Meetings
VFW Post 9983 Holly Ridge
• Fall Turkey Shoots 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. The shotgun is a Remington model 870 12-gauge donated by Johnny Johnson and Willie Parent of Sportsman’s Lodge located at 3521 New Bern Hwy. in Jacksonville. 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.
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.
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.
Read about the HWC’s most recent donation on page 22.
Events and Celebrations
Santa Claus is coming to town
Goin’ Postal Hampstead will again be accepting “Letters to the North Pole!” In addition, the storeowners, Leslie and Bob Servicky, have arranged for a special visit from Santa Claus on Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your camera to Goin’ Postal Hampstead for free photos with Santa. Goin’ Postal Hampstead is located in the Oak Tree Center at 16717 Hwy 17N in Hampstead. Call 910.270.6184 or email hampstead@goinpostal.com for more information.
Rick’s Angel Tree 2012
For the tenth year in a row, Rick’s Restaurant in Sneads Ferry has set up their “Angel Tree” for the 2012 Christmas season. The Angel Tree Project helps local, needy children have a wonderful Christmas!
How it works: The Christmas tree is decorated with paper angels — each angel” represents a local child, displaying boy or girl and age. The children can use your help to have a merrier Christmas. Choose your angel from the tree and take it to the manager. You will be given the corresponding gift wishes, clothing size information and needs for your angel. Now, do your shopping! Before Friday, December 14, bring the wrapped gifts to Rick’s. The social workers at the Dixon Schools will arrange for the angels to get their gifts.
It is a wonderful project and the community has always been very generous! The owners, managers and staff at Rick’s look forward to another very successful “Angel Tree” season!
For more information, Call Rick’s at 327-2300 and ask to speak to Linda, Paul or Alice.
Christmas Bazaar to offer thousands of holiday items
The Hampstead Women’s Club will host its annual Christmas Bazaar with thousands of holiday items for sale. The event begins Thursday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 7 p.m. and will continue on Friday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hampstead Women’s Club community building, 14435 US Hwy 17 in Hampstead.
Thousands of new and used items, including Christmas trees, decorations, dishes, jewelry, clothing and gifts will be offered at greatly reduced prices. A bake sale and raffle are also annual highlights at the bazaar.
Christmas shop early at the Hampstead Women’s Club Christmas Bazaar. For more information call 910-270-9510.
• Craft Fair back by popular demand
The Hampstead Women’s Club will host a holiday craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community building, 14435 US Hwy 17 in Hampstead.
The craft fair will feature artisans and vendors offering an assortment of home décor, services and holiday items. The local Girl Scouts will have a bake sale and the Topsail High School Drama department will sell refreshments.
Admission is free. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day from Bumble Bee Market, Topsail Island Trading Company, New York Corner Deli, Herrings and On Shore Surf Shop.
Santa will attend the craft fair. For more information call Jordan at 910-270-9549.
7th annual Jingle Bell Ball
The Historical Society of Topsail Island will host its 7th annual Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. For tickets or information, call Michael Nelson at 910.547.8312. For reserved sponsor tables, contact Marcia Hamilton at 910.358.1298 or email kmhamilton-1@charter.net.
Santa and a Movie
Fun for the whole family! On Friday, December 7 at 6 p.m., sponsors Onslow County P&R and the Town of Holly Ridge present Santa and a Movie at the Holly Ridge Community Center. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa! Concessions available for purchase. Call 910-347-5332, 910-329-7081 or visit www.onslowcountync.gov/parks or www.townofhollyridge.net for more information.
“Cookies, Candies, Nuts and Gifts-in-a-Jar”
Back by popular demand: Topsail Advertiser’s Cooking Columnist Hope Cusick invites all inspired foodies to another cooking workshop — “Cookies, Candies, Nuts and Gifts-in-a-Jar” at the Hampstead Library on Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Call the library at 270-4603 to sign up so enough goodies can be provided. Participants are welcome to bring a cookie or candy recipe to share with the group if desired.
WinterFest
Don’t miss the annual Sneads Ferry WinterFest to be held on December 7 and 8 at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. Friday night activities begin at 7 p.m. and include the “Lighting of the Trees” and a Christmas Musical Program. On Saturday morning, the children can enjoy “Breakfast with Santa” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday also includes a fantastic “Arts and Crafts Show” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with great ideas for special Christmas gifts. Food and drink will be available for purchase on Saturday. Free admission. Call 910-327-1721 for vendor information.
