One Month in Spain, A Lifetime of Memories
FEBRUARY 2026
Cover Photo by Doreen Sargente
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Hello Friends and Neighbors, February always seems to arrive with a spark of energy—fresh starts, heartfelt connections, and a gentle nudge to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. This issue of Brunswick Forest Living embraces that feeling, celebrating the people and experiences that make our community so special.
PUBLISHER: Debby Daigle
CONTENT COORDINATOR: Doreen Sargente
DESIGNER: Amanda Capehart
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: G. Frank Hart Photography
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Contact: Debby Daigle Phone: 910-443-3199
Email: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:
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We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dsargente@ bestversionmedia.com.
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Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Our feature story this month comes from our talented content coordinator, Doreen, who opens up about her unforgettable ve-week journey through Spain with The Good Life Abroad. Her travels o ered a chance to see the world through a new lens—one lled with discovery, friendship, and a deeper sense of balance. It’s a story that reminds us how meaningful it can be to explore, learn, and return home with a renewed perspective.
We’re also excited to highlight one of our newest “Experts,” JBG Services. Owners Jeremy and Billie Gunn, who recently moved to Brunswick Forest, share their inspiring journey from humble beginnings in 2021— starting with just one truck—to now running a full-service crew. I know Jeremy and Billie personally, and they truly are salt-of-the-earth people you can trust. Their honesty, professionalism, and dedication shine through in everything they do, and we’re proud to feature them.
As we continue to grow, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible impact Brunswick Forest Living is having on our community. It’s a joy to share your stories, celebrate local businesses, and highlight the people who make this neighborhood such a special place to call home. We look forward to continuing what we love most—connecting our residents through meaningful stories, right here in Brunswick Forest.
And nally, a sweet note to end on—this month’s Recipe of the Month features Linzer cookies, one of the best cookies ever created. Originally from Austria, the Swiss put their own twist on them with Spitzbuben, which ttingly means“mischievous boys.”They’re the perfect treat to share with your Valentine.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful February.
Ciao!
Debby Daigle Publisher ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com
February has arrived with all its usual charm—short days, hopeful hearts, and a reminder that love comes in many forms. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a sweetheart, friends, family, or a really good piece of chocolate, I hope this month brings warmth and small moments worth savoring.
This month’s cover story is a personal one for me, as it highlights our wonderful ve-week stay in Spain with The Good Life Abroad. What began as a leap of faith turned into a rich, immersive experience lled with culture, connection, and a renewed appreciation for slowing down and living well. I hope it inspires you to say yes to an adventure of your own—big or small.
I'll be hosting an informational seminar on February 26th from 4-6 at the Commons, so keep your eye out for an email from the Wellness Center.
Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay grateful.
Doreen Sargente Content Coordinator dsargente@bestversionmedia.com
From Driveway Dreams to a Trusted Name: The Story of JBG Painting
BY DOREEN SARGENTE
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY BILLIE GUNN
When Jeremy and Billie Gunn decided to launch JBG Services, Painting Division, they weren’t just picking up brushes and ladders—they were filling a void. In May 2021, they noticed something missing in their corner of coastal North Carolina: a painting company that truly called people back, showed up on time, and delivered exceptional work with integrity. That simple idea—to bring reliability and professionalism to the painting industry—became the cornerstone of JBG Painting.
Today, JBG Services provides a full range of painting expertise across the tricounty area, offering interior and exterior painting for both residential and commercial properties. They also specialize in cabinet refinishing, popcorn ceiling removal, wood staining, and even historic restorations. Every job is handled by W-2 employees—never subcontracted out—and the company is fully bonded and insured. Their team uses only premium paints and materials because, as Jeremy puts it, “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time.”
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From humble beginnings in the driveway of their Leland home—with one truck and a shared dream—JBG has grown into a thriving business with five full-time employees, one part-time team member, a fleet of vans and trucks, and a dedicated shop and warehouse in Wilmington. Along the way, they’ve built a company culture rooted in meticulous care, open communication, and professional results.
