Issuu

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

STAFF EDITOR

FROM THE PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carla Edstrom

Jeffrey Stites

Jan Morgan-Swegle

editor@lelandmag.com

Gabriel Hughes 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

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

jeff@southportmag.com 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

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 2

Falling For Your Community

hen Kris Beasley started Leland Magazine almost nine years ago, one of her goals for the publication was to help build community in the northern Brunswick County area. She told me this when we took over the magazines and was almost sheepish about it, she thought it sounded Pollyanna, if not outright silly. But we understood, and agree entirely that the things shared as a community are more meaningful than the town or development in which we live. We can all enjoy the Leland outdoor concerts, visit the Feast of the Pirates in Belville’s Riverwalk Park, support our favorite chili at the Battle of the Bowls (while helping our struggling neighbors with donations of canned food items), or enjoy a rum cocktail on the fantail of the local battleship. And we can do these things together! Another way we build community is by learning about what makes our towns tick, and whether you’re 6 or 60, Bill McHugh’s new book, “The ABCs of Local Government,” will help! You can read about all these things and more in this month’s issue. We hope you enjoy it!— Jeffrey

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Community Battle Of The Bowls

Annual Chili Cookoff Returns With New Contestant STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

s I age, I’ve come to find that loud music becomes annoying. I don’t go to battle of the band concerts anymore — we go to battle of the bowls challenges. We’ve traded battling guitars for battling chili recipes. If that sounds appealing to you too, make sure you go to Founders Park on Thursday, Sept. 17 to enjoy the 4th annual Battle of the Bowls challenge.

The event starts at 6 pm and runs until 8 pm at the Park, 113 Town Hall Drive in Leland. The Leland Police Department will again go head-to-head against the Leland Fire Department, plus a new contestant, for the title of best chili recipe. “Battle of the Bowls started in 2023. It was originally called Bowls and Baskets. We wanted to create an event that would bring the community together in a way that none of our other events had before. We invited the Leland Police and Fire Departments to battle it out in a fun, friendly food competition while supporting our community through our work with Manna Ministries Food Pantry. We are expecting 2,000 to 3,000 people to attend, so make sure you arrive early for the tasting and voting,” Brenna Keegan, Town

of Leland Recreation Coordinator said. “The Police and Fire crews really take this event seriously,” Keegan said. “We have two trophies that will be awarded as part of the competition — one for the winner and one for the runner-up. This year, we’ll have three different chili entries. We are very excited to welcome a special guest competitor — the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Joe Cherry will be serving as their chili expert. The winner will be determined by popular vote. Chili tasting is free, but to vote for your favorite chili, you’ll need to donate to Manna Ministries Food Pantry. Voters receive one voting ticket for every canned food or dollar donated. “In addition to the cook off, there will be a canned food drive, live music, yard

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games, face painting, corn hole, spike ball, connect four and checkers. Food truck vendors include Fitz Biscuits, Glizzies on the Go, Island Squeeze Lemonade and East Coast Nuts. Leland Brewing Company and Brunswick Beer & Cider will also be at the event. This is a family friendly event that is free to the public,” she said.

to win the Battle of the Bowls competition,” he said. The Fire Department has two wins and the Police has one, but this is our year.”

There has always been a strong bond between our first responders and Leland residents. You can find them at Trunk or Treat events in October, and programs that put names and faces to our service providers, like National Night Out, which are October block parties designed to meet neighbors and share safety tips, Coffee With A Cop, when the police host casual morning meetings at local coffee shops to talk and get to know area residents, School and Youth Camps, when firefighters and police run youth academies, fishing days or reading hours at schools, and Safety Fairs and Touch a Truck, when children can see fire trucks and police cars up close. Leland Police Chief Jeremy Humphries said he is excited about the Battle of the Bowls event. “This year, the Leland Police Department is going

The chief didn’t want to give too many details about the Police chili entry though. “Leland residents will have to enjoy our chili at the event because we’re not willing to share the secret of our sauce,” he said. “You know, the secret to making great chili is love. Every year, the Police have different chili chefs and recipes. Our staff volunteer to compete as a team and they decide as a team what recipe will represent us. We’re confident this year.”

“We just have to make sure that all of the fire stations don’t show up at the last minute and vote for the Fire Department!” he joked.

Fire Chief Shelton James kept up the light banter, saying, “We don’t need probable cause to know who is going to win this year. Leland Fire has won two competitions so far, you might as well just call it three times, because we are going to win again this year!” Chief James did give us a hint about having a successful chili recipe. “You have to

know how to handle the heat, and we are experts at that,” he said. “Every year, Leland Fire has had a different chef. The Fire Department staff volunteers to participate in the competition and like the Police, they choose their own recipe to enter. This year, Logan Fowler and Justin Davis are our chefs, and we are confident they will give us our third win. After all, Leland Police might know how to book ‘em, but they clearly don’t know how to cook ‘em!” The renovations done to Founders Park are a wonderful backdrop to this

event. The community can come together to enjoy food and drink and take part in a good-natured competition between our first responders. Bring your food donations to Founders Park on Sept. 17 and enjoy some great chili. The winner of the competition will be announced at 7:45 pm. Is this the year that the Police will even the score, or will the Fire Department surge ahead? Or will the Brunswick Sheriff’s Office pull off a surprise upset? C’mon down and find out!

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Community

Government Basics

Bill McHugh’s ABCs of Local Government STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTO BY D MCHUGH PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

ne of the things Bill McHugh learned when he served on the Town Council for the Town of Leland was that the workings of local governments remain a mystery to lots of people. McHugh has since authored and published a children’s book to start educating the voting public about their governments starting an early age. “The ABC’s of Local Government” is already the #1 best selling Children’s Citizenship book on Amazon, and copies are also becoming available locally in county libraries and through online retailers such as Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. What is a local government allowed to do, what it can’t do, what roles people play in local government — McHugh realized that these all things that the general public may not understand. Some of those very things were even a surprise to him when he began his four-year term in 2021. “The biggest shock for me entering municipal government was just how limited we are in our powers and our abilities to make change,” McHugh said. “And that presented a unique challenge in and of itself, because there was so much we wanted to do, but it also kind of gave me the opportunity to figure out what can we do within the limits of our power and authority,” he said. “What I discovered very early on was that the majority of my interactions with the public ended up being educational in nature,” he said. “People would ask me a question, and I was often trying to redirect them to where they should really be going to get their question answered or saying, hey, this is outside the scope of local government, or we are directly limited in how much we can do about this, or there’s nothing we can do about this. And I was having those conversations over and over and over again. On the one hand, it was extremely frustrating because I want to be able to solve all these problems, right? I didn’t get into local government to teach people how local government works. I got into effect change. But it taught me that there was this massive knowledge gap.” After an unsuccessful bid for re-election, McHugh started making short educational videos for social media to help explain how

