cat - tales - St. James POA

SM
CAT - TALES
Volume 23 || Issue 4 | April 2016
Contributors
Michael Anselmo
Bill Bell
Lou Bruno
Jim Carey
Audrey Connolly
Kathy Crispino
Susan Dade
Sharon Eisele
Beth Erskine
Hertha Essman
Jack Eyler
Linda Eyler
JoAnn Franklin
Keith Green
Virginia Hamill
Fj Harmon
Teri Harrison
Jerry Iverson
Tom Jividen
Joe Kennedy
Nancy Leoncavallo
Kathleen McGowan
Rich Mina
Sis Mitchell
John Muuss
Chris Nicholas
Janet Parillo
Joe Pedone
Stuart Pike
Roberta Pukala
Judy Rubin
Larry Schafer
Meg Sears
Ron Smith
Mary Helen Turek
Jessica Vest
Tom Woods
17
Southport Songwriter
Festival
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What's Inside?
Staff
President’s Column
Youth Fishing Derby
It’s a Gator Gathering
SJFD: Accidental Falls
Siblings Day
St. James Blood Drive
It’s a Bug's Life
Military Appreciation Day
St. James Needlers
SJ POA Activities Committee
St. James Construction Report
Brunswick Concert Band
Local Outings with Grandchildren
Trending in Book Clubs
Wounded Warrior Project
SJSC Annual Flea Market
SJSC Charity Bridge Tournament
Downton Abbey at St. James
Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk
Facebook – What’s Not to “Like”
Artisans Corner
Hosting Gator Games
Coastal Corvette Society
Behind the Scenes
Gardening Tips
Seneca Guns
Editors
21
Brunswick County
Growth Framework
33
Linda Eyler
Arthur Hill
Associate Editors
Bill Allen
Judy Caruso
Susan Edwards
Betty Lewis
Paul Maguire
Sue Maguire
Photo Editor
John Muuss
Communications
Chair (POA)
Linda Eyler
Printer/Advertising
Coastal Printing & Graphics
Melody Bellamy
910-754-5929
[email protected]
Please email photos, articles and
comments to [email protected]
Submit address changes to POA
SJTA: Play for Owen
Southport Sweet Tea
by Susan Dade
Cat-Tales is published monthly by the St. James Plantation Property Owners Association (POA) of St. James, North Carolina to communicate
information of interest to its property owners. Reproduction in whole or parts is prohibited without permission from the publisher (POA). The
views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect that of the POA. Per the POA communications policy, the POA does
not endorse commercial products or services, and does not publish advertorial or political and religious belief articles.
President's Column
In last month’s article, I provided
data on the current status and
forecast for the number of
properties and houses within St.
James Plantation. As a result of that
article, I have received a number
of questions on population growth
— current status and an estimate at
“build out.”
Since data on all properties are
included in our “Property and
Member Database” (PMD), the
current status forecast is fairly
easy to report. But an analysis
of population growth is a little
more challenging. A good starting
point is to analyze our history of
population trends.
Historical Population
Data
When I arrived at St. James in
2003, there were about 1,000
residents — not many more than
the 804 people documented in
the 2000 U.S. Census. In 2003, the
North Carolina state demographer
estimated the population of St.
James to be only 857 residents.
The Town of St. James (TOSJ)
believed this estimate was too low.
TOSJ wanted the total corrected,
since it affected the distribution to
St. James of local option sales tax
(LOST) revenue, which is based on
population.
The TOSJ then chartered and paid
for a “special census,” completed in
June 2004, resulting in a population
count of 1,831. Another “special
census” was conducted in 2007 for
a total of 2,690 residents.
Jerry Iverson,
St. James Plantation POA
The 2010 decennial census
documented a population of
3,165. The North Carolina State
Demographics branch used this
as a baseline to make population
estimates in July of each of the
following years: 2011– 3,370; 2012
– 3,604; 2013 – 3,948; 2014 – 4,409.
These numbers resulted in a yearover-year increase of 7-12 percent,
with approximately a 40 percent
increase from 2010 to 2014. That’s
rapid growth!
Projected Population
Based on the historical data
above and a projected growth
rate of 10 percent per year, the
estimated population of TOSJ, as
of December 31, 2015, was 5,000
– 5,200. Since we have solid data
on homes built, we can determine
the average number of people per
housing units – 1.7 people per
unit as of December 2015. In the
special census taken in 2004 and
2007, the number was 1.4 to 1.5.
This density has always been less
than 2.0, due to part-time residents,
vacant homes, lack of families with
children and other factors.
By using the factor of 1.7 people
per housing unit and extrapolating
out to 2030 based on 5,200 housing
units, the population at “build out”
is estimated at slightly less than
9,000 residents. If that factor is
increased to 2.0 persons
per household, the population
at “build-out” is estimated to be
slightly more than 10,000 residents.
POA Guest Speaker
Program
On February 18, more than 130
St. James’ friends and neighbors
attended the POA Open
Information Meeting (OIM).
This was a significant increase
over any OIM held in the past
year. The primary reason for this
surge in attendance was our Guest
Speaker Program. Ann Hardy, the
Brunswick Community Manager,
made a 30-minute presentation on
the roles and responsibilities of our
county government and specific
programs of interest to St. James
residents.
We initiated the Guest Speaker
Program in May 2015 with our first
guest — Sheriff John Ingram. In
September 2015, Randy Gideon,
vice president of the Brunswick
Nuclear Plant, joined us to explain
plant operations. Our future plans
include another visit from Sheriff
Ingram, a representative from the
North Carolina Department of
Transportation to talk about the
NC 211 Four-Lane Project, and our
district representative to the North
Carolina Legislature.
Please join us for the next monthly
OIM on April 21.
Page 3
Page 3
SAVE THE DATE!
St. James Youth
Fishing Derby –
Saturday, July 2
Once again, the St. James Youth Fishing Derby,
sponsored by the Fishing Club, will take place
Saturday, July 2 at Woodlands Park pond.
The derby is open to property owners’ children
and grandchildren, ages 2-14. Enjoy a memorable
morning by celebrating the world of fishing and
watching these kids catch a fish and compete for
prizes. Everyone will be a winner as each child
will receive recognition for participating.
Registration starts April 15 on a first-come basis.
Watch for announcements in the community
e-newletters and more details on the fishing club’s
website, www.stjamesfishingclub.org.
The smiles will say it all.
By Ron Smith
Building St. James, one home at a time!
Your custom home from True North Building Company will be
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Page 4
It’s a Gator
Gathering
Spring has sprung. Warm days are here, plants are
blooming and fish are getting frisky.
Something else is back — alligator mississippienses.
Golfers at Founders probably have noticed their
buddy is back, guarding the green on 14.
Now we resume the delicate relationship between
our largest reptile neighbor and us. Here’s a short
refresher on these beautiful creatures — their
habits, their diets and some commonsense rules on
coexisting with them.
This living dinosaur has inhabited the earth for more
than 180 million years. Clearly, they were here first.
North Carolina serves as the upper geographical
limit for alligators. Because of our cooler
temperatures, our alligators are smaller and slower
growing — about three inches per year, topping out
at 10 feet on average.
Their diet includes just about anything in or near
the water. Fish are a relatively small portion of the
adult’s diet, which includes mammals, birds, turtles
and reptiles. Adults eat about once a week, or less.
They’re cold-blooded and can go several years
between meals. Most of us can’t make it from lunch
to dinner without a snack.
