

The Governor is the CEO of the biggest business in the State. At the core, if you look at the North Carolina Constitution, it says the responsibilities of the governor are to originate the budget and to operationalize the budget as ratified by the General Assembly. That’s the number one job. The governor of North Carolina buys more paper towels, more light bulbs and more tires and employs more people than anyone else in North Carolina. A very influential person called me seven or eight months ago and said you are running for governor. I asked if that was a question and he said you know that wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Since then, a lot of other people have said that. The root word of governor is to govern. I think if you look at my executive experience as well as my financial experience and my track record of actually saving lives, saving minds and saving money, I am uniquely qualified. It’s not because I am the smartest person in the room, but because I have the vision to see, the ability to listen, and the courage to act.

What will your top priorities be as governor?

To be the best governor money can’t buy because I am the best treasurer money can’t buy. As a former treasurer once told me, when you manage a quarter of a trillion dollars, people will try to kiss your tail in a way that you didn’t think was humanly possible. Number two is transparency. There should be no reason why it took me six months to figure out the 10 people who voted, and I am one of the 10, to shut down the economy during COVID, because nothing about the Council of State is public. Number three is to take these skills that I already posses and all of my other public service duties, and to have clear and simple goals about how we can improve the lives of people by attacking the problem, not attacking the person. The majority of the people in this State are not affiliated with any political party and there is a reason for that. I don’t underestimate the voters. The voters have, I think, realized that the left and the right wings are connected to the same bird. I am conservative without compromise, because the root word of conservative is conserve, and until you conserve anything, you can’t be liberated, and the root word of liberated is liberal.

How can the State best support its small businesses, either by action or by removing barriers and getting out of the way?

Number one is listen. Number two is some of the things that are going on, which the voters have approved, such as elimination of corporate income tax, which is happening, and to just exercise some level of common sense regarding regulations of small business. But everything ties back into healthcare costs. That’s the biggest thing, is to try to get a handle on the high healthcare costs.

Our County is growing quickly. What can the State do, or stop doing, to allow the County to make the most of that growth?

The main thing is for the State to have a philosophy that all local governments need to have the highest level of transparency and of governance. The thing about transparency, especially as keeper of the public purse, is that we have this ‘ask me anything’ call once a month. It’s international, national and statewide press. Some days I could be asked about the dredging in Currituck or Medicaid expansion. If I’m lucky, today is April 5th, and I’ve got about 20 more of these in my life. Twenty more of these, hopefully, that I can feed myself and ride my motorcycle by myself. Why would I want to spend any of that precious time keeping something from you that you’re entitled to anyway? I’m being selfish with the remaining time I have on this earth in saying just give people what they are asking for,

no matter how it looks. I guess that’s why I was the first Republican to receive the Sunshine Award. When I received that, some people in my party asked me what I had to do to get it. I said I answered my phone. They asked what if you don’t know what to say. I said you ask them what their deadline is and say that you’ll find out and that you’ll get back to them, and you do.

What would you like to say that we haven’t asked?

How are we going to bring this country, this community back together again? My answer to that is that we have to give people an option of voting for someone instead of against someone. You can’t run your personal finances differently than your campaign finances or differently than you’re going to do your job as Treasurer. The way you treat your personal money, the way you treat donors’ money, and the way you treat the public’s money should be equal. We have a lot of Pinos in elected office. It’s a new term and it stands for politician in name only. It seems like there are so many people who get drunk the night they get elected and they don’t do anything else for their whole careers. They don’t save lives, minds or money. They peak that night. I think we’ve got to get back to people who focus on saving lives, minds, and money, giving people someone to vote for instead of against, and, if you have to say no, you spell it know.

June Members Forum

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table Meeting

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table invites the public to attend a “Members Forum” featuring Dr. Charles Ewell, M.D., and William Jordan, an expert interpreter of 18th and 19th Century cooking. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 8. The round table meets at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Wilmington near Independence Mall. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7 pm.

Dr. Ewell is an anesthesiologist with family connections to many Civil War figures including Confederate Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell. William Jordan is a historic re-enactor with a love of cooking that led to him collecting nearly 100 cookbooks printed before 1850. He enjoys interpreting the old recipes, known as receipts.

The presentation will focus on the topic of anesthesia in the Civil War. There are many misconceptions clouding the historical question. Dr. Ewell notes that there were substantial improvements in surgical skills, decision making, and wound care as the war progressed, with dramatically better results, at least with

amputations, which were the overwhelming majority of surgeries in the pre-germ theory world.

