June 2024 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine

EDITOR

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@liveoakmediainc.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Chuck and Sue Cothran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny

Carla Edstrom

Patricia Langer

Jan Morgan-Swegle

Janet Fortney

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

PUBLISHER & SALES

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine is published once a month by

Live Oak Media, Inc

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

Annual Subscription: $45

email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

Fun And Games At The Beach

Whata variety of content we have in this month’s issue! We love being able to promote local businesses. Sure —advertising is our bread and butter, and without it, we wouldn’t exist. But beyond that, we love seeing the excitement from new entrepreneurs and from those succeeding and expanding their businesses. This month, we share the story of the families behind Flyball, a great beach game they invented that’s suitable for all ages. Since life can’t be all about “work,” we also have a story about Amateur Radio Field Day in Calabash — you can learn all about ham radio operators. And how about that events calendar this month! (See what happens when the person who does the calendars gets to write the inside cover brief?). We’re excited to see all the venues and all the music lined up for this month and for the rest of the summer. There are so many choices! It’s time to make sure you have a good beach chair for the season, because there are plenty of opportunities to use it. — Lisa

Flyball At The Beach

Local

Invention Is Perfect Summer Fun

STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

In your teens and 20s, when you headed to the beach you would grab a towel and a bottle of water to take with you. By your 30s you’ve added a chair, cooler, speaker and all the toys for the kids. As you enter your 40s and 50s an umbrella, book, sun hat and extra sunscreen have also been crammed into your beach bag.

At every stage of life it seems you’ve added more and more items to your beach trip. As you go from a small tote to a wagon, the larger haul to the beach would signify a lengthier time spent down by the water’s edge, an all-day occurrence for many. Everything has been packed to be able to stay longer and have a comfortable and enjoyable day. Extra drinks for when you are thirsty, extra snacks for when you are hungry, extra SPF so you don’t get sunburned, but what happens when everyone is waterlogged from the ocean, you’re done reading and the sand castles have been built for quite a while? Now it’s time to play the Flyball game.

Sitting on Ocean Isle Beach one day, four friends had the idea to give the nostalgic arcade game Skee-ball a recreational, outdoor twist. Couples Jason and Haley

Bohman and Rob and Autumn Sullivan, took their spare time from real estate, nursing, remote and traveling jobs, and got to work on this new, fun project.

After much kitchen table brainstorming, trips to the hardware store and numerous design and prototype trial and errors in Jason’s garage, the final product, named Flyball, was created.

In excitement, Haley made a post on her social media accounts announcing that Flyball would be “coming soon” and preorders started to roll in immediately. Since their initial online launch, Flyball has been sold to customers not only in North Carolina but 30 different states including Washington, Texas, New Jersey and of course their former home state, Ohio. Locally, the

game can be purchased at Beach Mart in Holden Beach, OIB Kahuna and Beachway Rentals in Ocean Isle Beach and the Sunset Beach Trading Company on Sunset Beach. You may even catch these Flyball founders doing demos of their game at the summer markets on and around Ocean Isle and at the Oyster Festival again this year in October.

“Our goal was to create something lightweight and easy to carry, yet durable enough to withstand the wind and water,” said Jason. Weighing less than five pounds and rolling up into its own convenient sack, this easy set-up and simple rules game is a great addition to any beach day or backyard gathering.

In addition to the Flyball Classic Set, a Flyball Pro Set, Double Set, a Flycatcher Pop-Up Net, and a Fanny Pack ball holder are now available. “This is a game for all ages, young and old, and can be played virtually anywhere, from your garage to the nursing home like my Grandmother does,” said Jason.

“We are actively looking for new retailers to

carry our game and partners to potentially collaborate with,” added Autumn.

Also serving as the Vice President of Coastal Carolina Outreach, a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the

well-being and mental health of teenagers in our area, Autumn would like to add more charitable events and Flyball fundraising tournaments to their line up this year as well. With both founding families expecting little ones later this year, it is important to them to give back to the community which they now call home and that first inspired them to take on this business endeavor.

Having an owner-financed company, the couples dream of the opportunity to

one day go on the popular TV show “Shark Tank” in which entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors and seek financial help and guidance for growing their company and taking their business to the next level. Plans for a much larger and heavier version of the game may be in the future for Flyball and I’m sure many restaurants, bars and outdoor venues in our area would love for them to get the ball rollin’ on that idea!

Please visit www.flyballgame.com for more information.

Collective Rhythm

Drums Kindle Joy, Connection, Healing

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANET FORTNEY

“It’s a beautiful, tasty soup!” said James Giambusso, co-facilitator of the Franklin Square Park (FSP) Drum Circle. He’s speaking of the musical melange that the group’s drummers create when they play. Many in downtown Southport have heard the beckoning drum rhythms while at the post office, in the park, or from their own backyards. For its approximately 12-25 weekly participants, who began meeting at Taylor Field Park while Franklin Square Park was closed, the drum circle provides connection, joy, healing, and fun.

The FSP Drum Circle’s global rhythms, taught by Giambusso, a Bolivia resident, and co-leader Joni Knapp, of Southport, vary from African and Afro-Caribbean to Cuban and Native American. The majority of participants play djembe drums, a goblet-shaped drum that originated in West Africa approximately 800 years ago. Others opt for a bucket drum or box drum, and no instrument is ever unwelcome.

“I enjoy and appreciate so much about this group,” explained Pam Buckovich, a regular attendee of the FSP meet-up. “James and Joni are fantastic! They make it so easy for anyone to participate by providing a drum if you don’t have one, and by teaching basic rhythms that anyone can do. I love the sense of community...it’s really fun to be part of it!”

In fact, fun and a sense of community are just some of the amazing benefits of drumming. According to Raven Drum Foundation, an advocacy-through-arts organization serving trauma survivors and communities in crisis, “Cultures like the Ashanti of West Africa and the many indigenous tribes of North and South America recognize the drum as an instrument of spiritual healing. When you participate in a drum circle…you are entering into a nonjudgmental community. You are blessed with a spirit of camaraderie. That benefit alone has been shown to reduce stress while increasing self-confidence.

“Research has shown that drumming reduces anxiety, stress, and depression,” the drumming foundation’s website further extols, “[Psychologists believe that] drum-

ming has an effect similar to meditation. A 2001 study…showed that group-drumming music therapy has the potential to actually alter neuroendocrine and immunological patterns, creating hope for healing for sufferers with chronic illnesses. Researchers have found that many cancer patients who play drums for 30 minutes each day had stronger immune systems and increased levels of cancer-fighting cells.”

“I joined this group almost two years ago and had never drummed in my life,” said Terry Keating. “I immediately felt comfortable and it is something I look forward to

every week. The rhythms of the group are both individual and collaborative.”

Rick Kranz, a St. James-based rock-n-roll drummer, concurred about the socio-emotional benefits of drumming. Although Rick, the drummer since 2018 for popular local band LunaSea, favors a drum kit over a djembe drum, he said, “Drumming

taught me how to achieve what seems impossible. [I went] from not knowing how to hold a pair of drumsticks to fronting a progressive rock band in a very short amount of time. I have used this throughout my [business and personal] life. Drumming has led to meeting some incredible people and forming close and long-term friendships.”

Additionally, Rick believes that oftentimes “the drummer is the glue that holds the band together...it takes an understanding of others, why they are here, what motivates them... You are working with a diverse group of individuals and it takes a lot of empathy and patience to keep them together.” Though Rick actually “left the drums behind for about 40 years, I never forgot the life lessons I learned from drumming.”

Fortuitously, Rick found himself called back to drumming. “About five years ago,” he said, “my wife and I were at the movies watching ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and, during the battle scene, Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’ was playing. [It was] one of my wife’s favorite songs that I played back in the day. We looked at each other at the same time and said I should start drumming again. So I did.”