What to do when an alligator decides to inhabit your
pond or snooze on your lawn? The only practical
way to keep an alligator off your property is to create
a physical barrier — fencing, retaining wall, rip rap,
etc.
For the most part, we coexist pretty well. Alligators
are naturally secretive and shy and are more
afraid of you than the reverse. However, a gator
that exhibits threatening behavior may need to
be relocated. Contact the POA with your concern,
but because they’re a protected species in North
Carolina, only a Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC) representative can make that decision.
Here are some commonsense rules on living with
this creature:
n Never feed alligators. The last thing you want
is for them to associate you with dinner.
n Be cautious between dusk and dawn, when
alligators are active.
n Never let children or pets swim or play
unattended where alligators may be present.
n Never approach an alligator, even if that
was a new golf ball. Alligators can sprint
remarkably fast for short distances.
n Do not dispose of fish scraps or other food
waste in a pond.
"Smart and Affordable Luxury
Finally, enjoy this true miracle of nature. Remember,
you moved into his neighborhood. He’s just being
polite allowing you to stay here.
By Tom Jividen, POA Ponds Committee
Editors’ note: The author credits the NCWRC
(www.ncwildlife.org) for its publication, “Coexist
with Alligators,” and the www.HowStuffWorks.com
website section “How Alligators Work.”
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Page 5
What to Do
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Page 6
Accidental Falls and You
St. James
Fire Department
The St. James Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responds to a significant
number of at-home falls. Late evening and early morning are prime times for falls that result in
injuries and calls to 911.
Residents can avoid falls by following a few safe practices and simple steps:
•
Be balanced before you move. If you have balance issues, consider arranging furniture
to create clear paths for walking and to provide support if necessary. Also, rest while sitting on the side of the bed if you need to take a walk in the middle of your sleep time. Taking a moment allows blood to be distributed before you stand up, preventing dizziness.
•
Remove hazards such as throw rugs and carpet runners that may cause tripping.
•
Wear sensible footwear in and around the home. Socks and slippers may have
slippery soles and can increase the risk of falling.
•
Don't walk in the dark, even if you think you know where you’re going. Adequate lighting, especially at night, can help prevent falls.
•
Recognize when you need mobility equipment, such as a cane or walker to keep you safe — and use it faithfully.
•
Install grab bars in strategic places, particularly in bathrooms.
•
Consider an emergency alert button if you live alone.
•
Ask for help when you need it.
EMS always is available to help provide safe movement, such as getting from a car to your home
following a medical procedure that affects mobility. There are, however, rules we are legally
required to follow. Do not call the fire station or the front gate. You must call 911, tell the operator
that it’s a non-emergency call, and explain the situation. The 911 operator will page us to come —
without lights and sirens — to assist you.
The only good fall is the one that doesn’t happen. So heed these suggestions and be careful.
By Bill Bell
Knox Box Follow-Up
Our article in the March issue of Cat-Tales focused on Knox Boxes
and their primary use as a security device. But there’s more to know
about a Knox Box, as first responders recently discovered. The
responders entered the home, using the key they found in the Knox
Box. They also discovered the homeowner was a thorough planner.
Other items in the Knox Box included a Vial of Life medical and drug
information sheet; points of contact and next of kin; and instructions
on how to manage the deceased, should that be the case.
By Jim Carey
Page 3
Page 7
“Siblings are the people we
practiced on, the people who taught
us about fairness and cooperation
and kindness and caring–quite
often the hard way.”
THE HEFFERNANS
(l-r) Bill, Marge Cusick, Dan, Mike, Mary and Tom
(2006)
(l-r) Dan, Bill, Mary, Marge, Tom and Mike (VW for
eight, 1968)
Page 8
— Pamela Dugdale
(l-r) Susan Phillips, Charlene Snyder, Connie Materna
Kaiser (2015)
(l-r) Sheryl Fruhwirth Hohensee, Marcia Fruhwirth
West, John Fruhwirth, Cindy Fruhwirth Moore and Bill
Fruhwirth (2015)
(l-r) Marcia Laundy, Pam Collins and John Geiger
(2014)
(l-r) Jayme, Lee, Fred, Paul and Pat de Barros (2008)
(l-r) Don Paxton, Judy Paxton Wolk and David Paxton
(1952)
(l-r) Don Forhane, Patricia Hanson, Ed and Joan
Forhane (2015)
(l-r) Don and Ron Collins (2014)
(l-r) Ann Didonato and Ellen Ashooh (2015)
Page
39
Page
Page 9
Photos by John Muuss
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Page 10
877.454.0460
Beneficial bugs perform valued pollination and pest control services. But they
need food and shelter. Before applying chemicals in your garden to get rid of
pest insects, check to see if you have these good guys; they may be taking
care of the problem naturally.
You can order beneficial insects — such as ladybugs, praying mantis and
nematodes — inexpensively and online. However, you need a suitable habitat
that keeps them thriving in your yard. Otherwise, don’t take it personally when
some fly or march to your neighbor’s yard.
Research preferred plants and living conditions. Overall, beneficial insects like
plants from the Apiaceae (aromatic plants with hollow stems) and Asteraceae
(flowers with composite leaves) families. Apiaceae plants include celery,
carrot, dill, fennel, milkweed, parsley, cilantro, butterfly weed and yarrow.
Asteraceae plants include cosmos, echinacea, sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds,
alyssums, daisies, roses and bee balm.
Ladybugs. These hungry hunters — larva and adult — can consume each
day up to 50 times their weight in aphids, mites and mealybugs.
Praying Mantis. This “adored” and charming insect is a general predator of
most pest insects — mites, insect eggs or any other insect in reach.
Predatory Bugs. Many predatory bugs consume caterpillars, aphids and
other soft-bodied pest insects. They have appropriate bug names such as
pirate, ambush, assassin, soldier and big-eyed.
Nematodes. Beneficial nematodes (microscopic roundworms) kill more than
200 species of pest insects in the soil, with no detrimental effect on other
species such as ladybugs and earthworms. Nematodes are shipped in a
formulation that you mix with water and spray into your soil and lawn.
Bees and Wasps. These insects do most of the pollination for flowers,
vegetables and fruits. Most species ignore you as they search for nectar
unless frightened when home and young are threatened.
Some parasitic wasps (and tachinid flies) inject their eggs into host pest
insects, including moth and beetle larvae and aphids. The host dies once the
larvae develops.
If you grow tomatoes, you may get those voracious, camouflaged, lime-green
hornworm caterpillars. Leave in place any stationary caterpillar with white ricelike capsules (the eggs) that will later hatch a new generation of beneficial
insects.
Butterflies and their Larvae (Caterpillars). The benefit of caterpillars is that
they morph into beautiful butterflies, but to do so they need to eat plant leaves.
Consult a reference with pictures and preferred food of butterflies and their
larvae. For example, monarch butterfly larvae only eat leaves from milkweed
plants, which grow well here. Its butterfly looks for nectar-producing plants and
also may drink from mushy slices of banana, oranges and watermelon.
Enjoy the many good perks of beneficial insects by being a helpful landlord.
By Linda Eyler
Photos by Jack Eyler
Page 3
Page 11
SAVE THE DATE
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY - GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 9
The Richard H. Stewart Jr. American Legion Post 543 will host the 10th Annual Military Appreciation
Day Golf Tournament on July 9. The tournament will begin with a shotgun
start at 8 a.m. on all 27 holes of the Members Club course. A reception and
lunch at the club will take place after the tournament.
