Community Announcements 4.10.08

Meetings

 

Andy Allen Benefit Dinner and Poker Run

Benefit Dinner and Poker Run for Southern Eagles MRC Member Andy Allen, Motorcycle Accident Victim. The event is on Saturday April 19, 2008 at Rivers Edge, Hwy 117 in Castle Hayne, NC. Registration / 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. First bike out at 11 a.m. $10 for (one) hand / $20 for (three) hands.

Sponsored By: The Southern Eagles MRC, Rick’s Steak House (Sneads Ferry, NC)

Cost: $6 per plate. Benefit Dinner: BBQ Pork and BBQ Chicken plus fixin’s will be served at 1 p.m. Music by DJ Jammin’ Jim. Door prizes and 50/50 Raffle.

Donation Fund, Please Contact: Doc Wagner (910) 612-2311 or Lynn Hicks (910) 470-5115. Please help a fellow biker in his time of need.

 

Hampstead Al-Anon to Meet at HUMC

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

The Hampstead Al-Anon Family Group meets on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the Hampstead United Methodist Church on Hwy 17 about one mile north of the Food Lion Shopping Center.

 

Young in Heart

The next meeting of  “Young in Heart,” the Senior Citizen Group from the Topsail area, will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008, at 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge on Hwy. 50 between Surf City and Holly Ridge. This month’s event will be a "Pot Luck Supper" with members bringing their favorite potluck foods and desserts. Entertainment will be the New River Men's Chorus including the Crystal River Barbershop Quartet. Come and have a fun evening!

Membership in “Young in Heart” is open to all Topsail area residents who are 50 years of age or older. The yearly dues are $6 a year. For more information please contact President Rosemary Krug at 270-1875.

 

Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from September through May at the Clubhouse in Escoba Bay beginning at 9:30 a.m. The objective is to beautify Sneads Ferry. Currently we maintain several plant beds plus the attractive banners hanging throughout the Community. New members and guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Claire Wunder (327-2435) or Lois Rupert (327-1069).

 

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club

Members of the Sneads Ferry Rotary Club meet every Wednesday at noon. Visitors are welcome to join us and have the opportunity to meet local ladies and gentlemen of the community of Sneads Ferry and the adjoining areas. New members are welcome. Contact Pres. Bob McLaughlin for details. The meetings are held at the North Shore Country Club in Sneads Ferry, NC.   

 

Topsail Ladies

The Topsail Ladies meet every second Monday of the month with the new season beginning September 2007 through May 2008 at North Topsail Beach Town Hall, 2008 Loggerhead Court, North Topsail Beach. Join in for social enjoyment and fun and an opportunity to meet ladies from Sneads Ferry and adjoining areas. New members are welcome. Contact MaryAnn Brannan 910-327-1638 or Robin Dowden 910-327-1684 for details.

 

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts meet the second and fourth Thursdays at 3:30 at Holly Ridge Town Hall. For more information call Traci at 910-265-9086. Sign up is free and for ages 4 and up.

 

Al-Anon

Is your life affected by someone's drinking? Al-Anon is for you! The Al-Anon Serenity Group meets every Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church, 776 Highway 210, Sneads Ferry, N.C. 28460. Anonymity is respected. For additional information please call 327-2600.

 

Sneads Ferry AA meetings

Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Building on Hwy 172  Across from the Coastal Mini Storage.

 

Sneads Ferry Community Council

The Sneads Ferry Community Council meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

 

Onslow County Schools Applications                          

Applications are available for Head Start…Title 1… More at Four Preschool Programs

for 2008-2009 School Year. For application, call (910) 455-5530 or (910) 989-2021 ext. 334 or come to the head start office ) Board of Education, 200 Broadhurst Rd. Parents: All children with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

 

Events and Celebrations

 

Missiles & More Museum news

• Opening Exhibit: The V-22 Osprey

The Missiles and More Museum is open and is featuring a new exhibit on the V-22 Osprey.

The V-22 Osprey is the world’s first production tilt-rotor aircraft, which the U.S. Marine Corp’s has been testing at USMC New River Air Station, north of Topsail Island.

With the testing phase of the V-22 Osprey over, aircrews can be seen over the skies of Topsail Island challenging this revolutionary aircraft to new limits.

The exhibit documents development, design and limitary utilization of the V-22 Osprey. The public is encouraged to visit the exhibit and discover the important military significance of the V-22 Osprey to our area.

