Community Announcements 8.14.08

Bingo is back

Bingo will be held every Thursday night through September 12, 2008 in the Historic Assembly Building located at 720 Channel Boulevard in topsail Beach. The Historical Society of Topsail Island sponsors bingo with all proceeds dedicated to maintaining the historic Assembly Building. Doors open at 6 p.m., Early Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., Regular Bingo starts at 7 p.m. The Assembly Building is smoke free; snacks and soft drinks are available. Come join a fun night for the entire family.

New River Garden Club meeting

Attention all members and everyone who would like to join us: Our fall season will start a month earlier this year... August 28 is the date. We'll meet at the Salem Baptist Church (rear building) at the regular time of 9:30 a.m. We will be hosting the Annual District Garden Council Meeting here in Sneads Ferry October 22, and we need to get our plans finalized for it. We'll also be having a plant exchange at the August meeting, so please remember to bring one. Our hostesses will serve a wonderful homemade brunch and we do hope you will join us. For further information, please contact Jan Steimers at 327-2927 or jsteimers@charter.net, or Elizabeth Simmons at elizabethsimmons@embarq.com, 327-1320.

FCC Staff answer questions about digital TV at library

Federal Communications Commission staff will be available at the Pender County Public Libraries to answer questions and provide converter box coupon order forms in Hampstead, Thursday, August 14 at 9:30 to11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, August 19 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Burgaw. 

The Federal Communications Commission has had a team of representatives in the greater Wilmington area since early summer as part of its effort to help local residents make a smooth transition to Digital Television. The transition to DTV premieres in South East North Carolina on September 8, 2008, several months prior to the rest of the country.  Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties make up the premiere region. 

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 10 a.m. The objective is to beautify Sneads Ferry. Currently the group maintains six plant beds and the attractive banners displayed throughout the Community. New members and guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Claire Wunder (327-2435) or Lois Rupert (327-1069).

• 2009 Attractions Dining and Value Guides

The Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee is the first among area organizations to sell the 2009 Attractions, Dining and Value Guides, available for immediate use now and through the end of 2009. To purchase the guides, contact Claire Wunder (327-2435), Lois Rupert (327-1069) or Margo Stafford (327-3081).

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club

Members of the Sneads Ferry Rotary Club meet every Wednesday at noon at the North Shore Country Club in Sneads Ferry. Contact President Mike Wagoner at (910) 327-2451 for details. Come join in helping to continue to make Sneads Ferry a better place to live.

Topsail Ladies

The Topsail Ladies meet every second Monday of the month with the new season beginning September 2008 through May 2009. Meetings take place at the North Topsail Beach Town Hall at 2008 Loggerhead Court, North Topsail Beach. Join for social enjoyment, interesting speakers and fun with an opportunity to meet ladies from the Sneads Ferry and adjoining areas. New and previous members are always welcome.  Contact Judy Simpson, 327-3082 for details.

Surf City AA

Surf City AA meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. the Surf City Community Center off of J.H. Batts Rd. Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at noon (for women) at Surf City Baptist Church. For info or directions, call 327-3092.

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 in Sneads Ferry. 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.

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.

Events and Celebrations

KMT Captains Dinner

Open to the public and sponsored by our BBT. The freshest local seafood you will ever eat — Friday, August 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the waterfront at New River Marina.

As most of you know the Sneads Ferry Rotary King Mackerel Tournament

www.sneadsferrykmt.com Captains Dinner has become the place to be!

Get your tickets early from any Rotarian, a list of their names and numbers can be found at http://www.sneadsferryrotary.com/members.htm

Be sure to get the newly designed 2008 KMT T-shirt too.

Holly Festival

The 29th annual Holly Ridge Holly Festival, sponsored by the holly Ridge Parks and Recreation Committee, will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. The festival kicks off with the return of the annual Christmas parade at 9 a.m. along Sound Rd. in Holly Ridge. The parade will start the holiday season in the area. The fun continues with an exciting all-day Community Talent Show! Auditions will be held in Sept., so get your name and talent to the committee soon. The festival fun will have various talented artists and crafters, food vendors, a kids’ fun area and to celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we have our own Holly Ridge Redneck Olympics.

Do you want to join in the fun at the Holly Festival? Come be a part of the Christmas parade, perform in the Community Talent Show, see your arts and crafts, sell tasty food, raffle a prize for your organization, or be part of the Redneck Olympics! The holly Ridge Parks and Rec Committee has applications available at www.townofhollyridge.com/parksandrec.

For questions or to help with the festival by volunteering your time or making a donation, contact Holly Ridge Town Hall at 329-7081 or e-mail parksandrec@townofhollyridge.ocm All proceeds go to the non-profit Holly Ridge Parks and Rec. Committee to help provide fun activities and events for the local community.

