April 2026 Southport Magazine

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Igrew up around books. Ours was, and still is, a reading family. My parents read to me, and once we were all reading on our own, it was normal for our entire family to be in the living room each reading their own book. There was a period of years when my mom and dad and I would all read the same Stephen King book one after the other. My dad and I still have the same taste in books, and pretty regularly drop something we’ve just read in the mail to each other. I can’t imagine a life without books, so I was pretty horrified when I read a study on how much Americans read, or rather how few of us do. Women read more than men, but the number who read for fun is less than 50 percent, and among men it’s dropped to near 25 percent. That’s sad, but it’s also, in my opinion, dangerous. In a country where all citizens 18 and older are able and encouraged to vote, the fact that fewer than half of them have cracked open a book in their adult life is bad. Books exercise and engage the mind in a way that video and movies do not. We need an electorate that has well-exercised minds, and one that is curious enough to WANT to read a book. So we’ve decided to use the tool at our disposal, these magazines, to celebrate books and reading and readers. If you’re reading this, I’m preaching to the choir, I know, but I hope you’ll be inspired with the stories we share this month. I hope you’ll

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decide to read more, read something different, and to talk about it with those in your social circles. I think men need to know that other men read, that it’s how we become better men, more knowledgeable men, more successful men, men more capable of helping out families and communities. I’m not leaving the ladies out, as you too should be sharing your love of books and inviting friends to read something that moved you or made you think, but twice as many of you already get it. You’ll find stories this month about libraries, and the county’s new Bookmobile, and an actual brick and mortar bookstore where you can pick up and even smell the pages before you buy. We also feature an interview with an author, so maybe you’ll be inspired by that to not only read, but try your hand at writing! —

Jeffrey

STAFF

EDITOR

Jeffrey Stites

editor@southportmag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Chuck and Sue Cothran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carla Edstrom

Patty Langer

Loiuse Sheffield-Baccarny

Janet Fortney

Dana Jordan

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeffrey Stites

PUBLISHER & SALES

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

CONSULTANT

Kris Beasley

PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461

Southport Magazine is published once a month by

Live Oak Media with an extra publication in July for the Southport Fourth of July Festival.

The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.

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jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

Business Profile

Needful Things

Southport’s Independent Bookstore

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Needful Things Bookstore feels just like a bookstore should feel. It’s cozy, books fill the shelves all around and tables placed here and there, there’s a comfy couch, and it smells like books and coffee, thanks to the Moody Bean Coffee Shop with which it shares the space. It really makes you wonder why nothing like this existed in Southport before last fall, but leaves you thankful it’s here now.

“I couldn’t believe Southport didn’t have a bookstore to start with,” said Needful Things owner Amanda Lake. “You go, like, to Savannah or Charleston or, you know, these like cool little historic-y towns. They all have cool little indie bookstores, and that’s my favorite thing to go in and find them with that smell, you know? And I was like, how does Southport not have like an actual bookstore? So that’s that’s our goal here, trying to make one.”

Needful Things and Moody Bean aren’t new businesses. They used to be in the Southport Village Shops, but they relocated to downtown Southport, at 114 East Nash St., last August.

“We wanted to move closer to downtown Southport, find somewhere bigger and move in together, you know, because it goes better with the books and coffee. She (Tori Howard, owner of Moody Bean) walked the streets one day, looking, and

came across this place and found out it was empty, and it was just, we went from there with it. We opened up the beginning of August, and this will be our first full summer coming up, so we’re excited,” Lake said.

Lake said the reaction from customers has already been great. “People love that we’re down here and a lot of people never knew we were even in the Village, which was the problem. Now they’re like, oh, Southport needed a bookstore, and oh, a little coffee shop!”

Sharing the space has been a great experience, Lake said, and more than just because the businesses go together. “We’re really good friends and we’re, you know, she’ll help me like, oh, you need to order these books, or she’ll have me come back there

to have me taste test coffee recipes that she makes up,” she said. “And so we’re always helping each other with stuff. And that’s why it helps. I think we work so well together because we’re always rooting for each other and always helping each other out. We’re happy to see each other do well. And I think that’s really important, especially when you’re in business with somebody. There will be people looking at books and she’s back there making coffee and they’re, you know, asking about something and she’ll recommend a book to them and so it’s great. I mean, we help each other out a lot like that. Teamwork.”

The new space is much bigger than her previous shop, which Lake said was at first intimidating, but has allowed her to expand her

selection. “It fills so fast when it comes to books!” she said. “ We’ve expanded with more genres and I want it to be where, if you like to read and you come in here, no matter what your age or, you know, whatever, there’s something in here you can find that would interest you. So we started a LBGT section. We have a little, we call it the gentleman’s section. It was books that, you know, I think the guys would like to read and we ask the guys that do read their advice for help. We have the young adult section and just something so everybody can find something if they’re looking for it. And that’s been nice. There’s never enough space. You can just keep going with books.”

Lake says she’s always been a reader. “When I was a kid, my dad was in the Army, so we moved around a lot and I didn’t really…it was really hard to make friends when you’re little and you’re school age and you move constantly. So I just got lost in books,” she said.

And she’s still lost in books, with ordering and keeping up with book trends a full time job in itself.

“Every book in here, I have either researched it, picked it out myself, or I’ve had

Needful Thing Bookstore and

Moody Bean Coffee Shop

114 East Nash Street, Southport (910) 524-3239

someone request it. When we got started doing the men’s section, I had a couple customers come in and I was like, oh, you know what? What do you like to read? And I ask questions and take notes and then there’s some genres, you know, I don’t know anything about. Like, I’m not a fantasy reader, but Tori, she does fantasy stuff. She’ll recommend books, and I’ll tell her, make me a list,” she said.

Lake said she also reads industry magazines and follows book-related social media to keep on top of trends. “It’s time consuming. It’s very time consuming,” she said.

“I’m just surrounded by books all the time. Even in my head.”

Aside from books, Needful Things is stocked with other fun, but bookish, items.

“I like having little fun stuff, some tote bags, greeting cards and, you know, in springtime, I always put out, like, little gardening plant-y stuff,” Lake said. “The coloring books and the, what is it, the watercolor books? They’re really popular. People love those. I’m always reordering those. And then the coloring books too. I think it’s like the take time to slow down thing, you know?”

Lake isn’t slowing down though. She’s getting ready for National Bookstore Day on April 25. Her celebration will include special discounts, double punches of her awards card, a make-your-ownbookmark bar, a bookish temporary tattoo station, and even some cookies baked by Lake’s daughter.

We hope to see you there!

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Community More Than Just Books

Do It All At Brunswick County Libraries

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Once upon a time, libraries were cavernous, quiet, you get shushed for breathing too loud places. And that’s not the case anymore,” Brunswick County Library Director Patricia Dew said. “We hopefully have something for everyone, whether that’s coming to a story time, attending a cooking program, joining a book club, using our public computers, or the printer, and photocopier.”

Brunswick County has five branch libraries, spread throughout to reach all areas. The recent addition of a bookmobile also gives the ability to reach populations which might not be able to make it out to one of the branches. With five permanent locations, the library staff works to tailor programs to different populations. The Ruark branch in Shallotte has more families coming to the library for children’s programs than the branch in Carolina Shores, which serves a larger population of seniors, for example. “Our dementia support programs down there (Carolina Shores) have done amazing, because there’s a need and

a want for that for the memory care and dementia support,” Dew said.

“We are trying to have a consistency of services across the county, or as much as possible, while at the same time, leaning into what the needs of each branch and its clientele are,” she said. Planning for summer children’s programs has already begun, and information will be available on the library calendar at www. brunswickcountync.gov/Library.

The calendar is extensive, but can be sorted by type of program such as book club or story time, branch location, or even a targeted age group.

“Every location has those story times when not only do we read a book, but we go through motor development skills, listening skills, movements, things that enhance the learning activities. They’ll play a game based on colors or, you know, everybody raise your right hand, now everybody, raise your left hand or whatever the silly little song is,” Dew said.

The Leland branch recently started a

Classic Film Comedies session on Fridays at 3:30 pm.

“It’s for sort of niche movies that, whether it’s film noir or, you know, classics that you can’t always just find on Netflix. It’s a chance for, you know, a group to come together, watch the movie, have a discussion, and appreciate films and cinema that aren’t just the latest blockbusters,” Dew said.

The library system also supports a variety of book clubs. Library staff can help a club borrow 20 copies of a book, using connections with libraries across the state, and book clubs can also use meeting rooms. Libraries also offer book club in a bag, which includes 10 copies of a book and study guides, which can all be checked out as a unit. A new online book club, called Overbooked, is also just starting up this month. The debut Zoom meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 7 pm, discussing Fannie Flagg’s book “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.”

“That’s now started because there are people who, you know, they’re at day jobs and can’t always get to a library branch for a 4 pm or a 10 am book club, so this is a way of making it. You don’t have to drive, you can log on from home, but we’re all there to talk about it, and you can get that book club in,” Dew said.

There are also some statewide book clubs, and even a national one for

America 250 that the Southwest branch is hosting.

“We’re supporting dozens of others because there are so many groups in the county that have their own own book clubs and reading groups and we just there to provide some books.

Whether that’s the physical copies, the book club in a bag, we have audio versions, and e-book versions.

“We literally FedEx books across the state,” Dew explained. “So if Brunswick County doesn’t have a copy of a book, but maybe Ash County does, and vice versa, we will just send that across the state. We usually tell people it takes a week, sometimes it’s faster, sometimes not. But we’re able to get that for people. It’s a great way that we can use taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently, because there’s no cost to the patron for that. They would reserve the book or request the book the same as if they wanted a book that was at our Southwest branch, but they live in Leland. We have a van that drives around the county for that, so we would just pick it up at Southwest, bring it up to Leland, and they would check it out. Usually that’s next day, sometimes two days. But if nobody in the county has it, we can reach out to our colleagues across the state and go, hey, Robeson County or Burke County, or whomever, can you send us that book and they will.

It’s a great resource. It means that we don’t have to own everything because somebody will own it, most likely. Unless it is the most obscure rare book in the world, in which case you’re gonna need to visit the Library of Congress.”

Digital resources work a bit differently, with Brunswick County having access to only a certain number of a particular title at a time for more recent releases.

“Brunswick County has its own collection of e-books,” Dew said. “We are doing our best to build that collection and make it as vibrant as we can. We, of course, have budget limitations, and the publishers put restrictions on the items too. So the bestsellers, you’re still going to have a wait list for those. If you buy three copies, three people can have it checked out at a time.”

The libraries use the Libby App, which is free with a patron’s library card. Besides offering a limited number of recent titles, the app also allows limitless access to classics and titles which are no longer under copyright, such as books by Mark Twain.

National Library Week is April 19-25 this year, and locally, it’s an opportunity to renew your library card or apply for one, to

fresh baked cookies shipped WEEKLY! Community

get out to one of the local branches and see what the library has to offer, to visit with the bookmobile out and about in the county, and to show appreciation for library staff.

“There’s just so many things that we offer, both at the library and that you can get from home with your library cards. I invite people to check it out and see what’s there. They can access Consumer Reports in the New York Times with their library card

for free from home. They can download e-books and e-audiobooks from wherever they are as long as they have a wifi connection, download that and have access to that resource free with their library card. We have genealogy resources available online, we offer classes in technology to help those people who are not quite so good with the computers or the social media or the phone or whatever. We have staff who lead book clubs, who lead story times, who lead children’s yoga, who do

craft programs for adults and children and teens. We have a teen comic book club that is we’ll be starting up this summer,” Dew said.

“So there’s just lots of options for everybody, for all ages, and we are so much more than just books,” she added. “Though, of course, we have books.”

Community

Friends of the Library Volunteer Group Is Best Kind of Friends

STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Friend: 1) One attached to another by affection or esteem. 2) One that favors or promotes something, such as a cause or a charity. -Merriam-Webster.com

If you are looking for new friends, I can point you in the right direction. There is an amazing group of people in our area whose friendship has enhanced my own life immeasurably over the last eight years. They share an affection for libraries and are focused on promoting literacy and continued learning. The Friends of the Library -Southport and Oak Island (FOLSOI) is a group of more than 300 members dedicated to helping enhance offerings at Harper and Barbee Libraries – and they are always looking for new friends!

FOLSOI (pronounced fall-soy) is a non-profit organization run by a team of highly dedicated volunteers and a hands-on board of directors. Its stated mission is “to serve our community by supporting excellence in collections, program development and more at Harper and Barbee libraries.” By doing so, FOLSOI aims to keep our libraries relevant and ever evolving, providing a valuable community resource, not just for books but for social and educational programs as well.

Take it from Harper Library Manager Heather Donnell, who said “FOLSOI is vital in allowing Harper Library to do all the amazing things we do. From programming to special collections to the overall look and feel of the library, which is all thanks to FOLSOI’s support.”