But what truly sets JBG apart isn’t just their craftsmanship—it’s their heart. “We want to make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Billie. “Whether that’s empowering our employees through knowledge and support or helping homeowners fall in love with their spaces again.” Their employees,
Local Brunswick Forest resident owners, Billie and Jeremy Gunn o er complete painting services - fully insured with W2 employees and on-site management. We love our community, and we have painted dozens of homes in Brunswick Forest. We would love to paint yours!
she adds, are the true highlight of what JBG is all about.
The couple’s dedication extends far beyond the business. Jeremy is deeply involved in the community, having served as president of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and now sitting on its board. He’s also a Rotarian in the Wilmington chapter and serves on the Brunswick County Substance Use, Addiction, & Mental Health Commission. Billie continues to serve as a part-time critical care nurse and is the secretary of the Leland Area Rotary Club.
The Gunns have made Brunswick Forest home and are proud to offer a 10% discount to veterans, nurses, and first responders—a small token
of appreciation for those who give so much. They’ve already completed several projects in the community and hope to be the trusted name residents think of first when it’s time to refresh a room or restore a cherished space.
When they’re not running their growing business or giving back to the community, Jeremy and Billie spend time with their “four-legged kids”: Dakota, their 12-year-old cat, and two rescue dogs, Pinkie Lou and Napoleon.
From driveway dreams to a respected local brand, JBG Painting is proof that when you build a business on integrity, care, and community—you create something that truly lasts.
Hannelore’s Story: From Germany to Brunswick Forest
BY DOREEN SARGENTE
Born in 1942 in Fulda, State Hessen, Germany, Hannelore grew up in the picturesque town of Biedenkopf, nestled along the Lahn River. The town’s 15th-century castle, built by Landgraf Heinrich III of Hessen/Thüringen, provided a storybook backdrop to her childhood. Music played a defining role in Hannelore’s early life, inspired by her mother’s love of playing the piano. That influence led Hannelore to study voice and flute, while her siblings played the violin
IN EVERY DROP
and trumpet. Together, they participated in concerts throughout the community and surrounding areas, bringing joy through musical expression.
Alongside her artistic interests, Hannelore developed a strong curiosity about homeopathic medicine, biology, and chemistry. These interests guided her toward a career in pharmacy, a field in which she worked prior to immigrating to the United States. A pivotal moment came in 1960 when Biedenkopf was selected as a vacation camp for American Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts whose families were stationed in Germany. Through these interactions, Hannelore gained her first exposure to American culture—an experience that left a lasting impression and planted the seed for her future journey.
In 1967, driven by a free and adventurous spirit and a desire to build her own dream after the aftermath of war, Hannelore immigrated to the United States. She returned to college to study business administration and went on to enjoy a successful 36-year career managing insurance income for medical clinics. During that time, she played an instrumental role in introducing Managed Care programs in the Washington, D.C. area.
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Hannelore and her husband of 41 years, Dennis, later began searching for a warmer climate.
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For over a decade, they visited the North Carolina beaches, always finding themselves drawn back to Brunswick Forest. In 2020, they officially made it their home.
One of the greatest joys for Hannelore is the area’s strong support of the arts. Music remained a constant throughout her life. In the United States, Hannelore sang with a Sweet Adelines chorus and competed internationally, blending precision, harmony, and joy— proof that her early musical roots never stopped growing. cultural arts, particularly the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, which she describes as “a song to her heart.”
Staying connected to her German roots remains important to Hannelore. She is actively involved in the German Stammtisch in Southport, where she teaches German folk songs to a group of
nearly 70 American and German participants. She also participates in a monthly Kaffeeklatsch with 10 other German-born women, enjoying homemade Kuchen, shared anecdotes, and lively conversation. Pickleball rounds out her active lifestyle, along with the deep friendships she values so highly.
