Issuu

www.LelandMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 1

STAFF EDITOR

FROM THE PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carla Edstrom

Jeffrey Stites

Jan Morgan-Swegle

editor@lelandmag.com

Joe Jancsurak Patricia Langer

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

Jeffrey Stites

LEAD DESIGNER

PUBLISHER & SALES

Liz Brinker

Jeffrey Stites

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

jeff@southportmag.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

910-471-7741

CONSULTANT

Chuck and Sue Cothran

Kris Beasley

Leland Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media. The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff. Annual Subscription: $45 email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741 Leland Magazine PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461 www.lelandmag.com email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

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Still America250

e celebrated America’s birthday last month, but our 250th anniversary lasts the entire year, and we plan to keep celebrating. Historically, it’s a big deal for a country to operate under that same government, the same Constitution, for 250 years. And to have that happen in a country ruled by its citizens is unique in human history, and something we should all take as a point of pride. Understanding our history is particularly important here because we aren’t now, and never have been, bound by a common ethnicity or religion. What holds us together is our shared history and common belief in the ideals upon which our nation was founded. If we lose track of these things, or if we fail to teach the new generations, we could lose that glue and the nation could come apart at the seams. So expect more history in our pages, including in this issue. This month, you’ll learn about a traveling exhibit on the American Revolution that is being brought to Shallotte’s Rourk Library by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Our newest writer, Gabriel Hughes, shares the story of a graduate student intern at Brunswick Town and his work uncovering the history of the port and one of it’s wharves. And we spoke to an artist who helped create a memorial, also at Brunswick Town, to one of the bleaker aspects of our shared history, the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Hundreds of men, women and children were imported to Brunswick Town and now their story is getting the honor it deserves. We hope you appreciate this continued national birthday celebration!.— Jeffrey

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Community A New Founders Park Town of Leland Revamps Popular Location

STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

t’s no secret that Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Our well-kept secret of a slow and peaceful life somehow got out and now it seems as if the flow of people moving here just keeps getting heavier and heavier. We don’t see as much of the original wildlife in our backyard anymore or in the wetlands that stand against it. Indeed, it seems the “wetlands” have been reduced to a “wet strip,” after a new neighborhood of homes was built behind us a few years ago.

If you’ve ever planned a big event, you know how much work goes into making it a success. You have to have a detailed plan, find the right vendors, stay within your budget and meet the expectations of your guests. Planning can be a long-term commitment, taking weeks, months and even years from the initial concept to the actual event date. And no one knows that more than Will Lear, Town of Leland Project Manager, who led the complex, multi-million-dollar Founders Park renovation and upgrade project. “The first design conversations about the renovation to Founders Park started back in 2018,” he said. “There were so many moving parts to this project. It was more than just construction. A big part of it was making sure we had funding. We wanted to

ensure that we were going to be constructing elements out there that were going to last a long time — we wanted to ensure we were using quality materials and designing it with the future in mind. Funding is always a challenge with a project like this. We have to be fiscally responsible with what we’re spending money on. We applied for a grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) which provides grants to local governments to assist with public parks and recreation projects. They evaluate each project and come up with a score based on a variety of criteria like input from the community, the population who will benefit from the project and the absence or limitation of other funding sources. We were lucky to get a significant grant amount that supplemented other funding that we had available and allowed us to move forward with the renovations and upgrades we

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deemed were the best for making a positive impact to the park.” The project also received grant funding from the NC Division of Public Health (NCDPH), Leland Tourism Development Authority (LTDA), the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Will also talked about “civil infrastructure,” Lear said. “There are so many different elements throughout the park, coordination of all the construction going on simultaneously was difficult, but what you don’t see is all the civil infrastructure that’s been put in place. The underground water system that supports the splash pad, the storm water network, as well as the electrical system that supports all of the lighting. It’s all part of a complex underground design that had to be put in place before we started anything else. “We also constructed a new Veterans Memorial. It’s in a nice area of the park and has nice live oak tree coverage over the top of the glass monument with some benches nearby. It’s located right along Town Hall Drive and is a fitting place of honor for our veterans,” Will said.

The Founders Park project also included a restroom pavilion which is a multi-purpose building that serves as the entrance pavilion into the park. There are benches and some nice shade covering the outside area. The parking lot was expanded and the entire walking path that goes around the park was rebuilt and expanded. Another part of the park project was a road expansion. “Part of the project was an extension of Perry Avenue because before the project started, Perry Avenue was a dead-end street that went down to a little cul-de-sac area, but now we’ve connected Perry Avenue all the way to Old Fayetteville Road and added parallel parking along that area as well,” Will said. “We tried to have something for everyone in the plan and make it a family-friendly place. The splash pad has been a big success but that, too, took a lot of planning. The thing I’m most excited about is the amphitheater. It’s the centerpiece of the park and renovation,” he said. Adding to the excitement of the new park amenities, in a printed statement, Mayor Brenda Bozeman said, “Founders Park was designed to be a place where our community can come together to make memories, celebrate special moments, and enjoy everything that makes Leland unique. We are excited to officially open this space,

and we invite residents and visitors to come to this event and experience all it has to offer.” The Mayor officially opened the park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the amphitheater during the Grand Opening on July 31. In addition to the family activities now available in the park, Barnes Sutton, Town of Leland Economic and Community Development Director, talked about the new fitness area, “Next to the amphitheater, there’s a small fitness area that has about seven or eight stations. There’s a free climbing wall, a bench machine and a few other things for people to use for their workouts. Again, we wanted to offer things to a wide variety of people with different interests.” Both Lear and Sutton stressed that the renovation of Founders Park is just one part of the goal of improving the Leland landscape. “I really feel like renovating Founders Park was a long time coming,” Sutton said. “I think having a resource and an outlet like this in one of the older parts of town means a lot. Many of the neighborhoods and the communities on this side of town don’t have recreational amenities so being able to put this in our Gateway District, which is what we call our downtown area, is really going to do a lot not just for Leland, but for the region. “I was at a meeting once and someone said to me that they wanted Leland to be a community and not a collection of neighborhoods,” he said. “I feel like that resonated with me because we do have a lot of neighborhoods in this community, but I think

a lot of times they feel disjointed. I think when we create public places like Founders Park, that’s an opportunity to bring the neighborhoods together and to create a place for everyone. I think that’s the main thing that parks in particular do, they serve as a resource, no matter where you live, you have an area that’s open to everyone to have the same experience and maybe, meet someone that isn’t your neighbor and find out what you have in common.” Lear called Founders Park the “flagship” of the Town’s community, mixed use parks, with Barnes adding, “In the last few years we’ve put together about 1,000 acres along N.C. 87 for what will be a nature park similar to the Brunswick Nature Park. Compared to Founders, it will be more primitive with walking trails, biking trails

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Community and an outdoor classroom area to highlight different wetland ecosystems. It will be a very large property once we start putting in trailheads. We received a grant from PARTF last year for Sturgeon Creek Park, a water access park, which is also in our Gateway District to start a boardwalk. We’re also working with North Carolina Fish and Wildlife to put in a boat ramp there which will be one of the few motorized boat launches in northern Brunswick County.”

