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Celebrating Seven Years
This month is the seventh anniversary of Leland Magazine, and we could not be more thankful for the support this community has showered on us over the years. We have advertisers who have been with us for the entire journey, and hardly a month goes by that we don’t hear from someone interested in joining our little advertiser family. We are blessed with a terrific team of writers who either come up with terrific story ideas on their own, or who chase after the stories we assign them with enthusiasm. We like to think (and they do tell us so) that they enjoy learning new things while they research these stories. We think you’ll be able to tell how much fun Joe had visiting the Gator Hole for this month’s issue. But most of all, we are thankful for you, our readers. We love to hear from you and it humbles us to know that we help you leant about and enjoy your community, so thank you for being there! — Jeffrey
The Gator Hole
This Country Store Is Truly One Of A Kind
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOE JANCSURAK
TheGator Hole Country Store and Tackle in Winnabow is a shop like no other. Here you’ll find cold drinks and snacks; camping, fishing and hunting gear; a drive-thru window; kayak rentals; sunset/dinner pontoon cruises; guided fishing trips and nature boat rides; U-Haul rentals; and an unusual menagerie of animals to visit with, including a bearded dragon named Lou; a chameleon named Rango; sugar gliders named Bonnie, Lucy and Thor; chickens named Thelma and Louise; a rooster named Ugly (though he’s quite handsome); rabbits named Charcoal and Nancy; and Lily, the shop owners’ beloved and easygoing chocolate Labrador Retriever.
“We have something for almost everyone,” said Nikole Pruitt, who together with her business and life partner Jaime Short became owners of the 11-year-old local landmark more than three years ago. “At the very least, everyone is welcome to come see our animals and enjoy some good conversation.”
Natives of Reading, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, and high school
friends, Nikole, 45, and Jaime, 46, went their separate ways, married and divorced before reconnecting about four years ago on Facebook before Nikole, a former restaurant and hospitality worker, moved to Oak Island with an assist from Jaime, a former security systems service technician. Soon after that the opportunity to buy The Gator Hole presented itself, and the chance to be their own bosses while sharing their love for fish -
ing and boating proved too good to pass up. Today, the couple lives near their store in Winnabow.
“I love it here,” said Nikole, who grew up fishing Pay Lake behind Ruby’s Bait Shop in Cleves, Ohio (also a suburb of Cincinnati) as well as the Ohio River. “Our store is just minutes away from the city (Wilmington),
beaches, country and forests. Plus, the people we meet daily are so friendly. Some share Civil War stories
about how Confederate forces used Town Creek to defend themselves. Others are quick to share their own
life stories. I really like that.” And so does Jaime, who grew up fishing during family trips to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky and to New Smyrna, Florida. “My dad (deceased) used to talk about how great it would be to have a drive-thru bait and tackle shop on the water like this,” said
Jaime. “He would have loved this.” Jaime and Nikole’s love for the Gator Hole and its customers is readily seen in the store’s improvements and additions and the ways they’ve found to give back to the community. Improvements and additions include new shelving and lighting in the beverage coolers; an expanded offering of fishing, hunting and camping equipment; fishing equipment repairs; and a refurbished
boat ramp for launching canoes and kayaks. In addition, all are welcome to cast their lines (for free!) in Town Creek, which runs behind the store.
“We catch red drum, black drum, sheepshead, stripers, flounder, gar and catfish,” said Nikole, adding that they’ve also caught sharks out on the Cape Fear River during fishing trips. “And, of course, there are gators that like to hang out in the creek,” noted Jaime.
As for giving back, Jaime and Nikole volunteer their services for such
events as Bellville’s Annual Kids Fishing Days and Military Appreciation Days, when they along with other boat owners take veterans fishing.
Plans for the future, Jaime said, include the addition of one or more jon boats for fishing and the establishment of a flea market.
So, for a unique experience, check out The Gator Hole at 2801 River Rd. SE in Winnabow. Until then, later gator!
Gator Hole Options for Nature-Lovers
* Kayak rentals: $25 a half day and $40 for the full day.
* Nature rides on pontoon boat: $150 for 1.5 hours, four persons, and $25 for each additional person up to six persons total.
* Fishing Trips: $300 for 4 hours, up to two people and $50 for each additional person up to 4 persons total. Gator Hole supplies the bait, poles and drinking water
* Sunset Cruises: $225 for 3 hours and up to four persons and $25 for each additional person up to six people total.
* Dinner Cruise to and from Smoke on the Water: $300 for 5 hours and up to four people. Gator Hole makes the dinner reservations.
Community Navy Ship Model Show
The Fleet Is In--Miniature, That Is
STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE
Some people have hobbies, and others have passions. When Jim Gower, President of the New Bern Maritime Modelers Guild says, “When you build a model, you hold history in your hands,” you know he is talking about his passion — building complex and detailed model ships, replicas of various warships in miniature.
On Oct. 19 and 20, the USS NORTH CAROLINA will play host for a show displaying these small replicas. The Fleet Is In is a Navy Ship Model Show that combines historic exploration with precision craftsmanship. Building ship models has been around for a long time and has come a long way.
Jim has a strong love of history and has been involved in modeling since he was 12 years old. “Back then, it was one of the most popular trends among guys that age,” he said. “John Wayne and other actors who were in warfare movies actually spurred me onward to build. The ‘addiction’ led me to a life of sailing at the age of 30 and I still sail today on my little 32-foot sailboat.”
Not only does Jim build models, he restores them. He recently restored a model of the USS North Carolina (BB55) from a kit that was sold in 1939 for around $2. The model was sold before the ship was even built, so there were some differences between the model and the actual ship.
Jim said that depending on the model that you want to build, these intricate vessels can range in size from 12 inches to 7 feet long. The mission is to make the models as accurate of a representation as possible — including small hatches, railings and markings. “You need a lot of patience and a lot of wine to do this,” Jim said. “Sometimes the detailing items are so small you have to use magnifying glasses and syringes to affix the glue. People who do this aren’t just ‘hobbyists.’ They are artists.”
Models are typically made from wood or plastic materials, although Jim said he has used cardboard to represent the decks.