Before marrying Dennis, Hannelore explored Europe on her own. Once married, they traveled even more widely across Europe and visited every U.S. national park, with her
solo adventures enriching her love of diverse cultures.
Hannelore’s inspirations reflect her wide-ranging interests: her favorite composer is Franz Joseph Haydn, her favorite poet is Maya Angelou, her favorite movie is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and her favorite rock band is Queen. Looking back, Hannelore views her life as a rich journey across continents, careers, and communities—one defined most meaningfully by connection, creativity, and friendship.
JAMon the Run:
The Tale of the Mischievous Linzer Twins
BY DEBBY DAIGLE
Long before these cookies landed on American cookie plates, they were already welltraveled—and a little bit naughty.
The story begins in Central Europe, where bakers had a habit of borrowing good ideas and improving them. Somewhere between the rolling hills of Austria and the tidy villages of Switzerland, the elegant Linzer torte—made with nutty dough and jewel-toned jam—was shrunk down into something far more playful. What had once been a dignified cake became a sandwich cookie with a secret center and a dusting of powdered sugar, like fresh snow on a winter morning.
The Swiss gave these cookies the perfect name: Spitzbuben, or “mischievous boys.” It’s easy to see why. With their peekaboo windows of jam and their tendency to disappear quickly from cookie tins, they feel like they’re up to something. One moment they’re lined up neatly on a plate, and the next—gone, with nothing but a few crumbs and a smudge of powdered sugar left behind.
Each bite carries a little history: buttery dough enriched with almonds, brightened with lemon, and warmly spiced with cinnamon, all hugging a sweet layer of apricot or strawberry jam. They’re refined but not fussy, classic but full of charm— cookies that know where they came from and aren’t afraid to have a little fun along the way.
Whether you call them Linzer cookies, Linzer Augen, or Spitzbuben, one thing is certain: these cookies were born to be shared, stacked, gifted, and occasionally stolen straight from the cooling rack. After all, a truly great cookie should always feel just a tiny bit mischievous.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 large egg yolks
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
1 cup almond flour spooned and leveled
½ cup apricot or strawberry jam
powdered sugar for decoration optional
In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the butter on medium speed until creamy for about 1-2 minutes. Add the sugar and mix to combine. Stir in the egg yolks until combined. Add the salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice and mix just until incorporated. On low speed, stir in flour and almond flour just to combine.
Divide the dough in half and shape into 1-inch thick discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Preheat the oven to 350°F, line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc at a time ¼ inch thick. Using a 2-inch cookie cutter of your choice, cut out cookies and place about 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake one sheet at a time for 9-10 minutes until they look dry. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Fill cooled cookies with jam by spreading jam on the bottom of one cookie and placing another on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
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RICE FESTIVAL 2026
GOT RICE? Get Ready for the 2026 NC Rice Festival!
BY KAMILI ANDERSON
This March, surrounded by some of Brunswick County’s largest former rice plantations, the North Carolina Rice Festival will take place once again at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson in Winnabow.
But the Festival is more than a celebration of food and more than a one-day affair. Though rice is no longer grown in Brunswick County, its legacy has left a mark, dietarily and topographically. The area’s swamplands-turned-thriving-rice-fields are mostly obscured, drained and replaced by suburban development. Little do newcomers to the region today know that rice had such an enduring impact on the fates, fortunes, and foodways of so many.
The Rice Festival thus plays a dual role. Reviving not only the historic, large-scale rice cultivation around here but also Brunswick County’s inclusion in what is now the federally recognized Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (www.gullahgeecheecorridor.org), whose mission is to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee west Africans and their descendants who gave so much to grow and harvest the “Carolina Gold” of yore.
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A map of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, highlighting Brunswick County, home of the NC Rice Festival, in red.