local government operates. “Those resources just don’t exist, and people often love to talk transparency and communication, but they aren’t reaching out to their elected officials. They aren’t reaching out to the subject matter experts. You’re not going to learn it from osmosis, right? You gotta ask the question. So, I know what the questions are after four years in office,” he said. “Once I rolled off council, I wanted to continue making an impact on the community. And I knew that there was a need for further education, he said. “I tried to, in straightforward terms, as quickly as possible, explain concepts that I saw commonly misunderstood, ranging from fire fees to annexations to school bonds, just to try to give people enough of a synopsis of what it is.” The hope was that people could either learn about a topic or at least find out where to learn more. He had also been thinking about what resources were available to children. His own daughter is almost 3 years old, and McHugh said that he and she often sit down to read books. “I went out and I looked for a book that would introduce children to local government. And the book didn’t exist. So I decided I would write it,” he said. His daughter was a huge fan of books that used ABCs to explain a topic, and he really liked that format, so that’s how he moved forward. “I had just kind of an epiphany at one point that the alphabet gives me 26 opportunities to introduce concepts in local government in a quick one- to two-sentence digestible way. So I opened up my phone, and I wrote, ABCDE, it all the way down to Z, and I started filling it in with concepts,” he said. The whole process took about two years. He worked with an illustrator based in Indonesia and sent her pictures of the Leland community so she had something to

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work with. He jokingly said that it may be a huge coincidence that the book’s town hall is similar to the real one he worked in as council member and that the book’s fictional mayor bears a striking resemblance to himself. “I just said I want this community to be your inspiration. She made us all a little more…us,” he said. The two of them worked back and forth, with her sending him illustrations and him suggesting changes. “The whole goal behind (the book) is to start a conversation,” McHugh said. “I touch on the concepts very lightly. You know, it’s 26 concepts with a sentence or two. This book doesn’t exist to teach your children how local government works. It’s to make them aware it exists, introduce them to some of the important concepts, and to start that conversation, and to kind of get them thinking and get them engaged. You know, educated and engaged citizens are what makes the world a better place. And starting them young is how you’re going to do that for the future generations. And you may learn something, too.” McHugh chose to self-publish through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, largely due to the cost difference between it and pursuing traditional publishing. His book is available through print on demand, which means it will be printed and shipped to order. Hardcover versions are printed through another company for distribution to bookstores and libraries. He said that he wanted the books to be as accessible as possible, and the prices are as low as he was allowed to charge per the publishers.

“This is the labor of love. This isn’t a money making project for me. My goal is to make my money back” he said. He’s been contacting local bookstores and has already sold more copies than he expected to. He’s also already read the book to his daughter “as many times” as he could, though at her young age, she doesn’t quite have the attentions span for all 26 letters and often asks for a princess book partway through the alphabet. But she understands that he created the book and shares that fact with people. “She goes, Daddy wrote a book on the government. And I was like, yeah, be careful how you say that. People are gonna think I’m some kind of fruitcake,” he said with a laugh. But at one point she wanted to know what happened when the toilet was flushed, so McHugh explained it. “I is for infrastructure, baby.” McHugh said he’s been around politics since he was a child himself. His father was a newspaper publisher and his mother was a fundraiser for nonprofits. He started watching political debates when he was just 7 years old. He ran for office because in seeing what was happening in Leland, he wanted to make sure the town had forward-thinking leadership. “I saw that Leland was a rapidly growing and rapidly changing community,” he said. “And I recognized that it’s very easy to miss opportunities in that. I was also afraid that we might stay with sort of our old thinking. I knew that two council members were rolling off, so there would be two open seats. A lot of us ran at the time. You know,

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 7

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Community I wasn’t sure that there were two people who I thought were up to the challenge, so I put my money where my mouth was, and I filed to run.” He said that Leland is a beautiful, thriving area, but making it feel like home during this period of growth can be a challenge. “Especially with a town like Leland, when you’re building it from scratch, you only get one chance to get it right. You know, once it’s there, once it’s built, it’s a much tougher road to establish what you want. That’s why I was always pushing for planned conservation and land purchases. I would much rather the town own the last piece of undeveloped waterfront property on the Brunswick River with a live oak tree stand, than some developer who might turn it into 400 apartments. We can always sell it to someone else down the road, but once it’s gone, it’s gone.” One of the other things he said municipal elected officials need to consider is the balance between having new facilities and services and finding a way to pay for them. “If you told me that the only thing you cared about was keeping your taxes low, I can do that. That’s easy, right? We just won’t do anything and you don’t have to

pay for anything. No problem. But if you want a good fire department, if you want to cop at your house in three minutes when

an emergency happens, you gotta pay for it.” He said that citizens are often stunned by the cost of things they want. “How could your park cost $8 million? It’s like, guys, $4 million of that money is underground. You know, it’s digging the dirt. It’s moving the dirt, it’s laying the pipes, it’s laying the wires. You can’t just turn a field into an amphitheater for $100,000. You can build a band shell. Yeah. But then you would have a bandshell with no electric, no water, no bathrooms…” he said. Asked whether he would consider running for office again though he lost his last election, McHugh

said that everything is on the table. “I am determined to serve my community and serve my state and serve my country in some capacity to make the world a better place, whether that’s as an elected official, or whether that’s making videos, or whether that’s picking up a shovel and planting trees myself, I don’t know. But it’s part of who I am and it is what I’m going to continue to do,” he said. That feeling of responsibility is a sentiment seen even in the book’s dedication, which reads, “This book is dedicated to the talented and hardworking staff of the Town of Leland, North Carolina.” “You know, in town, they (town employees) face accusations of all kinds of horrible things, and none of it’s true, all absolute nonsense,” he said. “You know, these people deserve every penny that they’re paid. They deserve constant accolades, right? The world around us, we are safer, and we are smarter, and we are better off because of the work they do. And I wanted to find some way to honor them. It’s a it’s a love letter to dedicated public servants.”

