Issuu

WINTER 2021

IN THIS ISSUE: ISSUE: • ARTFUL NOTIONS • GARDEN RAILROAD • MONSTER TRUCK WARS • SKYWATCH BIRD RESCUE AND MORE!

2 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 3

Join us for an adventure filled with sugar and spice ‘n everything nice!

ON THE COVER Jazz Festival Photo illustration by Ena Sellers

PUBLISHER Jim Sills EDITOR & DESIGNER Ena Sellers WRITERS Lauren Branch Abby Cavenaugh Chris DeWitt Annesophia Richards ADVERTISING Alan Wells CONTACT esellers@ncweeklies.com

Southeast North Carolina Magazine is a publication of the Duplin Times and APG Media of Eastern NC. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

4 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

s temperatures drop and we get a much-needed pause to enjoy the holidays, let’s take a moment to give thanks and remind ourselves of our blessings. While 2021 was a year of changes, some good and some bad, something that remained constant was the spirit of solidarity in our little southeastern North Carolina communities. We have seen small businesses thrive and come up with some of the most creative ideas to not only stay afloat but thrive. We have seen people come together, pray together, and support each other during times of uncertainty and loss. As we approach the holidays, let’s remind each other to cherish every minute of this precious life we have. Hug your kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and even that annoying friend who lingers and talks too much! you never know when someone might need a hug. The holidays are not always a happy and celebratory occasion for everyone. But a small gesture of kindness can make someone’s day a special one. Let’s dive into the contents of this edition of SENC. In this issue, we will take you on a journey to meet some fabulous artists, talented musicians and explore some of our favorite southeastern NC destinations that offer madeto-last holiday fun and adventures for everyone to enjoy.

Our first stop is Wilmington, home to Artful Notions with jewelry artist Melissa Hindle-Sherman. She is known for her fabulous steampunk creation made with pieces from heirloom antiques. If you are looking for a high-end one-of-a-kind gift, you don’t want to miss out on this story! Our second stop is the charming town of Wallace. Join Abby Cavenaugh and learn all about the plans for a Garden railroad, which promises to take visitors on a journey back to the town’s heyday with a mini replica of the Wallace Train Depot back in the 1920s. Next in our lineup is Chris DeWitt’s story featuring sculptor Stephen Hayes. The Cameron Art Museum recently unveiled “Boundless,” this exhibit honors the legacy of US Colored Troops who served during the Civil War. For our adrenaline lovers, Lauren Branch’s story about Monster Truck Wars, is just for you! Monster Truck Wars will be coming to Kenansville in February 2022. If you love learning about historical buildings, Annesophia Richards’ feature on the Brooklyn Arts Center latest renovations is a great read. Among the many noteworthy upgrades is the restoration of the building’s original 1888 pocket doors, also the bell tower was repurposed into a private tasting room and the balcony area now serves as a rehearsal dinner area. For our animal lovers we have a feature about Skywatch Bird Rescue, a non-profit located in Castle Hayne. The incredible creatures that call Skywatch home will melt your heart with their cuteness! Last, but not least, our music lovers should check out our story about the North Carolina Jazz Festival. You will be pleased to learn they are all set for a big come back in February 2022. Want more? Check out our Play Dates section for a bundle of fun with craft fairs, holiday celebrations, live music, and a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities that promise to keep you on your toes with all the exciting adventures that 2022 has in store. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of SENC magazine! Happy Holidays from our families to yours!

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Wallace Wilmington 6 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Artful Notions

Garden Railroad

Boundless

A showcase of one-of-a-kind steampunk jewelry

Monster Truck Wars

A walk down memory lane

At the Cameron Art Museum

Brooklyn Arts Center

Skywatch

NC Jazz Festival

Shopping

Play Dates

Bird rescue provides safe haven for injured wildlife

Enjoy the blues with some of the best performers back on stage this February 2022

Last minute gift ideas

Find out what’s going on up and down southeastern NC

Beautiful renovations uncover hidden treasures

Feature • Play Dates • Folk Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 7

Steampunk jewelry all the rave in intriguing eclectic pieces Story by Ena Sellers

Creativity is the poetry of sight. “Tiny gears, cogs and pieces recovered from heirloom antiques are just a few of the elements that bring Artful Notions’ steampunk jewelry designs to life into one stunning statement. Melissa Hindle-Sherman is the artist behind these alluring vintage-inspired jewelry. “When ideas come it becomes more about the process than the thing itself. Artful Notions started with a button. I had an idea, a notion, to make a button artful. That button became part of a glass bead necklace and Artful Notions was born,” said Hindle-Sherman. “What I love the most about what I do is there is always something new to learn,” she added. “To be influenced by different styles and techniques that will then affect how and what I create – it’s the joy of creation and the unknown outcome that makes it so enjoyable.” While Hindle-Sherman took a jewelry class in college, she said she really learned by doing. 8 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