Like Rick, Margo Ross Sears, of Sunset Beach, espouses drumming’s human connection. She is the co-leader of the Sunset

Beach Drum Circle. Margo volunteered for her role after Nicole Depauw, a longtime yoga instructor and fellow Sunset Beach resident, made a Facebook request for a co-leader of the drum circle. “Nicole sought to replicate the lovely, peaceful, serene beach gatherings she’d witnessed in India,” Margo explained.

Margo added that she and other drum circle attendees enjoy “meeting open-hearted, kind, fun, laughing, fearless, easy-going souls and sharing spontaneous moments of musical beauty, energy, connection and far more. People report feeling happier, calmer, very relaxed, and even healed. [It’s] just a group’s desire to bang the drums, laugh, soak up nature, and to receive and give

Need some drumming in your life?

Franklin Park Drum Circle: Participants meet on Saturdays from 2:45-4 pm at Taylor Field Park (at the end of East Nash Street, across from the Old Smithville Cemetery) in Southport. Drums and other instruments available. www.facebook.com/groups/463958221410922

Sunset Beach Drum Circle: Participants drum weekly on Monday nights from May to October on the sand of Sunset Beach beside the fishing pier. Drums and other instruments available. www.meetup.com/sunset-beach-drum-circle or www.facebook.com/SBDrumCircleNC

If you’re in the mood for some Coastal Carolina “rock & soul” to boost your spirits, check out upcoming performances by LunaSea with drummer Rick Kranz. www.lunasearockers.com

goodwill, loving intentions, higher vibrations, peace, and joy in this time of global shifting and unrest.”

“If I ‘set the table,’” Giambusso said of his role as a drum circle leader, “people can come and they can take what they need and maybe walk away feeling better, even if it’s just for the moment.”  In Brunswick County, Giambusso and Knapp have shared the benefits of drumming with homeschooled students, cancer support groups, and groups at Southport’s Brunswick Senior Center.

Knapp encourages all who are interested to join in. “It’s fun! You don’t have to be a musician. You got a heartbeat, you have rhythm. It’s just welcoming and I find it very meditative. I close my eyes [while drumming] and I’m just good.”

Meredith N. Wray, another regular FSP Drum Circle member, agreed, “It connects you right back with the beat of the heart... [a] universal rhythm.”

Community Hamming It Up

Amatuer Radio Field Day In Calabash

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Members of the Brunswick Shores Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 22-23 at the Calabash Community Park, 868 Persimmon Road in Calabash. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

For more than 100 years, Amateur Radio (also called ham radio) has allowed people from all walks of life to experiment with electronics and communications techniques, as well as provide a free public service to their communities during a disaster or emergency, all without needing a cell phone or the Internet. Field Day demonstrates this ability. More than 40,000 people from thousands of locations participated in last year’s activities.

“It’s easy for anyone to pick up a computer or smartphone, connect to the Internet and communicate,” said David Isgur, manager for the American Radio Relay League,

the national association for Amateur Radio.

“But if there’s an interruption of service or you’re out of range of a cell tower, you have no way to communicate. Ham radio functions completely independent of the Internet or cell phone infrastructure, can interface with tablets or smartphones and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. That’s the beauty of Amateur Radio during a communications outage.”

“Hams can throw up a wire antenna, connect it to a battery powered transmitter and communicate around the world,” Isgur added. “Amateur radio is a huge asset to any community during disasters or emer-

gencies if the standard communication infrastructure goes down.”

Anyone may become a licensed Amateur Radio operator. There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the US, as young as 9 and as old as 100. With clubs like the Brunswick Shores Amateur Radio Club, it’s

For more information about Field Day or Amateur Radio, contact Peter Braun 910253-5110, or prbraun1@gmail.com or visit www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio .

easy for anybody to get involved right here in Brunswick and neighboring counties.

Community

Electronics Recycling Drop-off At Seaside United Methodist

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Help keep electronics out of our landfill with this special collection event being held at Seaside United Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road SW, Sunset Beach. Drop off old electronic items on Saturday, June 15, during the ninth Seaside Electronic Recycling Fair (SERF) in the church’s parking lot from 9:30 am until the truck is full (or 11:00 am, whichever comes first).

SERF is held in cooperation with Southern Environmental Solutions of the Carolinas of Peachland, NC. Don’t miss your opportunity to get rid of any unwanted items that have a plug and/ or a battery and help our environment at the same time. SERF is a free event for the community. There will be volunteers from Beach House Recovery Center ready to remove items to be

recycled from your car and place them in the recycling truck. Participants can drop off items to be recycled and not even leave their car or touch anything. There will be NO pickup or early drop offs of electronics accepted.

This is the ninth SERF for Seaside United Methodist Church and so far just more than 20 tons of electronic goods have been kept out of landfills and repurposed into useable goods. This recycling fair is for electronic goods only, so identify any unwanted or broken electronics that you just don’t know what to do with. SERF is the solution! SERF will accept all of your unwanted electronic goods and recycle any item that has a cord or an electronic pulse. This means if you can plug the item into anything or it has a battery, please bring it - whether it works or not –big or small - we take it all. Just a few examples of items that will be

acceptable are toasters, lamps, radios, TVs, VCRs, monitors, printers, computers, holiday lights, radios, extension cords, power cords, phones, computer mice, refrigerators, coffee makers, electric toothbrushes, ear buds, clocks, batteries, etc. Note to our electronic recyclers: light bulbs will NOT be accepted at this event. All goods donated at SERF will be recycled; nothing will end up in the landfill. Help Mother Earth while cleaning your home of unwanted electronics.

Start looking around your house now and bring your outdated, unused, and unloved electronic devices or appliances (whether they work or not) to Seaside United Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road SW, Sunset Beach on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 am until the recycling truck is full (or 11:00 a.m., whichever is first.) This is a free service. If you have any questions, about what might be acceptable to recycle, call Southern Environmental Solutions of the Carolinas 704-272-0154.

FISHING REPORT

June Fishing Report

Summer Brings Opportunities For Big Bites

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

AsI sit here in Hatteras, getting ready for a marlin tournament and watching the rain work its way across the Pamlico Sound, it dawns on me, summer is here and so is REALLY fun fishing. It seems like yesterday we were talking about cold weather, wind, and the summer fishing that was just around the corner. Well folks, the summer weather patterns are definitely here now, and will afford anglers ample opportunities to seek out some truly exhilarating bites.

BACKWATER

Backwater fishing is excellent right now. There are plenty of upper slot sized red drum in the backwater and they can be found in the mouths of secondary marsh creeks on the falling tide where they are waiting for an easy meal to be flushed out with the tide. This fishing is bound to generate excitement as large redfish on light tackle challenge any angler’s skill.

Flounder have also moved in for the summer and although we are still under a state-mandated closure for flounder, they are always a blast to catch and release. Using live bait with Carolina rigs is the preferred method for catching these aggressive

feeders. You can purchase mud minnows at most of the local tackle shops or catch your own live bait by looking for “peanut pogies,” small menhaden, in Dutchman Creek, as well as most of the area marinas or in the Waterway near the Yacht Basin in Southport.

While flounder can be found all around our waters, the Southport waterfront remains a popular spot to hook one of your own. However, be prepared to lose a fair number of hooks and weights due to the large rocks along the river, though these same rocks are what attract the flounder.

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

NEARSHORE

Nearshore fishing is also firing on all cylinders right now. The Spanish mackerel are thick along the beach and can be caught by trolling at 4-6 knots with clarkspoons behind a #1 or #2 planer with around 30-feet of 20-pound leader. Look for the birds working and once you find them circle the school and you will catch all you want to eat.

There will also be cobia off the beach around big schools of pogies, so don’t forget to bring your spinning rod outfitted with a bucktail jig with a big, plastic swimming tail. When you see them, cast the bucktail in front of them (as close to their nose as possible) and jig it to elicit the bite. Once the cobia is hooked, hold on for a great fight and incred-

ible table fare.

