April 2024 Leland Magazine

Spring Is Here!

Jeffrey Stites

editor@lelandmag.com

Lisa P. Stites

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

Chuck and Sue Cothran

Carla Edstrom

Jan Morgan-Swegle

Joe Jancsurak

Patricia Langer

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

Jeffrey Stites jeff@southportmag.com

910-471-7741

Kris Beasley

Two sure signs of Spring are the pollen all over everything and the increasing size of our magazines’ Events Calendars, and by those two signs, we can say that Spring has arrived! From postponed Easter Egg hunts to the season’s first family movie nights to festivals popping up all over like daisies, this month’s calendar is full of activities to get you outside and shaking off those winter blues.

Also in this issue, we debut our monthly fishing report from Captain Steele Park of Catherine Ann Sportfishing & Excursions. We’re “reel”-y excited to welcome Steele aboard and hope you’ll find his advice and fishing news helpful and educational. You’ll see that the Battleship North Carolina Memorial graces our cover once again. In this issue, you’ll read all about the Living History Crew, volunteer re-enactors who help to bring the battleship alive and keep her looking shipshape. It’s a labor of love and we hope you’ll hop aboard and experience it for yourself on April 20th.

Living History Crew

Volunteer Organization Brings Battleship USS NORTH CAROLINA Back To Life

STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY LIVING HISTORY CREW

Whatis it that draws us to the past? To another era? Is it the stories told over and over again by our parents and grandparents? Is it the glamour of old movies showing us a gentler time with heroes and true love?

In 1998, Tom Brokaw, TV news anchor and journalist, wrote a book called, “The Greatest Generation.” In it, he talked about those who grew up during the Great Depression and then went off to fight in World War II. He said, “It is, I believe the greatest generation any society has ever produced.” He continued, “These men and women fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.”

Chuck Hood, a member of the Battleship North Carolina Living History Crew (LHC), said he couldn’t agree more. The LHC was established more than 26 years ago and boasts membership of approximately 40 volun-

teers. Their mission is to support the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Memorial by providing a living history program. In addition to providing information to the public about the ship itself and its rich history, they also do restoration work aboard the ship, provide artifacts for interpreted spaces on the ship, and provide manpower to support other Battleship related events.

The Living History Crew is part of several different organizations that support the activities of the USS North Carolina. The USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Memorial is comprised of the ship, and state employees who run the operational side of the ship. The Friends of the Battleship North Carolina, which is a not-for-profit group that supports the memorial. The USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Association is comprised of former crew members and their families, Chuck said.

Battleship Alive is one of the living history events supported by the LHC, and the next event will be on April 20 and coincide with the weeklong “Crew’s Reunion,” honoring the service of the remaining Naval sailors who were on board the USS NORTH CAROLINA, during the time she was commissioned, from 1941 to 1947. During the reunion event, there will

be a memorial service honoring crew members who were lost to us in the past year. After the memorial service, the LHC will begin the Battleship Alive event at 8 am aboard the Battleship North Carolina Memorial.

This Living History program takes you back in time. The crew shows how drills were done on ship in terms of the guns, machinery and even the bridge. You can walk through the close quarters where the sailors slept and read actual letters from service men who served on the ship during World War II. Some areas of the ship have been reconstructed to replicate various depart-

ments that were critical to running the ship.

Life on the ship had challenges. “Stick 2,000 guys on a metal can and send them out to sea. There is no privacy, you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, there are limited activities that you can do, but you build camaraderie. You form a bond with those with whom you served

Community

over shared experiences. You see different parts of the world together. You work together, and you work hard. The experience and your ship mates will always be a part of your life,” Chuck explained.

“Not to take away from modern sailors, because it’s always hard to be away from family, friends, and civilization, but I do believe that life at sea was rougher in World War II,” Chuck said. “First and foremost, they were at war. That is the main thing, but the accommodations weren’t nearly as nice as on modern day ships, the manning was denser, ships weren’t air conditioned, and you didn’t have TV, internet, or any of those things we have come to rely on. I like to show people one of the enlisted ‘heads,’ that’s Navy for bathroom! It has a half a dozen urinals, about a dozen toilets and two showers in that head. That there were only two showers tells you something about life on a ship back then!”

Touring the ship is certainly a walk back in time. Will Murray, also a LHC member, said, “My favorite thing is Sick Bay—it’s the coolest part of the ship. It’s all 1930s technology. We have a dentist’s office, pharmacy, and recovery room; and at the time, it was considered as good or better than any hospital in the country.”

Both Chuck and Will share a love

of history. Will said, “Visiting the Battleship is a great opportunity to come and see a personal face put on the ship. You can read about it, but when you come aboard and see guys dressed like a World War II sailor, then you get a sense of how this was a living, breathing ship. Despite it being war time, guys were living their best life. They were coming out of the Great Depression, they were getting food, clothes, a place to sleep and were being paid.”

LHC members try to dress the part as well. “We get a lot of uniforms from veteran’s families after the veteran has died,” Chuck said. “Families don’t want the history and pride to die out in someone’s attic, so they donate it to us. We also source for original uniforms on eBay. The funny thing is that the do -

nated uniforms are so small. We must be a bigger generation! I remember thinking how odd it was when I found out that Admiral Chester Nimitz was small. His naval accomplishments during World War II were huge. He was promoted to the rank of 5-star Admiral of the Fleet — one of only three others to hold that rank — but here he was, just a 5-foot, 8 inches

tall guy with a job to do.”