For people looking to make new friends, Heather said, “Library programs are a great way to get to know people in the community.”

I like to think of FOLSOI as part booster club, part pep squad, and part community advocate.

The organization’s fundraising is impressive, with nearly $100,000 raised in 2025 through donations, memberships, grants and sales at their used bookstore, the Once More Bookstore in the Southport Realty building on Howe Street. Board members actively promote the libraries through community events and partnerships, newsletters and blogs, and by advocating for increased library funding on county, state and national levels. Varied backgrounds and areas of expertise amongst the board, including technology, marketing, finance and even a few retired librarians, bring depth to this group. Smart succession planning allows the board to operate smoothly from year to year.

Cindy Phillips, the outgoing president in 2026, is encouraged about FOLSOI’s future. “Being involved in FOLSOI has been a great way to see our impact in both branches,” she said. “I am so proud of the work of our volunteers, past and present. We just keep building off of each other’s work. We have come so far in just the last five years, and I look forward to watching FOLSOI’s new leaders bring their ideas and energy into our next chapter. It’s exciting!”

Meet the Author program, when local authors are introduced to patrons, and the acclaimed NC Humanities program NC Reads, which brings together award-winning authors and UNCW professors for book discussions that probe important social topics. Volunteers also help to enroll new members, work on publicity campaigns, and coordinate FOLSOI’s annual meetings and membership appreciation events, which in recent years have featured best-selling authors like Sheri Castle (PBS) and Diane Chamberlain.

“As a Library Director, working with FOLSOI has been a great experience. There are such motivated volunteers at every level of the organization who really want the best for their local branches!” said Brunswick County Library Director Patricia Dew.

There’s no doubt FOLSOI’s board of directors is the brains of the organization, but its volunteers are the heart and soul. Last year, 120 dedicated FOLSOI volunteers put in more than 12,000 hours of work! In addition to a crew of 85 at the Once More Bookstore, there are volunteers who coordinate and facilitate FOLSOI’s popular monthly

FOLSOI’s strength is generated by their retail operation in Southport, the Once More Bookstore (OMB). The group initially began selling used books at its Southport location in 2011 by holding monthly sales. Over the years, the venture has grown by leaps and bounds through word of mouth. Today the store is open six days a week and carries more than 10,000 volumes. Revenue generated from book sales was roughly $65,000 in 2025.

“The monetary backing FOLSOI provides through the Once More Bookstore is amazing!” said Director Patricia Dew. “The community support for the bookstore, and therefore the libraries, is incredible.”

FOLSOI attributes much of the book store’s success to the generosity of Southport Realty, who continues to honor a longstanding agreement allowing FOLSOI to use the back of its North Howe Street building for free. (A hidden

gem, the bookstore can be a bit tricky to find, but signage at the entrance to Southport Realty directs customers through the office and down a hallway to the bookstore.)

There are 85 bookstore volunteers who keep the shop running. They sort donations, organize shelves, create eye-catching book displays, and serve as friendly cashiers. The majority of OMB volunteers have been working there for many years, some as long as 10,15 and 20-plus years. Most work a three-hour cashier shift one or two days per week, but other volunteer positions are available on a varied basis, depending on the needs of the store. Bookstore volunteers

Community

are driven by a shared love of books and a commitment to helping libraries. Many long-lasting friendships are made at OMB.

“We have real fun at the store,” said bookstore Chair Petra Fey. “There’s something to say about how the love of books can create an instantaneous connection between all kinds of people.”

Once More Bookstore carries gently used hard cover and paperback books, most costing just a few dollars. They also sell children’s books and puzzles. Customers who shop at OMB can feel good about their spending, knowing their money goes directly to support programs, collections, and physical needs at Harper and Barbee libraries.

Erika Dosher, Branch Manager at Barbee Library, expressed tremendous gratitude for FOLSOI’s efforts. “FOLSOI has provided us with so much — from author talks to children’s performers to popular book titles to funding for fun programs such as Barbee Bingo, to helping us get the new Book Club in a Bag program off the ground — all of which can be summed up as opportunities to reach out to readers and learn-

ers of all ages and reading levels in our community,” Dosher said.

In recent years, FOLSOI undertook a campaign to fund, design and construct an outdoor reading gar den at Harper Library. The peaceful space behind the building is beautifully land scaped and furnished with benches, tables, a swing, and some really fun lifesized musical flowers. The reading garden greatly en hances the library’s atmo sphere.

“Working with FOLSOI has allowed Brunswick County Library to create op portunities that would have otherwise not been possible, such as the garden space at Harper,” Dew said. “It is heartening to know that there are so many library supporters in our community actively participating in FOLSOI for the benefit of their local library.”

This year, FOLSOI made a sizable donation to Brunswick County Library’s newest venture — a bookmobile! A project year in the making, the bookmobile, launched in March, now brings our

Community Books On The Move Brunswick County’s New Bookmobile

STORY BY JANET FORTNEY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The launch last month of the Brunswick County Library System’s new bookmobile is providing residents with expanded access to books and other resources. The bookmobile, which is overseen and driven by Bookmobile Manager Katelyn Lenz, features multiple book collections, including children’s boardbooks, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction, as well as adult fiction, non-fiction, and large print.

“This new mobile library branch brings the wide variety of resources and services that we offer to the community,” said Library Director Patricia Dew. “I am excited to reach community members who may not be able to make it to one of our existing library branches.”

As a mobile library branch experience, the bookmobile plays an important role in bringing library services to underserved areas of the county and enriching the community with lifelong learning and entertainment. Via the bookmobile, community members can: get a library card; browse and check out materials; place materials on hold from other branches to be picked up

at their bookmobile stop; return library materials; attend programs; and get assistance with online resources.

“We’re so excited that the new bookmobile will be able to reach people who haven’t been able to access a library recently,” said Heather Brown, Youth Services Specialist at Shallotte’s Rourk Branch library. “We’re such a large county, so meeting our community where they’re at is really important. The bookmobile will visit day-cares, senior centers, and do pop-up visits all over. It will really be serving as a traveling billboard for all of the services our libraries offer.”

Anyone who would like to use or check-out materials from the book-

mobile is welcome to, but must have a valid Brunswick County Library card. Everyone who lives, works, goes to school, or owns property in Brunswick County is eligible for a free library card with proper identification. Temporary library cards are available to seasonal and part-time residents who are visiting for at least a month. To learn more about securing a library card, patrons can visit a local library branch in person or go to https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/169/Library-Cards.

In addition to the large variety of books, the bookmobile features access to free public Wi-Fi; book carts that can be removed for outdoor and off-site pop-up displays; and speakers wired to a public address system. To maximize comfort and accessibility for its patrons, the bookmobile has an ADA-compatible wheelchair lift, heating and air conditioning, and an awning to protect from sun and rain.

The April rounds of the bookmobile will include public and private facilities such as TerraBella

Southport, Lockwood Folly District Park, Arbor Landing of Compass Pointe, Northwest District Park, Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center, Brunswick Cove Living Center, Town Creek District Park. Arbor Landing of Ocean Isle, The Brunswick Center at Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach Park, and various childcare facilities, among several others locations. To review the vehicle’s upcoming travel and schedule, go to https://www.brunswickcountync. gov/1066/Bookmobile.

Brunswick County Library purchased the bookmobile in 2024 from Matthews Specialty Vehicles in Greensboro, NC, for $293,320, using American Rescue Plan Act-enabled funds and funding from the county. Bookmobile planning, design, and modifications took place following its purchase, and it got on the road in March 2026.

Facilities and groups with special events that would like to be considered as future stops for the bookmobile must be located within the county and be without certain means to visit a library branch. Those who would like to suggest a potential bookmobile site can find a Bookmobile Interest Form at www.brunswickcountync.gov/.

Community

Kristy Woodson Harvey Book Signing Event At Silver Coast Winery

STORY BY LISA STITES

Best-selling author Kristy Woodson Harvey will be at Silver Coast Winery on May 16 to talk about her book, “Summer State of Mind,” just in time for our beach read season. Tickets are $45 and include a copy of the book, a meet and greet with author to have the book signed, and a beverage. The event starts at 5:30 pm at the Winery, 6680 Barbecue Rd, Ocean Isle Beach (mainland). Visit https://pelicanbookstore.com/blog-2/ for ticket info.

We caught up with Kristy to find out more about her writing process, using beautiful North Carolina locations as settings, and what keeps readers coming back for more.

Did you always want to be a writer, or did you have another career in mind first?

I always loved to read, but I never really considered being an author until my mid20s when I got the idea for my debut novel, “Dear Carolina.” Growing up, I thought I would be a doctor, but then fell in love with writing when I had an internship at my local newspaper, the Salisbury Post, in high school. I went to journalism school, got a

master’s in English (after heavily considering law school!), and then, in a major shift, took a job in finance when I graduated. So I guess you could say I have always had a lot of interests! Lucky for me, writing is a job that lets me explore anything. I think that might be why it appeals to me so much!

The book signing event is for your novel “Summer State of Mind,” but you already have another book, “Falling for Peachtree Bluff,” scheduled to come out in the fall. How long does it take you to write a novel, and do you already have ideas for your next book, or books?

couple months a year and not writing while I’m traveling. I am always thinking about my stories, though. Always. I always have so, so many ideas at once. Choosing where to go next is the tough part! I’m not even sure where they come from. Once I began writing, it was like turning on a faucet. The story ideas are everywhere!

incredible historical figures that aren’t as prominently known as I think they should be. So, stay tuned!

We’re sure your books are popular with ladies in the South, but being a best-selling author tells us that your books are appealing to a broader audience — what do you think draws readers to your stories?

I always return to the universal themes of how we create our families, of women who are faced with choices for which there might not be any “right” answer, and I love a good love story. That said, I think small-town southern sensibility, that idea of knowing your neighbors and always having a place to turn, can be appealing to everyone. A bunch of authors and influencers got together to help me announce “Falling for Peachtree Bluff” by singing a (hilariously tone-deaf!) version of “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love,” except the lyrics were “What the world needs now is Peachtree Bluff.” It was funny and cheeky, but the sentiment behind it struck readers far more than I had imagined. We all need a safe place to rest and relax, and I hope my readers find that in my books.

The time it takes varies depending on whether it’s contemporary or a more historical novel that I’m doing a lot of in-depth research for. But a book-a-year schedule is very manageable for me, in general. Peachtree Bluff is a long standing series, so those books probably take me less time simply because I know the characters and the settings so, so well. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel at all, and, for this book in particular, I was so excited to write it that I ended up writing way more than my usual 2,000 words per day because I had been waiting so long to go back to Peachtree Bluff! If anyone is doing the math, 2,000 words a day means about 50 work days to write a novel, but, remember: a first draft is a far cry from a fully edited, shiny one! I usually edit for months before I even turn the book in. And I’m on the road touring at least a

You use various North Carolina locations as a setting for many of your books, which we love. What is it about our home state that keeps you weaving it into your stories?

I grew up traveling a lot and now, of course, I’m on the road so much for book tour. There are so many wonderful places in the country and in the world, but I think North Carolina just might be the most special. The beaches, the mountains, the nice people, the amazing universities, the basketball culture, the perfect amount of southern sensibility… It’s just ripe with stories to tell! North Carolina has so many diverse regions and there is so much to love about each one. It’s a special, special place, and I’m grateful to live here. Plus, let’s be honest: We have a lot of “characters” here!

North Carolina is a big state — are there areas you haven’t used as a setting yet that you’d like to? I’ve delved pretty heavily into our beaches and mountains and even into the Piedmont where I grew up, but our barrier islands are so full of fascinating lure and

We see that you are also the cocreator and co-host of the web show and podcast Friends & Fiction with authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry — how long have you been doing the show and how did it come about?

It’s so hard to believe, but we are coming up on our six year anniversary! We started Friends & Fiction in the depths of the pandemic to connect with readers and support independent bookstores when all our tours were cancelled. That little web show has more than 390,000 supporters across platforms now, and is a constant reminder that people are still reading, still passionate about books, and want to communicate about them.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Going on tour is one of my favorite parts of launching a book. I love seeing and meeting readers in person and signing their books. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me at events in the past–and I hope to see you this year!

Colonial Plant Sale

Cooperative Extension Online Sale 2026

The Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer As sociation will host its Spring 2026 Online Plant Sale from April 17–24, with plant pickup scheduled for May 1 at the Brunswick County Extension Office.

This year’s theme, “Exploring Our Colonial Roots,” highlights plants that have thrived in this area since Colonial times. Many selections are native to Brunswick County and well suited to the coastal environment, chosen for their beauty, resilience, and ecological value.