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Community

Leland Lend A Hand Town Offers Residents Volunteer Options STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TOWN OF LELAND

he Town of Leland invites volunteers to participate in Lend a Hand, a community-wide day of service, on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 am to 12 pm. Volunteers will have the opportunity to choose from six service projects supporting local organizations and community initiatives, including environmental stewardship, beautification, food assistance, and future transportation planning. The event begins at 8 am at Founders Park, 113 Town Hall Drive, where volunteers will check in, enjoy light refreshments, connect with fellow participants, and learn more about the organizations they’ll be supporting. At 9 am, volunteers will travel to their assigned locations and begin serving throughout the community. Lend a Hand is a community-wide day of service that fosters civic pride and connections by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in meaningful volunteer efforts that address local

needs and strengthen community well-being. This year’s volunteer opportunities include: Stream Cleanup: Kayak with Cape Fear River Watch to collect water samples and remove litter along the Cypress Cove Park watershed.   Trash Pickup: Join We Live Here to collect roadside litter in the Westgate District.   Tree Planting: Help Alliance for Cape Fear Trees plant trees to beautify and enhance the Westgate District.

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Food Distribution: Assist First Baptist Church of Leland with its drive-thru food bank.   Food Drive: Collect donations to support future food distributions through First Baptist Church of Leland. Walk Audit: Participate in an AARP-led walk audit to help inform future improvements along Village Road. Community members are encouraged to participate in any of the volunteer opportunities. Participants must register in

advance. For more information about each project and to register, visit the https:// www.townofleland.com/lendahand. Since its launch in 2023, Lend a Hand has brought together 444 volunteers to support eight local organizations, demonstrating the power of community service. Together, these dedicated volunteers have completed 19 meaningful projects, making a lasting impact throughout the community.

Community

County Fair Returns

Rides, Food, And Farm Animals Oct 21-25 STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNEY, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

he Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo presents “Stars, Stripes and County Fair Nights!” The return of the fair this year is scheduled Oct. 21-25, for the second annual week of family, friends, food and fun for all! The fair will be returning to the same location, Stump Hill Farms, 2030 Ash Little River Road NW, Ash. General admission will be $7 cash, $8 with card and children under 36 inches tall are allowed free entry. Parking will be free and bags will be checked at the gate upon entry. Dreamland Amusements will be returning with more than 20 rides, games and favorite fair concessions. Advanced tickets can be purchased online to skip the line! Local vendors, crafts and educational

booths will also be posed throughout the fairgrounds. Daily fair events will include agricultural shows, competitions and animal exhibits. The chicken, goat and dairy heifer (Brunswick County 4H) show dates and times will be posted on the fair website once scheduled. The lineup for live music from local musicians, dancers, magicians and entertainers can also be found online once the acts are finalized closer to

October. The fair board has been working diligently all year to make modifications, strategize and collaborate with community partners to ensure another fantastic fall event. General rules for exhibitors, animal registration and vendor applications are available to view and download online under the fair forms tab. The fair is currently looking for volunteers and sponsors to further enhance the fair experience and you can sign up now to donate your time, make a monetary donation or have your business sponsor the event. Barn animals, bright lights, thrill rides, good music, deep fried or sugary sweet treats, the Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo has something for everyone to enjoy no matter what your age. Mark your calendars, bring the family and come

celebrate our country’s farmers and their heritage. Additional information and ways to connect with the fair can be found by visiting https://brunswickfair.com. As the event grows closer, the latest announcements, schedules and promotions will be updated on the Brunswick County Fair social media. Like, follow and stay tuned while the fair heads back to Brunswick County for round two!

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Community

Making A Difference Push-Ups For Parkinsons Challenge STORY BY JANET FORTNEY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

leven years ago, Ocean Isle Beach resident Evan Cutler committed to doing “100 push-ups every day for the rest of my life to honor my parents while they were going through it.” The “it” that Cutler’s parents were going through was a fight against Parkinson’s disease. His family’s 14-year battle with his father Keith’s illness turned into Cutler’s inspiration for creating the 10.10 Push-Ups for Parkinson’s Challenge. Keith Cutler passed away on June 23, 2017, two years to the day after his son’s push-up pledge.

In short, the 10.10 Push-Up Challenge calls for participants to do 10 push-ups, share video or photos of their push-ups on social media using the #my1010 tag, and to donate $10 to the cause. Accompanying this challenge is a kid- and pet-friendly health and wellness event – the second annual – which is set for Oct. 10, at Sunset Beach Town Park (206 Sunset Blvd North). The gathering will feature push-up contests, health and wellness vendors, live music from the Chocolate Chip & Company Band, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. “Our goal,” explained Cutler, “is to raise awareness, strength, hope, and funds that we can actually put back to work in the

local community.” Cutler is quick to acknowledge the people and businesses who’ve provided assistance to the Push-Up 4 Parkinson’s effort, including Susan Freeman; Tripp Parks of Through Fire Wellness; the Sunset Beach Fire Department; the Town of Sunset Beach and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce; and Bumblebee Digital Marketing. “Even the mayor of Sunset Beach, he did push-ups!” Cutler said. “Parkinson’s has hit my family,” Cutler explained. “My grandfather had it and my dad had it. And I saw the caregiver

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aspect of it with my mom, as well as the mental health aspect. When we were going through all that, I committed to personally doing 1,000,000 push-ups. I’m now at 400,000 on the way to 1,000,000. When we put the charity together, we said, well, if I can do 1,000,000 push-ups, why don’t we challenge the rest of the world to do ten push-ups? Just 10 push-ups for good health.” He is currently 60 and estimates that he will reach his goal of a million pushups by his seventy-seventh birthday. “Anyone,” Cutler said, “can do 10 pushups. If someone’s in a wheelchair or is 98-years-old…I don’t care who you are, you can do them in some manner. And we’ve proven that with the online videos people have submitted. That’s what [our] movement is. It’s to get people to move more. We’re not only about Parkinson’s, but everything people have to deal with: mental

and physical problems, deaths of parents and pets…We’ve all got to deal with these things. So how do you deal? Guess what? You have to push up! That’s it, just that simple. It’s the figurative push up and pushing through.” Last year’s Push-Ups for Parkinson’s event raised approximately $30,000 which has gone toward providing support tools and education for individuals, families, and other caretakers living with Parkinson’s. Cutler’s firm, E.A. Buck Financial Services, is a major supporter of the charity. But what