The USS NORTH CAROLINA also had a job to do. Commissioned on April 9, 1941, the ship is classified as BB55, or the 55th battleship, and was built in the Brooklyn, New York shipyards. She has 15 “battle stars,” meaning that the USS NORTH CAROLINA was recognized fifteen times for meritorious participation in battle/major conflict or for having suffered damage during battle conditions. A crew of approximately 2,400 sailors served on the ship during wartime.

The Battleship North Carolina served in Western Pacific activities. In 1945, she participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima in February and then on Okinawa in March and April, 1945. She now proudly sits as a memorial to the men who served and to the 12,000 North Carolinians who were lost in battle in World War II, only 12 of whom were from the Battleship North Carolina.

There are only nine Battleships left in the world today. Eight of them are in the United States and one, the Mikasa, is in Japan. We are lucky to have the Battleship North Carolina available to us. Chuck Hood and Will Murray think that this is the best kept, most accessible of all of those ships. Both of them said, “If you haven’t been to the battleship you need to come. The battleship and LHC

are targeted to all people, not just young people.”

On April 20, be a part of the Battleship Alive celebration for what remains of the Greatest Generation. Experience the Battleship North Carolina and all she has to offer. Take a step back in time and enjoy the World

II

Think about getting involved with the Living History Crew—what better way to honor the men and women of the Greatest Generation.

Events begin at 8:00 am.

War

living history interpreters.

It’s ALL Art Show

Show and Sale To Feature Local Artists

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

The Art League of Leland (ALL) is accepting entires for the It’s ALL Art show and sale to take place from May 30-June 1 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. It’s ALL Art is an annual juried exhibition and sale that is open to all artists 18 years and older. Rhonda Bellamy will be the official juror for the 2024 exhibition.

IMPORTANT DATES & TIMES:

Deadline for entries: April 11

Notification of Accepted Art: by May 1

May 8: Final list of all 2D and 3D bin work due from the artist. A link will be sent for an inventory form upon acceptance into the exhibition.

Drop off of art: May 29, 9:30 am - 2 pm by appointment. A link for sign up to be sent upon acceptance into the exhibition.

Opening Reception & Awards: Wednesday, May 29 from 6:30 - 8 pm for exhibiting artists and their families.

The exhibition event runs Thursday, May 30, 10 am to 7 pm, Friday, May 31, 10 am to 4 pm,  and Saturday, June 1, 10 am to 4 pm Pick up 4–6 pm

For full prospectus and application, interested artists are encouraged to visit www.artleagueofleland.org

ALL says of Juror Rhonda Bellamy:

Rhonda is the founding executive director of the Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County, celebrating its 10th year as the nucleus of Wilmington’s dynamic arts community. She was promoted to President/CEO in 2022. She is chair of Arts North Carolina, the statewide arts advocacy organization which calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina’s arts communities, and fosters arts leadership.

Prior to full-time work in the arts, Rhonda was an award-winning news director/anchor/talk show host with 25+ years in radio, television, and print in the Wilmington market. Currently she is host and executive producer of “Around Town with Rhonda Bellamy” on WHQR Public Media.

Rhonda will be selecting art submissions to participate in the show. She will also be awarding cash awards and special recognition awards. The categories for awards are 2-D, 3-D and Photography.

The Art League of Leland (ALL) welcomes local artists of any media and all art advocates to join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of the greater Leland, NC, area. ALL meets monthly except July, August, and December at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Blue & White Soiree

Habitat For Humanity Hosts Fundraiser

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

Looking for a fun evening helping out a great cause? The inaugural Blue & White Soiree, an elegant evening affair dedicated to supporting the noble cause of Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, might be just the ticket. Scheduled for Friday, May 31, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at the St James Community Center, this event promises an enchanting atmosphere filled with live music, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions.

“As advocates for affordable housing and community development, Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity works tirelessly to provide families in need with safe and stable homes,” said event chairperson Kimberly Sands. “The proceeds from the Blue & White Soiree will directly contribute to their commendable efforts, helping to transform lives and build a stronger, more vibrant community.”

“We are currently in the midst of organizing the event, and we are reaching out to solicit donations for our live and silent auctions,” said Sands. “In particular, we are in need of gift cards, baskets, art pieces, and new items that would contribute to the success of our auctions. Your generous contribution would not only support our cause but also make a significant impact on the

success of our event.”

If you are willing to donate or have any inquiries regarding donations, please feel free to reach out to Kimberly Sands directly at 919-272-0161 or via email at kimberlysands@seacoastrealty.com.

The Soiree will feature both silent and live auctions, heavy appetizers and a cast bar featuring wine, beer and signature cocktails. Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in a touch of luxury at the Bubbles and Bling table, where they can savor the taste of champagne or prosecco. With

each glass of bubbly purchased, guests will receive a raffle ticket, granting them the chance to win an exquisite piece of jewelry.

The evening will be emceed by retired NASCAR driver and satellite radio personality Chocolate Meyers.

