North Brunswick Business

Intertox study concludes that mercury emissions from proposed Carolinas Cement plant pose nominal risk for local population

2009-03-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Intertox, a Seattle-based toxicology company, has concluded that the mercury emissions from the proposed Carolinas Cement Company (CCC) plant in Castle Hayne will pose nominal risk to the public health of the Greater Wilmington community. The firm recently completed an independent, peer-reviewed mercury study launched in September 2008. Carolinas Cement paid for the study, but was not privy to the study’s findings during the process. Carolinas Cement received the findings the same day they were released to area media.

“Our study concludes that the total estimated dose of mercury a typical resident of Castle Hayne and the Greater Wilmington community could encounter is less than the concentration of mercury in 1 3/4 teaspoons of canned lite tuna fish per month,“ said Richard C. Pleus, Ph.D. Director of Intertox. The total estimated dose includes mercury levels from any type of contact – eating fish or produce, drinking water or breathing."

“It is clear from this assessment that the greatest exposure from mercury emissions is via consumption of mercury in fish,” said Pleus. “The contribution from other pathways – such as breathing the air and drinking the water – is less than 2% of the estimated risk.”

The assessment also concluded that even without the presence of Carolinas Cement, a population defined as subsistence fishers and their children are currently at risk because of their high levels of fish consumption from the North East Cape Fear River (NECFR). Some of these individuals are eating in excess of 19 portions of fish per week, well above the North Carolina fish advisory. With the presence of Carolinas Cement, if those individuals who are already eating 19 portions of fish per week reduced their consumption to adhere to the state guidelines, they would reduce their dose below the EPA reference dose for methylmercury considered to be protective of human health.

Study Methodology
The Intertox study measured how the Carolinas Cement mercury emissions would affect adults and children by using a multipathway human health risk assessment (MPHHRA) model. The MPHHRA assesses how people could be exposed to mercury through various pathways, such as eating, breathing, drinking and skin contact. The Intertox study was based on mercury concentration models for fish in the NECFR developed by Entrix, Inc. of Houston, Texas and plant specific mercury airborne models developed by Environmental Quality Management, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio.

To supplement the modeling data, Intertox conducted 400 phone surveys of area residents to determine fish consumption figures from the NECFR. They also conducted 100 in-person surveys of fishers who were actively fishing on the NECFR.

The goal of any MPHHRA is to estimate the greatest risk to public health, always erring on the side of caution. Therefore, Intertox based its study calculations on the maximum potential to emit of 263 pounds of mercury per year, as estimated in Carolinas Cement’s air permit application. The location Intertox selected as the basis for the study – referred to as reasonable maximum exposure (RME) – is at the CCC property line at the junction of the Northeast Cape Fear River and Island Creek. Any other potentially habitable off-site location would have risks that are lower than the RME. No one lives at the RME site or is expected to live at the site.
For the purpose of the study, Intertox created three hypothetical resident groups who live at the RME site on the plant grounds for their entire lifetime:

Subsistence farmer and child – they eat produce, beef, pork, chicken and eggs raised on site; they drink milk from cows raised on site; breathe air from the site and drink water from the NECFR.

Subsistence fisher and child – their primary protein source is fish caught only in the NECFR. They eat some produce grown on site, breathe the air from the site and drink water from the NECFR.

Resident and child – they purchase most of their food from grocery stores, and supplement their diet with some site-grown produce and fish caught in the NECFR. They drink water from the NECFR and breathe the air from the site.

To determine the risk to the three groups, Intertox compared potential mercury exposures at the RME site to the EPA reference doses (RfDs) for mercury. An RfD is an amount that a person can ingest every day for the rest of his or her life and still not suffer any adverse health effects. The EPA definition of an RfD is “an estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of a daily oral exposure to the human population (including sensitive sub groups) that is likely without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime.” (IRIS, 2001) RfDs are conservative in nature as they are intended to provide a margin of safety that is protective to all people.

