October 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
Oyster Festival To Fall On The Farm
This month we have a bit of a Surf & Turf issue for you, because that’s exactly what Brunswick County is, really. Our lead story from Louise is about the Stump Hill Farm and all the terrific activities they have for your Autumn enjoyment. Surely it’ll feel like Fall soon, and Stump Hill is the perfect place to enjoy all the fun the season brings. There’s a lot for children to do, but we’re firm believers that you’re never too old for a hay ride and some apple cider!
Onthe Surf side of the plate, we bring you a sort of Oyster Festival Survivor Guide. Whether you’re a veteran of all prior 42 festivals, an Oyster Fest newbie, or somewhere in between, you’ll want to check out our guide for the new policies, info on where to park, and the full schedule of events.
Ofcourse that’s not all, but we’ll leave you to explore the rest of this month’s offerings on your own. Happy Fall, y’all! -- Jeffrey
Business Feature
Stump Hill Farms
Stop By For Fall Fun For The Entire Family
STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Covid…
now known as the other “C” word that no one wants to hear, talk about or relive but is used as a marker in time. Remember life before Covid? During lockdown? What about after the world was hesitantly opened back up? Four years ago we were all in the middle of a nightmare but the Hardee family was trying to decide if it was the right time to begin their dream. With masks, sanitizer galore and many prayers, the answer was yes to move forward and open Stump Hill Farms that Fall. With a spacious, 3 acre outdoor venue, the family knew it was time to open their doors to the public. The farm would offer a safe area for kids to run, play and explore, and a place for friends and family to gather, relax and enjoy nature. Stump Hill wasn’t just what the Hardee’s needed, Stump Hill was what the community needed.
Stump Hill is located just minutes off NC 17 on Ash Little River Road in the south end of Brunswick County. After farming the tract of land for many years, the 5th generation has transformed the property into quite the adventure park and is open seasonally for good, old fashioned family fun.
The main building on the farm, or the “packhouse” as the Hardee’s refer to it, doesn’t just house the ticket counter and the entrance to the farm, it’s a building full of vintage farm tools, antiques and nostalgic mementos of the way life used to be. A large, open porch extends off the back of the packhouse offering visitors a great
place to “sit a spell” in their rocking chairs. A variety of ice cold, old timey, glass bottle drinks are available for purchase and most parents and grandparents love the idea of sharing a Nehi with the kids for the first time.
The Hardees encourage visitors to “unplug” for a few hours to make the experience more enjoyable, in fact, the only time you may even think to pull your phone out would be to snap a few fun pictures in front of the murals painted by local artist, Bess Taylor.
The farm also offers a wide variety of games
and activities for all ages such as gaga ball, soccer pool, corn hole, tic-tac-toe, duck races, a corn pit, 80 foot pipe slide, jumping pillow, lassos, critter cart, swings, a slide house and a few barn yard friends including “Shay” the mini horse.
Stump Hill will be open this fall season every Saturday now through Oct. 26 from 10 am to 6 pm. General admission is $10 per person and kids 2 and under are free. This admission price will also include an approximate-
ly 30-minute, half-mile hayride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick a pumpkin to take home! Grandparents Day will be Oct. 5 and each Grandparent will get in free with the purchase of a child’s admission. Gem mining is offered for an additional fee as well as a food truck, and Sunset Slush. Katie’s Homemade Ice Cream straight from Heritage Fresh Market in Supply will be served on site. A mini corn maze is new for this year and a fresh batch of hats and shirts will be ready for opening day. Stump Hill will end their 4th season on Oct. 30 with a free community Trunk-or-Treat hosted by Beulah Baptist Church.
Aside from their regular farm days and hours, Stump Hill is available for parties and field trips. Educational stations about North Carolina’s four major crops of soy beans, cotton, corn and sweet potatoes, a bee and pollination station and antique farm equipment make for a great learning experience. Covered shelters with tables are a great place to picnic or party! Feel free to email stumphillfarmsnc@gmail.com for questions about booking.
Events are weather permitting so please monitor Stump Hill Farms on social media for the most accurate information and details about upcoming events and weather. Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, maybe even slide on your boots! Stump Hill is a real farm after all but dust, dirt and hay make for a great day!