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.
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.
Arts/ Exhibits
Onslow Idol
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Onslow County holds “Onslow Idol” open auditions during after school hours through November 30, 2012. High school students 15 years of age and older and in good academic standing can call 910-340-1358 or 910-340-1558 for details and to schedule an audition. Other rules apply, so visit bgceasternnc.org for details. The winner will be sent to the 2013 American Idol auditions!
Last call: ‘Send Us Your Best Shot!’
Send us your “Best Shots” of island life for October! Send images, your name and captions to carrie.bryan@jdnews.com to be included in the next “Best Shot” showcase.
Quilts of Patchwork Squares on display at ArtExposure
From now until Saturday, December 1, the handiwork of the Patchwork Squares quilt group will be on display at ArtExposure in Hampstead.
The Patchwork Squares quilt group welcomes quilters of all levels. Those interested in learning to quilt will find both encouragement and instruction; nearly half of the members are new quilters. Contact Andrea Barrett at 910-327-2586.
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. ArtExposure is located at 22527 on Highway 17 (just south of Lowes) and is open Tues. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sports
Meet SCCC’s new Tai Chi Instructor
Surf City Community Center is inviting the public and its membership to meet their new Tai Chi instructor, David Key, on Saturday, January 5 at 10:30 a.m. David has been a student of Yang style short form Tai Chi for more than 17 years. He has also studied Medical Qigong. With his extensive teaching experience, David provides a relaxed learning environment and multiple approaches to mastering the basics.
Tai Chi is a moving meditation with many health benefits. The deep breathing, gentle twisting motions and posture flows can lower blood pressure, relieve stress, strengthen the immune system, improve balance and develop mindfulness.
David will be offering a four-week session of Tai Chi classes at Surf City Community Center. For more information, call the community center at (910) 328-4887.
Indoor Youth Soccer and Surf City Youth Basketball
SURF CITY – On the heels of a successful soccer season, Surf City Athletics is pleased to offer two more sports offerings this winter. Returning is the Futsal version of indoor youth soccer and Surf City Youth Basketball is making its debut!
“We are so excited at the level of community interest for youth sports that we are glad to bring kids into our gym for them this winter,” says Director of Parks and Recreation Kristie Grubb.
Registration is now available for these two co-ed offerings at www.townofsurfcity.com and the cost is only $35 for U-9, U-12 and U-16 divisions. Youth basketball play for those groups will take place on Saturday mornings followed by Indoor Soccer. An eight-game season is scheduled with practices starting in December with games beginning in January. Surf City is also hosting U-6 Youth Basketball for four and five year olds with practices and scrimmages on Fridays from 4:30 to 7 pm. The cost for this beginning level program is only $30 and it will begin in January.
All youth basketball players will receive a uniform shirt, playing time of at least half of every game and end of season awards.
“We need coaches for all age groups and know there is a wealth of talent in our basketball community,” says Athletic Supervisor Steve Unger. “The indoor soccer program is designed to promote skill development in a non-judgmental setting.”
This fall, nearly 275 players populated the Surf City (outdoor) Soccer League in only its third season and closing ceremonies are set for Nov. 10 along with a U-16 Tournament. In addition, registration for Surf City Flag Football remains open for youth ages six to 12.
What’s more, Surf City is also planning adult sports: Basketball, Indoor Soccer and Volleyball for winter along with Youth Cheerleading. Details are forthcoming. In addition to online registration from any computer, participants can also register at the Surf City Community Center, 201 Community Center Drive anytime during regular hours. Credit cards, checks and cash are all welcome. For more information, call Surf City Athletics through Parks and Recreation at (910)328-4887, e-mail at athletics@townofsurfcity.com or see Surf City Athletics on Facebook.
Surf City Fun Run to prelude tree lighting
Race on over and register for Surf City Parks & Recreation’s first ever 5K Family Fun Run! The event is open to all ages and skill levels. This event will carry on the SCP&R Team’s promotion of fun and fitness for all! Online registration is now available at www.townofsurfcity.com or directly at www.scfunrun.playerspace.com.
The event is slated to start at 4 p.m. on November 17 at Surf City Community Center. The scenic neighborhood course, race shirt, refreshments and prizes will make it an occasion you and your family won’t want to miss. The after-party for this event will be the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Soundside Park at 6 p.m., complete with refreshments, entertainment, tree lighting and a visit from Santa.