OFFSHORE

If you are thinking about hitting the Gulf Stream for some offshore fishing, it’s a great time to do so, however don’t wait too long. The Gulf Stream fishing in our area begins to slow down toward the end of June as the water gets too warm, causing the fish to push north to cooler waters. The mahi-mahi, a favorite amongst many anglers, will push in to the 20 to 40-mile range offshore and can be found by looking for weed lines and color changes near the Frying Pan Tower.

But this time of year, the primary species that most people are targeting is the king mackerel. These fish are fun to catch due to their exciting and explosive runs after aggressively biting the bait. Although the spring beach king bite is over, the kings can now be found in the range of 11-30 miles offshore. Popular places to catch kings include Lighthouse Rocks, the Shark Hole and Horseshoe. You can use the same wire king rig whether you are using live bait (pogies) or dead bait (cigar minnows or jigger ballyhoo) and trolling as slowly as you can which allows the bait to present as natural as possible. I highly rec-

Captain

FISHING REPORT

ommend having a box of cigar minnows regardless because occasionally the pogies are difficult to find — nothing ruins a day worse than spending the entire day looking for bait.

Same as our nearshore recommendation, be sure to take your spinning rod with the bucktail rig offshore for cobia. I cannot tell you how many times I have caught a curious cobia that came up behind the boat to check out the prop wash bait. The key to capitalizing on cobia is as simple as keeping that spinning rod ready to go.

Enjoy getting out on the water and cheers to tight lines!!!

Captain Steele

Cell Phone Photo Tips

Five Simple Ways To Elevate Your Photos

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES AND KATIE DORSETT-DYE

It’s a maxim among photographers that the best camera in the world at any time is the one you have with you, and we almost always have an extremely capable camera right in our pocket. Cell phone photography is no joke. You have all you need to capture memories and all the beauty around you right in the palm of your hand. Any halfway modern cell phone will take a good photo, but to capture those truly great photos can be little trickier. We asked local photographer (and winner of our Maggie Award for Favorite Family Photographer) Katie Dorsett-Dye of Katie D Photography for some tips that will help elevate your cell phone photography.

1. Good Lighting: Lighting is key in photography. Experiment at all times of day and in all kinds of weather. Try going out before sunrise, for blue hour, and stay through sunrise. Note the difference from your first image to your last.

2. Composition: Follow basic composition rules like the rule of thirds. Try to place your subject off-center to create a more visually appealing image. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add interest to your photos. (Make sure your Grid and Level are ON in your camera settings).

3. Move: Move your camera (phone) and yourself! Turn your camera upside down to get a lower angle. Squat down or climb up on something (safely) to get a different perspective.

4. Experiment with Editing: Don’t be afraid to edit your photos. There are plenty of great editing apps available that can help you enhance your images. Play around with brightness, contrast, saturation, and filters to make your photos pop. Photography is ART!

5. Focus and Exposure: Most phone cameras allow you to tap on the screen to adjust the focus and exposure. Take advantage of this feature to ensure your subject is in focus and properly exposed. Experiment with different focal points to create different effects. A lot of phones allow you to change the exposure with the focus feature. Look at your phone manual for further details.

Showcase

Meet Audiomelt

Local Band Toured With Children’s Author

STORY AND BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Welove writing about music — all the concerts and sounds of summer we all enjoy so much. We’re also excited to share information about a cool young group, formed right in our area, whose members have big plans for making a name for themselves. The group released an album last summer and performed as the band of one of the characters for a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” national book tour. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Audiomelt!

How long has your band been together, and how did you come together as a group?

We started in mid-2019 as the three of us, Josh, Nico and Owen, after a chance encounter through social media. We were in search of a singer and in the summer of 2020, Landon joined us at a house party, and we all performed songs together without ever jamming with each other before. (Josh and Landon had briefly crossed paths and jammed together in 2018/2019). We hit it off musically and as people and here we are still together today, still as close as brothers.

Did you grow up here in Brunswick County, and if so, what has it been like breaking into the music industry from here?

Josh and I were both born and raised right here in Brunswick County. We have appreciated learning and growing in our local music scene, but we’re very excited to branch out and experience the other regional markets and music scenes, and then we will eventually expand our presence nationally.

How did you end up on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” tour, and what was that like?

Author Jeff Kinney had posted an audition and announcement for his upcoming book tour and was looking for a band to perform each night in different states for fans of the new “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid” book. The book that was being released at the time of this tour was based around Rodrick Heffley, Greg Heffley’s older brother, who plays drums in the band Löded Diper. We had a great time with Jeff and for us as a band it felt like a cool way to inspire the kids at these shows to maybe pick up an instrument as well someday!

Have you done other tours? What is your favorite memory from the road?

We haven’t done any other tours yet, but we have done many oneoff shows out of Brunswick County. We’ve gone as far as Boston and we’re headed to South Carolina with the hopes of continuing to expand our presence in the wide world of musical entertainment.

Who are some of your musical influences?

It ranges all around, some of us can tend to be drawn to heavier metal bands like Periphery, White Zombie and Korn, while others in the band might enjoy more soulful rock bands such as Soundgarden, Alice In Chains

or Lynyrd Skynyrd but we constantly listen to all sorts of music across all genres in addition to our said favorites.

Your debut album released in August of last year — what is next for the band? Working on another album? Right now we are currently writing the next release, in time we will figure out whether that’s a full album or EP. We are expanding our sound and style off the last record and are excited to see where we can take our new songs.

What else would you like our readers to know about Audiomelt?

We’d love for everyone to listen to our music which is available on CD, Vinyl and all streaming platforms.  Stay up to date with at www. Audiomelt.net and all social media platforms @audiomelt.

Community

4th of July Festival

Plan Your Visit With Full Schedule of Events

There’s so much more to the NC 4th of July Festival up in Southport and Oak Island than a parade and fireworks. From musical entertainment to patriotic events like readings of the Declaration of Independence and a Naturalization Ceremony, there is more to see and do than any one person can take in. So it’s best to plan ahead, and we hope this full schedule of events helps! We’ll see you there!

The following activities are available throughout the Festival:

June 28-July 4

9 am-2 pm American Red Cross Blood Drive, Southport Baptist Church Community Center (By appointment only)

10 am-2 pm Historic Chapel of the Cross Self-Guided Tours, Southport, St. Phillips Church

10 am-4 pm Fort Johnston Visitors Center and Museum

10 am-5 pm NC Maritime Museum, Southport

June 29-July 4

10 am-2 pm (except Sunday, June 30) Historic Chapel of the Cross Self-Guided Tours, Southport, St. Phillips Church

10 am-6 pm 9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial, Nash Street

12 pm-5 pm Summer Regional Art Show, Southport, Franklin Square Gallery.

July 2-4

11 am-10 pm Food Concessions.

11 am-7 pm Arts & Crafts, Southport Southport Waterfront

July 3-4

12:30-3:30 pm Old Brunswick Jail Open, Southport, Corner of N. Rhett Street/E. Nash Street.

Daily Events

Friday, June 28th

6:00 pm Welcoming Ceremony, Southport, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn

6 pm Flyover, Southport Waterfront

6:15 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Southport, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn

6:30 pm 440th Army Band, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn

Saturday, June 29th

8-10 am Freedom Run 5k-1 mile, Southport Waterfront

2 pm & 6 pm AMUZU Theatre & Over the River Theatre Company presents: “The Complete History of America” - Free to all. AMUZU Theatre, Southport.

10 am-5 pm Summer Regional Art Show, Southport, Franklin Square Gallery

3 pm 38th Annual Fire Fighters Freedom Competition & Apparatus Expo, Southport, Nash St.