The Spring 2026 sale features an expanded selection of 78 offerings, including perennials (with several new varieties), annuals, herbs, fruiting trees, grasses, shrubs, vines, and flowering favorites such as purple coneflowers, milkweed, and black-eyed Susans. These plants not only enhance home landscapes but also provide essential food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of more than 85 percent of the

world’s flowering plants, including over two-thirds of global food crop species. Seeds and fruits produced through insect pollination also support birds and mammals, making pollinator-friendly plants an important part of sustainable landscapes.

Gardeners can preview the plant list now online and start planning their selections. Each listing includes the botanical name, common name, and links to the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, where gardeners can learn more about growing conditions and plant characteristics. Ordering will open April 17, when customers can place orders online, pay by credit card, and schedule a pickup time on May 1.

Pickup is at the Brunswick County Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, green-

ONLINE PLANT SALE

in the sale beginning April 17, visit bcmastergardenerva.org/plant-sales About North Carolina Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers

Celebrating our Colonial Roots

ORDER ONLINE APRIL 17 - 24 PICKUP MAY 1

Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices that grow healthy people, gardens, landscapes, and communities. Their vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.

house area behind Building N, Government Complex, Bolivia. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer gardening questions and provide educational materials.

Proceeds from the sale support outreach and educational programs and the Brunswick County Botanical Gardens. For more information and to participate

The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Association of Brunswick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports volunteer education, fosters camaraderie, and provides skilled volunteers for Cooperative Extension projects. Key events include plant sales and public workshops. Proceeds support educational programs and the Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, where visitors are invited to explore on a self-guided tour.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kelly Vendetti at 303547-6275 or email communications@bcmastergardenerva.org

Spring in

Southport

APRIL 19, YACHT BASIN WATERFRONT CAPE FEAR YACHT CLUB BLESSING OF THE FLEET

APRIL 18, FRANKLIN SQUARE PARK FRANKLIN SQUARE GALLERY KIDS’ DAY - ART IN THE PARK

THURSDAYS BEGINNING MAY 28 FRANKLIN SQUARE PARK CONCERTS IN THE PARK APRIL 12, AMERICAN FISH COMPANY NC 4 OF JULY FESTIVAL

WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING MAY 6 WATERFRONT PARK

Baby

Tiny Miss 4-6 Years

Little Miss 7-9 Years

Junior Miss 10-12 Years

Young Miss 13-15 Years

Teen Miss 16-18 Years

Miss 19-24 Years

Community

Plein Air Festival

Southport’s Annual Outdoor Painting Event

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Onethe joys of living here is seeing others come to discover the beauty of where we live, so I absolutely love walking around Southport during the annual Plein Air Festival and seeing dozens of artists from all over the country capturing their versions of our community’s prettiest locations.

This year’s Plein Air Festival, hosted by Up Your Arts in partnership with the City of Southport, runs from Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9 with artists painting all over town and a host of activities in Franklin Square Park. Last year, the festival brought in more than 75 artists from over nine states and painters of all experience levels are welcome. Artists will be out painting all day Thursday and Friday and in the morning on Saturday.

If you’re an artist who’d like to par-

ticipate, you can join in for two days of painting for $50 or all three days for $75. Register online at https://www. upyourarts.org/projects-programs.

Aside from watching the art being created, there will be an Artist Meet and Greet on Friday, May 7 from 4-6 pm at Water Tower Wines, 102 W. Brown St. in Southport. On Saturday, take the young ones to Kids Plein Air from 10 am - 2 pm in Franklin Square Park. Led by Ginger Hedbloom of 2nd Story Art and Music, Kids Plein Air lets children try their hand at painting and creating art of all kinds. Franklin Square Park will also host live music, activities and live art demonstrations thoguhot the day Saturday.

the winning artwork being featured on next year’s commemorative t-shirts and tote bags. Of course merchandise featuring last year’s People Choice Award winning artwork by George Benson will be available for sale, and two of Benson’s painting will be raffled off. The awards announcement is expect to be approximately 5 pm on

Saturday.

Whether you’re an art lover, a collector, or simply looking for a fun spring weekend on the coast, the Southport Plein Air Festival offers a welcoming, walkable way to experience Southport at its best through the eyes of talented artists painting outdoors.

coming soon

Franklin Square Park’ activities will stop at 3 pm Saturday to prepare for the big event of the Festival, the Wet Paint Show and Sale beginning at 4 pm. The Wet Paint Sale offers the public the opportunity to view and purchase original paintings created during the threeday festival. You’ll also be able to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, with

618 n. howe

Evoke Mind + Body

Care That Extends Beyond Simple Therapy

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Whenthe folks at Evoke Mind and Body contacted us about becoming an advertiser, I was intrigued with the idea of offering both mental health therapy and yoga at the same place.It wasn’t something I’d heard of before, yet it seemed a natural fit. Over the last several months helping to craft Evoke’s messaging for ads, and stopping by their Leland facility to drop of magazines, I’ve been really impressed with what they offer to the community, so we wanted to share this question and answer with you to help share all they do and the philosophy behind Evoke Mind and Body.

Please explain to us what Evoke Mind and Body does.

Evoke Mind and Body is a one-stop wellness center dedicated to supporting mental, physical, and emotional well-being through a variety of integrated services. The practice offers mental health therapy, yoga, wellness coaching, reiki, and trauma-sensitive yoga, all intentionally curated to nurture both mind and body. Evoke’s core mission is to provide a safe, welcoming space where healing and whole-person wellness are the priority. Beyond individual services, the practice is deeply rooted in community, striving to provide compassionate care, reduce stigma around mental health, and foster meaningful connections through workshops, group offerings, and events.

What sets Evoke apart from other therapists?

Our therapists take a personalized approach to care by recognizing that every client’s experiences, goals, and challenges are unique. The team works to tailor therapy to each individual’s personal journey. Each therapist brings their own

specialties, therapeutic approaches, and personality into the work they do. This diversity within the team allows clients to be matched with a therapist whose style and expertise best fit their needs. Therapists may focus on certain life stages, specific mental health concerns, or particular evidence-based approaches to treatment, helping ensure that clients receive care that aligns with what they are experiencing in their life. At the same time, all therapists at Evoke share a common mission, which is to meet the client where they are at. By taking time to understand a client and what makes them the person they are, therapists can adapt their approach and collaborate with clients to create a path forward that supports their mental, emotional, and overall well-being.

Who could benefit from therapy?

We firmly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their life journey. Therapy can be helpful for all people, from those navigating major life transitions or grief to individuals managing stress, anxiety, or depression, as well as those working through trauma or interpersonal challenges. An effective therapeutic relationship provides a supportive space to process experiences, reflect, and foster personal growth and healing. In a world filled with uncertainty, therapy can help individuals build healthy coping skills, gain clarity, and feel more grounded. There are so many reasons someone might seek therapy, and the goal is to offer compassionate care while helping clients work through vulnerable moments and move towards a greater

well-being.

What would you say to someone on the fence about seeking therapy?

For someone that is on the fence about seeking therapy, the most important advice is simple: take the leap, even if it feels a little scary. Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. At Evoke Mind and Body, you don’t have to have everything figured out before making that first call. We will support and guide you through the setup process, choosing a good-fit therapist, and scheduling that works for you. Even if you’re unsure which therapist best fits your needs, the team is here to connect you with someone who feels like the right match. Therapy offers a space where you deserve to feel listened to, understood, challenged, and supported. Taking that first step can open the door to meaningful growth, healing, and greater self-understanding. Most importantly, you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. While we cannot control if it rains, our therapists are ready to walk alongside you through the storm and celebrate with you when the sun shines again.

How do you make those new to therapy comfortable?

Creating a safe and supportive environment is central to the therapeutic process. Therapists strive to meet clients as people first, fostering an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than intimidating. Clients will find that our therapists are comfortable with their own humanness, allowing personality and authentic connection to emerge. By approaching sessions with empathy and curiosity, they help clients feel seen, heard, and respected as they share their experiences. A key part of this approach is acknowledging that clients are the experts on their own lives. Instead of positioning them-

selves as authorities with all the answers, therapists collaborate with clients, supporting them as they explore their thoughts, feelings, and goals. This perspective helps build trust and empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing process. The team also openly recognizes the courage it takes to begin therapy. Clients are commended for showing up, being vulnerable, and doing the work of healing, which helps reinforce a supportive environment where growth and self-discovery can happen at a comfortable pace.

Can you explain what Wellness Coaching means at Evoke?

Our Wellness Coaching sessions help you build a strong health foundation tailored to your real-life needs. Through evidence-based coaching and collaborative goal setting, we’ll identify practical, sustainable ways to optimize your current and future well-being. Through Wellness Coaching, you will learn how to make confident, informed choices about your nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being. You will receive guidance that looks at your whole being — mind, body, and spirit — through natural and integrative approaches. Together, we will explore habits that support long-term wellness and help you maintain balance in your daily life. The goal is to unearth root causes of your symptoms and create a personalized wellness roadmap to address them.

Who benefits from this approach?

Whether you’re focusing on nutrition, exercise, stress management, or overall lifestyle balance, your plan is designed to support lasting change. For those dealing with ongoing fatigue or stress that traditional methods haven’t addressed, this approach provides new insight and holistic solutions. If you’re looking to deepen the connection between your mental and physical health, Well-

ness Coaching can bridge the gap. For individuals eager to take charge of their health with a personalized, integrative approach, this service empowers you to make lasting change.

How do you help clients maintain and keep using what they’ve learned?

We encourage clients to “take what serves you and leave the rest,” recognizing that not every tool or approach will resonate with every person, and that is okay. Lasting change happens when clients find genuine value in what they are learning, so our focus is on helping them discover strategies that truly fit their lives. By taking the time to understand each individual’s unique needs, goals, and preferences, we tailor our approach to support sustainable growth. This collaborative process empowers clients to carry what they have learned beyond sessions and continue using those tools in their everyday lives.

You also offer yoga. How does that tie into all the other things you do?

The creation of Yoga at Evoke grew naturally from the work already being done at Evoke Mind and Body. Through their therapy practice, the team began to recognize how important the mind–body connection is in supporting overall mental and emotional well-being. Many of the conversations and breakthroughs happening in therapy highlighted that healing and wellness often extend beyond talk therapy alone. Movement, breath work, and physical awareness can play a powerful role in helping people regulate stress, reconnect with their bodies, and support their emotional health. In our space, the goal has always been to support whole-person well-being. By offering both therapy and yoga in the same space, individuals have the opportunity to care for their mental and physical health under one roof. This integrated model allows people to explore multiple pathways to wellness, whether through therapy, yoga classes, or a combination of both, while staying connected to Evoke’s purpose.

Can you explain Trauma-Sensitive

Yoga and who can benefit from that approach?

Trauma-sensitive yoga is a gentle, empowering approach designed to support individuals who have experienced trauma by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for movement and self-awareness. Rather than focusing on perfecting poses, this practice emphasizes choice and autonomy, allowing participants to decide which movements feel right for their bodies without pressure or expectation. Instructors use invitational language and avoid hands-on adjustments, encouraging individuals to tune into their internal sensations and rebuild a sense of trust in their bodies. The benefits are wide-ranging, including increased self-compassion, improved emotional regulation, reduced stress and anxiety, and a stronger mind-body connection. Trauma-Sensitive Yoga can benefit anyone interested in addressing the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of trauma, including those experiencing PTSD, chronic stress, anxiety, or simply a sense of disconnection from their body, making it an accessible and supportive practice for healing and personal growth.

Can you tell us about your staff and their training/credentials?

Our team is made up of highly trained professionals dedicated to providing individualized, client-centered care. All of our therapists hold licensure in clinical social work or marriage and family therapy, and each has pursued additional training and continuing education to develop a wide range of specialties. While foundational therapeutic approaches are a part of their formal education, our therapists go beyond that baseline to incorporate diverse, evidence-based methods tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Our yoga instructors are equally well-qualified, hold 200- to 500-hour certification training completed both locally in the Wilmington area and in programs across the country and internationally. Additionally, several of our instructors hold specialty certifications to offer classes and events to students seeking deeper healing through movement and mindfulness. Each instructor brings a unique perspective shaped by their personal and professional experiences, allowing them to create inclusive, dynamic, and supportive classes that honor the individuality of each yoga student.

Community Wildlife Art Show

Exhibition and Sale At Brunswick Forest

STORY CONTRIBUTED

The Wildlife Artists of the Carolinas (WAOTC) will bring its annual members-only awards exhibition and sale to Brunswick County this spring. WAOTC has selected the Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort, located at 380 Brunswick Dr, in Calabash, as the venue for its fourth annual “Wild & Free” member show. The exhibit will take place from April 23 to April 26, hours are 11 am to 6 pm Thursday-Sunday and 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday with a reception and awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, April 23 from 5-7 pm, with music by guitarist David Ament of Wilmington.

