Community Announcements 2.9.12

Meetings

PenderWatch & Conservancy

It's official: the PW&C annual meeting will be on February 23 at the Hampstead Community building and the topic will be water. A very entertaining speaker, Bill Holman, who is the former Secretary of the NC Department of Environmental Resources (DENR) and the current Director of State Policy at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, will make a presentation.

1. In that capacity, he is working with the NC General Assembly to develop a science-based state water allocation policy ad working with the other southeastern states to increase collaboration in managing shared surface and ground water resources.   

Bill will talk about ground water issues, especially the implications of North Carolina policies that currently permit unlimited pumping of water from our aquifers.  This topic came to the forefront of Pender County concerns recently when the Shelter Creek Quarry on Highway 53 near Maple Hill sought a special use permit from the Commissioners to increase the depth of their quarry which would have required that they pump up to two million gallons of water a day from the Castle Hayne aquifer. (They eventually withdrew the application.) And Titan Cement has said the quarry for their proposed cement plant will withdraw between eight and 15 million gallons each day from the Castle Hayne aquifer.  

Doors open for social time at 6:15 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m.  

More dates to save: April 14: Build oyster reefs 9 a.m.; May 5: Build oyster reefs 9 a.m.; May 19: Build oyster reefs 9 a.m.

Woodbury Wellness Center to Host Alzheimer Support Group

Woodbury Wellness Center in Hampstead will be hosting the Pender County Alzheimer Support Group Meeting Thursday, February 9 at 6 p.m. Woodbury Wellness will be opening a Memory Care Unit as part of their new Assisted Living Facility, Stonebridge, in March. The new facility will feature 30 beds in a wing specifically designed to address the needs of elders with dementia.

With the opening of Stonebridge, Woodbury Wellness Center will be meeting the demand for Assisted Living and Memory Care in the Hampstead area. Support Group Meetings will allow family members and professionals to learn information on appropriate methods to provide the best possible care for residents and loved ones. Ann LaReau, the Alzheimer’s Administrator for Home Instead Senior Care, will facilitate the Support Group Meetings. Meetings will be held the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the facility. For more information, contact Kelly Sandlin at 910-515-1365 or www.stonebridgeatwoodbury.com

VFW Post 9983 Holly Ridge

• All you can eat, fried chicken dinner, February 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. Donation $7.

• Concealed Carry Handgun Training Classes: visit www.eastern-ncconcealedcarry.com for information and to register. The next concealed carry class is Feb. 25.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a non-profit service organization for men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States in combat areas. Contact any member for eligibility rules. Striving to “Honor the dead by serving the living.” Active in many military and community programs. The canteen is open from 3 to 8 p.m. daily with extended hours for special events. The hall is available for rental and catering is available. Special considerations for nonprofits needing meeting space. Support your local Veterans by supporting the VFW, located at 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Road Holly Ridge, 910-329-1881. One mile north of Holly Ridge, turn at flags.

Hampstead Marine Corps League

Hampstead has a very active Marine Corps League Detachment. Membership includes former and retired Marines/Corpsmen, reserves and active duty personnel. The Leagues purpose is to support the policies and ideals of the United States Marine Corps and to assist present and former Marines and their families, widows and orphans. They are always looking for members to become a part of the Marine Corps League family and establish the "camaraderie" with others who, like yourself, have served the Corps honorably. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at the Topsail Senior Center located at 20959 U. S. Highway 17 (next to Pender Pines Nursery) in Hampstead. Meeting time is 7 p.m.

Young in Heart

Membership in Young in Heart is open to all Topsail area residents who are 50 years of age or older. The dues are $7 a year. For more information, contact President Rosemary Krug at 270-1875.

Sneads Ferry Bingo

New games and better payouts! Come play bingo on Monday nights at the Sneads Ferry Community Center, located at 126 Park Lane off of Sneads Ferry Road. Building opens at 5:30 p.m. Early Birds start at 7 p.m., Regular games follow with a $300 payout progressive game, 50/50 Bonanza game and ends with a Jackpot game which pays according to attendance, the more players the bigger the prize. Smoke free, refreshments available, free coffee. Proceeds support the community through the Sneads Ferry Community Council. Contact 327-3335 or sfoffice@netscope.com.

Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. through May at the New River Plantation Clubhouse in Sneads Ferry (off Route 172). The objective is to continue to beautify Sneads Ferry. Currently the group maintains several plant beds and the attractive banners displayed throughout the community. New members, volunteers and guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Lois Rupert (327-1069) or Claire Wunder (327-2435).

• Attractions Guide to support efforts of club

Consider giving an Attractions Dining and Value Guide as a gift and let your friends or family enjoy a practical way to save money by using hundreds of “buy one, get one free” coupons to the best restaurants, retailers, national chains, golf courses, amusements and many more. It can be used through Dec. 31, 2012. There are two different guides serving many areas: one for $25 that covers Wilmington, Sneads Ferry, area beaches and more. The Jacksonville guide also covers nearby locations and is $20, as it has fewer coupons. The cost will be recovered in no time with all the great discounts.

There are 68 new restaurants and merchants in the 2012 Wilmington book with more than $5,000 in savings. The average family saves $373.60 each year with the guide. 

Contact: Ruth Furr-327-0302, Karen Ilsley-327-0716, Claire Wunder-327-2435, or any committee member for information and to purchase. Keep the guide in the car to save, save, save while supporting the efforts of the Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee.

Events and Celebrations

Nobody’s Social Club

The Nobody’s Social Club will host a yard sale on Saturday, February 18 to benefit the Brannan Family in their time of sorrow. Join the club in helping a neighbor at Dale’s Pub from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Emily's Encouragers

It is that time of year again! Emily's Encouragers, Pender County Relay for Life Team, is hard at work. For those of you who may not know, Emily's Encouragers was formed in honor of, and continues in memory of, six-year-old Emily Grace Hollis, who lost her fight with Anaplastic Medulloblastoma in April 2008. Emily’s Encouragers continue to raise money for the American Cancer Society so that one day a cure will be found for this terrible disease.

The annual Ceremony of Love and Remembrance is scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2012 at 6 p.m. at Hampstead Kiwanis Park. This ceremony is an opportunity for us to remember those who have passed away from any cause: heart attack, accidents, serving our country, stroke, cancer, old age or any other cause. These loved ones will forever be in our hearts and this ceremony is a way to remember them and donate to a good cause. You can also remember someone else's loved one and we will send an acknowledgement to their family, letting them know that you remembered their family member.

This is a very moving ceremony where luminaries will be lit and a large heart will light the field. Each memorial name will be read aloud and there will be a special time of remembrance for those who have passed before us. There will be live music and hot beverages will be served following the ceremony.

Luminaries can be purchased for $10 each in memory of your loved one. One name per luminary. To purchase, call Pam Padgett at 910-620-5664, Stephanie Ottaway at 910-470-3603 or Stephanie Hollis at 910-470-5506.

2nd annual “TAG” Party

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is pleased to host the 2nd annual “TAG” Party on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person; advanced sales only. Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, fun and a reverse raffle. Grand prize is $2,000 with seven other chances to win lesser amounts.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down, join the Chamber as they party to the music of Fryd Flounder! Tickets are available from any board member or at the Chamber office located at 13775 Hwy. 50, Suite 101 in Surf City, 910-329-4446. Winter office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. VISA or MasterCard accepted at the office.

Surf City Women’s Expo 2012

Ladies, take a break to feel refreshed, rejuvenated and recharged at Surf City Parks & Recreation’s 6th Annual Women’s Expo. Come enjoy a festive atmosphere where you are the top priority!

Spend an enjoyable day shopping for clothing, jewelry and gifts. Learn to pamper yourself with spa treatments, new hairstyles and makeup. Get personal attention as you meet local companies that cater to home improvement, health, nutrition, party planning and more. You’ll feel like a new woman!

The Women’s Expo is sure to be a great way to spend your day! The expo will take place at Surf City Community Center on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $3 with proceeds benefiting Surf City Parks and Recreation’s many programs. Surf City Community Center is located at 201 Community Center Drive off J.H. Batts Road on the mainland. For more information, visit www.townofsurfcity.com or call (910) 328-4887. Mark your calendar! Grab a friend! Plan to attend!

9th annual Moveable Feast of Authors Luncheon
Quarter Moon Books & Gifts will be hosting its 9th annual Moveable Feast of Authors Luncheon on Saturday, March 3. The event will begin at noon and will take place at QuarterMasters Restaurant in Surf City. Six authors will be present to discuss their books and writing experiences. The authors participating are A.J. Mayhew, Tamra Wilson, Karen Dodd, James J. Kaufman, Barry Brown and Beverly Heyde.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and may be reserved by calling Quarter Moon Books & Gifts. Tickets are $40 and include lunch and a $10 store gift certificate. For further information, contact Lori Fisher at 910-328-4969 or quartermoonbooks@aol.com.