Study Findings
Assuming the 263 pound emission scenario, Intertox has estimated that if a hypothetical resident, subsistence fisher or subsistence farmer lived at the CCC property line, they would not be expected to suffer any adverse health effects due to mercury exposure from the CCC facility. This is true regardless of whether they ate produce and livestock grown at this location, ate fish from the NECFR, or just lived, breathed, and drank untreated water in this location.

Intertox also concluded that subsistence fishers and their children, based on the assumptions made for this population group, are currently at risk given their high levels of fish consumption above and beyond the North Carolina Fish Advisory. The Intertox phone survey found that of the people who regularly eat fish or shellfish more than once a month, 8.5% reported eating fish from the NECFR. The Intertox in-person survey found that of the people who were actively catching and eating fish from the river, 35% reported eating more portions per week than recommended in the N.C. fish advisories. Based on these findings, the subsistence fisher was assumed to eat 19 portions of fish per week from the NECFR.

“The addition of the Carolinas Cement facility does not place this group of subsistence fishers at substantially greater risk for adverse health effects,” said Pleus. “However, this group’s exposure to mercury, with or without Carolinas Cement, could be brought within safe levels by helping them to make better dietary choices. Community leaders and agencies could greatly benefit this population by working with families on alternative diets, especially diets for subsistence fisher pregnant women and their children.”

In summary, Intertox concludes that the maximum amount of mercury that may be emitted (263 pounds per year) is not expected to adversely affect the health of the community. Adults and children who live, work, or go to school nearby are not expected to suffer any adverse health effects from increased environmental mercury due to emissions from the proposed CCC facility.

Peer Review
After completing the multipathway risk assessment, Intertox conducted a peer review following National Academy of Sciences guidelines to determine whether its findings are conservative and appropriate. In selecting the four-member peer review panel, Intertox identified scientists who are experienced in human health risk assessments, have toxicology backgrounds, and are experts in one or more areas of importance to the study – mercury in humans and fish.
In accordance with peer review protocol, all reviewers’ comments must be noted in an anonymous fashion. Detailed below are select comments (a complete list of peer review comments are available in the full report):

“The levels of conservatism built into the model (e.g. assuming the consumption of raw, untreated surface water) border on the extreme, but this is exactly as it should be in a screening level risk assessment.”

“The conclusion that the very small increases in mercury emission predicted from the proposed facility will pose little to no risk to human health or residents in the area is justified and scientifically defensible.”

“The use of EPA references doses (RfDs), as Intertox has used, are the most appropriate and health protective dose estimate related to conducting a mercury risk assessment. The RfD includes a safety factor for individual differences in risk.”

“. . .the surveys have revealed the possibility that there exists a small population of subsistence fishers in the area. As such, this small population may currently have a slightly elevated risk as a result of consumption of fish in quantities greater than the NC recommended fish consumption advisories. Whether this is due to lack of public education of these guidelines or just disregard of the advisories is unknown. . . Clearly, consumption of fish in quantities recommended by the State of N.C. would not be expected to result in any increased adverse health effects as a result of the proposed facility.”

Recommendations
To supplement its study findings, Intertox has developed the following recommendations for Carolinas Cement:

Educate Public on North Carolina Fish Advisories
The Intertox study found that a very small segment of the local population is eating quantities of fish in excess of the NC fish advisories. Intertox recommends that CCC work to help educate the community about the importance of following these advisories. In preparation of this report, Intertox reviewed the scientific basis of the fish advisories and found them to follow generally accepted practices of public health.

Conduct Air and Water Monitoring
Intertox recommends a voluntary annual monitoring of air and water mercury emissions in the Castle Hayne area, with the results made public. Please note that monitoring mercury levels away from the origin of emissions can present some technical challenges such as how to allocate measured levels between local and global emission sources.