In addition to the massive effort put forth by the Town of Leland to make Founders Park a reality, Lear also credits the architects and engineers that supported the project. “Our team of architects and engineers came up with a custom design that fit our needs and really lifted up the visual impact that we were looking for,” he said. “Great Southern Recreation was the playground and splash pad contractor, and Goodrich Oaks Architecture and McGill Engineering did the overall building design and site layout, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. This park and the amenities will be around for a long time and can support a large number of visitors. One of the park’s biggest events is Leland In Lights, where we easily get over 30,000 people visiting in a month. The new design and

amenities will be able to handle an even larger number.” Lear and Sutton agree that Leland will continue to grow because of what it has to offer. There are new housing and commercial developments springing up on U.S. 17 and the 74/76 corridor. They are looking for varied opportunities that will allow residents to have access to services they need without having to travel a great distance. They acknowledge “challenges that come with growth,” but also point to the bigger picture, citing new fire stations, the possibility of adding new schools and the ability to attract major retailers that will add value to Leland. Founders Park may have been the first step in moving Leland forward, but it certainly won’t be the last.

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Community Discovery Wharf The Wait

other piece of the puzzle.” He explained that there are not really any true visuals of how Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson was used in colonial times, and that “it is like building a jigsaw puzzle with three-quarters of the pieces missing.”

Intern Uncovering Brunswick Town History STORY BY GABRIEL HUGHES

ld Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson, a site deeply shaped by American colonial history, is a true “hidden gem,” said Christos Darras, a graduate student at East Carolina University (ECU). For Darras, who is pursuing his degree in Maritime Studies, it is also the site for his graduate thesis. His current project might just help to answer some questions about the area’s true importance in colonial history. Darras, who attended ECU’s Field School earlier in the summer, was offered an internship with the Friends of Old Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. He began researching a former colonial wharf that is no longer truly “accessible” to the public, but is hidden from view. It is Darras’ goal to bring new life to this wharf in a way the public may not immediately expect. As part of his project and internship, Darras is working on developing a digital reconstruction of the wharf, known as Moore’s Wharf or Wharf 01, to aid in the understanding of why that wharf specifically carries importance and how it may have been used in the colonial era. The land on which Old Brunswick

Town-Fort Anderson sits was once owned by the renowned colonial Colonel Maurice Moore and his brother “King” Roger Moore. It was known in the colonial ages due to the depth of its water, which allowed for easy passage of larger, goods-laden merchant ships. This enabled Brunswick Town to become a world-class port and the fourteenth busiest in all of the colonies by the mid1700s. What was once a major port for lumber, pitch, tar, and turpentine, is now a historical site offering visitors a glimpse of early life in the American colonies. However, part of that glimpse might require goggles and a swimsuit, given that part of the site — including Moore’s Wharf — is now submerged under the surface of the water. Darras describes his ambitious undertaking as a “project of understanding,” as it will allow him and the public to discover how the wharf was constructed, why it was positioned where it was, and ultimately why the wharf was important in colonial times. Currently, Darras estimates that he is “modestly halfway” complete with the project, stating that he has already created some concept art using artificial intelligence (AI). Though he has used AI in the initial designs, Darras maintains that it is just “a supportive tool,” and that the only way to actually know how the wharf was shaped is through “more archaeological research and survey.”

While Moore’s Wharf is the focus of Darras’ project, McKee clarified that this wharf is not the only one. William Dry’s Wharf, which began washing up in 2008, has been systematically mapped by McKee. The two or three more wharfs that lie to the south are additional projects of ECU’s Field School.

Cristos Darras in front of the wharf that is the subject of his research (Above and Bottom Left photos by Gabriel Hughes

The site itself is marked with wave attenuators, which were installed in 2019. These help to absorb shock from wake energy. While the attenuators do not fully absorb the waves, they aid in protecting the site from erosion due to the marsh-like environment.

McKee said that everyone has different visions of what a wharf looks like now, but that this project will allow for a representation of what a wharf looked like 250 years ago. McKee is helping to support the project by providing technical information from William Dry’s Wharf due to its similarity to Moore’s Wharf. In the near future, Darras intends to meet with his advisor to plan his next steps regarding data and models. You can follow along with the progression of his project at Friends of Brunswick Town/ Fort Anderson on Facebook.

Though this project has been very successful thus far, Darras said that his biggest challenge to date has been the digital reconstruction software. He explained that the software works, but that his current setup is not as compatible, compared to if he was creating this digital model on ECU’s campus. Even through the challenges, Darras loves interacting with the public because “people want to know,” he explained. “Then they tell their friends who then become interested,” he went on to say. He views one of his biggest successes as being able to reach out to the community, as it feels as though what he is doing is actually important. Jim McKee, site director for Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson, described this project as “an- Photo by Cristos Darras www.LelandMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 9

Community

DAR History Exhibit Traveling American Revolution Display STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

t’s been a year of celebrating all things American, and though the July 4th holiday has passed, the 250th Anniversary lats all year and there are still more ways to learn more about the founding of our country and commemorate America250. The Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has secured a spot on the schedule for a traveling exhibit entitled the American Revolution Experience. The Chapter applied two years ago to serve as a host for the exhibit, and the scheduled visit is August 14-21 at the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library. “All DAR chapters were given the opportunity to apply for hosting the exhibit,” Teresa McLamb said. McLamb is a past president of the Brunswick Town Chapter of NSDAR and currently serves as as Registrar and Media/PR co-chairman for the group. “We applied two years ago! It has been so

popular that the time period for traveling the country was extended,” she said. The exhibit may be seen during normal operating hours for the library at 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17) in Carolina Shores. NSDAR’s mission statement is the promotion of patriotism, education and historic conservation, McLamb explained. “We have many local initiatives that center on education including the nationally recognized Constitution Week in September and support of several schools and colleges including Crossnore’s two North Carolina campuses,” she said. Bringing the exhibit to Brunswick County

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DAR Member Marilyn Lee O’Brien at the 4th of July Festival Naturalization Ceremony

gives residents and visitors to learn more about the colonial citizens of southeastern North Carolina who played key roles in the rebellion that became the American Revolution, in defiance of the Stamp Act at Brunswick Town, the Patriot victory at Moore’s Creek bridge, riders alerting Isaac

Marion at the Boundary House of the advancing British troops, the Tory Hole victory at Elizabethtown, and much more, according to a release from the Brunswick Town Chapter. It’s a chance to consider “how fortunate we are to live in a democracy; how fragile that right is, and how we have a responsibility to protect our freedoms that were so valiantly fought for by our ancestors,” McLamb said. Funded by American Battlefield Protection Program Interpretation Grants and NSDAR, the exhibit opened at DAR headquarters in 2023 and has been traveling the country since in honor of America 250, according to the release. The exhibit consists of 12 panels arranged in pairs that cover thematic topics raised by the individuals featured in the exhibition. Examples include “Choosing Sides,” “On the Front Lines” and “Freedom or Slavery.” Three touchscreen displays augment the panels – one focused on the featured individuals, one highlighting places connected to those stories that can still be visited and one that includes Trust-produced animated maps that offer deeper context by showing the course of the full Revolutionary War as battles unfolded across the continent.