Arts/ Exhibits

Sneads Ferry Community Theatre opens 2012 season with laughter

The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre opens the 2012 season with the traditional Staged Reader’s Dinner Theatre. This year, however, theatergoers have a real treat in store — six one act plays! Three of the plays are ten-minute comedies written by Keith M. Donaldson. They include, “Janet’s Fiancée,” “Chat Room,” and “April Sun.” Three of the plays are hot satirical skits about famous couples in history, written by Cheryl Felicia Rhodes. They include, “Scarlett & Rhett,” “Scheherazade & the 1002 Tales” and “Antony & Cleopatra.” Donaldson directs all six plays.

Dinner and dessert will be served between plays, prepared by regional caterer Jim Snead.

Shows are scheduled for Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Reservations must be made by 6 p.m. on Thursday February 9. Call (910)327-2798 as soon as possible, as seating is limited to 50 per show. The cost for the dinner and the show is only $25. Come and see a friend or neighbor — you are bound to know one of the 16 actors playing 17 roles in the six different productions!

The cast of characters includes actors Lorene Edwards, Lesley Godbey and Jennifer Hester in Act 1, “Janet’s Fiancée.” Andrea Horan and Tom Brady star in “Scarlett & Rhett.” Actors Joe Matz, Millie Long, Peggy Gentry, Rosie Alvis and Matt Sullivan star in Act 2, “Chat Room.” Actors Ann Palmer and Maddie Waggoner star in “Scheherazade & the 1002 Tales.” Act 3, “April Sun” stars actors Jennifer Meier, John Pratt and Sue Ferber. And Jennifer Hester and Cameron Waggoner are the stars in “Antony & Cleopatra.”

Remember, seating is limited. Call for reservations as soon as possible (910)327-2798. The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre is located at 126 Park Ln. in Sneads Ferry.

‘Send Us Your Best Shot!’

The Topsail Advertiser’s photo showdown for February is underway. Send your island life images to cbryan@freedomenc.com.

Sports

Topsail Basketball Association

The Topsail Basketball Association 2011-2012 basketball season is underway, with more than 415 youth registered to play basketball each and every Saturday, up from 367 a year ago. Games will be played in the Topsail Middle School Gym and in the Topsail Auxiliary Gym. Games are slated to begin at 9 a.m. in both gyms. For a complete schedule of games by grade groups, visit the Topsail Basketball Association website at: www.topsailbasketball.com. Plan on coming out to the Topsail Middle School gyms every Saturday in January and February.

Topsail Girls Softball

Topsail Girls Softball will be holding registration on February 11, 18 and 25 at Topsail Middle School Gym area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Topsail Girls Softball is open to girls ages 4.5 to 15 years old. TGS is also in need of team sponsors, equipment sponsors and player scholarship sponsors. Visit www.topsailgirlssoftball.com for more information and online signups.

Volunteer

North Carolina Guardian ad Litem

The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program seeks volunteers to train as court appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children.  This free training prepares volunteers to, along with an attorney advocate, represent abused and neglected children in court. The next training session will be at 604 College St. in Jacksonville, N.C. Sessions will begin on February 28 and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for five weeks. Call 910 340 8970 and/or visit website www.gal4kids.org for more information.

Cookbook Serves Up HOPE, Raises Money For Relay For Life!

Estelle Bradshaw assembled a cookbook of Southern Recipes to serve as a fundraiser for Relay For Life. This cookbook is serving favorite Southern recipes and HOPE to cancer patients. All proceeds raised from the sales of this book will be donated to American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

There are 585 recipes from volunteers, including cancer survivors and caregivers. The book titled “A Taste of HOPE” breaks the recipes into categories. There are pages in the front of the book, which shares information about the American Cancer Society.

The cookbooks can be purchased for $15 from Scotts Hill Marina, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Road. The cookbook will allow you to help save lives and join the fight against cancer during this holiday season. A second cookbook is in the works; a collection of homemade desserts that is sure to delight any sweet cravings you may have.