3 pm Patriotic Concert, The Sea Notes

Choral Society, Brunswick Community College, Odell Williamson Auditorium

Sunday, June 30th

10 am-12 pm - Kite Vendors, Recreation

Paper Plate Kites, Kite-related Vendors, Middleton Park, Oak Island 10:30 am and 11:30 am Kite book readings by Oak Island Recreation Dept., Middleton Park, Oak Island

10:15 am, 10:45 am, 11:15 am & 11:45 am Kite Demonstrations, Middleton Park, Oak Island

12 pm Uncle Sam Skydiving, Beach at 46th Street SE, Oak Island

12-1 pm - Food Vendors, Middleton Park, Oak Island

1-3 pm Live Pro Wrestling-Middleton Park, Oak Island

3 pm Patriotic Concert, The Sea Notes

Choral Society, Brunswick Community College, Odell Williamson Auditorium

4-6 pm Gospel Fest, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn

Monday, July 1st

8 am Beach Day Horseshow Tournament, Oak Island, Middleton Park

10 am Beach Day Registration for Athletic Events, Oak Island, 46th Street SE & Beach Drive.

11 am-2 pm Beach Day Youth Activities & Contests, Inflatable rides, food and con-

tests, Oak Island, Middleton Park Extension 46th & Dolphin Drive

11 am Beach Day Corn Hole, Bocce Ball & Volleyball tournaments 46th Street SE & Beach Drive access

1 pm Beach Day Sand Sculpture Contest, Oak Island, 46th Street SE & Beach Drive access

5:45 pm Welcoming Ceremony, Oak Island, Middleton Park Extension

6 pm Beach Day Concert, 20 Ride, Oak Island, Middleton Park Extension

9 pm Beach Day City of Oak Island Anniversary Fireworks, Oak Island, Oak Island Pier.

Tuesday July 2nd

9-10 am Assumption of Command, 596th Transportation Brigade, Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point, Southport, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn

9:30-10:30 am S.U.P. Parade-57th St. W. Launch Oak Island

10 am-11 pm Trolley available from Southport Elementary 701 W 9th St. 12 pm-2 pm Children’s Entertainment, Southport, Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn, organized by Brunswick Arts Council & Southport Rotary Club

1-3pm Cape Fear Radio Southport, Waterfront Park

3-4pm Brunswick Summer Wind Ensemble. Fort Johnston Visitor Center Lawn.

4 pm Red, White & Blue Freedom Flotilla, Southport, Waterfront Park, organized Cape Fear Yacht Club.

5 pm Reading of the Declaration, Southport, Waterfront Stage

5:30 pm A Salute to Veterans, Letters from Home, Waterfront Stage 7-10 pm Waterfront Stage Entertainment, LunaSea, Southport Waterfront Park.

Wednesday, July 3rd

9 am Children’s Games, Southport, Waterfront Park Registration opens at 8 am.

10 am - 11pm Trolley available from Southport Elementary 701 W 9th St.

1 pm Flag Retirement Ceremony, Southport, Waterfront Stage. Organized by Richard H. Stewart Jr. American Legion Post 543 and Cape Fear Council of Boy Scouts

1:30 pm 440th Army Band, Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn

2:30-3:45 pm Naturalization Ceremony, Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn.

4-6:30 pm Waterfront Stage Entertainment, Southport Waterfront Park-Salty Dawgs.

7-10 pm Waterfront Stage Entertainment & Street Dance, The Embers, Southport Waterfront Park

Thursday, July 4th

7-10 am Pancake Breakfast, Southport, Trinity Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St, Southport. Event of by Trinity United Methodist Church

10-11 pm Trolley available from Southport Elementary 701 W 9th St.

10:15 am Reading of the Declaration, Southport, the intersection of Moore/ Howe Streets

10:30 am Flag Raising Ceremony, Southport, The junction of Moore/Howe Streets. Organized by Brunswick Town Fort Anderson.

11 am Festival Parade, Southport, Moore & Howe Streets

12-3pm Cape Fear Radio, Southport, Waterfront Park, Southport.

1 pm Flyover, Southport Waterfront, Southport.

1-3 pm First Responders Vehicle Display, Southport, Waterfront Park Area. Organized City of Southport Fire Department and Police Department.

1-3 pm Military Exhibits, Southport, Waterfront Park, Southport.

3-5 pm Live Pro Wrestling-Southport, Nash Street, Southport.

3-6 pm Waterfront Stage Entertainment, The Doorsmen, Southport Waterfront Park.

7-9 pm Waterfront Stage Entertainment, Liquid Pleasure, Southport Waterfront Park. 9 pm 4th of July Fireworks, Southport, Waterfront Park, Southport.

9:30-10pm Band Returns to Waterfront Stage, Southport, Waterfront Park, Southport.

Community Students Pitching In

Repairing Food Pantry Greenhouse

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

In working to improve sustainability of healthy food access, the Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC) sponsored a greenhouse re-vitalization project at The Samaritan’s Pantry located at Salvation and Deliverance Family Worship Center.

The pantry has been functioning for 13 years, but after the greenhouse burned down, fresh produce sustainability decreased. With the support of Steve Corbett of the North Brunswick and Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis Clubs, and North Brunswick High School JROTC and Agriculture students, a new greenhouse is near completion to host spring seedlings.

The Coalition’s Executive Director, Dr. Leigh Lane, expressed excitement about the congregation and students coming together to support healthy food for those in need since 28 percent of

Brunswick County children live in poverty.

“People gave of their weekend time to see this project completed and ready to serve the community,” she said.

Shirley Freeman, Pantry Director, said she could not believe all of the people who came together to help out the pantry including planting broccoli, tending to the yard, and getting the greenhouse prepared for growing.

The Kiwanis have long been supporters of children’s projects and locally have created a giving garden and school gardens, and started clubs related to healthy living. “Seeing children thrive is a joy and

Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Dosher Hospital Front Entrance 924 N. Howe St. Southport

fulfills our vision,” said Corbett. Among 40 volunteers, 30 were local students. Under the supervision of North Brunswick High School JROTC Colonel Baker, students worked on greenhouse clean up, construction, field planting, and building teamwork. “Having the students be part of the community instills values and behaviors that contribute to lifelong success,” said Col. Baker. Church secretary, Priscilla Lynch said, “It is a pleasure to see so many people, especially youth, come together to help us so we can continue to help others through the pantry. We are truly blessed.”

The Brunswick Wellness Coalition is a united group of individuals and health-minded leaders with the mission to improve the health of the Brunswick community, and the vision of becoming the healthiest county in North Carolina. BWC is funded through Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas, an initiative of The Duke Endowment. To learn more, visit the website: brunswickwellness.org or Facebook: @BrunswickWellness.

Keeping Fit

You’re Not Too Old

Fear, Not Old Age, Is The Biggest Obstacle

STORY BY VICTOR FERNANDES

Victor Fernandez is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness

I’mtoo old.” That’s a common refrain from people who often really aren’t that old, about tackling a challenge they say they want to but haven’t done so. I’m here to say let’s be honest and call it what it truly is – fear.

You think that way because you’re too afraid, not too old. You’re too afraid to fail, and that feeling comes without an age requirement. So instead, we attach an excuse to what we’re afraid to do, and we convince ourselves there is nothing we can do to change that so it makes no sense to bother even trying.

I felt that way much more in my 20s and 30s than in my 40s and now 50s.

Yes, I felt physically older in my 20s and

30s, and in turn felt I couldn’t do certain things. In reality, I had already failed myself as I ballooned to nearly 250 pounds and wasn’t carrying myself as the husband, father, and man I wanted to be.

I rarely ate well in those days. Fast food and arena fare were staples of my diet –and in this case, I use that term loosely –during my sports journalism career since I was always going from one event to another.

Since I was always on the go for work, I didn’t sleep well either. I often worked past midnight, only to awaken by 6 am to get our kids ready for school.

Both played integral roles in gaining roughly 75 pounds in the decade or so after graduating college in 1993. Given the downward path I traveled at the time, I wholeheartedly believe reaching 300 pounds, even 350 pounds, was in my future.

My mindset was a bigger mess than my physical well-being.

And since we tell ourselves we can’t when we’re in that negative state of mind, we find it much easier to simply quit before ever beginning.

