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There’s Nowhere Like Here
Every place has its quirks, its little local oddities. In our travels, we’ve seen the World’s Largest Frying Pan, a restaurant named after the local Lizard Man monster, and a crossroads famous for being the spot a blues musician sold his soul to the devil for guitar skill. But our weirdness here in Brunswick County is more than some random tourist traps -- it’s sort of baked into our community. It’s so baked in that we sometimes have to step back to realize the things we see every day aren’t normal in other places. Take our cover story on a little museum in Sandy Creek that displays everything from old Avon to beer cans and baseball cards to true historical treasures. And if you head to Belville later this month, you’ll be able to hobnob with pirates as they take over the Riverwalk Park with cannons and swordfighting and lots of “arrrrrrrr” talk. These things may be a little.....different, but they make us who we are and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
--Jeffrey
Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc , REALTORS® is the premier real estate agency in Brunswick County, North Carolina, providing best-in-class, full-service real estate services including both long term and short term rental property management.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we've seen our share of fluctuations and shifts in trends. Through it all, we've maintained a strong reputation for maximizing our clients' income, our utmost professionalism, giving back to the local community, and for providing exceptional, award-winning service to our homeowners and their guests
Community
A LIVING LEGACY
There’s More to The Amuse’em Than Displays
STORY BY JANET MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS BY TONY SWEGLE
Ahome is what you make it. Your living space is an extension of your personality. And that’s certainly the case with Wayne Small, who took an old five-room house and made it into a fascinating museum. “The Amuse’em,” located at 110 Andrew Jackson Highway (Rt 74/76) in Sandy Creek (just before Delco) is a tribute to a life well lived, well-traveled and well collected.
Wayne Small, the owner and proprietor, is an 80-year-old man who is like a mixture of Mark Twain and a young, Michael J. Fox. He has a story to tell about each item in his collection and shares it with a twinkle in his eyes and an impish smile on his face. He loves what he does, and you can see it.
I started out by asking him why he opened this museum. Thinking I was going to get thoughts about history, I was surprised when Wayne answered, “Because no one has ever seen stuff like this before.” Then I asked what message he would like to send to our readers in this article about the museum. Keeping up his humor, he said, “How good looking I am!” From there, his excitement obvious, he said, “Did you ever see 4-million-year-old dinosaur poop?,”
while handing me a fossilized pile.
Moving to the main area of the museum, he said, “See that gun,” pointing at a .38 caliber pistol. “I pulled that gun out of a debris pile from Cape Fear River dredging in 1977. I figured somebody used it in a murder and tossed it in the river.”
“Do you remember Avon?” He asked, heading to a different room. There were hundreds of different empty Avon containers and products. He has the deep, red dishes, popular in the ‘60s, a chess set, and men’s cologne containers shaped like cars, trucks, and boats. He even had an Avon sales receipt book that was used in 1937. It took me back to when the Avon Lady used to stop by my mother’s house with the newest catalogue.
Another trip down memory lane was the “Pez” Room. Wayne has more than 1,000 Pez dispensers in a variety of sizes. Among them were Barbie, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street characters, Minnie Mouse and Ho-
and special things gets.”
“Are you a baseball fan?”Wayne asked my husband, leading us to a picture of Shoeless Joe Jackson. He also has a vast variety of baseball cards including a very rare one of Honus Wagner, who played mainly for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1897 to 1917. Wagner is arguably considered to be the greatest shortstop who ever played baseball and was one of the first five baseball players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Wayne said he started collecting things early in life, collecting pennies when he was in the Cub Scouts, and that fueled his passion. He went around the world three times when he worked for a private shipping company. He has a Chinese tea pot, made from a gourd that dates back to the 1840s. Wayne said that he got many of his pieces from garage sales, flea markets and small consignment shops in the area. Other pieces have been donated.
If you visit the museum, go to the back room, and look at Wayne’s favorite display; the 500-yearold cast stone statue of Mary and Jesus. Wayne bought it from a flea market and paid just $25 for it. He said, “I knew it was old and I knew it was special. I asked the guy selling it how much he wanted for it, and he said $25, that was a good deal. The longer I collect things, the better my eye for bargains
One of the things that makes the museum so interesting is the variety not only in the items but in the years that they were either produced or became popular. Wayne has a double barrel percussion cap-shot gun from the 1700s, a prototype of an electric sewing machine from 1900, Egyptian wine bottles that date back to the 1920s and “lobby” handouts of the Beatles from 1964, when they appeared at Madison Square Garden and then the “Ed Sullivan Show.” It was the first time the Beatles performed in the United States.
“Do you take pictures on your phone,” Wayne asked me. “Take a look up there,” he said, pointing at a small camera collection. He has a Polaroid Land 800 camera from approximately 1957 and a Polaroid Land One Step camera from the 1970, a Kodak Brownie 50-year Anniversary camera from 1930 and a Tower 120 Sears/Roebuck camera from 1940.
One of his biggest collections is of beer cans, including “Lucky Beer and Draft,” from 1938. Beer cans from all over the world line the walls and shelves throughout the museum. Wayne claims to have more than 1,400 beer cans. There are also a number of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey
mer Simpson.
Community
decanters. One of them is a train with several cars that carried the whiskey. He also has Wild Turkey decanters, a Kentucky Derby decanter and even one of Colonel Sanders. There’s a vintage Ezra Brooks Kentucky whiskey decanter from the 1960s and one of my favorites, a decanter of a 1936 Duesenberg. These are works of art and remind you of a classic time in history.