Watch for registration and fee information in future announcements.
This event is a major fundraiser for the many programs American Legion
Post 543 supports to serve veterans and active duty personnel. For example,
Post 543 has joined the Sons of the American Legion Squad 503, the
Military Officers Association of America and Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis
Club to support Partnership for American Veterans Employment (PAVE) at
Brunswick Community College (BCC).
PAVE supports an institutional work-study program that helps veterans.
Many veterans attend BCC using the GI Bill; however, some also need
additional resources to supplement their living expenses. This project helps
reduce stress for veterans by funding this work-study program, which in turn
gives them real-life experience in the civilian work place.
Post 543 also helped fund a lounge/study room for veterans transitioning to civilian life through
the education benefits provided by BCC. Veterans use the lounge to relax, study, do homework
and enjoy the company of other veterans while waiting for their next class.
By Joe Kennedy
Page 12
PURL AND CHAIN
The St. James Needlers began about four years
ago, after several of its eventual members attended
a knitting class at Duck, Duck, Goose to learn
or refresh our knitting and crocheting skills.
Afterwards, a group of 25 or so ladies decided to
continue conversations, learning from one another
and enjoying the get-togethers with our yarn and
needles.
The Needlers gather at the community center in
a dedicated room twice a month — the second
and fourth Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Most members
are St. James residents, but others are welcome to
join. We’re not a formal club and have no dues or
obligations.
In the past, the members have usually worked on
their own projects. Members have and continue
to contribute their handwork to “Blankets with
Love” in Caswell Beach. They also make tiny hats
for newborns.
Each of us added her own touches in terms of
colors, bows, yarn buttons and scarves. Because
the bears are for young children, we limited
embellishments to items that wouldn’t become
choking hazards.
We’ll continue to make bears for Novant Hospital’s
“Compassionate Care Closet” and perhaps other
items as needed. We’ll also continue pursuing
our goals to learn more about our craft through
shared knowledge and patterns and participation
in community projects. Above all, we’ll share our
friendship and our love of playing with knitting
and crochet needles.
By Nancy Leoncavallo and Audrey Connolly
Photos by Kathy Crispino
Recently, Natalie Clark, the volunteer coordinator
with Novant Hospital, contacted Linde Johnson,
our skilled and fearless leader, asking whether
the group would be interested in making small
teddy bears for children in the hospital who are
experiencing stressful situations.
The group seized this opportunity to take part
in a fun and worthwhile project. Knitters and
crocheters found patterns, members and friends
of members, including Susan Sturgill, donated
yarn, and off we went.
(l-r) Front: Annetta Clark, Maureen Sheehy and Lorraine
Sylvester; Back: Linde Johnson, Karen Audette, Audrey
Connolly, Nancy Leoncavallo, Chris Wantuck, Diane
Dewing, Rosalie Stern and Jean Salt
Page 3
Page 13
St. James POA Activities Committee
BOWLING FUN
The 2016 Bowling Event was held once again at
Planet Fun in Shallotte. Following a BBQ of slowcooked ribs and fried chicken, the real fun began.
Newcomers and long-time residents shared gutter
balls and some surprising strikes. Keep this event
in mind for next year. It’s a great way to relax with
old and new friends.
MURDER MYSTERY EVENT
It’s been two years since the last murder in St.
James! So the Activities Committee brought
back Murder Mystery Night with a theme, “Beach
Property to Die For.” A dastardly timeshare broker
was bilking people out of their hard-earned money,
setting the stage for murder. During performances
on two nights in early March, approximately 250
St. James residents enjoyed a delicious meal at
Members Club while actively helping solve the
whodunit. We’re happy to report that the amateur
sleuths didn’t let the culprit get away with murder.
St. James is a safe haven once again.
ANNUAL STREET DANCE
Kick off the summer at the annual Street Dance
featuring the band Runaway Train, whose tunes will
get you up and moving. The dance will be Tuesday,
May 10, at the Founders Club parking lot from
5:30-9 p.m. with a rain date of Wednesday, May 11.
Bring your own chairs, food and bug spray, and join
friends and neighbors for an evening of dancing in
the moonlight. The Clubs will sell wine and beer for
cash only.
Tickets are $5 per person and include the state
entertainment tax. Tickets go on sale at the
community center April 6 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and
again April 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Make checks
payable to St. James POA. There’s no limit on the
number of tickets you may purchase. Contact Judy
Ruth for additional information at beachglass512@
gmail.com.
By Sis Mitchell
Photos by John Muuss
Page 14
Your personal financial goals
deserve a personal approach
Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in.
I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help
you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your
progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help
get you where you want to go.
BETH A. NELSON,
CFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, MBA
Financial Advisor
Merrick & Lohff
A financial advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
8509 E. Oak Island Dr, Unit 2
Oak Island, NC 28465
910.616.8232
[email protected]
ameripriseadvisors.com/
beth.nelson
Investment advisory products and services are made available through
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (7/14)
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Page 3
Page 15
ST. JAMES
CONSTRUCTION REPORT
FEBRUARY 2016
Improved Properties
2972 Unimproved Properties 1726
2015 Improved Properties 2905
Total Current Properties 4698
Presents
Note: Includes ACC and non-ACC (e.g., SeaSide) approved construction
ACC ACTIONS
Approved
Not Approved
Totals
Preliminary/Appeals
Applications:
Action Types
0
0
0
New Construction
8
13
21
New Construction Change
Requests
7
2
9
Existing Home Modifications
29
2
31
6
2
8
New Construction- Others
44
3
47
Landscape/Pond Plans
8
5
13
*Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College
New Construction
8
0
8
Modifications
4
0
4
*Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Ocean Isle Beach Park Amphitheater, 6483 Old Georgetown Rd
Submissions:
New Construction
Re-submissions
Conductors: Tom Smicklas and Michael Stringer
Final Inspections:
TOTALS
114
27
141
*Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Winding River Plantation
www.brunswickbands.org
“Brunswick Bands North Carolina”
Member of The Association of Concert Bands
* The concerts are free; donations are gratefully accepted and help support the band and our Music Students Assistance Program
Live Richly.
You’ve Earned It.
•
Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding Fathers wrote:
“wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” In
harmony with this thought, we encourage our clients to
enjoy the wealth they worked so hard to build. We want
them to protect it of course, but not squander it. We urge
them to live richly; to enjoy the golden years of retirement.
In the end, true wealth is not about money, but about the
experiences we share with those we love.
Call us at (910) 470-6280 or
visit www.blackbridgeofsouthport.com
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Advice offered through Independent Advisor Alliance,
a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance and
Blackbridge Financial are separate entities.
Page 16
BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE SONG AT A TIME
This month, the ScreenDoor Songwriter Alliance is
presenting the second annual Southport Songwriter
Festival (S2f) — a nonprofit event showcasing more
than 35 songwriters and their music from around the
nation.
On the festival’s last day, gospel, spiritual, and rhythm
and blues groups, celebrating diversity and roots in
spiritual music, will perform “Songs of the Spirit” at
the Southport Community Building.
The purpose of S2f, scheduled Monday, April 18 and
Friday-Sunday, April 22-24, is to use songwriting
to bridge the differences between people, build
community and support songwriters and songwriting
as art and a profession.
Last year, St. James musician Mike Haase, along
with festival founder and director Louisa Branscomb,
composed and performed the original festival song.
This year, accomplished resident Susan Dade
created the artwork. “We hope to involve more
children and more diversity in musical influences and
fans this year,” says Branscomb.