“Trial and error are excellent teachers. I graduated with a degree in printmaking and a minor in watercolor painting. I did take one jewelry class in college which I really enjoyed but it wasn’t until my senior year. Most of my basic jewelry skills I learned working for a local craftsperson who made jewelry and sold it at shows and galleries,” said Hindle-Sherman. Her style can be described as steampunk, as she incorporates techniques where structural com-plexity is important to the appeal. Her unique

watch-work jewelry is a true showcase of high-end mixed-media pieces that are a stunning statement of bold and intricately designed elements evoking the whimsical and mysterious. “I like to call it eclectic industrial. I love taking old watches, clock parts, gears or any interest-ing metal bit and making them into something shiny and new. I feel like I’m influenced by eve-rything, different mediums, layers, textures, and color. Everything combined to create a small-scale work of art that someone can wear, what

I love taking old watches, clock parts, gears or any interesting metal bit and making them into something shiny and new. ~ MELISSA HINDLE-SHERMAN

can be more exciting!?” Hindle-Sherman utilizes one-of-akind pieces for her jewelry designs. A particular piece that caught my attention was a one-of-a-kind necklace she created with parts from a 1901 Waltham pocket watch and incorporated Swarovski crystals to give it an added sparkle. This bubbly, creative and determined artist, found her love for creating at a young age. “Growing up I remember always wanting to be making something... I

colored, drew, made earrings out of wire & beads, clothes & purses out of old jeans or vintage curtains,” she said. “I even made a video with my cabbage patch kids. I would do anything that would fill the desire to create.” “When I’m in the middle of creating something new I’m always inspired by the process of tak-ing the idea from the original design to a fully realized piece. It doesn’t always turn out how I imagined it would and sometimes that’s what makes it better.” Hindle-Sherman said she was

not influenced by a particular artist, however she was influenced by many different artists’ styles and their art forms. “I get caught up in the process and all the different parts and pieces that go into it,” said Hin-dle-Sherman of her creative process. “I don’t put anything away until I’m finished. There are probably three totally different pieces I’m working on at once.” “My workstation gets so overloaded I end up pushing things out of the way to make space to keep going.” Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 9

Artful Notions incorporates vintage pieces from watches to craft truly unique jewelry.

Photos by Melissa Hindle-Sherman

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I’m always inspired by the process of taking the idea from the original design to a fully realized piece. It doesn’t always turn out how I imagined it would and sometimes that’s what makes it better. ~ MELISSA HINDLE-SHERMAN

Hindle-Sherman shared her favorite time of year is the fall and anything pumpkin or Halloween related. “One year I made a bat out of gold colored watch parts,” she said. “I was going to sell it but loved it so much I kept it. The next year I thought I’d make another bat and sell the first one. This time it had a watch stem made into a pumpkin dangling from it. Yeah, I kept them both.” For Hindle-Sherman one of the biggest challenges as an artist is making more time to create. “There are so many ideas and things I want to try,” she said. “With a home and a full-time job there aren’t

enough hours in the day to do everything. Currently she is teaching herself to enamel. “Firing powered glass onto copper with a torch and getting it to do what I want is more difficult than I expected,” Hindle-Sherman said. “I want to use it to bring more colors and interest into my metal pieces.” She shared that some of her jewelry designs can sometimes take days while others are pretty straight forward and take her less than a couple of hours. “How long a piece takes depends on what it is. It could be a half an hour, quick and simple with a simple

watch piece on a bail. Or I spend way too long sifting through boxes of bits to find that perfect shape or piece of metal that will fit exactly into what I’m working on,” she added. As for her plans for the future Hindle-Sherman says her plan is to keep creating! “I could say I’ll do more social media, create a website or do shows but all that takes away from what I love about what I do – the doing,” said Hindle-Sherman. Her work can be found at Eclipse Artisan Boutique and Blue Moon gift shops. Both located at 203 Racine Drive, Wilmington, NC. Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 11

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Garden Railroad will offer glimpse into downtown Wallace’s past Story by Abby Cavenaugh

A garden railroad planned for the Wallace Depot will take visitors back to the town’s heyday in the mid-20th century — or at least a miniature version of it. The garden railroad curated by the Wallace Depot Commission and the Learning Station, was the brainchild of Georgia Farrior. “This came about during the summer of 2020,” she explained. “We had to close the Learning Station during the pandemic, and I had the idea that we should do something outside that would still be accessible to everyone. I wanted children to be able to look at it and experience it, and see a bit of the way things used to be.” And so the idea for a garden railroad at the Depot was born. A garden

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ALL ABOARD! Wallace Garden Railroad

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 13

railroad is larger and more elaborate than the model trains that can be found inside the Depot’s Train Room. It’s called a G-scale, and can be used outdoors, due to its size and durability. According to the Denver Garden Railroad Society website, “’scale’ measures the size relationship between a model train and its real-world train prototype. For example, a model locomotive that is 1/24th the size of the real thing is called 1:24 scale.” The G-scale models are the largest available, with tracks ranging from 1:20 to 1:32. The garden railroad will be located on a patch of grass outside the Depot, and will be protected by a fence, which was donated by AC Hall in Wallace. The train itself will “live” under the porch of the Depot to protect it from the elements. A tunnel will be constructed under the porch so that the train will come in and out of the tunnel as it makes its way around the track. A village will be “built” around the tracks to duplicate what the town looked like in the mid-20th century. Local artist Mayra Tadeo has been commissioned to paint a mural that will show what the town looked like during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s time period, when trains regularly came through the town of Wallace and it was sort of an unofficial strawberry hub in this part of the state. 14 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