Wayne, who served as an Army paratrooper, said he loved to jump out of airplanes and would offer his jump services to others in his unit who weren’t fond of jumping, for a fee of $20. All you had to do was change shirts with Wayne and he would register as the person whose shirt he was wearing and make the jump. He has uniforms and memorabilia from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He even has a Navy uniform with buttons instead of zippers. There are military patches from each branch of the service and World War II related newspaper clippings.
Wayne works 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week, but the sign on the door as you enter sets the stage for the entire feel of the museum. It says: “Open most days
9 or 10. Occasionally as early as 7 or 8, but sometimes as late as 12 or 1. We close about 5:30 or 6, occasionally about 4 or 5, but sometimes as late as 11 or 12. Some days or afternoons, we aren’t here at all, and lately, I’ve been here all the time, except when I’m someplace else, but I should be here then, too.”
To me, the value of the museum is more than the displays and rooms dedicated to specific topics — it’s Wayne himself. Wayne is the museum. His passion, his humor, and his dedication to keeping it open for others to enjoy is what it’s all about.
This man is living history. He has lived the past and he has celebrated it. He has traveled the world, and he has made the treasures that he found a focal point for local residents.
Wayne is in the process of adding rooms to the museum for his sports treasures. Each room is an amazing collection of things that used to be everyday items but have since slipped away in time. I guarantee, if you visit the museum you will say to yourself,
“I remember those,” over and over again.
Understand that this is not your typical museum just by virtue of the displays. Maybe it’s a collection of oddities, but it’s worth seeing. It is a veteran-owned business that is small in size and large in diversity. I know I have driven by it a number of times but didn’t realize what it was. The museum sits on an incline without a paved driveway. Some of the windows are shuttered or boarded up for now and you might think it’s an abandoned building — but that’s on the outside. Don’t let the appearance of the building stop you from going in. On the inside are things that will make you laugh,
think and wonder — and isn’t that what a museum should do? Go and talk to Wayne. He is a wealth of knowledge.
In addition to running the Amuse’em and sharing his knowledge, Wayne is also a stand-up comedian. Mark your calendars for Oct. 4, at 7pm, when Wayne will be the Master of Ceremonies for a “Gong Show” type fundraising event at Gio Fund, located at 117 Village Road (behind Waffle House) in Leland. Like Wayne’s museum, Gio Fund is also a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. It is a “no kill” animal welfare organization that is a combination of thrift store, animal rescue fundraising event center, donation center, online sales center and pet food distribution center. Their primary mission is to raise funds to help at-risk dogs and cats receive shelter, food and medical care. This is a “give back” organization. A $25 donation makes you a Gio Fund card member. This card gives you 20 percent off of any thrift shop item and entitles you to attend any $5 ticket event for free.
Gio Fund is a fantastic place based on a wonderful idea. Chris Rogers, owner and
operator, explained, “Any activity we have here is a fundraising event. We have the space and resources, so we allow any other animal rescue group to hold events here to make money for their cause.”
Speaking about Wayne Small, Chris said, “We met Wayne when he came here to take a com-
edy class with us. After he finished the class, he did his first stand up routine and the audience absolutely loved him. He is the perfect person to host this type of talent event because of his quick wit. He really connects with people, and he will make this a really great event. If any of your readers want to
sign up to perform at the show, they can go to www.giofund.org, and register. Look for the event on our calendar; performance registration information will be there. Tickets are $5 at the door, or you can also get
them on the giofund.org website.” If you are a Gio Fund card member, you can attend this event free of charge.” If you want more information on this event or Gio Fund, visit their website or call Chris Rogers at 910-782-8222.
Any way you look at it, Wayne offers the residents of this area a wide range of entertainment. If you need directions or want more information on the museum, give Wayne a call at 910-274-8315. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. His business card says of the museum, “Oddities, Rare One-of-a-Kind Objects, Better Than the Other Guys, Believe It or Not.” And he isn’t kidding!
Community
Feast of the Pirates
Shiver Your Timbers With The Scallywags
Strap on that peg leg, put on that eye patch and perch your parrot on your shoulder. It’s time to join the 97th Feast of the Pirates at Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE, on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 am - 4 pm.
“This is a festival for the whole family to come out and enjoy, with encampments, cannon fire, sword sparring, black powder pistols n’ rifles demos, pyrate re-enactors, loads of numerous assorted vendors n’ grub trucks as well as live music n’ sea shanties, costume contest for kids, Most Wanted Villain Hunt, story time, living history, games n’ many other activities,” said Sheila Schultz-Scherer, an Executive Board Member with Feast of the Pirates.
This year’s event will even feature a traveling exhibit of artifacts recovered from Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge!
Feast of the Pirates is organized and hosted by the Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust (WHET), a 501C(4) non-profit organization with a mission to shape and implement a vision for the beautification and balance of the Cape
Fear River region and to promote safe and pleasure boating.
“We are the crew responsible for bringing in the Tall Ships to our ports for tours, such as The Pride of Baltimore II, Peacemaker, USCGC Barque Eagle, HMS Bounty, Pirate Ship Meka II, Pirate Ship Raven, The Unicorn, Liberty Clipper, The Prince William, Nao Santa Maria, Niña & Pinta, Lynx Scooner, Amistead Replica, El Galeon and Nao Trinidad,” said Schultz-Scherer.
Many of these have passed though Southport waters, most recently the Trinidad. The proceeds from these tours are used to put on a full day Feast of the Pirates festival every year in September for families and children for a full fun family outing, said Shultz-Scherer.