The Missiles and More Museum is located at 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach.

Hours: Now through May 23 - Monday to Friday/ May 24 to Labor Day - Monday through Saturday/ September 2 through closing on October 19 - Monday to Friday.

For more information, call the museum at 910-328-8663 or Museum Director Rose Peters at 910-328-2488.

 

Hampstead NC Lions Foundation sponsors 2008 Golf Classic

The Hampstead NC Lions Foundation will sponsor a golf tournament at Castle Bay Golf and Country Club on May 1, 2008.

Proceeds will support the Foundation’s scholarship fund. The scholarship fund provides scholarships to graduating Topsail High School students. The Hampstead NC Lions Foundation, founded in 1999 has awarded scholarships of $5,000 in year 2000, with $10,000 being awarded from 2001 to 2006. In 2007 the award was $12,000. Our goal is to award another $12,000 in 2008. The success of the outing will be largely due to your generosity. 

Everyone is welcome. There will be shotgun start at 1 p.m., four-person teams/Captain's Choice, $75 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, prizes, and dinner.  Mulligans will be available at $5 each and raffle tickets will be on sale at $1 each. If your significant other does not play golf, bring to dinner for an additional $12.

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law when made out to Hampstead NC Lions Foundation, Inc. 

Points of contact are Darwin Petersen 270-1293, and Ducky Paris 270-8792.

 

VFW Golf Tournament

The Holly Ridge VFW Post 9983 will be hosting a golf tournament on April 18 at Topsail Greens in Hampstead. $45 per person. Cash prizes to be awarded. BBQ dinner to follow at the VFW Post. Open Draw (Four players per team. You can put your own team together, but to be eligible for prizes, your team’s aggregate handicap must be 65 or over. Handicaps must be verified.) 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. shot gun. For more info call VFW Post at 329-1881, Gilligan at 376-4025 or Billy Ray at 329-1881.

 

Third Annual Celebrate Hampstead Festival

Come celebrate with the Best that Hampstead has to offer on May 10, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hampstead Village Shopping Center.

Sponsored by the Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of this annual festival is to promote the fine arts in Hampstead as well as support the struggling arts, drama and music programs in our local schools. Musicians and artists of all kinds will be present to entertain and enlighten during this fun-filled family day. There will be culinary delights to please any palate. In addition, the art departments of the local schools will have on display the winning posters highlighting the best young artists of Hampstead.  There will be activities and events to delight children of all ages.

In addition, we are looking for artists and crafters and businesses to participate. Please call the Greater Hampstead Chamber for applications.

For additional information on donations, volunteering or participating with us, please call Sherrie Bowen (262-0373) or Karen O’Reilly (270-2939) or GHCC (270-9642).

 

Pender County Master Gardener Association

The Pender County Master Gardener Association will host a plant sale on April 10, 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pender Co. Cooperative Extension located at 801 S. Walker St. in Burgaw.

Children’s Story Hour will be at 11 a.m. each day and a Water Wise Landscaping Class will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m.

A preview of what to expect… Disease resistant ‘Crista’ tomatoes, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials, encore azaleas, Japanese maples, knockout roses, herbs, annuals, vegetables and much more. All selections subject to availability. For more information, call 259-1235.

 

Friends of the library supports Topsail’s battle

The Topsail Township Friends of the Library supplies the ammunition for the Battle of the Books at Hampstead schools. Each year the Friends’ donation makes it possible for the Topsail Branch of the public library to purchase multiple copies of the books listed on the elementary and middle school Battle of the Books reading list. It is one way that this service group helps children in our community.

To support this effort, the Topsail Township Friends of the Library invites you to join them in their 8th Annual Author’s Luncheon at noon on Monday, May 5 at the Quartermaster’s Restaurant on the Causeway in Surf City. Cost is $22 per person.

Guest speaker is Timothy Bass, lecturer in the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington, where he teaches writing workshops and literature courses in fiction and creative nonfiction. Tim’s most recent article “Plastic Language,” published in The Oklahoma Review presents a timely commentary on current political and corporate press releases “that sound so pleasing that we do not realize how far they have carried us from what we need to know.” Luncheon tickets are available at the Hampstead Branch Library (270-4603). There are three menu items from which to choose: Crab cake, Roast Pork Loin or Chicken Salad. All meals include dessert and coffee, hot or cold tea and water. Tax and tip are included in the $22. Cutoff date is Friday May 2, 2008. 