“This has become a real community project,” Farrior said. “The town cleared the land and put in the drainage system. We borrowed a sod roller from River Landing, and as I mentioned, AC Hall donated the fencing that will go around the garden. People from the community have purchased buildings, train cars, billboards and accessories, miniature shrubs and trees and segments of the track.” All of the donors will be recognized with their names posted on the surrounding fence, she added. The locomotive engine was the first item to be purchased for the garden railroad, thanks to a grant from the Duplin Foundation for Youth Advancement, which is funded by the annual Duplin County Sheriff’s Ball. Farrior said she hopes to have a ribbon cutting in the spring, and although the garden railroad is nearly ready, she also hopes that it will be a perpetual project, with donors regularly providing new items for the village and its railroad. In addition to having names posted on the fencing, donors can also be recognized through the items they donate. For example, a train car could have a family name or business name, and a local water company will be recognized with a water tower bearing its name. Realtor Curt Simpson also made a large donation, so his business

We’ve been surprised and very grateful for all the donations. We hope that this will be a great draw for people to come to downtown Wallace for many years to come. ~ GEORGIA FARRIOR

will be recognized with a Simpson Real Estate building sign. “We’ve been surprised and very grateful for all the donations,” Farrior said. “We hope that this will be a great draw for people to come to downtown Wallace for many years to come.” Buildings can be purchased for $500, train cars for $250, accessories such as vehicles, billboards and figurines for $100, plants for $50, and a track segment for $25. If you’d like to donate to the Wallace Depot Garden Railroad, visit the Learning Station at the Wallace Depot Facebook page.

A garden railroad is larger and more elaborate than the model trains that can be found inside the Depot’s Train Room. Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 15

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New exhibit honors legacy of US Colored Troops Cameron Art Museum Photos

Story by Chris DeWitt

he Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, welcomed over 1,500 visitors to the moving unveiling of Boundless.

Boundless, a public sculpture honoring the USCT by artist Stephen Hayes.

“We are overjoyed with the extraordinary response from our community to the unveiling of Boundless,” said Heather Wilson, Cameron Art Museum deputy director. “Visitation and attendance has surpassed our expectations.” The new exhibit displays 11 sculptures honoring the United States Colored Troops who served during the Civil War and fought at the Battle of Forks Road in Wilmington. The sculptures are life-size casts molded from the features of USCT descendants, community leaders, veterans and reenactors. Duke University instructor and artist Stephen Hayes is the man behind the historical and Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 17

Cameron Art Museum welcomed over 1,500 visitors to a moving unveiling ceremony.

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artistic endeavor. “Finding out the history was the inspiration behind doing this project,” said Hayes. “The Battle of Forks Road and the history of the USCT is a story our community needs to hear.” CAM is located on the historic grounds of the Battle of Forks Road. In the conflict, 2000 USCT successfully fought to take control of Wilmington, which was the Confederacy’s last seaport. “So many people were excited to take this on with me and felt honored, Hayes said. “One of the participants actually felt like he wasn’t worthy to contribute to the exhibit. I told him that this was a way to honor his family and leave a legacy for generations after him. After having that conversation, he felt confident to join.” History can serve as a great teach-

Finding out the history was the inspiration behind doing this project. ~ STEPHEN HAYES er. For Hayes, art serves as an instructor for humanity as well. “Art is a teacher,” Hayes said. “I want people to learn the history and

what people back then went through and use it to propel themselves going forward.” At the core of the exhibit is the heart of all the different people involved. It was a collaborative effort between Hayes, CAM, the city of Wilmington and the 11 men who served as the casts for the sculptures. “I’m trying to connect people from different backgrounds and generations,” Hayes said. “So many people came together to make this exhibit happen. You don’t always get to work with live people when creating artwork. The fact this project involved working with real people for the art made it so special for me. I hope everyone who visits learns something and takes away something meaningful from it.” For more information, visit www. cameronartmuseum.org.

We are overjoyed with the extraordinary response from our community to the unveiling of Boundless. ~ HEATHER WILSON

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 19

Story by Lauren Branch

Monster trucks power their way through Eastern NC

onster Truck Wars has been rolling through the country for over 60 years, and the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville, NC is one of the stops on their tour. Monster trucks have been around

since the 1970s and were used in car-crushing demonstrations. Influence by modified stock pickup trucks and SUVs, Monster Trucks have evolved and grown into their own conglomerate. At 12-feet Monster Trucks tall are made of fiberglass and have suspension, four-wheel steering, oversized (66-in off-road) tires, and a

host of other features added just for bragging rights. They do not come cheap. A lot of money, time, and work is invested into each truck. “Half a million dollars. I mean when it’s all said and done with the trucks themselves, all the parts, and the tools and everything, it’s a major

Get a chance to experience the excitement in a Monster Truck Ride Along.