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RIVERWALK TRIBUTE
The Festival’s free, culturally focused events invite locals and visitors to learn about the region’s forgotten agricultural history and the unique and enduring legacy of the Gullah Geechee. They include the following:
Introducing...the North Carolina Rice Festival! (Wednesday, March 4; WWAY-TV3 headquarters, 1224 Magnolia Village Way in Leland; 6pm – 8pm)
African Ancestry DNA Reveal (Thursday, March 5; Navassa Community Center, 338 Main Street in Navassa; 6pm – 9pm)
Summit Meeting of the North Carolina Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commissioners(Friday, March 6; Reaves Chapel Church, 2042 Cedar Hill Road NE in Navassa; 10am –3pm)
Pre-Festival Party Celebration hosted by Brunswick Beer & Cider (Friday, March 6; Brunswick Beer & Cider, 1313 South Dickinson Drive in Leland, 5pm – 10pm; food and drink self-pay)
North Carolina Rice Festival (Saturday, March 7; Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 St. Philip’s Road SE in Winnabow, 9:30am to 4pm; free parking available)
Festival goers participating in a solemn riverwalk tribute to the Gullah Geechee ancestors along the banks of the Brunswick River.
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Above: A US Colored Troops reenactor holds court with Festival attendees
This year’s North Carolina Rice Festival will once again feature live music, outdoor and indoor presentations, a commemorative tribute, live music, cultural performances, storytellers, a children’s pavilion, arts/ crafts and food vendors, and more. All offer plenty of reasons to educate and celebrate. For more information, visit the website: www.northcarolinaricefestival.org.
Below: Rapt audience at the Festival’s Ancestry Reveal event in Navassa, including Leland mayor Brenda Bozeman, sitting bottom, left.
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RopesandRODS
SUBMITTED BY NICOLE WELLER
What comes to mind when watching an accomplished amateur or professional golfer swing a club? Is it the whoosh sound that the clubs makes? Is it the seemingly effortless smooth move seen from start to finish? Is it the great balance? To make this happen, one of the keys within a golf swing is being tension-free in the arms and as a teaching professional, I can tell you that’s one thing we don’t see with many golf swings. Golfers ‘grip’ the club so firmly that their knuckles turn white, their hands get sore and their arms block all the energy from smoothly traveling from the body out through the hands and into that golf club. Tension is a big problem, so what can we do about it?
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I was just teaching at a big PGA Women’s Clinic corporate event in Charlotte and host / former LPGA player Jane Blalock was there. She mentioned that she doesn’t hold the club soft but gently… sometimes different words bring about a better image. Either way, the pressure was definitely on the lighter than tighter side!
Change wording from grip as a verb to grip as a noun and then the verb being hold, place or apply. Place your hands on the club. Apply your hands to the grip. Hold the club. But please don’t GRIP it! For right-handed golfers, Tight usually goes Right since the arms can’t let the club head release softly around. The hands have to be able to allow the energy to let the club swing.
Imagine your arms being two thick ropes or lines like at a gym or on a boat instead of two steel rods. One could even imagine the arms being like the tips of a fishing rod with some suppleness and flex to them.
Hit shots / chips / pitches with five different grip pressures from extremely light to extremely firm. You could even use a number system from 1 (soft) to 5 (firm). Keep the same grip pressure in both hands and keep it constant throughout the swing. Do this four times with each of the grip pressures. Can you start with a 2 in each hand and finish with a 2? Or do you start with a 1 and end with a 4? What pressure is best for you?
Repeat #3 with different tension levels in your forearms and shoulders. What pressure is best for you?
You can get a sensor to measure grip pressure. I used to have a grip way back when that screeched loudly if it was held too tightly. I loved that as a training tool, made for one loud session in most cases! Unfortunately it was on a club permanently but these days there are other tools out there, like Smart Swing that measures pressure.