 

The Hampstead Library Branch

The Hampstead Library Branch currently has 13, 612 cardholders!  The Topsail Township Friends of the Library, a 275-member service organization, aspires to expand library services with a new and larger building.

The Friends are currently working to raise funds by selling tickets for Belk’s Charity Day on May 3, 2008. Purchase a ticket for $5 from a member of the Friends or at the library and the entire $5 goes to the library. 

This ticket will allow you to purchase merchandise for 20 to 50 percent of including special savings on rarely discounted merchandise.  Plus, you will receive $5 off your first purchase.

The Friends thank you for supporting its annual elementary student art show with 50 creative participants and remind you that tickets for the annual Author’s luncheon are on sale at the library — deadline is May 2, 2008.

 

Surf & Turf Triathlon

As the Greater Topsail Area begins to rise with the stirrings of the forthcoming spring season, the Chamber is once again planning for one of its most successful events, the Surf & Turf Super Sprint Triathlon. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, May 17.

The event has become a kick-off event, signaling the soft open of the summer season. The ‘Surf & Turf’ has witnessed significant growth over the past 14 years, increasing from fewer than 100 participants to over 300 in the recent past. With a bit over six weeks to go, we already have more than 150 people registered from across the southeast and mid-Atlantic. This year’s event once again includes a half-mile ocean swim, a 20k bicycle race and a 5k run.

To maximize exposure, and to help underwrite the function, a limited number of sponsorships are available for $300, which includes your logo on the event T-shirt, given to all participants. Your business is listed as a sponsor in all publicity, and also appears on the Surf & Turf banner, displaying sponsors. Additionally, you will receive recognition next to your listing on the Chamber’s website.  In order to achieve the greatest recognition for your business and services, we encourage our sponsors to furnish promotional items to be included in the registration package provided to each triathlete.

The chamber would appreciate your consideration of serving as a sponsor for this event.

Please reply by April 11. In order to include your logo, we ask that you provide the Chamber with your camera-ready artwork no later than April 16.

We look forward to making the 15th Annual Surf & Turf the most beneficial and productive yet, for both our sponsors and our members. Thank you for supporting our mission of engaging our membership and partners in a collaborative effort to create economic diversity, increase business opportunities, and preserve quality of life, as the Chamber views the triathlon as an occasion to put these words into action.

For questions, contact (910) 329-4446, or e-mail, at alibby@topsailcoc.com.

 

 

Arts/ Exhibits

 

Sneads Ferry Community Theatre News

• “Starstruck” by Judy S. Cook
A two-act comedy by Judy S. Cook and directed by Karen Sota. Presented as a Staged readers dinner theatre.

Showtimes:

Friday April 4 and Saturday April 5, Doors open 6:15 p.m., Dinner served 6:30 p.m.

Curtain 7:30 p.m.

Dinner menu: Chicken cordon bleu, twice-baked potatoes, vegetable dujour, bread sticks, dessert, coffee, tea and water. 48 prepaid reservations per show. No reservations on the day of the show. Prepaid reservations by Tuesday, April 1. Call 327-0223. All seats $20.

• “Spider Island” by Joseph Spalding
Readers / Staged Theatre • May

• Auditions for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, a musical;
need three women and theree men; June 26 and 27, 7 p.m.

• “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, by Clark Gesner; main stage production; September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14.

• “The Santa Class”, written and performed by David Bartlett; Saturday, November 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 at 3 p.m.

• If you can sing and are interested in performing in musical productions with SFCT, please call Marcia Hamilton at 910-358-1298.

• If you are interested in performing in Readers Theatre which requires no memorization and only three to four rehearsals, please call Doris Brady at 910-327-0951.

• Friends of the Theatre is an organization established to support our community theater here in Sneads Ferry. It offers a host of volunteer opportunities for people who want to get involved in the SFCT in all capacities: on, off, even behind the scenes!  If you’re interested in getting involved with a first-rate community theater group, please call Jan Ladd at 910-327-6477.

 

Call for artists

An art contest is being offered by the Hampstead Spot Festival. Winner receives $200, free booth space and print of painting on festival t-shirt and publicity. Download ncspotfestival.com or call Joan Millette at 270-9610.

 

Pender County Public Library

• Every Child Ready To Read at Pender County Public Library

Story Time:

In Hampstead on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.

In Burgaw on Thursdays 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Come to the Library to enjoy quality children’s literature enhanced by a variety of fun activities appropriate for children ages 2 to 5 years.