Tickets to the Blue and White Soiree are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets, visit https://events.handbid.com/lp/blue-white-soiree

Conserve Wate r Conserve Wate r

IRRIGATION SCHEDULE

NO IRRIGATION MONDAYS

Odd Addresses

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Even Addresses

Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Raise your lawn mower blade, taller grass provides shade for soil and better water retention.

Water early in the morning or late in the evening when water is less likely to evaporate.

Inspect irrigation system for leaks and install rain sensors on irrigation.

Position sprinkler heads on grass and gardens; avoid wasting water on sidewalks, driveways, and the street.

User soaker hose or drip irrigation.

Add a shutoff nozzle to your house.

Use native plants that need less water.

Wounded Warriors

Golf Tournament Seeking Sponsors

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

You’ve probably seen one of those wire racks full of used golf balls where donations are accepted in exchange for the golf balls with funds raised benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project at retailers all over the county. Winding River resident Ret. Army Master Sgt. Bob Duke founded this program, called Wounded Warrior Project Golf Balls As Gifts, in 2011. The retail program later expanded to sales to residents inside St. James, organized now by Holly and Dave Williams. This month, Golf Balls as Gifts will host its first charity golf tournament.

“This was our first-ever tournament, an addition to our regular program offered through the Golf Balls as Gifts Program,” said Holly. “We were offered the opportunity to host a tournament by The Clubs at St James under the ownership of Troon Golf. We sold out the first course in an hour, and had over 100 people on the waitlist. We opened up the second course and filled that with a large waitlist again. We have now filled three golf courses.”

Though player spots have been filled, there is still time to donate to the fundraiser either with an individual contribution or with a sponsorship. Details of donations and sponsor levels can be found at https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject. org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalCampaign&participantID=16972, or simply scan the QR code below.

The Golf Balls as Gifts program utilizes found and donated “previously driven” golf balls to raise money for the WWP.  “To date, using this program, St. James has helped us raise over $205,000 and combined with

our partner, we have raised over $507,000. That’s a lot of golf balls! We were recent recipients of the WWP 2023 Service Award at a fundraising event in Washington, D.C.,” said Holly.

About the Wounded Warrior Project (from the WWP Website):

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As their post-service needs evolved, so have our programs and services. Today, through direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with advocacy efforts, we improve the lives of millions of warriors and their families.

Master Sgt Bob Duke with Holly Williams

Genealogy Library

BCC and Daughters of the American Revolution Create Community Resource

STORY CONTRIBUTED BY TERESA MCLAMB FOR DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Agenealogy

research reference collection for public use is being assembled at Brunswick Community College (BCC) and the initial donated books are from Brunswick Town Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, which is coordinating the collection in conjunction with BCC.

“We’re very pleased about this collaboration with BCC,” said Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR Regent Mary Sands. “Interest in genealogy has obviously grown exponentially. We see that in the increasing interest in joining DAR by locals as well as residents who have moved here from other parts of the country. We also want to thank BCC President Gene Smith for his endorsement of the effort and the library staff for their knowledge and enthusiasm.”

BCC Librarian Katherine Knibbs noted that

the state community college system has encouraged the development of collections such as this to meet the public’s interest in genealogy. “It’s in our mission to meet the needs of the public,” she said.

Patrons will be able to view and scan pages from books in the collection. BCC has made available a large flatbed scanner, desks, chairs and bookshelves. Brunswick Town chapter is applying for an America 250 grant through the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to purchase a dedicated comput-

er, archival storage materials, flash drives and other materials for the room. Public contributions to the room are also welcomed.

Community members, especially genealogy buffs, are encouraged to donate their family genealogies and other materials to the library. Bible records, which are very valuable to genealogical research and proofs for lineage society applications, may be taken to the library where volunteers will scan the family records along with the Bible’s cover and copyright pages. The scanned records will be made available to researchers, and the Bible will be returned to the family. Should you have digitized copies of family records, you may email them to bcclrc@brunswickcc.edu or BTDARRegistrar@gmail.com or drop them off at the library on a thumb drive.

Collection of materials and assisting researchers will be done in part by volunteers. “We hope interest will be great among local history and genealogy buffs, and that these individuals will sign up to volunteer in the new library,” said Regent Sands.

Following is a partial list of the materials which may be accepted for the room: family histories with complete citations (unsourced collections will not be accepted), local history books which include names and places (generalized histories will not be accepted), Bible

records, cemetery records, obituaries (with the publication source and date cited), photographs with identifications, church records, loose family papers, maps, vital records and/ or indexes, city directories, military records, land records/deeds, tax records, court records, diaries and journals, and oral histories.

Complete guidelines for use of the collection are being developed, but will include the following: all materials must be used inside the room, personal items such as coats and bags must be left in a secure area outside of the room; laptops, scanners etc. may be used in the room to record research; only pencils –no pens – may be used in the room.

The collection is housed in a room within the college’s library on the second floor of Building A. The Genealogy Research Room will be open Monday – Thursday 10 am to 3 pm, and other times by appointment.

To donate to the collection, it is preferable that you call the library at 910-755-7331 to discuss your intended donation and a possible appointment time. Donations are limited to one container of items at a time. Accepted materials are limited to the items listed above, and DAR representatives have final say as to what can and cannot be accepted for permanent placement into the collection.