Figure out what tension works best for your body to transmit the energy through your arms and into the club with arm ‘ropes’ instead of ‘steel rods’ and I hope you start seeing more shots get out there long and in play with
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Spain Reimagined:
A Month Made for Falling in Love (With Life All Over Again)
PHOTOS & ARTICLE WRITTEN BY DOREEN SARGENTE
How We Stopped Chasing Destinations and Let Spain Catch Us
Spain wasn’t new to me, but it certainly felt new. The last time I’d been to Madrid was in 1972, when Franco still ruled and the city moved to a much slower, more serious rhythm. This time, it felt reborn — vibrant, confident, and very much awake. It was the perfect start to what turned into a five-week journey filled with discovery, good food, new friends, and the kind of moments that feel tailor-made for a February romance issue… even if the romance was mostly between us and Spain itself.
Madrid: Tuk Tuks, Tapas, and the World’s Oldest Roast Dinner
We began our adventure with five nights in Madrid, just enough time to find our footing, marvel at how much the city had changed, and remember how to pronounce “caña” without accidentally ordering a bathtub-sized beer.
A Tuk Tuk tour kicked things off, whisking us through grand boulevards and tiny side streets while our guide gave us a lively crash course in Madrid’s past and present.
We made a pilgrimage to Toledo for a day — because if you can stand in a medieval hilltop city and not feel swept up in a storybook, check your pulse — and also dutifully hit the Prado. After about the 100th portrait of a stern aristocrat, I realized one of us was going to need a snack or a nap (preferably both), and neither of those things were on display in Room 28.
However, dinner that night made up for everything. We joined a guided tour of Botín, officially the oldest restaurant in the world. The history alone was wonderful, and the food didn’t hurt. We even saw the famous Hemingway table — though we were seated at the “Mickey Mouse table,” directly under
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a vintage sketch of Mickey himself. Fitting? Somehow, yes. If you know, you know.
Valencia & The Good Life Abroad: A Month That Felt Like a Second Home
From Madrid, a smooth train ride delivered us to Valencia for the heart of our trip: thirty days with The Good Life Abroad (TGLA), a company specializing in “slow travel” — month-long stays in cities like Paris, London, Prague, Lisbon, Barcelona, Split, and several more. While we were there, they even rolled out a two-week program for a few select cities like Nice and Edinburgh, among others, perfect for those who want the experience but not the full month-long commitment.
Our group of eighteen settled into the lively Ruzafa neighborhood, each of us in our own small but comfortable apartment (about 525 square feet) in the same building. It made spontaneous gatherings feel natural, even inevitable — a bit like a grown-up version of a college dorm, minus the exams and better wine.
Our community manager, Suzie, quickly became our guiding star. Young, upbeat, and endlessly patient, she balanced logistics, personalities, and the occasional minor emergency with grace. When our oldest traveler — a spry 90-year-old — took a fall and needed an ambulance, she handled translation, reassurance, and hospital navigation like a seasoned pro. A powerful reminder: travel insurance is not optional.
A Rhythm of Activity and Independence
TGLA has a standard weekly structure — activities on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, leaving plenty of time to explore on your own. It was a mix that suited us perfectly.
Our first official gathering was a local restaurant, Pane & Vino, which is run by a young couple, Suzanna and Ricardo, whose warmth was as memorable as their wine list. It became our unofficial clubhouse-the kind of place where you could count on seeing familiar faces and share a toast or two.
A small sampling of some of the group activities:
Paella class with Ramón, the recent winner of Valencia’s annual paella contest. Traditional Valencian paella uses chicken and rabbit — and believe me, after tasting his
© Best Version Media
saffron-bright, smoky masterpiece, we understood why he’d won. You could practically hear the rice applaud.
Fallas Museum, home to the rescued “ninots” (intricate life-size figures) spared each year from the fiery Fallas festival. They range from whimsical to jaw-dropping in detail, and seeing them up close was unforgettable.
Albufera boat ride, gliding across a serene natural lagoon before sitting down to a paella lunch in a charming, authentic restaurant that felt like a secret passed down through generations.
TRAVEL
A few of the activities we did on our own:
A three-hour bike tour, pedaling from the historic center all the way to the beach. Our guide kept us laughing and learning the entire way — and no, the sea breeze didn’t hurt.