Younger children are welcome to join in if closely supervised by their caregivers. 

Adults are expected to remain with children in their care throughout the 30-minute programs.

 

 

Volunteer

 

The Topsail Turtle Project has scheduled four training sessions for volunteers interested in becoming part of the sea turtle nesting/hatching program on Topsail Island. Thursday (April 10) 7 to 9 p.m.; Monday (April 14) 2 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday (April 16) 7 to 9 p.m. Location is the Surf City Community Center (off J.H. Batts Rd.; landmarks are Docksider and Gilligans.) New volunteers need only attend one training session. Returning volunteers need not attend. For more information, contact Terry Meyer, Director of Beach Operations at 910-470-2880.

 

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival needs volunteers

Volunteers are needed for the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (The largest Festival in the County) for the following: Pageant, Parade, Memorabilia Tent, Shrimp-a-roo, etc. If you want to join our fun and exciting team, contact the 2008 Chairman Dave Noble at 327- 2690 or e-mail NobleDavidN@aol.com or contact Co-chair Amy Noble at 539-7584 or e-mail dont.uwish@yahoo.com.

 

Hardee Bucks

Hardee Bucks fundraising booklets are now available for purchase at the library in Hampstead. Purchases of books help to support the Topsail Township Friends of the Library as they buy books and other supplies for the Hampstead library.

The booklets contain $35 in coupons and may be purchased for only $5 each. They’re a great bargain for you and a great gift for your children, grandchildren, and friends.  Please take advantage of the savings and support your local library. 

 

 

Sports

 

Beginning Golf Lessons

The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department and Bear Trail golf course are sponsoring beginning golf lessons. Separate Tuesday or Thursday lessons are available beginning April 15. Lessons run from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. $35 per person. Designed for golfers 12 and older. Ages 7 to11 may register if parent is enrolled. Pre–register at Onslow Pines Park weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Class size is limited. Call 347-5332 or visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.

 

Late Registration for Youth Sports

The Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department's five youth basketball/ cheerleading districts are conducting late registration on a space available basis. The registration fee is $19 and a copy of the birth certificate or other legal document stating the date of birth is required. For more information, please contact the department at 347-5332.

 

Beginning tennis lessons

The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department is offering beginning tennis lessons 

for youth (ages 7 to15) and adults. Lessons at Coastal Carolina Community College on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning May 5 and at Onslow Pines Park on Tuesday and Thursdays  beginning May 6. Pre-register at Onslow Pines Park; class size is limited.

Fee $ 35. Call 347-5332 or visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.

 

 

 

Parks and Recreation/ Classes

 

Zumba Fitness Classes

Zumba is a little bit shimmy and shake with a whole lot of fun. Classes are Tuesday at 8:30a.m. and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Pete-Eze Skating Rink. First class is always free.

After that, classes will be $4 at the door or $20 for a six-class pass. Zumba is for anyone, any age, any size, and any level of fitness.

 

Health and Wellness Talk Shop

Local natural health professional, Cookie Tilghman, will be offering a free Health and Wellness Talk Shop on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Surf City Community Center.

Cookie co-owns and operates The Health Nut in Hampstead. She has over twelve years of experience in wellness counseling, as well as training in Reiki, kinesiology, weight management, and more. Cookie’s passion is to educate and motivate the community about leading a healthier lifestyle.

Participants are asked to register by calling Cookie at (910) 330-3838 or Surf City Community Center at (910) 328-4887. 

• The Health Nut also holds free classes on the second Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. and the following Tuesday at 6 p.m. To register for classes at the Health Nut, call 910-270-0608. Cookie is also available for talk shops for other businesses and civic organizations. Contact Cookie for more details or to arrange your talk shop.

 

Holly Ridge Hobby Shop news

Scrapbooking Class 12 April 5 to 8 p.m. $10 includes supplies. Mosaic Table Top Class $100, four-week class supplies included. Live Acoustic Concert 26 April 7 to 9 p.m., free to all ages. 329-1874.

 

Holly Ridge Parks and Recreation

• Girl Scouts: Meetings are the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the Holly Ridge Town Hall. For more information, call Traci at 910-265-9086. Sign up is free.