Form a Citizens’ Advisory Board
A Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB) would provide a forum to work with Carolinas Cement to address issues of concern to the community. A cooperative effort among the CAB, CCC and local community leaders would ensure an open dialogue and quick resolution to issues as they arise.
Develop a Health and Safety Contingency Plan for New Hanover County School District
Intertox proposes that CCC work with the New Hanover County School (NHCS) District to develop a Health and Safety Contingency Plan. Although the proposed facility will be designed with and operated under strict environmental controls and safety measures, the plan will outline actions to be taken in the unlikely event of an accidental release of high emissions for a brief period.

Consult a Physician if concerned about mercury sensitivity (allergy)
For those people concerned about whether they might have allergic reaction to mercury, a patch test conducted by a physician will provide appropriate information.

About Intertox
Intertox is a scientific consulting and research firm whose mission is to achieve long-term solutions to enhance and manage public health risk issues. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Intertox is comprised of scientists with expertise in toxicology, pharmacology, epidemiology, environmental chemistry, nanotechnology and regulatory policy. Intertox combines objective, strategic thinking with cutting-edge scientific research to evaluate risks posed by chemical and biological agents affecting human health. For more information, visit www.intertox.com.

Town of Leland, Brunswick County Parks & Recreation co-sponsoring egg

2009-03-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Town of Leland’s Parks & Recreation Department has joined forces with Brunswick County Parks and Recreation to co-sponsor an egg hunt on Saturday, April 4.

The event features egg hunts for children divided into three age groups (ages 0-4, ages 5-7 and ages 8-10), refreshments, prizes and more. The event will be held at the Leland Municipal Complex Park, located at 102 Town Hall Drive in Leland.

The egg hunt begins at 10a.m.; children should arrive by 9:45 a.m. There is no charge for children to participate. For more information, please contact Niel Brooks at 910-332-4818 or nbrooks@townofleland.

Port City Java announces “No Royalty” Promotion for Potential Franchisees

2009-03-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Port City Java has launched a “No Royalty” promotion to stimulate franchise investment throughout the Carolinas. According to the promotion, anyone who enters a franchise agreement with Port City Java in 2009 will pay no royalties until 2011.

“Port City Java’s main concentration is franchise expansion in North and South Carolina, primarily targeting Raleigh through 2010,” said Chief Executive Officer, Steve Schnitzler. “We have experienced tremendous market penetration in Wilmington, where 16 company and franchise locations are currently in operation. We hope to achieve the same success in Raleigh, a market we feel offers the best opportunity for development.”

The promotion will help new franchisees minimize investment and cash flow needs during the economic downturn. According to Schnitzler, “There are many multi-unit operators who have capitalized on their current concept and are now seeking a new way to grow and offer opportunities to their own management team.”

“The university franchise model we have developed with North Carolina State University has been extremely successful, “ said Schnitzler. “We have achieved solid brand recognition there, with four campus locations and two under construction. More than 40,000 students and faculty are already sold on the brand.”

Established in March 1995 in Wilmington, N.C., Port City Java is dedicated to roasting and serving the finest coffee and espresso in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The company has grown to include more than 40 cafes and coffeehouses in five states and three countries, as well as a roastery in Wilmington.

For more information, please visit www.portcityjava.com.

Play Golf America Day - Saturday, April 18 from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Magnolia Greens

2009-03-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

PGA PLAY GOLF AMERICA DAYS RETURN TO THE CAROLINAS! Carolinas PGA Professionals will be on-hand at SEVEN different events in the Carolinas in 2009!
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (January 5, 2009) – The Carolinas PGA Section is proud to announce the sites and activities for the 2009 Play Golf America Day season! We have once again secured events at seven different facilities throughout North and South Carolina, so if you weren’t one of the 3,500 people who attended these events in 2008 - or even if you were – you’re bound to find a Play Golf America Day near you!