Monday, a songwriter workshop, followed by a
Nashville-style round concert in the evening, will kick
off the festival.
The Howard Family, Mike Haase and Louisa Branscomb
performing 2015 festival theme song
“Music is the universal language, and songs have
the power to cross individual differences to bring
people together” said Branscomb. “We believe that
if everyone goes home with one song that touched
them, or one new friend, or a little renewed inspiration,
then we will have done what we set out to do.”
To get the complete schedule and ticket costs visit the
website at www.SouthportSongwriterFestival.com or
stop by Ricky Evans Gallery.
(l-r) Jeanette Williams, Louisa Branscomb and Johnny
Williams
A collaboration of six distinguished players will inspire
you at the Friday evening “Full Moon Blues by the
Bay” concert hosted by the Southport Marina.
Saturday’s 12-5 p.m. event, the “Front Porch
Song Stroll,” will showcase the many songwriters/
musicians performing on nearby Southport porches.
One porch will host young musicians from South
Brunswick High School.
Nationally renowned songwriters and their bands
will perform Saturday night’s “Take Five Premier
Concert” at the Southport Marina. Music will include
jazz, bluegrass and blues-infused and contemporary
Americana.
Susan Dade's festival artwork
By Kathleen McGowan and Meg Sears
Photos by Keith Green
Page 3
Page 17
We sell Kayaks
and SUPs!
Perception and Hurricane Aqua Sport Kayaks,
Invert SUPs, Yakima Kayak racks and more! Stop by our
retail shop and check out all the cool kayak gear.
15 Years
g
n
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t
a
r
ture
b
n
e
e
l
Ce f Adv
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Tours • Lessons • Rentals
Historic Southport
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Page 18
Grandparents
Enjoy the Moment
with Local Outings
The grandchildren are coming, and you’re
excited. But there’s always the question,
“What are we going to do?”
St. James grandparents shared their answers with
stories of local adventures.
Nancy Faulkner’s lucky grandkids had a great time
jumping around on trampolines at Defy Gravity
Trampoline Park in Wilmington. The kids are
6-14 years old, and the park has activities for all of
them. “They had so much fun, and so did we, just
watching them,” she said, adding the foam pits
in the rear of the building “were very cool, with all
kinds of athletic skills involved.”
The Faulkners also enjoyed a trip to North Myrtle
Beach’s Alligator Adventure, one of the world’s
largest reptile facilities, which features live reptile
and exotic animal exhibits and shows.
Others also look to Myrtle Beach for recreation.
When grandsons visit, “Myrtle Beach is a must,”
says Pam Kelliher. Last summer, Pam, her
husband John, and their grandkids hit the road
for a full-day trip. After a stop at a pancake house,
they visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Pam was
a little concerned about age appropriateness,
but it turned out well for both boys.
They particularly
enjoyed the revolving
tunnel and dancing
in the dark room with
disco lights.
The day ended at
the Pirate’s Voyage
Dinner and Show,
featuring pirates
swinging from the
ceiling, shooting
guns and falling
into the water.
Emma at the
Southport Te
ahouse
“The kids really love it!” Pam said. Before
the performance, pirates mingle with the
audience and pose for pictures. Dinner is
kid-friendly barbecued chicken and corn-onthe-cob. “We’re looking forward to repeating
this trip during their next visit,” she said.
Mary Lynn Meissner and her grandkids
checked out Shallotte River Swamp Park,
an eco park at Ocean Isle Beach, featuring
“the longest tallest zip line course on the
coast,” a tree top aerial ropes challenge
course, swamp boat tours and nature trails.
Southport Tea House is where Joanne
Tucker goes for girls-only time with her
daughter Alison, and granddaughter Emma.
“We go at least three times a year to
celebrate our birthdays, as well as Mother’s
Day,” she says. Emma is well known there,
and she loves the shortbread cookies and
scones. It’s a special atmosphere, complete
on a pillow to reach the table, her iced tea
is served in a teapot and she sips from a
experience for little ladies — as well as
ladies that still enjoy tea parties.
For a very local experience, Mike Kiel
says the St. James Firehouse can’t be
beat. “The tour was educational for my
By Sharon Eisele
Page 3
Page 19
Page 3
Page 41
Logan Homes Design Studio
60 Gregory Rd, Suite 1
Belville, NC 28451
Connect with us!
800.761.4707
I
LoganHomes.com
Void where prohibited. Home features described and depicted herein are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artists renderings. Some items illustrated or pictured are
optional and are at an additional cost. Dimensions are approximate. Home and customer-speciic, detailed drawings and speciications will be furnished to each customer as part of
their builder contract. Floor plans/elevations are subject to change without notice. © Logan Homes 2013
BC117_794_CatTails_Layout 1 11/11/15 11:00 AM Page 1
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Page 20
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JWB, Inc. - an independent franchise
Carved from blue sky and dreams, real estate has made Brunswick
County a community of communities. St. James, and towns like it, are fueling the
county’s economy. In 2014, nearly 2,200 residential and 800 commercial building
permits generated almost $750 million.
But housing isn’t the only bright spot in the county’s economic future. During
a session of Leadership Brunswick County, speakers representing the Tourism
Development Authority, the county’s Economic Development Commission,
Brunswick Community College (BCC) and the North Carolina State Ports
Authority outlined a three-pronged effort of economic development, workforce
development and tourism.
Brunswick
County’s
Framework
for Growth
In 2015, tourism generated $51.94 million for the Brunswick islands. The county’s
Tourism Development Authority received almost 116,000 website inquiries
for golf and vacation destinations, tallied 731,241 page views, hosted 12 travel
writers, generated 103 media placements that reached nearly 149 million people,
and produced a new wedding guide. The small staff of three has an operating
budget of around $1.3 million, the result of a one-percent occupancy tax from
short-term rental houses and hotel rooms.
BCC Leland Center supports economic growth through customized training. If
an expanding company has six employees who need specialized training, BCC
will design a curriculum, find a trainer and offer the class — plus incorporate
company suggestions.
Last year, the Small Business Center hosted 53 entrepreneurship events, attracted
459 attendees with 75 distinct clients, spent more than 370 counseling hours
with small business owners and helped nine new businesses get started.
In January, the Brunswick Business and Industry Incubator opened for business.
BCC hopes to create as many as 20 jobs in light manufacturing or warehouse
distribution within the next two years. To reach that goal, the incubator offers
three manufacturing bays, free business guidance, counseling, and seminars, as
well as access to room, equipment, and personnel resources.
Ships from every corner of the world dock at ports in Wilmington and Morehead
City. North Carolina is the No. 1 producer of sweet potatoes, the No. 2 producer
of apples, pork and turkey, and the fifth-largest producer of poultry. That’s why a
cold-storage facility for all that protein is under construction in Wilmington. The
Ports Authority also is working with Brunswick County to build a distribution
center.
Under the authority of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the
ports made $44 million last year, moved 297,000 containers, and sustained jobs
for 2,000 workers. Ships that are triple the size of vessels that have frequented
state ports in the past will begin arriving this year, and expectations are that the
container business will double.
If the definition of economic development is attraction of companies to the
area, retention and expansion of businesses and creation of jobs from within,
then Brunswick County has a framework for growth.
By JoAnn Franklin
Editors’ Note: JoAnn Franklin is enrolled in a leadership class at BCC. This article is
another in a series outlining her class experiences and the relevance of the course to St. James
residents.