Community The exhibit is free and all residents are encouraged to attend. It arrives in Brunswick County after being exhibited in Sampson County and will travel from here to Conway, South Carolina. The opportunities to learn more about Brunswick County’s role before and during the Revolution don’t end when the exhibit leaves for its next stop. There are many local resources available for residents. McLamb suggests first and foremost, going to Brunswick Town where the first armed resistance in the colonies against British rule took place. “Site Manager Jim McKee is a treasure trove of local historical knowledge,” she said. “A complete set of the Colonial Records of North Carolina is available at the Brunswick Community College library in Building A on campus where there is also a genealogy research repository created by Brunswick Town NSDAR for public use. Southport Historical Society has a collection of local information at their headquarters as well as online. Brunswick Historical Society has all of their publications online. Many new books and documentaries have been produced in honor of America 250! They’re available on several streaming ser-

Brunswick Town Chapter DAR Members at the Brunswick Town sign dedication (with Jim McKee)

vices and at all the local libraries.” The mission of NSDAR is the promotion of patriotism, education and historic conservation. “We have many local initiatives that center on education including the nationally recognized Constitution Week in Septem-

ber and support of several schools and colleges including Crossnore’s two North Carolina campuses,” McLamb said. (Crossnore Communities for Children provides holistic care to children and families who have experienced trauma.) Besides bringing the exhibit to Brunswick

County, the group has been participating in other America250 events, including installing and dedicating historic markers at Brunswick Town and the county courthouse. Members also participated in Flag Day, and in the NC 4th of July Festival, when members hosted the newly-sworn citizens at a reception in their honor. The group also sponsored a float in the parade and created and published a series of articles on local patriots. And there’s more to come. “Our next scheduled event is dedication of a Liberty Elm at Rourk Library in commemoration of the elm tree under which the Sons of Liberty met,” McLamb said. Members of the Brunswick Town Chapter also encourage finding out more about our own families — there may be some patriots in our family trees. “Many local residents descend from Patriots of the American Revolution, but are unaware,” McLamb said. “Brunswick Town NSDAR and Cape Fear SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) can assist those who have an interest in celebrating their heritage through membership in the organizations.”

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Community

Africa To Carolina

New Art Installation At Brusnwick Town STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

istory is endlessly fascinating and also complicated and sometimes difficult. It is, after all, the story of humans beings, and humans are complicated, doing great and terrible things often at the same time. The citizens of Brunswick Town are no different. They helped kick off a revolution that led to a nation founded on the ideals of freedom and the notion that all men are created equal. These same people also imported, sold and owned men, women and children. The Brunswick Town State Historic Site has done a great job telling the first part of that story, and now the second part is getting its due. Last month the Africa To Carolina Inclusive Public Art Initiative was dedicated at Brunswick Town. The installation includes sculpture, two dimensional artwork, and poetry that all tell the story of, and pay homage to, the people who came to Brunswick Town on slave ships and were sold on its docks, worked on its farms and in its homes, and helped build the town. The monument is found on the path around Brunswick Town next to a pavilion. You won’t miss it — it’s impressive in both size and the quality of the design and artwork. When you visit, be sure to read the plaques under the sculptures. They contain

David Wilson (left) and Stephen Hayes at the unveiling of the Africa to Carolina Inclusive Public Art Initiative

an original poem by North Carolina’s Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green that is quite moving. The monument is the work of artists David Wilson and Stephen Hayes. Wilson is a 2-D artist and Hayes a sculptor, and this collaboration is the result of about three years of work. The project was commissioned by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission with major funding provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. By luck I’d met Hayes while stopping by to take photos of the work being installed. “We had community engagements and stuff, so we work with the community and see about what they’re interested in, and then we come up with our design and present it back to them and see if they like the work,” Hayes explained. “It’s going to be an inviting space to bring people in and to imagine what went on on these ships as they disembark from the water,” he said. Hayes is an art professor at Duke University and has dedicated his artistic works to honoring and teaching about the contribu-

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tions and sacrifices of those brought to the Americas as slaves. He has work in several states and in the Caribbean and said his goal is to have a piece at every slave port in the Americas. He told me he was inspired by what sees as the hidden history of the slave trade. “Just me not knowing much about the transporting of people from Africa to America, and learning it was a six- to eightweek journey for them to be on the boat with no sights, and being able to tell that story and continue to tell a story that’s never been told or that doesn’t get told in history books,” he said.

He said much of this story gets skipped over in textbooks. “We learn about the Civil War, we learn about slavery, but we don’t learn about the exact amount of time or how many ships it took to transport people here. You know, over 15 million people that were transported here.” A monument like this tells an important story, one that was getting less attention than it deserves at sites like Brunswick Town. “This is my life’s work,” Hayes said. “To create great artwork that continues to tell the story that’s been untold. So if I can use more artwork as a way of continuing to

Community tell the story, this is what I want to do and that’s my goal to do. You know, I want to be able to set an example for my kids in the next generation to come. I feel like artwork is a thing to connects people across

generations or cultures, so if I can create an artwork that’s going to create a conversation between people who are from totally different, you know, walks of life, that’s my job, what I wanna do.”

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FISHING REPORT

August Fishing Report

Fish Out There If You Know Where To Look BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

ell, we’re midway through summer, and it’s been a busy season with some outstanding fishing along our coast. July brought steady winds and rough seas, but now the “dog days” of summer are here. While some anglers will say the fishing is slow or the fish have disappeared, that’s not necessarily true. It simply means you may need to adjust your techniques and target different species. Fishing can still be incredibly rewarding this time of year. Inshore – Finger mullet have arrived in big numbers and are easy to find patrolling the marshes, marinas, and sandbars throughout our area. Despite the statewide flounder closure, flounder fishing has been absolutely on fire, with many big fish being caught both inshore and around the nearshore wrecks and reefs. A simple Carolina rig with a ¾-ounce egg sinker and a live finger mullet is really all you need. The Southport waterfront produces excellent flounder this time of year, along with the main feeder creeks and the islands on the Cape Fear River. Yaupon Reef, McGlamery Reef, and the Ella Wreck are also outstanding places to fish. Red Drum can be found along the marshes, especially on a falling tide as they ambush finger mullet leaving the small creeks. Another often-overlooked spot is the windward side of marsh islands, where bait is pushed against the banks and redfish cruise for an easy meal.