He has always been interested in history and has combined his focus on medicine with his love of history, especially military history. “I first got interested in history when I was 7 to 8 years

old and lived in Europe,” he said.  “I was fascinated with people getting their heads cut off in the Tower of London and that grew to being able to name many of the Kings and Queens of England. I grew up in the suburbs of New York City but my mother’s family was in Kinston and I spent a lot of time there. I was fascinated with the

difference in the culture at that time between Westchester County, NY and Kinston, NC.”

He majored in British history at UNC and even after entering medical school, he was officially accepted to the history graduate school to study the history of science.  Realizing that “being a doctor was a full time job,” he moved on to The Ohio State University and then the Moses Cone health system in Greensboro, specializing in anesthesiology.

Now retired in Wilmington, he also spends time as a curator at the USS North Carolina where he is stationed in the sick bay to answer questions about WWII naval medicine.

William Jordan is not a professional cook but he, wife Kim, and son David, are all avid reenactors. He says that flavor profiles, the science behind cooking, and how one process or flavor affects another is an important part of his fascination with cooking.

The family travels to reenactments regularly and William usually cooks at whatever event he attends. The week-

end before the Cape Fear CWRT meeting, he will cook six Civil War meals for 35 people at the Fort Pocahontas reenactment in Virginia. The weekend after he will cook five Revolutionary War meals for 30 people at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. These meals are cooked over an open fire or an open hearth. Everything is cooked live at the event or demonstration except for the occasional baked goods.

William’s presentation, like Dr. Ewell’s, will deal with some of the common misconceptions about the Civil War. Soldiers ate “more than hard crackers and acorn stew.” And, he will bring some samples of actual Civil War-era foods.

The meeting will be held in the sanctuary of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Enter at the rear of the church, which is located at 1219 Forest Hills Drive. The church parking lot, close to the entrance to the meeting room, is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. Doors open at 6:30 pm and there is ample time to browse

Depiction of pre-Inhaler application of anesthesia. Courtesy of the Library of Congress

CALENDAR

June

We’ve included events here that were scheduled at press time, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/ townofleland/ to register online or call 910-385-9891.

JUNE 7

Gettin’ Crafty — Paint Pouring

No brushes needed for this method of creating beautiful and unique art with paint. This craft class is at Founders Park, across from Leland Town Hall on Town Hall Drive.

JUNE 8

Artist Reception

Meet Artist Marcus Dawson and view some of his collage works. The reception is 6-8 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. See a story on the artist elsewhere in this issue.

JUNE 8

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

It’s a members forum this month, featuring Dr. Charles Ewell, M.D., who will speak about anesthesia, and William Jordan, an expert interpreter of 18th and 19th Century cooking. The meeting will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, 1219 Forest Hills Drive, near Independence Mall. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7 pm.

JUNE 10

Hurricane Expo

Learn all about hurricanes, how to prepare, when to evacuate and what resources are available after the storm. The session is 10 am to 2 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

JUNE 10

Kidstock at Brunswick Beer & Cider

And afternoon celebrating children, with food, activities, fairy hair and enter-

tainment provided by Banjo Steve and friends. Kidstock is noon to 3 pm, 1313 Dickinson Drive, Leland.

JUNE 10

Youth Fishing Day — Belville

This fishing event is for youth at Belville Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE. Youth are invited to fish from 7 am to noon.

JUNE 17

Deep Dive Into History — Maritime Museum

This free drop-in program at the Museum features friends of the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, Underwater Branch. The program is 10 am to 3 pm at the Museum, 204 E. Moore St., Southport.

JUNE 21

Leland’s Cinema Series

Take a blanket or chairs, snacks (but no alcohol, and no pets) and enjoy a screening of “Top Gun Maverick” at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. The show takes off at 6:30 pm.

JUNE 24

Matinee Series — Leland

If you need a break from the hot sun, take the kiddos to a viewing of Disney’s “Cars.” The movie starts at 12:30 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, and admission is free. Take snacks and blankets and chairs, but no pets.

JUNE 24

Contra Dance

This communal-style folk dance is easy to learn, and no partner or experience is necessary. Beginners lessons start at 7 pm, and flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended.Tickets are $12, and the dance is 7-10 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

JUNE 24-25

Sea Notes Choral Society

The group presents its annual patriotic concert, entitled “This Is A Great Country.” Concerts are at 3 pm each day, and will feature songs from throughout

the country’s history, including favorites such as “America the Beautiful.” The performances are at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College, 50 College Road NE, Bolivia.

