Meetings
VFW Post 9983 Holly Ridge
• Fall Turkey Shoots begin October 13. They will be held every Saturday at 6 p.m. until Dec.15. The winner in each round will be placed in a drawing for a new shotgun. Drawing to be held during the last shoot on Dec. 15.
• The next Concealed Carry Class scheduled TBA. For more information, visit www.eastern-ncconcealedcarry.com.
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 Rd. Holly Ridge, 910-329-1881. One mile north of Holly Ridge, turn at flags.
Historical Society of Topsail Island Meeting
Bathing suits could seem like an unlikely topic for a historical society program! However, on Thursday, Oct. 11, the Historical Society of Topsail Island will have a presentation that looks at bathing suits from 1910 to the 1960s through vintage ads. From the early suits that look like dresses in the early 1900s to the baby doll look of the sixties, this program will show a little slice of what life was like during the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, World War II, the Fifties and Sixties. Women and men will see many examples of what has been worn to the beach over the years.
Elaine Blackmon Henson, a native of Wilmington and former elementary teacher, will be the guest speaker. Ms. Henson has enjoyed a hobby of collecting vintage postcards and ads and has authored a book, “Carolina Beach: A Postcard History.” She has also written many articles for local magazines on vintage bathing suits, ads and post cards.
HSTI meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a catered luncheon, provided in October by the Home Port Restaurant of Topsail Beach. The cost of the meal is $10 ($9 for 70 and older) and reservations for the lunch must be made by Mon., Oct. 8 by calling Jane Combs 328-2327. The meetings are at the Assembly Building at 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach. Visitors are welcome.
Boy Scout Troop 937, Sneads Ferry
Meets every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. (Lakeside Dr. and Hwy. 172). For more information contact Harvey Hoopes at 910-327-0069 or harveyhoopes@gmail.com
New River Garden Club
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month. The NRGC is open for membership to all who would like to share their love of gardening, community service and conservation. If you would like more information about the club, contact Tommi Allen at 912-660-5274 ortallen@coastalpermits.com
Hampstead Marine Corps League
The Hampstead Detachment 1321 of Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Topsail Senior Center located next to Pender Pines Nursery. New members are always welcome, both Marines and FMF Navy corpsman.
Sneads Ferry Extension and Community Association
Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at the Senior Citizens Building on Route 172, from 1:15 to 3 p.m. Learn about various issues for the community and well being, do some crafts, work the concession stand at Sneads Ferry Monday Night Bingo (the club’s fundraiser for a scholarship to a deserving student at Dixon High). For further information, contact Ida MacNamara at 327-0718 or idamac1@embarqmail.com.
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 Claire Wunder at 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.
Growing Again — Hampstead Women’s Club
The Thrift Shop is looking incredible; if you haven't been in lately, drop by and see how the layout and organization of the shop has improved. HWC receives donations daily from Hampstead-area residents and businesses, so there is always something new and something spectacular! Located at 14435 US Hwy 17 just south of the corner of Highway 17 and 210 West, and just south of Hardee’s, the shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Hampstead Women's Club continues renovating and updating its rental facility. Central to both Jacksonville and Wilmington, rates are reasonable, parking is ample and with the new interior paint providing a neutral background to your décor, it can transform into the setting you desire. Call for rates, availability and other information at 910-270-9549.
Hampstead Women’s Club has just awarded its annual scholarships to some deserving local Topsail High School seniors, and this, along with the hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations HWC has made over its long history, is made possible by the generous donations of the Hampstead community and by the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and shop staff. The club, open to men and women, meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the banquet hall. Check out the website at www.HampsteadWomensClub.org
The Hampstead Women’s Club is a non-profit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to area schools and other worthwhile organizations. This is made possible through the efforts of the members who volunteer daily to process donated goods and sell them at the Hampstead Thrift Shop.
Join the many volunteers in the Hampstead Women’s Club and help contribute to the betterment of the children and community. General meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Hampstead Community Bldg. at 14435 Highway 17. Membership applications may be secured from the Hampstead Thrift Shop.