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Sheepshead fishing continues to be very good. A light jig head tipped with fiddler crabs and dropped alongside pilings, retaining walls, and rock piles will consistently draw bites from these feisty fish. The biggest challenge is detecting their subtle bite and setting the hook. Bring plenty of patience—and plenty of bait—and you’ll have a fun day on the water. This time of year, your best fishing will be early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fish are more active during the cooler parts of the day, and it’s much more comfortable for anglers as well. Once the midday heat sets in, fish generally move to deeper water to cool off. Nearshore – The warm water along the beaches has pushed most of the Spanish mackerel and bluefish offshore. While a few are still around, the days of catching a quick limit are on pause for a few weeks. Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities. Head a little deeper or farther offshore—we’ve been finding good action around the shoals. Watch for diving birds,

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and you’ll usually find aggressively feeding fish beneath them. One of our favorite nearshore trips this time of year is taking inshore spinning rods rigged with smaller king rigs using #6 treble hooks, along with big finger mullet or small pogies, and fishing reefs like Yaupon Reef or Lighthouse Rocks. Slow troll or drift over structure where suspended fish are marked, and you’re almost guaranteed to hook into big Spanish mackerel that are a blast on light tackle. By late August, we’ll begin seeing the first schools of Bull Red Drum along the beaches. They’re typically found around the massive menhaden bait balls stretching from Cape Fear south toward Lockwood Folly Inlet. A larger Carolina rig with a 2- to 3-ounce egg sinker and a 6/0 or 7/0 circle hook is ideal. Cast a live menhaden into the bait ball and let it sink naturally through the school. Bull reds will pick it up off the bottom, and the fight is unforgettable. Be sure to use heavier spinning tackle— your cobia setup works perfectly. Landing these fish quickly helps prevent exhaustion, improving their chances of recovery and reducing their vulnerability to the sharks that also patrol the bait schools. Offshore – August still offers plenty of offshore opportunities. While king macker-

el and mahi fishing will begin to slow, we’ll start seeing the first sailfish of the season in the 15- to 35-mile range. Finding the green-to-blue water color change is often the key to locating these spectacular fish. Circle-hooked ballyhoo allows you to cover more water than slow-trolling live bait and is an excellent approach this time of year. Bottom fishing remains consistently productive. Start in about 100 feet of water and work your way offshore. There are still a few keeper sea bass around, along with plenty of vermilion snapper, scamp grouper, and amberjack. Squid on a double-hook rig works great for sea bass and snapper, while live cigar minnows or pinfish are the preferred bait for grouper. Both can be caught using Sabiki rigs. One often-overlooked fishery is freelining for big barracuda. These “silver bullets” strike aggressively, make blistering runs, and put on incredible aerial displays. They’re commonly stacked around shipwrecks and the buoys marking artificial reefs in the 5- to 10-mile range. They simply can’t resist a live pinfish, and the strikes are unforgettable. Gulf Stream – It won’t be long before Gulf Stream fishing really turns on. While there are fish to be found now, the water remains extremely warm and fast-moving— not the ideal combination for the pelagic species we love to target. Toward the end of August, we’ll begin seeing the first wahoo arrive around 20 Fathom. My preferred approach for these early-season fish is high-speed trolling. Once I locate them, I’ll switch over to ballyhoo rigs with wire leaders. Be patient—peak Gulf Stream fishing is just around the corner. See you on the water! While August can be one of the slower months, fall fishing is right around the corner, and some of the best action of the year is just ahead.

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Chamber of Commerce News Awards and New Board North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce STORY CONTRIBUTED

he North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) honored its annual award winners and welcomed new board members during its Annual Dinner on June 23 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. “This evening was about celebrating the people and organizations that make northern Brunswick County such a vibrant place to live and do business,” said Thom Kelly, Executive Director of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. “From our award recipients to our dedicated board members, volunteers, sponsors, and Chamber members, each plays an important role in strengthening our business community. We are grateful for the leadership of outgoing President Shari Leone, excited to welcome Christina Atti-Uptegrow as our new president, and look forward to another year of building connections and supporting local businesses together.” “This year’s honorees represent the innovation, leadership, and commitment that strengthen our community every day. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for all they do to help our region thrive,” said Shari Leone, outgoing NBCC Board President. The following members received awards: New Members of the Year: Cape Fear

Ghost Crabs & The Pit Backyard BBQ Woman of the Year: Mary Klein, Advocate for Green Compass Global Entrepreneur of the Year: Karen Wrenn, CEO of Brunswick Organizing Solutions Young Professional of the Year: Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health Non-Profit of the Year: Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity Business of the Year: JBG Services, Painting Division Partnership Excellence Award: Pioneer Strategies The Chamber also recognized its incoming board members. Each will serve a three-year term on the board. Jonathan Paschal, Assistant Superintendent for Brunswick County Schools Jeremy Gunn, Owner of JBG Services, Painting Division & Former Board President Jessica Federman, Director of Marketing for Battleship North Carolina Aldo Fiallega, Branch Manager for REV

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Federal Credit Union in Leland Jamie Howell, Owner/President of Saltwater Signworks Jennifer Alaimo, Director of Commercial and Property Management for Michael and Son Restoration Returning board members include: Christina Atti-Uptegrow, Business Development Manager for Town Square Wilmington Amber Buchholz, Co-Owner of Pelican Prowash Karl Elken, Chief Geek Carolinas & Georgia for Sales Geek Heather Evans, Business Developer for Bland Landscaping Company Victor Fernandes, Owner/Coach for Fernandes Fit LLC Steve Hulon, Director of Customized Industrial & Workforce Training for Brunswick Community College Mary Klein, Advocate for Green Compass Global and, Foundational Affiliate for Atmosphera Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health Danita Mitchell, New Home Specialist for D.R. Horton Brittany Reinert, Business Development Representative for BlueTone Media The following members concluded their board term: Brandon Hill, Founder & CEO for Gimmzi Smart Rewards Dr. Paul Hvrol, Chiropractic Phy-

sician for Coastal Integrative Health Shari Leone, Marketing Relationship Manager Nate Moore, Project Safety Manager for the Walkingson Group Tom Powers, Owner of Powers Professional Administrative Services “I intend to be the person who continues to show up. I want to support the continued growth and direction of this Chamber while helping it remain rooted in the sense of community we all share,” said incoming president Christina Atti-Uptegrow. “Some of my areas of focus will be to continue to diversify and strengthen our local business community, deepen our investment in local schools and organizations that support children and, help instill the same spirit of community in the future leaders who will one day stand in this room. I know what it feels like to look across a room and feel supported. That feeling is powerful, and it is one I hope we will continue to create for one another throughout the year ahead.” The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) supports and promotes the business community in northern Brunswick County. Its membership includes businesses currently located in northern Brunswick County, businesses who are seeking to grow or establish a footprint here, non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, and individuals who wish to support our local business community. The NBCC’s primary service area includes Belville, Leland, Navassa, Northwest, Sandy Creek, Town Creek and Winnabow. To learn more about the NBCC, visit https://northbrunswickchamber.com.

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Planning For Wins

Keeping Fit

Making A Simple Plan That Simply Works BY VICTOR FERNANDES

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

hy does my college refrigerator still work three decades after I purchased it? Because it’s simple. You plug it in. It turns on. It gets cold. It doesn’t have an LED screen and a bunch of technology within it increasing the odds of something malfunctioning. It doesn’t need all that complicated stuff because it has one job to do every day - keep my drinks and snacks cold. And it does its job well. It’s a Welbilt brand after all.