A wine tour with a small group of four. Our guide was wonderful, the winery warm and welcoming, and the lunch they prepared felt like something out of a rustic Spanish cookbook.
A truly invigorating hike through rocky, hilly terrain — and here’s where I confess: I’m not a hiker. Not even close. We were both gloriously exhausted that night, in the best way possible. We rewarded ourselves by slipping into “thermal springs,” though at 75 degrees, the only thing thermal was our optimism.
A Side Trip to Altea: Fireworks, Seaside Air, and Pure Magic
We stole away for two nights in Altea, a coastal town straight from a postcard — whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and sea views that are etched in my mind.
Our beachfront apartment felt like a dream,
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but the real show began unexpectedly. Just as we were dozing off around midnight, an explosive boom shook the windows.I rushed outside expecting a commotion and instead found… fireworks. Massive, dazzling, heart-stopping fireworks being launched so close we felt the vibrations in our teeth. They lasted nearly half an hour, turning the Mediterranean into a shimmering mirror of color. My husband slept through the entire spectacle, and I didn’t get a single photo — but it’s a memory I’ll keep forever.
The Joy of Staying Put
People have asked whether we got bored spending a whole month in one city. Not even for a minute.
I discovered I adore slow travel — the rhythm of living, not just passing through. Mornings at cafés. Afternoons wandering without an agenda.
Evenings filled with tapas, conversation, and the comfortable sense that the city was ours, if only temporarily.
Sure, I celebrated my arrival back home with a meatball sub — balance is important — but I quickly found myself missing
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Valencia’s effortless charm. The spontaneity. The warmth. The music, both literal and figurative, of daily life echoing from balconies and plazas.
Why The Good Life Abroad Has Everyone Talking
Since returning in October, a surprising number of people have asked about TGLA — far more than I expected. The appeal seems clear: one destination, one suitcase, one set of keys. No constant packing, unpacking, repacking, or wondering where you left your favorite sweater.
For many, the idea of settling in for a month — or even the new two-week option — feels more relaxing, more immersive, and frankly more doable than whirlwind travel.
Interested? I’m Hosting an Informational Talk
So many residents have asked for details that I’m planning an informational session about The Good Life Abroad on February 26 at the Commons from 4-6— what the month looks like, what’s included, how it works, and why it might just be the most enjoyable way to travel.
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending extended time in Europe without the hassle of constant motion, this is your chance to learn more. Keep your eye on your emails from the Wellness Center and register early!
Spain may not have been new, but the experience certainly was — romantic, surprising, joyful, and wonderfully slow in all the right ways. Sometimes the best adventures aren’t about how far you go, but how deeply you settle in. And sometimes, staying put is the most unforgettable journey of all.
Artist Exhibition
I was born in Vermont and at age 6 months old traveled to Japan with my Mom and 17-month old sister to join my Dad, who was already in Tokyo, stationed there as an Army Military Intelligence officer. My father’s assignments enabled me to live in France, Germany, and many other locations, including Japan during high school. The vagabond lifestyle continued when I married an Army officer.
I majored in art and anthropology in college, and earned a Master’s degree in Asian and Pacific Art history from the University of Hawaii. As a military wife, I scrambled at every reassignment to find work outside the home for pay, in museums whenever possible, that would not stretch me too far from my two sons. Retirement finds me at work in my studio space at home, quilting or sketching North Carolina native plants.
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REAL ESTATE STATISTICS - DECEMBER 2025
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Meet Lucy, this 4-year-old pit bull has the heart of a lion and the self-image of a tiny kitten. Lucy is a wonderful house guest, housebroken and well-mannered and she thrives on a consistent walking routine. She’s full of personality, loves to snuggle, and never says no to a good car ride.
proudly sponsored by: LISA BURTON, RE/MAX ESSENTIAL
Meet Murphy, this 2-year-old Great Pyrenees mix, a 96-lb bundle of joy with a heart as big as his fluffy paws. He may be heartworm-positive, but he’s full of life — a busy bee who loves to play, explore, and wrap you in the sweetest, most gentle hugs. This lovable giant is searching for his forever family. He came to Paws Place with his brother Thep, who is also looking for his forever home.