Page 3
Page 21
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Page 22
- TRENDING IN BOOK CLUBS Babes with Books
cozied up in January with
“The Japanese Lover,” by Isabel Allende. This book sparked
plenty of discussion. Members felt the story, finely crafted
and technically well written, fell short of a love story, and
was more about growing older. Two subjects I never have
understood. The Babes also tackled “The Forgotten Garden,”
by Kate Morton. A good read, but the book had a firstchapter information dump and which sparked discussions
on incest and where in the country the tale occurred.
Babes, Books and Beach has been going
strong for 10 years, and members describe their selections as
eclectic. They enjoyed and recommend “The Aviator’s Wife”
by Melanie Benjamin (Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s story —
they loved it — “A Gift From the Sea” by Anne Morrow
Lindbergh (enriching book), “The Lotus Eaters” by Tatjan
Soli (a Vietnam-era photojournalist), “Dead Wake” by Eric
Larsen (sinking of the Lusitania), and “The Girls of Atomic
City” (no, not St. James, it's about the Manhattan Project) by
Denise Kiernan.
Bodacious Bookies read “Go Set a Watchman,”
by Harper Lee. They now understand why the original
publisher sent it back for reworking and gave it a thumbs
down. Thumbs up, on the other hand, for Daniel James
Brown’s “Boys in the Boat,” as well as Lee’s “To Kill a
Mockingbird” (stimulating lots of discussion). Also, mixed
reviews for “The Husband’s Secret,” by Liane Moriarty
(interesting characters, just slow in parts), and “The Girl on
the Train,” by Paula Hawkins (uneven writing but interesting
ending).
Fortune, Truth, & Faith in the New China,” by Evan Osnos,
which presents a modern view of individual thinking in
modern China.
Women of Words (WOW) read three books
they felt were great discussion topics, and which they all loved
and thought were beautifully written with well-developed
characters. The first was “Necessary Lies,” by Diane
Chamberlain (historical fiction where social worker confronts
state-mandated sterilization). Second was “Ordinary Grace,”
by William Kent Krueger (told through the eyes of a 13-yearold boy whose life is changed by a mysterious death). Last
was “The Nightingale,” by Kristen Hannah, a touching story
about two sisters and their struggles with love, life and World
War II.
Wordsworth Book Club has been busy, too.
Members also read “Go Set a Watchman,” and enjoyed
lively discussions on this book. They read “When you were
Older,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which is a different take on
the attacks of 9/11. And they enjoyed Ken Follett’s “Edge
of Eternity,” about a man pulled into the hereafter while still
alive.
“Trending” now is a bi-monthly feature of Cat-Tales. We
look forward to hearing from more book clubs, your reads,
and what you did or didn’t like about your books. Send news
of your book club to [email protected] with “Book
Club” in the subject line.
By Fj Harmon
St. James History Book Club read “The
Wright Brothers,” by David McCullough, about two
untrained men who had a vision and went to great lengths
to achieve it. They also tackled, “Age of Ambition, Chasing
Page 3
Page 23
PRIVATE BEACH CLUB
MARINA
MILES OF TRAILS
CLUBS & DINING
81 HOLES OF GOLF
TENNIS
FITNESS
NATURE
© 2015 St. James
ames
a
mes Propert
rties
ies, LLC
C. O
C
Obtain
n the
t Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing
a
anythi
ng. No Fede
Fe
F
rall agency
ency hass jjudged the
he m
merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. This
p
produc
t does
e not constit
const
o t ute an offe
fer to sell real p
fe
property in any jurisdiction where prior registration or advanced qualicatio
on is re
o
requ
equire
ired bu
ir
ut no
not completed.
plleted.
et
This is not to
o sol
so icit property
y currently
curr
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Page 24
Lost and Found
Pays Out $100,000
to
If you’ve ever lost a golf
ball in the woods on a St.
James course or at Carolina
National, it may have found
its way into the garages of
Holly and Dave Williams of
St. James or Bob Duke in
Winding River. With their
staggering stash of more than
60,000 golf balls, golfers can
select reconditioned golf balls
by the dozen.
courses. Then, during a
chance golf pairing that Bob
called “an instance of divine
providence,” he met St. James
resident, Jim Riviello.
Balls are given as gifts in
appreciation of cash or check
donations to the Wounded
Warrior Project (WWP). A
$10 donation gets you a gift
of a dozen, premium-brand
golf balls. As of February,
donations topped $100,000
— a serious exchange in only
four years!
Bob hand-cleans each
ball, places them in egg
cartons and delivers them
to St. James residents. All
that, plus keeping accurate
financial records — every
dollar donated — demands
considerable time. When
asked about his commitment,
Bob emotionally points to
his copy of “Tough as They
Come,” written by quadrupleamputee Staff Sergeant
Travis Mills. He derives his
inspiration from examples like
Mills.
The nonprofit organization
started in 2011, when Bob,
a retired U.S. Army master
sergeant, moved some 6,000
golf balls from his Baltimore
attic to his Winding River
garage. At first, he thought
about selling balls near area
They decided to ask friends
for golf balls to help fund the
WWP. Inventory grew rapidly
as friends and neighbors
began dropping off buckets,
shoe boxes and bags full of
balls.
Jim recently stepped aside,
and the home of Dave
and Holly Williams now
is the St. James donations
headquarters. An additional
contact is Rick Winterhalter
(rick.winterhalter@yahoo.
com).
The Williams chose to honor
the WWP through what Holly
called, “a commitment for
a duration.” Dave added,
“We’re grateful for the
services of these warriors. It’s
the least we can do.”
So the next time you snap one
into the woods and mutter,
“Bye-bye, ball,” know that by
donating to the WWP, you
may play with that ball again.
By Rich Mina
Page 3
Page 25
The 18th Annual St. James Flea Market
The 18th Annual St. James Flea Market is set
for April 16 at Brunswick Community College
(BCC) in Bolivia. The doors open at 8 a.m.
and close at 1 p.m. Sales are cash only.
The Flea Market is a bargain hunter’s paradise,
with a huge selection of furniture, household
goods, books, CDs, lamps, art, rugs and much
more. It’s been a labor of love for 18 years
and has become the premier fundraising event
for the St. James Service Club. The Flea Market
depends on the generosity of donors and
volunteers within St. James, as well as many
organizations and businesses outside St. James
that support this event through volunteering,
donations and reduced service fees. This event
couldn’t take place each year without these
wonderful people.
Proceeds from the event benefit college-bound
students from the surrounding community. Last
year’s event raised $11,000 in scholarship
money for College for Nursing students at
BCC, and an additional $12,000 for other
college-bound students from Brunswick County
high schools.
Planning for each Flea Market starts the
Page 26
previous summer. Working with Premium
Moving, furniture pick-ups take place once
a month, November through April. “Drop-off
Mondays” at Sentry Storage for household
goods begin in mid-January. An army of
dedicated volunteers sort, inspect, price and
package donated items for storage.
BCC is the staging area for the Flea Market.
Hundreds of volunteer hours are needed,
not only for the day of the event, but also for
pack-up and set-up prior to that Saturday.
Additional Service Club volunteers bake and
cook goodies, available for sale at the Flea
Market. By 1 p.m., when the Flea Market
ends, all items will have been sold or donated
to another Brunswick County charity.
It’s not too late to donate. Drop off household
donations at Sentry Storage on Rte. 211
Mondays, April 4 and 11, from 2:304:30 p.m. Check the POA website, www.
stjamespoanc.org, for details and for
availability of furniture pick-up.
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license is
available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214.