Real quality health and wellness has a similar approach. It’s simple. Eat protein. Move daily. Sleep 7-8 hours a night. Drink water. Manage stress. It doesn’t need all that complicated stuff you find all over social media and the internet – the latest fads and flavors of the week — because it only has one job to do every day—to help you get healthy and fit. And if we do the job right, day after day, it works every time because, unlike those fads and flavors of the week that come and go, it has survived the test of time.

It’s all real simple, but we human beings are a complex, complicated bunch – and we are hard-wired to overcomplicate most anything we attempt to tackle, especially when it comes to our health and wellness. We convince ourselves that if it’s not either complex or complicated, there’s very little that it will work. So, we scour the internet and social media for a plan, any plan, that seems revolutionary (often because some social media influencer tells us so), but really it’s a plan that may provide some shred of results initially but isn’t easily sustainable long term. That happened to me often in my early adult years, although since the internet and social media didn’t exist back then, my search for the next great plan meant watching what other people at local gyms did and attempt to mimic them. Which worked for a few weeks, perhaps a month or two, but soon became too difficult to maintain much longer. I would get frustrated with the work and lack of legitimate results and then quit – only to follow the same ill-fated process a few months later. Until the day I hired my first health and fitness coach nearly 16 years ago. My first training session was 10 minutes on a treadmill at a very slow pace. That’s all I could do at the time, so that’s all I was expected to do at the time. Then we built off that, by taking simple steps – literally and figuratively – that moved me in the right direction at a pace that was comfortable and manageable enough while still challenging me. That approach has continued day after

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day, month after month, year after year with consistent success. And even when there have been setbacks along the way, like the Achilles tendon tear I sustained in April 2024, that philosophy remained intact. All it took was scaling back the workouts I did as I continued to rehabilitate from the injury. I couldn’t do what I had done before but following that process gave me the confidence to know that my fitness level would eventually return to where it was. To this day all those years later, with a new coach I began working with three years ago, I take the same simple, stepby-step approach. Of course, I take on much more than 10 minutes on a treadmill at a slow pace, but the plan I follow is simple, straightforward and effective. I

OR LL F

simply do the work, day after day, month after month, year after year. Because I simply know it works – and works well. Just like that refrigerator of mine, which I purchased in 1992 and then sat in my parents’ shed from 1993 until a handful of years ago, when I stumbled across it while digging through some boxes. There was no way it still worked, I thought to myself. I pulled it out. I plugged it in. It turned on. It turned cold. It works just as well today in the Vicnasium – the home of Fernandes Fit in Bolivia – as it did all those years ago. So, if you’re focused on your health and wellness (as you should be, as we all should be), and if you find yourself struggling with a plan that’s too complex and complicated to maintain long term, we need to talk. Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com, or through my website at fernandesfit.com and the various social media platforms I’m on. Because at Fernandes Fit, Fitness Is Our Business – and if you give it some time, it will work.

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Art Beat

Recovering History

Found Ceramics Molds Spark Memories STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

ack in the 1970s, my best friend’s mom was really into ceramics and went to a class every Wednesday night. It felt a lot like today’s “paint your own pottery” or a fun girls’ night out. She made things like Christmas trees and ashtrays, learned how to paint them, smoked a few cigarettes, and enjoyed a relaxing evening with friends each week. After a few weeks, she’d bring home her creations and show them off. I always loved her Christmas trees the most. Most of us who are a certain age know someone who did ceramics. Or you have the Christmas tree or giant garden frog your grandma made in 1965.

During the 1960s and 70s, ceramic shops were everywhere in America. These places made greenware slip castings using all kinds of molds bought from manufacturers and dealers around the country. There were thousands of molds you could order from catalogs, and many ceramicists liked to collect and own their own molds. The problem with owning these molds is that they take up a lot of space, and some are extremely heavy. When ceramics lost popularity in the 1990s, many molds were

stored away in barns, sheds, and basements, where they were forgotten. Some were damaged by rain or bugs and lost forever. The mold companies went out of business. It wasn’t until the last five years or so that the ceramic hobby started to make a big comeback. During the COVID-19 pandemic, potters and others stuck at home started sharing videos online about finding old piles of molds, pouring them, and learning ceramics. Many people have a similar story. They

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were given a garage or an abandoned studio full of molds and a kiln. Now, it’s almost a game to grab free molds from Facebook Marketplace and borrow a friend’s truck to drive all the way to South Carolina in the hot, humid weather, to see if there’s a Christmas tree mold. I resisted for years, but I’ve also been drawn into the satisfying world of slip casting. As a potter and pottery teacher, people are always offering me art supplies and, of course, plaster ceramic molds. I’m not

complaining—I wish I had a bigger studio to store them and share them with my students and pottery friends. I really believe these molds are an important part of pottery art history and social history. An artist created every mold design, and many of these designs ended up in millions of homes. Some, like the Christmas trees, never go out of style. There are also some extremely weird molds like the anatomically correct turtles, and all you can say is, “why?” And some that you can’t even identify until you pour them. Many households used the famous and highly sought-after mushroom canisters that grandma made in 1972. Or the avocado green ashtray and frog sponge holders that were a part of every home. Some are quirky or even a little creepy. And then there are the doll molds—there’s no way I’m keeping those in my studio. The history of ceramics reminds us of a gloriously slower time without social media or iPhones. Ceramics of the 1970s usually involved stay-at-home wives and mothers getting together to create art and socialize. I would love to hear your stories of going to do ceramics, maybe going with your mom or friends. Or even about a cherished piece you have. Email me your stories at Carlaedstrom@ gmail.com.

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Golf Tips Topped and Thin Shots

Short And Sweet Swing Fixes For Your Game BY NICOLE WEL LER, LPGA / PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

ne of the most fun aspects of hitting a golf ball is that crisp, solid sound and feel when the ball finds the absolute center of the club face during impact…there’s nothing like it! A friend and colleague of mine who played successfully on Tour for a long time said players expect maybe 3-5 great shots during a round as planned, the rest are mostly acceptable and get the job done. She noted that Tour players miss the ball much better than most golfers though, so their missed shots aren’t as bad. Good misses are key and as long as poor misses are playable and can be advanced, golfers can still score.

What’s happening? Topped shots occur when the bottom of the club head contacts only the top of the golf ball and may hop forward a few feet or some yards forward. It’s not a solid strike at all. Thin shots occur when the bottom of the club head contacts

the equator or middle of the ball and flies out further but doesn’t gain much altitude although it may run a long way, which is great if nothing is in the way and it can roll on its merry way. It’s not pretty but it can work. My first hole-in-one at age 14 with

my Dad during a practice round at Scituate Country Club in Massachusetts on hole two never made it off the ground. It was a beautiful, thin shot that rolled all the way up the hill and into the hole. The scorecard said 1 — it didn’t say how, and I’m often happy that we aren’t judged with quality scores like in the Olympics. Can you imagine also getting a rating for each shot like an 8.5 or 9.2? You don’t need a perfect 9.9 or 10 to play good golf. The shots just need to move towards the hole in most cases. It’s definitely more fun and there are times we have to be solid to gain trajectory over obstacles and for soft landings.