Events and Celebrations
Fishing tournament fundraiser to benefit Kimberly Batchelor
An inshore fishing tournament will be held Oct. 13 in Surf City to benefit the family of Kimberly Batchelor, a local 12-year-old girl battling a rare form of brain cancer. The tournament will be a catch and release tournament for flounder, speckled trout and red drum, with cash payouts for the top three teams.
The entry fee for the tournament is $250 per boat, with all proceeds going to the Batchelor family. The Captains’ Meeting will be Oct. 12 at East Coast Sports in Surf City, where each team will receive a measuring device and a token to be used the day of the tournament. Points will be awarded for legal sized flounder, speckled trout and red drum that are caught, photographed against the measuring device with token in the picture, and released. Each legal fish will be documented, specifying whether it was caught on live bait (worth 50 points), artificial (worth 75 points), or fly (worth 100 points). The point totals will determine the final results. Tournament information: www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/404127289647362/
Kimberly’s story can be found at fighting4kimberly.blogspot.com/, and updates can be found by searching for “Fighting for Kimberly Batchelor” on Facebook.
Hampstead for Habitat Fall Festival
Hampstead United Methodist Church has had great fall festivals in the past, but this one will be most unique because not one, but eleven area churches are involved! The sole purpose of this event is raising funds to build the first Habitat for Humanity house in Hampstead! These eleven churches are members of the Pender East Ministerial Association, which is committed to assist Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity with this endeavor. A mother and her two children will realize the dream of owning their home with the proceeds from this event. The goal is to raise $45,000!
The festival date is Saturday, October 13! Arrive early for a gigantic Yard Sale (6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and enjoy delicious ham and sausage biscuits for breakfast.
Purchase a holiday gift at the Arts and Craft area featuring jewelry, tote bags and purses, paintings, birdhouses, shawls, basket products and many more items! Be sure to investigate the Christmas, baby and kitchen articles. Don’t miss the pink table (October is breast cancer month) or the children’s crafts.
Kids will love the hayrides and free bouncy fun! Enjoy live entertainment while picking the perfect pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch. Stock up on some new greenery at the plant sale and check out the special T-shirts!
Plan on spending the day! To get ready for the Live Auction, you’ll need to stock up on some nourishment! Barbecue pork and chicken, hot dogs, carnival treats and hundreds of fresh homemade desserts should do the job. (Lunch plates will also be available at the old Topsail School at Hoover Rd. and Hwy. 17 Hampstead, as well as at Faith Harbor UMC, Hwy. 50 in Surf City.)
The Live Auction will run from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Come and bid on a Duke University basketball signed by the 2012 team, two tickets to a Carolina Panthers/Oakland Raiders football game, a one-week Caribbean vacation, a new Blue Ray DVD player, a five-string guitar and case, rounds of golf at local courses, twelve place settings of china, a three-story doll house and display table and many more items.
The goal is $45,000! On Saturday, October 13, come to Hampstead United Methodist Church and help make a dream come true! HUMC is located at 15395 U.S. Hwy. 17, about one mile north of the Food Lion Shopping Center, next to Farm Bureau Ins. Co. For more information, visit www.hampsteadumc.org or www.facebook.com/hampsteadforhabitat. Free parking and free admission.
1st annual TIAR Golf Tournament
The Topsail Island Association of Realtors to host its 1st annual TIAR Golf Tournament to benefit local charities on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Old Point Country Club in Hampstead. Fee includes cart, greens fees, range balls, prizes, lunch and more. Call today to sign up a team, sponsor or donate a prize: 910.329.1406.
‘Cancer Tees Me Off’ Golf Tournament
The first annual “Cancer Tees Me Off” Golf Tournament benefiting Relay For Life Pender County will take place on Friday, October 19 at Olde Point Golf & Country Club in Hampstead. The tournament is in memory of Vincent E. Palazzo.
Entry fee includes a boxed lunch prepared by Carolina Café, two nonalcoholic beverage tickets, two mulligans, one raffle ticket and a tee gift bag. Deadline for entry is Oct. 12. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and must be received by Oct. 12. In need are: $100 Hole Sponsors, Raffle Items and $25 Memory/Honor Flags. To register an individual, team or for sponsorship or volunteer information, contact Relay Co-Chairs Stephanie Ottaway at shotopsail@gmail.com or 910-470-3603, or Stephanie Hollis at sshollis@gmail.com or 910-470-5506. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society/ Pender County Relay For Life.