Community he’s been most “kind of blown away” about is the accomplishment of a local support group being formed as a direct result of last year’s Push-Ups for Parkinson’s event. “After the event, a lady who had Parkinson’s and her husband came up to us and said, ‘We can’t drive to Southport and that’s the closest support group. Would you guys be willing to do one here?’ So we put it together and around 50 people came to the first meeting which was wonderful!” The group now meets at 11:30 am on the last Wednesday of every month at Seaside United Methodist Church in Sunset Beach.

add collaborators, vendors, and sponsors for the October event. If you’re interested in learning more about participating in the 10.10 Push-Ups for Parkinson’s Challenge, the Oct. 10 event, or Sunset Beach’s Parkinson’s support group, contact Evan Cutler at 704-909-9977 or evan@pushups4parkinsons.org or Susan Freeman at susan@ my1010.org.

Cutler is very excited to be hosting the event for a second year in Sunset Beach. “Sunset Beach Park is a gorgeous venue and we’re going to have a good time. Fun is in the bylaws, so there will be fun involved! There will be five push-up challenges — the oldest person to do a pushup, youngest person to do a pushup, best push-up with a pet, best push-up in a Halloween costume, and most push-ups in a minute competition.” Cutler and his team are continuing to

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Community the Cape Fear and surrounding areas maritime heritage.

Come Feast With Pirates

Fundraiser For Harbor Enhancement Trust

Admission is $5 per family/ group, and the festival is open to the public. Families, history lovers, and pirate fans of all ages are encouraged to attend.

STORY CONTRIBUTED

he Belville waterfront will come alive with a full day of pirate-themed fun, history, and family entertainment along the Brunswick River as the Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust, Inc. brings back its Feast of the Pirates Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12. The Festival will be from 10 am to 4 pm at the Belville Riverwalk Park. This year’s festival features historic encampments, interactive sword-fighting and skits, pirate games for all ages, and a dramatic Sea Battle reenactment complete with black powder weapons and cannon demonstrations. Guests can also join the Most Wanted Pirate Hunt, a playful activity inviting visitors to find participating vendors featured on a special poster.

A variety of food trucks and artisan vendors will be on site, offering local eats, handcrafted goods, nautical items, and unique treasures.

throughout the region. The Trust supports community events, educational programs, and initiatives that celebrate and preserve

We’re always looking for volunteers to help bring the Feast of the Pirates Festival to life. If you’re ready to join the adventure, reach out to us through the festival website. For more information, visit https://www.feastofthepirates. com/ or follow event updates on social media.

The event is brought to you by Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Waterfront, History, Education, and Treasures

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The information contained herein, while not guaranteed, has been obtained from sources deemed authoritative. The properties and information contained herein are offered subject to errors, omissions, modifications, availability, price change, prior sale, and withdrawal without prior notice.

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 15

Community School Growth Bonds

A Student’s Perspective On Upcoming Vote STORY BY GABRIEL HUGHES

Our youngest contributing writer asked to write about the upcoming vote on bonds to finance construction and property aquistion by Brunswick County Schools. GAbriel is a student in the Brunswick County School system, so we thought you might find his perspective useful.

cross the county, schools are beginning to awaken from their summer slumbers, students are once again beginning to fill the halls, and the moaning and groaning of having to get up early is once again in full swing. However, across Brunswick County, there seems to be a problem — one that cannot simply be covered up with a cool band-aid from the teacher’s desk drawer.

The problem is overcrowding in our elementary schools and high schools. As the sixth-fastest growing county in the nation and the fastest growing county in North Carolina, our schools are filling more and more seats every year. Gymnasiums, cafeterias, parking lots, and classrooms are not getting larger, however, as elementary schools alone across the county are already operating at 93 percent capacity. How are Brunswick County Schools responding to this need for seats, a problem already identified by enrollment alone? According to Superintendent Dale Cole, at this time, “We are choosing to band-aid,” by adding trailers or building new classrooms at schools that are closest to reaching capacity. Yet, there comes a point when the bandaid just needs to be ripped off, as even band-aids have limits for how long they can

stay in place. That is exactly what Brunswick County Schools are doing this November through a $349.6 million school bond proposal which would allow new schools to be built, creating a more long-term solution to a problem that is only worsening as a result of further development throughout the county. “Every coastal county is building schools,” said Cole. Although each county funds its own system, the growth, and associated construction, is happening region-wide. New Hanover County is also proposing a new bond issue and Pender and Onslow Counties are both planning new school construction. “We all need new schools,” said Cole. Since the last school bond proposal was approved in 2016, roughly 100 classrooms have either been built or bought, including numerous trailers at both Bellville and

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Lincoln Elementary Schools and classroom additions at North Brunswick High School and Town Creek Elementary School. Currently, roughly 320 students’ learning day is located in these trailers; it is projected that it could grow to 500 students. “We already have the need. We are just meeting it with trailers,” said Cole. He also spoke about the obligation that the Brunswick County School system has to provide a seat to any student who lives in Brunswick County. The bond will allow for a new elementary school and a new high school, both serving the northern part of the county, where schools are closest to reaching capacity. Additionally, the bond proposal includes funding for county-wide bleacher updates; a new road to be built at the Town Creek site to prevent traffic backups on U.S. 17; a new multipurpose field at Shallotte Middle School; a new field house for the South Brunswick High School softball team; district-wide intercom replacement; new land purchases; and future site development to lower costs when additional schools are needed in the future. “No one likes new taxes,” said Cole. “But as people keep moving, the tax base grows,” he said when referring to the bond tax impact. While that may be the case, and, as predicted, growth may remain steady, they have to advertise the bond at the potential maximum cost to the residents.