Other materials include fiberglass, metal and paper. Modelers often use air brushes to apply paint and even varnish on the model to create an even finish, which also gives the model a more professional look and is faster than hand painting. “What you are trying to achieve,” he said, “is a museum level end product. It has to be precise in equipment, detailing and historically accurate.”
In addition to the materials used like wood or plastic, casting is most often used for making complex shapes of the ship that would be hard to make out of other materials. Heavy equipment like machines, propellers and ladders are cast and can be easily made in the required size rather than trying to attach several smaller pieces. Casting material can be brass, metal alloys, photo-etched, or the new process of 3D printing. According to Jim, casting can take two to eight hours to cure depending on the size and complexity of the model. Modelers also don’t only stick to wartime models, they build sailing vessels, clippers and recreational speed boats; some with radio controls.
Modelers also use resin in their work. Resin casting is a plastic casting method
that involves filling a mold with liquid resin which then hardens. It provides a higher quality finished product.
Hank Strub has been building models since 1950. “Back in the ‘50s that was all a kid could buy,” he said. “You got a plastic model and some glue. I’ve built a number of wood warship and sailing ship models the old-fashioned way. I got into wooden ship models in 2001. After I finished three wooden models, I got interested in making the USS NEW JERSEY, the last ship where I served. I worked on this model from 2012 to 2019.”
Jim and Hank both agree that the level of modeling that they do as well as artists in other modeling guilds takes years to create a high quality, historically accurate model.
Hank explained, “Modeling has evolved since 1980. Generally, most modelers today, in the south, are older people who produce military or old sailing ships. I’ve seen younger kids at shows who are showing Sci-Fi
models. I guess they are fun to make, but they don’t have that component of being historically correct. But, from the standpoint of having a hobby, they are learning how to produce something and work with their hands. It’s better than having them stare at an iPhone all day!”
Another manner in which modeling has evolved is with 3D printing. Hank said, “I am self-taught on the subject of 3D print models. I didn’t start investigating the process until around 2019 because of an online ship modeling acquaintance of mine who was interested in learning 3D design and printing. Working with 3D printing, you have a program for your design, a slicing program and a printing program. You draw what the part is going to be — for example, a box. The design program has tools for you to build the box. You send that design as an export file and then you use what is called a slicing program. That takes the export file of the box and converts it to information that the printer understands. Loading this print file into the printer enables
it to print the item. Liquid resin is poured into a metal vat (on SLA printers), this will be used to create your part. The vat has a clear plastic bottom which enables UV lamps below the vat programmed off/ on to create the shape of the part on the bottom of the vat, layer by layer. The layers are perhaps 0.25 of a millimeter—a little thicker than a human hair. There are various other types of 3D printers using different methods to create the part, but usually using similar kinds of resin as the material.”
Hank said, “While working on a model of the USS STODDARD (DD-566) – my first duty station, I got interested in building various larger scale display models and individual pieces of equipment that are found on many USN vessels – gun mounts, fire control directors, deck equipment, things like that. These were great subjects for utilizing 3D design and printing as the ‘tools’ rather than conventional ship modeling techniques. I do all my own 3D CAD design and printing. I have found that I can produce pretty much a higher level of detail and accuracy myself at this point than I can if I purchased someone else’s mass-produced products. So, quite a few of the items I’m bringing with me to the Fleet Is In show are those larger scale display pieces.”
Jim said that the show will include 18 exhibitors from four different modeling clubs, or guilds, with World War II warships with scales ranging from 1/700 up to the big 1/96 scale models and postWorld War II vessels. Participating artists are from: the New Bern Maritime Modelers Guild, of which Jim and Hank are involved; the Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers from the Fairfield Harbor community in Craven County; the North Carolina Model Ship Builders from Rocky
Community Leland Lend A Hand
Mount/Wilson; and the Wilmington Plastic Modelers.
The North Carolina Model Warship club in Rocky Mount will hold its annual fun run of 1/96 scale model warships the weekend of Oct. 11-13, at Rocky Mount Lake, Jim said. “This is a big draw from North Carolina locations and out of state exhibitors,” Jim said. “It’s an exciting time to watch the big boys play! Charles Lamm, from that guild, will be showing the USS Rochester, CA 124 Heavy Cruiser, that served in the Viet Nam War (scale 1/96).”
Mark Prectel, will be showing his model of the Battleship Arizona (scale 1/200) that was sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, while Ryan Chinn, will be showing the Japanese Battleship Musashi, sister ship of the Yamamoto (scale 1/200). Both are members of the Wilmington Plastic Modelers,
Jeff Maples is bringing his model of the USS Virginia, SSN 774 Nuclear Submarine (scale 1/700), while Rodney Huyett, is bringing his Japanese I-19 World Sar II Submarine (scale 1/350). Both are members of the Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers
Tour the battleship and plan to check out these model ships these artists have painstakingly created — they are preserving history, honoring our military and sharing their passion with us. The Fleet Is In show is free with admission to the ship and will run from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 19, and from 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Sign Up For Volunteer Opportunities
CONTRIBUTED BY TOWN OF LELAND
The Town of Leland is excited to engage residents in its second community-wide day of service called Lend a Hand in Leland. This event, aimed at fostering community pride and ownership, will bring together residents of all ages and backgrounds to participate in a variety of meaningful volunteer activities that address local needs and promote community well-being.
This year, Lend a Hand in Leland will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 am to 1 pm and feature five meaningful volunteer opportunities in partnership with local organizations.
•Stream Cleanup: Join Cape Fear River Watch to clean a Leland area watershed.
•Home Build: Assist Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity in building its first community in Leland, with tasks varying by stage of construction.
•Trash Pickup: Volunteers will join We Live Here to pick up roadside trash in the Westgate District.
•Tree Planting: Help We Live Here plant trees in the Westgate District to beautify the neighborhood.
•Walk Audit: Lace up your walking shoes and join We Live Here and AARP on a Walk Audit to explore and improve neighborhood walkability.
All residents are invited to Lend a Hand on this impactful day of service. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to community service, there’s a project for everyone. Join us in making a positive difference and celebrating the spirit of volunteerism in Leland.
Participants must register in advance. For more information on each project and to register, visit the Town website.
Please contact lendahand@townofleland.com with questions or concerns.