Possible Causes:

1) The ball is positioned too far forward in the stance nearer the lead foot where the swing arc is beginning to ascend up. Shorter irons tend to be played best near the middle of the stance, longer irons / hybrids / fairway woods mid-forward under the lead eye or ear closer to the target and driver inside the lead foot. 2) The arms (levers) begin extended allowing the club head to reach the ground

at set-up. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons they don’t return back to that low point during impact. The arms and club make a Y at set-up and should return as such but topped or thin shots have the arms look more like a letter W with the arms folded up, lifting the club off the ground during the most important moment, impact. 3) The body’s posture changes taller during the swing. Some may not even begin bent forward enough from the hips at the start and then others may also change posture (spine angle) during the swing. It’s not normal for a body to bend forward and then rotate while in a side bent posture. While many are told they picked up their head, it’s usually not that but the entire spine that the head is connected to that has elevated for whatever reason. To find out which of these causes it might be, contact your local PGA or LPGA teaching professional to figure out how to hit the ball more solidly! Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

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History 2026-7 Season Preview

ing! Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027: “A Hell of a Regiment: To Gettysburg and Beyond with the Twentieth Maine.” From a regiment best known for their miraculous bayonet charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, to the postwar lives of these brave men is told by Jared Peatman. Ph.D. He is an award-winning author, and uses history to examine leadership and performance challenges in his over 1,000 seminars.

Brunswick Civil War Round Table STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

he Brunswick Civil War Round is pleased to announce its programs for the new season kicking off on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Every month, attendees gather at Hatch Auditorium on the historic grounds of Fort Caswell in Caswell Beach to hear from a diverse group of nationally recognized historians, authors, and educators. True to the organization’s mission, this year’s lineup promises unique, interesting topics, always representing both Northern and Southern viewpoints in an entertaining manner to audiences young and old, men and women. As the organization begins its 17th season, it is worth noting that its programs are the key reason this organization continues to enjoy its enviable reputation as the largest Civil War round table in the country! So please, mark your calendars and join us! A Brief Preview of the 2026 – 2027 Monthly Meetings:

guide. His dramatic assessment of Hill includes insights and incredible stories about this contentious West Point graduate, celebrated for his bravery yet always at the heart of pivotal moments, and fierce controversies.

Tuesday, Sept. 1: Confederate General Robert E. Lee, as portrayed by Thomas Jessee, a nationally renowned living historian returns to take center stage in his Confederate uniform. He is eager to share Lee’s personal insights and answer audience questions about his life, his illustrious military career, and some of his crucial battle-

field decisions. Tuesday, Oct. 6: “The Battle of Olustee” will be discussed by popular guest speaker Capt. Ed Gantt (U.S. Navy, Ret), a dynamic Civil War historian and re-enactor. This little known battle was the largest and bloodiest engagement in Florida, and significant as the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) fought for the U.S. Army displaying significant acts of heroism in a losing battle.

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2027: “Civil War Deserters.” Award-winning historian Judkin Browning, Ph.D., explores who these deserters were, and the various factors that motivated them to leave their units. This includes their changing attitudes over the course of the war. In fact, North Carolina is a classic case study of the entire South since the “Old North State” contributed the greatest number of deserters in the war.

Monday, Oct. 19: The Brunswick Civil War Ladies’ Forum will present “Southport’s Own Kate Stuart” as portrayed by Sue Crippen, a performer and member of the Southport Historical Society. Kate Stuart, a formidable presence in Southport during the Civil War, was considered the matriarch of Southport, and referred to as the Grand Old Lady of North Carolina. Tuesday, Nov. 3: “D.H Hill: I Am So Unlike Other Folks.” First time guest Chris J. Hartley is a frequent Civil War speaker, award-winning author, and battlefield tour

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Tuesday, Dec. 1: “The Battle of Fredericksburg.” Frequent guest speaker Chris Mackowski, noted Civil War historian and author shares his perspectives on this battle based on years of personal experience guiding visitors across this battlefield. He always addresses the sheer brutality in one of the most lopsided Union defeats of the war. His presentations are always captivat-

History Tuesday, May 18, 2027 “Formation of the Confederacy in Early 1861.”Joining us to help celebrate our 17th anniversary is William C. “Jack” Davis, award-winning historian, author of 60 books, and so much more! He will explain how 50 men met in Montgomery, Alabama in February, 1861 simply to talk. The result was the birth of the Confederate government. Jack will provide all the fascinating details.

Swing For Success:

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Tuesday, March 2, 2027: “Sherman’s Engineers during the 1865 Carolinas Campaign.” According to Union Gen. Sherman, his “March to the Sea” was child’s play compared to his engineers’ construction of over 400 miles of roads, nearly 1.5 miles of pontoon bridges, and destroying miles of Confederate railroads. Popular guest speaker Col. Wade Sokolosky (Ret.) shares these incredible feats.

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Everyone is cordially invited! Every monthly meeting is another opportunity to be both informed and entertained. Registration always begins at 6:15 pm and programs start at 7 pm. The monthly visitor fee remains at only $10, and it can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which can include a spouse. For more information about the upcoming season, or if you wish to become a member now, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit the group’s website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com. for background, news, and updates.

Tuesday, April 6, 2027: “Raised From Obscurity.” Three rarely discussed cavalry battles were fought in Virginia’s Loudoun Valley, and were a critical prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg. Highly regarded historian Kevin Pawlak reflects on how these cavalry clashes were overlooked by historians despite the fact that the once inferior Federal cavalry began to fight with renewed confidence and aggression.

Available at: THE PAINTED MERMAID Handcrafted Pottery

817 N Howe Street, Southport

w w w. B l u e E a r t h Wo r k s . c o m

SOUTHPORT, NC • BREVARD, NC • FLETCHER, NC • NORTHEAST, MD • BLUEEARTHWORKS.ETSY.COM

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CALENDAR

e’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.gov/PROGRAMS. — Lisa

August AUG 1 - SEPT 3

LCAC Artist Showcase

The Gallery at the Leland Cultural Arts Center features artist Sabine Baeckmann, and there will be a reception with the artist on August 6, from 6-8 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

AUG 6

School Supply Donations Accepted — Dosher Dosher Memorial Hospital’s annual “Operation School Supplies” school supply donation event is scheduled between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Residents are invited to drop off new school supplies at the hospital front entrance, which will be donated for the benefit of students served by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County. Participants will be able to “drive through and drop off” donations without having to leave their cars. This event will be held in conjunction with the Communities In Schools annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive which takes place each August, when collection boxes can be found at their thrift shops and local businesses.