Community Oyster Festival 2024 Prepare To Have A Shuckin’ Good Time
STORY BY JEFFREY STITES
The 43rd Annual NC Oyster Festival kicks off Friday night, Oct. 18 and carries on through the weekend with music, crafts, food, and most of all lots of oyster-based fun! We’ve collected all the information you need to make the most of the festival, including a full schedule and parking directions.
The Basics
Festival Admission:
$5 per Adult CASH ONLY
Free for Children 12 and under
Hours:
Friday, Oct 18 Community Kick-off 6-8 pm
Saturday, Oct 19 -- 9 am-6 pm
Sunday, Oct 20 -- 10 am-5 pm
Location:
11 East 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach
RE-ENTRY
Helpful Hints
Same day re-entry is permitted. Make sure to get a stamp on your way out at either gate.
RESTROOMS
Portable restrooms will be located throughout the festival.
FIRST-AID STATIONS
A First Aid Station provided by Novant Health will be located within the festival grounds at the Chamber pavilion.
ATM
ATMs are available at the festival.
LOST & FOUND
For any items that are lost or found, please check with the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce tent, located within the festival grounds.
PETS
Pets are not permitted within the festival grounds. Service Animals are welcomed, please see the ADA Guidelines.
Community
Parking Shuttle Info
A FREE shuttle service will be provided from two designated lots near the Festival. The shuttles will run non-stop during festival hours. Please keep in mind that during the hours of 11 am – 2 pm, we experience high traffic volume onto the island. Please allow extra time as you may have to a longer wait time to get onto a shuttle. Look for our amazing volunteer parking crew to direct you in our designated lots.
Please note that parking in non-designated lots may cause your vehicle to be towed. All bus shuttles follow the same route –they are not assigned to a specific lot.
Lot Locations & Bus Route:
Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee.
Wheelchair Accessibility:
There will be limited handicapped parking at 2 W. 3rd St. Look for event signage. The NC Oyster Festival is navigable for wheelchairs.
NOTICE: NEW Guidelines / Best Practices for 2024 NO Alcohol, NO Smoking, NO Vapes, NO Pets, NO Coolers, NO Outside Food, NO Outside Drinks, NO Outside Water, NO Outside Cups or Containers. Thank you for your cooperation!
Community Community Kick-Off
Friday, Oct 18
6-8 pm— Free community night kick-off event including a flag raising, unveiling of the commemorative t-shirts and oyster pendant, comments from town officials and festival facilitators, and a concert featuring Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot. Note: there will be no shuttle service that night and no vendors will be open.
Bands
Friday, Oct 18
6-8 pm, Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
Saturday, Oct 19
10 am-12 pm—Sea and Sand Band
1-3 pm—Darrell Harwood
4-6 pm—Terry Douglas Band
Sunday, Oct 20
10:30 am-12:30 pm—Chocolate Chip & Company
2-4 pm—The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard
Contests
Oyster Shucking
Saturday, October 19
Professionals: 11:30 am Amateur: 12 pm
Free to enter!
Contest Tent Located on 2nd Street
Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with our oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!
Please note: Applications can be filled out in advance but participants must register in person at the contest tent.
Oyster Eating Contest
Saturday, Oct 19 1:30 pm
Contest Tent on 2nd Street
Fee: $5 per bucket
You can never have too much of a good thing! The oyster eating contest is proof of that! Compete with other oyster lovers to speed eat as many oysters as you can and earn the title of “Oyster Eating Champion.” If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!
Please note: Applications can be filled out in advance but participants must register in person at the contest tent.
Oyster Stew Cook-Off Sunday, Oct 20 1 pm
Contest Tent on 2nd Street
Fee: $5 per ticket
Come cast your vote for Best Oyster Stew!
This Year’s Cook-Off Participants
Coastal Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care
FEAST OIB
Moore Street Oyster Bar
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille
•
NC
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
Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919
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
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 to100-ft depths, you’ll find triggerfish and vermilion snapper in good numbers.
FISHING REPORT
GULF STREAM
October is also prime time 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.
VICTOR FERNANDES
Community
New BCC Program
Funeral Services Degree Via Fayetteville
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Brunswick Community College (BCC) has announced a new partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) to offer a Funeral Services Program beginning in Fall 2025. This program, a first of its kind in our community, will provide a unique educational opportunity for students interested in funeral service careers. BCC President Gene Smith and FTCC President Mark A. Sorrells signed the agreement during a ceremony at BCC, attended by leadership, faculty, and staff from both colleges.
