Wilmington NC 1

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

DATES

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Valero Texas Open

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia CBS, ESPN+

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina CBS, GOLF,

Myrtle Beach Classic

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky CBS, ESPN+

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship +

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 LPGA

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 27 - 28 | DAYS AT THE DOCK FESTIVAL

Jump start your Holden Beach spring and summer vacation with this annual festival that provides plenty of good times along the shoreline. The Days at the Dock Festival is an unofficial kick-off to the prime visitor season, and features a wealth of arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, and fun and games for all ages!

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/mtrzvnnf

APRIL 28 | STRAWBERRY & WINE FEST

A world of great taste is waiting at the Strawberry & Wine Fest – an annual event that is held in the town of Sunset Beach, and which is quickly becoming known as a dream for food lovers everywhere. With a focus on fresh strawberries in all forms – from chocolate covered, to a star ingredient in shortcake ! For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/4ztu3wz3

MAY

MAY 2 | POLLINATOR WALK

Join Airlie Gardens Environmental Educator on a fascinating guided walk through the Pollinator Garden. Discover the blooming plants and the many interesting creatures including bees that call the Pollinator Garden home, understand how native plants provide for wildlife and learn the importance of pollinators. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/mvdwdrye

MAY 13 - 19 | FILM FESTIVAL

Wilmington is well-known for both its diverse cultural scene as well as its status as one of the biggest filming destinations west of Hollywood, and these two attributes are beautifully combined at the annual North Carolina Black Film Festival. This festival features a wealth of talented African American filmmakers of all genres who will share their works to the delight of audiences and movie buffs everywhere.For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yeyuurw8

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE

JUNE 3 - 9 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

Expand your musical horizons by attending this festival which brings classical music to the forefront of the Wilmington music scene. The Port City Music Festival is a celebration of classical concerts, which are available throughout the days-long event, and which are hosted at varying venues and spots throughout the Port City area and beyond. For more info visit: portcitymusicfestival.org

JUNE 4 | BEACH MARKET

Come browse this open air market offering local fruits and vegetables as well as handmade artisan crafts. It’s a great way to enjoy the ocean view, and get your shopping done at the same time. Bring the whole family including well behaved pets. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3dyskp53

JULY

JULY 1 - 7 | INDEPENDECE DAY

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast. For more info visit: capefear-nc.com

AUGUST

AUG 3 | PORT CITY ROCK JAM

Come rock out at the Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard on Princess Street in Wilmington, NC, USA! Join us for a night of live music, good vibes, and great company. Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or just looking for a fun time, this event is for you. Get ready to jam with local bands and enjoy

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

delicious food and drinks. Don’t miss out on this epic night of music and fun! For more info visit: portcityrockjam.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 13 - 14 | COFFEE FEST

Enjoy a weekend celebration of all things coffee with some of Wilmington’s finest purveyors of coffee, roasters and distributors that will help you discover new and different artisanal coffee tastes with demonstrations at the Azalea Station in the Cargo District a short drive from historic downtown. Sample from coffee roasters, shops, makers and bakers with each having seminars, all accompanied by food trucks and music. For more info visit: wilmingtoncoffeefest.com

SEPT 21 | OKTOBERFEST

Join the fun and festivities as Waterman’s Brewing Company celebrates the opening day of Munich’s Oktoberfest with a Bavarian Big Tent Party. Feast on authentic

German food and special celebration beer. Music will be provided by a full size authentic Oktoberfest Blaskapelle band with costumes highly encouraged! For more info visit: watermansbrewingco.com

OCTOBER

OCT 5 | FALL MARKET

Enjoy the gorgeous weather and beautiful gardens at the Burgwin-Wright Fall Market featuring over 30 local artists and artisans, homemade crafts and more! Vendors will be scattered throughout their acre of gardens. For more info visit: burgwinwrighthouse.org

OCCT 5 - 6 | RIVERFEST

Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/7c3k52v9

OCT 14 - 20 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music, arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages. For more info visit: ncoysterfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 1 - 3 | KITE FESTIVAL

Come join the fun as serious kite flyers share their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the Cape Fear Kite Festival presented in partnership with the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. This is the final kite event

of the professional kite flying season with more than just your average kites filling the sky on the seashore. See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and of course colors float, soar and ride the air.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/25arvbxx

NOV 18 - 24 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for 30 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast. For more info visit:

https://www.cucalorus.org/

DECEMBER

DEC 6 | CHRISTMAS PARADE

Join the Holiday fun the Friday

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

after Thanksgiving celebrating the annual evening Carolina Beach Christmas Parade. Floats, bands and Santa Claus will be there to add to the festivities of the season and provide a night of free family entertainment and holiday cheer.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/4ajadner

JANUARY

JAN 2 | JAZZ AT THE CAM

Enjoy the wildly popular Jazz at the Cam Concert Series. Offering a mixture of new and familiar jazz musicians in a variety of combinations performing a range of jazz genres, many of these evenings sell-out. Please check their website for additional information about performing artists. Performers announced and tickets available closer to the event.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/yezjcubw

FEBRUARY

FEB 6 - 8 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

Wilmington gives a warm wel-

come to all of the jazz lovers attending our North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. For more info visit: ncjazzfestival.org

MARCH

MARCH 1 | HOOLEY UNDER THE BRIDGE

Our Hooley has become almost as big of a tradition as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade itself. Come join in some of the most beloved Irish traditions—dancing, and heart-thumping music.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/b7yuwtvm

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.