Cause For The Paws Benefit Bike Ride & Dice Run
The first annual Cause For The Paws Benefit Bike Ride & Dice Run will be held Sunday, October 21 at Lo-re-lei Pub & Grille located at 1019 Old Folkstone Road in Sneads Ferry. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 12:30 p.m. Dice Run is $20 (includes BBQ plate). 50/50, auctions and raffles for great prizes! BBQ Plates $6. Cars are welcome! Music by The Carolina Band (2 to 4 p.m.) and Dixie Driver (5 to 8 p.m.). Bike Run route begins at Lo-re-lei, then to Wild Hawg, Dales, The Brass Pelican, The Pit and ends at Lo-re-lei. BBQ Plates will begin to be served at 2 p.m. In case of rain, event will be held at Lo-re-lei. All money collected will go to OC-PAW (Onslow County Partners For Animal Welfare) OC-PAW is an organization of highly motivated animal advocates that support our local rescue groups, low spay and neutering clinics, education, public awareness, fundraising and a commitment to help the county shelter provide the best possible care for the animals that so desperately need homes in our community! OC-PAW is funded entirely by donations and fundraisers! We are counting on you! For more information or to donate to this benefit, contact Donna Plowman at lplowman@embarqmail.com or 910.340.0455.
Autumn with Topsail, October 20 and 21
Started in 1988, the Autumn With Topsail Festival is held on the grounds of the Missile Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. The Annual festival has been providing great entertainment, excellent local crafts and fine food for more than 20 years. Join the 24th annual Festival October 20 and 21. AWT is sponsored by the Historical Society of Topsail Island. All proceeds go directly to maintaining the Missile Assembly Building and the Missiles and More Museum.
The festival features a juried Artists’ Court with many regional artists displaying and selling their work, live musical entertainment, a variety of food vendors, games and rides for children and more. Children’s art activities include face painting and hair spraying; decorating visors, doorknob hangers, sunglasses and more; design necklaces and bracelets with beads; make colorful sand art. Activities sponsored by Pender County Partnership for Children.
Festival grounds are located on Anderson Blvd (NC Hwy. 50 E.) and Flake Avenue in front of the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. There is a $3 per day admission charge for each adult at AWT. Children 10 and younger and active military personnel with a military service ID get in free. No pets are allowed except for certified service animals. Visit www.autumnwithtopsail.com for more info.
Autumn With Topsail 2012 schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 20:
7:30 to 10 a.m. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Exhibitor’s Arts & Crafts Booths, Food Court and Beer and Wine Garden open
11 a.m. Boat rides and children’s activities
Noon to 3 p.m. Fryd Flounder
5 to 8 p.m. Coastline Band
Sunday, Oct. 21:
8 to 10 a.m. Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Exhibitor’s Arts & Crafts Booths open
11 a.m. Food Court, boat rides, children’s activities
12 p.m. Beer and Wine Garden opens
1 to 4 p.m. Band of Oz
3 p.m. Curator Drawing
Hampstead Antique Appraisal Fair Fundraiser
…to benefit Topsail Township Friends of the Library will take place Sunday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hampstead United Methodist Church, 153395 Highway 17. Limit three items per person. $7 each or three for $20. Proceeds raised from this project will be matched by the home office of Modern Woodmen of America up to $1,000. The money will be donated to Topsail Township Friends of the Library and will be used to purchase library books for children and young adults. For more information, call Jo Adcock, of M.W. of A. at (910)270-5337 or the library at (910) 270-4603 or FOL rep (910) 270-2866.
2nd annual Fall Cooking Program
Cooler weather, shorter days, football season and approaching holidays are, for most of us, ingredients for inspiration to hole up in the kitchen and get cooking! And the Topsail Advertiser’s Cooking Columnist Hope Cusick invites all inspired foodies to meet on Thursday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m. for her 2nd annual Cooking Program at the Hampstead Library. Hope will be sharing her fall recipes like mulled cider and apple pie, and offering demonstrations and tips from her many years of cooking. Call the library at 270-4603 to sign up.