Schultz-Scherer said the Feast has a long history. “In the past, The Feast of
Pirates was a three-day festival held on
Beach in the town of Wilmington, North Carolina during the late 1920s. Tourists from all over the region, as many as 28,000, traveled to the Port City. They had the pleasure of watching historical reenactments, boat races, competitions, and various parades. The reenactments ranged from George Washington’s ceremonious entrance into the city in 1791, to Blackbeard’s march to City Hall. Excessive alcohol consumption and public drunkenness during the 1929 festival, however, caused concern for committee members and other city officials. Nevertheless, it was the Great Depression that put the final nail in the coffin for The Feast of Pirates,” she said. “However, we have revivified Feast of the Pirates and brought it to the Brunswick
For more information, including sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit the Feast of the Pirates website at feastofthepirates.com.
Wrightsville
Riverwalk Park on the Cape Fear River in Belville. So now The Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust is host’n a FREE pirate festival fer the whole family to come out and enjoy!”
Leland Lend A Hand
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.
VFW Birthday Gala Proceeds Benefit Veteran
Arts Program
STORY BY JEFFREY STITES
Thisyear marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Leland VFW Post 12196 will be celebrating with a Gala event on Saturday, September 28 from 5 - 9 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Way, raising funds for a veterans and first responders Creative Arts Program.
This is a coat and tie affair, with a sit down dinner, music, dancing, and guest speaker Marine MSGT (ret.) Victor Letouruant, according to Post Commander Gerald Decker. Letouraunt has held several positions with the VFW, including Past Department Commander for North Carolina.
Tickets for this event are $60 each and can be purchased through the QR code in the accompanying graphic. A table of eight can be purchased with a $30 savings at $450.
Research has shown that through various forms of creative art, those who suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injuries are able to rebuild their lives. Some of the forms of art to be provided in this new program will include art, writing, dancing, acting, and music.
“Show your support for our veterans who need your help,” said Decker. “If we can send them into war and danger, then we should take care of them with they return.”
A plank owner in the Navy is a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission, said Decker. The Leland VFW is offering an opportunity to become a Plank Owner of this new program. See the graphic accompanying this article for available sponsorship levels.
Keeping Fit
Facing Adveristy
Life Is Hard – Accept That…and Conquer It
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
For the past four months, I have tackled a challenge that, if I allowed it, could have kept me down for the better part of a year – a torn Achilles tendon.
And by down, I mean mentally and emotionally as well as physically.
I haven’t suffered an injury this serious in many, many years – all the way back to when I was 9 years old and fractured the fibula and tibia in my right leg falling out of a tree (yes, falling out of a tree…that is a long story for another day).
It’s been a long road, but not as slow as I was originally told it would be after receiving the step-by-step protocol for rehabilitation. But these protocols are geared toward the “average” person. And as much as I don’t consider myself more special than anyone else, I don’t consider myself average either.
I’m physically fit. I stay active. I take care of myself inside and out. I have put myself in position to stay ahead of the timetable outlined for me.
I’ve progressed from a bulky, oversized boot that extended from the toes on my right foot to the base of my right knee, to a much less bulky and smaller compression sleeve that runs from the middle of my foot to the base of my calf.
And, most recently, to nothing at all while walking around the house and at the beach (just don’t tell my orthopedist and let’s keep this between us).
I ride the bike, and not simply a leisurely stroll anymore, and walk on the treadmill with a purpose – to keep challenging my leg in a safe, effective manner.
I’m not ready to run a 5K, tackle heavy barbell squats, or head back to the softball field to play the sport where I suffered the injury in late April, but I’m progressing steadily as well as surely, and my health and well-being are key reasons why.
We often connect being physically fit with being healthy, but being physically fit also helps us recover from injury and illness. Doing the hard work entailed to enjoy a healthy lifestyle gets us back to leading that same healthy lifestyle sooner.
I can imagine where I would be in my recovery from this injury if I was my old self,
meaning the man who weighed nearly 250 pounds 14 years ago and had failed miserably time after time to shed the weight and develop a healthier lifestyle.
I would be off my feet for a long time, and likely would have been hampered by the effects of this injury indefinitely. I had a difficult enough time getting out of bed every morning, and my joints would ache if I was on my feet too long.
How could be on my feet with an injury as serious as an Achilles tendon tear?
I finally faced that challenge 14 years go, which led to dropping 75 pounds and, at the time, being in the best shape of my life. Recovering from this injury ahead of schedule is my latest challenge.
It even has a tangible goal attached to it – playing a full round of golf without a cart by October 1, 2024. And as you can see, I’m telling everyone about it because I want to give myself as much as accountability as I possibly can.
I can’t hide from it, I can’t ignore it, and I definitely can’t make excuses for it, if everyone knows. This is more than a priority to me. It’s a non-negotiable.
In today’s society, we spend our days keeping busy with tasks we believe are priorities, but often don’t move us closer to our goals in life. Health and fitness are a priority for me, and I treat them as such.
Too many people say it’s a priority, but don’t follow through on that for various reasons. For those people, health and fitness become a conve-
nience – tasks we will get to if and when we have time. And as life gets busier, and time continues to slip away, health and fitness soon become an afterthought, which sadly is a key reason why more than 40 percent of the population of the United States is deemed obese, and more than 70 percent are considered overweight.
For the early part of my adult life, I resided on both of those lists, and for a long time I never believed I would find a new healthier way to live life.
Along the way, I discovered what’s important in my life, and the healthy habits I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for me and my family are on that list. That’s especially when an injury leaves me at less than 100 percent. Because I can either invest in my wellness or my illness. I have that
choice. We all do.
If you would like to learn more about making health and fitness a priority, or are ready to truly take your health and wellness to a higher level…contact me at 814-5047774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com. You can also find more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.
Community
Pickleball Tournament
Fundraiser For Sierra Leone Hospital
STORY CONTRIBUTED BY LARRY
SACKETT, MISSION OF HOPE
The “Raffle for Rotifunk” Pickleball Tournament is designed to bring the community together for a fun and competitive event, with the goal of raising crucial funds for the Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital in Rotifunk, Sierra Leone. The tournament will be held on Sept. 21-22 at the House of Pickleball in Leland. The nonprofit organization Mission of Hope is sponsoring the event.