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Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 21

investment. Yeah, it’s a lot of money,” said Ron Woodbridge, production manager. The show stops at 50 locations a year so a driver will easily perform between 100-150 shows a year because they sometimes do more than one show at each location. The tour includes five trucks with one driver each. The drivers are from all over the country. People who want to be drivers have to gain the trust of other drivers in 22 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Youth can be a part of the powerwheel race, and adults can enjoy the VIP pit party.

the industry. Drivers are usually crew members first helping out with maintenance and cleaning of the trucks. Once they decide they want to be a driver, they are trained by a mentor using that person’s truck. Some crew members are sometimes lucky enough to fill in during shows when needed. Being a driver is a full-time job due to the number of shows they are in each year. During Monster Truck Wars show you can expect tricks, car crushing, truck/tractor pulling, mud racing, and entertainment from the drivers such as Outlaw and Sheriff, two popular drivers. Crowd participation is important for a good show, and drivers love to see the crowds on the edge of their seats. Monster trucks are also sometimes a side act at other motorsport shows such as motocross, tractor pulls, mud bogging, ATV racing, and demolition derbies. Sometimes during their tours, they add a little fun by doing contests like NC vs. SC. Contests and show winners are determined by a point series. Drivers can win trophies, awards, and cash prizes. Monster Truck Wars will be in Kenansville in Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, with shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets go Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 23

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on sale about six weeks before to the show. Kids can be a part of the powerwheel race, and adults can enjoy the VIP pit party. Crowds come from all over Duplin County and surrounding areas when Monster Truck Wars comes to Kenansville, and the show enjoys their time in Duplin County. “We look forward to coming back to Kenansville. We know the venue. We’ve worked with them for years. We’ve had some really good shows, great success, and big crowds,” said Woodbridge. “I remember one weekend we were there, it was Super Bowl Sunday and we literally had soldout shows. We ended up doing a matinée show on Super Bowl Sunday.” Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 25

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Photos by Matt Ray Photography

HISTORIC VENUE

Brooklyn Arts Center The story of the Brooklyn Arts Center is over 130 years old, and its chapters trace the structure’s historic journey through over a century of beauty, destruction, renovation, and transformation. Story by Annesophia Richards

uilt in 1888, the Brooklyn Arts Center (BAC) was constructed as St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to house the first organized Presbyterian congregation in Wilmington. The church’s large, Victorian Gothic style can be attributed to German architect and contractor Adolphus Gustavus Bauer, who also built and designed the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh and other notable structures across North Carolina. Church membership skyrocketed under the arrival

of its first pastor, Reverend McClure. In 1906, the church manse was constructed right next door as the home of the reverend, followed in 1910 by an addition to the Sunday School behind the sanctuary called the Memorial Hall Annex. Although the church flourished under Reverend McClure, the two decades following his death in 1920 saw change both in the congregation and the downtown area. The building’s age started to show, and it became

evident that costly repairs would soon be needed. “The congregation of St. Andrews actually left this church in the 1940’s and moved over to the Church of the Covenant on 15th and Market Street, and the two are still merged today as St. Andrew’s-Covenant Presbyterian Church,” says Brooklyn Arts Center’s current owner, Jay Tatum. “The building then became home to the First Pentecostal Holiness Church, and when they moved into the church, Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 29

They believed that if the building could be resurrected and turned into a community arts center, it would be the heartbeat of the Brooklyn neighborhood. ~ JAY TATUM

some of the problems Andrews Presbyterian was having with the building, such as the deterioration of the slate roof, still needed to be addressed, but weren’t.” By 1957, the majority of the Pentecostal Holiness Church moved out

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of St. Andrews, and the Holy Trinity congregation moved in. Faced with the same building upkeep concerns and structural challenges as the previous tenants, Holy Trinity and its followers eventually retreated into the Annex for worship, and by 1965 the City of Wilmington listed the property as vacant. The Holy Trinity Church eventually hired a contractor to replace the roof, which turned out to be a regretful decision. The contractor removed the entire original slate roof at one time, but without the funds to completely rebuild the roof, the church could only afford to replace small portions, leaving a large hole exposing the sanctuary to the outdoor elements. Weather damage from thunderstorms, wind storms, and Hurricanes Bertha and Fran decimated what was left of the roof and destroyed the church’s front wall. However, thanks to funding from Charlotte businessman W. Douglas

Foster, the building was stabilized and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2002, the city selected the proposal of developer David Nathans, owner of Urban Building Corp., and Gene Merritt, former president of the North Fourth Street Partnership, to rehabilitate the church and turn it into a nonprofit, multi-purpose, arts and entertainment facility. “They believed that if the building could be resurrected and turned into a community arts center, it would be the heartbeat of the Brooklyn neighborhood,” says Tatum. “The church is so beautiful, and has so much history, so they weren’t willing to just give up on it.” Nathans went on to eventually purchase the property from the city through private financing, and after two years of renovations, the Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrew’s hosted its first wedding in 2011. Restoration of the Annex soon followed, and it opened in 2016 as the center’s second venue space. The center’s influx of weddings led to a business relationship between Nathans and Tatum, who owned a and local DJ company. What began as a spot on the preferred vendor list soon grew into a solid friendship, so when Tatum heard Nathans was considering selling the BAC, he and his wife Tara took a leap of faith. The Tatums took over ownership of the business in 2018, followed by purchasing the property in 2020, and the couple have spent the last few years restoring the city’s beloved landmark back to its full glory. “I’ve been in the wedding industry for over 20 years, and I’ve been to almost every single event venue in the Southeastern part of the state. The Brooklyn Arts Center was always one of my favorite places to work, because I love the history behind it and everything about it. When I got here as a business owner, it’s not that I thought there was a lot wrong with