But deep down in places we would rather not know exist, we know the truth.

We know we have allowed more great opportunities pass us by because we live in fear. Which leads to regret, which weighs heavily on us no matter how much we choose to ignore it. We can fool others in our life, but we can’t fool ourselves.

I will regret not starting to embrace the now mission statement of Fernandes Fit –

and that’s to have empowered my personal and professional success through health and fitness many years earlier.

I can only imagine how much further along I would be in life, personally and professionally. I didn’t start my personal health and fitness journey until I was 38 years old, shortly after my youngest son, Zachary, was born, nearly 14 years ago.

If I had begun 10 years earlier, even five years earlier, I could have been 10 or 15 years into helping people empower themselves through their personal journeys to quality health and well-being. I could have helped many more people.

I will take that regret to my grave. But until then, I choose to live life to the fullest…because I’m not too old. As far as I see it, I’m simply getting better with age. You are too. Or at least you can be. You have that choice to make.

You have heard the old adage, “Age is just a number.” But really it’s a state of mind. We can choose to believe we’re too old to do something, or we can choose to do things in our 50s that we did in our 40s, in our 60s that we did in our 50s, in our 70s that we did in our 60s, and so on.

None of us know how much time we have left. But we do we have time right now.

We should take advantage of it, but it requires developing the mindset to do the work, trusting the process and believing in ourselves.

Otherwise, we’re merely existing in life, not living it.

If you want to learn more about developing a strong mindset that breaks down barriers we have placed in our way, or simply have a conversation about your fitness goals and needs, contact me at 814-5047774 or info@fernandesfit.com, or head to fernandesfit.com for more information.

Art Beat

I’m With The Band

Carla Edstrom Continues Musical Life

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Iamthe female lead singer of Catatonic Band. We are a busy professional cover band, playing around 40 gigs last year around Southport, Wilmington, Leland, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. We play in bars, at birthdays, weddings, outside under tents, at large-scale private events, and even in living rooms, adapting to different environments and audiences. Sometimes, we play between rain storms in 40-degree weather, but mostly when it’s 90 degrees in the shade. We have also collaborated on recording together on original projects. You will see us play mainly as a trio, with my lead vocals, Champ Saint Amand playing lead guitar, and Brien Sandstrom playing bass. Drummer Steve Merritt and keyboardist Jeff Hanke sit with us when needed, adding depth and variety to our sound. We are all seasoned musicians who have played music on weekends around busy jobs and careers for all our lives. They are like my brothers, and I appreciate their hard work, advice, patience, and encouragement, which have been instrumental in our journey as a band.

I have lived in Southport since 2005 and have been involved in music here since around 2010 when I performed in five shows at the Amuzu Theater. I have witnessed the music community here undergo a remarkable transformation and growth. Many new bands are forming, and musicians are constantly moving here, adding to the already stellar cast of musicians from the area. I used to be able to identify every musician in town by name. Now, I am constantly meeting new musicians with different levels of experience and talents. We also have groups such as Up Your Arts, which strive to promote and bring music and arts to Southport. And we are so blessed to have such great venues that support us and book us year-round, even outside of tourist sea-

son. These changes are a clear sign of the community’s growth and diversity.

One of the most beautiful aspects of our community is the support and camaraderie among musicians. For example, musicians will always step up to lend a hand when needed with a broken equipment emergency, help with sound checks, and attend each other’s events. Musicians have stepped up to help venues get started with live music and even book the talent. Or if a community fundraiser is happening to help victims of illness or house fires, everyone comes together to raise money and donate their skills, showing the community’s compassion and sol-

shallottemag.com /June 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine

idarity. We have many open mic events around town that have formed musical collaborations and long-time friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. No matter how many people have moved here, Southport has historically maintained a small-town atmosphere. I’m happy to be here.

Music has been a driving force in my life since I was a teenager, shaping my identity and providing a platform for self-expression. The first time I sang a solo in public was when I was 13. It was for a talent show at a church, and my friend Matt played the piano for me. I remember the nerves, the adrenaline, and the sheer joy of performing. I sang an Amy Grant song, “All I Ever Have to Be.” My sister Pat and my mom came to see me. After the show, Pat knocked on my bedroom door, and the look on her face was that of shock. She said, “You are a singer.” I have never been so empowered in my life. Years of practice, private vocal lessons, school chorus, church bands, and playing flute and piccolo in school bands followed. Music was all I wanted to do. I lived and breathed music. I had found my calling, and it has been a journey of

self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment.

After that first performance, I started singing regularly in a Christian Rock band

that played mostly original music. I met a boy who loved to play piano and write music, and we wrote many songs together. Writing and composing music was a journey of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. We recorded a demo of a couple of songs, a thrilling experience that brought our music to life. Another friend took the cassette to two local Christian radio stations, and they played my songs on air. It was incredible to be 16, riding in my best friend’s car when my song came on the radio for the first time. It was one of the highlights of my life, a moment that encapsulated the joy and fulfillment that music brings.

My experience is not unique compared to that of other musicians. We all have a story that needs to be told. I am a smalltown girl who loves to sing and share her story. My band’s story is also similar to many others. All these stories begin with a drive and passion for creating music, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

Showcase

Featured Artists

Franklin Square Gallery In Southport

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Franklin Square Gallery will honor featured artists through June 20 with displays of their art at the Gallery. In addition, painter Caroline Brizzolera and potter Cheryl Rogers will be on hand to share insight on their work at the Gallery’s First Friday event on June 7, from 5-7 pm. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine as they meet the artists, discover their artwork, and view the other paintings and ceramic work on display throughout the Gallery.

Coming from northern New Jersey, 2D Featured Artist Caroline Brizzolera earned a B.A. in art from Rutgers University and an M.A. in painting from Montclair State College. Caroline taught high school studio art for two decades. She then returned to school, obtaining a law degree and following that career for an equal stretch. She returned to her art career upon retiring and moving to Southport.

Working primarily in pastels and acrylics, Caroline also experiments with watercolors and photography. An active member of Franklin Square Gallery, she exhibits there, at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, and Wilmington Art Association shows. Caroline has studied with noted figurative painter Joan Semmel, abstract expressionist and figurative painter Miriam Beerman, master lithographer Judith Solodkin, art historian and painter Robert G. Bradshaw, photographer Amy Stromsten, and American poet Adrienne Rich. Caroline says of her work, “For me, the act of really seeing makes the thing seen a wonder, and the person doing the seeing, blessed. That’s what I experience when I am painting

appreciate its potential.  Her work combines precision and humor and celebrates color. Her attention to the science side of pottery is reflected in the study and testing undertaken with glaze, underglaze, and clay type for each project.

and it is life-giving. That’s why I do it, and what I hope the viewer experiences when looking at my work.”

Cheryl Rogers, 3D Featured Artist, took up clay art after 20 years in the design field, transitioning from fashion to functional pottery. Originally from California, Cheryl’s work in the fashion industry included design of children’s clothing. Today, she creates one-of-akind ceramic pieces that are carefully engineered to achieve the right fit, as did her fashion work.

Cheryl is known as “Aunt Ducks” to those who work in clay, and those who

Franklin Square Gallery, home of the Associated Artists of Southport, is a cooperative of more than 120 artists, and is currently accepting applications for new members. It is located at 130 E. West Street in the heart of historic downtown Southport, NC. With support from the Brunswick Arts Council ARPA Program, a Designated Coun-

ty Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Gallery embodies the rich artistic culture that thrives in Southport. It offers original art and pottery for sale and is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Oak Island On TV

“Battle On The Beach” Airs In June

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LISA STITES

Battle on the Beach” airs this month on HGTV. The show was filmed on Oak Island, so keep an eye out for your favorite spots in town and maybe your friends and neighbors! The premise of the show is pretty straightforward — designers Taniya Nayak of “Build It Forward,” Ty Pennington of “Rock the Block,” and Alison Victoria of “Windy City Rehab” each mentor a team of two for a beach house renovation challenge.