AUG 6

Cape Fear A Cappella Concert

Enjoy a free concert at 3 pm at Barbee Library, Celebrating America’s Hit Parade through the decades. Dust off your saddle shoes and poodle skirts and enjoy the music of Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, American Bandstand with Dick Clark, and the English invasion. In honor of USA 250, Cape Fear A Cappella presents hit music you know,

and you’re welcome to sing and dance, and just enjoy being an American. The Library is at 8200 E. Oak Island Drive.

AUG 7

Touch a Truck

Kids of all ages are invited to get a close look at some awesome vehicles and meet the men and women who use them to protect the community right here in Brunswick County. The program starts at 9 am at the Southwest Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Highway, Carolina Shores.

AUG 11-13

National Rarities Buying Event at Renee’s Fine Jewelry Turn unwanted items into cash at this buying event. Buyers are looking for gold and silver jewelry, diamonds and fine jewelry, luxury watches and purses, coins and currency, gemstones and sterling silver and estate pieces. Take your items by the shop get a no-obligation evaluation and offer on the spot. The store is at 602 N. Howe St. in Southport, and hours are 10:30 am to 5 pm.

AUG 14-21

American Revolution Experience Exhibit The Brunswick County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have arranged for a traveling exhibit — the American Revolution Experience — to make a stop at the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Hwy (U.S. 17) West, Carolina Shores. The exhibit consists of 12 panels arranged in pairs that cover thematic topics raised by the individuals featured in the exhibition. Examples include “Choosing Sides,” “On the Front Lines” and “Free-

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dom or Slavery.” Three touchscreen displays augment the panels – one focused on the featured individuals, one highlighting places connected to those stories that can still be visited and one that includes Trust-produced animated maps that offer deeper context by showing the course of the full Revolutionary War as battles unfolded across the continent. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours, 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 9 am to 7 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.

AUG 19

Duck Derby — Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island will release 2,000 rubber ducks into the rapids at Oak Island Jungle Golf for the club’s second annual Duck Derby fundraiser. Ducks will race for a $500 first prize. The second-place duck will pay $250, and the third-place duck will be worth $100. A 3:30 pm splashdown is scheduled for this family-friendly event. The Kiwanis offer support to Brunswick County students through reading, tutoring, robotics, leadership development, and more. Visit https://www.soikiwanis. com/duckderby to adopt a duck ($5) or to take on a whole flock ($20).

AUG 22

Cornhole Tournament — NC VIPS

NC Volunteers in Public Schools will hold a cornhole tournament at AYE! Toro Restaurant located at 1174 Turlington Ave, Leland. Registration will start at noon and bags will start flying at 1 pm. There will be no outside food or drinks allowed. Register through the Scorholio app or register the day of at the tournament. The tournament will have two divisions. The backyard division is for casual players and will cost $40 per two-person team. The advanced division for more competitive players will be $60 per two-person team. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. NC VIPS is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in Brunswick County — Reading Buddies spend as little as an hour a week to help get students

reading on grade level by the end of third grade. No prior experience is required and new volunteers are always welcome. Visit http://www.ncvips.com/ for more information.

AUG 29

Summerween Party at Needful Things Get your spooky vibes started early this year with a specialty drink from Moody Bean, and fun fall activities like dressing in your favorite witch getup and decorating your own mini broom. The festivities are at the Needful Things bookstore, 114 E. Nash St., Southport, starting at 10 am.

AUG 29

Contra Dance — Leland

Join in on this fun and approachable partner line dance with English and Scottish roots. A beginner lesson will run from 7 to 7:30 pm, followed by open dancing. The dance goes until 10 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the cost is $15.

SEPT 1

Annual Meeting and Membership Appreciation Event Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island will hold its annual meeting at 1 pm at the Southport Community Building. The event features special guest and author Mary Kay Andrews, and registration is required. The group is also raffling off a private dinner with the author set for August. 31. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the fundraising campaign for the Barbee Library expansion.

SEPT 4

Kayak Adventures

Fall is coming, and it’s time to get your paddles out. This kayak tour traverses Sturgeon Creek to Eagles Island, an area with history dating back to 1671. The tour is 1:45 to 5 pm and the fee is $75. This 6-mile trek is for intermediate to advanced paddlers, and supplies are included.

SEPT 5

Sunset on Summer

Oak Island celebrates the end of another great season with this all-day music festival, noon to 8 pm at the Middleton Park complex, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive. The festival features four bands, along with food trucks on site and adult beverages for purchase.

SEPT 5

Car Show — Southport

The Southport Lions Club hosts this car show is 8 am to 2 pm in downtown Southport. There will be lots of cars and trucks to see and hamburgers and hot dogs available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Southport Fire Department.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College 701 N. Third St., Wilmington Aug 1 — Graham Nash

Aug 7 — The Oak Ridge Boys Aug 13 — Brit Floyd - Best of The Wall Aug 14 — Brit Floyd - Dark Side of The Moon Aug 15 — Leann Rimes Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

Aug 13-23 — West Side Story by the Opera House Theatre Company Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington Aug 7 — The Wallflowers Aug 8 — Dumpstaphunk Visit https://www.livenation. com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.

Summer Concert Series Bands by the Beach

Oak Island Summer Concerts Middleton Park Complex 4610 Dolphin Drive Concerts are 6-8:30 pm Aug 7 — I-42 Band Aug 14 — 52nd Street Band Aug 21 — Hoods Creek Aug 28 — The Conspiracy

Bald Head Island Marina Park

Aug 14 — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard Aug 21 — Uptown Easy Aug 28 — Julio & The Saltines Sept 6 — The Extraordinaires

Sunset Sound Waves

Aye 12 — Ruby Gillman: ‘Teenage Kracken’

Aug 5 — North Tower Aug 12 — Pushh

Aug 19 — Middle School - The Worst Years of My Life

Aug 19 — Pink Slips

Aug 12 — Snapback

Sept 2 — Julio and The Saltines

Boiling Spring Lakes Summer Concerts Spring Lake Park 210 Pine Road

Concerts are 6-8 pm Aug 7 — Parrot Party Duo

Calabash Summer Concert Series Calabash Town Park 868 Persimmon Road

Concerts are 6-8:30 pm Aug 4 — Chocolate Chip & Company

Holden Beach Summer Concerts

The season starts off at Bridgeview Park and changes to Block Q midseason Concerts are 6:30-8 pm

Aug 2 — The Sand Band Aug 9 — North Tower Aug 16 — Continental Divide Aug 30 — The Main Event Sept 6 — Chairman of the Board

The Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd St. Concerts are 6:30-8 pm

Aug 7 — Special Occasion Band

Town Center Park 11 E. 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach Aug 5 — Shorts

Concerts start at 6 pm

Aug 26 — Whitewing Dove

Sept 2 — Chairman of the Board

Moonlight Movies Movies start around dusk (7:15-ish)

Sunset Beach Town Park 26 Sunset Blvd North

Concerts are 6-9 pm Aug 26 — Austin

Sept 6 — Labor Day Weekend Show featuring Trublmkrz from 1-3 pm and Randy Knight and Parrot Party from 3-5 pm

Shallotte Concert Series

Mulberry Park Amphitheater 123 Mulberry Street Concerts are 7-9 pm

Aug 6 — Julio & The Saltines Aug 13 — Jack Jack 180 Aug 20 — Too Much Sylvia Aug 27 — Jebb Mac Band Sept 3 — North Tower Sept 10 — The Extraordinaires

Southport Summer Concert Series Franklin Square Park, Howe Street Concerts are 6-8 pm

JAug 6 — Burning Bridges Jazz Aug 13 — Latitude Adjustment Aug 20 — The Doorsmen Aug 27 — Honey & Bones Sept 3 — Salt Road

OPEN AIR MARKETS Oak Island Farmers Market

The Market can be found on the Middleton Park Fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive, on Mondays from 8 am to 1 pm. Shop for local fresh produce, homemade jams, cakes, and a variety of homemade goods, all while enjoying ocean breezes.