The license is not an endorsement by the state.
Submitted by Roberta Pukala
NO DUMMIES AT THIS
CHARITY BRIDGE TOURNAMENT
They converged on St. James from Brunswick County
and as far away as Wilmington and South Carolina
—128 bridge players, eager to play Social (Chicago)
or Duplicate (Novice or Regular) bridge. St. James
Service Club members organized this charity bridge
tournament held at the community center and also
prepared great food.
Many players won gift certificates from area restaurants
and businesses. In addition, more than half the Chicago
players received skill prizes. The big winners of the
Chicago Bridge game were Susan Hoffman/JoAnn
Norman (first place), Barb Nolan/M.J. Johnson (second
place), and Kathy Ard/Trish Fisher (third place). The Duplicate first-place winners, North/South (N/S),
were Valerie Sokolov/Penny Martin. East/West (E/W)
winners were Mary Ann Cotter/Laura Henderson. The
Novice Duplicate first-place winners were N/S Karen
Critcher/Gordon Larson and E/W Adam Sokoloski/
Penny Sokoloski.
Many other Duplicate players placed and earned
significant duplicate points at this charity event for
Waves4K.I.D.S. and other local Brunswick County
charities. Congratulations to everyone!
By Teri Harrison
Photos by John Muuss
Page 3
Page
Page 27
27
Master Richard Flexner and
the Countess of Flexner by
the Sea Abbey
Janet and Bill Parilla
Gary and Cheryl Matsche
Downton Abbey of St. James
After six seasons, the “Downton Abbey” series has come to
an end. Seven couples, friends through tennis for many years,
watched the final episode, dining and dressing in character.
During an elegant dinner, the group discussed the final
episode’s wrapup of events and characters. Finding
appropriate outfits for the themed occasion was akin to
outfitting a bride, requiring something old, something new,
something borrowed and something blue.
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Page 28
(l-r) Linda Jenkins, Martha Reiser, Janet
Parilla, Cheryl Matsche, Faye Curry, Janice
Amman and Jenine Flexner
The series and the get-together had happy endings. But unlike
the Crawley chronicles, the St. James group will soldier on.
The couples plan to continue meeting for monthly dinners,
many of which — like this one — will have a theme.
By Janet Parilla
Break the Silence on Ovarian
Cancer® 5K Run/ 1K Walk
St. James residents are hosting a 5K run/1K walk to
“Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer®,” teaming with
the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Ovarian
Cancer Coalition (NOCC).
This event on Sunday, May 15 at Woodlands Park is
open to residents and non-residents of St. James. Those
interested in participating can register on the NOCC
website, www.nocc.kintera.org/northcarolina.
Inspired by the valiant fight of one of our neighbors, our
community’s goal is to bring awareness to the disease.
This year, more than 700 women in North Carolina will
be newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Opening ceremonies will start at 8 a.m. with the race
set to begin shortly afterwards. The event will be
professionally timed for competitive participants. Awards
will be given for special performances.
The run/walk will raise funds for the nonprofit NOCC,
spread awareness about ovarian cancer and its symptoms,
celebrate local survivors and remember friends and
family who have not survived.
For more information, contact Jim Deritis at deritis22@
ec.rr.com; 910-599-2646 or Yuki Graves at gravesy@aol.
com; 703-728-4742.
Registrants and participants will help fight an insidious
disease with a mortality rate greater than for breast
cancer.
Submitted by Larry Schafer
The cancer is so hard to detect that most of those
diagnosed will be in the later stages of the disease. At the
moment, awareness and early detection are the keys.
Page 3
Page 29
Facebook — What’s Not to “Like”
What does it hurt to
simply like something?
These posts and pages
often are used to spread
malware, or phishing
scams designed to collect your personal information.
Crooks use that information to create scams, or they
sell it on the black market. It’s a way for scammers to
work around Facebook’s algorithm and expose more
people to malicious code.
Did you know that if the Facebook community was
a country, it would be the third-largest nation in the
world? And with Facebook’s Wall Street Market Cap
being $307 Billion — with a capital “B” — it would
be the 38th-largest economy in the world.
There’s enormous power — and, it seems, a lot of peril
— in those statistics. As popular as it is, Facebook
also has become one of the Internet’s most fertile
fields for hackers and scam artists.
Facebook has changed how people communicate
online. For example, have you noticed how some
people (not you) reflexively click “like” on any
Facebook post, even if it‘s just to acknowledge they
saw it?
How can you best protect yourself ? If you want to
proactively guard your security, open your Facebook
account and check your “like history.” If you’re not
sure how to review your likes, www.komando.com
has step-by-step instructions.
Only like posts by people you know and don’t
just reflexively click “like” on everything. Look at
where the post is coming from. Notice the content
and whether it promises anything for liking or
sharing. If it does, that’s a good clue it’s a scam of
some kind.
By Chris Nicholas
What’s not to like about Facebook? Let’s start with
something called “like-farming.”
According to www.komando.com, “Like-farming” is
when scammers post an attention-grabbing story on
Facebook for the express purpose of cultivating likes
and shares. Based on the way Facebook works, the
more likes and shares a post has, the more likely it is
to show up in people’s News Feeds.”
What types of stories do
scammers use to trick you
into liking and sharing?
Emotional stories about
animals or sicknesses, or
people asking for likes in
order to get into a record
book. You’d be amazed
at how many ways these
callous criminals can get
to you.
Page 30
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Page 31
THE ARTISANS CORNER
Painted Glass and More
Betty Sauerbrey, a retired
home economics teacher
from Long Island, N.Y., has
been a resident of St. James for
more than 10 years. She’s a longtime participant in arts and crafts, but more along
the line of the fabric arts — sewing, knitting and
the like.
Just for fun, Betty signed up for a “One-Stroke
Painting Class,” painting Christmas ornaments.
One-Stroke Painting is similar to the “Tole” style
— painting on metal and has been popular since
the eighteenth century. It’s a rather easy way
to get shading in your art by loading the brush
with two or more colors and making one stroke,
thereby getting different shades of the colors.
Betty’s husband, Bob, didn’t believe she had
painted the ornament herself (he thought it was a
decal). So she concluded she must have a talent
for painting. Betty’s work now encompasses a
wide range of materials, including glassware,
gourds, floor cloths, flower pots, candles and
glass blocks.
As a member of The Artisans, Betty’s appreciation
for all kinds of art has been a great inspiration
for her own painting. Her decorative painting has
kept her busy, but she looks forward to further
expanding her artistic horizons.
Painted Silk Scarves and Glassware
Carol Kidd began oil painting after attending
a class at a craft shop. She couldn’t devote
serious time to her art until after retiring from
teaching, when she began attending classes and
workshops.
Most of Carol’s paintings are landscapes,
inspired by her travels and the scenic beauty of
coastal North Carolina. She’s well known for her
delicately detailed paintings on wine glasses,
depicting English gardens and golf scenes (her
personal favorites).
Carol was attracted to painting on silk after
attending a class a little over a year ago. The
colors and the chance to create beautiful designs
on silk fabric were the primary attractions. Her
designs range from tumbling leaves, cats and
swimming fish to shamrocks.
Carol uses a technique that allows colors to flow
onto the silk. Using brush strokes, sugar, salt,
water and alcohol, she creates variations of the
colors. “The fun,” Carol says, “is watching the
special effects becoming obvious as her pieces
dry.”
Carol serves as the President of The Artisans and
The Artisans of St. James Plantation. She finds
this work both challenging and satisfying. She
enjoys helping plan events and working with the
many talented members of the organizations.