“The end to wonderful running class, an awesome first 5K and the spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting, November 17 is truly going to be an incredibly breathtaking day from start to finish!” said Town of Surf City Parks & Recreation Director, Kristie Grubb.
The cost is $15 for Surf City Community Center Members, $20 for Non-Members and $5 for kids (kids price does not include a t-shirt). Register by November 9 to be guaranteed a shirt. Sponsors are needed and must contact the center prior to November 1 to secure a spot on the shirt. Call (910) 328-4887 for info.
Sharks help bring flag football to Surf City
SURF CITY – Ready! Hut-hut! Go Sharks! The Surf City Sharks are the area’s newest semi-pro football team, now organizing for the Spring 2013 season. As an important part of their community mission they are assisting the Town of Surf City Recreation Department in launching a late fall Flag Football league designed for youngsters from six to 12 years old.
Signups are now underway through www.surfcityflagfootball.playerspace.com or through Recreation/Athletics on the Town of Surf City site: www.townofsurfcity.com. The cost is $30 for online registration. Registrations can also be completed at Surf City Community Center during business hours where cash and checks will also be accepted.
Practices will be on Saturdays and games on Sundays, both at 1:30 p.m. Games will run through December 16 — rain, sleet, snow or shine.
“We are totally thrilled to be involved with football in Surf City,” says Sharks Managing Partner Bryan Ayers.
“We are really glad to help get it off the ground and help introduce the game to a new generation.”
Sharks players will assist with developing skills, coaching and officiating.
The Surf City Athletic complex includes a full-size football field, which will be the home of the Sharks in Spring 2013. The youth program Flag Football will utilize an age-appropriate grid within it. Players are slated to complete in 7-vs-7 no tackle games that will last approximately one hour in length. Additional coaches and other volunteers are also welcome.
For more information call Surf City Parks and Recreation at 910-328-4887.
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
T.I.A.R. collects coats for community
Coat drives help local people in need stay warm! Now through December 31 — The need has never been greater and it’s never been easier to make a difference in your community. Here is your opportunity to make sure that nobody goes without such a basic necessity as a coat this winter.
Topsail Island Association of REALTORS® is collecting clean, gently used coats and jackets as part of the One Warm Coat community service project. Coats of all shapes sizes are welcome. One Warm Coat is dedicated to distributing reusable coats, free of charge, directly to local children and adults. The program is an easy way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer need.
The Topsail Island Association of REALTORS® has made donating a coat simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats and jackets to the Topsail Island Association of REALTORS® office located at 13775 NC Hwy. 50, Surf City from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday from now until December 31, or call 910-329-1406 to
arrange a pick up. Then Topsail Island Association of REALTORS® will take care of the rest. All donated coats will be distributed to local people within our community who are in need.
Topsail Island Association of REALTORS along with your help is “Warming our community… one coat at a time!” For more, visit onewarmcoat.org.
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
Discover Topsail
The Topsail Chamber is working on behalf of its membership to promote the Topsail region to visitors. Keep an eye out for an updated 2013 marketing campaign for visitors to our region, including a new website, social media, emphasis on outdoor activities and the environment (yes, sea turtles!), the arts, the culinary experience, pet-friendly beaches and relocation. The Chamber is now selling ads for the 2013 Discover Topsail Area Guide. Call the Topsail Chamber at 910-329-4446 to learn more.
Operation Topcat
Operation Topcat is proud to announce that they have been awarded a grant from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to alleviate suffering fro the abandoned, homeless and feral cats in our area through T.N.R (trap, neuter, release) and adoption programs. More information about Operation Topcat can be found online at www.operationtopcat.com. OT is always looking for people to volunteer their services. OT offers thanks to The Build-A-Bear Foundation for their generous grant and their continued interest in helping families and pets that need a helping paw. More information about their work can be found online at www.buildabear.com.
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.
News from Goin’ Postal Hampstead
• Santa Claus is coming to town
Goin’ Postal Hampstead will again be accepting “Letters to the North Pole!” In addition, the store owners, Leslie and Bob Servicky, have arranged for a special visit from Santa Claus on Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your camera to Goin’ Postal Hampstead for free photos with Santa.
• Shipping tips to save you money
Ship Early! Your shipping destination and the speed of which you need your package delivered will greatly influence shipping cost. A ground package shipped from North Carolina to California or anywhere on the west coast is transported by truck and generally takes one week to arrive. Time sensitive deliveries have guaranteed delivery dates and usually require transportation by air, which easily generates two to three times more in shipping charges. Also, adverse weather conditions in areas on the intended route will influence delivery times.