As a part of this 14-year bond, Brunswick County Schools would receive disbursements in 2028, 2030, and 2032. These disbursements are what will allow new schools and other projects to break ground. The school bond proposal does not solely benefit the students, as good schools also help protect property values. They are an investment into the future of the county, as one day the students will fill jobs to provide services that are in demand. As a high school student myself, I can see that there is a cycle. It is today’s students who will meet the needs of the public tomorrow in any industry necessary for society. “Students are citizens of this county, too, and they are the focus of Brunswick County Schools,” said Cole. We know firsthand the effects of overcrowding and the problems that are created as a result. “We encourage students to get involved in active ways,” said Cole when stating why students should also be advocates. For those who are not affected by these proposed schools, “We will reach a day where we are all going to need schools all at once. Schools are a county thing, and one day it will be your part of the county that needs a school,” said Cole. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the bond, visit Brunswick County Schools or email Bond@bcswan. net. Here’s to a great 2026-2027 school year!

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www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 19

Overcoming Fears

Keeping Fit

Working Through Fears Can Help Win At Life BY VICTOR FERNANDES

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

ow fast does time fly? Our son Zach is officially a college student two years before he officially goes off to college. It’s a bit overwhelming for my wife, Shelly, and I after the whirlwind of a summer we have experienced these past few months. all.

He has enjoyed real-world experience in the media industry as a public-address announcer for the Oak Island Loggerheads summer baseball team. He attended a weeklong camp in suburban New York City filled with legends from the New York and national sports broadcasting scene. He took a handful of college visits up there too. And on August 17, he began the new semester at Brunswick Community College in Bolivia by starting an English class. Like I said, a real whirlwind. So, imagine how he feels. Well, I don’t have to imagine it. I lived

it during a heart-to-heart talk with Zach at home shortly before leaving for an orientation session at BCC last month. He was nervous about adding that college course to his workload during his junior year of high school. Although he took — and aced — an online college course each of the last two years, this class just seemed different to him. More challenging. Overwhelming. Simply too much to handle. I flashed back to a time when I felt those same fears – to eight-plus years ago when I had second thoughts about leaving a 26-year career in sports journalism to start over as a trainer and coach in the health and wellness industry. The word scary doesn’t do justice to what I felt. But I also wasn’t doing myself justice. I had come a long way from being the 250-pound guy with the expanding waistline and shrinking confidence who felt helpless about his health and wellness while still trying to be the best husband, father and journalist he could be. Then I dropped 75 pounds, gained the best physical shape of my life, found the best quality of life I had in many years – and realized the weight loss wasn’t the goal. The reason for dropping 75 pounds was to become the best version of me so I could

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 20

confidently face scary yet exciting opportunities like starting a new career – and then in the years ahead, starting a business, Fernandes Fit LLC, that exists to this day. So I asked Zach — did he honestly believe he couldn’t cut it in this college class, or was he letting fear talk him out of an exciting, albeit scary, opportunity? Shelly and I know he can do anything. His guidance counselor and teachers at his high school wouldn’t have placed him in this dual-enrollment program if they didn’t believe he could do the work and succeed. But the decision, I told him, was all his. His mother and I will support him either way. All we wanted was for him to decide for himself - and not allow fear to decide for him. He made the right choice. Ultimately, the experience of taking this college course was far too important to him to pass up. We, as human beings, will do whatever it takes, no matter how much fear we possess inside, if the goal we have set for ourselves is truly important to us. And our health, much like our education, should always be important to us. Should is the key word there, because far too many people don’t treat their health with the utmost importance in their lives. That explains why more than 40 percent of our nation’s population is deemed obese, while another 30 percent are overweight. Our health should be the number one priority in our lives, but it’s often treated like a convenience or afterthought – until something happens that forces us to take notice.

It’s often said that we may have 100 problems in our lives until we have a health problem. Then we only have one problem, because so much else of importance in our lives grinds to a halt when our health takes center stage, which is why I emphasized with Zach why it’s important for him to take this class. It will show him he can do the work at that level, but also it gives them one less class he has to take – and our family has to pay for – once he officially goes off to college in two years. It’s all right to be afraid of any challenge. We just can’t let fear win. If you need help harnessing the discipline we all have inside 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.

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 21

Community

Healing On The Sea

Fishing With Those Who Served Foundation STORY BY GABRIEL HUGHES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

e have no borders when it comes to helping veterans and first responders who need our support,” said Captain Rick Roberts, founder of the Those Who Served Foundation, a Little River, South Carolina-based non-profit. The mission is simple yet inspiring — “casting lines, building bonds, and honoring service.”

Former for-hire charter captain turned guide and steward, Roberts is a man who truly honors our nation’s heroes. Prior to dedicating his time entirely to the cause, Roberts operated a charter boat company but allocated two days a week for veterans and first responders. Roberts gained his love and passion for the water from his father, who was a Commander in the U.S. Navy. By channeling his deep devotion to our nation’s heroes and his reverence for the water, Roberts is able to give back in a truly profound way. “We use salt water as therapy,” said Roberts, describing its calming and therapeutic healing powers. He puts these powers to work by taking four veterans who are strangers to one another out for a day fishing charter or nature trip. For some of those veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the experience affords them a chance to come out of their shell to talk among fellow

service members. “Their scars are internal. They carry them, not show them,” he said. “We try to foster camaraderie,” said Roberts, who serves an array of veterans from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond. Roberts added that even he makes friends on every trip. Roberts explained that to date, the Foundation has served roughly 800 veterans, and they have a waiting list of nearly 700 additional veterans. However, the trips are currently paused due to high demand and a lack of funding. “We want to get to a point where money is not an object,” said Roberts. He explained that this organization is different in that every donation received by the Foundation is used to support the heroes. “We rely solely on donations, grassroots fundraising, and community support,” he said. The community helps to fuel both the boats and the mission of the Foundation. After joining the waitlist, veterans have to be vetted to prevent any occurrence of stolen valor. Priority is given to veterans who are facing health challenges, while remaining participants are then selected at random. This helps ensure that the veterans on the boat do not know each other before the trip. Currently the Foundation operates two boats, one of which is a pontoon boat modified to be wheelchair accessible. “Even those who are in wheelchairs deserve the same chance to go out,” said Roberts. When asked about his favor-

www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 22

ite memory, Roberts noted that he had to separate the experiences from what was good, what was great, and what was truly awesome. He explained that on one charter, there was an Army specialist and a Navy cryptologist on board. The Army specialist was explaining his difficulties integrating back into civilian life, specifically in the job mar-

ket. From there, Roberts explained that the Navy cryptologist asked the Army specialist about his passion, and the response was that he enjoyed carpentry. The cryptologist then suggested that he start his own carpentry business. “We check-in with the veterans 30 days post-trip,” Roberts said. When he called the Army specialist a month after the trip, the veteran described the trip as the most powerful thing he had ever done and that it was because of the Navy cryptologist that he had started his own carpentry business. “It sounds like grounds for a Lifetime movie, but that is not why we do it,” said Roberts. For Roberts, seeing the veterans exchange contact information is one of the most moving parts of a trip. The Those Who Served Foundation has a large social media platform and works closely with the Myrtle Beach Veterans Affairs and veteran clubs and organizations. Simply put, Roberts’ dedication to our nation’s heroes is “We have no boundaries, we serve everyone.” To learn more or to donate to their cause, visit https://thosewhoservedfoundation. org.