Mission of Hope supports life-saving healthcare programs in one of Sierra Leone’s most underserved regions. Participants and spectators can contribute to the Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital, which offers essential medical services to the people of Rotifunk and surrounding areas. All proceeds from the tournament and the raffle will directly benefit the hospital.
The “Raffle for Rotifunk” is designed to engage residents of the Cape Fear Region, particularly those from New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties. The tournament will feature a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that players of all abilities can participate in the fun. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite teams.
“We are thrilled to host this tournament, knowing that every serve, volley, and point will contribute to making a difference in Rotifunk,” said Ivan White, a member of the Mission of Hope board of directors. “The Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital is a beacon of hope for thousands of people, and with the support of our local community, we can help them continue their vital work.”
Event Details:
•Dates: Sept. 21-22, 2025
•Location: House of Pickleball, 115 Kay Todd Road, Leland, NC
•Registration: www.rotifunk.org/ pickleball
Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player, a newbie to the sport, or just looking to support a great cause, the “Raffle for Rotifunk” Pickleball Tournament is the perfect way to get involved and make a difference.
Road Closure
All lanes of Kay Todd Road from the intersection with U.S. Highway 17 to just past the intersection with Brunswick Village Boulevard are closed for construction. Crews are constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Kay Todd Road and Brunswick Village Boulevard.
Drivers should use Brunswick Forest Parkway as a detour. All traffic should follow the detour signs on the parkway at the water tower. Turn right at the detour sign.
About the Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital:
The Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital, located in Rotifunk, Sierra Leone, is a critical healthcare provider in the region, offering medical services to a population with limited access to essential healthcare. The hospital relies on donations and community support to continue its mission of providing care to those in need.
Mission of Hope:
The Mission of Hope provides
life-saving healthcare and fosters sustainable development in underserved communities around the world.
Through compassionate medical care, education, and community empowerment, the organization strives to improve the quality of life for those in need, particularly in regions where access to essential services is limited. Visit our website at www. rotifunk.org for more information.
•
• Control through proactive management
• Advocate for developer fees to pay for infrastructure costs
• Protect our water and hold polluters accountable
• 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
Gunpowder Strategy
Cape Fear Civil War Round Table Meeting
STORY CONTRIBUTED
HISTORY
Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table invites the public to attend the first meeting of our 2024-25 “Campaign” year. This year marks the significant milestone of 30 years of learning about the history of the Civil War through stimulating, entertaining presentations by some of the foremost Civil War historians in the country. The meeting will be held on Thursday evening, Sept. 12, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Wilmington near Independence Mall. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7 pm. Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373
In June, retired archaeologist Pat Garrow of the round table presented an enlightening program on the phenomenon of “Galvanized Yankees,” captured Confederates who joined the Union army, and also discussed the thousands of white North Carolinians who joined the Union army on their own. Many of them were from northeastern North Carolina, an area that was generally controlled by the Union through much of the war. We also enjoyed a savory sample of Civil War cooking from superlative re-enactor chef William Jordan.
In July we heard from retired Emergency Medical Services chief Fred Claridge, an active volunteer at the Bentonville Battlefield and our newsletter editor, who told us about battlefield medicine in the Civil War. In addition, President Bill Jayne talked about the myths surrounding the use of rifled muskets in the Civil War. Conventional wisdom declares that because the rifle muskets such as the Springfield model 1861 had the potential to be accurate at a much greater range than older smoothbore muskets, the high casualty rates of assaults were due to the use of outmoded linear formations that were decimated at long-range by the newer weapons. Close study, however, shows that most musket fire occurred at ranges similar to the practical range of the smoothbores. This was due to the fact that it was difficult to estimate ranges correctly and Civil War soldiers weren’t trained in marksmanship except for a few exceptions.
The Members Forum on Aug. 8, will be presented by member John Weisz. John graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1974 with a degree in Engineering and minors in German and Military History. He retired from the Army in 1994 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in several
leadership roles in Armored Cavalry, Armor and Infantry units and on the General Staff at Ft. Knox, KY. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff School and the Defense Logistics Executive program. He has published several articles in military journals.
John will describe the characteristics of successful generals in the Civil War and bring the audience into the study of campaigns through practical exercises. Teams will form and will be provided with the information needed by the commander and several options as to which maneuver to execute. The audience will not be provided with the identity of the generals and where the engagements were fought ahead of the exercise but, by the end, will surely be able to determine who and where.
The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall in St. John’s Episcopal Church. Enter at the rear of the church, which is located at 1219 Forest Hills Drive. The church parking lot, close to the entrance to the meeting room, is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. Doors open at 6:30 pm and there is ample time to browse our used books table, and talk to members of the round table. For information about membership in the round table, go to our website at http://cfcwrt.org and click on “Join.”
See you there!
www.southportfuntours.com
ART BEAT
Ocean-Inspired Art
Barbara Bennett Snyder’s Enamel Work
STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
Many local artists are drawn to the ocean as a recurring theme. The underwater world is a private domain where humans cannot freely reside, and sea life cannot depart. This subject often inspires artwork and allows artists to express their curiosity and admiration in art forms. Accomplished silversmith and jewelry artist Barbara Bennett Snyder started her long artistic career as an interior designer. “I was always artistic and often voted class artist in school. I went to Parson’s School for Interior Design in New York and designed corporate computer rooms for several years for the Fortune 500. I even redesigned the War Room at the CIA,” she said.