The church is so beautiful, and has so much history, so they weren’t willing to just give up on it. ~ JAY TATUM the place, because David Nathans had already done a great job with everything. It’s just that there were ways I felt we could add more.” Tatum and his team quickly got to work making adjustments to the space. Since weddings brought in the bulk of BAC’s business, adding the ability to sell alcohol as a full-service bar was on top of the list. During a temporary closure due to Hurricane Florence, Tatum took the opportunity to initiate other renovations to the building, and then again in 2020

when the pandemic hit and the center had to close for a longer stretch. “We decided we weren’t going to just sit here idle, so we started giving tours to people on FaceTime so we could keep selling the venue for future dates. We also began making some substantial repairs to the building, like laying hardwood floors down, redoing all our suites with new furniture, new paint, and new artwork. We upgraded our lighting, repainted the interior of the building, re-landscaped the whole property,

added ceiling fans, and put in insulation. When you have a building that’s over 10,000 square feet, and especially when it’s 133 years old, there’s always things you can do.” Tatum also had the building’s original 1888 pocket doors restored and reinstalled, and repurposed the original wood from the church’s pulpit into an ornate bar in the Annex. As for the windows, although much of the original stained glass in the church building was destroyed or stolen over time, what remains has been salvaged and now stands as fine art throughout the property. The original church bell tower has also been repurposed into a private bourbon bar and tasting room. What was once dead space in the balcony area now serves as a VIP experience for small rehearsal dinners and corporate gatherings. “We also have an awesome baseSoutheast North Carolina Magazine | 31

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ment and are looking at creating a speakeasy sort of vibe down there,” says Tatum. “Our long-term goal and vision would be to have some bar options, so people could come here from Monday through Thursday and just go have a drink, either in our basement bar or up in the bell tower, so then we’d have something going on here every day of the week.” Just behind the Annex on Campbell Street sits BAC’s newest addition, Cat’s Cottage. The Tatums purchased the cottage in November of 2020 from the family of Ms. Cat, a staple of the Brooklyn neighborhood who lived in the home since the 1950’s. Cat’s Cottage has now been completely renovated and restored and is available as a short-term rental for BAC clients. Tatum believes what makes the BAC such a vital pillar in Wilmington’s landscape is its undeniable charm and history. “When I think of Wilmington and what makes it unique, I think of the river, the ocean, and our downtown. For Brooklyn, it’s situated in such a unique place in Wilmington, not right in the business of downtown but still surrounded by history, and we have our own little vibe here. As an old church from the 1800’s, it’s awesome to think about how many people have been here and that it’s still here and open to the public. There’s the allure of its history, and the location is perfect.” Tatum also recognizes all of the people along the way who played a part in keeping the BAC’s story going and bringing the property back to life. “I feel my role as the owner is of someone with a baton who’s going to pass it on,” says Tatum. “This is an iconic building to Wilmington, and long after I’m gone it’s still going to be here. So many hands have worked to make sure this building stays here, and there’s going to be other people after me who’re going to have to keep it what it is. There’s been alot of talk of getting rid of it along the way, and it could have been turned into a lot of things, but I think it’s doing what it was always designed to do.”

Photos by Amelia Mason Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 33

Story by Ena Sellers

A Great horned owls can get up to 25 inches in length and can have up to a 5-foot wingspan. Great Horned Owls are fierce predators that can take large prey, including raptors.

s a fading grunt—likened to a hollow drum—slowly becomes clear, the sound of crunching leaves a couple of feet away soon reveals the presence of a tall bird with a long neck and a shaggy sheepdog-like plumage. Standing on two skinny scaly legs, his bright orange eyes stare inquisitively as he greets volunteers. Meet Romeo, he is an Emu and a longtime resident of Skywatch Bird Rescue. Romeo is one of the thousands of birds the non-profit has rescued since opening its doors in 2010. Tucked away between the Northeast Cape Fear River and Porters Neck is Castle Hayne, home to the 10-acre sanctuary founded by Amelia Mason. The non-profit rescues injured wild birds, providing medical care, safe housing, food, and rehabilitation until they can be returned to the wild. The bird rescue also provides a permanent sanctuary for domestic and exotic birds. “Our first year we took in 350 birds, the second 500, the third 600. Each year more and people would call us for help when they came across injured birds,” said Mason.

Meet Romeo. He is an Emu and he is known for his docile nature. He loves to follow volunteers and eats out of their hand.