Keeping Fit
Facing Adveristy
Routines Make Our Lives More Than Routine
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng
and professional success through health and fitness
day after day. Habits are intentional, whether they’ve grown to be instinctive or not.
put myself through a schedule study three to four times a year, and I have discovered how easy it is to fall back into old routines and bad habits if we’re not intentionally keeping both top of mind.
Every plan in life works, until it doesn’t. At that point, we have a choice – either keep the same unproductive routine and habits and lament we’re not getting the results we want from life or put changes into place that will us productive again.
But we should think about them.
Routines are what we fall back on when we stumble, when we struggle, when we aren’t consistently doing what we should to better ourselves each day.
When we have a strong, healthy routine in place that allows us to take care of ourselves, and in turn those around us, we simply can fall back on that routine.
For example…
Roughly this time last year, life was anything but routine, as COVID-19 ran roughshod through our home, and Tropical Storm Idalia barreled through town.
My wife, Shelly, and I were both impacted by COVID (unfortunately, it was round two for her), while our youngest son, Zach, didn’t feel well despite not testing positive for the virus. Shelly and I took turns spending a couple days in bed and not eating much for several days, while Zach missed some time from school.
Meanwhile, our home gym sat empty for a week as we slowly but surely recovered from what ailed us. And if you know me, the Vic-nasium rarely sits empty for that long (and yes, that is the name of my home gym).
Yet the following week, even as my energy levels remained lower than usual, I was back at it, back in my routine as well as could be expected at the time.
I took time for myself and my family in the morning, followed by a workout, checking in on clients, and doing all I could to spread the word on the importance of quality health and fitness – when you’re healthy, and especially when you’re ill.
I didn’t have time to think about it. I didn’t have to wonder what to do now, and what to do next. I simply followed my routine, which made struggling to get back to full strength less of a challenge. There wasn’t a whole lot of thought involved, which was good while I attempted to escape the daily case of brain fog.
I knew what I had to do, and I did it.
I knew it would work well for me that week, the following week and beyond, even after being physically out of commission the prior week, because that routine has consistently worked well for me many times before.
So, how do we build a healthy routine?
We already have routines in your life. Consider the habits, good and bad, we turn to instinctively in our daily lives to accomplish what we need to do every day.
Consider the steps we take to complete tasks day after day. Those habits and steps have become routines we turn to every day, often without fail.
Don’t like the routines you use? Change your habits to change those routines.
Make conscious decisions to complete tasks in different ways, then continue to complete those tasks in the same manner
Which takes me to a task I periodically do, and one all my clients do to help develop a consistent routine that’s efficient and effective – a schedule study.
We record everything we do, from the moment we wake up to the time we head to bed, during the course of a week. It’s a tedious process for sure, but it’s truly enlightening. It shows us how truly efficient – or not – we are with our time, as well as when during the day we are most productive, among other helpful data.
That data provides the answers to improve our routine, and in turn our habits. I
Now, I would like to hear from you. What routines do you currently follow, and how do they impact your life, positively or negatively? How have your routines played a role in the habits that have developed over time?
Send me an email to info@fernandesfit. com with your thoughts, and I would be happy to help you develop routines that work better for you.
If you want to learn more about me and Fernandes Fit, call me at 814-504-7774, send me an email, or head to fernandesfit. com for more information.
Intercultural Festival
Enjoy Crafts, Food and Entertainment
CONTRIBUTED BY MARI-LOU WONG-CHONG
CHAIRMAN BRUNSWICK COUNTY INTERCULTURAL FESTIVAL
The Brunswick Arts Council and the Brunswick County Intercultural Festival invite you to join us at the 17th Brunswick County Intercultural Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Riverwalk Park, 580 River Rd SE in Belville. This event is free to attend!
The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival is committed to celebrating cultural diversity in all its aspects while honoring the cultural history of Brunswick County itself. This fun, cross-cultural education event presents a vast culturally enriching and entertaining experience for people of all ages.
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that live side by side within our county.
The festival is packed with numerous performing artists, children’s activities, cultural displays, ethnic food vendors and much more.
Come join the excitement of the International Village. In addition to displaying Brunswick County’s heritage, this year the International Village has new, exciting countries, displaying cultural information from the African Continent, South America, Asia, and Europe. Many countries and cultures will be represented. We will have the very popular activities for all ages “Passport to Culture” mostly geared to introduce kids to cultures from different countries.
We strive to foster an atmosphere that promotes inclusion and this year’s entertainment promises to be even more diverse than ever before.
Once again, we will have artistic works from our school arts students who will showcase their thoughts on multiculturalism with their entries in the Poster Art Contest. Winners will be acknowledged on the Center stage.
Other surprises round out the event, including a professional performance to round up the program— the not-to-bemissed Grupo Folklorico!
Come and let us share together something to take our minds out of life’s challenges. Take a “time out,” share our love for each other, get to know our neighbors in this great, loving community of ours. And don’t forget to bring the kids!
We are seeking volunteers to help make 2024 another successful event. Find us on Facebook, or at our website: www.bcifestival.org
The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival Entertainment Stage showcases some of the best ethnic performers of our region. The Entertainment Stage will take festival-goers through an exciting journey to different cultures with its array of artists dressed in authentic traditional costumes who will entertain you with their traditional and contemporary music, dance, and visual art forms.
• Increase teach supplements to retain and attract educators to our county
• Champion our community colleges and workforce development programs
• Explore recruitment/incentive programs for medical professionals
• Ensure equal access to county health resources
• Maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare facilities
• Conduct county business openly, prioritizing transparency and accountability
• Empower and answer to constituents, not to developers and other politicians
Tom Simmons for Commissioner, Committee to Elect Jonathan Damico and Committee to Elect Robert (Bob) Fulton
Celebrating 30 Years! Cape Fear Civil War Round Table Meeting
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table (CFCWRT) was established in 1994, and to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the club, the round table is hosting a special event to look back on its history.
The event is open to members only but it will be back to “business as usual” in November. John Quarstein, an extraordinary speaker and one of the nation’s premier historians of Civil War maritime history, will be the speaker on Nov. 14, talking about the Battle of Mobile Bay and Confederate Admiral Franklin Buchanan, who was perhaps the most aggressive senior naval officer to join the Confederate Navy.