The event will showcase the beauty of our natural surroundings through the eyes of WAOTC artists, who work in a myriad of art mediums including painting, photography, mixed media and three-dimensional works. Awards will be judged by Ricardo Perez, a local professional artist and former President of the Art League of Leland, who also has a background as a park ranger, naturalist and artist with the US National Park Service.

Now in its fourth year, WAOTC is a group of North and South Carolina wildlife artists inspired by the beauty and resilience of the flora and fauna in the natural world. Their mission is to connect wildlife art and the natural world through education, exhibi-

tions, volunteerism, and experiences, and to advocate for wildlife in communities throughout the Carolinas. Visit waotc.com to learn more about this group. In conjunction with this art show, there will be a fundraising raffle of original art donated by WAOTC members to support Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter. Located in Oak Island, this wild bird rehabilitation non-profit organization provides medical treatment for wild birds that are injured, sick, or orphaned. Since its inception in 2007, thousands of wild birds have been returned to their natural habitats after rehabilitation, and thousands of people have been educated about the needs of these amazing animals. Learn more about this organization by visiting Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter - Bird Wildlife Rescue. Please visit the show and help support this important wildlife rehabilitation group.

SALES | RENTALS | VACATIONS

A New Focus on Our Regular Dinner Services with Extra Hours • Offering a New Seasonal Menus; Offering Group Lunches and Special Event Contracts • Robust and Flavorful Specials for each Meal Service

• A broader Range of Authentic International Cuisines • An increasing variety of House made desserts • Using our Space & Services to foster Unity: Out of Many One! Every day is a Tapestry of Fine, Fresh, International Flavors at Ports of Call Bistro!

Create loving memories when you dine with us! • Dine-In Seating and Take-Out Orders

Dinner: Tuesday thru Thursday 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Dinner on Friday and Saturdays: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lunch Service: Tuesday thru Saturday 11:30 am- 2:30 pm 116 North Howe Street, Historic Downtown Southport

Best International Cuisine

Thank you for voting us: “Most Creative Menu” - 2024 &2025 Maggie Award, And “Best Bistro” and “Best Martini” – 2024 People’s Choice Awards

Thank You for Voting us People’s Choice Awards: “Best Bistro”– ( 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013) Maggie Awards: Best International Cuisine (2023); “Most Creative Menu” –(2021, 2019); Most Creative Chef (2020) Wooden Boat Show: Best Chowder We’ve been working to Serve You since 2011. Thanks for these prior awards:

SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH

Enjoy Periodic Jazz Performances at Midweek Soirees, along with our Fresh Ingredient Cocktails, Wines, and Beers!

• 910-457-4544

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Community Festival History

Southport’s First 4th of July Celebration

CONTRIBUTED BY NC 4TH OF JULY COMMITTEE

On July 4, 1795 the U.S. revenue cutter Diligence fired a 21gun salute to open the first 4th of July festival in the threeyear old town of Smithville, North Carolina, later to become our beloved Southport. The Smithville band played in the afternoon on the Garrison grounds, which was followed by a rowing race, a yacht race covering eight miles, and a dinner that night on the Garrison lawn. This first 4th of July became a tradition held continuously for 231 years.

It was an exciting time in our country. The revolution had ended and the Constitution had been officially adopted. Our young country was anxious to demonstrate our patriotism for this new democracy. For example, the aforementioned dinner on the Garrison lawn, held for Army officers and “respectable” members of the city, was reported to have held no fewer than 15 toasts for our country, each followed by cheers and a cannon shot!

Today’s celebration is a little bit different but no less enthusiastic. Between 40,000 and 50,000 people crowd into Southport for the multi-day festival, increasing the city’s population nearly 10-fold. The festival has a several hundred thousand dollar budget, nearly all of which is privately raised. Combine this with the services provided from the City of Southport and you can begin to see the size and complexity of this festival. This year being the 250th 4th of July celebration nationally, the Festival will be even larger, with new events occurring

over nine days from June 26 - July 4, a bit different than 1795.

Planning for the event began in January with Hugh Fosbury assuming the reins as the 4th of July Committee chair. While the mission remains the same as it was in 1795, “to promote patriotism to the United States…,” its importance continues to increase. Please visit the new 4th of July Festival website, nc4thofjuly.com, for more information and the latest schedule of events.

Community Kids Art In The Park

Hands On Activities For Kids And Families

STORY CONTRIBUTED

The Associated Artists of Southport (AAS) is hosting their annual Kids’ Day Art in the Park event, a fun-filled, hands-on, art-making fair for children of all ages. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 11 am to 2 pm, in Franklin Square Park in downtown Southport. Kids’ Day is a free event, open to children of all ages and their parents.

The Gallery grounds will be transformed into an outdoor art studio with various art-making stations staffed by AAS’s talented members. Children will be able to learn about different art forms and try their hands at flower pot painting and planting, oyster shell painting, face painting, jewelry making, visor decorating, polymer clay sculpting and bubble blowing. This year, children will also be able to enjoy handson musical instruments and join in painting a mural celebrating America’s 250 years of independence, which will be displayed at Franklin Square Gallery.

While there, families are also invited to

stop in and visit the Gallery, the home of AAS. It features seven rooms of paintings, photography, pottery, ceramic sculpture and glass sculpture, on display and for sale.

Franklin Square Gallery is located at 130 E. West St. in Southport, and admission is always free. Like so many of the Gallery’s events, Kids’ Day Art in the Park is supported by the Brunswick Arts Council ARPA Program, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, which is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information about Kids’ Day, please contact Chairperson Charleea Yarbrough at charleeabarrett39@gmail.com.

Safe Plates Classes

Certification Opportunity For Food Service

STORY CONTRIBUTED

NCCooperative Extension in Brunswick County is offering the Safe Plates Food Safety Manager Class. This comprehensive course is appropriate for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities and other food-handling establishments. Both in-person and virtual trainings are available. The Safe Plates class provides training wishing to take a Food Safety Manager Certification test.

A two-day class in-person Safe Plates training will be held on Mondays, April 13 from 9 am until 4 pm, and April 20 from 9 am until 2:30 pm. The classes will meet at the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road SE. The registration fee is $135 per person. This includes all instruction, materials and the certification exam. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunches, snacks and beverages.

Food Safety Manager Certification is provided by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals and is based on passing a written examination. The certification test will be given on April 20 at 2:30 pm.

Registration can be completed online. Visit the NC Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center website for more details or contact Avery Ashley at Brunswick County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension, 910-253-2610. Pre-registration is required.

Business Profile

Pelican Bookstore

Sunset Beach’s Independent Book Shop[

STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY

In a world of hustle and bustle, finding solitude in a good book may be just what you need to turn down the noise of a chaotic day. Reading offers an endless opportunity to learn without ever taking a class, travel without adding any miles, and solve mysteries without flashing a badge, all from the comfort of your favorite nook.

The World Health Organization reports that over the past few decades, daily emotional stress has worsened worldwide. Research has shown that stress is a major contributor to both mental and physical health issues including Cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and cancers. The WHO also reported that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated these health issues and evidence supports a global increase in rates of anxiety and depression during and after the crisis. However, further studies show that reading as little as 10-15 minutes can reduce stress levels up to 68 percent, boost your mood, help you sleep better and improve brain function, including memory and focus.

Right in the middle of the pandemic, a new chapter began for Pelican Bookstore at Sunset Beach as the original owner, Anne Harris, decided to step aside after almost three decades, and on April 1, 2021, Dawn and Jim Miller became the new owners of the Pelican Bookstore. As the new owner, Dawn brought with her 28 years of cre-

dentials starting out as a Special Education Teacher, transitioning to a Reading Specialist and retiring as the Union Elementary School Librarian. In the beginning, the first bookstore was located across the street in the plaza behind Hardee’s. Pelican Bookstore relocated to 1780 Chandler’s Lane in the Village at Sunset Beach, after the new Food Lion was built. Dawn inherited not only loyal employees, Suzanne of 26 years, Candace of seven, and Kathleen and Diane who work seasonally, each having their own list of favorite reads and wealth of recommendations, but also inherited the Author Event Series held at Silver Coast Winery at Ocean Isle.

After the book tours took a halt due to Covid restrictions, Dawn was excited when NY Times bestselling author, Kristy Woodson Harvey, began touring again in November and the book club was officially back up and running with her highly anticipated event. The Author Event Series tentatively takes place once, occasionally twice a month at Silver Coast Winery on Barbeque Road. Tickets include a copy of the book, meet and greet with the author and light refreshments. Pelican Bookstore has had the opportunity to host numerous bestselling authors such as Mary Alice Monroe, Sandra Brown, Megan Miranda, Karen White, Viola Shipman, Victoria Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews and Fiona Davis to name a few. Upcoming meet the author events include

Marybeth Whalen on April 14, promoting her book, “Handle with Care,” and Kristy Woodson Harvey will visit again on May 16 promoting her book, “Summer State of Mind.”

Creek.

Many times, we often play this game called “hurry up and wait.” Maybe you are waiting for an oil change and should have brought along a book to pass the time, or maybe you are sitting at the doctor’s office and should have brought along a book to read as you wait for your appointment. You’ll never regret having too many books but you’ll certainly regret being stuck without one. Books have no need for a charger, no Wi-Fi or password required, and you won’t need to call Apple because there is no screen to crack if it falls out of your beach bag. Pelican Bookstore is where the locals and visitors find happiness and de-stress one page of a good book at a time.

Since the pandemic, Pelican Bookstore has seen a renewed interest in tangible books versus digital or audio and has witnessed reading become “cool” again for many young readers. The bookstore carries current must-reads from Reese’s Book Club (Reese Witherspoon), and the Read with Jenna Book Club (Jenna Bush Hager) TODAY’S top picks. Pelican Bookstore, open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm year round, not only sells the newest trending books for every age but also has a huge selection of used books. With categories ranging from history, fantasy, mystery, romance, southern fiction, local interest, classics, young adult and children, there are many choices for everyone in the family. If you are an avid reader, be sure to stop in and ask about their paperback trade in program. A wide range of cards, gifts and merchandise lines the newly remodeled store, and if you are a Kindred Spirit collector, then you are in luck. The bookstore also carries a large variety of Heritage and White Mountain Puzzles as well as children’s puzzles by Crocodile

For more information on the Author Event Series please visit https://pelicanbookstore.com , follow them on social media or call Silver Coast Winery at 910287-2800. Tickets can also be purchased at www.silvercoastwinery.com/events.

Pelican Bookstore

Business Profile

More Than Coffee

Palouse Offers Coffee, Books, Plants, Co-Working

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Did you know there’s a bookstore in Waterford now? And an independent coffee shop. And a plant store. And some co-working office space. And you’ll only need to walk through one door and enter Palouse to visit all four, and the different aspects blend together so naturally, you’ll wonder why there aren’t more bookstore/coffee shop/plant shop/co-working spaces.

Palouse, named for the rolling grasslands of western Washington and northern Idaho, where owner Nicholas Newell grew up, combines the businesses Newell noticed lacking in northern Brunswick County. “This has been something that I wanted to do for like the last two years, but there is not a lot of commercial space available on the Leland side of the bridge. And technically, we’re not even in Leland, we’re in Belville, right here, which is a little known fact.”

Newell was familiar with the area after visiting on weekends while based at Fort Bragg. He decided to make Leland his home in 2018, got his real estate license, and after a few years with Coldwell Banker Seacoast Advantage, started his own firm, the Capstone Group. His real estate earnings are what funded Palouse, he said.

“There’s various different business ideas that I’ve had for the Leland side of the bridge, and coffee being one of them and co-working being another, and when I got into this space, I was like, this would be a really good way to meld both of those,” Newell said.

Those two ideas grew to the current four. “Having a brick and mortar store is expensive. So for this, I was like, you know, what are other revenue streams that we can do? And the books and the plants were those revenue streams. Leland didn’t have local coffee, we didn’t have a bookstore, we didn’t have a plant store, and we didn’t have a co-working space. So, we took all of those and put them into one,” he explained. “I feel like it also creates a cool ambiance to sit and enjoy your coffee.”

Palouse opened the weekend after this past Valentine’s Day, and is the result of a lot of thought and effort on Newell’s part. “I spent the last couple months building it out. I picked everything in here. I picked every last book on these shelves. I built that bar over there. I sourced plants. I sourced all of the plant-based accoutrements, I sourced the shelving. I sourced that La Marzocco coffee machine, which is $23,000, and had a custom painted to match our shelving. I designed the whole menu. There wasn’t a blueprint for this business, so I just had to do it,” he said. “And I think that no matter what business that you’re doing in life, whatever it is that you’re doing for a business, one thing that you always ask yourself, or at least that I always ask myself, is, you know, we might be the only coffee shop that has all of these things, and we might be the only local coffee shop on this side of the bridge, but we’re not the only place that you can get a cup of espresso. So how do you set yourself apart from other places that are selling espresso as well? You can do it better. You can have organic beans and only organic beans. You know, every step of the process, through this, I could have done it cheaper. I didn’t have to buy the Ferrari of espresso machines. If my name was gonna be tied to something, I wanted the best of the best, and set ourselves apart.”