34 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

FUN FACTS • Emus can run up to 30 miles per hour. • These three-toed birds have scales on their feet, One toe on each foot has a long talon they use to fight. • Some Emus can get up to 7 ft. tall. • They are the second largest bird in the world. • An emu can be heard from more than 100 meters away. • Emus like to stop in midstride as they observe their environment.

Currently, Skywatch rescues nearly 3,000 birds a year. Mason, a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator who grew up surrounded by wildlife experts, found her true calling rescuing birds. According to Mason, after learning that wildlife rescues are not funded by tax-payer dollars, she was compelled to obtain her state, federal, and wildlife educational permits and bring her vision to life. “Birds are incredibly important to the environment,” said Mason, sharing birds help forests and woodlands. She added that birds not only enrich the environment but are essential for humans’ welfare. History is filled with accounts of how birds help humans in so many ways. For instance, they help farmers with their crops by foraging insects. Birds are also known for dispersing seeds and even assisting germination when they eat fruit from trees. Birds unknowingly help humans gauge an ecosystem’s health thanks to their sensitivity to environmental changes. According to Mason, 95% of birds that are taken in by Skywatch are brought in due to men-caused injuries. “We are hurting them, so I feel like we should be helping them. I’m trying to bridge the gap between the community and wildlife, so they can be educated,” she said. When asked about one of the rescues that come to mind, Mason shared the story of a young cygnet they picked up from a pond in an affluent neighborhood. “She was only a few months old,” Mason said. The cygnet had grown with a fishing line wrapped around her tongue and bottom mandible, and as she grew bigger the line kept wrapping tighter and tighter. “By the time we were called and went to rescue her, she was barely alive, and her bottom mandible was dangling down along with her tongue, almost completely severed by the fishing line,” Mason said. Seven years later, after a long and exhausting rehabilitation journey, the Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 35

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Every year Skywatch welcomes baby bird feeders. Volunteering as a baby bird feeder is a great way to learn about avian husbandry. If you have a steady hand, good eyesight and attention to detail, you’re ideal for feeding baby birds. For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit skywatchbirdrescue.org

cygnet has recovered and lives a happy and healthy life at the bird sanctuary. “Rescues like this also show the self-entitlement of humans and their self-serving nature. Although she was surrounded by millionaires in this golf course community, no one wanted to help support her care financially,” said Mason. She added that someone from the community kept asking what was taking them so long to bring the swan back, as they enjoyed the swan in their neighborhood. “They inadvertently caused her injuries by allowing fishing in their own ponds,” said Mason. She finds satisfaction in being able to help these animals. “Although the animal can’t thank you, you find satisfaction and reward from knowing you have taken away their suffering and given them a life they deserve,” she added. According to Mason, one of the biggest challenges is mobilizing volunteers and having somebody pick up the injured birds and take them to Sky-

watch for care. “We get an overwhelming amount of phone calls from all over North Carolina from people asking us to come pick up birds that are injured,” Mason said. “At the end of the day, our biggest need would be a rescue vehicle with a paid employee to be on call and dispatched to drive around and do all the bird pickups needed,” Mason added. Mason hopes to have a new clinic building onsite within the next five years and hopes to modernize their fa-

cilities for the rehabilitation volunteers. Having shorebird habitats developed is another one of her goals. She says she hopes to have them for the public to visit and learn from as they enjoy a visit to the sanctuary. People can Skywatch by supporting them with monetary donations. They can also buy items from the wish list posted online. Mason encourages people to follow their Facebook page and share their fundraisers and educational posts. Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 37

entertainment

Get your feet tapping to the rythm Story by Chris DeWitt

he 42nd annual North Carolina Jazz Festival will be taking center stage at the Hotel Ballast, located at 301 North Water Street in Wilmington, NC.

After only being able to only do a live stream last year due to the pandemic, the tarheel state celebration of jazz music is scheduled Feb. 3 through Feb. 5, 2022. “We have been hearing from our patrons all year about how excited they are to return in 2022,” said Sandy Evans, NCJF president. “People are also concerned about the safety as well, and we have taken every necessary precaution and made some adjustments. Rather than seating 500 people in the ballroom, we are limiting the capacity to 300. It poses a financial challenge for us, but the safety of everyone involved is our top priority.” The performers involved with the NCJF are no stranger to challenges, as live shows came to a halt in 2020 and some in this year. Artists have had to use their creativity to reach audiences and students in unconventional ways. “One of our musicians started giving lessons and live streaming,” Evans said. “He now has more students than ever before on an international scale. His and similar efforts of other artists inspired me to do the 90-minute livestream last 38 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

One of our musicians started giving lessons and live streaming. He now has more students than ever before on an international scale. SANDY EVANS