Under this unique agreement, BCC students can earn a two-year associate degree in Funeral Service Education. The program will begin with the first year of general education courses offered at BCC. In the second year, students will complete specialized funeral service classes fully online through Fayetteville Technical Community College. To meet the program’s practical requirements, students will participate in hands-on labs at FTCC or gain work-based learning experience at local funeral homes in Brunswick County. This hands-on experience is a crucial part of the program, providing students with real-world skills and preparing them for their future careers.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our communities,” said President Gene Smith. “We are proud to work with FTCC to deliver a program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this vital profession.”
The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of courses designed to build both technical and professional competencies. In addition to general education courses, the program includes specialized training in human anatomy, embalming theory and practice, embalming chemistry, restorative arts, funeral law, and funeral home operations. Upon completing the program, passing the state or national licensing exam, and completing an internship in a funeral home, graduates will be qualified for employment as embalmers and funeral directors.
For more information about the program, please contact OneStop Student Services at onestop@brunswickcc.edu or 910-755-7320.
Free Veteran Dentistry
Coastal Cosmetic Dentistry Freedom Day
STORY CONTRIBUTED
BY ASHELY PATE
Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry will once again host a Freedom Day event in support of our military. On Wednesday October 9, Drs. Aaron Wilharm, Darren Harrington, Matt Miller, Greg Hohl, Mark Dobransky, Courtney Strubin, Timothy Hoover, and their staff will provide free dental care for active military, their families and veterans by appointment at the Bolivia and Oak Island locations. Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry will provide a free cleaning, filling, or extraction. Services are by appointment only. Registration is open now by calling 910-253-5615.
Dr. Aaron shared that “our practice is collectively grateful to all that are currently serving, have served and their families. We support you and we are honored to be able to provide these services year after year as a small
way to say thank you.”
Businesses across the United States will join in Freedom Day USA, a National Thank You Movement for the members of our military and their immediate families, along with Veterans. After all, they have missed birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and more. Military family members have constant worry for their loved ones’ safety and make daily sacrifices that most Americans cannot imagine. This is an opportunity to say thank you.
To learn more about Freedom Day Events or to sign your business up as a participant, contact Ashley Pate at Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry 910-2535615, visit www.FreedomDayUSA.com or the event’s Facebook page at http:// www.facebook.com/FreedomDayUsa. Ashley Pate
LITTLE TEETH LITTLE TEETH
BIG SMILES BIG SMILES
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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 pur-
Community
chased 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 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 Subma-
rine (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.
Keeping Fit
Getting In The Reps
Routines Make Our Lives More Than Routine
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal 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.
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 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.”
October Safe Plates
Classes For Food Service Certifications
STORY CONTRIBUTED
NC State and NC Cooperative Extension has developed a special course for food service employees seeking a Person-In-Charge (PIC) certification. This certificate meets the Environmental Health Department’s requirements and helps to provide needed points on an establishment’s inspection score. It’s called Safe Plates.
The Safe Plates Food Safety Manager Certification course differs from other certification courses because it uses case studies, storytelling, activities and discussion to teach safe food handling practices. These classes are interactive and encourage the food safety managers to engage with the material and share with their staff members.
Food service managers successfully completing the exam will meet the 2022 FDA Food Code requirement for an ANSI (American National Standards Institution) approved Certified Food Protection Manager.
Managers will receive a certificate to display in their operation which will verify to the local Environmental Health Department that they are in compliance. This certifica-
tion is valid in the United States for five years. A certified person in charge (PIC) should be present at all times the establishment is in operation.
The classes will be held on Mondays Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 in the David Sandifer Building, 2nd floor meeting room at the Government Center in Bolivia from 9 am until 4 pm on each day. The registration fee is $125 per person. This includes all instruction, materials and the proctored exam. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch, snacks and beverages.
Instructors for the classes will be Cheryle Jones Syracuse and Avery Ashley both Family and Consumer Science Team Members with NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County. Staff members from the Brunswick County Environmental Health will also be on-hand to answer questions.
The class will be taught in English and the book and handout materials are available in English only. The Food Safety Manager Certification test is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Spanish.
For more information or to register contact Avery Ashley at Brunswick County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension 910-2532610. Checks should be made out to Brunswick County Cooperative Extension and mailed to PO Box # 109, Bolivia, and NC 28422. It is recommended that participants pay in-person at the office in Bolivia and pick up books and study materials before the class. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited to the first 30 registered.