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Misstep At Fair Oaks

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

Meeting

HISTORY

The April 11 meeting of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table features a presentation by Victor Vignola on the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, on May 31 and June 1, 1862. The presentation is based on first-time author Vignola’s award winning study of the large, important but generally overlooked battle.

On March 17, 1862, Union Major General George B. McClellan landed at Ft. Monroe near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. By the end of May, he had slowly but surely moved the huge Army of the Potomac, with over 100,000 men, up the peninsula between the James and the York Rivers. Now, he was poised on the doorstep of the Confederate capital of Richmond. It was a crucial time as the Confederacy had suffered the loss of New Orleans, the south’s largest city and most important port, and several strategic locations on the Atlantic Coast. Perhaps the end was near. The only bright spot was the Shenandoah Valley where Confederate Lt. General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson had won a series of improbable victories and caused a certain amount of panic on the part of the U.S. government in Washington, D.C.

York state government, devoted his energy and formidable research skills to researching the overlooked battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz and a resident of the Hudson Valley’s Orange County, an area steeped in history including George Washington’s headquarters at Newburgh.

Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston had skillfully retreated with his outnumbered army but now he was out of room. Reinforced to about 85,000 men, the Confederates looked for the opportunity to strike. In a spring notable for historic rainfalls across the country, Johnston saw a golden opportunity when McClellan moved about a quarter of his army across the rain-swollen Chickahominy River. Johnston reacted quickly with a plan to defeat the isolated Union force, a victory that would certainly force McClellan to either retreat or fight with an army that was actually outnumbered.

Victor Vignola is a lifelong history student who, upon retirement from New

Fair Oaks and Seven Pines aren’t like the tandem identifiers of Manassas/Bull Run and Sharpsburg/Antietam. Those well known battles were given different names by the contending forces; the southerners naming the engagements for nearby towns and the northerners naming them for water courses that dominated the two battlefields. Fair Oaks and Seven Pines were two different sectors of the same battle. In spite of the fact that more than 70,000 soldiers were engaged and more than 11,000 became casualties—including the Confederate commander, Gen. Johnston—the battle has attracted little scholarly attention.

One reason for the lack of attention is the battle is considered a draw, a deadly but indecisive clash that resulted in little but damage to both armies. Perhaps we have an illogical or indefensible tendency to “keep score,” and see battles as wins or losses, like a sporting contest, rather than a point on a continuum, part of a campaign. At Fair Oaks and Seven Pines, the Union army suffered a loss of momentum, and perhaps confidence, while the Confederates experienced an

obvious failure to destroy almost a third of the threatening force. The Confederates also “lost” the services of Gen. Johnston who was badly wounded. The quotation marks around “lost” refer to the fact that General Robert E. Lee was given command of the Confederate army in Virginia and the rest, as they say, is history. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia wrote an amazing record of martial prowess and prolonged the war for three more years. Gen. Johnston, never a favorite of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was given a command in the Western Theater, relieved twice, brought back twice and ultimately surrendered to Maj. General William T. Sherman at Bennett Place, N.C., about a week after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.

Another reason for the lack of attention is that, sadly, almost the entire battlefield has been lost to development. Sandwiched between the Richmond International Airport and Interstate 64, close to the urban center of Richmond, almost none of the land where the battle was fought has been preserved. Vignola’s book became the catalyst for the preservation of 12 key acres of the Fair Oaks portion of the fight by the American Battlefield Trust. Unable to view the site of a battle, a contemporary student faces a much more difficult task to unravel the various movements of units and explicate the decisions of commanders.

It’s likely that Fair Oaks/Seven Pines will be overlooked no longer. Not only has Vignola’s book, “Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31 - June 1, 1862,” led to the signal accomplishment of preservation of the last remaining part of the battlefield, it has

garnered the prestigious Fletcher Pratt Award for the best non-fiction book on the Civil War published during the year. The award is presented by the Civil War Round Table of New York City. Previous winners include famous authors such as Dr. James M. McPherson, Ron Chernow, Ed Bearss and many other prestigious authors.

Vignola’s work is also a finalist for the American Battlefield Trust’s first annual prize for history. The trust announced that the “prize will be made annually to a work of military history or biography that underscores the essential role of the nation’s military conflicts on the founding, formation and perpetuation of our exceptional country. In creating this award, sponsored entirely by a generous donor, the Trust is encouraging authors to create works that showcase the rich research potential of historic battlefields.”

Vignola’s work not only brings to light a forgotten battlefield, it shines a bright beam on the personalities and “Contrasts in Command” that led to the result of this momentous clash.

The meeting will take place on Thursday evening, April 11, beginning at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard.

For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table, go to http://www.cfcwrt.org and pick “Join/Rejoin.” See you there!

“The Army of the Potomac-Furious attack of the rebels on Kirby’s battery at Fair Oaks. Sketch by Mr. Mead. Source: Illustration from Harper’s Weekly, July 5, 1862, page 428.

Art Beat

Plein Air Festival

Artists Flock To Southport To Paint Outside

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Spring in Southport is a beautiful event in itself. It’s the perfect season to enjoy the stunning scenery outside in our lovely town. Everything is waking up from winter and blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and the artists are back for another Plein Air Festival sponsored by the City of Southport and the local non-profit Up Your Arts. This year’s festivities will surely bring out the artist and art lover in everyone. May 2- 4, the event will host more than 70 artists from all over the East Coast, possibly painting the city from every angle. Many of them return year after year for the chance to paint some of the most incredible landscapes around.

