Meetings
VFW Post 9983 Holly Ridge
• The next Concealed Carry Class is scheduled for January 19. 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
Paddles for People
Since its inception in October 2011, Up the Creek Paddle Club has been helping area residents in need of help with their medical bills through fundraising projects they call “Paddles for People.” Paddles for People invites local artists to transform wooden paddles into works of art to raise proceeds for medical cost assistance in the area. The club’s latest fundraiser will benefit Holly Ridge resident Robin Crouch, who has worked as a waitress at Main Sail Restaurant in Surf City for the past seven years. Last year Crouch was diagnosed with breast cancer and, without medical insurance, has since struggled to pay for medical bills.
How it works: Area businesses consent to put the paddle(s) on display next to a clipboard that allows for a month-long auction. Currently, two hand-painted paddles are on display and available for bidding at Mia’s Marketplace, located on Hwy. 50 in Surf City. Swing by Mia’s and place your bid to own a piece of local artwork and help a local resident in need while doing so! Bids on the two paddles will be accepted through the morning of Dec. 24, and then the highest bidder will be announced. All money raised will go directly to Crouch.
Up the Creek Paddle Club has already received much support from area businesses, and hopes to gain more support from artists and businesses to host auctions in the future. For more information about Paddles for People, call Carol Ross at 910-467-7967 or visit Dorothy Royal at Surf City Guns and Ammo, located at 103 Atkinson Point Rd.
Sneads Ferry Rotary gives help to community and “Food for a Year”
“Food for a Year” is the Rotary Club's current raffle fundraiser. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for college-bound Dixon High School students. The winning ticket entitles the bearer to a year of Food Lion gift cards as well as free meals offered by local restaurants. Tickets are available from any Sneads Ferry Rotary Club member.
Tickets for the raffle are $6; 2 for $10 and 3 for $20. The drawing for the “Food for a Year” is December 31. For more information about the Sneads Ferry Rotary club, visit their website www.sneadsferryrotary.com or contact Membership Chair Dotty Harding at dottyharding@yahoo.com.
The 12th annual Dolphin Dip Extravaganza! & 2nd annual 5K Dolphin Dip Dash!
Bigger and better than ever before — come and participate in what should be called “America's Biggest New Year's Day Swim Event.” More than 5,000 people attended the Dip last year, so don’t be left out in the cold. Aerial performers, a band of pirates, a band of Disney princesses and more will be on hand! Meet at Roland Ave. Beach Access in Surf City on January 1, 2013. The fun begins at 11 a.m. and the dip is at noon! Wear your bathing suit or a costume — prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes! For more information, visit dolphindip.net.
“The goal of the Dolphin Dip Foundation is simple. On New Years Day we bring people together to celebrate life. Cleanse the soul with a quick dip in Mother Ocean. Challenge yourself both mentally and physically. Overcome doubt, worry and fear. You achieve. You help yourself. You help others.”
• Dolphin Dip Dash 5K Beach Run
Successfully debuting last year, the Dolphin Dip Dash 5K is back! The Beach Run will take place at noon on Sunday, Dec. 30. The race will be run entirely on the beach! All runners are welcome to participate, as the event is a kid-friendly, walker-friendly event. Proceeds from both events will benefit Hope for the Warriors. For more race information, visit www.dolphindip.net. You can sign up online or the day of the event.
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
‘Send Us Your Best Shot!’
Send us your “Best Shots” of island life for November and December! Send images, your name and captions to carrie.bryan@jdnews.com to be included in the next “Best Shot” showcase.
Sports
Nominees sought for Class of 2013 Sports Hall of Fame
The Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is seeking nominations for the 2013 Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 2002 to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the sporting community while in Onslow County as an athlete, coach or special contributor.
Recipients will be formally recognized at the annual Hall of Fame dinner, scheduled to take place Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Jacksonville Country Club. Past recipients include former Notre Dame Head Coach Tyrone Willingham, Armed Forces Boxing Champion Roosevelt Sanders, and Thomas McGee, legendary Athletic Director at Lejeune High School, among many others.
Nomination information can be found online at http://www.jacksonvilleonslowsports.org/HoFNominationForm.pdf. Nominations will be accepted at the office of the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission, located in the Commerce Center, until the end of the day on Monday, December 31, 2012.
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.
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.
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
Adopt a family for Christmas
Mama J’s Helping Hand needs your help! Some families are in need for Christmas. Can you help? Needed are gift cards to Walmart, Target, Toys R US, cash, etc. Call Mama J’s at 910-327-1302 for an updated list of specifics that are needed. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy 172 in Sneads Ferry. Email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.
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 selling ads for the 2013 Discover Topsail Area Guide. Call the Topsail Chamber at 910-329-4446 to learn more. The deadline approaches!
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
• 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
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): Thursday, 6 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): Tuesday, 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.
Pi-Yo: Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Class to resume on Jan. 12)
Power Yoga: Thursdays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Preschool Playtime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Strengthening & Conditioning, Thursday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Class starts Jan. 9)
Tai Chi: Tuesdays in January only, 6 to 7 p.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Sundays, 10 to 11 a.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Yoga (Gentle): Tuesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (First class is Jan. 8)
Yoga (Gentle): Wednesday, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Zumba: Tuesday, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. (Class resumes on Jan. 8)
Zumba: Wednesday, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. (Class starts on Jan. 9)
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.
Church News
Sneads Ferry Bible Study and Prayer Meeting
There will be a non-denominational Bible Study and Prayer Meeting on January 22, 2013 at 232 Everett Drive (in Chadwick Shores) at 7 pm. Speaker will be Rev. David Stahl an international Bible teacher, multi-book author, and founder of Beholding His Glory Ministries. Pastor Dave will be sharing part six of a nine-part series on prayer. Snacks, cake and coffee provided. RSVP by January 15, 20l3 by calling (910)741-0489.
Faith Harbor Holds Christmas Eve Service
You are invited to worship with Faith Harbor UMC on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Check FHUMC’s website for more information for upcoming events this advent season.
Celebrate Recovery invites the community to join together every Saturday night for a meal, worship and small group ministry. If you want freedom from life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits we encourage you to check out Celebrate Recovery. Meals are served at 6 p.m. followed by worship and group gatherings.
Faith Harbor United Methodist Church invites the community to worship and celebrate every Sunday. Come meet Minister Duke Lackey. The church is located on the mainland side of the swingbridge in Surf City with services at 8 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. For more information call 328-4422 or www.faithharborumc.org.
HUMC’s Special Holiday Festivities
Hampstead United Methodist Church invites everyone in our community to come and enjoy one of their candlelight Christmas Eve services at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Holy Communion will be served and the cantata choir will sing of Jesus’ birth. Bring your family and friends and share in these blessed events!
HUMC is located approximately one mile north of the Food Lion shopping center, next to Farm Bureau Ins. Co. Call 270-4648 or visit www.hampsteadumc.org for more information.
For Your Information
Lost Dog in the area
HELP! Hey friends, particularly those in the Holly Ridge/ Sneads Ferry/ Folkstone area, one of Bally’s pups, Roxanne (Ziva to us), jumped a fence Saturday night in the Old Folkstone Rd. area (near the garbage dump) and has not been found since. She lives on Tar Landing Road. She is six months old and very friendly with a fawn/black mask and four white tipped paws. She has an orange collar with no tags. If you see her please catch her and alert anytime: Janet Kee Hobbs at 910-329-0648 or Stephanie Ottaway at 910-470-3603.
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.