By Virginia Hamill
Page 32
Photos by Lou Bruno
New St. James residents quickly learn the community
responds when a family is in need. In February,
taking care of our own meant rallying around Owen
Preston, the seven-year old
son of tennis professional Brian
Preston and his wife, Jennifer.
Brian has been St. James’ only
head professional. He has served
in that capacity since 2003, long
before he was Owen’s father.
Now, Brian is father not only to
Owen, but also to Luke.
In early January, the Prestons
learned that Owen had an
inoperable brain tumor. Since
mid-January, Owen and Jennifer
have been living at the Ronald
McDonald House at Duke, where
Owen underwent the first stage
of concurrent radiation and oral
chemotherapy.
To keep friends and family updated, Jennifer began a
blog on the www.caringbridge.org website, where she
writes that Owen has been a trooper. His body has
changed, due to the effects of chemo and radiation,
but Owen has been accepting and uncomplaining.
As this issue of Cat-Tales goes to press, Owen and
Jennifer are scheduled to leave Duke after completing
the six-week cancer and radiation treatment. A sixweek break will follow when Owen will be at home,
sleeping in his own bed.
To help the Preston family, the greater Wilmington
tennis community, along with the St. James Tennis
Association, chose February 27 as a “Play for Owen”
fundraising day. Each club offered sponsored court time. At
St. James, Stifel Financial generously provided a southern barbecue for players and spectators at
the Founders courts. All receipts
from food, beverage and donations for the tennis court reservations went directly to the Owen
Preston Fund.
The “Play for Owen” day
ended with a party hosted by
the Wilmington Athletic Club.
More than 250 enjoyed food, a
silent auction, raffle and kid’s
activities with the Prestons. With
cooperative weather and large
crowds at each venue, “Play
for Owen” was an unqualified success from every
perspective.
To stay updated and send best wishes to the family,
visit www.caringbridge.org and search for Owen
Preston.
At the end of that period, another MRI will help
doctors assess the tumor’s status. If the tumor’s
growth has slowed or stabilized, Owen will start a sixweek cycle of chemotherapy, followed by six weeks
off, with scans after each cycle. Doctors hope they
can complete this pattern with good results within a
year.
(l-r) Owen's Divas: Margie
Laughton, Hertha Essman,
Sandy Montee and Cathy
McKensie
Submitted by Beth Erskine
Photo by Michael Anselmo
Page 3
Page 33
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Page 34
a fun activity for the community. AARP ranks
table tennis as one of the best active sports for
retired people — easy on the joints, vigorous
and fun. Many of this year’s Gator Games
contestants are members of the club.
Competition, challenge, camaraderie and
championships! All that and more is coming to
St. James, once again the host for the table
tennis portion of the Brunswick County Gator
Senior Games.
The community center has been the Gator
Games table tennis venue for five years, and
success is the norm for St. James residents.
Cheiko Suzuki is the current North Carolina
state champion in both ladies’ doubles and
mixed doubles. She also has the state’s silver
medal in ladies’ singles.
Looking to build on their medal count are 16
St. James winners from the 2015 competition
(see photos). A group from Oak Island has
been the nemesis in the past, but players here
have vowed to even the score in the upcoming
tourney. There is room for spectators beginning
at 9 a.m. on April 8. Come cheer on your
neighbors.
Ken Weyman and Gary Mlynek organized the
St. James Ping Pong Club six years ago as
A one-time fee of $25 pays for access to the
club’s tables on Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. and on
Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. Once in, friendship,
laughter and rotating teams of two will keep
players active and hopping the entire time.
The Gator Games is open to any Brunswick
County individual over age 50 (age divisions in
five-year increments). The competition offers
a variety of events — both individual and team
sports — including bowling, golf, billiards,
football and softball throws, basketball shoot,
corn hole, spin casting, croquet, shuffleboard,
tennis, horseshoes, cycling, running, a fun
walk and several swimming events. Go to
the website www.bcparks.recdesk.com and find
information for each event.
If athletics aren’t your thing, the Gator Games
also has a Silver Arts competition. Four major
art categories — heritage, literary, performing
and visual — are available, with first-, secondand third-place ribbons in each of the many
sub-categories too numerous to mention here.
Entries will be on display at the Southport
Brunswick Center 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, May
6, The Performing Arts showcase begins at 2
p.m. with free admission and food.
By Judy Rubin
Page 3
Page 35
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CORVETTE OWNERS FORM SOCIETY
As a young man in the early 1970s, St.
James’ resident Joe Pedone raced and owned
many English sport cars. He also always loved
American Corvettes — even though they were
out of his price range — and he vowed he
someday would own one. In 2007, he ordered his dream car — a
2008 Z51 velocity yellow coupe, with all
the bells and whistles and modified to his
specifications. Finally, a piece of Americana
was his and remains so today.
...do some good in the
area of fundraising through
cruises and car shows...
Since moving to St. James 3.5 years ago and
noticing an abundance of the iconic cars in
the community, Joe has vacillated with the
idea of forming a Corvette Club. A notice he
posted to gauge interest in forming a club
resulted in a tremendous positive response.
The club’s first
meet and greet
was at the St.
(l-r) Karen Stone and Kathy Mitchell
James Beach
Club parking lot recently. Eleven cars and
drivers showed up. The owners introduced
themselves, admired the stunning vehicles and
agreed they wanted to continue meeting. The
Coastal Corvette Society of St. James became
a reality.
“My hope for the club is that, as we grow and
enjoy each other’s company through the love
of these cars, we can also do some good in
the area of fundraising through cruises and
car shows,” said Joe. “But we must crawl
before we run.”
Upcoming meeting dates are April 5 at 2
p.m. at Waterway Park and May 3 at 2 p.m.
at Woodlands Park. For more information,
contact Joe Pedone at 910-854-0212.
By Sharon Eisele
Photos by Joe Pedone
Page 3
Page 37
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Call For Free Estimate
STJ Resident Sales Representative
Frank Galtieri 910-854-0028

Serving Southeastern North Carolina Since 1980
BEHIND THE SCENES
As we move from late winter to early spring,
we’re frequently confronted with rapidly
changing weather conditions. We could awake
to a spectacular spring morning that calls us
to the golf course, tennis courts or the beach,
only to have the afternoon devolve into violent
thunderstorms ahead of an approaching cold
front that overnight leaves the emerging green
of our lawns covered with frost.
The local theater scene likewise is one of
continuing and grandly diverse change. With
three extremely different shows opening in
the next few days, the month of April will bear
testament to change as
a constant.
Opening April 7
and running three
weekends is the Agatha
Christie classic, “The
Mousetrap.” This classic
murder mystery, set in
England, is the longest-running play in history.
Big Dawg productions will stage this production
at the Cape Fear Playhouse. CFP is an intimate
theater where the audience is close to the
action.
One word of caution: Audiences are traditionally
asked, upon leaving the theater, to not reveal
the ending lest they spoil things for others.
“Gossipy” types, please keep that in mind. For
tickets, call CFP (910-367-5237).
Remember the ‘60s and ‘70s, especially OUR
music? And just how much our parents hated
it? There was also a great outcry from many
when “Hair,” “Oh Calcutta” and “Jesus Christ
Superstar” opened on Broadway. We, of
course, loved it all as we progressed through
our teens and 20s. This also was a time of great
conflict with the Vietnam War and “Nixonian”
politics, both of which spawned theatrical
productions — “Miss Saigon” and “Frost/Nixon.”