Each team works on a four-bedroom, two bath house, vying for a prize of $50,000. They each have a budget of $100,000 to transform their house. The competitors, Samantha and Sean Kilgore of Richmond, Michigan; Brandon Parker and Teresa Robinson of Norfolk, Virginia; and Kristin and Chyenne Smith of Dallas tackle kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and outdoor renovations.

Though we won’t know who wins until the final episode airs, we can learn more about what it takes to bring a show like this to one of our picturesque towns. Though filming began in February, the production company — Beachfront Productions LLC — began work long before then.

William Grimaldi is a freelance line producer who worked on this series, and he’s been working in the industry on the production side for 11 years. He said for a show like “Battle on the Beach,” pre-production starts a few months before filming.

“The whole process for a season like this is about a year,” he said. “A lot of it is getting the crew together and finding out where they’re going to be staying. It’s not the biggest crew but big enough,” he said. Approximately 40 people came to Oak Island for the couple months of shooting the show. They also need to line up vehicles to rent and figure out logistics such as where the renovation teams can buy supplies.

“My half of the industry is kind of boring, honestly,” William said.

By the time his work starts, William explained, the houses have already been selected, or at least a decision is close; that’s something the network or the production company decides.

Next comes the permitting process, renting accommodations, and getting everything lined up in general. Once filming begins, William said they try to stick to 10-12 hour days, though sometimes in the television industry, crews work 15-16 hour days.

“I know films are more glamorous than TV,” he said.

Though each of the teams had a $100,000 budget, there were opportunities, or challenges, when the teams could earn more. One of those was a carnival. The teams could win free grout with a basket toss game at the “Tossing for Tiles” booth, play “Ring Around the Faucet” or test their strength for a

chance to make a hardware swap or earn additional money for the project. The carnival was set up on the Oak Island Pier. The Pier played host again for part of the finale, which included a fireworks display. In lieu of renting the Pier for the hours it was closed to the general public, the company made donations to the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program and the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter.

Oak Island has played backdrop for other realty shows, such as “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” and “House Hunters,” other TV shows such as the pilot episode of “Revenge,” and even small parts of movies such as “Iron Man 3” and “Safe Haven.” This show’s production made Oak Island home for the cast and crew for a couple months though, and filming in small coastal communities is much different from doing so in places like New York. William said that the experience of filming in Oak Island

was “overwhelmingly” good.

“It was very smooth,” he said. “Everyone was super cool. A production takes up space. We build a town for a month within your town. Some towns make it a little more difficult. Oak Island was extremely beautiful. I love it.”

Renovations can be unpredictable though, and these on the show are no exception. A trailer for the series shows one of the teams dealing with an unexpected water leak, for example. Plans for filming take unexpected twists too, and the crew must come up with a solution, often without a lot of time or notice.

“We never have one plan, especially as a team, the creative department working with the construction team. We have four or five plans going on. If Plan A doesn’t work out, we have Plan B. You’re just prepared for different things,” William said.

Watch “Battle on the Beach on HGTV” beginning June 3 at 9 pm, and read more about the show at https://www.hgtv.com/ shows/battle-on-the-beach.

BCC’s Emergency Communications

Program Enters Into Collaboration Agreement

With Richmond Community College

CONTRIBUTED

Brunswick Community College (BCC) and Richmond Community College (RCC) announced the signing of an Instructional Service Agreement (ISA) for the 911 Communications and Operations program, effective Fall 2024. This collaborative agreement marks a significant step in providing enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in emergency communications.

The 911 Communications and Operations program offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Under the agreement, students can take core program courses at either institution, providing expanded access and flexibility. To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 25 percent of coursework, or 21 credit hours, at RCC. The remaining 44 credit hours can be completed at BCC. This structured approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

“We are excited to partner with Richmond Community College to offer students a comprehensive and industry-relevant education in 911 Communications and Operations,” said BCC President Gene Smith. “Collaborating with other colleges allows us to leverage resources and offer a wider array of programs to our students.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Brunswick Community College will assume responsibility for academic advising of students enrolled in the 911 Communications and Operations Program. This ensures that students are taking the appropriate courses to meet program requirements and achieve their academic goals.

“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of education and training in the field of emergency communications,” said RCC President Dale McInnis. “By partnering with Brunswick Community College, we can provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for success.”

The program at Brunswick Community College will adhere to the North Carolina Community College System Curriculum Standard for 911 Communications and Operations, as well as meet the criteria for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To learn more about this and other educational programs at BCC, contact OneStop Student Services at onestop@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-7320.

About Brunswick Community College

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is a public community college in Bolivia, North Carolina. BCC offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Engineering for students who aim to transfer to a senior institution to complete a baccalaureate or higher degree. BCC also offers a wide range of Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, and High School Pathways (Career & College Promise), to prepare students for entry-level jobs in paraprofessional and healthcare fields. For more information about Brunswick Community College and our programs, visit our website, www.brunswickcc.edu.

Golf Tips

Nicole’s Golf Notes

Good Golf Secret Sauce: Pre-Shot Routine

STORY BY NICOLE WELLER LPGA/PGA GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. Feel free to submit your question or topic for the Nicole’s Notes column via her website ‘Contact Nicole’ page. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

Watch any sport with high-caliber amateur or professional athletes and you’re sure to see their rituals as they prepare for action. What do you notice prior to a basketball player shooting a free throw, a tennis player getting ready to serve, a baseball player stepping into the batter’s box or a golfer preparing to hit a drive — you see the steps towards a better chance at success!

What is a Pre-Shot Routine?

Routines prior to a golf shot contain physical, mental and most importantly, emotional aspects. The physical aspects of a pre-shot routine are ones that are seen, (i.e. rehearsal swing, the number of steps into the shot from behind or next to the ball, hitching up a shirt sleeve or strapping on a golf glove).

The mental aspects of a pre-shot routine aren’t visible but involve creating a plan and then committing to that plan. Note that I say plan, not worry. Keep the plan objective based on the external variables (weather, ground lie, conditions, state of a match) and internal variables (today’s skill ability).

The emotional aspects of a pre-shot routine dictate whether one is ready inside for the shot and if one can self-manage effectively. Would you rather be worried or be curious about what’s going to happen? Would you rather be nervous or excited?

I like using the following wonderful chart by Tim Kremer to identify high (positive) and low (negative) vibrating emotions. Yes, emotions actually have vibrating energy! The key is to move up the chart one or two emotions from where you are and frontload (pre-insert) the emotion you want into a shot, not what you inherit because you haven’t managed the incoming emotion. Don’t let an emotion manage you (i.e. guilt, fear, doubt, anger, despair) — you get to own what you want to feel. Many don’t

see the need to spend time training the underlying emotional aspect (not as fun for most as compared to changing swing technique and smashing a driver!) yet it would help their games exponentially. Emotions kick off the process, followed by the mental response and then lastly the action that comes about. It begins within, not with the swing, as that’s just the end result. You can have the best technique in the world but if you aren’t selling yourself on a shot or believing in what you’re about to do, it will crack and show.

My master’s degree thesis, Mental Skill Interventions for Young Golfers (available through the TRACE library system from U. of Tennessee), contains some interesting stats about routines and their consistency.

* The average amount of time for an overall pre-shot routine from the time it’s one’s turn to hit until the time the club initiates the backswing is 10-20

seconds.

* Of that overall pre-shot routine time, the effective actual window of time over the ball is just 3-9 seconds of that 10-20 overall time…it’s Go Time!

* 80/20: I notice that recreational golfers spend approximately 20 percent of time planning and 80 percent over the ball while high-caliber golfers spend roughly 80 percent of time planning and 20 percent over the ball…more reaction over the ball and less thinking or cognitive processing.