The 2009 schedule is as follows:
Saturday, March 28 Methodist University Golf Club – Fayetteville, N.C. 10:00 – 4:00

Saturday, April 4 The Golf Club at Cedar Creek – Aiken, S.C. 10:00 – 4:00

Saturday, April 18 Magnolia Greens – Leland, N.C. 10:00 – 4:00

Saturday, April 25 The Legends at Parris Island – Parris Island, S.C. 10:00 – 4:00

Saturday, May 2 Reynolds Park Golf Club – Winston Salem, N.C. 10:00 – 4:00

Saturday, May 16 Broadmoor Golf Links – Fletcher, N.C. 10:00 – 3:00

Carolinas PGA Play Golf America Days are designed to provide free expert instruction to golfers of all ages and skill levels, introduce new golfers to the game and provide equipment testing from the best brands in golf today.

Highlighting every event will be free instruction and golf clinics conducted by more than 20 PGA Professionals from each area of the Carolinas, including First Swing Clinics for beginners and more. These golf professionals will also provide 10-minute tune-ups, and conduct demonstrations on all facets of the game regardless of skill level.

Several of the golf industry’s leading equipment manufacturers will also be on-site to provide hands-on testing of the hottest products on the market today. Attendees will be able to test drivers on the range, wedges at the chipping area and putters on the practice green. Representatives from each participating manufacturer will also be on hand to provide club fitting and product insight.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to gather information on some of today’s most exciting golf participation programs that are part of the Play Golf America initiative, including Get Golf Ready, the Carolinas PGA Golf League Championship, PGA Free Lesson Month, Women’s Golf Week, July is Family Golf Month, Take Your Daughter to the Course and Bring Your Kids to the Range.

The PGA Play Golf America Day event will also feature representatives from The PGA Trade-In Network. This is a structured system where golfers can trade in golf clubs for credit towards the purchase of new equipment from each respective golf shop.

“We, along with our host facilities, look forward to these events each year,” said Ron Schmid, Executive Director, Carolinas PGA Section. “They’re free, and open to the public and they’re a great way for our Carolinas PGA Professionals to reach out to those who are interested in learning more about the game of golf through free instruction. These events along with the many other Play Golf America programs, including the new Get Golf Ready initiative, are a very integral part of what we do.”

In 2008, more than 3,500 people attended Play Golf America Days in the Carolinas where they received free instruction from more than 150 Carolinas PGA Professionals at seven events. Different activities were available at each event, including a putt for a car, a putt for $25,000, free kids clubs, exciting performances by two trick-shot artists and much, much more. The Herb Graffis award-winning Growth of the Game program here in the Carolinas PGA Section hopes to continue bringing new and exciting activities to each of this year’s Play Golf America Days and we can’t wait to see you there!

For a complete schedule and updated list of each event specific to the Carolinas, and to PRE-REGISTER for an event in your area, log on to http://www.playgolfamericaday.com/. To find out more about Play Golf America, or to find more programs in your area, log on to http://www.playgolfamerica.com/.

About Carolinas PGA Section
Established in 1923, the Carolinas PGA Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association has grown to be the largest of the PGA’s forty-one sections with almost 2,000 professional members. The Carolinas PGA Section embraces North and South Carolina as well as a small portion of southern Virginia, representing more than 800 golf facilities. The Carolinas PGA is dedicated to nurturing and improving the quality of the game for the thousands of golfers using its member facilities. PGA professionals are responsible for conducting a variety of golf-related functions which include human resource management, golf shop merchandising, golf instruction, tournament operations, junior golf programs, growth of the game initiatives, golf club repair, administering the rules, public relations and much more. For additional information, contact Stephanie Pendrys, Marketing and Promotions Manager, at (843) 399-2742.

About Play Golf America
Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including, the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA TOUR, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area. Begun in January 2004, Play Golf America’s goal is to reach the millions of non-golfers who have expressed a desire to play, and the millions of occasional golfers who play between one and seven times per year. The campaign is designed to introduce people to the game of golf, enhance their skills and increase their frequency of play.