Originally from Long Island, Bennett now resides in Boiling Spring Lakes.
“I moved to the Raleigh area 31 years ago because I knew we would be looking to retire, and taxes in New York are outrageous. My family is spread out, but I do have a little 4-year-old great-granddaughter in Southport,” she said. “When I moved to Raleigh, my focus turned to restaurant design. I worked for several years for myself and then for about 15 years for two architectural firms. Raleigh has a wonderful arts program, and I was able to take silversmith classes after
work. I was hooked. As soon as I retired, I headed for the coast since I had always lived close to the beach. Long Island is one long beach,” said Bennett. “I have been making jewelry for 14 years. I started with silversmith work and advanced to enamel and cloisonne work.”
Her connection with the ocean is evident, with many of her unique creations being that of sea creatures. “My greatest inspiration is the sea,” Barbara explained. “I like to create things with the hope that the new owner will love it as much as I do. Some things are hard to part with as most are one of a kind,” she said.
Enamel is basically glass that is fused with metal. Bennett uses three types of enamel: cloisonne, champleve, and plique ajour. They all involve using fine silver and mostly transparent enamels
fired in layers at 1400°. Cloisonné and champlevé are exquisite enamelwork techniques that use vitreous enamel glass powders on metal pieces to create intricate designs. They both involve creating areas of metal where the powder can be confined to form the design. The method of Plique ajour is where the enamel doesn’t have a backing metal and is left bare so light can shine through, giving the piece a stained glass kind of transparency. “It’s a long process but rewarding,” she said.
When Bennett isn’t creating jewelry, she enjoys making resin Christmas ornaments and teaching a jewelry Silversmith class at Brunswick Community College Southport Center. “I teach a unique advanced class. Most of the students are advanced, but I bring in beginners with little training and throw them right into cloisonne. It makes for an interesting class, although I am often teaching multiple skills at a time. I teach advanced silversmith skills, including enameling and cloisonne.”
“Folks sometimes call looking for my store, but I don’t sell from my own store. My work sells at Ricky Evans, Southport, Eclipse Artisan Boutique, Wilmington, and Cameron Art Museum. My work will be in the pre-holiday show at Cameron Art Museum on Nov. 8 from 10 to 4pm,” she said.
For more information about Bennett, you can email her at barbarabennett716@gmail.com or call her at 919830-3505.
Golf Tips
Nicole’s Golf Notes
Playing The Smart Shot To Improve Score
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.
One of the hot topics in sport psychology is how to take the training and transfer it into the actual playing field. Golf is one of the only sports where it’s not practiced in the same place where it’s played… it gets practiced in simulated environments like a practice green or driving range that’s conducive to hitting lots of repetitive shots but not in a play scenario with a variety of shots, time breaks, lies, clubs and other things that make it playing golf instead of just hitting balls. Football, baseball, tennis, basketball, martial arts, swimming…many of those sports train where they play. While it can be challenging to get out onto a course in a ‘play practice’ due to tee time availability or round fees, there are ways to incorporate good course smarts when one does get out onto the course.
I often take students out onto the course if we can in their first assessment session to see the skills and their issues in action, see the pre-shot and aim in action. I look for the low-hanging fruit first and see where we can lower score without major swing changes. During play lessons with students, I find there are some common themes that might help many golfers with some strategy ideas that could reduce score and increase satisfaction.
1. Play to one’s strength. Often times we see golfers forget their strengths in their games. For example, if one has a great short game and it’s more reliable than a fairway wood, why not lay-up, chip and then 1-2 putt instead of hitting an unreliable long club into trouble? Control the next shot at the current shot’s decision. Know where and when to miss it well and have a plan. A well-planned alternative shot might add a stroke to one’s score but could potentially save 2-3 shots overall. Many golfers and students highlight their ‘blow-up’ hole mistakes
play for me and less trouble. I know a top Tour professional who leaves it at 70 yards instead of closer as she’s laser-sharp at that 70-yard range and capitalizes on it.
3. Club Selection. Many golfers don’t take enough club for various reasons. Often times, this makes one swing harder than necessary and interrupts the fluid swing motion that can affect direction and solid contact. How often is one short or to the side of the green instead of over the green? Test this one day by taking one more club than you think you need all day. Best yet, play a few holes in the late afternoon doing this experiment instead of during a round with your group when it counts. Course ‘practice play’ during course downtime is a vital part of growth in one’s game!
ple of Range vs. Play Focus is practicing on the range by checking 10 shots to see if the rear shoe is fully up on the toe and the body is facing the target (paying very specific attention to those checkpoints) while playing on the course is inviting the image of what it feels like to face the target feeling the weight on the lead leg at the finish (more feel and imagery rather than thought).
– imagine if the blow-up hole score was only 1 shot higher instead of 2-4 shots higher? I offer a Mental Golf Profile for individuals or groups to show tendencies and opportunities based on a player’s style…it’s a very cool learning tool!
2. Damage Control. Most golfers seem to take the low percentage shot that hasn’t been practiced or isn’t what one could call a ‘green light’ trustworthy shot. In a situation where a long club (3-wood, 5-wood, long hybrid) MIGHT run up onto the green between hazards or obstacles guarding both front sides of the green (33 percent chance it will), would it ever be worthwhile to 100 percent leave it short of the danger, pitch or chip on at 100 percent certainty and then 1 or 2 putt at 100 percent certainty (short game and putting need to be on). Score can definitely be lowered by some pre-planning and different strategy, as well as improving short game and putting skills! Play the percentages. I play to 80 yards from the green and then hit my gap wedge in, even if I could get to 30 yards…much better
Find the best ways to get the ball into the hole in the least possible strokes. Play Practice involves hitting a few shots with good intention on a Play focus (not a swing skill technique), picking up the shots and moving along to a shot near the green for a few putts, chips, pitches or sand shots. Then picking those balls up and moving onto the next hole for perhaps some fairway hybrid shots, then something around or on the green, keeping the game moving within your allotted pace of play while others playing behind. An exam-
When I teach at national academies and we head to the course in the afternoons following morning skills and lunch, we put our ideas into practice as if playing…time for repetitive hitting is over, and that’s not playing the game of golf. We hit a few shots all at the same time, testing out a goal in the real setting then picking up and moving on just as the group behind moves into their shot, so we’re always moving along. Hitting ten 7-irons on the range well and then not hitting it on the first try on the course is normal since it hasn’t been practiced in that environment.