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www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 23

History

How Research Happens Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

n Sept. 10, the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table will proudly host Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW) emeritus professor of history. Dr. Fonvielle is a highly respected author and extraordinary guide to local historical sites. Moreover, he’s a founder of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table and was our first speaker back in 1994. Chris remains a very active and supportive member. Come meet Professor Fonvielle as he talks about “The Process of Historical Research.” Chris is a native Wilmingtonian with a lifelong interest in American Civil War, North Carolina, and Cape Fear history. He attended public schools, including New Hanover High School, class of 1971, where he was the first soccer-style placekicker in North Carolina football history. After receiving his B.A. in anthropology at the UNCW, Chris served as the last curator of the Blockade Runners of the Confederacy Museum, now the Federal Point History Center in Carolina Beach. He subsequently received his M.A. in American history at East Carolina University, and his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. As he likes to say, that makes him a Wildcat, a Seahawk, a Pirate, and a Gamecock. After a brief teaching stint at East Carolina

University, Dr. Fonvielle returned to his undergraduate alma mater at UNCW in 1996, where he taught courses on the Civil War, Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear, and Antebellum America. His in-depth research focuses on coastal operations and defenses, and blockade running in southeastern North Carolina during the Civil War. He has published books and articles including “The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope,” “Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: An Illustrated History,” “Fort Fisher 1865: The Photographs of T.H. O’Sullivan,” and “To Forge a Thunderbolt: Fort Anderson and the Battle for Wilmington.” In 2014, then-Governor Pat McCrory appointed Dr. Fonvielle to the North Carolina Historical Commission. Upon his retirement from UNCW in 2018, Chris was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for distinguished service to the

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State of North Carolina, signed by Governor Roy Cooper. He is also a regular history tour guide for Wilmington Water Tours. There is a quote often attributed to the famous British historian Arthur J. Toynbee that goes “History is just one damned thing after another.” A little research reveals that Toynbee may have done something to popularize that rather shallow idea but in using the bon mot, he was actually criticizing another historian. Is there a pattern to history, a development or evolution? Does it depend only on impersonal universal forces such as economics? What are the effects of powerful individuals? Shouldn’t we also study and consider the actions of relative unknowns such as individual soldiers? Looking back, especially to such a well-studied topic as the American Civil War, the events and outcomes seem to have a sense of inevitability. Yet, contingency has a great effect. What if the southern army had somehow won the Battle

of Gettysburg? What if Abraham Lincoln had not been so tragically murdered? How do we learn about history? Come and hear as Chris explains how we go about uncovering and connecting the threads in the tapestry of American history. The Cape Fear Civil War Round Table is a welcoming club that invites all those interested in the Civil War, the most pivotally important period of our national history. There is no admission fee. If you enjoy the experience, as we hope you will, you can join for the modest dues of $30 per year. As we Americans look back on 250 years of history, we hope to see you as you not only listen to outstanding presenters such as Dr. Fonvielle, but also join with others to talk about history, ask questions of the presenters and get to know your neighbors. The Sept. 10 meeting begins at 7 pm and doors open at 6:30 pm. Come and hear the region’s premier historian discuss the ins and outs of historical research. As usual, 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!

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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

September 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 1

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

The season kicks off with Gen. Robert E. Lee, or at least a very convincing actor portrayal. Gen. Lee will speak about his early life from his West Point days and antebellum military career through the high-stakes battlefield decisions of the Civil War and will answer questions. The program is at 7 pm, and doors open at 6:15 pm at Hatch Auditorium on the campus of Ft. Caswell (east end of Caswell Beach). Annual memberships for two are just $25; visit brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com to learn more about the Round Table.

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.

SEPT 7

Children’s Crab Derby - Southport

This annual catch and release derby starts at 9 am on the City Dock, West Brunswick Street in the Yacht Basin. There will be awards in various age groups for the largest crab and the most crabs caught. Register beginning at 8:30 am or through www.cityofsouthport.gov

SEPT 8

Southport Historical Society - Second Tuesday Talk This month’s program features Southport native Col. Willie L. Gore will discuss his book, “From Purple Heart to the Pentagon,” which traces his journey from growing up in Southport to a distinguished military career. He will share stories from his book and reflect on the people, experiences, and Southport community that helped shape his life. The meeting is 10 am at Harper

Library, 109 W. Moore St. in Southport. Attendance is free but reservations are required: call 910-457-6237.

SEPT 10

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table Wilmington Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW) emeritus professor of history will present a program on “The Process of Historical Research.” Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7 pm, in the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington.

SEPT 11

Rockin’ and Laughin’ for Hope

Enjoy music from Mike’s Garage Band and a performance from comedian Rich Neilson at this benefit for the New Hope Clinic, a volunteer driven non-profit organization that has been working since

1998 to provide quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services for low income residents of Brunswick County. Tickets are $20 if you bring your own food, or $32 for tickets to the show plus dinner from Jersey Mike’s. There will also be raffles. Doors open at 5 pm, and the entertainment is 5:30-8:30 pm at the Oak Island Moose Lodge #2059, 4239 Long Beach Road SE, Oak Island

SEPT 11

9/11 Roundtable Discussion

Join the discussion at this 9/11 Remembrance Roundtable: Events of the Day and Future Implications. The program is free to attend and open to the community, 9-11 am at Blossoms Restaurant, 1800 Tommy Jacob’s Drive, Leland.