2nd Annual Halloween Cartacula
Halloween decorated golf carts, people and pets — open to anyone with a golf cart! Oct. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. from NewRiver Marina to Capt. Jims. Snacks of spiders and bugs served after the parade. Prizes for best dressed, cart, person and pet. Kids are welcome to line the roads to catch candy. Contact Ray or Carol at 910-330-3003/ 910-833-2205.
Topsail Chili Festival
Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. Be a vendor, cook or just come and have fun! Call the Topsail Chamber at 910-329-4446 for more info.
Gardening News
Pick up a copy of the new“Garden by the Month” calendar for just $9. Developed and written by Pender County Master Gardeners, this valuable resource is chopped full of gardening advice for local conditions. The calendar features monthly tips and tasks that will keep your lawn, landscape and food garden on schedule. Proceeds support Pender County Cooperative Extension’s horticultural outreach programs.
• The second Wed. of each month through Nov., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poplar Grove Farmer's Market
• The third Mon. of each month from through Oct., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at theHampstead Library
More ways to get answers to your questions: Not able to make it to any of these locations? No problem. Gardening questions can be answered Mon. through Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling your local Cooperative Extension office: In Pender County, call 259-1235. Or visit www.ces.ncsu.edu whereyou can post your questions to be answered via theAsk an Expert widget. Stay up to date on the latest lawn, garden and landscape news from the Pender Gardener Blog: pendergardener.blogspot.com.
Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through November 21! Shop for local, farm-fresh foods and beautiful craftsat Cape Fear's favorite farmers’market. Located right on Highway 17 at the Pender County line, Poplar Grove’s Farmers’Market is easy to find and has acres of free parking. The market, now in its sixth year, has the perfect blend of food, treasures and funin an idyllic, country setting. Find out more at poplargrove.com.
Arts/ Exhibits
Sneads Ferry Community Theatre…
… invites you to a Murder Mystery Dessert Theatre production of “A Plot of Murder” by Lee Mueller. Come to the HOA meeting of Fleur Estates Manor! This homeowners meeting gets so heated that someone ends up dead! Calling all super sleuths, gumshoes and detectives to help solve this mystery.
Tickets are $10 and reservations are required for all show dates; call 910-327-2798. Show dates are October 27, 28 and November 3 and 4. Saturday's show times are 7 p.m. and Sunday's show times are 3 p.m. Reservations for the first weekend must be made before 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 25; and for the second weekend before 6 p.m. November 1.
Opening night is October 27 and includes a wine and cheese reception! All shows are presented at the Sneads Ferry Community Center located at 126 Park Lane in Sneads Ferry. For more information and to make reservations, call 910-327-2798.
Missiles and More Museum
The Missiles and More Museum is open the season and features Topsail Island’s rich history and artifacts of the island from prehistoric to present time. See page 16 for full description of exhibits.
• Operation Bumblebee, the U.S. missile project that operated on Topsail Island shortly after World War II, which includes a video of assembly and actual firings of the missiles. On site is a booster rocket that washed ashore in 1994.
• Camp Davis, an important antiaircraft training center during WWII located near Topsail Island.
• Pirates of the Carolinas, depicting the history and “colorful” stories of ten pirates in the Carolinas, including the infamous Blackbeard and Topsail Island’s own pirate history “The Gold Hole.”
• Barrier Island, an exhibit that addresses the physiology, fragility, manageability and the magic and privilege of living on Topsail Island.
• Osprey, The V-22 Osprey aircraft exhibit depicts the development, history, unique design and military use within the Marine Corps and other Armed Forces. This exhibit also includes a DVD of a takeoff at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville.
• Shell Exhibits, cases of elegant and intricate seashells from all over the world, as well as Topsail Island.
• Natural History, Indian artifacts and a dugout canoe dating back to the 1700s.
The Museum is child friendly with exhibits on North Carolina birds, a touch and feel Shell/Sand Box, Sea Turtles and educational and fun books to read. A fossil dig located outside of the Museum is a favorite adventure for children of all ages.
The Museum is located at 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach. Current hours through mid-October are: Mon. through Fri. 2 to 5 p.m. The Museum welcomes special arrangements for schools and organizations to tour the Museum. For information and appointments, contact the museum director at 910-328-2488 or 910-328-8663. topsailmissilesmusuem.org.