As a new venture with so many moving parts, Newell is still fine-tuning Palouse and all its components. “The point was that you would walk in here, and then it would be very evenly split across all of them. Not that it is mainly a coffee shop with 10 books on the wall, and one little co-working space. The point was that you would walk in here and go, I can’t tell if this is a bookstore, a plant store, a co-working space, or a coffee space, because each one of those should make up roughly 25 percent,” he said. “So, there’s over 1,500 books. There’s hundreds of plants, hundreds of pots, and plant accoutrements, as we refer to it. And then co-working space that can accommodate probably up to 30some people, so let’s say we kind of hit the nail on the head.”

As a book shop, Palouse is certainly not “just 10 books on the wall.” While the books shelves do take up one wall of the store, Newell said the idea was to make sure whoever walked in would

be able to find something that interested them. We were sitting in front of the book shelves for this interview and Newell started explaining the layout.

“So, that top shelf is local authors or North Carolina-based stuff. And then the next one is true crime. You have two rows of cookbooks, and then a row of plants, Nicholas Sparks, of course, because we’re in North Carolina, then books that I couldn’t figure out where they go, so they live there now. Theo Golden has just come out, has been wildly popular, and a lot of people have been asking for that, so just I bought a bunch of copies of those. Then there’s Marvel stuff, and some overflow of nonfiction, and then the next row is poetry. These two rows here are motivational, self help, inspirational, then the bottom two rows are politics and American history, and then this tower here is nonfiction, so you’ve got memoirs, autobiographies, war, everything else, or as my friends joke, history books. That central tower is religion, so Bibles on the top, then study guides, and then the next three to four shelves are just, you know, generic religion. It turns into family stuff, albums, kids, baby stuff down on the bottom. And the next two towers are fiction. That top row is classics, and then all the rest… all sorts of things are in fiction. So whether it’s romantasy or murder mystery or whatever, it’s all mixed in with the fiction on the bottom. There are kids, and then that far right side is young adults.”

Newell’s something for everyone approach also applies to Palouse’s co-working set-up. “We have membership tiers, all sorts of people use it. You can do a day pass, you can do monthly membership with non-assigned seating. You can do a monthly membership with dedicated desks, so that’s your desk, it’s always your desk. It’s more of like a lease type situation, and then we have private office spaces as well, which is also like a lease,” Newell explained.

He said the co-working space has proven very popular already with a wide variety of customers, and he’s looking for places to expand. “You know, with your day pass users, it might just be somebody visiting their grandparents in Waterford, or it might be people who have a home office, and they just want to get away from the kids,” he said. “There’s really no office space for rent in Leland anyway. But even if there was, do you want to go spend $4,000 plus, have to fur-

nish it, plus have to pay the electric bill, and pay the water bill, and pay for the internet, pay for the trash? I mean, all of these extra things that go on top of whatever your rent is, whereas here, it’s one fee. And we pay all of the utilities, and we pay for the internet. We pay for everything else, so all tiers of memberships come with the internet access, printing access, and free drip coffee, and then discounts on our drinks as well. So there’s a tie in there.”

Newell said that he’s happy with the reception Palouse has gotten from the community. It’s already fulfilling the vision he set out with. “There’s a saying called the third space. It’s not home, it’s not work, it’s not school, it’s not church, it’s not a park, but it’s a place where the community can gather and get together and hang out, and do events. People have been coming in here and hanging out,” he said. “You can drink a shot of espresso in a matter of minutes, but people will be in here for an hour and a half, and they’ll bring friends with them, and they’ll talk to other people. You know, some of these tables are really close, and there were two girls who came in, who had seen us on social media that somebody posted, and they got some plants, they got some books, they got drinks, they sat down, they were probably in their 20s, and they sat down at that table. And then two older ladies from my neighborhood, who adore me, they came in here, and they got drinks, and they went and sat down at that table next to them, and in short order, the four of those girls, probably 50 years between them, started talking, and for the next two hours they were just going on and on as if they had been life-long friends. So, that’s been very cool to see.”

What’s the future hold for Palouse? “We’ll do book readings for the kids on maybe a Saturday morning, and we’re a bookstore, so we’ll do open mic poetry night on a Tuesday night, and we’re a plant store, so once a month or something we’ll do a workshop teaching people how to repot their plants or build your own terrarium. And we are a high-end espresso shop, so we’ll do, like, coffee flights or maybe teach people how to do latte art or do educational classes around espresso and the process. Maybe we’ll offer coffee and yoga in the morning, those kinds of things,” Newell said. “And Belville will do Coffee with the Mayor here.”

If you’re looking to pick up a new book, or grab a cup of espresso, or give your home a little life with a new plant, or you need a quiet space to get some work done, or even if you jus want to experience some calm, and community, stop by Palouse.

Newell said, “Everybody who comes in here says exactly the same thing, you know? ‘We’ve needed something like this on the side of the bridge for so long.’” I think you’ll agree.

April Fishing Report

Fish Abound As Spring Fishing Officially Arrives

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

Spring has officially arrived in Southport, and the fishing is picking up right on cue. Aside from a few brief cold snaps, we’ve seen mostly mild to warm temperatures, helping water temps rise just as expected for this time of year — and that’s translating into improving action across the board..

Inshore:

Red drum fishing has been very good and should only continue to improve. Targeting submerged oyster beds along main creek channels has been especially productive. With bait still somewhat limited, fresh shrimp fished on a popping cork or lightlined over structure is producing plenty of action. Anglers can also have success casting small paddle tails or artificial shrimp.

Speckled trout fishing has been slow so far, likely reflecting the impact of colder water this winter. As conditions stabilize, that bite should improve. Keep an eye out for the first flounder to start showing up this month.

Whiting (also known as sea mullet) fishing has been fair but is expected to peak by mid-April. Fishing cut shrimp on small hooks using a two-hook rig near the mouth of the Cape Fear River should yield steady results.

Nearshore:

April marks the exciting return of nearshore fishing along the beaches. Once water temperatures reach 65 degrees, Atlantic bonito typically show up just a few miles off the beach. We’ll also begin to see the first Spanish mackerel of the season, and they’re usually some of the larger fish of the year.

Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-6209919

fast-paced action.

Sheepshead fishing on the artificial reefs has also been very good. Sweeper jigs tipped with fiddler crabs are all you need to target these fish effectively. By midmonth, expect them to begin transitioning into the river and gathering around structure, docks, and similar areas.

Offshore:

King mackerel fishing has been strong in the 30-40-mile range and should remain consistent through April before fish begin moving closer to shore to follow large schools of menhaden.

around, success will depend on locating the right water. Focus on areas with low- to mid-70-degree temperatures over structure. Trolling ballyhoo on skirted rigs continues to be effective.

If water temperatures rise steadily, we could see an early start to mahi mahi season. Keep an eye out for schools of flying fish in the blue water, as they’re a strong indicator of potential action.

Spring is here, and conditions are lining up for an excellent season ahead. As the weather and water continue to stabilize, fishing will only improve. April is just the beginning — it’s shaping up to be a great year to be on the water. Looking forward to seeing everyone out there.

Trolling Clarkspoons behind a #1 or #2 planer is a proven method for getting strikes. When birds are working and bait is actively feeding on the surface, casting jigs can lead to

Black sea bass fishing will start to taper off as the fish migrate north in search of cooler water. Toward the end of the month, we typically see the first cobia of the season appearing on offshore structure, with the bite improving as April progresses.

Gulf Stream:

April is a transition month in the Gulf Stream. While there are still some wahoo and blackfin tuna

Community

Letters From Home

Local DAR Leads Effort To Support Sailors

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Slated to return to its home port of Norfolk, the USS Gerald R Ford CVN 78 has been returned indefinitely to duty in the Middle East. As part of NSDAR’s Project Patriot Committee, Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR and other DAR chapters are supporting the ship’s crew by sending requested items through an Amazon wish list as well as writing cards of encouragement to the crew. “We are also hoping the public will join us in this effort,” said committee chair Debbie Minett. “We want all of our service members to understand that we are very supportive of their efforts.”

Brunswick Town member Marilyn O’Brien has already mailed more than 50 handwritten cards. “My goal is to write 100 cards and to continue writing until I hear they are returning home on leave. I feel that if I can make them smile or feel appreciated and cared about, that is the least I can do!” she said.

O’Brien, a retired nurse, decided to

write personalized letters to those serving on the USS Gerald R Ford because it hit close to home for her. “My late husband was a Navy Corpsman during Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. I imagine that a lot of these sailors are young and my heart goes out to them. Their extended deployment also touched me. I cannot imagine how disappointing it

Blue Cow hopes you have a "Hoppy-Easter" this year!

must have been to learn that they weren’t heading home after all. I do not write form letters, but try to write something different in each one. Sometimes I write about Wilmington’s shipbuilding contribution during WWII, but sometimes I write about pirates or being a transplanted northerner. Always different,” she said.

Committee Chair Debbie Minett said cards will be sent to the ship via the mili-

tary’s postal system. They can be sent individually or in bulk to:

Jackson Gallagher ELT, USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78, Unit 100328, Div RX/RL FPO AE 09523.

The link to order items on Amazon’s wish list is:

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/ guest-view/1LMMYOHIQZNLL?ref_=cm_ sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_1FB03KD5V9Q6XKWNBNYR_1

Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization founded in 1890 for women who can prove direct, blood lineage from a Revolutionary War Patriot. The organization promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation.

DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer organization with more than 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the world. There are more than 100 chapters in North Carolina.

The Brunswick Town Chapter has more than 170 members, several of whom descend from Patriots who lived in Brunswick County while fighting for our country’s independence. The chapter’s membership descends more than 700 proven Patriots from the original 13 colonies.

Chamber News

Fashion With Friends

CONTRIBUTED

Join us for a fabulous evening of fashion, fun, and friends on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Homer E. Wright Event Center in the Town of St. James (4136 Southport-Supply Road). Enjoy a beautiful Spring Garden Party–themed event featuring the latest Spring/Summer 2026 styles, including garden apparel, accessories, and activewear from your favorite local boutiques. Doors open at 4:45 pm and dinner will be served promptly at 5:15 pm.

Featured Boutiques include Boo & Roo’s, Cape Fear Yoga & Wellness, Cattail Cottage, Hive Sweet Home, Ocean Outfitters/Southport Market, Renee’s Fine Jewelry, Styled by Tracy (Independent Cabi Stylist), and The Apothecary St. James.

You’ll enjoy dinner and drinks, a great swag bag and gift basket raffles, and don’t forget to wear your best garden party-inspired hat for a chance to win the Grand Prize!

Dinner will be catered by Savory Seasons Catering and includes green salad, grilled chicken thighs with honey garlic sauce, penne with tomato cream, green beans, rolls and butter and for dessert brownies, cookies and cheesecake bites.

Tickets are available online now at https://www.sptokimerchandise.com/ home/Fashion-withFriends-p624068918 and are $480 per table (8 guests), or $65 per person.

Gather your friends and reserve your table for an unforgettable night of style, shopping, and celebration!

Fashion with Friends is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by The Apothecary St. James, Pretty Plum Beauty, Stanley Martin Homes, and Shoresound Productions.

Restaurant Week

Foodlovers throughout the coastal region are encouraged to mark their calendars for the Annual Southport-Oak Island Area Restaurant Week, taking place April 27 through May 2. This highly anticipated week celebrates the vibrant local dining scene and encourages residents and visitors to explore the many flavors the area has to offer.

During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants throughout the Southport and Oak Island area will provide diners with special incentives to enjoy a meal out. Each participating location will feature at least one of the following during the week:

•Special menu items created exclusively for Spring Restaurant Week

•Special price points

•Pre-fixed dining options featuring multiple courses offered at one set price

Restaurant Weeks have become extremely popular throughout North Carolina, giving diners the opportunity to experience new restaurants while enjoying unique menu offerings. For chefs, the week provides an exciting opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and introduce new dishes or concepts they may be considering adding to their regular menus.

Diners are encouraged to check back frequently for updates, including participating restaurants, special menu offerings, and details on the Restaurant Week Passport, which will highlight both full-service dining experiences and convenient “on-the-go” food options.

Southport-Oak Island Area Restaurant Week is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and is proudly sponsored by Bald Head Coffee & Tea House, Cape Fear Radio, Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars, Hamilton Realty Group eXp Realty, Odd Graphic, Southport Magazine, and The State Port Pilot.