According to Up Your Arts member Marty Dorward, the festival has grown in popularity over the years. “Its success has made Southport a fixture among plein air groups and individual artists across North Carolina and beyond,” he said. “We have about 75 artists signed up so far.”

The concept of plein air or open-air

painting is familiar to artists. French impressionist painters first began this style, which involves painting outdoors, in the late 1800s. The Southport Plein Air Festival was established in 2018 and has gained popularity yearly with more and more artists involved.

Southport offers artists a plethora of picture-perfect scenes to paint out-

doors. It really does have something for every artist, with views of the waterfront, historic buildings and streetscapes, majestic live oak trees, the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway, many different kinds of birds, and the Yacht Basin with its colorful buildings, and picturesque sunsets.

According to Dorward, many family-friendly events will take place in Southport during the festival. “The final day of the festival is Kid’s Plein Air, featuring family-friendly events, musical entertainment, and food trucks in Keziah Memorial Park at the corner of W. Moore and S. Lord streets on Saturday, May 4,” he said. “Award-winning storyteller and author Joan Leotta will engage with children of all ages, telling various tales throughout the day beginning at 10 am. Back by popular demand, local educator Ginger Hedblom will engage children throughout the day, leading them through a variety of art projects.”

Thanks to grants from the North Carolina Arts Council via the Brunswick Arts Council, a new adult event will take place in Keziah Park on Saturday. Up to 12 artisan craftspeople will be present to showcase their specialties, which

range from fiber arts to mosaics to resin pouring. Attendees can also participate in DIY art projects with guidance from the craftspeople. In addition, they are introducing a raffle this year, for which participants can purchase tickets throughout the day on Saturday for a chance to win a painting created by last year’s People’s Choice winner, Brian Murphy. The raffle drawing will

take place at 6 pm following the awards ceremony, and the winner does not need to be present to claim the prize.

Five local restaurant owners will judge this year, and the awards will be given out after the wet paint sale. “The premiere award will be given to the artist selected by the public, the People’s Choice favorite,” said Dorward. “The recipient of the People’s Choice Award has the honor of having his or her work featured on t-shirts and other graphics promoting the 2025 Plein Air Festival.”

More information about the festival, including detailed information and pictures from previous events, is available on Up Your Arts’ website here: https://www.upyourarts.org/ southport-art-spaces/festivals/ southport-plein-air-festival”

April Fishing Report

As Water Warms, Fishing Heats Up

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

As we transition from the short, blustery days of winter, fishermen all over southeastern North Carolina begin chomping at the bit to get out on the water and take advantage of warmer weather, longer days, and most importantly, hungry fish. For us salty dogs, April is known as a transition month – meaning fish are coming out of their docile winter patterns and getting more active. Many species are in a bit of a migratory mode, seeking out warmer water that holds bait where they will aggressively feed.

Inshore fishing has remained solid and will only continue to improve as the water warms up. While it’s still early in the year to target flounder, there are a few that decided to stick around through winter and, as always, make for a fun catch. In early April, those seeking to catch schooling red drum should look on the mud flats during the warmest parts of the day when the species will be cruising for an easy meal. Additionally, drum can also be found tailing in the marsh grass, generally close to drop-offs where they transition during the falling tide. Using fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig or a jig with a small paddle tail, fished slowly, will entice the bite.

Speckled trout are also still up in the creeks, but as the water warms, they will begin working their way down to the mouth of these creeks as they feed into main channels. You may have to move around a bit to find them, but once you do, the action will

be steady. Live shrimp fished on a popping cork is a great option as well as the same setup with a voodoo shrimp. Mirrolure MR17 is a great option to cover water, just remember to fish these baits slowly since the water is still on the chilly side.

Nearshore fishing has started gaining momentum and as the month goes on it will really come to life. Lucky anglers may start to run across schools of big red drum starting their move up the beach and if you find them it will be game on, and the fishing will be fast and furious. As the water temps increase into the low 60s, the Atlantic bonito will show up and not only are they fun fighting fish they are one of the tastiest fish in the ocean. If you are hunting bonitos, look for birds in 20- to 40-feet of water where you will see them working the bait. I recommend trolling Clarkspoons on a #1 and #2 planer with a 30-foot leader of 20-pound fluorocarbon. I personally prefer Yozuri pink/silver diving baits when trolling for Bonito (other methods include casting jigs, crankbaits and in some cases topwater plugs). At the beginning of April, the first Spanish mackerel begin to show up and can typically be caught with a similar method as bonito mentioned above.

Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919

pelagic species such as wahoo, blackfin, and yellowfin tuna, you’ll generally find action around a temperature break/edge located over underwater ledges or structures. This time of year, I prefer to troll a mixed spread to capitalize on the multiple species present.