Parks and Recreation/ Classes

Topsail Senior Center Events

• Topsail Senior Center. Educational Presentation by Dr. Darrell Hester. Call 270-0708 for more information.

• New at Topsail: Zumba Gold. Mondays at 4:30 p.m. (no current Thursday class)

Surf City Parks and Recreation

All classes and events take place at Surf City Community Center, unless otherwise noted.  The address is 201 Community Center Dr. (off J.H. Batts Rd. on the mainland). 

Current Classes:

Adult Tap Dance (Beginner): Tuesday, 9 to 10 a.m.

Advanced Bridge: Monday, 12 to 4 p.m.

Basketball (Open Play for 18 and older): Tuesday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Beginning Bridge: Wednesday, 1 to 4 p.m.

Belly Dance (Beginner): Tuesday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Boys Hip Hop Dance (Ages 7 and older): Mondays, 4 to 4:45 p.m. Contact Karen for more information at (803) 622-0815.

Dance (ages 7-11): Wednesday, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Dance (ages 3-6): Wednesday, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Dance (ages 12 and older): Wednesday, 6:15 to 7 p.m. Contact Karen for more information at (803) 622-0815.

Om Baby Yoga (ages six weeks to 12 months): Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.

Readers’ Theater (Ages 6 to 11): Monday, 6 to 7 p.m.

Readers’ Theater (Ages 12 to adult): Monday, 7 to 8 p.m.

Scrabble: Tuesday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tae kwon do (Beginner): Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Call Master Howard Simmons at (910) 381-0875 for more information.

Tumbling/Gymnastics (ages 3 to 5): Monday, 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Tumbling/Gymnastics (ages 6 to 8): Monday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Watercolor Club: Wednesday, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Yoga (Gentle): Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.

Yoga (Gentle): Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Zumba: Tuesday, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Zumba: Thursday, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Zumba Toning: Monday, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

New Classes:

• Low Impact Exercise: Monday and Friday at 11 a.m.

The low impact exercise class is self-directed and facilitated by the use of various exercise DVDs and videos. Exercises are gentle and easy. The class is self-paced by each individual, which means stopping to rest as needed. Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Be sure to bring your water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Readers Theater for ages 6 to 11: Monday at 6 p.m.

This exciting class brings literature to life on the stage. No memorization is required. Students will learn enunciation, timing, tone and volume control. As individuals, they will learn to use alliteration, onomatopoeia and vocal intensity to bring readings to life. Working as an ensemble, the class will prepare and perform Beatrix Potter's “The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Benjamin Bunny” in March. For more detailed class information, call instructor, Sue Ferber at (910) 319-0377.

Personal Training:

Christina Lewis: Flexible schedule. Call (910) 548-2964.

Wellness Groups:

Alcoholics Anonymous: Sunday 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and

Thursday, 12 to 1 p.m.

Cape Fear Community College Classes at SCCC:

• GED Course: Monday and Thursday, 5:50 to 9 p.m. Free. Call (910) 362-7349 to register.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Call (910) 362-7184 to register. Free.

Schedule: The Surf City Community Center continually works on its schedule. If you would be interested in attending any current activities or teaching a new class, contact the center at 910-328-4887 or email parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com.The current class schedule is also available online at www.townofsurfcity.com

For Your Information

Addiction counseling

Narconon reminds families that abuse of addictive pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise. Learn to recognize the signs of drug abuse and get your loved ones help if they are at risk. Call Narconon for a free brochure on the signs addiction for all types of drugs.  Narconon also offers free assessments and referrals. 877-413-3073 or www.drugsno.com.

Browse, Checkout and Dowload eBooks at your library

Onslow County Public Library invites teens and adults to the library to learn how to browse, checkout and download eBooks using the library’s free, online collection of eBooks offered through the North Carolina Digital Library (NCDL). Learn how to search for specific eBook formats for your device, checkout titles and download to your computer, eReader or other mobile device. For those interested in “test-driving” various eReaders, the library will have an “eReader Petting Zoo” with multiple brands on hand including Nooks, Kindles, and Sony Readers.

Learn How to Download Free eBooks workshops will be held on the following dates: Jacksonville/Main Library: Feb 21, 7 p.m. Sneads Ferry: Feb 15, 10 a.m. Swansboro: Feb 28, 3 p.m. Richlands: and Feb 25, 10 a.m. All workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Onslow County Public Library at 910.455.7350 or visit www.onslowcountync.gov/library.