The public is invited to our November meeting but to return to our October event, the Civil War Round Table movement began in Chicago in 1941. Civil War Round Tables (also referred to as Roundtables or CWRTs) are independent organizations that share a common objective in promoting and expanding interest in the study of the military, political and sociological history of
the American Civil War. There are hundreds of such organizations throughout the United States, with some in other countries as well.
Here in the Lower Cape Fear, the first president of Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table was George Slaton, who led the organization until the year 2000. George, who now lives in the Davidson, NC, area, recalls that an organization called the Civil War Round Table Associates met in Wilmington in the summer of 1993. The organization was founded and led by legendary battlefield preservationist and Civil War activist, Jerry Russell, and the primary purpose was to encourage Civil War Round Tables to get involved in battlefield preservation.
The Wilmington event included a workshop on “How to Start a Civil War Round Table.” That workshop motivated George and others to establish a round table in Wilmington. Contributing to the momentum was Civil War publisher Ted Savas and prospective authors Chris Fonvielle and Mark Bradley. Ted, then leading the publishing company of Savas Woodbury, first published Chris Fonvielle’s “The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope,” and Mark Bradley’s “The Battle of Bentonville: Last Stand in the Carolinas.” George Slaton noted “It was a momentous weekend!”
It took some time to get rolling and the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table first met at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington
the maritime forest to discover the earthworks of the “Sugar Loaf Line,” a boat tour on the Cape Fear River and an evening tour of Ft. Fisher that ended well after dark looking out on the ocean as “friendly enemies,” heroes of the 1865
battle, Col. William Lamb, CSA, and Brigadier General Newton Martin Curtis, USA, did in 1893.
(UNCW) in October 1994. The first speaker was Dr. Chris Fonvielle, Ph.D.,who later joined the faculty of UNCW. Professor Fonvielle, now retired, is the premier historian of the Lower Cape Fear from Colonial times through the Civil War.
Following George Slaton, Professor Fonvielle led the CFCWRT from 2000 through 2006. The meeting site changed from UNCW to St. John’s Episcopal Church and then to St. Andrew’s on the Sound Episcopal Church. Under the leadership of David Norris (2006-10) and Bob Cooke (2010 to 2018), the organization grew steadily and many nationally known speakers and authors spoke to the group as well as accomplished local historians.
From 1997 through 2005 the organization featured tours to locations such as Richmond and its vicinity, Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Spotsylvania County, Virginia. From 2006 through 2011, tours were shortened to locations in North Carolina that could be reached within a day rather than requiring overnight travel. Today, the round table features opportunities focused on local attractions such as the Wilmington Railroad Museum, a great attraction that preserves the history of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, the lifeline that connected the south’s last blockade running port with the Army of Northern Virginia.
Dr. Fonvielle has led many tours for the round table, including a hike through
The CFCWRT is actively involved in supporting Fort Fisher and Fort Anderson, the NC Historical Sites in the area, the J. Ryder Lewis historical park in Carolina Beach, as well as the NC Maritime Museum in Southport. We have also featured speakers from the Latimer House, the museum of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, in Wilmington.
Beginning in 2018, the round table moved to Harbor Church in Wilmington and then back to St. John’s Episcopal Church in midtown Wilmington. Bill Jayne was been president of the club from 2018 and saw it through the devastating Hurricane Florence in 2018 and the COVID phenomenon. As of 2024, the round table has more members than it did in 2018.
In the 2023-24 “campaign” year, members of the club developed the first set of written bylaws to govern the round table, including rules for electing new officers every year. At its September meeting, members elected new officers, at-large members of an executive committee and set the group on a course for sustained excellence in programs, tours and educational endeavors.
Dramatizing the historic first of electing officers, the new president of the round table is Yelena Howell, our first female president! As the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table embarks on its 31st year, all systems are go. See you in November!
Cape Fear CWRT audience attentively follows speaker Ted Savas
Yelena Howell, newly elected president of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table presents mementos to Ted Savas, speaker at our September meeting.
ART BEAT
Joseph Bardani
Remembering A Good Friend Of The Arts
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARLA EDSTROM
On August 18, Southport’s artist and musician community was deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden loss of our friend Joseph Bardani. Joseph was an incredible artist, a beloved painting instructor, and a musician who loved playing guitar. He founded The Bardani Gallery, a collective of 15 talented artists in Southport, and hosted open mic nights on Wednesday evenings, providing a space for others to come together, play their instruments, and make new friends because he just liked to play.
I first met Joseph while he was still teaching at Brunswick Community College as a painting instructor. He was a great supporter of musicians and artists alike. I had the pleasure of writing this article about him in 2020. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered.
“ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, A LITTLE PAINT AND A CANVAS.”-Joseph.
Born on the Italian Riviera in Imperia, Italy, in 1956, local artist and Brunswick Community College painting instructor Joseph Bardani Gargagliano has loved all art forms. As young children, Joseph and his brother Franco lived in an orphanage until 1960, when they were adopted by loving parents Frank and Caroline in New York City. “I have no idea when the love of art entered my soul, but I know it was at a very early age,” he said. “I believe it was in those very early years that I fell in love with art, and art fell in love with me.”
As a child in NYC in his uncle Tony’s graphic design studio on Madison Avenue, Joseph’s love of Art grew exponentially as he was constantly surrounded by Art and creating. “I would play with oil pastels and pencils. I was in a wonderland of all the beautiful Art and design. My other Uncle, Joe, worked as an art director in the same design studio. He also taught me a few things about the art world, as well as photography and copy,” he said. “I always painted and drew sketches as a young boy but when I entered Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama on
an art scholarship, I still knew very little about what Art really was. Even though I majored in Art, and I was exposed to it all the time.”
Being constantly surrounded by artists gave Joseph a step ahead in learning his craft. “I was often told by artists that were in their 60’s and 70’s that it took a long time for their art to be “mature” and for them to be content with their work. I never knew what that meant, but I do now,” said Joseph. “It was during this time I realized how powerful Art and photography were, and I knew they were in my blood. I studied under Dr. Belle of Huntingdon College, and we had many discussions on what “art” was and was not. She once told me that I had to “sing the blues,” and when the time came, I would know. It took 30 years for that to happen.”