JUNE 29

Rock With Us on the Southport Waterfront

Enjoy a free concert by the Back Porch Rockers performing on the Garrison House Lawn from 6-8 pm during this benefit for the Friends of the NC Maritime Museum at Southport. Enter a raffle for the coveted Trunks of Grog or other valuable treasures!

ONGOING EVENTS

Riverwalk Marketplace

Thursdays 2-5 pm, Fridays 11 am - 5 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm; and Sundays 10-4 pm; Produce and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River.

Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation

Check out http://bit.ly/lelandevents for more information on classes and programs, including painting, pottery, jewelry-making, acting, dance and more.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

8884

St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with 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.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport, 204 E. Moore Street

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. The Third Tuesday program, June 20, is “Marines of the Carolinas,” 7-8 pm at the Southport Community Building; registration is required). Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

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! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.

Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts

Center

The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third Street in Wilmington

June 10-11 — Turning Pointe Dance Company and the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts present “Americana,” a celebration of the USA through dance and music.

June 23 — Amy Grant

June 25 — Clint Black

July 2 — The North Carolina Symphony presents Stars and Stripes

July 15 — Kenny G

July 22 — Travis Tritt

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington

June 3 — Futurebirds

June 23 — Rodrigo y Gabriella: In Between Thoughts…A New World Tour

June 27 — Straight No Chaser: The Yacht Rock Tour

June 19 — Flipturn

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

10 Cowan St., Wilmington

June 3 — Peter McCollum

June 14 — boygenius

June 16 — Rebelution: Good Vibes

Summer Tour 2023

June 22 — Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Ziggy Marley

The Joyce 1174 Turlington Ave.

June 3 — Astoria Bound

June 9 — Miles Atlas

June 10 — Audiomelt Duo

The Historic Amuzu Theatre

111 N. Howe St., Southport

June 24 — Comedy show featuring Khari Reed, Drew Harrison and Faris Randolph for the first time along with favorites Rich Neilsen and Mellony Wilder. Tickets may be purchased at the Rickey Evans Gallery on Howe Street in Southport, or Color Me Carolina on Long Beach Road, Oak Island.

BEER AND WINE

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

1175 Turlington Ave, Suite 101, Leland

Full menu available for dine-in or takeout — also hosting live music, karaoke and trivia.

The Joyce

1174 Turlington Ave.

Check Facebook for specials and details on music and trivia nights.

Local’s Tavern

1107 New Pointe Blvd., Leland

Music Bingo on Wednesdays, starting at 7 pm. Specials are posted on Facebook.

Bridgewater Wines

1132 New Pointe Blvd., Leland

Tuesday Trivia is at at 6:30 pm (reservations required). Checkout the great food menu, and Sunday brunch specials; call 910-408-1900 to order take-out.

Blossoms Restaurant (Magnolia Greens)

1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr. Reservations are encouraged; call 910-383-0998. Check Facebook for drink and food deals and special events.

Brunswick Beer Xchange Co.

113 Village Road, Leland

Check Facebook for live music, food truck appearances, trivia nights and

wine tastings.

Brunswick Beer and Cider

1313 S. Dickenson

Leland’s

dining guide

FIVE GUYS

2028 Olde Regent Way, Leland (910) 833-1997

Burgers and More!

APPLEBEE’S

1113 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-6315

Full-service chain bar &grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting

BLOSSOMS RESTAURANT

Magnolia Greens Golf Course

1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr., Leland 910-383-0998

Breakfast- Saturday & Sunday | Lunch –Tuesday – Sunday | Dinner – Wednesday – Saturday

BRIDGEWATER WINES

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland (910) 408-1900

www.bridgewaterwines.com

Free Wine Tastings Thursdays and Fridays 3-6pm, Saturdays 1-5pm and Sundays 12-3pm

BRODEE’S DOGS BREW HOUSE

103A Village Rd NE, Leland (910) 523-5121

Hot dogs and specialty craft beers

Brunswick Beer and Cider

1313 S. Dickenson Dr., Leland Leland’s first brewery and cidery! Full menu also available

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD CO

Waterford Leland, 910-399-6739

American seafood, signature dishes, hand cut fish, steaks and chicken, freshly made desserts all served in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

CHINGON TAQUERIA

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland (910) 3408-1221

Mexican Food & Drink

CHRISTOPHER’S STEAKHOUSE AND SEAFOOD

2013 New Regent Way Ste 200, Leland

Full hand

(910) 782-8498

Steakes, Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches

DUNKIN DONUTS

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-383-8383

Hand crafted espresso drinks, fresh made all day breakfast sandwiches and delicious donuts.