Offshore fishing this time of year tends to be more productive than inshore/nearshore efforts because of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. For fishermen seeking out the

By April, wahoo become more prominent in our fishing grounds for which I highly recommend using wire for these toothy critters. I will typically fish a planer rod with a #8-#12 planer and a big Hawaiian eye lure or weighted Bluewater Candy lure and a ballyhoo. My flat line baits and short rigger baits will all be wire rigs with skirts and ballyhoo, while my long rigger and “mousetrap/shotgun” bait will be smaller bait rigged on 40-feet of 60# fluorocarbon wind-on leader. Sea Witches in blue/white, pink/white will get bites from the tunas and another great option is to use small cedar plugs and tuna feathers set way back from the boat - 200-300 yards in some cases.

If the troll is slow, vertical high-speed jigging on the Gulf Stream ledges (such as steeples, same ole hole, blackjack, 100/400) will produce huge amberjacks, blackfin tuna, and grouper. Those seeking to find some tasty table fare will find black seabass anywhere from 60- to 100feet of water. A basic two hook bottom rig with 5 to 7-ounce weights and squid will get you all the fish you are seeking from deeper waters. The ledges around the Frying Pan Tower also produce well this time of year and yield vermillion snapper (often referred to as beeliners), as well as various species of grouper. If you are after grouper, a knocker rig or 3-way swivel grouper rig with cigar minnows are my go-to methods.

As I mentioned earlier, April is the transition month and as the month progresses, the fishing will only get better.

Community

Beach Ball 2024

Fundraiser For Museum and Planetarium

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

Have fun and support two of our community’s treasures at the Beach Ball on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 to 9 pm at Seabreeze Restaurant at Bricklanding. The event benefits the Museum of Coastal Carolina and the Ingram Planetarium and the programs they offer throughout the year.

The Beach Ball will feature drinks and dinner and engaging speakers. The featured speaker for the evening is Tori Hunt, youth engagement coordinator with EarthEcho International, a project of Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau. A

member of the Lumbee Tribe, Tori is a former high school teacher in Cabarrus County, was a Fellow for Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2023 expedition season and sailed the Pacific as a crew member aboard E/V Nautilus. During this voyage, they utilized seafloor mapping

and remotely operated vehicles to explore unseen deep-sea habitats in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest marine protected area in the United States.

Brunswick County Schools Career Ready Coordinator Dr. Daniel Richardson will also speak.

The night will also include the Louise Ingram Coastal Caretaker Award presentation. The 2024 award recipients, Deb and Jim Boyce, served as volunteers and leaders of the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization for more than 20 years, and Deb worked for the Museum of Coastal Carolina for 14 years.

Coastal Caretaker Awards are presented by the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation (OIMF) to people who do notable work to preserve our coastal environment, heritage, and culture through education, conservation, and/ or preservation. Winners are selected by a committee of OIMF board members, staff, and previous winners.

Tickets to the Beach ball are $125 each or $800 for a table of eight and include a Signature Cocktail, salad, a selection of Prime Rib, Mahi Mahi or Chicken Piccata, dessert and dinner wine. Tickets are available at https://museumplanetarium.org/product/beach-ball-tickets/

A variety of corporate sponsorships are also available by contacting Jim Hoffman at 910-579-1016.

History

Gen. Lee Day By Day Brunswick Civil War Round Table Meeting STORY

Lost in all of the military histories of the Civil War, and even in most of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s biographies, is what the general was doing when he was out of history’s “public” eye. This curiosity is the topic of guest historian Charles R. Knight at the Tuesday, April 2 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table. The meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach, and the public is welcome.

His presentation will be based on his much-acclaimed book, “From Arlington to Appomattox: Robert E. Lee’s Civil War, Day by Day, 1861-1865,” based on hundreds of first-person accounts of what the man experienced on a daily basis. It begins at the dawn of Virginia’s secession in April, 1861, and works its way to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in April, 1865. Focusing on where he was, who he was with, and what he was doing day-by-day offers an entirely differ-

ent appreciation for Lee.

While we can’t expect our guest speaker to go into detail on this four-year period during his hour-plus long presentation, he will offer a significant glimpse into some rather unique information about Lee’s life that will surely captivate everyone who attends. Plus, we can be assured to get a fresh sense of Lee’s struggles, both personal and profes-

sional, and learn some things about Lee through his personal correspondence and papers from his family, his staff, his lieutenants, and the men of his army.

In Knight’s book (although this is not a book review) one historian wrote, “Brilliant…. really gives one a sense of what it took to both lead and run an army in the Civil war…. Superb.” Or, “Knight’s study will become the standard reference work on Lee’s daily wartime experiences,” expressed another Civil War author. Others said, “A staggering work of scholarship,” and “Keeps the reader engaged.” Finally, “Anyone with even a glimmer of interest in Civil War history needs this book.” In anticipation of our

upcoming meeting, we can be assured this will not be “just another” Lee biography-type presentation, but excerpts of rare information most of us never knew or even heard.

Knight is a native of Richmond, Virginia, where he developed a love of history at an early age. He is an award-winning historian, and has worked at museums and historic sites for more than two decades with a focus on education, collections, exhibits, and administrative areas. He is a prolific writer/author of two books (three more in progress), journal articles, and book reviews. In addition, he is an experienced public speaker and presenter on a wide variety of historical presentations to audiences across the country.

Registration for the meeting begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The guest fee is $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information about the Tuesday, April 2 meeting, contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him at 404-229-9425. Or, visit the website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com to learn more, become a member, or learn about member benefits. The group’s Facebook page also has additional information, news, and updates.