For more information, contact the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce at (910) 457-6964 or visit www.sptokirestaurantweek.com

Art Beat Pottery Instructor

Zack Fowler At The Southport Center

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Brunswick Community College Southport Center on Lord Street has been growing by leaps and bounds, now boasting more than 500 students and more than 80 classes. The Southport Center is always expanding, adding new classes and more offerings for students who wish to learn an art form. Also added are more night classes and classes on Fridays. If you have ever wanted to take pottery classes but work during the day, the Southport Center offers a Wednesday night class taught by potter Zack Fowler.

Growing up in Brunswick County, specifically in Sunset Harbor, Zack is happy to be back home teaching at the Southport Center. “I was born in Georgia, but I grew up in Sunset Harbor, which is right off of (NC) 211,” he said. “When I left for college, I still came back to the area every winter and summer break from college, so I just thought I should come back to figure out where I wanted to go after college.”

Zack considers himself a mostly self-taught potter with an emphasis on wheel throwing, although he definitely has skills in hand building and slip casting. And being only a few years out of college, he brings a youthful spirit to the Southport Center Pottery program. “I started creating art in my senior year of high school. I was asked to join the AP Art class so they would have enough students, and I agreed. It’s definitely what sparked my interest in art,” he said. “I originally went to college for Secondary Math Education, which is a fancy way to say High

School Math Teacher. I eventually switched to Studio Art in my second semester of first year, and I loved it so much that I kept pursuing it,” he said.

His introduction to pottery was a game-changer for Zack. He is definitely a natural at throwing pottery and creating unique and interesting work. “I had found pottery making in my first semester, sophomore year at college, when a fellow student was in an intro throwing class, and she invited me to come sit with her. It turned into her showing me how to throw pottery on the wheel, which definitely wasn’t allowed,” he laughed. “I ended up coming back that same semester almost every day to throw with her there,” he said. “This progressed into me teaching myself how to throw from YouTube videos and help from people who thought I was a student in the throwing class,” he said. “I technically taught myself how to throw in college, my sophomore year, but did have incredibly knowledgeable professors along the way to help me learn different techniques and how to hand build in addition to how to fire gas kilns and electric kilns.”

Zack’s work is very geometrical, featuring lines, patterns, and shapes that are very interesting to look at. The technical aspect of his throwing is on point, and he constantly practices and grows along the way. “The early work I was making, I got inspiration from nature. In my more recent work, I get inspiration from fabric patterns and geometric designs found in buildings. This is shown in my angular patterns because I plan on the lines and segments that are shown very meticulously, but in the arcing patterns, I just let them flow and see how and where they go based on how they look around it.”

Zack has a keen eye for details and how his carving should be. “I start with throwing something that I have in my mind and hoping it turns out how I want it. I wait for it to get lightly leather-hard and cover it in slip before I mark in my angular design, then carve it in. If I’m doing a more rounded object, I will start carving after I put a slip on it with no real set plan, just an intuitive feeling of where arcs should go and how they should fit together,” he said.

As every artist should, Zack is constantly learning, changing, and growing, exploring his own style and building his unique brand. “I have never worked for a commission. I have been asked before, but I have never truly had the time to complete them, so I guess all my work is just creative inspiration and trying to figure out what I truly want to be making and what I want to be considered ‘my work,’ so to speak,” he said. “For now, I am teaching at BCC Heritage Arts Center. I am looking into residencies and such at different craft schools and places around the US,” he said. “I will hopefully be selling and showing some of my pieces at May-nia this May at BCC

Heritage Arts Center.”

Teaching adult education at BCC has been a great experience for Zack and his art. “I like the different life experiences and hearing about how different people got into pottery if they’re coming back to it after years of being away from it. Or if they are just now starting to do it, and people from all over,” he said. “It’s fun to see how different people will approach the same thing cause you never truly stop learning, and it might be something to help in my own practice also,” he said. “I want to thank everyone who’s gotten me this far in my life and shown me how to be me through my art from High School at South Brunswick, College at Appalachian State, and BCC Heritage Arts Center.”

Golf Tips Improving Your Swing Tips And Drills To Help Create A Good Swing

BY NICOLE WELLER, LPGA / PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

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?

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 rather gently…sometimes different words bring about a better image. Either way, the pressure was definitely on the lighter than tighter side!

1.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.

2.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.

3.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?

4.Repeat #3 with different tension levels in your forearms and shoulders. What pressure is best for you?

5.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 these tips.

Keeping Fit

No More Comfort Zone

Facing Fears and Conquering Challenges

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness

Allow me to paint a picture of how my current health and fitness journey began nearly 16 years ago. I stepped onto a treadmill. I walked slowly for 10 minutes. I stepped off the treadmill. I went home.

That’s it - because that’s all I could do, so it was all my health and fitness coach at the time wanted me to do. No good could come of trying to do more than I was prepared to do. My past health and fitness history, filled with starts and stops, clearly proved that.

We all have to start somewhere. The healthiest, most fit people you know weren’t the healthiest, most fit people you know until they took the first step toward reaching their goals and then built upon that.

I know those health and fitness goals you have now seem daunting, which may be why you haven’t faced them yet. But all that matters now is to start.

Now, let’s fast forward to today. I’m tackling a uniquely daunting challenge.

I have taken up karate. This venture began as a way to get my son, Zach, out of his bedroom and out of his comfort zone. It turns out this was another opportunity to get me out of my comfort zone.

Nearly 16 years ago, health and fitness was truly out of my comfort zone. I was pushing 250 pounds, as unhealthy as I had ever been, and heading in the wrong direction. Now, I spend my days pulling others out of their comfort zone.

Meanwhile, being a business owner has its moments of comfort within all the customary stress and chaos. But I’ve been doing it for six years now.

Karate is as new as it gets – and I’m taking on the challenge at 54 years alongside teenagers in class.

Zach and I started karate lessons at Southeastern Tang Soo Do Academy in Southport under Master Brian Walshaw in late January. He has some natural ability, and he seems to be taking well to doing the hard work needed to learn such challenging skills.

The old man, on the other hand, stunk right from the start – and that was great.

Why do I say that?

Anything we really struggle with is something worth doing, because we really have to put in the work to enjoy even the tiniest bit of success and continue overcoming adversity to enjoy more success.

It’s OK to stink. It’s not OK to give up

because you stink.

It’s inevitable that we’ll face challenges that don’t come easy to us right away, if ever. We come away with much more from those experiences – because we learn from the success and stumbles.

We also learn more about ourselves and what we’re capable of in life. I’m learning about where I need to improve physically - balance, flexibility etc. - and that my once injured right leg can handle the stress of performing dynamic movements.

So, I challenge you to challenge yourself by trying something new, something out of your comfort zone – karate perhaps, but really anything you have your eye on but haven’t chosen to take on just yet.

More than likely, you will stink in the beginning. But you can’t get better if you don’t stink first. All you have to do is the work.

Zach and I experienced our first belt test recently. We faced 90 minutes of mental and physical tests to earn our way from white belt to the rank of yellow belt.

As I write this article, we still don’t know if we passed our test. It takes a week or two for the instructor to determine how we did and order belts for the traditional belt ceremony. But pass or fail, I faced the challenge. Pass or fail, I still gained valuable experience that I can apply to everything that comes my way.

No matter what, we always win when we face challenges head on.

If you need help developing a stronger mindset to face challenges you have always wanted to conquer, or you simply need help pinpointing your path to better health and wellness, I’m always here – because at Fernandes Fit…

Fitness Is Our Business.

Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started. You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.

History For 20 Dollars In Gold

April Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

On April 9, the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table will host retired U.S. Army Colonel A. Carl Ward as he presents For Twenty Dollars in Gold, A Story of the Civil War, a family story that has been researched more than 60 years. Based on Carl’s book of the same name, it is a carefully documented narrative that reflects historic facts about Southeastern North Carolina from both a soldier’s view during the war and a family’s view about surviving back home.

Carl crafted the book from the starting point of discovering long forgotten letters in the attic of his grandmother’s home in Southeastern North Carolina. In Carl’s words, “The novel is told from the documented view of a man and his family, all conflicted by circumstances created by others, for causes they did not share, that spun out of control, all for a war they did not seek.” Follow Private James Ward on this epic journey through American history, on places and battlefields near and far away, with intense victories and tragic defeats, providing fleeting glory and tragedy, resulting in peace and a return to a devastated home and a new life in rural North Carolina.

James enlists for the bounty of $20 in gold, a considerable amount in the time of the Civil War. In 1860 about one-third of the population of North Carolina was enslaved, about 331,000 out of a total of 992,000. Yet, most families did not own slaves. In New Hanover County (which then included today’s Pender County) and Brunswick County, less than half of families owned slaves. The percentage was highest in counties to the north where cotton was more widely grown. The largest plantations in North Carolina, such as Stagville in Durham, enslaved nearly 1,000 people.

James served in the legendary 26th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. The regiment was formed in August 1861 in Raleigh and served throughout the war, surrendering at Appomattox with Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. It fought at the Battle of New Bern in early 1862 and then was transferred

north to Virginia to serve with Lee from the Seven Days Battles of 1862 to the dissolution of the Army at Appomattox.

The regiment lost a total of 274 men killed in action or who died of wounds plus 332 who died of disease and 775 soldiers who were captured, of whom 70 died in captivity. At Gettysburg, the regiment was very heavily engaged on the first day, July 1, 1863, at McPherson’s Ridge and then again on July 3 in the climactic assault on Cemetery Ridge known as Pickett’s Charge, although the 26th served not in Pickett’s division, but in the division commanded by Brigadier General J. Johnston Pettigrew. The 26th is usually credited as the unit that reached the farthest in the assault that was ultimately turned back by the Union army after great loss on the southern side. In the three-day battle of Gettysburg, approximately 89 percent of Private James Ward’s 26th Regiment became casualties.

A. C. ‘Carl’ Ward lives at the beach in Southeastern NC with his wife, Jolene and the family cat, Heidi. Carl retired from the Army after 30 years of military service and continued providing consulting services with various “Top 5” Federal Contractors in the Washington, DC area on various programs and projects dealing with the Department of Defense & Homeland Security. He currently has a successful local consulting company, Lighthouse Management Consulting, even after retiring.

He graduated from Greensboro’s Grimsley High School in 1967 and Southeastern Community College in Columbus County in 1969. He then attended Appalachian State University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor’s degree in political science (Honors in International Relations).

He is a graduate of US Army Combat Studies Institute (CSI), at Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he received certification as a Military History Instructor for the US Army. Assigned Assistant Professor of Military Science at ASU in both General College & Army ROTC.

At CSI, he was proficient in the use of the Battlefield Staff Ride

method of instruction for instructors, students, cadets, and civilian groups studying leadership from the perspective of the “Nine principles of war”, reflecting on battles from strategic, operational, and tactical viewpoints.

He has conducted Battlefield Staff Rides at: Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Normandy, Anzio, Sicily, Bastogne, Guilford Courthouse, South Korea, Fort Fisher, New Bern, Malvern Hill, Spotsylvania Courthouse, the Wilderness, Bentonville, Fulda Gap, and others worldwide.

While in the Army, he attended senior level education such as the Defense Systems Management College, Command and General Staff College, Defense Acquisition University, & National Defense University.

The April 9 meeting begins at 7 pm and doors open at 6:30 pm. Come and hear the story of the Civil War from the point of view of an ordinary soldier from North Carolina and his family. The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The centrally located meeting place is near Independence Mall. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. All are welcome. For more information about membership, check out the Round Table’s website at https://www.cfcwrt. org/ See you there!

History Civil War Aftermath

April Brunswick Civil War Roundtable

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Questionsswirled in the Civil War’s aftermath about what the process of bringing former Confederate states back into the Union would entail. Like what would freedom for formerly enslaved individuals mean? Or, what role the federal government would play in binding the nation’s wounds? During the Reconstruction era, and specifically the military reconstruction of the South, the issues seemed endless, and eventually, was there an end in sight?

Guest speaker Angela Zombek, Ph.D. will join the Brunswick Civil War Round Table at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach on Tuesday, April 7 to delve into the many crucial issues during her presentation entitled, “Competing Visions of the Post-War World: Military Reconstruction and Southern Resistance in North Carolina.”

The military presence was crucial in maintaining order, safeguarding the rights of newly freed slaves, and establishing new state governments that recognized the 14th Amendment and equal voting rights for all men. On the one hand, radical Republicans favored a rather dramatic approach to Reconstruction, seeking to punish the South and guarantee civil rights for African Americans through military occupation and constitutional changes. On the other hand, white supremacists de-

sired to maintain white racial domination and actively resisted any advancements for African Americans as it related to voting rights or social equality. These differing perspectives will clearly be discussed at the next Round Table meeting when the country sought a measure of equality in the postwar South.