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 39

I’ve met people who came all the way from Japan to attend the festival. It is such a delight to gather fans from this rich tradition of music from different backgrounds. SANDY EVANS 40 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Photos courtesy of North Carolina Jazz Festival

year for viewers.” While the NCJF is a major venue that attracts NC residents from throughout the state, its reach goes way beyond that. “We have performers from New York and all across the country as well as attendants,” Evans said. “I’ve met people who came all the way from Japan to attend the festival. It is such a delight to gather fans from this rich tradition of music from different backgrounds. We used to just feature traditional jazz, but we have incorporated other forms for a while now. That has just expanded our audience.” Live concerts can offer a sense of connection among performers and attendants alike. This is certainly the case for the NCJF. “People are starved for the music and the camaraderie,” Evans said. “They want to experience the music with the artists and fellow fans. Many of the fans follow these musicians throughout the United States at the different festivals they perform. They really are dedicated and we are happy to have them back.” For more information about the NCJF, visit www.ncjazzfestival.org or call 910-793-1111. Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 41

B 42 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

H A, B, C. Bamboo kitchen utensils D. Handmade porcelain mugs E. Sculpture by Justine Ferreri F. Seahorse cast in bronze by Tex Mueller G. Designer pottery handbag by Marvin Gardens H. Cuffs and bracelets by Claire Renaud I. Ship lamp A, B and C available at Cavenaugh’s Gifts of Distinction in Wallace, N.C. D, E, F, G, H and I available at Eclipse Artisan Boutique in Wilmington, N.C.

Play Dates Events and places to visit in Southeastern North Carolina DEC

Little Talks 317 Middle St., New Bern, NC

THU Craven Arts Council presents “Little Talks,” a lecture given by local sculptor Stephen Zawistowski, who will be discussing his creative process. He uses steel to create one-of-a-kind pieces. His piece Blue Crab is currently on display in the Critters Exhibition in the Main Gallery at the Bank of the Arts.

DEC

SAT

15th annual Santa Paws Parade South Front Street and Craven Street, New Bern, N.C.

Join New Bern for their annual celebration of our furry four legged friends in the spirit of Christmas! Participants will meet at the corner of South Front Street and Craven Street, on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.

DEC

17 FRI

DEC

17 FRI

Winter Wonderland 50 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC

Explore Winter Wonderland, with holiday-themed science activities and games from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.,. Children 2 and under are free. 44 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Holiday Whoobie Whatty Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion

Don your best Whoville attire and join in a Grinch-themed outdoor holiday celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The evening will start with a viewing of the 2000 version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” While the film is playing, everyone can visit different stations setup throughout the park for face painting, Grinch crafts, cookie decorating, and photos with the Grinch. This event is free.

DEC

17 FRI

Bryan Mayer Mistletoe Market south Front Street, New Bern

Bryan Mayer will play holiday tunes from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mistletoe Market. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy your holiday favorites.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS: Many festivals, concerts and other events have been canceled for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. All of the events listed here were still on schedule as of press time, but it’s best to check with each venue to ensure that the event is still going on as planned.

DEC

SAT DEC

SAT

Let It Snow: Planetarium Show Sturgeon City, Jacksonville, NC

Watch this festive 30 minute full-dome video while listening to classic Christmas music. This fun animated show will have kids, parents, and grandparents singing along on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Christmas Town ELJ Farms, 133 Batting Cage Trail, Jacksonville, NC

This animated Christmas light experience is something you do not want to miss. Now through Jan. 1, take a tractor ride or drive through in your own vehicle through a myriad of Christmas lights, giant toy soldiers, and more on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

DEC

20 SUN

Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights 1600 Haw Branch Rd., Beulaville, NC

Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights,Ho Ho Christmas Show, Supper with Santa, private mini-wagon rides, and and more! Now through Dec. 28.

DEC

31 FRI

An Evening with the Phantom 516 E Main St., Elizabeth City, NC

Spend New Year’s Eve with the Phantom and Friends. There will be a champagne toast, dessert and Meet and Greet with Randal Keith.

DEC

31 FRI

Downtown Countdown 711 Evans St. in Morehead City

The Downtown Countdown is a fun family-friendly event. Enjoy the views along the Morehead City waterfront before the festivities begin. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., there will be children’s activities and the fire department will drop the kid’s crab pot at Big Rock Landing. At 6 p.m., fireworks will be shot from Sugarloaf Island. Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 45

DEC

31 FRI

JAN

Kwanzaa Celebration & Vendor Fair

1301 North Rochelle Boulevard, Kinston, NC

Comedian James Gregory will be performing ‘The Funniest Man in America’ at the Paramount Theater on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

JAN

SAT

THU

Jazz@CAM Series 3201 S 17th St Wilmington, NC

Cameron Arts Museum announces its 11th year of Jazz@CAM featuring the best local and regional jazz. First Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This series is presented in partnership with Cape Fear Jazz Society.

Art & The Bloom 275 Waynick Boulevard, Wrightsville, NC

Paramount Theater Goldsboro, NC

FRI

The Fresh Foods Interest Group invites you to an afternoon of food, fun, fellowship and shopping at the Kwanzaa Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. This event is free to attend.

JAN

Comedy show

KANSAS in Concert 1960 Coliseum Dr., Fayetteville, NC

The concert will be at the Crown Center and it starts at 7:30 p.m. KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio with a legendary career spanning nearly five decades. For more details, visitcrowncomplexnc.com.

JAN

SAT

Brad Hudson Hometown Concert 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville, NC

Brad Hudson is coming to Duplin to do a hometown show for Eastern North Carolina on Jan.15, 2022 at 6 p.m. The concert will be at the Duplin County Events Center. Tickets are $20.