CALENDAR

April

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 register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

MARCH 28

Welcome Home - Vietnam Veterans Recognition Dinner

Lower Care Fear LifeCare will host a dinner, with food from Mission BBQ, for local Vietnam-era veterans, 6-8 pm at the Virginia Williamson Evens Center at Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. Veterans may each bring one guest. Call 910-6205062 or email laura.Long@LifeCare.org to register.

MARCH 30

18th Century Easter Litany — Brunswick Town

The St. Philips ruins at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site serve as host for a period Anglican service. Visitors will be welcomed starting at 6:15 am for a sunrise service beginning at 6:45 am. The service is rain or shine and seating will not be provided. After the service, the site will remain open for tours until 5 pm. Attendance is free, but donations will be accepted. The site is at 8884 St. Philips Road SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

APRIL 2

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Popular historian Chris Fonvielle leads a discussion on “Why the Civil War is Still Important.” The group meets at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, at the end of Caswell Beach Road. Registration starts at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. The fee for non-members is $10, and can be used toward the $25 annual membership dues.

APRIL 4

Life Science and Medical Technology Summit

Leland hosts this summit, billed by the Town as a “dynamic gathering of brilliant minds, industry leaders, and pioneers in life sciences” and “a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the exploration of groundbreaking advancements in the field in conjunction with conversations with local, regional, and state economic development agencies.” The summit is 8 am to 2:30 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

APRIL 6

Azalea Festival Fireworks from the Battleship

Watch the Azalea Festival Fireworks from the Battleship North Carolina. The viewing includes a pink folding chair for seating, popcorn, a DJ, self-guided deck tour, and a premiere firework viewing spot. Tickets are $30; visit https://battleshipnc.com/programs-and-events/#special-events for tickets.

APRIL 6

Artists’ Reception — LCAC

Celebrate the works of artists Kamila Blessing, Susan Pfeffer and Kriss Schepmann during a reception, noon to 2 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. The artists’ works will be on display April 2-25.

APRIL 6

Belville Movie Night

Head to Riverwalk Park, 584 River Road SE, for a free showing of the movie “Super Mario Bros,” starting at 7 pm; there will be trivia games, prizes, and food trucks on site.

APRIL 9

Beginner Gardening Grow Bag

Participants will learn the basics of container gardening and plant their own fabric grow bag garden to take home, choosing from a variety of lettuces, herbs, and greens. The class is 6-7 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212

Magnolia Village Way.

APRIL 10

Operation Medicine Cabinet — Dosher

Drop off expired and unwanted medicine at this drive-through collection, 9 am to 1 pm at the front entrance of Dosher Memorial Hospital, 924 N. Howe St. in Southport.

APRIL 11

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

Author Victor Vignola will present a program on the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, on May 31 and June 1, 1862 (see story elsewhere in this issue). Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the meeting starts at 7 pm. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table, go to http:// www.cfcwrt.org and pick “Join/Rejoin.”

APRIL 11

Experience and Elevate: Dance Theatre of DREAMS

Dance Theatre of DREAMS is a pre-professional company for youth ages 11-18. The group will perform from 7-9 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

APRIL 13

Wings & Wheels

Check out classic and cool cars and planes during this event presented by the EAA Chapter 939. A pancake breakfast starts the day off from 8:30 to 11 am (plates are $7), and hot dogs and burgers will be on sale from 11:30 am to 1 pm. There will be music, a 50/50 raffle, and awards at 2 pm.

APRIL 15

Door Hanger Painting

Participants will make a 20-inch seasonal door hanger. The class is 6-8 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the cost is $35, including supplies.

APRIL 17

The Leland We Don’t Know Tour

The program starts off at the Cultural Arts Center with a presentation on the Town’s history and growth, and a two-hour bus tour around town highlights some of that history and provides information on future plans. The cost is $30.

APRIL 18

2nd Annual Beach Ball

Enjoy dinner and learn something new at this fundraiser for the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. Tickets are $125 each, and the event will be at Seabreeze Bar & Restaurant, 1882 Goos Creek Road SW, Ocean Isle Beach (in Brick Landing Plantation). The evening also features speakers — EarthEcho Youth Engagement Coordinator Tori Hunt and Brunswick County Schools Career Ready Coordinator Dr. Daniel Richardson. (See story elsewhere in this issue).

APRIL 20

Earth Day Celebration — Leland

This interactive and educational event will allow participants to learn about our environment, play games and more. Celebrate Earth Day with Leland 10 am to 1 pm at the Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

APRIL 20

Living History: Tar, Pitch and Turpentine, Oh My!

Tour the grounds of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson and enjoy living history demonstrations of the production of tar, pitch and turpentine. Tar production will begin at approximately 11 am and another will begin at 1:30 pm, and pitch and turpentine production will be continued throughout the day. Visitors will get a chance to learn about the components of naval stores and their importance to the area. The event is free, 10 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 Saint Philips Road

SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

APRIL 24

Kayak Adventures — Eagles Island

Get up close and personal with wildlife in the Brunswick River and Eagles Island. This paddle adventure is 9-11:30 am.