With experience using different paint mediums, oil paint is Joseph’s chosen medium. “I feel that oil is so much more workable and offers many more possibilities in color purity,” he said. “Oil paint also gives us knowledge of
ART BEAT
how the masters mixed their colors and worked the canvas. Sometimes I mix cold wax in my oils. Over the years, I have perfected and learned the Palette Knife technique. My palettes or knives as I call them range from 12 inches down to 1/4 inch in diameter. I love the impasto effect,” he said. This is where the paint is laid on the canvas in thick layers, and the knife or brush strokes are heavy, such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Although Joseph loves to do large-scale paintings, he focuses on a small scale. “The work I am doing now is a collection of marshes and local landscapes from this area that I paint in what I call Modern Abstract Impressionism. Very bold colors and heavy impasto style with cold wax and brushwork as well.”
Always striving for originality and pushing the limits, Joseph’s style is unique and easily recognizable. “Most of my paintings come to me in a dream. The only paintings I copy are commission paintings that a client wants me to
paint, usually a pastoral scene, or an abstract. The other would be a Plein Aire painting. All other paintings are made from my dreams. Either way, I take full liberty with my own style,” he said. “The most challenging aspect of my work is trying to do something “new” each time I paint. Getting new ideas and pushing myself to new limits. It is easy to copy somebody’s ideas and paintings. The trick is to do something so new, so different, that you feel you have accomplished going into areas nobody, at least to your knowledge, has done.”
Joseph has devoted his life to Art and teaching others at Brunswick Community College at the Southport Center. “I make a living painting and selling paintings and commission work. I also supplement that income by teaching at the college and private lessons as well as workshops. My legacy will be my Art and I hope it gives pleasure to those who see it for as long as it will be seen.”
Golf Tips
Nicole’s Golf Notes
Get into the Game: Tips for New Golfers
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.
Haveyou ever wanted to try golf but you’re not sure how to get started? Have you dabbled in the game in the past and now you really want to move forward from renewed interest, recent retirement or just because? Help is on the way! Starting a new activity is full of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, a desire to fit in with those already involved, along with a variety of other emotions and expectations. Here is advice I provide to those looking to try golf or advance their budding interests in Part 1 of my three-part series on getting into the game.
Clubs and Equipment
Getting some decent clubs is important. A golfer can have up to 14 clubs maximum, but I recommend fewer to help with the pace of play and decision making. Many starter sets these days may have 7-10 clubs within the set, or golfers can find a good deal on a full set and take some out of play for now and add back in later when those yardages needed, after learning the basics. Some new golfers inherit clubs from a spouse or friend that are too heavy/ light or long/short and this can be extremely detrimental in one’s success and possible long-term future in the game. It’s like saying “Wear these shoes a few sizes too big until you grow into them or learn to make them work for you,” but that extra weight and length makes it cumbersome, creates flatter heaving swings and awkward swing fundamentals to move the ill-fit clubs. No fun = No future golfer. Clubs should be based on one’s height (not gender or age, like junior or senior). Advanced golfers also get fitted for additional aspects like lie angle, shaft flexes, grip sizes, club head weight, club head type and much more.
As a newbie to the game, a smaller but good starter set is fine as long as it matches your height and speed capabilities (light flex great for most
veloped a line of clubs for women that are great with a kick-stand bag, head covers and 10 clubs…perfect! A lot of my newbie students have these…(For those reading this far, I can also provide a 10 percent off code for online orders, so contact me!)
I also like Tour Edge Lady Edge sets (the turquoise clubs also can be ordered at 1” longer than their standard length, good for women 5’6”-5’9”), also in standard left-handed sets and also with a kick stand bag). Their ‘petite’ set isn’t as short as I’d like but I love their standard clubs, so any women shorter than 5’3” I’d put in the Ultralights for Women 60” set.
tion sprays, dew, dirty golf ball to clean after marking on the putting green before putting)
• Tees (the Martini tees are easy to tee up)
• Ball marker (I love the magnetic ones I can clip onto my hat visor for easy access)
• Hair scrunchie/band for long hair
• Permanent marker (to identify your golf ball with your personal marking on both sides of the ball)
• Hydration and energy snack
• First aid kit and other medical needs
• Umbrella
women but some can produce high speeds from their sports backgrounds and those shafts might be too whippy and create havoc in the ball flight). Just because a set of clubs say ‘Ladies’ or ‘Senior’ doesn’t mean it will fit. It’s a poor label. A woman can be 4’10” or 5’11”. Most ‘ladies’ clubs will be a good fit for someone 5’3”-5’5”… but what happens to those who are shorter or taller? Or a man can be 5’6” or 6’3” while most sets for men are geared towards 5’10”. Or one 79-year old man may generate faster speed than another 79-year old man. How can people of different heights and arm lengths be expected to play the same generic equipment (or even from the same set of stereotyped teeing grounds – that’s a whole other topic)? It would be like telling a person to go into the generic shoe department and just pick out a pair of men’s or women’s shoes…first question is, What size?
For women, I love recommending Ultralights for Women that come (right-handed only) in two sizes (5’0”5’3” or 5’3”-5’6”) with other options within their company for even shorter than 5’0”. They’re produced by US Kids Golf who figured out a lot of moms, grandmothers, aunts and women are getting into the game and most club choices are ill-suited, so they de-
One can also pursue a PING or other company custom fitting if taller or stronger than the standard club built for women. I’ve played PING since age 14 when my coach sold me a used set at a very low cost and I love them…it’s a higher financial investment but some of the best clubs within the fitting world. They can make just the ones you’d like and you can fill in others later. Other companies sell sets and fittings you can also explore, as not everyone has the same preferences and can try Cobra, Tour Edge, Callaway, Taylor Made…I’ve just enjoyed getting students into the Ultralights and the Lady Edge sets.
For men, most companies have box sets that can serve as a good starter set. Type in Starter Sets for men and you’ll see names like Wilson, Tour Edge, Callaway, Cobra, Precise, RAM pop up…again, PING and other fitted clubs are an option to get just the ones you’d like. You can visit local courses, your club if a member, or a fitting store (like Loggerhead in Wilmington) to see what options they have for someone starting out in the game.
At minimum, I’d recommend at least a putter, pitching wedge (a 10 iron, if it has a number on it), 7 or 8 iron, a hybrid (like a 5 or around 26 degree loft) and a driving club (could be a driver around 12-14 degrees of loft or a 5 wood/5 metal at around 20 degrees of loft).