JAN

FRI

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Leading floral designers in North and South Carolina will gather in Wrightsville Beach to showcase their floral creations inspired by fine art, Jan. 7-9, 2022. The three-day Art & The Bloom exhibition and competition includes expert demonstrations and workshops in floral design, floral collage and culinary art, afternoon teas with jewelry fashion shows, gallery art sales by the Wilmington Art Association and nationally renowned vendors. 46 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

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JAN

FRI

JAN

Petite Landmark Competition

516 E Main St., Elizabeth City, NC

The Maguire Theater Arts of the Albemarle announced the Petite Landmark Competition. The 1st place winner will receive a $500 prize. Select one of these landmarks and create a piece in any medium you choose: • The Miles Lyman Clark Memorial Fountain in Pool Street Park • The Arts of the Albemarle stage with a Jazz Singer in a colorful spotlight Deliver your piece to Arts of the Albemarle the week of Jan. 10. Entries are due no later than Jan. 14. Finalists will be selected for showing in the Arts of the Albemarle gallery in February. For more details, visit artsaoa.org.

Pink Hill, NC

TUE

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical 703 N 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC

The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College presents the inspiring true story of one woman’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. – Jan. 27, 10 p.m.

JAN

THU

Alice, an operatic wonderland 516 E. Main St., Elizabeth City, NC

The Maguire Theater presents new comedic opera on Jan.15 and Jan. 16. Alice is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. A nonsensical, heartwarming, coming of age, operatic adventure that invites audiences into a wildly imaginative world of discovery.

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JAN

27 THU

East Coast Shag Classic 100 Charlotte Ave, Carolina Beach, NC

Enjoy a special weekend of beach music shagging to several live bands at Carolina Beach, Jan. 27 – Jan. 30.

JAN

29 SAT

Wilmington Coffee Fest 721 Surry St., Wilmington, NC

A day filled with coffee roasters, seminars, food trucks, music, shops, makers and bakers, Jan. 29 at 9 a.m.

The Good Morning Nags 139 S Center St., Goldsboro, NC

JAN

107 West Broadway • Pink Hill, NC 28572 Ph: 252-568-3161 • www.realopinkhill.com

29 SAT

The Good Morning Nags will be performing Sat., Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theater in Goldsboro.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 47

FEB

THU

Cats Wilson Center 703 North Third Street Wilmington, NC

CATS, the record-breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries will be at the Wilson Center Thursday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

FEB

FRI

Company Thalian Association Community Theatre 310 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC

Company is largely regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre. On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor, Robert, contemplates his unmarried state. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interaction. Feb. 4 -Feb. 13, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

FEB

SUN

Pro Rodeo Bulls, Broncs and Barrels Jack’s Waterfront Bar, Morehead City, NC

Bull Riding, Bronc Riding and Barrel Racing for everyone to enjoy. Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. both nights. Meet and greet after the show with contestants and the rodeo clown. Get their autograph and take pictures with them. 48 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

FEB

20 SUN

Swan Lake

516 E Main St., Elizabeth City, NC

Russian Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake. Dancers bring the choreography to life along with the exquisite hand-painted sets and 150 hand-sewn costumes. Designed by Sergei Novikov, these are in the century-old tradition of the great theatrical masters.

FEB

Brett Dennen See the World Tour 516 N. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC

SAT

American folk/pop singer and songwriter Brett Dennen returns to the Historic Brooklyn Arts Center. Wed, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

MARCH

SAT

St. Patrick’s Day Festival 8700 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle, NC

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival will feature a petting zoo, amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painting, a Beer Garden and over 75 arts and crafts vendors. There will also be a variety of foods including funnel cakes, hamburgers, BBQ and more. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival will be held at the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MARCH

Bert Kreischer 1960 Coliseum Dr., Fayetteville, NC

SAT Bert Kreischer will be performing at the Crown Center on Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

MARCH

26 SAT

Blue, Brew & ‘Que Duplin Events Center, Kenansville, NC Save the date for the 2022 Blue, Brew, & ‘Que Festival at the Duplin County Events Center. Celebrate with Bluegrass music, NC Brews and NC Barbecue! Stay tuned for the Bluegrass line up. The event will feature a whole hog barbecue competition, microbreweries, Duplin County wineries, distillery tastings, vendors and concessions. Fun for the whole family! For more details, visit bluebrewandque.com.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 49

Need a great gift idea for that hard to buy person? Come by The Lighting Gallery and we can help you light up their holiday.

Serving all of Duplin County, Randy Wise and his staff offer a great selection of fine jewelry including watches, necklaces, earrings, and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds! 1144 US HWY. 258 N. SUITE B, KINSTON, NC 28504 OPEN MONDA Y - FRIDA Y 8 AM - 5 PM

50 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 51

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Duplin County Farm Bureau 308 N. Main Street • Kenansville, NC 28349 151 Crossover Road • Beulaville, NC 28518

(910) 296-1486 (910) 298-8400 NCLFNP41000