We are pleased to have Angela back with another really significant topic that set the stage of our country for years to come. She is Professor of History at UNCW, a Copie Hill Civil War Fellow with the American Battle-

field Trust, serves as managing editor of Kent State University Press, a prolific author, and is under contract with the University Press of Florida.

Registration for the meeting begins at 6:15 pm and the meeting starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee is still $10, and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which can include a spouse. Importantly, meeting attendees will be able to take an unlimited number of free Civil War history books from our vast collection of 600-plus books which are being offered due to storage limitations.

For more information about the meeting or the Round Table, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com for background and current information, news, and updates, or the Facebook page.

Brunswick CC Events

Pitch It! Brunswick Contest and Job Fair

If you have a business idea scribbled in a notebook, saved in your phone, or living rent free in your head, now is the time to bring it to life.

Marine Federal Credit Union and Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center have teamed up to launch Pitch It! Brunswick, a new competition designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real Brunswick County businesses.

The program gives participants the opportunity to pitch their new business concept to a panel of three “Business Bulldogs” for a chance to win start-up funding and prizes.

•1st Place: $3,000

•2nd Place: $2,000

•3rd Place: $1,000

“Every day, I meet people with incredible ideas who just need the right support to take that first step,” said April Scott, Director of the Small Business Center at Brunswick Community College. “Pitch It! Brunswick is about walking alongside those future business owners, giving them the tools, encouragement,

opportunity, and funding to turn their vision into something real for our community.”

Ideal candidates have not yet started a business but has a clear idea of the type of company they want to create. Previous business owners may apply, but they must submit a brand-new concept for a Brunswick County-based venture.

Applicants must be Brunswick County residents and commit to participating in all required trainings and program events. Participants should be passionate about their idea, have some knowledge of their intended industry, and be willing to build their business on a strong foundation.

The application period opens is open now and closes April 13.

For complete eligibility requirements, program details, and application information, visit the Pitch It! Brunswick website or contact April Scott at scotta@brunswickcc.edu

Swing For Success:

JOB FAIR, APRIL 8

If you’re looking for new full- or parttime career opportunities or talent to fill positions at your business, we invite you to attend the BCC Job Fair on Wednesday, April 8. Held in partnership with NC Works and sponsored by METCON Buildings & Infrastructure, the job fair will be held at the Dinah E. Gore Sports & Aquatics Complex on the campus of Brunswick Community College from 10 am to 1 pm.

The Job Fair is free of charge and features nearly 80 employers from throughout Brunswick County and surrounding areas, all with open positions at salaries of at least $15 per hour. Industries represented include hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food service, banking, beauty and wellness, plumbing, law enforcement, first responders, and more.

In addition to free admission, job seekers and employers can participate in free workshops: Writing a Resume that Works and Interview Skills to Get You the Job. The NC Works Mobile Unit will be onsite providing job application assistance. A professional photographer will offer free headshots from 10 am to noon.

For all the details, a complete list of

employers, and to register to attend or exhibit, visit brunswickcc.edu/jobfair. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. You may also contact Jillian Hardin at hardinj@brunswickcc.edu or 910-7558508

About Brunswick Community College Brunswick Community College (BCC) is a public community college in Bolivia, North Carolina. BCC offers associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in engineering degrees for students who plan to transfer to a senior institution to complete a baccalaureate or higher degree. BCC also offers a wide range of High School Pathways (Career & College Promise), certificates, diplomas, and degrees to prepare students for entry-level jobs in para-professional and healthcare fields. Through the Division of Continuing Education, Economic & Workforce Development, BCC offers over 250 customized courses, programs, and services to enhance employees’ careers, improve business effectiveness, and support the new and existing workforce. For more information about Brunswick Community College and our programs, please visit our website www.brunswickcc.edu.

SPOTTINGS

Melissa Furst, RN, a nurse in the Dosher Memorial Hospital Patient Care Unit, was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Melissa was nominated by a patient who commended her willingness to go the extra mile to make her hospital stay comfortable, following up on every detail from meals to medication needs. The patient noted that Melissa never made her feel rushed, and even took the time to share stories about grandchildren and travel.

“Melissa didn’t make me feel like just a patient in a bed but like a normal person under treatment. She always had a smile,” the nomination stated. “If you can have a pleasant stay in the hospital, she made it so.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Dosher are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of

The DAISY Award.”

Said Dosher Chief Nursing Officer Jill Ward, RN, MSN, CCRN, “Melissa exemplifies what it is to be a great nurse, skill, professionalism, and compassionate care. Our great nursing team at Dosher Memorial Hospital

Members and friends of 40&8 Voiture Locale 245 recently gathered at Brunswick Community College’s Odell Williamson Auditorium to pay tribute to the music of Simon & Garfukel and to Nursing Student Zoe Elliott, this year’s recipient of the 40&8 BCC Nurses Training Scholarship.

Ms. Elliott joined 40&8 representatives in greeting concert goers. She shared her appreciation for the organization’s willingness to invest in her education and future as a registered nurse.

“The funding for this scholarship is made possible by our partnership with OWA,” said Rick Sessa,40&8 Nurses Training Chair. “Each year, they provide us with a block of seats at a discounted rate for us to sell in support ot BCC Nursing. We so appreciate the support and kindness of the OWA staff. It’s a pleasure working with them each year.”

40&8, formally known as La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, is a nonprofit veterans organization dedicated to charitable and educational causes, with a longstanding commitment to nursing scholarships. Through the Nurses Training Scholarship at BCC, 40&8 continues its meaningful tribute to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Foundation of Brunswick Community College is proud to partner with organizations like 40&8 to expand access to education and strengthen the future of healthcare in Brunswick County.

To learn more about 40&8, visit www.fortyandeight.org. For more information about the Foundation of Brunswick Community College and the many opportunites to change lives in support of BCC students, contact Executive Director Teresa Nelson at (910) 755-6530.

HOMES/LAND FOR SALE

8708 E OAK ISLAND DRIVE, OAK ISLAND, NC. 5 Lots | 2 Parcels | Prime High-Traffic Location. Zoned OK-CB | $1,150,000. Take a look at this unique commercial opportunity in the high-traffic area of Oak Island. 5 total lots on 2 parcels. Give us a call today! Listed at $1,150,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Contact Pat Proctor at 910-523-0087 for details.

5523 E BEACH DRIVE, LOT 12. OAK ISLAND Prime Oceanfront Opportunity. 0.17 Acres | Zoned Ok-R-7 | $675,000. Stunning oceanfront lot located in the heart of Oak Island, close to grocery stores, beach shops, and restaurants. Check out this listing today! Listed at $675,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Brooke Rudd at 910-5121361 for more information.

MARKETPLACE

16+/-ACRES Mixed Use Development Opportunity. Signalized Access on NC 133/ Long Beach Road. 16+/- Acres | Zoned R-6000/CLD | $700,000. Seize this rare opportunity to develop approximately 16 acres in one of North Carolina’s fastest growing areas! With signalized access, this prime location is perfect for builders, developers, and investors. Listed at $700,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Reach out to Jonathan McLaughlin at 910269-8200 for information or to discuss the possibilities!

4911 SOUTHPORT SUPPLY ROAD SE, SOUTHPORT. 431+/SF of Hwy 211 Road Frontage.

2.2 Acres | 3 Parcels | Zoned CoCld | $1,400,000. Prime location along Highway 211!! Check out these 3 parcels, zoned for commercial and perfect for a variety of business types! Listed at $1,400,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Pat Proctor at 910-5230087 for more information.

612-B

W. BROWN STREET

| 2 BED | 2 BATH | $349,000

Premium location! This immaculate, furnished condo is located in the quiet and peaceful neighborhood of The Village at Southport. This unit has an open floor plan with a sizable kitchen, dining area, living room, and an open deck that overlooks the community pool. The two bedrooms each have adjoining bathrooms and there is a separate laundry area. Assigned parking that can accommodate 2 cars can be found on the ground level along with a private storage room, and a central elevator. All exterior landscaping/maintenance is handled by the HOA. The location offers easy access to Morning Star Marina, and downtown for shopping, galleries, museums, restaurants, and enjoying the Cape Fear River views. Don’t miss out as these condos don’t come on the market often! Call Katherine Hufham, Southport Realty, Inc. for more information, (910) 470-4045.

2100 MARSH GROVE LANE, #2304 - $399,000. CORNER UNIT WITH EXTRA WINDOWS + WATERWAY VIEWS! This 1-bedroom condo with a spacious flex room offers a rare opportunity to enjoy natural light from

multiple sides, thanks to its coveted corner position. Located in the sought-after Preserve at Oak Island.  Call Valerie Earman, Southport Realty, Inc., for more details, (540) 878-9465.

6856 CAMPBELLS RIDGE DRIVE. 4 BED | 3 BATH |

$554,000. This feature-rich residence blends modern style with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Set on an impressive .65-acre lot, the expansive backyard is a blank canvas waiting for your dream outdoor space! Inside, you’ll find over 2,570 heated square feet, including 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level, plus a 4th bedroom, 3rd full bath, and large bonus room upstairs - perfect for guests, hobbies, or a home office. Prime location - 3 mins to Leland shops, 10 mins to downtown Wilmington. Call Andrea Milligan, Southport Realty, Inc., (910)279-6671 for more information.

5215 EAST OAK ISLAND DRIVE, UNIT #1. 5,193 SQ.FT. COMMERCIAL SPACE |

$1,099,000. Rare commercial investment opportunity in the growing market of Oak Island, where inventory is limited and demand is rising.This property features five units, four with new leases already in place

delivering immediate, stable income. With flexible layouts including a 36’ x 30’ conditioned warehouse and a newly remodeled apartment, the property supports a variety of business uses and future rental growth.Strong road frontage, rear alley access for parking and loading, and close proximity to Publix enhance visibility and tenant appeal.Call Valerie Earman, Southport Realty, Inc., (540)878-9465 for more information.

79 S. FAYETTEVILLE ROAD$265,000. Don’t miss this likenew 2023 cottage in Boiling Spring Lakes, just minutes from Southport. Featuring an open floor plan with 2 bed / 2 bath, white soft-close cabinets, LVP flooring, butcher block countertops, stainless appliances, and a laundry room. Enjoy covered front & back porches, plus a fenced yard with shed. Affordable living near Oak Island and Caswell Beach!  Call Shea Williams, Southport Realty, Inc., for details, (910) 461-6789.

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We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. (For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way). Register online for Town of Oak Island programs at www.OakIslandNC.goc/PROGRAMS. — Lisa

April

APRIL

2

Second Tuesday Talk

The Southport Historical Society’s Second Tuesday Talk is at 10 am at the Margaret and James Harper, Jr. Library, 109 W. Moore St. in downtown Southport. Local historian Liz Fuller will present “Dunbar Davis and the Sea Island Hurricane of 1893,” a compelling look at one of the region’s most dramatic rescue stories. Davis, who served as Keeper of local Life Saving Stations for more than 30 years, is credited with saving numerous lives. During the devastating hurricane of 1893, he led efforts to rescue crews from four shipwrecks along the coast. This program highlights both the perilous conditions faced by coastal communities and the courage of those who risked their lives to save others. The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome. Reservations can be made by calling 910-457-6237.

APRIL 2

Gallery Reception — Leland

Visit with artist Erika Pifher at a reception at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland. The reception is 6-8 pm.

APRIL 4

Easter Fun Day — Northwest

The City of Northwest hosts this event, which includes an egg hunt, games, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, and activities. The festivities are 11 am to 1 pm at the City of Northwest Park, 4891 Vernon Road NE.

APRIL 8

Job Fair — Brunswick Community College

The job fair is free and open to the public, and will feature more than 80

employers in a variety of industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food service, banking, beauty and wellness, plumbing, law enforcement, first responders, and more. There will also be free workshops on Writing a Resume That Works and Interview Skills to Get You the Job. The job fair is 10 an to 1 pm at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia.

APRIL 9

Market in the Park — Sunset Beach Shop this open air market at Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd North (on the mainland by the bridge). The market is 9 am to 1 pm.

APRIL 9

CoastWise Speaker Series - Oak Island

UNCW Professor and Regional Economist Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi is the first guest presenter in the Town of Oak Island’s CoastWise Speakers Series, 6 pm in the Town Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E Oak Island Drive.

APRIL 11

Fundraiser by Chapter CB, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Southport

A “Treasures in the Trunk” and Bake Sale will be held from 9 am to noon at the BCC Southport Campus parking lot (701 N. Lord St.) There will be 10 car trunks loaded with household items, glassware, pottery, jewelry, purses, games, lamps, artwork, linens, holiday decorations and much more and two tables will be loaded with homemade baked items. Cash and checks only will be accepted; no credit cards. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been motivating, educating and celebrating women for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 129,000* women pursue

Check out the Wings & Wheels car and plane show at CApe Fear Jetport on April 11

educational goals by providing approximately $462 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. To learn more about P.E.O., visit www.peointernational.org.