SEPT 12

Kiwanis Golf Tournament

Enjoy a round of golf in this fundrais-

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CALENDAR er tournament at the Lockwood Folly Country Club. A 9 am shotgun start kicks off the outing, and play must be completed by 2 pm. Awards will be given at a luncheon, and there will a silent auction as well. Proceeds from the event will support the many Kiwanis programs serving the children of southern Brunswick County. The Kiwanis club provides reading, tutoring, robotics, character development, and academic recognition to kids of all ages. Service Leadership Programs in elementary, middle, and high schools allow children and young adults to serve their community and develop leadership skills. Register online at so-kiwanisgolf.com; donations may also be made through the website.

SEPT 12

Feast of the Pirates — Belville

Get ready for plundering, a sea battle reenactment, and pirate-themed games for all ages at this seafaring festival at Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE (N.C. 133). The festival is 10 am to 4 pm, and features a Most Wanted Pirate Hunt, a playful activity inviting visitors to find participating vendors featured on a special poster, and a variety of food trucks and artisan vendors on site, offering local eats, handcrafted goods, nautical items, and unique treasures.

SEPT 17

Battle of the Bowls — Leland

The Leland Fire Department takes on the Leland Police Department, and newcomers to the challenge from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in an annual chili cookoff. Stop by to pick your favorite, 6-8 pm at Founders Park, 113 Town Hall Drive in Leland. Tasting is free, but voting tickets cost either $1 donation or a canned goo, with funds and food going to Manna Ministries old Pantry. There will also be live music, yard games, face painting, corn hole, and food vendors on site.

SEPT 17

Open House — Southwest Brunswick Branch Library Celebrate community, plants, and the joy of sharing! Bring a plant, cutting, or gardening item to swap with fellow plant lovers, or simply come browse and connect with your neighbors. Plan on stopping by the Friends of the Library Open House to learn more about the group and the many ways they support our library and community. The Plant Swap is 10 am to 7 pm at the library, 9400 Ocean Highway West, Carolina Shores

SEPT 18

Latin Dance — Leland Cultural Arts Center Wilmington Latin Dance will lead salsa, merengue and more at this social dance for all levels. A beginner’s lesson starts at 7 pm and open dancing starts at 7:30 pm. The dance is at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the cost is $12.

SEPT 18-20

Pickleball Tournament - Oak Island

This First Responder Pickleball Tournament features a lighthearted “King of the Court” match that celebrates service and unity. There will also be a 50/5 raffle and paddleball giveaways.

SEPT 19

Union Elementary School 75th Anniversary Union Elementary welcomes former students and staff to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary. The celebration is 1-4 pm, with reunions organized by decade, school tours, food trucks on site, and a brick walk dedication — a brick fundraiser is ongoing. The school is at 180 Union School Rd NW, Shallotte.

SEPT 19

Deep Dive Into History

The Maritime Museum at Southport hosts a monthly deep dive into history, and this months’ program is about Camp Davis, one of the seven US Army’s anti-aircraft training centers during www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 28

WWII. Museum goers will even have the opportunity to test your aim with a simulated anti-aircraft weapon. The program is 10 am to 3 pm at the Museum, 204 E. Moore St., Southport.

SEPT 20

Low Country Boil — Coastal Museum of Carolina Enjoy delicious coastal cuisine, drinks, live music and lawn games as the Museum of Coastal Carolina hosts its popular 5th annual Low Country Boil. The menu ncludes shrimp, clams, mussels, sausage, potatoes, corn, coleslaw, and hushpuppies or cornbread. Drinks, including beer and wine will be available for purchase. Dine-in and To-go options are also available. Bring your own chair or find a seat at the table with others. Tickets are $35/$40 for members/ non-members and can be purchased online at https://sales.museumplanetarium.org/Performance. The Museum is at 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach.

WEEK OF SEPT 21

The St. James Garden Club is selling Belgium Mums, with plants available in 8-inch and 12-inch pot sizes and five assorted colors. Plants must be pre-ordered and a date and time will be arranged for pickup at the Homer E. Wright Event Center (on N.C. 211). Visit https://drive.google. com/file/d/1KL361YChwoZTZR6xNXwYPAV-jDWalvp9/view?pli=1 to order plants.

SEPT 24

General Meeting - Southport Historical Society The Southport Historical Society will host Jim McKee, with Brunswick Town/ Fort Anderson State Historic Site, who will speak on “1776 Southern Expedition in the Cape Fear.” The meeting is open to everyone, and refreshments will be served. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. in Southport.

SEPT 24-OCT 17

Inspirations in Pastel

The Coastal Carolina Pastel Painters present the 7th annual exhibit and sale at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, 224 Market St., Wilmington. Hours are 10 and to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. The show includes more than 30 works from 10 local artists. The opening reception is Sept. 25 from 6-9 pm during the vibrant monthly downtown Wilmington art walk.

SEPT 26

Kayak Adventures — Mill Creek Headwaters Tour Explore the beautiful headwaters of Mill Creek from Cypress Cove Park, a unique stretch that is only accessible during high tide. Paddlers will head up the creek for 30 minutes, then return to the launch site, learning about the ecosystems and wildlife we see along the way. Supplies are included, and all skill levels are welcome. The cost is $65.

SEPT 30

Fall Migration Observations

During peak fall migration, nearly 9 million birds traveling over the area each night in Brunswick County. This early-evening birding outing targets last year’s peak migration time to hopefully introduce participants to new and exciting non-native species passing through our area as they head to South America for the winter. Bring binoculars and wear good walking shoes. The program is 5:30-7 pm at starts at Founders Park, 113 Town Hall Drive, Leland.

OCT 2

Bottleship: History Served Neat

Enjoy a Southern barbeque dinner while embarking on a “spirited” journey with Smuggler Mac through three legendary North Carolina warships, where every historic cocktail uncorks another chapter of naval history. From rum rations and Prohibition to tiki culture and wartime sea stories, this entertaining fundraiser blends fascinating history, great food, and unforgettable experiences–all while supporting the pres-

ervation of the Battleship. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. The ticket price includes the program, dinner and cocktail(s) or mocktail(s), with tickets starting at $75. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/ and go to the Programs/ Events tab to purchase tickets.

OCT 3

Lend A Hand Leland

Volunteer for one of six planned community projects with partner agencies, including stream cleanup, trash pickup, tree planting, food distribution, food drive, our a walk audit of Village Road. The projects will run from 8 am to noon.