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Free 10-minute Lessons from local PGA Professionals!Free Equipment Demos from the Leading Manufacturers!Equipment Trade-In Opportunities through the PGA Trade-In Network! Free goody bags to all attendees!Free Prize Raffles throughout the day!

Phone: 910-383-0999

Web: http://www.magnoliagreens.com/

Address: 1800 Linkswood Circle E Leland, NC 28451

Independent Container Line Comes to Wilmington

2009-03-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

The 550-foot Independent Pursuit inaugurated a new weekly container shipping service between North Carolina and north Europe and the United Kingdom on Thursday, March 26, 2009, when the ship docked at the North Carolina State Ports Authority’s Port of Wilmington.

“North Carolina’s businesses and industries have strong ties to Europe and the United Kingdom,” said NC State Ports Authority Board of Directors Chairman Carl J. Stewart, Jr., “and we could not be more pleased to open up this vital link to such an important trade lane.” Key sectors that will use ICL’s service will be the automotive and construction equipment industry, as well as the high tech textiles, chemical and forest products trades.

“North Carolina’s businesses and industry have responded tremendously to our announcement to open this transatlantic trade lane out of the Port of Wilmington,” said ICL CEO John Kirkland.

“The Port of Wilmington’s strategic geographic location allows ICL to extend their market scope to one of the fastest states growing in the country,” said Ports Authority CEO Thomas J. Eagar. “North Carolina is currently the 10th most populous state, and projected to become the 7th largest by 2030.”

“Operating out of Wilmington also allows us to expand our reach into the rapidly growing southeastern U.S. market,” Kirkland added.

“By using the Port of Wilmington, we can also improve overall service levels to our customers by taking advantage of the expanded facilities at Wilmington’s container terminal,” said ICL COO Dale Ross.

Wilmington’s container terminal expansion includes a 42-foot navigation channel, berth reconstruction, four 100-foot gauge container cranes and a terminal operating system that allows customers to track their own containers online in and out of the Port.

“The support demonstrated by the State’s investment in these improvements is paying off with new business that supports jobs in the region and throughout the State,” Stewart said.

ICL has served the North Atlantic trade for 24 years. The four ICL vessels in the service each have a 1450 TEU capacity and are 550 feet long. With its corporate headquarters in Richmond, VA, ICL also has offices in Antwerp, Belgium and Liverpool, England.

NC Ports Receive Diesel Emission Control Grant

2009-03-26T12:19:00.001-07:00

Retrofits planned for cargo handling equipment at Wilmington and Morehead City

The NC State Ports Authority has been awarded a $140,000 grant for diesel emission control devices from the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR). The Authority will use the funds to retrofit existing cargo handling equipment and machinery with devices that reduce air emissions at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City. The retrofit will include forklifts and cranes at each port, as well as container handling machines at the Port of Wilmington.

Two types of devices will be installed on existing equipment to reduce emissions: diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters. The oxidation catalysts will reduce emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide from 20% to as much as 90%, depending on the horsepower and use of the equipment. The particulate filters would reduce these same emissions from 60% to 90%, again according to horsepower and use.

“Significant progress is being made across the transportation industry for greener and more environmentally friendly operations,” said Ports Authority CEO Thomas J. Eagar. “For a number of years, the Authority has been moving to reduce the Ports’ environmental footprint. Our desire is to be a good neighbor while bringing economic prosperity in jobs and tax revenues to the region and State.”

Among the ongoing Ports Authority initiatives to increase environmental sustainability both inside and outside the port facilities, the Authority adopted ultra low sulfur diesel fuel as its primary off-road diesel fuel on July 1, 2007, over three years in advance of federal requirements.

Also in 2007, the Authority put into service four new environmentally-friendly electrified container cranes, and is exploring additional grants that would replace other specialized cargo handling diesel equipment with all electric units.