• New Bellydance Classes

The Hip Circle is offering eight weeks of belly dance classes for beginner and intermediates for ladies 18 and older at the Holly Ridge Fire Department. The basic belly dance class is from 7 to 8 p.m. and will concentrate on the very basic movements of belly dance. Fee $15. The intermediate class is from 6 to 7 p.m. and offers instruction for the next level of movements. Fee $30. Both classes will be informally instructed, with visual and open discussion. Come with comfy cloths, water and a towel or yoga mat. For more information, please call Lu Ann Hooper at 910-470-2700 or Anita Dingler at 910-329-0074.

• Holly Festival Planning Meeting

It's time to plan the 29th annual Holly Festival! Would you like to help plan this annual tradition? Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Holly Ridge Town Hall. Come out and help make this festival one to remember! Any questions call 329-7081.

• Holly Ridge Parks and Rec Meetings

The Holly Ridge Parks and Recreation Committee meetings are held at 7 p.m., the first Tuesday of every month at the Holly Ridge Town Hall. Come out and be a part of the fun in Holly Ridge!

 

Surf City Parks and Recreation

•New Nia Classes

Surf City Community Center has added two new Nia classes to its schedule. The second Nia class will take place on Thursday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. and starts on April 10.

• FREE Transitions Weight Loss Seminar

This free weight loss seminar will take place on Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Call Roza for more information at (910) 470-1864.

• Russian Culture & Appreciation II

This 4-week class will meet Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. from April 10 to May 1. The cost for members of the community center is $40, for non-members the cost is $65. Call Roza at (910) 470-1864 to register.

• Release the Writer Within: A Writing Workshop

If you dream of writing, this class is for you! Lead by freelance writer M.J. Vieweg, you will learn exercises and techniques to get you started and keep you writing.  Bring notebooks, pens/pencils and water or a soft drink. A “writerly” snack will be provided. The workshop will meet on Tuesday, April 15 at Surf City Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost will be $20. All participants should register by calling M.J. at (910) 327-0464.

• Pilates

Have you always been curious about Pilates? If so, here is your chance to find out what it’s all about! Come join instructor, Dale DePue, a certified Pilates Instructor and Physical Therapist on Wednesdays evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Classes start April 2.

• Tae kwon do

Surf City Tae kwon do Academy now meets at the community center. Classes are on Monday and Thursday evenings: Ages 3 to12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Ages 13 and up from 7 to 8 p.m. 

• ABC Boating Course

This short class, taught by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, will cover the basics of safe boating including types and parts of boats, trailering, weather, safety equipment, float plans, pcws, and more. Classes will meet at Surf City Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 4 to 10. Cost is $35.  Please call John or Mary at (910) 270-3138 to register.

Wellness Groups:

• Alcoholics Anonymous: Sundays 10 to 11 a.m.

• TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly): Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Other Classes:

• Beginning Beading: Call Rhonda at 329-1682 to register.

• Preschool and Elementary Etiquette Class. Cost: $30 for a two-session class. Call Laurie Wierse at (910) 686-5175 to register.

• Knitting (All Levels): Call Gethyn Soderman at 270-4218 to register.

• Safe Living for Kids (Ages 3-5) Cost: $20 for a one-hour class. Call Laurie Wierse at (910) 686-5175 to register.

Current Classes at the Community Center:

• Advanced Bridge: Mondays from 12 to 4 p.m.

• Altered Art: First Monday of the Month, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Art Club: Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Beginning Bridge: Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Body Sculpting: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Book Club: Second Monday of the Month, 9 to 9:30 a.m.

• Card Games:  Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Cardio Workout: Meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Cardio Kickboxing: Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No class on December 27.

• Open Basketball Play: Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m., ages 12 and under; Thursdays, 7 to 8 p.m., ages 13 to 17; Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m., ages 18 and up

• Pilates:  Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (begins April 2)

• Sweat & Stretch: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30am to 10:30am.

• Scrabble class meets every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• Tae kwon do (ages 3 to12):  Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Tae kwon do (ages 13 & up):  Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

• Yoga (Beginner/Gentle): Mondays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. and Tuesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

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, please contact the center at 910-328-4887 or e-mail us at parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com. The current class schedule is also available online at www.townofsurfcity.com on the Parks and Recreation page.

 

Poplar Grove News

• Poplar Grove Plantation’s Farmers Market Opens for the 2008 Season

New to the market for 2008 is the Poplar Shopper Card. 

So many customers came each week last year to check out the market and do their food shopping. This year patrons can pick up a free Poplar Shopper Card and receive gifts from the market intermittently. They’re available at the Wagon Booth throughout the season.