* Players finishing at the top of the winner’s list in a tournament have preshot routines that vary by a second or less, and that’s a routine routine! Those who finish at the bottom of the list that week may have routines that vary by more than five seconds, hence perhaps more indecisiveness or extra thinking.

Keys to an Effective Pre-Shot Routine

Explore these pre-shot concepts to help with your game:

AT BEST…The last words and image of what’s about to happen before swinging the club should be what’s about to happen At Best (not At Worst). Believing is seeing.

CONTROL…Focus on what’s in your control (nutrition, attire, attention, reaction, decision, where you walk and move, your intention) instead of what’s not in your control (consistent swing motion, weather, other players’ comments or actions, how the ball bounces and

rolls). Golfers spend too much energy on things that are actually out of their control. Let it go, accept and do what you have actual control over. Stay in your own lane.

ADVERBS…Step up to a shot with a nice adverb in mind and finish this sentence: “I want to enjoy hitting this shot ________” (happily, smoothly, effortlessly, excitedly, curiously, etc.), and then go do it.

THREE GREEN LIGHTS…Be committed in the mind, heart and gut. If you don’t have green lights in all three areas over a shot, there’s a good chance the doubt will sabotage a good tempo or intention and result in a poor shot. If one of those area has a yellow or red light, stop and reset. I use the analogy of driving a car and not knowing if the brakes are going to work going into an intersection…you have to be sure of what you’re intending to do and believe it. Green lights all the way!

USE STRONG WORDING AND ACTIONS… Remove the words try, hope and possibly from your commitment plan. Use strong words and strong body language, sell yourself on your plan and believe it. Think of how you believe a national speaker or coach giving a speech who shows conviction, strong language and movement versus one who doesn’t capture your attention. Are you capturing your own attention and belief before a golf shot?

CLOSED-SKILL vs. OPEN-SKILL SPORTS…Golf is a closed-skill sport in which nothing happens until you’re ready, like a serve in tennis or a freethrow in basketball. Other sports that are open-skill have more interaction and less thinking, like an interactive play underway in football, basketball and tennis. Sometimes closed-skill sports allow for more second-guessing and hesitation, so create the plan based on what you know you can do over what you think you can do and then be more reactionary once committed to the task; it’s more important to be committed than correct, you’ll learn.

I love helping people explore their pre-shot routines at the practice facilities and on the course that leads to more successful and fun golf!

History

Change of Command Battleship North Carolina’s New Director

STORY CONTRIBUTED

There’s been a change in command for the USS NORTH CAROLI-

NA as Dr. Jay Martin was appointed the new executive director of the Battleship North Carolina effective May 31, according to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Martin takes over the role from Captain Terry Bragg, who retired June 1.

“Dr. Martin’s extensive background in maritime history, historic preservation and archaeology will bring an enhanced focus to telling the Battleship’s story for its thousands of annual visitors,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “We thank Captain Bragg for his service to the Battleship for the past 15 years, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Dr. Martin is a 40-year veteran of historical endeavors and a specialist in maritime history. He has served as the chief administrator for several museums, and most recently served as director and curator of the Central Michigan University Museum of Cultural and Natural History/Gerald Poor School House Museum and director of the Museum Studies Program.

Dr. Martin has taught American, maritime, military, and public history at various institutions and his specialty in his-

toric preservation and cultural resource management has included the research, restoration, and interpretation of multiple historic ships, overland vehicles, and structures.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in public history from Western Michigan University along with a master’s degree in American Studies and a Ph.D. in history from Bowling Green State University.

Captain Terry Bragg has served as executive director of the Battleship North Carolina since March 2009. Before joining the Battleship as executive director, Captain Bragg spent 30 years in the naval services with sub-specialties in financial management, procurement, and anti-submarine warfare.

During his time as executive director, Bragg spearheaded projects that repaired extensive corrosion damage to the battleship hull, built the cofferdam to ensure continuous hull maintenance, built the public SECU Memorial walkway that encircles the Battleship, and started the Living with Water project to counter the effects of climate change.

About the Battleship North Carolina

The U.S.S. North Carolina is a decommissioned World War II battleship, permanently moored as a memorial and state histor-

ic site in Wilmington on the Cape Fear River. The retired battleship serves as commemoration of the heroism of U.S. sailors and soldiers from North Carolina

during World War II. Learn more at https://battleshipnc. com/.

a taste or a glass of wine when you are

CALENDAR

June

We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change.

JUNE 2

Paws-Ability

BandFest ’24

Enjoy music from The Sea & Sand Band and Julio and the Saltines at this fundraiser for Paws-Ability, a group dedicated to supporting local rescue groups and improving animal welfare in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. BandFest ’24 is at the Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. N, from noon to 5 pm; entry is $5. There will be raffles, vendors, food and beverages, and animals ready to find their forever homes. Email info@paws-ability.org or call 910-269-6885 for more information.

JUNE 8

Battleship 101

Learn about life aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA. The program features information on gunnery, sick bay, engineering, and daily shipboard life on the battleship. Enjoy the opportunity to go behind the doors and inside normally closed spaces. The program is free with the cost of admission. Battleship NC is at 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington.

JUNE 11

Second Tuesday Talk - Southport Historical Society

SHS President Liz Fuller,  will be discussing her new book Southport’s Secret Suffragist. Learn the story of Miss Annie Clemmons who lived in Southport from 1890-1956. In 1920, when the 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote, Annie went to the County Courthouse to register. She was denied due to the color of her skin, as were all Black men and women in Brunswick County at that time. But what Annie did next was surprising-and a secret! One hundred years later we’re sharing her secret and we have a feeling Annie would be just fine with that. The talk

is at 10 am at Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport.

JUNE 22-23

Amateur Radio “Field Day”

Members of the Brunswick Shores Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 22-23 at the Calabash Community Park in Calabash. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The park is at 868 Persimmon Road SW.

JUNE 29-30

Let Freedom Ring - Patriotic Concert

The Sea Notes Choral Society continues celebrating its 50th Anniversary year with its annual patriotic concert. Take a break from the heat and enjoy classic American music to celebrate the July 4th holiday. Performances are at 3 pm at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE. Attendance is free, but this show fills up quickly!

Summer/Open Air Markets

Market on Mulberry — Shallotte

Browse for local foods and works from crafters and artisans at the Market, 9 am to 12 noon at the Park, 123 Mulberry St. This month’s market dates are May 11 and May 25.

Summer Market Ocean Isle Beach

Shop for goods that are handmade, homemade and homegrown at this weekly market, 9 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays at the Ocean Isle Beach Town Park, 11 E. Second St.

Sunset Beach Market In The Park

All your favorite vendors from years past with the addition of some new bakeries and produce vendors. 9 am to 1 pm on Thursdays in Sunset Beach Park, 206 Sunset Blvd

One Love Market — Sunset Beach

The summer market dates this month are June 10, 17 and 24; July dates are July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Shop from 9 am to 1 pm at the market, 101 W. Main St., across from the Sunset Beach Pier. Parking is free for one hour.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Sounds of Summer

Shallotte — Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St., 7-9 pm (starting in July)

July 11 — Band of Oz

July 18 — Julio & The Saltines

Summer Concert Series

Holden Beach

Concerts are 6:30-8 pm at the Town park under the bridge (we think!)

June 2 — Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot

June 9 — Carolina Kool

June 16 — Cat 5

June 23 — Blackwater Band

June 30 — The Tams

Sunset Sound Waves

Concert Series — Sunset Beach

Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy the sounds of summer at the Town Park,

206 Sunset Blvd. North. Concerts are 6-8 pm, weather permitting.

June 5 — Chocolate Chip & Company

June 12 — Cat 5 Band

June 19 — 100 Grand Band

June 26 — JB and the Get Down Browns

Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series Ocean Isle Beach

Concerts are 6:30-8 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.