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)
The Civil 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-
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 larg-
er 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
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.
geared to introduce kids to cultures from different countries.
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.
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
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
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-be-missed 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
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!)
CALENDAR
October
We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change.
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 5
Sunset at Sunset
The 17th Annual Sunset at Sunset Festival is 10 am to 5 pm at Sunset Beach Park, 200 Sunset Blvd North, and features live music, arts and home goods vendors, children’s activities and a shuttle bus to help with parking.
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
Port Brunswick Day
The road to Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson was closed as of press time, but we wanted to include this so you
can save the date 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
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 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 22
Calabash Octoberfest
The 9th Annual Calabash Oktoberfest runs from 11 am to 5 pm with Bavarian food, Oktoberfest beer, Bierstein Holding, arm wrestling and Hammerschlagen contests. The Harbour Towne Fest Band will entertain from 12:00 noon until 5:00 PM including the alpine horn player.
Participate in the popular “chicken dance” as well as Anton’s line dance. Free admission. All proceeds go to local charities.
OCT 24
Fall Festival — Brunswick County
Dress up in your favorite costumes and head out to the Brunswick County Government Complex. There will be fun and games, food and treats. The Festival is 6-9 pm at the complex, Government Center Drive in Bolivia.
OCT 25
Barktoberfest — Holden Beach
Owners and their dogs should meet at Bridgeview Park Picnic shelter on Davis Street at 5 pm for a trick-or-trot around the block. There will be a doggie costume contest and fall pictures. Pre-registration is required by Oct 4; email christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com to pre-register.
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.
OCT 29
Spooktacular — Shallotte
Take your ghosts, goblins and princesses to Shallotte’s Riverwalk for a spooky night of fun, starting at 5:30 pm. Spooktacular is in a new location, at 158 Wall St. The Riverwalk can be accessed off of Main Street on Wall Street or Cheers Street.
OCT 31
Monster Mash Trunk or Treat — Holden Beach
Treats, and maybe a few tricks, will be at Bridgeview Park, 125 Davis St., from 5:30 to 7 pm. Residents, property owners, and businesses may pre-register by Oct. 11 to decorate your trunk and pass out candy. There will be a prize for best decorated trunk and a costume contest held at 6:30 pm for several age group categories. Pre-register via email to christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com. Trick-or-treating families planning to attend may also email so that there is a headcount for candy purposes.
It’s Oyster Festival time again! Head to Ocean Isle Beach to enjoy contests, music, craft vendors, and lots and lots of food Oct 19-20.
NOV 2
Three Bridge Tour
The South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club is hosting its Three Bridge Tour, a bike ride that includes treks over three island Bridges — Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach. There are three ride options — 67 miles (all three bridges), 34 miles (two bridges) or 17 miles (one bridge), and there is a kids ride as well. Registration is at 7:30 am, and all three rides will start at 9:05 am. Proceeds will be used for the Club’s many community programs.
NOV 8
Pelican Bookstore Book Signing at Silver Coast
Authors Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White, “Team W,” will be available for a meet and greet and book signing of “The Author’s Guide to Murder” at Silver Coast Winery, starting at 5 pm. Tickets are $45 and include light hors d’oeuvres and glass of wine and a copy of the book. Visit the Events page on https://pelicanbookstore.com/ for details on purchasing tickets. The Winery is located at 6680 Barbeque Road NW, Ocean Isle Beach (mainland).
Summer/Open Air Markets
One Love Market — Sunset Beach
The fall market dates this month are Oct 12 and Oct 26. 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. In the event of rain, the market will run on the Sunday after from 10 am to 1 pm
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
LIVE 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
The Wino Concert Series features live music starting at 3:30 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Sounds of Summer, rescheduled
Shallotte — Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St., 7-9 pm
Oct 3 — Band of Oz
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. 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..
Old Bridge Historical Society
Check out the old swing bridge at Sunset Beach and visit the museum too (ask to push the yellow button and make the siren sound)! The museum is open 10 am to 2 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Visit http://www. theoldbridge.org/ for more information.
Rourk Branch Library
5068 Main St., Shallotte
Family movie night all summer on Tuesdays, starting at 4:30 pm. Snacks are provided.
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. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
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 (Oct 12 this month) 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 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 lisa@southportmag.com before the 20th of each month! -- Thank you!
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.
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/
