Community Announcements 2.14.08

Meetings

Topsail Township meeting

The annual meeting of the Topsail Township Friends of the Library will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. The meeting will be at the Pender County Library’s Hampstead Branch, 75 Library Drive in Hampstead.

At this meeting, officers for the 2008/ 2009 fiscal year will be elected, the annual financial report will be presented, and the budget for 2008/2009 will be reviewed and approved. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting. For more information, please call the library at 270-4603.

Josiah Allen benefit meeting

The Sharks are planning a large benefit for Josiah Allen on the March 15. An organizational meeting will be held Thursday Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at Lo-Re-Lei’s Pub in Sneads Ferry.

As you know there is a lot to do in order for these events to be successful and we will need a lot of help. If you feel that you can help us with this in any way, please come to the meeting, it shouldn’t take long and will go a long way in helping us to help this family in need. — Rick Bumgardner, Sharks MC

Young in Heart

The next meeting of "Young in Heart," the Senior Citizen Group from the Topsail area, will be held on Monday, February 18, 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 "Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Dinner" with the club providing the kielbasa and sauerkraut and members supplying veggies and dessert. Entertainment for the evening will be Lois Johnson serenading us with her accordion. 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.

Community Blood Drive

Sponsored by and held at Surf City Community Center, a Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 328-4887 for more information. Appointments are not necessary, however, an appointment will reduce wait time. Bring photo I.D.

New River Garden Club

Ah, it's time to talk about preparations for spring planting, so why not join us for helpful tips for your lovely flowers. Either Jeff Morton, from Onslow County, or our own member, Bob, will present our program. Join us on Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Salem Baptist church, (rear building). We will also be discussing upcoming events, such as our October Luncheon, our upcoming field trip, our garden plots and nominations and election for our new year, plus, we'll have a nice, homemade brunch prepared by our hostesses of the month. 

We are also happy to announce that the winners of our recent raffle all live in Sneads Ferry:  $100 Melissa Thompson, $50 Michelle Geahagon, and $25 Carol Bean. For more information, please contact our President, Jan Steimers, 327-2927, or jsteimers@embarqmail.com.

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 Community Council

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

Events and Celebrations

“Josiah’s Day” Benefit for Josiah Allen

• On March 8, 2008 a Motorcycle Run, bike games, prizes, music and lunch will be held for Josiah Allen who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Ride registration will be a donation. Dinner plates $5 donation (call 910-327-6624 for delivery). Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., kick stands up at 11 a.m.

Directions to Benefit: Highway 172 toward the back gate in Sneads Ferry. Look for the big blue sign that says New River Community Church. Turn right onto Wheeler Creek Rd. Church is on the left.

Poker Run to benefit Josiah Allen

On March 15, the Sharks MC and Ricks Restaurant & Sports Bar will co-sponsor a poker run. Sign up starts at 9:30. The ride will leave Rick’s Restaurant at 11 a.m. Stops will include Gilligan’s, Shaw Motor Sports, Lo-Re-Lei’s Pub, Bottoms Up Sports Bar and return to Rick’s for a Pig Pick’in. Door prizes will be awarded. $5 BBQ plates will include all the fixings. Live music will be provided. For more info, call 910-330-0789. Winning hand will receive $500.

Relay for Life Valentine’s Day Dance

Pender County Relay will hold a Valentine’s Dance and BBQ Chicken Dinner on Thursday, February 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Topsail Island Moose Lodge. Dance to the tunes of DJ Jim Rocks featuring a mix of country/ oldies/ beach/ big band and swing. This is a non-alcoholic event. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Those interested in distributing tickets may do so by calling 470-3603 or 328-6088.

Pender County Historical Society

“Colonial Times” will be the topic when young adult author Blonnie Wyche speaks to

the Pender County Historical Society following a 12p.m., “dutch treat” luncheon on Saturday, February 16. The public is welcome to attend the free program to be held at the Szechuan Pavilion Restaurant in the Pender Landing Shopping Center, US 117 north in Burgaw according to June Swinson, president.

Wyche, of Wilmington, will read a short section of her new historical fiction book which takes place in Rocky Point and includes such characters from the Revolutionary era such as Maurice Moore and members of the Swann family. Her new work, The Anchor - P. Moore Proprietor, has already earned a number of awards. Copies will be available for purchase which she will autograph afterwards.

Bonnie Wyche, born in the N.C. Mountains, married in Columbus County and now living in Wilmington, was an elementary K-6 teacher for 30 years. Writing has always been a part of her life. She expects a sequel out next year to be published by notable John F. Blair Co. Her programs appeal to youth and adults alike, being a well received speaker in schools and libraries. Wyche often appears in period costume.