MR. BAGELMEISTER

1105 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-383-8383

Gondolfo’s Pizza

1735 Reed Rd NE, Leland 910-833-5666

FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

1120 E. Cutler Crossing, Leland Southern Style, Breakfast & Brunch (910) 408-1676

FIVE GUYS

2028 Olde regent way, leland (910) 833-1997

Burgers, Shakes and more!

FALCONE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-3442

Authentic Italian Fare

FIREHOUSE SUBS

3572 Leland Town Center Dr., Leland (910) 408-1007

THE FOREST RESTAURANT

Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest 1281 Cape Fear National Dr., Leland 910-383-3283

FUZZY PEACH

1109 New Pointe Blvd, Ste 4, Leland 910-371-1238

Frozen Yogurt

GAYLYN’S DINER

322 Village Rd, Leland (910) 371-3533

Breakfast and Lunch

HWY 55 BURGERS, SHAKES AND FRIES

1114 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-2707

Retro-themed chain with 1950’s sodafountain look

ISLAND FRESH-MEX GRILL

2013 Olde Regent Way, Ste 110, Leland Serving frshly made burritos, quesadillas and more

Mexican

JADE GARDEN

1735 Reed Rd, Leland 910-383-0880

Chinese

JERSEY MIKE’S

2029 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-523-5300

Sub sandwiches

JIMMY JOHN’S

503 Old Waterford Way 104-A, Leland 910-399-7007

Sub sandwiches

THE JOYCE IRISH PUB

1174 Turlington Ave, Ste 101, Leland 910-408-1400

Irish Pub, Burgers, Beverage

LELAND SMOKEHOUSE

503 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100, Leland (910)228-5008

BBQ, Wings, Ribs

LOCAL’S TAVERN

1107 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910- 769-1289

American Bar/Pub, Music

M + K’S KITCHEN

403 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-833-8030

MIYABI JR EXPRESS

1108 New Pointe Blvd #110, Leland (910) 769-2358

Hibachi, Sushi

NEW DAY CAFE

497 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100, Leland (910) 769-9036

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PANARA BREAD

2024 Olde Regent Way, Leland Suite 110

(910) 274-0358

PAPI’S CAFE

1108 New Pointe Blvd #140, Leland (910) 408-1662

Peruvian Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken PIZZA HUT

112 K Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-9547

PIZZETTA’S PIZZERIA

1144 E. Cutlar Crossing, Leland 910-371-6001

Pizza, Italian, Bar

PORT CITY JAVA

511 Olde Waterford Way

1112 E Cutlar Crossing 910-383-1238, Leland

Coffeehouse chain with house-roasted, organic, breakfast items, sandwiches.

P.T.’S OLDE FASHIONED GRILLE

1035 Grandiflora Dr, Leland 910-399-6808

Burgers, sandwiches and fresh-cut fries

SAN FELIPE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1114 New Point Blvd, #140, Leland 910-371-1188

Mexican Food and Drink

SHIRLEY’S DINER

112 Village Rd. NE, Leland 910-371-2890

SHUCKIN’ SHACK OYSTER BARLELAND

1175 Turlington Ave Suite 101 Leland, North Carolina (910) 221-5522

SIX HAPPINESS ASIAN RESTAURANT

1114 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-0021

Japanese, Sushi, Asian

SMITHFIELD’S CHICKEN ’N BAR-B-Q

2020 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-6900

Counter-serve chain offers fried chicken &Eastern NC BBQ vinegar-based sauce

SUBWAY

103 Village Rd NE & 1012 Grandiflora Dr 910-371-9933 910-383-0211 Subs & Salads

TAQUERIA SANTA CLARA

1389 Lanvale Rd, Leland (910) 769-5598

Take-out Mexican, Burgers, Hot Dogs

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

143 Poole Rd, Leland 910- 765-1144

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner serving sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, quesadillas, bowls, and more

WAFFLE HOUSE

111 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-3600

Breakfast Restaurant

WOK AND ROLL

2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-9025

Chinese

YUMMI YUMMI

112 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-0077

Chinese