Summer Market in Southport

The summer market begins May 6, and will be open 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays (except the week of July 4th). Find the Market in Waterfront Park at East Bay Street.

OneLove Market

NC 179/Beach Drive SW (field next to RE/Max This community based-non-profit helps local rescue organizations with financial support. Shop, Munch and Mingle! Enjoy music, free craft table, fresh produce and other vendors. Wednesdays 8:30-12:30 through August

Sunset Beach Town Park

206 Sunset Blvd North (mainland)

Sunset Beach Pier 101 W. Main St.

Concerts are 6-8 pm unless otherwise listed Aug 6 — Honeycutt & Co. Aug 13 — Salt Road Aug 20 — MacDaddy’s Aug 27 — Sea & Sand Band Sept 3 — Johnny Toppings

The Market begins April 30, and will be held on Thursdays throughout the season from 9 am to 1 pm.

1st Saturday Artisan Fair — Olde Southport Village Shoppes This market at the Olde Southport Village Shoppes (1102 N. Howe St.) will feature artisan vendors, handmade goods, vintage treasures, live painting, gifts, self-care products, fizzy sodas,

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CALENDAR

and fun finds for everyone. The fair is the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to 4 pm.

ONGOING EVENTS

Storytime By the Sea

Oak Island hosts this program for children 12 and younger, which features a coastal-themed story and a craft to take home. The program is 10-11 am on July 8, 15, 22, and 29, and Aug 5 at the Town’s 801 Ocean Drive events center. The program is free, but pre-registration is required (OakIslandNC.gov/ PROGRAMS)

Art in the Park - Ocean Isle Beach Children can make a new art project each week at Ocean Isle Beach’s Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St. The program is 10-11 am on Tuesdays through Aug. 11. Art in the Park is weather dependent.

Tide Dye Tuesdays

Make your own beach tye dye t-shirt with the Town of Holden Beach. Tide Dye Tuesdays through Aug. 4, 1-2:30 pm (participants must be ib line by 2 pm) at Bridgeview Park Picnic Shelter, 125 Davis St. There is a cost for the shirt, depending on the size needed. Check Facebook for weather updates.

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 upcoming 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: The Southport Historical Society’s “Second Tuesday Talk” is planned for 10 am on Aug. 11 at the library. Sue

Crippen, popular speaker on Southport history, will introduce audiences to Kate Stuart, whose hospitality made Southport a destination for visitors from around the world. Celebrated for her intelligence, business acumen, charms, and cooking, she was equally comfortable with a hunting rifle, a fishing line, and a swamp garden. When she died, a Wilmington newspaper wrote that “a woman like Kate lives but once in a century.” The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome. Reservations required: 910-457-6237. 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. Rourk Library, 5068 Main St., Shallotte Baby storytime is at 10 am on Mondays, Stay and Play is at 10:30, Crochet and Knitting is at 10:30 am, Library Legends: Teen Chess and Board Games Club are at 4 pm. On Tuesdays, Hand Embroidery is at 3:30 pm. Zen Coloring at 10 am on Wednesdays and Journaling Club is at 3:30 pm. On Thursdays, the library hosts storytime for Toddlers & Pre-K at 10:30 am and Stay & Play at 11 am. Southwest Brunswick Branch, 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17), Carolina Shores: Road Scholar Lecture: Making Political History in London’s Westminster District is Aug. 3 at 1 pm; Dinosaur Escape with Indiana Bones is Aug 4 at 5:30 pm for children ages 12 and older; and Dinosaur Terrarium making is set for Aug 14 at 1 pm for children aged 5 and older (adult help is required). There are also classes and group meetings for learning Italian and various crafting techniques.

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

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gift shop too offering maritime and seasonal items for visitors of all ages. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com.

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 locations 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.

Meet The Author

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 special programming throughout the year. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site 8884 St. 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 Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm on Tuesday and Thursday), and Sunday noon to 4 pm. The Museum is not open on Saturdays in the summer. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ for the programs calendar, which includes lots of special programs for the summer, including the Shark Soiree Aug 3-7, Sandbar Lectures Tuesdays at 5:30, and

Snakes Alive! Thursdays at 6 pm. .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 Thursdays through 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.

Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@ southportmag.com before the 20th of each month! Thank you!

Book Events Throughout the County

Southwest Brunswick Branch Library 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17), Carolina Shores

Aug 7 Local Author Talk with Janell Hart Meet local author Janell Hart as she discusses her writing journey, inspiration, and published work. Enjoy an opportunity to ask questions, connect with the author, and learn more about the creative process. The program begins at 4 pm, an registration is required; visit https://brunsco. libcal.com/. Sept 3 Author Talk with Angela Enos Angela Enos will talk about her new book, “Meet the Neighbors.” Enos, a retired legal assistant, is the author of the “Under the Roof” series, and her new book introduces a new character — a therapy dog named Heidi Sue. The program is 3:3 to 4:30 at the library, and registration is required; visit https://brunsco.libcal.com/.

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. Sept 18 “Falling for Peachtree Bluff” — Kristy Woodson Harvey In Peachtree Bluff, a sweet, cozy small town, family is everything. Here, the air is crisper, the water is calmer, but, when it comes to the Murphy family, nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems. Youngest sister Emerson is busy planning her dream wedding to Kyle. But her difficulty expanding her family is overshadowing her joy. Pregnant middle sister Sloane and her husband Adam’s dream house has turned into a nightmare. Everything is over time, over budget, and Sloane is over it. Eldest sister Caroline, as always, is there to swoop in and get her sisters’ lives under control. Until her focus is more than a little shifted by Emerson’s hunky costar who manages to sweep her right off her feet—just as her not-quite-ex-husband decides it’s high time he begged Caroline for a second chance. Matriarch Ansley and her new husband Jack have finally hit their stride. But when a scandal that would affect every single Peachtree Bluff citizen comes to light—and it seems like Jack just might be at the center of it—Ansley questions whether he is actually the man she thought he was. Through it all, these women must rely on their powerful family bonds, and the quirky characters and small-town charm of the place that, no matter what, always calls them home. www.LelandMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 31

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