OCT 16-18 AND 23-25

Brunswick County Parade of Homes

The Brunswick County Home Builders Association hosts this annual showcase of new homes and renovation projects throughout the county. The self-guided tour is noon to 5 pm each day, and admission is free. For more information to plan your tour, visit www.brunswickparadeofhomes.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College 150 College Road NE, Bolivia

Oct 3 — Dinosaur Dimensions Expedition!

Oct 8 — The North Carolina Symphony presents Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Oct 9 — Whitney Cummings - The Big Baby Tour Oct 10 — Jordan Klepper Oct 11 — Indigo Girls Oct 14 — Sing along Broadway

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

Set 4-6 — Pineapple Shaped Lamps Sweet 16 Anniversary Show Sept 17-27 — Panache Theatrical Company presents Avenue Q Sept 25 to Oct 4 — Dracula by the Thalian Association Community Theatre Oct 9 — Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney Oct 11 — Barricade Boys: Broadway Party Oct 14 — Donna Washington Oct 15-25 — Big Dawg Theatre Company performs Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington Sept 4 — American Aquarium

Oct 9 — Let’s Hang On — Frankie Valli Tribute Tour

Sept 5 — A Night for Heroes Starring Velvet Rodeo

Oct 23 — Van The Band - Van Morrison Tribute

Oct 2 — Andy Frasco & The U.N.

For more information, visit https:// bccowa.com/

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College 701 N. Third St., Wilmington Sept 16 — Pixies

Sept 26 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs Three Generations of American Music Oct 2-4 — Waitress Oct 6 —Vitamin String Quartet & Girl Named Tom

Sept 28 — Ziggy Marley Oct 3 — Old School R&B vs. Hip Hop Party Oct 4 — Lettuce Cook Tour Oct 8 — Trampled By Turtles Visit https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.

Outdoor Movies

Oak Island Movie Night Middleton Park Complex 4610 Dolphin Drive 5:30-8:30 pm

Sept 4 — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - Popcorn, drinks, and candy vendors will be present, with special pre-show activities for the kids!

Movies on the Fantail

Watch movies on the USS North Carolina - doors open one hour before movie time

1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington

(Our side of the Cape Fear River)

Sept 26 — They Were Expendable — 7:30 pm Oct 23 — Mary Poppins — 7 pm

Visit https://battleshipnc.com/ and go to the Programs/Events tab to purchase tickets.

Summer Concert Series Bald Head Island Marina Park

Concerts are 6-9 pm Sept 2 — Chairman of the Board

Holden Beach Summer Concerts

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

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CALENDAR

on Fridays at 10:30 am. There are also classes and group meetings for learning 3D printing and button making, and much more. The library also hosts reading with therapy dogs; check the calendar for the Brunswick County Libraries for the schedule.

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

Sept 6 — The Extraordinaires

NC Maritime Museums - Southport

Sunset Sound Waves

204 E. Moore St.

Sunset Beach Town Park 26 Sunset Blvd North Concerts start at 6 pm

Sept 2 — Julio and The Saltines

Shallotte Concert Series

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

Sept 3 — North Tower Sept 10 — The Extraordinaires

Southport Summer Concert Series Franklin Square Park, Howe Street Concerts are 6-8 pm Sept 3 — Salt Road

Sunset Beach Pier 101 W. Main St.

Concerts are 6-8 pm unless otherwise listed Aug 6 — Honeycutt & Co.Sept 3 — Johnny Toppings Sept 6 — Labor Day Weekend Show featuring Trublmkrz from 1-3 pm and Randy Knight and Parrot Party from 3-5 pm

OPEN AIR MARKETS Fall Markets in Southport

The fall market is open on Wednesdays in Waterfront Park at East Bay Street.

Market-Fest at the Riverwalk

These family-friendly markets feature local vendors, handmade goods, live music, a kids craft corner, and special themed activities. This month’s Market-Fest is Sept. 19 at the Riverwalk, 145 Wall St. There will be a market Nov. 14 and Dec. 19.

Sunset Beach Town Park 206 Sunset Blvd North (mainland)

The Market will be held on Thursdays through Sept. 30 from 9 am to 1 pm and features live music, fresh coffee and produce, and unique pieces from local artists.

ONGOING EVENTS

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island 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 An Artisan Market is held the first on children’s story time and other proSaturday of the month, from 10 am to grams. The Lifelong Learners Group 4 pm at the Village, 1102 N. Howe St. meets at 10 am on Thursdays and the in Southport. The market features artigroup is discussing the Spanish Civsan vendors, handmade goods, vintage il War. Other programs offered at the treasures, live painting, gifts, self-care library include Lego mania, children’s products, fizzy sodas, and more. storytime, one-on-one tech support, www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 30

Olde Southport Village Shoppes

and more. Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Members of the Southport Historical Society will offer help researching genealogy through resources at the library, from 10 am to noon on Sept. 8 and 22.Lifelong learners meet on Wednesdays at 10 am and the group is discussing Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies. Reservations for special programs can be made by calling 910-457-6237. 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: Children’s storytime (for ages 2 and older is at 10:3 am on Wednesdays and Baby Storytime ((birth to 2 years) is

The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 4 pm at 204 E. Moore St., Southport. The Skippers Crew program is Sept. 5, and young attendees can make a shark to take home! 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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet The Author

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). Battleship Alive is Sept. 26; watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills.

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 Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Sandbar lectures are at 5:30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Visit https:// museumplanetarium.org/ for the programs calendar. .Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

Fall hours begin Sept. 3 — dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are 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..

Book Events Throughout the County

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

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 3:30 to 4:30 at the library, and registration is required; visit https://brunsco.libcal.com/. Sep 9 Author Talk with Pete Hoyer Enjoy some laughs and learn more about local author Pete Hoyer and the inspiration behind his golf-themed mystery novels. The program is 10-1 am, and registration is required; visit https://brunsco.libcal.com/ event/17024330

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!

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 /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 31

MENTAL HEALTH MEDICATION MANAGEMENT YOGA

Evoke Mind + Body focuses on whole-person wellness by offering Mental Health Services, Yoga, Medication Management and more! all in one supportive space. Whether you’re starting your healing journey or deepening it, we’re here to meet you where you are.

evokemindandbody.com

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www.LelandMag.com /September /September 2026/ 2026/ Leland Magazine 32

1012 Grandiflora Dr., Suite 120 At entrance to Magnolia Greens 910.399.4002