© Best Version Media
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2-27
Rooted in NC Soil: Botanical Art and Illustration
@Leland Cultural Arts Center
A reception will be held on February 5 from 6-8 pm. This is an art exhibit featuring 2D works on paper and quilted fiber art featuring plants that grow in North Carolina.
Time: Mon-Thur, 9 am-9 pm; Fri, 9 am-3 pm; Sat, 9:30 am-3 pm
Cost: FREE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
– SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
46th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival
@ Wilmington (Hotel Ballast)
One of the Southeast’s oldest traditional jazz celebrations with nightly concerts featuring world-class musicians. Grab a ticket for a fun weekend of jazz sounds (kids welcome with listening ears!).
Time: 7:30 pm
Visit: ncjazzfestival.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (Classical Concert)
@ Cape Fear Community College Wilson Center (Wilmington)
A beautiful orchestral performance that’s engaging for all ages who enjoy music. Time: 7:30 PM
Visit: artswilmington.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Family Art Day
@ Cameron Art Museum
Hands-on art activities, gallery exploration, and kid-friendly creativity stations designed for families with children of all ages.
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit: cameronartmuseum.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
A Living Last Supper
@ St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
A free dramatic musical presentation featuring the St. Andrews-Covenant Choir performing a live depiction of the moments before the Last Supper with music from Handel’s Messiah. All ages are welcome; seating is first-come, firstserved. Time: 7:30 PM
Visit: artswilmington.org/event/a-livinglast-supper-free-concert
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Winter Farmers Market
@ Riverfront Farmers’ Market, Wilmington
Local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live acoustic music. Stroller-friendly and perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit: wilmingtonfarmersmarket.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
– SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
@ Thalian Hall
A classic Broadway musical filled with colorful costumes, memorable songs, and plenty of magic. Ideal for families and young theater lovers.
Time: Varies
Visit: thalianhall.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8
North Carolina Rice Festival
@ Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson, Winnabow
A large-scale cultural festival celebrating regional history and heritage through live music, dance, drumming, storytelling, food vendors, arts & crafts, and a dedicated children’s activity area. Outdoor, educational, and engaging for all ages. Time: All day
Visit: northcarolinaricefestival.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Brunswick Beer & Cider Happy Hour
@ Leland (1313 S Dickinson Dr)
Part of Rice Festival festivities — adults can enjoy local brews while families stroll the area.
Time: Evening
Visit: northcarolinaricefestival.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Family Nature Walk & Discovery Day
@ Brunswick Nature Park, Leland
A guided walk with hands-on learning stations focused on local wildlife, ecology, and outdoor exploration for kids and parents alike. Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Visit: townofleland.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Children’s Concert: Musical Stories
@ Wilson Center, CFCC
An interactive concert where music brings classic stories to life. Designed to keep kids engaged while parents enjoy professional musicianship. Time: 3:00 PM
Visit: wilsoncentertickets.com
Love the Home You Live In
Butch Saunders 910-262-2627
Debby Daigle 910-443-3199
Lisa Burton 703-346-6662
Ryan G Smith 910-239-7758
Discover why so many homeowners love calling Brunswick Forest home. Discover why so many homeowners love calling Brunswick Forest home.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring what’s next, our local Brunswick Forest experts are here to guide you every step of the way with care, experience, and a deep love for this community.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring what’s next, our local Brunswick Forest experts are here to guide you every step of the way with care, experience, and a deep love for this community.
Because when you love where you live, everything else falls into place.
Because when you love where you live, everything else into place.
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE CONTACT OUR LOCAL EXPERTS TODAY!
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE CONTACT OUR LOCAL TODAY!