Greater Topsail Kiwanis Golf Tournament

Castle Bay Golf Club hosts a four person Captain’s Choice tournament that creates scholarships for Topsail area high school students on Saturday, October 4 at 9 a.m. Sponsorships: $100 a cart, $250 a hole. Gifts will receive name recognition. For sponsorship info, call Randy Cox at 910.239.5896. If you want to play, call Charlie Patch at 910.328.3565.

Missiles and More Museum presents “Stories and More”

Enjoy stories, activities, arts and crafts and refreshments for children ages five through eight. Free! Stories and more will be held every other Thursday afternoon from 2 to 3 p.m. on August 7. Pre-register no later than the Wednesday before each Thursday event. Limit 12. Call 328-2488 or 327-2818. The Assembly Building is located at 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach.

“Turtle Talks”

“Turtle Talks,” sponsored by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, a.k.a. the Sea Turtle Hospital, have resumed and will continue every Wednesday through Labor Day. This popular one-hour presentation (3:45 to 4:45 p.m.) is fun for ages K through adult, with lots of hands-on opportunities, visuals and handouts. Bring your cameras for some cool photo ops, but please leave food and drinks at home. Program is at the Surf City Community Center, JH Batts Rd. (off Rt. 210, between Docksider and Gilligan’s). Free, but your donations for our turtles are gratefully accepted. Info: 910-328-3377.

Sneads Ferry Community Theatre

• “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.

Last call for artists

• The Creative Artists of Hampstead are offering a fine art exhibition and sale September 20 and 21, 2008 at the Poplar Grove Plantation. Entry deadline: August 29, 2008. Open to all artists 18 and older. 3-D artists encouraged to enter. For prospectus, call Jean Chasmer at 910-270-8667. For event details, call Joan Millette at 910-270-9610.

Volunteer

Holly Ridge VFW yard sale

Holly Ridge VFW Post 9983 is now accepting donations of goods for the annual yard sale to be held on Aug. 30. The Post canteen is open Mon. through Fri. from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. noon to 7 p.m. Business meeting is the second Wed. of each month at 7 p.m., Ladies Aux. meet the first Sun at 3 p.m. Breakfast is served the first and third Sun. from 8 to11 a.m. for a $5 donation. There will be a spaghetti dinner all you can eat on Aug. 2. See a member for $6 tickets. The hall is available for rental. Call 329-1881 for more information.

Printer cartridges recycling

Have any old printer cartridges lying around you can bring them into the Chamber office. The Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce is recycling any and all printer cartridges. When turned in, the chamber receives cash, so it is a way to give back to your chamber.

North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program

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, accompanied by an attorney advocate, to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Next training session is scheduled for August 14,19 and 21, 2008 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Jacksonville, N.C. Call 910 346 5335 or visit www.gal4kids.org.

Sports

Beginning Golf Lessons

The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department and Jacksonville Country Club are sponsoring beginner golf lessons. Separate Tuesday or Thursday lessons are available beginning August 26. Lessons run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. $35 per person. Designed for golfers 12 and older. Ages 7 to 11 may register if parent is enrolled. Must 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

Beginning Tennis Lessons

The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department is offering beginning youth and adult tennis lessons. Lessons are available on four consecutive Saturdays beginning September 6. Fee is 35.00. Pre-registration required at Onslow Pines Park Administrative office. Call 347-5332 or visit our website at 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.

Spot Festival Golf Tournament

The Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce is in the planning stages of The Spot Festival Golf Tournament. If you would like to get involved, contact the Chamber Office at 270-9642.

Parks and Recreation/ Classes

Surf City Parks and Recreation

• Movies in the Park:

A free movie will be shown at Soundside Park on Thursday, August 28. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs or a blanket and watch a family movie under the stars.  Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase. 

• Concerts in the Park:

A free concert will be held at Soundside Park on Thursday, August 14. The local band Waterline will play from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Check them out at www.waterlinemusic.com. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

• NC Aquariums Summer Outreach Programs:

Come join in the fun this summer at Surf City Community Center as it hosts N.C. Aquarium Summer Outreach Programs each Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs continue through August 13 and are free and open to the public. Dee Thonnard Rudolph, a Fort Fisher Aquarium Outreach Coordinator, will present a variety of interactive programs for children and their families. For more information on the weekly programs, visit www.townofsurfcity.com or call Surf City Community Center at (910) 328-4887.

• Cape Fear Community College Classes at Surf City Community Center:

Computers for Beginners: Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m., August 19 to November 18. Cost:  $65

Call CFCC at (910) 362-7170 to register.