APRIL 26

All That Jazz — N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport

Enjoy a night of good jazz, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary bootleg cocktail. There will be dancing, and live and silent auctions. This benefit event for the Museum is 6-9 pm at the Southport Community Center, 223 E. Bay St. Tickets are $75 per person/$150 per couple. Visit https://www.friendsncmmsouthport.com/all-that-jazz-fundraiser.

APRIL 27

Cape Fear Cruisers Car Show

The Rockin’ & Rollin’ Red, White & Blue Car Show features music from the Back Porch Rockers, a 50/50 drawing, and lots and lots of beautiful cars. The event is 8:30 am to 3 pm in downtown Southport, along Bay Street. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.

MAY 4

Spring Art Market

This juried art market will feature unique, handmade creations from incredible local artisans and makers. Stop by to shop for pottery, home goods, fine art, and more. The show is 10 am to 3 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

MAY 4

Juleps and Jazz

The South Brunswick Islands Women’s Club hosts this Kentucky Derby Fund “Racer,” complete with a best hat contest, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar (with bourbon and jazzy juleps, of course), a live jazz band, silent auction and raffles, and a livestream

of the 150th Kentucky Derby. The derby party is 4-7:30 pm at the Brunswick Senior Center, 101 Stone Chimney Road in Supply. Tickets are $75; visit https:// www.sbiwc.org/home. The Club raises funds and volunteers with many local charitable organizations in many areas, such as hunger, education, medical care, elder care, and more.

MAY 4

Founders Day — Belville

Save the Date for this annual celebration!

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.

Art Around Town and Art Classes

The Town of Leland hosts this popular series, with free events scheduled March through May. The April 4 class is Pottery with John from 6-8 pm at Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream; participants will make a miniature planter and registration is not required. On April 12, learn swing dancing at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, starting at 7 pm — no partner necessary..

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 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 Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.

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

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

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and the second Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm for Sandbar Lectures. Touch Tank feedings are at 11 am on Fridays through March.

. Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

Doors open at 10:30 am Thursdays through Saturdays; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. A new show debuts in March called Cosmic Mashups, which digs into the science behind black holes. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third St., Wilmington

April 11 — Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall

April 14 — Dinosaur World Live!

April 18-20, 25-27(in the Studio Theatre) — Cape fear Community College’s Fine Arts Department presents William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

April 18 — Paul Taylor Dance Company

April 20 — City Ballet presents “Cinderella”

April 25 — The North Carolina Symphony presents a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

April 27 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents Harp and Soul

April 28 — The Wilmington Choral Society presents CineMagic: Songs from the Silver Screen

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

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington

April 9 — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Find Your People Tour

April 12 — The Brook & The BluffBluebeard Tour 2024

April 16 — Dawes with special guest Paul Spring

April 18 — An Evening with the Infamous Stringdusters

April 19 - The Wallflowers

April 20-21 — Umphrey’s McGee (2day pass)

April 24 — The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

April 25 — JJ & Mofro - Olustee Tour, with support from Cedric Burnside

April 26 — Megan Moroney - The Lucky 2.0 Tour with Special Guest Logan Crosby

April 27 — Old Crow Medicine Show

April 28 — The Red Clay Strays

May 1 — Portugal, The Man

May 4 — R&B vs HipHop Old School Party

May 9 — The Record Company

May 11 — Loud Music Company

Visit https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.

Live Oak Bank pavilion

10 Cowan St., Wilmington

April 27 — NEEDTOBREATHE: THE CAVES WORLD TOUR

May 3 — Jordan Davis: Damn Good Time World Tour

May 4 — Cody Jinks

May 7 — Queens of the Stone AgeThe End Is Nero

May 14 — Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

BEER AND WINE

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

1175 Turlington Ave, Suite 101, Leland

Full menu featuring seafood — also hosting live music with seating inside and outside.

Local’s Tavern

1107 New Pointe Blvd., Leland

Live music, karaoke, great food, spe-

Calendar

cial events and a great neighborhood vibe. All the football games showing on Sundays.

Bridgewater Wines

1132 New Pointe Blvd., Leland

Food and wine, including free wine tastings. Enjoy Tuesday trivia, wine tastings on Thirsty Thursdays, Wine Down Fridays and Sipping Saturdays.

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

Board games, live music and open mic nights, Bunko games on Mondays, open mic comedy night on Wednesdays, trivia and food trucks on Thursdays, and tastings.

.Brunswick Beer and Cidery

1313 S. Dickenson dr., Leland

Leland’s first brewery and cidery! Full menu also available

Leland Brewing Company

2115 Ale Ave, Leland

Enjoy a wide variety of beers brewed right on site. Check their Facebook page for upates and food truck visits

Scapegoat Taproom

2789 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE, Unit 4, Leland

This taproom has more than 40 beers and ciders to choose from, and plenty of wines too, all with a great neighborhood vibe, live music, and food truck appearances. Enjoy college football Saturdays and pro football on Sundays.

LA Times

2851 Maco Rd NE, Leland

Two bars, two patios, arcade games, pool tables, corn hole, cigars, and a great time with great people

Brodee Dogs Brew House

103 A Village Road, Leland

Dogs and burgers with delicious toppings, including a special house sauce, craft beers, and live music.

Your

602 N. Howe St., Southport (910) 457-7714 JEWELRY

Master Jeweler on site!