‘Send Us Your Best Shot!’
Send us your “Best Shots” of island life for October! Send images, your name and captions to — note: email address change — carrie.bryan@jdnews.com to be included in the next “Best Shot” showcase. October submissions must be received by the second week in November.
ArtExposure
Classes and events are now scheduled! A variety of classes, workshops and events are on the roster for both children and adults. Check out the ArtExposure website, www.artexposure50.com, to see the full schedule.
Sports
Topsail Basketball Association registration
Registration for Topsail Basketball Association (TBA) is going on now! Online registration for the 2012-2013 TBA season can be found online at www.topsailbasketball.com for boys and girls in first through twelfth grades. Onsite registration will be at the Hampstead Library on the following dates: October 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and October 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Registration fee is $75 per player. Registration deadline is October 28. After the deadline, a waiting list will be in effect if league is not maxed to capacity. All players must attend a player evaluation. Evaluation dates and times are available on www.topsailbasketballcom.
Surf City Parks & Recreation is looking for a few good men, women and children!
SCP&R is expanding their athletic programs to maximize facility use. The plan is to implement a variety of camps, clinics and leagues for youth and adults including, but not limited to: tennis ladder and lessons; fall soccer leagues, indoor winter and spring soccer for youth and adult; fall football league for youth and adult; youth cheer squad for fall and winter; fall Baseball/Softball/Tee ball league for youth and adults; winter basketball league for youth and adults; winter indoor dodge ball league for adults.
SCP&R would like to hear from you — where your interests lie and input and ideas you may have. Would you like to serve on any committees? Would you or your children like to participate in any programs? Would you like to assist, coach or sponsor any programs? Email athletics@townofsurfcity.com to give feedback and express interest.
Volunteer
Autumn with Topsail volunteers needed
Serena Hibbard is looking for a Co-Chair and volunteers to assist with the upcoming children’s activities in the Assembly Building during Autumn with Topsail. The Co-Chair will be assisting Serena in coordinating activities for the event. Volunteers will be assisting in shifts during the days of the event at craft stations. The dates of Autumn with Topsail are Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Serena at serena@surfcitycreations.com or 919-702-9160 if interested.
Chili Cook-Off opportunities
Topsail's officially sanctioned Competitive Chili Cook-Off has available opportunities for: volunteers, sponsors and vendors! The event will take place Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. Contact the Topsail Chamber at 910-329-4446 or info@topsailchamber.org for additional information!
Winterfest
Winterfest 2012 is now accepting vendor applications for the Arts and Crafts show. For more information, call 327-1721. Winterfest will be held on December 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center.
Pender County Relay For Life 2013
Next year’s Pender County Relay For Life is scheduled for May 3 and 4, 2013 at Topsail High School’s football and track field. If at anytime between now and then, you would be interested in volunteering your time to a great cause and a great community, contact Relay Co-Chairs Stephanie Ottaway at shotopsail@gmail.com or 910-470-3603, or Stephanie Hollis at sshollis@gmail.com or 910-470-5506. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society/ Pender County Relay For Life.
The Dixon Elementary CHEW!
The Dixon Elementary CHEW! (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program assists children in our community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals throughout the weekend. In partnership with local businesses, churches and United Way of Onslow County, this program’s simple mission provides a lifeline to those children who may otherwise go without food outside of school.
How can you help?CHEW! is in need of donations to stock and maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that will provide nutrition for approximately 40 of our students each weekend.
For additional information contact Kim Nelson, School Social Worker at 327-2392 or kim.nelson@onslow.k12.nc.us
Mama J’s Helping Hand
Mama J’s Helping Handhas a few families that need help for school clothing and school supplies! Needed are supplies for two 5th graders, a 7th grader, an 8th grader and an 11th grader. They also need school clothing and shoes. Perhaps a gift card for each to Walmart for the clothing and shoes would be best and Mama J’s will provide a list for the school supplies. Needs: girls book bags, dividers, pencils, loose-leaf paper, highlighters, erasers, binders, pens, pocket folders, composition books, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil pouch, spiral notebooks and crayons.