Ship early and save.
• Give and Receive — Superstorm Sandy Relief Effort
Make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross Superstorm Sandy Relief Effort at Goin’ Postal Hampstead and receive a cash voucher for holiday shipping.
Goin’ Postal Hampstead has been authorized by the Wilmington Chapter of the American Red Cross to be a collection site for the relief effort. You can help people affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your Gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. As their way of saying thank you, Goin’ Postal will give you a cash voucher for your holiday shipping.
Goin’ Postal Hampstead is located in the Oak Tree Center at 16717 Hwy 17N in Hampstead. Call 910.270.6184 or email hampstead@goinpostal.com for more information.
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: December 13: Kim Wexler, PAC. For more information, contact (910)515-1365. Stonebridge is located at 2778 Country Club Rd. in Hampstead.
Loss and the Holidays workshop
Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center Bereavement Services presents Loss and the Holidays, a one-sessionworkshop for adults experiencing grief during the holiday season to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Topsail Senior Center, 20959 U.S. 17 in Hampstead.
Grief group discussions include understanding the grief process, coping with loss, defining realistic expectations for the holidays, and suggestions for creating new holiday traditions. The workshop is free and donations are appreciated. Registration is required by calling 796-7991. Leave your name, phone number and indicate the specific location you wish to attend.
Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter is a nonprofit agency that provides health care and comfort to people with life-limiting illness, support and counseling to families, and education to the community in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.
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. (Class to resume Jan. 10)
Dance: Mondays, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. for age 3; 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. for ages 6 to 8.
Lego Club (Ages 5 to 9): Friday, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
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.
Yoga (Gentle): Sundays, 10 to 11 a.m.
Preschool Playtime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Wednesday, 6:15 to 7:15 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.
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.
Health Department Urges Residents to Make Flu Vaccination a Top Priority
(Onslow County) Less than half of Onslow County residents received a flu shot in 2010. While this was an increase over the 37 percent who received the vaccination in 2009, the Onslow County Health Department would like to increase that percentage even more.
“Our goal this year is to increase the number of people who are protected from the flu to at least 50 percent,” stated George O’Daniel, Onslow County Health Director.
“We already have seen a few cases of seasonal flu this fall, so it is not too early to protect yourself,” said State Health Director Laura Gerald. “We know that annual vaccination is the best defense against flu and this year’s vaccine appears to be a good match to the strains we expect to see this season.”
While even healthy people can develop serious complications from the flu, young children, pregnant women, people older than 65 years old, and those with chronic health conditions are generally at higher risk. According to Francine Reeves, Clinical Services Director at the Onslow County Health Department, “During 2010 alone, 15 people in Onslow County died from flu and pneumonia; four out of five of the deaths occurred in people over the age of 65.”
In addition to the vaccine, Reeves also recommends: Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly; Washing hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer; Staying home when you are sick until you are fever free for at least 24 hours.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has ordered more than 600,000 doses of vaccine to provide to local health departments and health care providers participating in the Vaccines for Children Program. The State, through the local health departments, is also offering free vaccines to college students and those in contact with infants under the age of 6 months – such as new parents, grandparents, and child care providers.
Flu immunizations are recommended for anyone over 6 months of age and are available as: Nasal sprays for healthy people two to 49 years of age who are not pregnant; Regular flu shots for children older than 6 months and adults; Intradermal flu shots for people 18 to 64 years of age. These shots are injected into the skin instead of the muscle and use smaller needles than regular flu shots; and High-dose flu shots for people 65 and older. These shots trigger the body to produce more antibodies against the flu virus.
To make getting the flu shot more convenient, the Onslow County Health Department is offering a late immunization clinic on Thursday evenings. Additionally, Health Department immunization staff will come to any business or organization that has at least 20 employees, clients, or patients who need the flu vaccine. Last year, the Onslow County Health Department administered over 500 flu shots at outreach clinics provided to local businesses, schools, and agencies in addition to the thousands of shots provided through its routine immunization clinics.
Flu shots are offered at the Onslow County Health Department to those who walk-in from 12:30 to 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday and from 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
For more information about the flu vaccine or to schedule an outreach immunization clinic, contact the Onslow County Health Department at 910-347-2154, ext. 3992.
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.