Don’t forget…
• Towel (mud, golf course applica-
• Bug spray (I use sun sleeves that double as bug protection) and sunscreen/sun protection
• Golf balls (for newbies, find good deals on ones that give you distance or a mix of distance and accuracy…check at the golf shop based on which brands they carry or go online to a company’s ball fitting chart like Titleist. My Dad worked in New Bedford next to the Acushnet ball-making factories for Titleist and I grew up a Titleist kid and visited the factory once, great tour!)
• Green repair tool (looks like a little two-prong fork although I just use my tee now, less stuff in my pocket poking holes and escaping into the wash machine!)
FISHING REPORT
October Fishing Report
Fall--The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
September was truly memorable, marked by not one, but two unique storms. The first unleashed historic rainfall inland, sending an extraordinary amount of fresh water pouring into the ocean for two straight weeks. Just as conditions were improving and the fish began biting again, another unnamed storm hit, bringing more record-breaking rain to Southport, washing out roads, and sending yet more fresh water into the ocean. The silver lining? This rain brought ocean temperatures back to where they should be for the season, and like clockwork, the fishing has bounced back as well.
October is arguably the best month for fishing in our area, from inshore waters all the way out to the Gulf Stream. If you’re new to the area or haven’t fished here yet, now’s the time to get out there. Whether you take your own boat or book one of the many local charters that have openings now that the busy season has passed, don’t miss out—this is prime fishing time!
INSHORE
October brings unbeatable action for speckled trout and red drums. To target trout, focus on the main feeder creeks along the river and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Look for areas with visible current rips, as these are prime spots for holding fish. If you find an oyster rock channeling water, that’s even better. Cast a popping cork rigged with live or artificial shrimp
and let the current do the work. The docks along the Southport waterfront are also productive, with many having large rocks underneath that create a breakwater where trout can stack up and ambush passing bait. For red drum in the backwaters, fish creek mouths during rising or falling tides. At high tide, watch for drum tailing in the grass flats. Casting a jig with a paddle tail in front of those tailing reds is a surefire way to get a bite. With the mullet run winding down by mid-month, artificials will become the most convenient bait option.
NEARSHORE
Spanish mackerel and bluefish will be abundant along the beaches, feeding on the finger mullet migrating south from the river to the ocean. Trolling clarkspoons in shallow water, around 10-15 feet, is a surefire way to get in on the action. Large schools of pogies will be scattered along the coastline, from the mouth of the Cape Fear down to Lockwood Folly Inlet, attracting big bull red drum and king mackerel. Slow trolling pogies near the beach will trigger king mackerel bites. Focus on the tide lines, working both the clean and dirty sides, as fish often prefer one side. Areas like Yaupon Reef and just offshore of the piers are especially productive.
To target bull reds, cast a live menhaden (aka pogie) on a heavy Carolina rig into the bait balls and let it sink to the bottom— these predators are feeding there, and you’re bound to get bites. Yaupon Reef and the Hot Hole are great spots for bull reds as well. Remember to use heavier tackle to shorten the fight time and increase the chances of survival for these breeding fish, helping to keep the fishery healthy.
OFFSHORE
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 910620-9919
While most anglers will be chasing king mackerel along the beach, don’t overlook the offshore action this time of year. Spots like Lighthouse Rocks, the Old Cape Fear Sea Buoy, Shark Hole, and Horseshoe are teeming with fish. When fishing 7-20 miles offshore, frozen cigar minnows are just as effective, if not more so, than live bait. In fact, I’ve often had better luck with dead bait in these areas. Though king mackerel is a popular target, fall offers many other offshore opportunities. Black sea bass are moving into shallower waters, and plenty of keepers can be caught on ledges and rock piles within the 15 to 20-mile range, especially around Shark Hole and Christina’s Ledge. If you venture farther offshore, in the 80 to100ft depths, you’ll find triggerfish and vermilion snapper in good numbers.
to head out to the Gulf Stream in search of big wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish. From September to November, the fishing for these species off our coast is world-class. Trolling ballyhoo on islanders and skirted rigs with wire leaders will yield plenty of action from wahoo, with many fish in the 40–60-pound range, and even a few 100-pounders caught each season. Blackfin tunas are also making a strong showing. When you spot tuna marks on ledges and rockpiles, use a junior cedar plug or tuna feather with a 35 to 40-ft, 60-pound fluorocarbon leader — the tuna won’t resist. For those chasing sailfish, now is your time. Look for them around the color change where the water shifts from blue green to deep blue. Pulling dredges, squid chain teasers, and small ballyhoo on circle hooks will get the bite but be prepared for some gear loss to the toothy critters in the area. If you can sense the excitement in my words, it’s for good reason. As I’ve mentioned, this is the prime time to fish our coast. Don’t miss out—get out there and experience it for yourself. You won’t regret it! Tight lines – Captain Steele.
GULF STREAM
October is also prime time
History
BCWRT Ladies Forum
A Visit From An Old Smithville Tavern Owner
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The 10/14 date is postponed due to flood damage. More information coming. Check website for updates. Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com)
TheCivil War Ladies’ Forum, sponsored by the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, eagerly anticipates its upcoming annual meeting on Monday, Oct. 14, featuring guest speaker Mary Duffy, Smithville tavern owner. Actually, Mary is Liz Fuller, president of the Southport Historical Society, who will portray Mary in her Civil War period dress. The meeting will be held in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport, across from the U.S. Post Office.
Mary Duffy was a widow who was well known in what was then Smithville during the 1800s. In fact, her only grandson fought for the Confederacy during the war. Since Smithville was a rather small fishing village on the Cape Fear River at the time, you can only imagine
the stories she has to tell on any number of subjects. To make a long story short, she has a wealth of stories, and some little known secrets, about life’s trials and tribulations during the War of Southern Independence. During those war years, she and her friends experienced nu-
History
merous frustrations, hardships, and importantly, the unknown. With all these pent up facts and emotions, she is eager to share with her audience, the spirit, resolve, and determination these women of Smithville experienced.