The attacks of 9/11 and subsequent events
have become a similar catalyst. Thalian
Association is
bringing to Thalian
Hall the Wilmington
premiere of Green
Day’s (yes the rock
band) “American
Idiot.” Set in the
post 9/11 fictitious
town of Jingletown,
the play is the story
of Johnny, Tunny and Will and their struggles to
find meaning in a post-9/11 world. The voices
patrons will hear have created a tremendous
buzz about this show. And they are stellar. The
show runs April 7-17. For tickets, visit or call
the Thalian Box Office (910-632-2255), or visit
www.thalian.org.
The final show is Brunswick Little Theatre’s
offering of the comedy, “Moonlight and
Magnolias.” The story
revolves around the
development of a
movie perhaps some
may have heard of —
“Gone With the Wind.”
Five weeks into filming,
David O. Selznick
realizes the script is
awful. He enlists Ben
Hecht to fix things. One problem — Ben’s not
read the book! Featuring St. James’ own Kathy
Cagney-Rossi, M&M will run on weekends April
15- 24 at BLT’s home on Highway 133. Tickets
are available at www.brunswicklittletheatre.com.
A final note — the St. James POA Activities
Committee (SJAC) is hosting Thalian
Association’s dinner theater presentation of
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” on May
6 and 7. Tickets went on sale in March, so
contact the SJAC to check on availability.
As always, I hope to see you at the theater!
By Stuart Pike
Page 3
Page 41
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Page 42
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Page 43
Planning for
Year-Round Harvest
With a little planning, you can
harvest fresh vegetables from your
own backyard most of the year.
Vegetables can be grown outside in
southeast North Carolina from late
winter through late fall. The key
to growing a productive vegetable
garden in all seasons is knowing
what to plant when.
The Gardener’s Calendar
Vegetable crops can be divided
into two groups, based on the
temperatures they require for
growth. Warm season crops can’t
tolerate frost and will grow outside
only during frost and free months.
Cool season crops grow best in fall
and spring and will tolerate some
frost. Use the following to plan
your 2016 vegetable garden.
start planting hardy crops outside.
You can plant potatoes and garden
peas — along with their close
relatives, snow peas and sugar
snaps — in the ground between
mid-February and mid-March. A
few warm-season crops, including
green beans, sweet corn, squash
and zucchini, tolerate light frost
and can be sown in the garden
beginning in late March.
April–June
It’s safe to plant warm-season crops
like cucumbers, tomatoes, southern
peas and lima beans outside after
the last average frost date, which is
April 15 for most of our area, and
earlier along the coast.
July–September
beets, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, leeks,
rutabaga, parsnip, turnips, squash,
zucchini and cucumbers from midAugust to mid-September.
October–December
Now is the time to plant garlic
from cloves and onion from seeds
directly into the garden. Both crops
will grow through the winter and
be ready to harvest in late spring.
Late summer-planted cucumbers,
squash and tomatoes — as well
as any peppers and eggplant still
hanging on — will continue to
produce until frost, which usually
occurs in early November. Hardy
crops like collards, kale and
cabbage usually will continue to
produce through December or
later. You can extend the growing
season for less hardy, cool-season
crops like broccoli, lettuce, spinach
and cauliflower by covering them
with cold frames or growing them
in an unheated tunnel house.
By August, cucumbers and squash
have usually succumbed to pests.
Corn is finished, and disease
problems have taken out most
January–March
tomatoes. Melons, however, are
January was the ideal time to order just coming into harvest. This also
seeds and get organized for the is the time to start crops for the fall By Tom Woods
year. February was the month to garden. Sow green beans, carrots,
GARDENING TASKS
APRILAPRIL
GARDENING
TASKS
0
0
Average
Temperature:
LowLow
500-50
High
760 76Average
Precipitation:
3.25
inches
Average
Temperature
- High
Average
Precipitation
– 3.25”
LAWNS
TREES & SHRUBS
FLOWERS
Begin fertilizing Zoysia and Bermuda at a rate of 1 lb. of n itrogen per 1000 sq. ft. Don’t fertilize Centipede and St. Augustine y et. If you want to green up the lawn, apply iron.
Water newly planted trees regularly through their first summer. Apply 2-­‐3 gallons per inch of t runk diameter each week.
Wait until mid month to set out summer annuals and summer-­‐
blooming bulbs.
Don’t t reat grubs until late summer, if needed. Treatment rarely needed for warm-­‐season lawns.
Mulch trees and shrubs. Don’t exceed 4-­‐inch depth to p revent water f rom shedding off the bed.
Aphids a re on the way. Wait a few weeks before treating to see if lady bugs will control the problem.
Get a free soil test again until Dec 1.
Page 44
HOUSE PLANTS
Re-­‐pot pot-­‐
bound plants.
VEGETABLES
FRUITS
Set out tomato and pepper plants in early April. Wait a week or two for cold-­‐sensitive eggplant and basil.
Tie blackberries to trellis in preparation for active growth.
Directly sow seeds of green and lima b eans, field peas, cucumber and squash.
Thin fruit on apple, peach and pear trees when they are about nickel-­‐
sized.
Have you heard
loud booming
noises off our
Cape Fear
coast? If so, you
probably said,
“That must be thunder or a
supersonic airplane overhead.” But your neighbor
or a Southport local then whispers, “No, those are
the Seneca guns.”
The name, “Seneca guns,” is thought to have
originated at Seneca Lake in upstate New York.
In 1850, James Fenimore Cooper (“Last of the
Mohicans”) popularized the term with his story,
“The Lake Gun,” which describes the phenomenon.
What are the
Seneca Guns?
Although these mysterious noises have been
documented along the Eastern coastal and inland
lake areas, they are primarily heard along the
Carolinas coasts. The sounds are heard from land
but never out at sea. They are loud enough at times
to rattle windows and shake homes. For one such
event, New Hanover County residents generated
more than 100 calls to local authorities.
Investigators have found no scientific explanation
for the phenomenon. There’s a lot of speculation as
to what causes these sounds, including,
Military jets breaking the sound barrier — but
this phenomenon has been reported periodically since the 1850s, well before airplanes.
Naval ships firing their guns offshore and atmospheric conditions boosting the sounds to
travel further — but that doesn’t explain the
booms at inland lakes.
Atmospheric disturbances associated with thunder and lightning — but events mainly occur
during clear skies and how can the boom from
thunder versus Seneca guns be distinguished?
Shallow earthquakes occurring offshore — but
most reports do not correlate with N.C. Geological Survey seismograph data.
Earthquakes waves creating low frequency
sounds as they move across the terrain, such
as documented during the 1886 Charleston
earthquake — but there have been more Seneca
guns events than earthquakes, and some earthquakes are silent.
Tectonic plates shifting — but those plates are
too far away to impact the Carolinas.
UFOs — but no one has seen those shy aliens
during Seneca guns events.
Ghosts of Native Indians firing guns at those
that took over their land — but no confirmed
sighting of ghosts.
Investigators agree that there’s no agreement on the
source of these booming Seneca guns noises. Yet,
they have been documented in our local area for
almost two centuries. People have been worried,
confused and curious, but there have been no
reports of damage or injury.
What do you think causes them?
By Linda Eyler
Page 3
Page 45
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Page 46
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Private Practice Since 1969
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Page 3
Page 47
CAT - TALES
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4140 Southport-Supply Road, Suite B
Southport, NC 28461
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