“This is a terrific opportunity to be introduced to an excellent local historical novel by the author, and to meet other people who enjoy learning about local history,” said June Swinon. The society also sponsors the Pender County Museum at 200 W. Bridger St., open by appointment. For more information about the free program, call 604-4301.

Fifteenth Annual Lunch with the Author.

The Sneads Ferry Friends of the Library will host a very special lunch with guest Bill Thompson, author of Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken, and Lazy Dogs on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at noon at the Sneads Ferry Community Center.

Bill Thompson is a native of North Carolina and has for most of his adult life been involved in various public relations activities, which have allowed him to travel extensively throughout North Carolina and much of the southeastern United States. He has had the unique experience of serving as an emcee for every conceivable festival and celebration held in towns and communities in that area. This background has given him the unique perspective with which he writes his newspaper columns and his monthly column, “Front Porch Stories” in Our State Magazine. Bill’s book, Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken, and Lazy Dogs, is a humorous and nostalgic work that is quintessentially Southern and uniquely North Carolinian. It is a collection of short stories that views life from the vantage point of a native Carolinian who has had the opportunity to leave the area and return home again.

Tickets are $15 and available at the Sneads Ferry Branch of the Onslow County Public Library or by calling 910.327.6471.

Region Bass Federation Tournament for Josiah Allen

Region Bass Federation is sponsoring a team/ individual charity tournament for Josiah Allen. All proceeds and donations will go to the Allen Family. Raffle tickets for prizes and 50/50 will be sold at the boat ramp. Some of the prizes to be raffled All Pro rods, assorted tackle packages, boat oil and more.

Event date: February 16, 2008 at Sutton Lake in Wilmington. $110 Per Team / Individual Inc. Lunker and 70 percent payout. Blastoff at 7 a.m., weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. Sutton Lake wildlife access in Wilmington. Register by mail or at boat ramp starting at 5 a.m. Time of registration determines launch order.

UNICEF Charity Dinner

The Holly Ridge Smokehouse will host a charity dinner to benefit UNICEF on Saturday, Feb. 16. Shawn Christian and Carlos in concert, dinner served at 7 p.m. All you can eat spaghetti, ravioli, salad, garlic bread, tea, coffee and dessert. Tickets are $20 per person and available from Tracey DeBow, Nancy Taylor, Louria Norris or call 327-4151 for reservations.

Arts/ Exhibits

Sneads Ferry Community Theatre

• The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre will present "Squabbles" by Marshall Karp on Friday, March 7; Saturdays, March 1 and March 8 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, March 2 and March 9 at 3 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. Tickets are $10 at the door

For more information, contact Gaylene Branton at branton@att.net or (910) 389-8776.

• The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre will hold auditions for our April Readers Theatre production of "Starstruck," a comedy by Judy S. Cook on Friday February 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center, 126 Park Lane Sneads Ferry NC 28460. Five women and three men are needed. For further information contact Karen Sota at

thestar@embarqmail.com or 910-327-0546.

Onslow Senior Games Performing Arts

The Onslow Senior Games is currently accepting entries for the Performing Arts program

to be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at Onslow Senior Services. Performance categories include dance, comedy/drama, instrumental, and vocals. Individual and group acts are both accepted. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 7. Participants must be 55 years of age by December 31, 2008.

Pender County Public Library

• Fall Library Story Times Begin

The end of summer brings new Story Time hours for both the Burgaw and Hampstead locations of the Pender County Public Library. In Burgaw, Thursday pre-school Story Times will be at 11 a.m. in the Story Time Corner. Pre-school Story Time in Hampstead will at 10:15. Parents and caregivers are invited to accompany their children to the 30-minute sessions each Tuesday and Thursday that the libraries are open.

• Discover the magic of live theater at your library

Get A Clue at the Pender County Public Library in Burgaw and Hampstead is for children ages 2 to 12 years old and offers seven weeks of free activities. The free summer program offers two opportunities weekly: “Story Explorations” and “Thursday Performances.”

• Story Explorations are 45-minute opportunities for children and their caregivers to “’Get A Clue’ by listening, singing, reading, writing and creating projects to carry home,” says Youth Specialist Ann Mendenhall. Kids first gather to hear a story, then choose from a number of follow-up activities designed to appeal to many different learning styles. Each week a different mystery, or question, from the stories will be explored.

This year, Story Explorations in Hampstead has been moved to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays in Hampstead, and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Burgaw. No registration is required. Children can attend every week or occasionally to suit the family schedule.

The Thursday Performances this year will feature entertaining and informative shows that are most suitable to children ages 4 to12. The library just asks that caregivers attend with their children. On Thursdays, the shows run from 11 to11: 45 a.m. in Hampstead, and in Burgaw from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

“The free shows are made possible through funding by the Pender County Arts Council and the Friends of the Library,” shared Mendenhall.