Any help would be most appreciated. For clothing and shoe sizes call Mama J’s Helping Hand at 910-327-1302, located at 2205 Hwy 172 in Sneads Ferry. Email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.
Mama J’s Helping Hand Diaper Drive: In need are diapers any size. Donate at least one pack and help spread the word. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry. Call 910-327-1302. Mama J’s helps people in need by providing them with food, clothing, household goods and baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. Mama J’s also helps people who are struggling with everyday issues and welcomes them to come in and talk.
Volunteers needed for Medical Reserve Corps of Onslow County
Mission statement:The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps of Onslow County is to serve as a healthcare resource to the Eastern North Carolina region. The Medical Reserve Corps of Onslow County will support and assist local governments, agencies and area hospitals with emergency medical operations and vital public and community health activities.
For Your Information
Legion collects tattered flags
The Town of Surf City is working with American Legion Honor Guard Post 167 to collect tattered American Flags and make sure they are disposed of properly. Drop off your flags at: Surf City Town Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Baby FAST program needs donations
TAFF Inc. is a nonprofit providing services to young parents and their families. Support the Baby FAST program in Pender County that strengthens family relationships, builds connections with families, schools, churches and the community, improves babies’ development and well being, and reduces in-home stress. Donations of the following Baby Items will support this program and local families: Baby Lotion or Powder, Sippy Cups, Receiving Blankets, Baby Books, Rattles or Teethers, Baby Room Decorations.
To make a donation or learn more, contact Melanie Gatton at mgatton@taffinc.org or 910-777-8244. A healthy meal for 35 people for one of the multi-family, group sessions is also needed.
Parks and Recreation/ Classes
Pender County Alzheimers Support Group
Stonebridge Assisted Living & Memory Care presents an Alzheimers support group the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. The program includes a guest presenter each month and serves as a basic training program for caregivers to share concerns and questions about caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia. Schedule: October 11: Patricia Homa, Senior Planning Attorney; November 8: Martin Case, JD, QP; December 13: Kim Wexler, PAC. For more information, contact (910)515-1365. Stonebridge is located at 2778 Country Club Rd. in Hampstead.
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.
Intro to Belly Dance: Thursdays, 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Dance: Mondays, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. for age 3; 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. for ages 6 to 8. Call Karen at (803)622-0815 for other age group class times.
Lego Club (Ages 5 to 9): Friday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Call Susanne at (910) 619-7886.
Quilting: Tuesday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Readers’ Theater: (Ages 12 to adult): Monday, 7 to 8 p.m.
Scrabble: Tuesday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Soccer (Open Play ages 16 and older): Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tae kwon do (Beginner): Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Cheer Tumbling: Mondays, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. for ages 9 and older.
Tumbling: Mondays, 3:30 to 4 p.m. for ages 3 to 5; 4 to 4:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 8.
Pilates: Thursdays, 10:30 to11:30 a.m.
Pi-Yo: Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Power Yoga: Sundays, 10 to 11 a.m.
Preschool Playtime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Walk to Run: Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 to 9 a.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.
Power Yoga: Thursdays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Zumba: Monday, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Zumba: Tuesday, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
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.
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
Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department upcoming events
• Youth Basketball and Cheerleading Registration: OCP&RD will be offering Basketball and Cheerleading registration October 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registrations sites include: Dixon, Trexler, Southwest, Swansboro, and Hunters Creek Middle Schools. $30 per participant, you must be at least seven and no older than 19 as of January 1, 2013. Returning participants must register. A copy of a legal document showing the participant’s date of birth must be submitted at registration. Call 910-347-5332 or visit: www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.
• Pumpkin Painting Party: OCP&RD and Mike’s Tree Farm is sponsoring a Pumpkin Painting Party. The free party will be held on Monday, October 22 at Blue Creek Elementary School beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone 12 years and younger is invited; parents are also encouraged to attend. Free pumpkins available while supplies last; you may wish to bring your own. Door prizesandgoody bags! Painting supplies will be provided. Call (910)347-5332 or visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.