Nicole Weller is an award-winning LPGA/PGA teaching professional and 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.
FISHING REPORT
September Fishing Report
Fall Fishing Offers New Opportunities
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
August was intense, with daily strong winds, thunderstorms, and over 15 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Debby. It’s now September, but her impact is still evident, with tannin-filled backwater and nearshore waters from the upper Cape Fear River region. On the bright side, Debby helped bring water temperatures down from a 7- to 8-degree surplus, setting us up for some excellent fall fishing.
Inshore / Backwater
Fishing is awesome inshore and in the backwater creeks, with plenty of red drums, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead to be found. Whether you’re on the Cape Fear River, the ICW, or in the creeks and estuaries, it’s hard not to hook into something. For live bait, finger mullet are abundant, and artificial lures are working well too. The rising tide has been prime time, but the bottom of the falling tide is also productive. Fish are holding in areas with moving water—cast your bait into the tidal rip and let it drift into the eddies forming at points and bends in the creeks. Predator fish are stacked in that slack water, ready to ambush.
Another effective technique has been using VooDoo shrimp. I usually cast them below a popping cork, but lately, I’ve been
casting them without the cork and giving them a sharp twitch. The speckled trout, flounder, and redfish can’t seem to resist. With the current clear brown water, something with chartreuse is a solid choice.
Nearshore
September is the best time of year for fishing at the Brunswick County beaches. The north winds bring calm beach conditions, making for comfortable fishing. Even better, the fish show up in big numbers, feeding on the abundant bait. Menhaden schools are massive, and the mullet run is in full swing. Bull red drums will settle on nearshore reefs, wrecks, and spots like the hot hole, and they can also be found in the bait balls. While finger mullet works well as bait, big live menhaden are even better. Use a Carolina rig with a 2–3-ounce egg sinker and a 12–18-inch leader of 50-pound fluorocarbon. It’s crucial to use circle hooks when targeting these fish, and heavy spinning or conventional tackle is recommended. Circle hooks significantly reduce the risk of gut hooking, and although the temptation to use light tackle is strong, it leads to longer fight times, exhausting the fish and reducing their chances of survival after release.
With fall in the air, you can’t talk about nearshore fishing without mentioning the beach king mackerel bite. September is when the kings come in to fatten up for winter on the bait near the beach. Slow trolling live menhaden, bluefish, and corncob mullet is your best bet for bites. Target the menhaden bait balls in 20-28 feet of water, and troll around the rock piles along the beaches. A good starting point is offshore of Ocean Crest Pier and Yaupon Reef, and the river channel is also a great spot, espe-
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
cially on a falling tide and out to the old Cape Fear sea buoy and Lighthouse Rocks. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will also return in force during September—troll Clarkspoons on number 1 and number 2 planers for a quick limit.
Offshore
Right on cue, the Wahoo are making their appearance, along with Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish. Gulf Stream fishing is excellent right now. You can find Wahoo in 120-300 feet of water over structures like ledges, live bottoms, and rock piles. Be sure to use a planer or trolling lead to get your bait deeper in the water column. Blackfin Tuna are abundant on offshore rock piles, aggressively hitting tuna feathers and cedar plugs. I prefer smaller baits for
these fish, placing them far back in the spread. While you can catch Sailfish while trolling for Wahoo and Tuna, to really boost your chances, look for the color change from blue/green blended water to clear blue water. Trolling mullet dredges, squid chains, and small ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks will draw bites. Always keep an eye on your teasers and spread, as Sailfish often follow the teasers before committing to a bite.
Don’t miss the fall fishing on our coast— it’s what we’ve been waiting for all year. We’ll be out there almost every day, making the most of the incredible bite this season brings. Get out there and enjoy it!
— Capt. Steele
History
Returning Favorite
September Brunswick Civil War Roundtable
Returning to the Brunswick Civil War Round Table on Tuesday, Sept. 3 to captivate his audience with another dramatic performance is popular historian Chris Mackowski. His presentation is entitled “The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.” Chris will describe in detail one of the bloodiest battles of the war between Generals Lee and Grant. It was a battle that cost more than 30,000 lives over a 12 day period in May, 1864, ending with no winner. This will be the first meeting of the new season, and will take place at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, Caswell Beach. Everyone is welcome, and come prepared to be informed and entertained!
This inconclusive battle was the second major engagement in Grant’s Overland Campaign, a major Union offensive to chase down Lee, cripple his army, and capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. Success relied on a relentless pursuit of the enemy, so Grant instructed his Gen. Meade, “Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.”
Over the ensuing 12-day period, Union troops briefly broke the Confederate lines, but the rebels managed to close the gap and hold their ground. The intense fighting included nearly 20 hours of brutal hand-tohand combat at the infamous “Bloody Angle,” a section of the Confederate salient.
Finally on May 21, Lee, in frustration, began retreating toward Richmond. Grant, sensing his failed attempt, disengaged his troops and ordered them to continue their march south toward Richmond.