May 24 — Band of Oz

May 31 — Bailout

June 7 — Special Occasion Band

June 14 — LunaSea

June 21 — Too Much Sylvia

Juen 28 — Blackwater Band

Sunset Sound Waves

Concert Series — Sunset Beach

Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy the sounds of summer at the Town Park,

206 Sunset Blvd. North. Concerts are 6-8 pm, weather permitting.

June 5 — Chocolate Chip & Company

June 12 — Cat 5 Band

Enjoy the beauty of Sunset Beach Park while shopping for produce, artisan products and more at the weekly Thursday market

June 19 — 100 Grand Band

June 26 — JB and the Get Down Browns

Sunset Beach Fishing Pier

Summer Music 6-8 pm

101 W. Main St.

May 30 — DJ Butch Barnes

June 6 — Sea & Sand Band

June 13 — Johnny Toppings

June 20 — JT and the Strats

June 27 — Saltbone

Summer Concert Series

Calabash Town Park, 868 Persimmon Road

June 4 — Embers, featuring Craig Woolard

June 18 — Thomas Road Band

June 25 — Too Much Sylvia

July 2 — The Extraordinaires

July 16 — The Tonez

ONGOING EVENTS

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays 12-4 pm. Sandbar lectures are 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 am - 4 pm for dome shows and science displays. Laser shows run hourly from 5:30 - 8 pm Monday - Saturday. Visit https:// musemplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule..

NC Maritime MuseumsSouthport

204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. The March 16 Deep Dive Into History program features informa-

tion on Merchant Marines during WWII. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to

before the 20th of each month! -- Thank you!

• LOF 59.95

• Coolant Flush 15% off

• Battery replacement $20.00 off

• Road Force Tire Balance with rotation $89.95

• Spark Plug replacement 15% off parts and labor

• Timing belt replacement 10% off parts and labor

ALIGNMENT SPECIAL $109.95

Get the most life out of your tires with a 4-wheel alignment special. We adjust your tire pressure, inspect suspension, tire life and your rims. Road test and provide a computerized printout.

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

One Hour Tour Covering:

• History and Culture

$7 Reservations Advised Voted Best Thing for Visitors To Do!

• Movie Locations

• Spectacular Coastal Views

• Shopping and Dining ADULTS $15

Tour departs from Southport

Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373 www.southportfuntours.com

ENGINE OIL & FILTER CHANGE SPECIAL (basic) $59.95

• Replace engine oil with synthetic blend

• Replace oil filter and drain plug washer with Acura Genuine Parts

• Check/Adjust fluid levels

• Inspect wiper blades

• Inspect tires and set pressure. Upto5quarts,syntheticoilextra,taxesand environmentalfeesareextra.

BATTERY SPECIAL

• Inspect battery voltage and Amperage • Inspect charging system • Inspect alternator belt $20.00offanyAcuragenuine100monthbattery

Looking for something to do besides going to the beach? Here you’ll find lots of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check before you go as hours may change and some attractions may be seasonal

Attractions

INGRAM PLANETARIUM

7625 High Market Street Sunset Beach (mainland) https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/

Enjoy musical laser shows and learn more about the night sky; check website for schedule and tickets. Hands-on activities and interactive displays are available in the Paul Dennis Science Center, and admission to the Center is free.

MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA

21 E. 2nd St. Ocean Isle Beach https://museumplanetarium.org/

Learn more about our coastal environment, with a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs. The Mu-

Attractions Guide

seum is open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday for sandbar lectures.

SHALLOTTE RIVER SWAMP PARK

5550 Watts Road SW

Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.shallotteriverswamppark. com/

This adventure park features zip line tours, an aerial park, guided ATV tours and eco-tours on a swamp boat.

PLANET FUN/STARZ GRILL

349 Whiteville Road

Shallotte https://planetfuncenter.com/

This family entertainment center offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling (including cosmic bowling on weekends), many TVs for watching all the games, and a restaurant.

SHALLOTTE RIVERWALK

Gazebos at 159 Cheers St. and 146 Wall St.

The Riverwalk is open from dawn to dusk, and features a quarter mile boardwalk, gazebos at each end and beautiful views of the Shallotte River.

OLD BRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

109 Shoreline Drive West Sunset Beach (mainland) http://www.theoldbridge.org/

The old swing bridge that used to connect Sunset Beach to the mainland has been preserved as a museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, with stories about the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge tender house, local history, and more.

STUMP HILL FARMS

2030 Ash-Little River Road NW Ash

https://www.stumphillfarms.com/

The farm is open on Saturdays in April and October, and by appointment or for special events other times of year, with hay rides, games for children, and educational opportunities covering bee pollination and local crops.

GRAYCE WYNDS FARM AND THE WILD HORSE RESERVE AT GRAYCE WYNDS

2450 Grayce Wynds Drive Supply, NC 28462

Visit the farm, take a guided tour, or participate in special events. Check https://www.graycewyndsfarm.com/ for tours available and events.

SILVERY COAST WINERY

6680 Barbeque Road

Ocean Isle Beach

https://silvercoastwinery.com/

Winery tours, tastings, and shop for wine accessories and gifts; event rental space also available.

OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF

6391 Beach Drive SW

Ocean Isle Beach http://oceanisleminigolf.com

TREASURE ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF

3445 Holden Beach Rd.

Holden Beach (910) 842-4878

Parks

There are so many great spots to get out and enjoy this beautiful county. We’ve listed a few of the main parks here, but keep an eye out for smaller pocket parks and water access areas.

HOLDEN BEACH PAVILION AND BRIDGEVIEW PARK

The Pavilion is tucked in next to the west side of the bridge on the island, and Bridgeview Park is a couple blocks down the Intracoastal Waterway, at Davis Street.

TOWN CENTER PARK

11 E. Second St.

Ocean Isle Beach

This town park has an amphitheater, interactive fountain, bocce ball court, playground, and plenty of bike parking.

SHALLOTTE PARK

5550 Main St.

Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground, picnic shelters and a dog park.

MULBERRY STREET PARK

123 Mulberry Street

Shallotte

Picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and home to Shallotte’s outdoor markets

SUNSET BEACH TOWN PARK

Sunset Boulevard North (mainland)

Stroll through five acres of live oaks along the Intracoastal Waterway, sit a spell on a bench, do some fishing or visit the Veterans Memorial.

Go Under The Sea at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK

6483 Old Georgetown Road

The Park features 2 playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelter and a multipurpose field for soccer/football with walking trail and fitness stations.

WACCAMAW PARK

5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash

This park features ball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, bocce ball and a nine-hole disc golf course.

Fishing Piers

SUNSET BEACH FISHING PIER

101 W. Main St. Sunset Beach http://sunsetbeachpier.com/

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER

1 W. First St. Ocean Isle Beach https://oibpier.com/

Fishing Charters

Boat Tours

Boat Rentals

OCEAN ISLE FISHING CENTER

65 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.oifc.com/

TOUR H2O

Locations in Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Southport https://tourh2o.com/

CAROLINAS COASTAL ADVENTURE TOURS

2000 Sommerset Road SW

Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.ccattours.com/

SALT FEVER GUIDE SERVICE

21 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.saltfeverguideservice. com/

HURRICANE FLEET - LEAVES FROM THE CALABASH WATERFRONT https://hurricanefleet.com/

CALABASH FISHING FLEET

9945 Nance St. Calabash https://calabashfishingfleet.com/

HOLDEN BEACH FISHING https://www.holdenbeachfishing.com/

HOLDEN BEACH WATERSPORTS

3325 Old Ferry Road SW Holden Beach https://www.holdenbeachwatersports. com/index.html

BLUE PLANET WATERSPORTS

7156 Beach Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://blueplanetwatersports.com/

HOLDEN BEACH JET SKI RENTALS

1305 Cedar Landing Road SW Supply https://www.holdenbeachjetski.com

SORTA SALTY FISHING CHARTERS

Holden Beach https://sortasalty.com

OLLIE RAJA CHARTERS

3238 Pompano St. SW

Holden Beach/Oak Island https://holdenbeachfishingcharters. com/