Liz is a popular local historian who is a frequent speaker at local historical and civic organizations on a wide variety of topics relating to Southport’s history. She is known for her ability to foster a more intimate connection to the past by highlighting the lives of everyday people within the context of larger historical events, the Civil War era being an important one. With her vast knowledge, she frequently writes guest columns and articles on Southport history in The State Port Pilot. In addition, she is the author of the recently published book,
“Southport’s Secret Suffragist: The Story of Anna Alena Clemons.”
In addition, the evening’s program will also feature Carolee Morris. She has a keen interest in history, including graduate studies as well as oratorical and speaking contests. She will be reading a selection from Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer.” The selected story, its time frame, subject matter, and Twain’s inimitable humor will be a complement to Liz Fuller’s presentation.
The program will take place from 6-8 pm and is a free event for all women members of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table. There is a $5 fee for guests, which can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues to the Round Table. For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact us at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com.
Community
Natural Beauty
Drifter’s Wood: Roadside Driftwood Stand
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANET FORTNEY
Question: What do taxidermists, artists, florists, Chinese restaurants, and ferret owners have in common? Answer: They, and many others, are all customers of Drifter’s Wood, a harvested driftwood business in Supply.
Operating at the intersection of nature and creativity, Drifter’s Wood is an open-air bonanza of all sizes and shapes of driftwood waiting to be displayed and admired in homes and retail spaces. Crafters, woodworkers, and interior designers also frequent this explorer’s paradise.
“Nature does an extraordinary job of creating these pieces,” said Jeff Gibson, Drifter’s Wood owner and head driftwood gatherer. Prior to offering each piece for sale, Gibson does not alter it in any way other than washing to remove mud and other debris. “I keep going and getting more and more and more,” Gibson explained, noting that the popularity of driftwood decor with “coastal living folks,” as well as his enterprise’s U.S. 17 roadside location have “easily tripled the business we’d been doing” in a previous location.
Drifter’s Wood’s inception happened in
2016 as Gibson, a Louisiana native, was canoeing in his new home state of North Carolina. “In Louisiana, the water is muddy and murky and I’d never noticed seeing any driftwood. [That day], I thought I saw a pair of deer antlers. I pulled it out of the water and it was actually a root that looked like antlers. And the entrepreneur in me thought, ‘I’m going to make a business out of this.’”
During his once- or twice-weekly collection excursions, Gibson’s tools-of-the-trade are his pontoon boats, a winch, long-tined rakes, and a chainsaw. According to Sandy Jones, Gibson’s assistant, Drifter’s Wood’s stock is culled from “lakes, swamps, and rivers in North Carolina,” including “New River, Jacksonville, and High Rock Lake in Lexington.” The different features of each waterway can determine the characteristics of its driftwood, such as color and whether or not it hosts barnacles.
Gibson prices his driftwood finds based on their “size, quality, and character,” as well as “how cool or well-preserved they are.” A recent customer described Drifter’s Wood’s wares as “unique and totally addicting.” A recent and thought-provoking find – a one-of-a-
kind barnacle-encrusted bicycle – now on the lot will likely fetch approximately $500. But pieces can also be purchased for $3.
“My favorite sales,” saidGibson, “are when someone’s buying for animals. A lot of pets don’t get to enjoy nature and have fake things [in their habitats]. With wood, they get real nature.” In addition to the previously mentioned ferrets, customers also acquire driftwood for their reptile enclosures, aquariums, and parrot perches.
Interestingly, Drifter’s Wood runs on a payment honor system. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, customers are encouraged to browse the lot when it’s convenient for them and purchase their pieces whether or not Gibson and Jones are on-site.
“It works well for us,” said Sandy Jones, Gibson’s assistant of one year. “We’re trusting and we offer every payment option we can. Sometimes people actually [forward] us a picture of their money to show that they paid [even though they’re not required to]. We’ve had no problems…and I think it’s refreshing knowing that there’s someone out there that does trust.”
As summer winds down, Gibson and Jones are focused on keeping their treasure trove of driftwood organized. “We’re revamping the lot so we can keep more of the same-priced wood together,” Jones explained. Gibson said, “We’ve got a lot of stock right now. It kind of looks like a bomb
went off.” Customers don’t seem to mind, though, especially the one that dubbed Drifter’s Wood “an absolute roadside jewel.”
Your Driftwood Awaits! Location: 1451 Ocean Hwy W., Supply
Visit tip: If you’re lucky, matching cats Raggedy Ann and Andy will sidle up for head scratches.
CALENDAR
October
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
OCT 1
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Eric J. Wittenberg, award-winning Civil War historian and author of 21 books, will bring to life the dramatic campaign of Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s “March to the Sea” in his presentation entitled, “Sherman’s Carolinas Campaign.” Sherman’s tactics devastated the South. The destruction of civilian property is still debated by historians today, although it undeniably played a crucial role in the Union’s final victory. Eric will state the facts and doesn’t take sides. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium, 100 Caswell Beach Road (Fort Caswell) starting at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. All are welcome, and the cost is $10 for non-members, which can go toward the annual membership fee of $25.
OCT 4
Latin Dance — LCAC
Join Wilmington Latin Dance will be leading participants through salsa, bachata, and merengue. Beginners and experts and everyone in between are welcome, and instructors will be there to help. The dance is 7-10 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the cost is $12.
OCT 5
Lend a Hand in Leland
Leland residents joint together to tackle community projects, such as cleaning up trash, checking neighborhoods for walkability, or tree planting. Participants must pre-register, and the day’s activities will be from 10 am to 1 pm.
OCT 5
Fall Festival — Belville
This fall festival will have games and an inflatable obstacle course for children, a painting pumpkin patch, shopping among vendors, a beer and wine tent, food trucks, carnival games with prizes and music from the Port City Rockers. The festival is 10 am to 3 pm at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE, Belville.
OCT 10
All About Alligators
This lecture session features information on alligators and how human impacts have been both beneficial and detrimental to them. The lecture is 5-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
OCT 11
Bluegrass, Bowls and Baskets
The Leland Fire and Police Departments compete for bragging rights with a chili cook off, while attendees can enjoy music from Masonboro Sound and shopping among vendors. Bring a non-perishable food item for a chance to vote for your favorite chili. The event is 6-8 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
OCT 11
Fresh and Raw Tour Together with Truist Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Shuckin’ Shack plays host a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, featuring country music singer/songwriter Dave Gibson, along with Charlie Argo and Elena Woodard. All donations will go directly to the Society; last year this event raised $80,000. The event is 6-9 pm, and attendance is free. Visit https://www.theshuckinshack.com/freshandrawtour/ for more information.