For more information, check the calendars on the library homepage at http://www.youseemore.com/PenderPL/. Fliers are available in the libraries located at 103 S. Cowan St. in Burgaw, and 75 Library Drive in Hampstead. You can also call 259-1234 in Burgaw, or 270-4603 in Hampstead for questions.

Volunteer

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

30 and over Soccer League

The Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting teams for its 30 and over 7-on-7 soccer league. The team fee is $ 225, plus $ 8 per player. The deadline for team entry is Friday, February 8. Call 347-5332 for more information.

Contact Rick Perry, Recreation Supervisor at 347-5332 for more information.

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.

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

• Abnormal Metabolism and Weight Management

Local natural health professional, Cookie Tilghman, will be offering a free Health and Wellness Talk Shop on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Surf City Community Center. The next talk shop — Abnormal Metabolism and Weight Management — will be held on Feb. 18.

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 Parks and Recreation

• The Picnic in the Park Preschool Playgroup meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month. Preschool age kids can bring a picnic lunch, meet new friends and play at the park. The bathrooms will be open during this time.

• Parks and Recreation meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Holly Ridge Town Hall. If you would like to volunteer, donate items or funds, or for more information, contact the Holly Ridge Town Hall at 329-7081, or Anita Dingler at dinglerchics@yahoo.com.

• 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.

• 8-week Middle Eastern Dance class:

The Hip Circle has begun offering 8 weeks of Middle Eastern dance classes for basic beginner and intermediates for ladies 18 and older at the Holly Ridge Fire Department on Mondays.

The basic belly dance class will concentrate on the very basic movements of belly dance.  This class will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays, $15 for 8 weeks. The basic class will be informally instructed, with visual and open discussion.

The intermediate class will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday nights, and will be taught by a professional Middle Eastern dance instructor. The cost is $30 for 8 weeks. The intermediate class will cover advanced movements with an introduction to zeels and veils. Come with comfy clothes, 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. 

Surf City Parks and Recreation

• For the Love of Prismacolor

Join Prismacolor artist Cindy Rhodes for a 10-week open-studio-style session of working with Prismacolor colored pencils. Bring your Prismacolors, current projects, and drawing supplies. We’ll enjoy each other’s company as we work on our projects together in a comfortable, music-bathed environment.

Classes will be held at Surf City Community Center on Wednesdays from February 20 to April 23. For more information and class registration, please call Cindy at (910) 616-9016 or email her at mermaidbooty@yahoo.com.

• Beginner’s Clogging

Surf City Community Center is pleased to announce a new beginner’s clogging class.

Instructor, Amy Pike, has been teaching dance for 16 years and is a former Ms. American Clogger. She will offer the class each Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

If you are looking for a great way to exercise and meet new friends, then this is the class for you!

Classes start on February 6, so contact Amy now at (540) 392-9138 or ddreams2000@aol.com for more information and registration.

• Safe Boating & Seamanship (Advanced)

This class, taught by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, will include navigation, powering your boat, radio use, and more. Classes will meet at Surf City Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., February 12 through March 6. 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.

• Elementary Etiquette Class (Grades K-5). 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.

• Tennis Lessons (Children and Adults): Call Jeff at (910) 520-9182 for more info.

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. This class will resume on January 8.

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

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

• Book Discussion and Swap: Second Monday of the Month, 9 to 9:45 a.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.

• Mah Jongg (Beginner): Mondays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Nia: Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.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

• Scrapbooking: Last Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• 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.

• Watercolor Club: Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.

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

Holly Ridge Hobby Shop

Kids Jewelry Class Monday Feb. 18 from 12 to 2 p.m. $5 includes supplies. Call to register. Live Acoustic Music Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Hours M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 329-1874.

Upcoming Continuing Education Classes

• 2008 NEC Electrical Code Changes: Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilm. Campus, Room L-107, $50 plus book

• Electrical Journeyman Test Prep:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 4 to April 10, 6 to 9 p.m., Wilm. Campus, $60 plus book

• Mechanical Code Inspection Level II:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 7 to 9, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilm. Campus, $55 plus book

• Electrical Code Inspection Level III:  Saturday and Sunday, March 8 to16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilm. Campus, $60 plus book

• Clinical Research Overview —This class is for professionals who may want to consider a career as a Clinical Research Associate in the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry.  Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 11 to April 17, 6 to 9 p.m., Wilm. Campus, $60.

• Electrical Contractor's License Renewal:  Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wilm. Campus, $50.

For more information or to pre-register, call 362-7319.

Poplar Grove News

Second Session Classes:

• Poplar Grove Plantation’s Spring Classes

Check website for latest info. February 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.