In December 2008, as part of its commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly operations at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, the Ports Authority offered a free workshop on diesel emissions reduction for truckers.

The NC State Ports Authority also has been awarded grants to install biodiesel fuel tanks at its facilities, and to retrofit lighting in its warehouses.

“For North Carolina’s ports and the port industry as a whole, diesel emissions have become the focus of a major reduction effort,” Eagar said.

DEAF ARTIST, 88, SPEAKS THROUGH PAINT BRUSH

2009-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

The art of Quimby Cassius Reynolds will be showcased at a one-man show in Wilmington on Friday, March 27, at the artist’s garage studio on South Second Street. About twenty of Reynolds’ compelling original abstract paintings will be offered for sale.

Reynolds’ work is described as “personal, expressive and fresh” by Pete Paterson, a leading influence in the Wilmington arts community.

While his art is distinctive, the artist himself may be equally as interesting. Reynolds is 88 years of age. He has been deaf since childhood. And he paints with leftover materials from his successful auto body shop, which he established in 1960 and still owns and operates.

“Mr. Reynolds has learned to paint by painting,” said Paterson. “He has had no formal art training. I believe this has been a plus for him. There’s no filter between the artist and his creation. What he does comes straight from the gut.”

Though he is shut into a silent world, Reynolds is not mute. He speaks through his paint brush, in a voice bathed with emotion and wonder. It is a voice of joy.

Asked to describe his technique, he responded mischievously, “What technique? I clean the board before I paint on it. It’s usually cardboard. I use different sized paintbrushes to get the look I want. I use the paints from my auto body repair jobs, whatever is left over. I paint what I am feeling.”

Paterson theorizes that Reynolds’ remarkable visual skills have been enhanced by a world largely devoid of sound.

“He is very comfortable with that trade-off, I think. Mr. Reynolds has made his limitations work for him. At 88, I believe he is just getting started,” Paterson concluded.

Reynolds' is the subject of an illustrated feature article in the Spring issue of "North Brunswick Magazine". Complimentary copies will be available at the show.

To meet the artist and his family and enjoy a display of his paintings, the public is invited to a reception at Reynold’s garage studio at 116 South Second Street near the Queen Street intersection. Refreshments will be served beginning at 3:00 p.m. The show will be open until 6:30 p.m. Curb signs will direct visitors to the event. For additional details call Pete Paterson at 910.799.8888.

Dr. Thomas Garland Joins Ocean Isle Family Medicine

2009-03-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dr. Daniel Blizzard of Ocean Isle Family Medicine is proud to welcome Board-certified Family Physician Thomas Garland, M.D., to his office in Ocean Isle at 120 Causeway Drive.

“I am excited to get to know the residents of this community,” Dr. Garland said. “In my short time here, I have already met many wonderful people.”

Dr. Garland received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, and he completed his residency in family medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He has more than 25 years of experience as a family physician and most recently practiced in Albemarle, NC. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Dr. Garland provided family medical care in Iowa for many years.

Dr. Garland offers a wide array of family care services for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. His services at Ocean Isle Family Medicine include preventive healthcare; care for acute and ongoing illness; school, sports and employment physicals; routine gynecological care, including pap smears and post menopausal care; immunizations; and same-day sick appointments.

“I am excited to partner with Dr. Blizzard, as well as other physicians in Brunswick County, to help ensure that easy, convenient access to excellent healthcare is available to all residents,” Dr. Garland said.

Ocean Isle Family Medicine is a member of the Novant Medical Group, which is a network of primary care and specialty physicians affiliated with Novant Health. Novant is the not-for-profit healthcare system that includes Brunswick Community Hospital. Currently, 43 physicians in southeastern North Carolina are members of the Novant Medical Group.