Although the Union suffered severe losses during the campaign, it was a strategic victory for Grant. The battle inflicted proportionately higher casualties on Lee’s army, eventually driving his troops into a
History
siege at Petersburg, and ultimately leading him to surrender the following year at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865.
Our popular guest speaker, Chris Mackowski, Ph.D., is the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emerging Civil War and the
series editor of the award-winning “Emerging Civil War Series.” In addition, he is a writing professor at St. Bonaventure University; historian-in-residence at Stevenson Ridge, an historic property on the Spotsylvania battlefield in central Virginia; historian for the National Park Service at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park; authored or co-authored nearly two dozen books; edited a half-dozen essay collections on the Civil War; and his articles have appeared in all the major Civil War magazines. In addition, Chris serves as vice president on the board of directors for
the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust, and serves on the advisory board of the Civil War Roundtable Congress, and a longtime Advisor to this Round Table.
Registration for this first meeting of the season begins Tuesday, the day after Labor Day, at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. The guest fee remains $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information, contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@ gmail.com, or call him at (404) 229-9425. Or, visit www.Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com to learn more, become a member, or
read about member activities and
The group’s Facebook page also has additional information, news, and updates.
General Ulysses S. Grant
General Robert E. Lee
Community Everyday Heroes
Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office To Receive Inaugural Award For Child Safety
STORY CONTRIBUTED BY CAROUSEL CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
Carousel Child Advocacy Center (CCAC), Southeastern North Carolina’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center, has announced that the Brunswick Sheriff’s Office will be the first recipient of the Everyday Heroes Award at the Everyday Heroes Award Luncheon, 11 am on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.
The sheriff’s office will be recognized for being the first police force in the nation to become a Partner In Prevention, a designation awarded to organizations and businesses that take the necessary steps to protect children from child sexual abuse in their communities. The designation is being granted by Carousel and the organization Darkness to Light, which works to empower adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. Their Stewards of Children® training
teaches adults to recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
To become a Partner in Prevention a business or organization must train 90-100 percent of staff and volunteers in Stewards of Children® and commit to providing ongoing child sexual abuse prevention training.
Join us at this inaugural event to learn more about the services and programs the Carousel Child Advocacy Center provides to help Brunswick County child victims receive forensic and healing services when there is a report of physical or sexual abuse. It is free to attend, and we welcome groups to host a table. Sponsors are also welcome! We are grateful for Orton Foundaton and Novant Health for sponsoring this new event.
to connect with other survivors and spread awareness of the amazing work of the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.
dren from birth to age 18. All services are provided in a nurturing, friendly, and safe environment.
The keynote speakers — Terrie and Ashley Batson — are sure to inspire. An aunt and niece “dynamic duo,” they are both “thrivers” and passionate advocates for those affected by childhood sexual abuse. Through their individual and unified journeys of healing and personal growth, they aim to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote change in the Wilmington community and beyond. They hope that sharing their deeply personal experience will enable them
“Together, we can battle child abuse, protect children, and restore young lives,” said Shemeka Kemp, 2024-25 chairperson of the Carousel Board of Directors. “This event allows anyone in the community to attend and learn more about the state of child abuse in our community. Carousel has served Brunswick children and families for almost 25 years. We are excited to have this inaugural fundraiser, that will provide much-needed funds so that the best and brightest may aid child survivors of abuse. Together, we can work towards a world free of child abuse, where children grow up happy, healthy, and safe!”
This event supports Carousel Child Advocacy Center, Brunswick County’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center. Carousel services Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, responding to about 500 reports of child physical or sexual abuse and maltreatment annually — 165 children in Brunswick alone last year!
Carousel provides coordinated medical evaluation, forensic interviewing, assistance for investigative partners in pursuing justice, and healing trauma therapy services. All services revolve (carousel) around the needs of the child. Carousel serves chil-
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Laura Pawlewicz at 910254-9898 or email her at laura.pawlewicz@ carouselcenter.org. Reserve your seat online at https://carouselcenter.org/event/ everydayhero/
About Carousel Child Advocacy Center
Carousel Child Advocacy Center is Southeastern North Carolina’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center. It provides child medical exams and forensic interviews, confidential professional trauma counseling and caregiver support to children and their families who have experienced physical/sexual abuse in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. Since its founding in 2000, Carousel Child Advocacy Center has served more than 6,500 children in the tri-county area, carrying out its mission to support healing, promote justice, and foster resilience in children victimized by physical or sexual abuse and to improve our community through education, prevention and advocacy. CCAC has three locations to serve our partners, child survivors, and families closer to home. For more information, visit: www.carouselcenter.org
CALENDAR
September
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
SEPT 3
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
The Round Table is back after summer break, and starts off the season with “Battle of Spotsylvania Court House,” by popular Civil War historian Chris Mackowski. 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.
SEPT 4
Masonboro Island Eco Tour
Wrightsville Beach Eco Tours leads this 2-hour excursion which includes a shell hunt and eco-education talk. Children will be encouraged to use what they find to make an art project. The cost is $75 and is for anyone ages 8 and older. The tour is from 1 to 3 pm.
SEPT 5
Frog Watch
Learn about our frog and toad neighbors who also call this area home, as well as the citizen volunteer scientists helping to document the diversity, populations, and trends of frogs and toads in area wetlands. This program is 5-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the fee is $10.
SEPT 11
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Leland and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 Leland and Auxiliary will lead the community in a significant com-
memoration. The Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance program will be held in the Blossoms Restaurant Banquet Room from 9 to 11 am. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Evan Jones at ekj522@msn.com
SEPT
12
Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
The Round Table starts its 30th year of learning with Theodore P. “Ted” Savas leading a program on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s “Perimeter Defense. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Drive, Wilmington. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7 pm.