• Spooktacular Fun: OCP&RD and Haw Run Rescue invite you participate in the Spooktacular Fun at Onslow Pines Park on Friday and Saturday October 26 and 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. Fun for all ages: a Haunted Trail Ride, $5 adults and $3 kids, Frightfully Fun Costume Contest Saturday at 7 p.m. that is open to all ages, a Pumpkin Junction for the youngsters with inflatables, train ride, concessions, and more! All proceeds benefit Haws Run Rescue. Call (910)347-5332 visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.
• Halloween Costume Contest & Matinee Movie: OCP&RD and Carmike Cinema 16 are sponsoring a Halloween Costume Contest & Matinee Movie. The event is being held Saturday, October 27 at Carmike Cinema 16, behind the Jacksonville Mall, starting at 9 a.m. The cost for this year’s event isthree cannedgoods per person (which will be donated to OnslowCounty Christmas Cheer). Open to all children 12 years old and younger; parents are encouraged to attend. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded to contest winners in several age groups. Free goody bags! Call 347-5332 visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.
For Your Information
Lions and volunteers check students’ vision
The Lions Clubs of Hampstead and Burgaw are starting their annual effort, working with the school nurses, to screen students in Pender County for vision problems. Members of the two Lions Clubs are assisted by a large number of community volunteers in this effort. The Lions and volunteers screen all first, third, fifth, and seventh grade students in Pender County. When the project is finished in December, about 2500 students in thirteen different schools will have been screened.
Vision screeners are trained by instructors from Prevent Blindness NC, an agency dedicated to preventing blindness, preserving and restoring sight, and promoting good vision for all N.C. residents. The screeners are trained to look for eye infection or injury and to screen the students for visual acuity. Visual acuity is the ability to see distant objects clearly. Two-person teams, using standard eye charts, determine whether each student shows signs of problems. If a problem is identified, the school nurse retests the student. If she confirms a problem, the students’ parents are contacted and they are advised to seek professional care.
Lion Mitch Jenkins, coordinator for the Lions Vision Screening project states, “This screening program benefits all the school children in Pender County, and we are thankful for many the Lions and community volunteers for giving of their time to this vital program.”
It is estimated that one in four students has a vision problem. In many cases, these problems have previously been recognized, and the problems have been corrected, usually with glasses. Surprisingly, the screening effort always finds a large number of students with vision problems, which have not been previously recognized by parents or teachers. Sometimes these problems occur as eyes change shape during the child’s growth spurts. It is always rewarding for volunteers to realize they have helped students get their vision corrected so that they have a better chance to achieve their full potential in the classroom. The Lions are grateful to have this opportunity to serve the residents of Pender County.
Onslow Health Department Investigates Case of Legionnaires’ Disease
JACKSONVILLE – The Onslow County Health Department is investigating a reported case of Legionnaires’ disease. The individual lives in Onslow County but works at the Cherry Point military exchange in Craven County. The Health Department was alerted to the case on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.
“The patient, who is not contagious, has been discharged from the hospital and is recuperating at home. At this time, our Health Department is not aware of any other associated cases of the disease,” said Health Department Director, George R. O’Daniel.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of bacterial pneumonia. A person may develop Legionnaires’disease from breathing mist or vapor droplets that have been contaminated with the bacteria Legionella. North Carolina averages about 60 cases of the disease per year.The bacteria can infect the lungs causing a serious and sometimes deadly pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, body aches, headache and fatigue. The disease typically manifests two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, but can be treated effectively with antibiotics. The people at highest risk for Legionnaires’ disease include middle-aged and older people, especially if they smoke cigarettes, have chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system.
“Onslow County had five reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the last three years – none were fatal,” said Health Department Clinical Services Director, Francine Reeves. “While anyone can become infected with the bacteria that cause the disease, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and is found naturally in the environment.Legionellacan develop in specific types of warm water environments such as tanks and pipes of cooling systems of large buildings, hot tubs or whirlpool spas. The infection occurs when a person inhales bacteria-laden mist from an infected water source,” added Reeves.
Military officials have closed the Marine Corps Exchange complex at Cherry Point where the individual worked as a precautionary measure while the facility is inspected. The Onslow County Health Department is continuing its investigation, but the source of this occurrence of Legionella has not been determined at this time.
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.