GED Course:  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost:  Free. Call CFCC at (910) 362-7349 for more information.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Classes:

ABC Boating Course:  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. September 16 through 25. Cost:  $25, with additional family members only $5. 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.

• Alzheimer’s Support Group:  Fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., starts September 24. Call Ann LaReau at (910) 342-0455 for more information.

Current Classes at the Community Center:

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

• Altered Art:  First Monday of the Month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (resumes October 6)

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

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

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

• 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.

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

• Stretch & Sweat: Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. (resumes September 8)

• 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.

• Watercolor Club:  Wednesdays from 8:to 10 a.m. (resumes September 10)

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.

Holly Ridge Parks and Recreation

• Holly Festival

The 29th annual Holly Ridge Holly Festival, sponsored by the holly Ridge Parks and Recreation Committee, will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. The festival kicks off with the return of the annual Christmas parade at 9 a.m. along Sound Rd. in Holly Ridge. The parade will start the holiday season in the area. The fun continues with an exciting all-day Community Talent Show! Auditions will be held in Sept., so get your name and talent to the committee soon. The festival fun will have various talented artists and crafters, food vendors, a kids’ fun area and to celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we have our own Holly Ridge Redneck Olympics.

Do you want to join in the fun at the Holly Festival? Come be a part of the Christmas parade, perform in the Community Talent Show, see your arts and crafts, sell tasty food, raffle a prize for your organization, or be part of the Redneck Olympics! The holly Ridge Parks and Rec Committee has applications available at www.townofhollyridge.com/parksandrec.

For questions or to help with the festival by volunteering your time or making a donation, contact Holly Ridge Town Hall at 329-7081 or e-mail parksandrec@townofhollyridge.ocm All proceeds go to the non-profit Holly Ridge Parks and Rec. Committee to help provide fun activities and events for the local community.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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!

Wellness Facts Talkshops

Wellness Facts Talkshops presented the second Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. and the following Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Health Nut in Hampstead. Registration suggested but not required. This may be the most important hour of your life and it is free. Causes

and solutions are offered by Cookie Tilghman, Herb Specialist, Chiropractic Assistant and Certified Natural Health Professional.16865 Hwy. 17 N. Hampstead, NC 28443, (910) 270-0608.

• Sept. 13, 4 p.m. and Sept. 16, 6 p.m.: Special guest Susan Bell York, Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ psychotherapist will present “Your Emotions and Your Health: The Empowering Role You Can Play.”

• Oct. 11, 4 p.m. and Oct. 14, 6 p.m.: Toxins and Free Radicals/ Children’s Health, What Effect Will Vaccinations Have on Your Child.

• Nov. 8, 4 p.m. and Nov. 11, 6 p.m.: Abnormal Metabolism, Your Weight, Your Burn Rate plus guest speaker Dr. Will Genther will discuss the effects of stress on blood pressure, sugar levels, etc.

Free events at The Gypsy Sun

• Drum Circle: A free-spirited experience, led by Dewey McMahan Jr., every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

• Friday Movie & Discussion: Enjoy inspiring entertainment followed by thoughtful discussion. Reserve your place in advance every Friday at 7 p.m.

Book signing:

Author of “Uncovering the Divine Within” Kerri AE Kannan. After reading this book, people have reported releasing addictive behaviors, discovering their life's purpose and leading lives of greater love fulfillment and joy. Workshop begins at 7 p.m. $15 a book. Signing begins at 8:30 p.m.

All events are offered at The Gypsy Sun at 206B N. Topsail Drive, Surf City. Call (910) 328-0328 to reserve your spot.

Poplar Grove News

• Are you ready for digital television

Join the staff from the Federal Communications Commission at a special workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plantation where you will learn: how to get two $40 coupons per household for use toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes, how and where you can buy a converter box and how to hook up a converter box to your analog TV.

• Summer Daze at the Farmers Market

Wednesday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Poplar Grove Farmers Market marks the end of school vacation with some special activities for children and adults. 

For children - Pender County 4-H Club will offer a “Plant-A-Seed” activity. 

For children - The Sierra Club will have a whimsical recycling craft. 

For children - From 10 a.m. until noon, for $5 children may have a pony ride on one of Poplar Grove's ponies. 

For children and grown-ups - From 10 a.m. until noon all are welcome to hop on a free hayride through the woods and fields. 

Wayne Batten, Pender County Cooperative Extension Agent will be Grillin' in the Grove, samples from the day's market.

FCC Digital Conversion booth offers help, information and a coupon for the changeover.

Poplar Grove Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

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.

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.

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.