SEPT
14
Feast of the Pirates
Belville’s Riverwalk Park will host a pirate festival, complete with encampments, cannon fire, sword sparring, black powder pistols and rifles demos, pirate re-enactors, assorted vendors and food trucks as well as live music and sea shanties, a costume contest for kids, the Most Wanted Villain Hunt, story time, living history, games, and more. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm at the Park, 580 River Road SE. See story in this issue for all the details, matey.
SEPT
14
Welcome Fall Festival — North Brunswick Kiwanis
This free events features music from Brunswick County fan favorites The Back Porch Rockers, 4:30-7:30 pm at the Community Commons in Brunswick Forest (2701 Brunswick Forest Parkway). There will be ice cream available for purchase, and an auction as well. Proceeds will benefit Project Dignity, a program aimed at supporting foster children in Brunswick County.
SEPT 16-28
24th Annual Visual Arts Show
The Brunswick County Arts Council hosts this annual show, with locations rotating around the county. This year’s show is at Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West St. (next to Franklin Square
Park). Works from area teens and adults in 2D and 3D will be on display during gallery hours, 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
SEPT
19-22
Fly on the Ford Tri-Motor
The local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) brings the historic plane back to the area for flights, weather permitting. Flights are $99 for adults and $75 for children 17 and younger. The weekend’s events all include a kids movie night Friday, a pancake breakfast Saturday morning and a Roaring 20s party Saturday night. The Cape Fear Regional JetPort is hosting the activities, 4015 Airport Road, Oak Island.
SEPT 21-25
Pickleball Tournament
Nonprofit organization Mission of Hope is sponsoring a pickleball tournament at the House of Pickleball, 115 Kay Todd Road SE. The “Raffle for Rotifunk” tournament is open to all skill levels, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Hatfield Archer Memorial Hospital in Rotifunk, Sierra Leone. Visit www.rotifunk.org/pickleball to register.
SEPT
22
Low Country Boil
Enjoy a low country boil from Shrimply Delicious Catering at the Museum of Coastal Carolina benefit. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. The boil will be 4:30-7 pm at the museum, and there will be live music from Chicky’s Boy and games. Visit www.museumplanetarium.org for more information and to purchase tickets. The museum is located at 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach.
SEPT 28
Birding at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
A guide will lead the group along a trail, point out various bird species, share facts about their appearance and behaviors, and offer tips on birdwatching techniques including birding by ear.
The cost is $10 for non-residents, and residents get a discounted rate. The bird walk is 9-10:30 am.
SEPT 28
Carolina Blues: Indigo On the Cape Fear River
The NC Maritime Museum at Southport staff teams up with Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson staff to present this program about an important commodity in the 1700s. Visitors will learn about the process used by skilled enslaved African labor to extract this valuable dye from the indigo plants, and delve into the science behind dye production. Visitors will also have a chance to view and work an active fermentation vat, and dyeing demonstrations will occur throughout the course of the program. T-shirts will also be available for purchase for visitors to try their hand at resist dyeing. The program is 11 am to 3 pm at the site, 8884 Saint Philips Road SE, Winnabow (off NC 133).
SEPT 28
Celebrate 125 Years of the VFW
The Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 and Auxiliary will host a 125th Birthday Celebration for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 5-9 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. This will be a coat/tie affair with entertainment provided by Brunswick Big Band. The group will also be presenting its new Veterans Creative Arts Program. Tickets are $60 each. Visit https://vfw12196. org/ or see the story in this issue for more information.
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 fi-
nal 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
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.
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
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 124 pm. Sandbar lectures are 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday of the month.
. Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
Doors open at 10:30 am Thursdays through Saturdays; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. A new show debuts in March called Cosmic Mashups, which digs into the science behind black holes. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Sept 13 — JB Smoove
Sept 15 — Melissa Ethridge
Sept 18 — Spider Man: Across the SpiderVerse in concert — watch the movie and enjoy the music played by a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.
Sept 20 — Chuck Leavell
Sept 21 — Herbie Hancock
Sept 26 — Cirque Kalabante
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”
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Sept 14 — T.S. Monk
Sept 19-20 — Cape Fear Arts in Motion 2024
Sept 20-29 — “Shakers Revised” from the Harrington Repertory
Sept 21 — Bootleggers Ball: Comically Impaired hosts this evening of entertainment, live music, food, and a cash bar, with proceeds to benefit Theatre For All.
lCheck https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information and for the Cinematique film schedule.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington
Aug 30 — American Aquarium
Aug 31 —Steve Earle
Sept 1 — Marty Stuart
Sept 8 — Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway: Down the Rabbit Hole Tour
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
Sept 18 — Greensky Bluegrass
Sept 22 — Lawrence
Sept 24 — Briston Maroney: Ultrapure Tour Part 2
Sept 27 — Steep Canyon Rangers
Sept 28 — Muscadine Bloodline: The Coastal Plain Tour
Sept 29 — Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
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
Sept 2 — Band of Horses & City and Colour
Sept 6 — Jon Pardi: Mr. Saturday Night Tour
Sept 10 — Eye To Eye Tour: Nathaniel Ratliff & TNS and My Morning Jacket
Sept 12 — Dierks Bentley: Gravel and Gold
Sept 13 — Turnpike Troubadors
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
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar 1175 Turlington Avenue, Leland (Music is 7-10 pm)
Aug 30 — Port City Rockers
Aug 31 — Oysters & Octane Cruise-In with The Ford Project
Leland Brewing Co.
2115 Ale Avenue, Leland
Aug 30 — Taylor Bissette, 6-9 pm
Sept 14 — Oktoberfest, with music,
food, and beer of course, 1-9 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.