APRIL 11

Storytime — LCAC

Take the kids to storytime at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Registration is required for the program, which runs from noon to 1:30 pm and includes a craft project.

APRIL 11

Spring Daze Fest - Market — Shallotte

This family-friendly market features local vendors, handmade goods, live music, a kids craft corner, and special themed activities. The market is 9 am to 2 pm at the Riverwalk, 145 Wall St.

APRIL 11

Wings and Wheels - Cape Fear Regional Jetport

EAA Chapter 939 hosts this annual event, which starts with a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 am. Enjoy the car show, with awards at 2 pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will also

be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the group’s youth programs. The Jetport is at 4015 Airport Road (Oak Island mainland).

APRIL 12

Red, White and Blue Shimperoo — Southport

Help support the 4th of July Festival with this annual fundraiser, 4-7 pm at the American Fish Company, 150 Yacht Basin, Southport. The Shimperoo will feature shrimp prepared in various ways, chicken, barbecue pork and all the trimmings. There will be a cash bar and live performance by Salty Dawgs. Tickets are $55 per person in advance or $450 for a bulk

purchase of 10 tickets. Visit www. nc4thofjuly.com/events to purchase tickets.

APRIL 16

Fashion With Friends

The Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, which includes dinner and drinks, gift basket raffles, swag bag and more prize opportunities. This year’s event has a spring garden party theme — wear your best

CALENDAR

garden party inspired hat for a chance to win the grand prize. The event starts at 5 pm at the Homer E. Wright Event Center. (4136 Southport-Supply Road, St. James).

APRIL

18

Bands, Brews, & BBQ — Belville

Hosted by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, this annual event features award-winning BBQ, local craft beers, music and a beautiful view at the Brunswick Riverwalk at Belville, 580 River Road SE. The event is from 11 am to 4 pm and includes a BBQ Cook-Off in which both professionals and amateurs compete – and which attendees get to enjoy.

APRIL

18

Library and Senior Center Grand Opening — Boiling Spring Lakes

Celebrate the grand opening of the Joan Kinney Library and Senior Center. Volunteers have been busy stacking shelves and sorting materials to build the library and the grand opening celebration is 11 am to 2 pm. Kinney is a former mayor of BSL, and the library is at 9 E. Boiling Spring Road.

APRIL 18

Ride the Tide — Oak Island

This year’s 5.2-mile float goes from the 39th Place West boat ramp to the kayak launch at SE 31st Street (behind the Recreation Center. The paddle starts at 8:30 am; register with the Town of Oak Island.

APRIL 18

Taste of Spring Food Truck FestivalOcean Isle Beach

Enjoy tasty treats from a variety of food trucks, along with kids activities, live music and more, 11 am to 3 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach.

APRIL 18

Two Lights For Tomorrow

Homes and businesses are invited to display two lights in celebration of the of the anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride.

APRIL 19

Blessing of the Fleet - Southport

The Cape Fear Yacht Club welcomes all vessels, and landlubber onlookers, to

the annual Blessing of the Fleet at the American Fish Company, 150 Yacht Basin Drive in Southport. The Blessing is scheduled for 2 pm.

APRIL 24

Blood Drive hosted by Dosher Hospital

Dosher Memorial Hospital is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at the Jaycee Building, 309 Fodale Avenue in Southport. The blood drive is 9 am to 1:15 pm, and donors are encouraged to sign up ahead of time by visiting the Find A Blood Drive section of www. redcrossblood.org. Donors should also take a photo ID.

APRIL

25

Community Yard Sale Day — Belville Shop for some new-to-you items at this annual event, 7-11 am at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE.

APRIL

25

National Independent Bookstore Day

Celebrate with the folks at Needful Things Bookstore, 114 E. Nash St. in Southport from 9 am to 4 pm with giveaways, signed books, a bookmark bar, bookish temporary tattoo station, double punches on rewards cards, and more.

APRIL 25

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Sailors and Tar Workers in the 18th Century

This program at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site will provide a comprehensive view of maritime history within the region, provide context for naval stores production along the lower Cape Fear, and provide interpretations of eighteenth century trades that are relevant to maritime history and sailing. It will contextualize the role of the naval stores industry in Brunswick’s development as a major colonial port. This is a free event for all ages, 10 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 St. Philips Road SE in Winnabow (of NC 133).

APRIL 25

A Taste of Calabash

For a $10 ticket, you can taste samples from many Calabash restaurants. Ticket sales start at 10:30 am at Calabash Park, 828 Persimmon Road. The self-guided tour is 11 am to 5 pm. (Edi-

tor’s Note — there is a lot of good food to sample, so go hungry).

APRIL 25

Rockin’ and Rollin’ to the Red, White & Blue Car & Truck Show

The Cape Fear Cruisers host this car and truck show on Bay Street in Southport, 8:30 am to 2 pm. Awards include Best in Show and Best Patriotic Decorated Vehicle. The Cruisers use event proceeds to benefit local charities.

APRIL 27-MAY 2

Restaurant Week — Oak Island and Southport

It’s a great week to try something new from restaurants in the Southport-Oak Island area. Restaurants will offer special menu items only offered during Spring Restaurant Week, special price points, or pre-fixed dining options — including multiple courses — offered at one price point. Check https://www. southport-oakisland.com/article/restaurant-week.html for your Restaurant Week Passport.

APRIL 30

Artists Reception — LCAC

A reception for artists Deb Helms and Karen Goldman is 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

APRIL 30

Market in the Park — Sunset Beach Shop this open air market at Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd North (on the mainland by the bridge). The market is 9 am to 1 pm.

MAY 2

Women of Brunswick

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site hosts a number of living history demonstrations that focus on the women who worked and lived at the port of Brunswick. Get a chance to see what their life was like and dive into a new perspective of Port Brunswick. This is a free event for all ages, 10 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 St. Philips Road SE in Winnabow (of NC 133).

MAY 2

Craft Fair — Varnamtown

Shop for arts and crafts from local vendors. The fair is 10 am to 3 pm at Town Hall, 100 Varnamtown Road SW. There will be shuttle service for parking at Dixon Chapel.

MAY 2

MayDay Festival - Shelton Herb Farm

Get out and welcome spring properly, with this festival at Shelton Herb Farm, 340 Goodman Road NE, Leland. There will be several local herbal and botanical vendors, a food and coffee truck, kids activities and lots of early spring flowers and plants to purchase. MayDay is 9 am to 4 pm at the farm.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

USS NORTH CAROLINA

1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River). April 10 — A Musical Tribute to the Battleship featuring the Brunswick Bands, 7 pm

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third St., Wilmington April 14 — Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

April 15-16 — Bert Kreischer

April 17 — Magician and comedian Piff the Magic Dragon

April 18-19 — City Ballet performs The Winter Queen

April 24 — Jim Jeffries

April 25 The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, the Cape Fear Chorale and the UNCW Chorus team up to perform Carmina Burana

April 26 — The Wilmington Choral Society presents Lights, Camera, Music — Songs from the Stage and Screen

April 28-30 — Kinky Boots

May 2 — Ali Saddiq - The Custom Fit Tour

May 9 —- Let’s Sing Taylor

May 10 — Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

May 12 — David Lee Roth

May 13 — One Night of Queen

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Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

April 2-12 — Big Dawg Productions presents The Hermit of Fort Fisher

April 3 — Forward Motion Dance presents Arts Sensation!

April 10-19 — The Wizard of Ox by the Thalian Association Community Theatre

April 14 — Capitol Fools

April 16 — Joshua Kane-Borders of the Mind

April 16-19 — A Ride Through the Country, from Big Dawg Productions

April 20 — Women of Americana

April 23 — The Chase Brock Experience

May 1-9 — The Opera House Theatre Company & Twinkle Doon present The Varsity Line

May 2 — The Wizard of Oz on Ice Check https://www.thalianhall.org/calendar for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington

March 25 — The Infamous Stringdusters

March 31 — Old Crow Medicine Show: O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots

April 11 — Dog’s Out the Cage Tour

April 16 — An Evening With - Greensky Bluegrass

April 17 — Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

May 3 — Ani DiFranco w/ Special Guest Valerie June

Visit https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.

ONGOING EVENTS

Friends of the Library

The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Visit https:// folsoi.org/blog/ for information on up-

coming programs.

Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.

Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.

Leland Library, 487 Village Road NE: Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Ruark Library, 5068 Main St., Shallotte Storytime for toddles and pre-K on Thursdays at 10:30 am, and the Teen Chess Club meets on Mondays at 4 pm.

Southwest Brunswick Branch, 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17), Carolina Shores: Move It Monday library workouts are at 9 am on Mondays. Chess Club meets on Tuesdays at 3 pm.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport

204 E. Moore St.

The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 4 pm at 204 E. Moore St., Southport. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and there is a gift shop too offering maritime and seasonal items for visitors of all ages. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Franklin Square Art Gallery

The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found next to Franklin Square Park.

First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport

The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and Southport Studio Artists. Stroll along, or jump on the trolley, browse in the shops, and see what local artists have to offer. The first Gallery Walk for the year will be March 7.

Oak Island Recreation Department

Join the Striders Club at various lo-

cations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with a new class. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/ oakislandnc for details on programs.

Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation

Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.

Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island

Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Winner takes all coverall.

Battleship North Carolina — near Leland

Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and spe-

cial programming throughout the year. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. Battleship Alive is April 11, when attendees can watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters who bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. Hidden Battleship, a behindthe-scenes tour ($75) is April 18. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River)..

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday) and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Touch tank feedings are Fridays at 11 am. Also open February 15-16 for President’s Day

Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.

Brunswick Newcomer’s Club — Southport

The Brunswick Newcomer’s Club is a non-profit social club of more than 300 adults who live in

Southeastern Brunswick County, including the Boiling Springs, Bolivia, Leland, Oak Island, St. James, Shallotte, Southport and Supply areas. Meetings are held the third Tuesday morning of every month at 9:30 a.m. in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., Southport. For more information visit: Brunswick Newcomer’s Club or contact us at

brunswick.newcomers@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. Please note that the group does not meet in June, July or August, but will resume meeting in September..

Wilmington River Tours

212 S. Water St., Wilmington

Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours. net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.

Meet The Author Book Events Throughout the County

April 21

Ruark Branch Library

5068 Main Street, Shallotte

Author Teri Brown will discuss her novel “Daughters of Mountain Gap,” newly selected for North Carolina Reads — North Carolina Humanities’ award-winning, virtual, statewide book club. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about her writing, inspiration, and the story behind this celebrated novel. The program is 2-3 pm; visit www. brunswickcountync.gov/Library to reserve your spot.

April 27

Harper Library

109 W. Moore St., Southport

Author Barbara Dullaghan will discuss her novel “Secrets in the Hollow,” a story filled with mystery, hidden histories, and the haunting atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow.  The story explores the complicated life of Carrie Peters, a tormented individual plagued by dangerous secrets and remorse. Through vivid characters and a strong sense of place, Barbara Dullaghan weaves a tale about the secrets communities keep and the truths that eventually rise to the surface. The book covers themes of regret, self-discovery and the devastating effects of prior errors. Dullaghan has received notable recognition, earning First Place in Mystery at the Firebird Book Awards and has been named a Distinguished Favorite in Women’s Fiction at the NYC Big Book Award. The program is 4-5 pm. Visit www.brunswickcountync.gov/Library to reserve your spot.

April 11

Needful Things bookstore

114 E. Nash St., Southport

Author Seth Sjostrom is doing a book signing and launch party of his new book “Cursed in Cape Fear” from 2-4 pm. He will be doing a meet and great the following day from 2-4 pm at the Royal James Rummery, 109 E. Moore St. in Southport.

The Pelican Bookstore in Sunset Beach hosts a series of book signings, held at the Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach (mainland). The festivities at the Winery start at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45 and include a glass of wine, light hors d’oeuvres, a copy of the book, and a meet and greet with the author. For more details and a longer synopsis of the book selections, visit www.pelicanbookstore.com.

April 14

Marybeth Whalen — “Handle With Care”

“Handle with Care” shines a light on hope found even in the darkest moments, and illuminates how even strangers, thrown together by chance and hardship, have the power to change each other’s lives. On a quiet spring afternoon, an ordinary smalltown post office becomes ground zero for a domestic dispute. A husband draws a weapon and seals the doors, holding four women captive: his frightened wife, a young woman searching for meaning amid uncertainty, a mother on the brink of letting go as her only daughter graduates, and an elderly woman concealing a secret that could shatter everything she knows.

May 16

Kristy Woodson Harvey - “SummerState of Mind”

This book tells the tale of a woman who has left the city behind, looking for a new life—and possibly new love—when she is faced with the discovery of an abandoned baby. After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new start. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town.

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