Dr. Garland is currently accepting patients and is on medical staff at Brunswick Community Hospital. Ocean Isle Family Medicine is located at 120 Causeway Drive, Suite 4, in Ocean Isle Beach. To schedule an appointment, call (910) 575-5242 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Port City Java announces new leadership; Steve Schnitzler named Chief Executive Officer

2009-03-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

Port City Java has announced the appointment of Steve Schnitzler as Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 29. Schnitzler has more than 11 years experience with Port City Java, serving most recently as Director of Operations.

"I am proud to be a part of an organization backed by a strong brand name, broad distribution channels and a strong commitment to the communities in which we operate,” said Schnitzler. “Port City Java is a phenomenal company that is well-positioned to grow throughout the southeast. And as we grow, my job as CEO is to consistently fulfill our mission, which is to exceed the expectations of every guest on every visit. I am honored to be a member of the team.”

After graduating with honors from the Culinary Institute of America in 1989, Schnitzler began his career in kitchens throughout New York and New Jersey. Upon moving to Wilmington, N.C., in 1994, he became Executive Chef of Front Street Brewery downtown, where he remained for two and a half years.

Schnitzler joined Port City Java in 1998, just three years after its launch in 1995. He started as Café Manager of the Lumina Station location and was promoted to Director of Operations shortly after. During his tenure at Port City Java, Schnitzler has been instrumental in the creation of many of the company’s business protocols, including its franchise model. Under Schnitzler’s leadership, corporate cafes have grown to include 13 company-owned cafes, 21 franchised, two licensed and two international cafes.

“It has been my personal mission to make everyone within the company acutely aware of our actions and to realize how much the details matter,” said Schnitzler. “At Port City Java, we view everyone we meet as a potential guest.”

Schnitzler put his personal mission into action in 2008 by developing and hosting a series of training seminars to ensure all café baristas fully comprehended the company’s philosophies on hospitality.

Maintaining strong ties within the community has also been a top priority for Schnitzler, who has been a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and Cape Fear Community College. He has also been a Keynote Speaker for UNCW’s Coastal Entrepreneurial Council.

Schnitzler assumed the Chief Executive Officer position less than two months after the Dec 23, 2008 departure of Port City Java founder and Chief Operating Officer, Don Reynolds.
Established in March 1995 in Wilmington, N.C., Port City Java is dedicated to roasting and serving the finest coffee and espresso in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The company has grown to include more than 40 cafes and coffeehouses in five states and three countries, as well as a roastery in Wilmington. For more information, please visit http://portcityjava.com/.

Brunswick Community Hospital Volunteers Provide Scholarships

2009-03-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

Brunswick Community Hospital volunteers recently presented a $3,000 check to the Brunswick Community College Foundation. The funds will be used to provide three $1,000 scholarships to second-year students enrolled in health-related programs at the college. Pictured from left to right are Susan Lawing, BCC Foundation major gift officer; Mike Capaccio, BCC Foundation development director; Sally Dambaugh, BCH volunteer treasurer; and Ruth Ann Keener, BCH volunteer services & community outreach manager.

SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS - SATURDAY APRIL 18 AT HANOVER CENTER'S 3RD VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE

2009-03-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

HANOVER CENTER…positioned between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach sits at the intersection of Independence and Oleander across from Independence Mall (Sears, Penney's, Belk's, Dillards etc.)

On an average day, we have one of the highest traffic flows in New Hanover County. And our traffic is not
pass-through. They stop to shop or for a meal. Our 5 eateries serve in excess of 5000 meals a day with 24 hour, 7 day a week Harris Teeter serving thousands more.

Add in 3 banks, Stein Mart, Rite Aid, Omega Sports, Learning Express Toys, Wild Birds and Gardens, SAS Shoes, Books A Million, Pier1, Office Depot, AAA Travel, The Sterling House, Shoe Shak, Great Outdoor Provision Company, Great Clips and Talbots and our in-center traffic explodes exponentially.