OCT 12
National Night Out with the Leland Police Department
Everyone is welcome to attend National Night Out, which will include the opportunity to meet and engage with local law enforcement, food from Piggly
Wiggly, a DJ from radio station 99.9, games, free giveaways, and a raffle for a skateboard signed by the Police Chief.
2 to 5 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC), located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way
OCT 17
Sunset Paddle
Billed as a “nature hike on the water,” this sunset kayak trip is a mile and a half paddle to the Masonboro Island Nature Reserve, where a guide will teach participants the proper way to kayak and to show them all of the great plants and animals in local salt marshes. Supplies needed include closed toe shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and water. The trek is 4:30-6:30 pm; register through the Town of Leland.
OCT 18
Community Night — Oyster Festival
This free kick-off event sets the tone for the NC Oyster Festival. The official festival t-shirt will be unveiled, there will comments from local dignitaries, and a concert featuring Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot. Community Night is 6-8 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
OCT 19
Bands, Brews and BBQ
Enjoy a barbeque cook-off, craft beer, live music and vendors in Belville’s Riverwalk Park. 11 am - 4 pm rain or shine, free admission.
OCT 19
Port Brunswick Day
The road to Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson was closed as of press time, but we wanted to include this in case the site is reopened or an alternate location is found. Living historians will be interpreting various colonial trades and aspects of colonial life including candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. Kids will have an opportunity to experience colonial toys and games. The event is planned for 10 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 Saint Philip Road SE, Winnabow (off NC 133 — IF the road to
the site is open).
OCT 19-20
Navy Ship Model Show
Battleship North Carolina hosts this model ship show features four model building guilds. Model-making techniques that will be demonstrated include modern methods like 3-D printing, as well as recreating special paint schematics. The event is 8 am to 5 pm on Oct 19 and 8 am to 2 pm on Oct 20, rain or shine since the activities will be inside the battleship. Find the battleship at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
OCT 19-20
43rd Annual NC Oyster Festival
Enjoy great music and food, and shop for jewelry, arts and crafts, and many other items at this popular annual festival. The festival runs 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. There is a shuttle service from the mainland; visit https://ncoysterfestival.com/ for the band schedule, shuttle details, and more.
OCT 24
Succulent
Pumpkins — Leland Brewing Company
Decorate a pumpkin with a variety of succulents that you can replant after the season. This class is 6-7 pm, an the cost is $75. To register find Leland Brewing Company on Facebook or stop in, 2115 Ale Avenue, Leland.
OCT 26
Blessing of the Pets
Take your furry family to a Blessing of the Pets at The Bridge Presbyterian Church, 1444 Lanvale Road. This free event is 11 am to 1 pm and features a pet parade and Paws Place will be on site with puppy available for adopting. Please bring donations of pet food, bedding and pet toys for Paws Place; monetary donations will be accepted as well.
OCT 26
Cinebay Film Festival
This film festival focuses on curating family-friendly films in different genres. The festival is 5-9:30 pm at the Virginia Williamson Events Center at Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. This year’s festival theme is a 50s Sock Hop, so plan to dress your part. Visit https://www.cinebay.org/ events/cinebay-film-festival-2024 to buy tickets.
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.
Leland Library
487 Village Road NE
Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.
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.
Battleship
North Carolina
Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year, such as Memorial Day observances, Battleship 101 and more. Visit https:// battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow (NOTE: This property is temporarily closed until road repairs are made. We kept it on this list so that visitors and new residents can still learn about it). 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 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. Touch tank feedings are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am.
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..
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Odell Williamson Auditorium
150 College Road NW, Bolivia (Brunswick Community College)
Oct 11 — Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute
Nov 8 — Orlando Transit Authority: The Chicago Experience
Dec 14 — A1A — The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Oct 1 — Lyle Lovett his Large Band
Oct 3 — Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Oct 5 — The Wilmington Symphony presents Mozart & Beethoven
Oct 8 — “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”
Oct 18 — Encanto: The Sing along Film Concert
Oct 20 — The City Ballet presents “Phantom of the Opera”
Oct 25 — Omnium Circus
Oct 26 — Kathleen Madigan
Nov 2 — Stomp
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Oct 4-6 — The Pineapple-Shaped Lamps present Laughing In the Dark
Oct 10 — The Capitol Fools, part of the Thalian Hall comedy series
Oct 12 — The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
Oct 17 -27 — Big Dawg Productions presents “Night of the Living Dead”
Oct 18-27 — “Little Shop of Horrors” from Techmoja Dance and Theater Company
Oct 28-30 — Screening of the 1968 classic film “Night of the Living Dead”
Nov 3 — Some Enchanted Evening, featuring tap dancer Jabu Graybeal
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information and for the Cinematique film schedule.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington
Oct 5 — Old School R&B vs. Hip Hop
Oct 12 — Futurebirds
Oct 19 — Ole 60
Visit https://www.livenation. com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
Oct 2 — The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour
Oct 8 — Vampire Weekend
Oct 9 — The Black Crowes: Happiness Bastards Tour (The Reprise)
Oct 20 — Lainey Wilson: Country’s Cool Again Tour
Oct 22 — Whiskey Myers with JJ Grey & MOFRO
Nov 1 — Jon Pardi: Mr. Saturday Night Tour 2024
Leland Brewing Co. 2115 Ale Avenue, Leland Oct 26 — Trunk or Treat, 1-3 pm Brunswick Beer and Cider
Brunswick Beer and Cider 1313 Dickinson Drive, Leland
Oct 10 — Tequila for Tatas, a night out for the ladies, with Spanish cuisine 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 lisa@ southportmag.com before the 20th of each month!
Thank you!
CALENDAR
and beverages. Tickets are $75, and a portion of proceeds will benefit Pretty In Pink.
Oct 12 — Octoberversary, featuring drink and music specials, live music, local vendors 4-8 pm, and a glow-in-thedark putt putt course from 5-9 pm.
Nov 2 — Applearchy Cider Festival
— Save the date for the second annual cider festival, 12 noon to 5 pm.
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, special 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.