Everything at this market is grown, raised or made in North Carolina, which means that produce is available by season. Some of what you’ll find will be fresh cut flowers, Red Buckeye, Southern Sundrops, geraniums, bedding plants, cool season vegetable plants, organic lettuce, gourmet greens and culinary herbs. 

In addition there’ll be eggs, honey, goat sausage, peanut butter, crab cakes, scallops, Tipsy Cakes and, many shoppers will be happy to hear that Great Harvest Bread Co. will be back with fresh baked bread. A diverse assortment of hand crafted gifts will also be for sale; jewelry, clothing, quilted decorations, crocheted shawls, scenic photographs, leather belts, pottery and more. Each vendor is on site selling their own goods and, will happily share information about their products or business. 

Poplar Grove’s Farmers Market is a stone’s throw north of the New Hanover County line at 10200 Rt. 17. The market is open Wednesdays, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. from now until December 17 rain or shine. 

For the finest and freshest North Carolina has to offer, come on out to Poplar Grove’s

Farmers Market. For information visit www.poplargrove.com or call (910) 686-9518 ext. 26.

• Second Session Classes:

• Poplar Grove Plantation’s Spring Classes

Check website for latest info. Now through May classes:

Rug Hooking, One-Stroke Painting, Lampwork Glass Bead Making, Pine Needle Basket Making, Tatting, Basket Weaving, Redwork Embroidery, Canine Massage for your Pet, Basic Digital Photography, Photoshop CS3 for Photography, Etiquette Classes for Children.

Class Registration: Class fees are due at least one week prior to the beginning of the class. Call (910) 686-9518, ext. 26 or visit www.poplargrove.com.

Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is located at 10200 highway 17 N. Wilmington at Scotts Hill.

• Basket Weaving by Donna Meinert

Poplar Grove's resident basket maker, Donna, is always happy to teach you the craft of basket  weaving. You may call or e-mail us to schedule a one-day basket-making lesson for one or more students.  Fee: $50 per student includes instruction, all materials, and you go home with a beautiful basket! Students will have a choice of several basket styles to

choose from. Available most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and some weekends. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will work to schedule a day convenient for you.

 

The Onslow County Schools Preschool Program

The Onslow County Schools Preschool Program is currently accepting application for the 2008 school year. Children must be four years old by October 16, 2007.  Parents will need to provide a certified birth certificate and current shot record for their child, proof of residence and proof of income for the application to be complete. For more information, please call 989-2021 ext. 334 or visit the Preschool office at 200 Broadhurst Road to complete an application.

 

Master Gardener Plant Sale

April 10, 11, and 12: Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pender County Extension Center at 801 S. Walker St., Burgaw.

Pender County Master Gardener’s Association will hold their annual plant sale April 10, 11 and 12 at the Pender County Extension Office, 801 S. Walker St., in Burgaw. This year’s sale will feature drought tolerant perennials, shrubs and trees adapted to local landscapes as well as other great plants, including Knockout roses, Encore azaleas, Japanese maples, colorful annuals, and a variety of vegetables and herbs. Back again this year will be ‘Crista’ tomatoes, a long bearing variety of tomato resistant to tomato spotted wilt virus and several other tomato diseases that commonly occur in our area. The plant sale will offer plenty of opportunities to learn about how to care for your lawn, garden and landscape as well. Ask Master Gardeners your plant questions, bring weed, plant and insect samples for identification, and pick up soil sampling supplies. A children’s story hour will be held each day at 11am to help youngsters grow their green thumbs. A class on how make your landscape more drought resistant will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. All proceeds from the sale support Extension’s educational programs, including development of the Pender County Teaching Gardens. For more information, contact Pender County Cooperative Extension by calling 259-1235.

 

CFCC Presents Free Small Business Seminars in April

Wilmington — Cape Fear Community College will present the following free small business seminars in April:

• April 15, 2008: Creating an Effective Marketing Campaign will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. in room S-609 on the main campus.

For more information or to pre-register, call the Small Business Center at CFCC 362-7469.

 

For Your Information

 

Junk mail reduction

You may be able to reduce your junk mail as much as 65 percent within three months by asking credit card companies and other organizations you do business with to not sell, rent or trade your name. Call 888-567-8688 to require credit-reporting firms to delete your name from their mailing list. One call reaches four major credit bureaus.

For more ideas on waste reduction contact:

N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance; 1629 Mail Service Center; Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1639. You can also call them at 919-715-6500 or 800-763-0136, or e-mail to nowaste@p2pays.org.