Meetings
Stump Sound Masonic Lodge
The Stump Sound Masonic Lodge in Sneads Ferry invites the community to their meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. For more information, call 910.389.5969.
The Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library in Hampstead have just completed the 2012 year of events and fund-raising. FOL is now looking forward to 2013 and all efforts to support the library through the cost of covering magazines, children’s programs and book collection, large print books and additional assistance where needed to assure the library keeps to the highest standard. Due to retirements FOL has board openings and welcome any visitors to come and see what they are all about. The annual public meeting is Friday, March 1 at 9:15 a.m. at the Hampstead Library; however, FOL always welcomes guests to monthly meetings held on the first Friday of each month. For more information, call the library at 270-4603.
The Historical Society of Topsail Island
The Historical Society of Topsail Island welcomes guests and new members. Contact www.topsailislandhistoricalsociety.orgfor more information. For information about The Missiles and More Museum, contact Director Rose Peters at (910) 328-2488. The next luncheon meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.
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.
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.
Events and Celebrations
Topsail Chamber Lunch-n-Learn
The Chamber is lining up some great sessions — bring your lunch to the Topsail Chamber office and meet and converse with our speakers. Topics include social media, Spanish lessons, higher education and business performance culture. More details in the near future.
Race for the Cure
The popular, and well-attended Race for the Cure that is conducted annually in Raleigh is coming to Wilmington on March 2, 2013, and Surf City is assembling a team!
“To honor our colleague Jane Kirk, we have decided to assemble a team, as we continue to support Jane and others that have had to deal with breast cancer,” said Allan Libby, tourism director of The Welcome and Visitor Center in Surf City. “The name of the team is Kirk’s Cureminator’s and we are recreational walkers.”
If you would be interested in walking for a cause, information on the race may be found online at http://www.komennctc.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/race-information/. If you would like to join the team, visit http://nctc.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/DUR_NCTriangleAffiliate/1222981951?pg=team&fr_id=2873&team_id=244107.
“Thanks in advance for considering being a team member with Kirk’s Cureminators,” added Libby.
Cooperative Extension 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.
• If you would like to learn about gardening or landscaping in the area, ask your Cooperative Extension office about upcoming classes and learning opportunities. The Extension is currently determining what type of learning opportunities and resources are most needed in this area for the coming year. You can help by taking a brief survey to share your educational needs and preferences. The survey is available online at http://tinyurl.com/czox4gp, or call the Pender Extension office at 910-259-1235 to have a copy mailed to you.
Arts/ Exhibits
‘Send Us Your Best Shot!’
Send us your “Best Shots” of island life in the New Year! Send images, your name and captions to carrie.bryan@jdnews.com to be included in the next “Best Shot” showcase.
Sports
Topsail Girls Softball registration
Topsail Girls Softball of Hampstead will be holding registrations for the 2013 spring season on January 19 and 26 at Topsail Middle School gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Online registrations are open now at www.topsailgirlssoftball.com. For more information or if you have questions, email Topsail Girls Softball at tgso28443@yahoo.com
Volunteer
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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 7:30 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.
Lego Club (Ages 5 to 10): 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, 7:30 to 8:45 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.
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.
Tai Chi: Tuesdays through Feb. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.
Tai Chi: Thursdays through Feb. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12 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.
Yoga (Gentle): Wednesday, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Zumba: Tuesday, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Zumba: Wednesday, 7:15 to 8:15 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.
Surf City Community Center hours: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
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.
Mardi Gras Celebration
The Sneads Ferry Catholic Community invites you to attend their 8th annual Mardi Gras Celebration on Tuesday, February 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center, 126 Park Lane, Sneads Ferry.
Social hour will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by a potluck dinner with complimentary soft drinks. A DJ will provide music for dancing, and a 50/50 drawing will be held.
RSVP to Bunky Gallaher at 910-327-2652, or Helen Milliken at 910-327-3032 with the number in the party and the dish you will be bringing to the gala.
Faith Harbor UMC
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.