Brunswick County pours cars over Cape Fear Memorial Bridge past HANOVER CENTER. Family-filled cars from Carolina Beach bring us customers. And HANOVER CENTER has been downtown Wilmington's first, closest and best shopping destination.since 1956.
April 18, offers you the opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell your products and services to an audience of thousands.

Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available.

Interested? Email bhenderson6@ec.rr.com

21st Annual Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

2009-03-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

The 21st Annual Golf Tournament will be held on May 23rd at Brierwood Golf Club. A Golf Team Package is only $240.00 this year and includes 18 holes of golf/cart, free beverages, goody bag & lunch! Registration is at 8:00am with a 9:00am shotgun start. Lunch, raffle, awards, and door prizes will follow golf. Tired of waiting in lines? Purchase the “Pass the Lines” Package for $300.00 and receive a team for 4, 4 mulligans, 4 red tees, and a 20 ft string!

This year’s tournament is hosted by Brierwood Golf Club at 27 Brierwood Road, Shallotte, NC 28459. Meet Bryan & Jim from 103.7’s Morning Disaster Show! Have a cold beverage from R.A. Jeffrey’s Distribution Company of Wilmington! Prove to Brunswick County that your golf team is the best! Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 910-754-6644 or events@brunswickcountychamber.org to register your team! Entry forms can also be found online at http://www.brunswickcountychamber.org/. Rain date will be on May 30th.

New Graduation Coach to Address Dropout Prevention

2009-03-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

To help address the needs of at-risk students at Shallotte Middle School, Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) has hired Brian Walker to serve as a Graduation Coach.

Walker has a strong background working with at risk youth. He served twenty years as a police officer in Montgomery County, Maryland where he taught the D.A.R.E. program in schools, five years as a Juvenile Counselor for Maryland Juvenile Services and two years as a Youth Supervisor in a youth detention center. “A dropout is eight times more likely to wind up in jail than a person with at least a high school diploma. I look forward to working with CIS to assist our youth in making good decisions,” he says.

Using the combined models of CIS Integrated Student Services and Peer Court, Walker will case manage students identified with multiple risk factors for dropping out of school such as low attendance rates, poor academic performance, and behavioral issues. In this new full-time position, Walker will work closely with CIS Peer Court Coordinator Ardith Shaw to ensure students are getting services designed to meet their individual needs.

Students will be provided with multiple layers of interventions such as: Academic Tutoring, After School Program, Community Service/Service Learning, Conflict Resolution/Anger Management Workshops, Family Counseling, Individual Counseling, Life Skills Training, Mental Health Services, Mentoring, Parent Engagement/Involvement, Parenting Education Workshops, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Truancy Prevention. Funding for this position is provided through a Dropout Prevention Grant from the NC Department of Public Instruction.

For more information about CIS, call 457-3494 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.

Pictured: New Graduation Coach, Brian Walker

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament Benefits Hospice

2009-03-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

A Texas Hold 'Em Charity Tournament in memory of Cheryl Ann Stone Murphy will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29 at The Reel Café in Wilmington. Proceeds will benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

Murphy was an avid World Tavern Poker player from Wilmington who worked in real estate and resort property management and participated in local, regional and national poker tournaments. She gained recognition and fame among her peers when she "took out" Greg "Fossilman" Raymer, the 2004 World Series of Poker main event winner. Murphy's daughter Michelle says, "We are so grateful for the services provided by Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter and are glad to be able to raise funds for the agency."

Tournament format is an initial $40 buy-in with two additional re-buys allowed within the first hour of the tournament. The first place winner of the tournament will receive a $1,000 seat in a World Series of Poker event and players will get a chance to win additional prizes, door prizes and giveaways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information contact Kevin Parker at 231-0850.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter provides health care and comfort to people with life-limiting illness; support and counseling to families; and education to the community.

Come Celebrate Families - Flower launch pays tribute to those who help children!

2009-03-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Brunswick County’s Community Child Protection Team (BCCCPT) announces its 3rd annual Flower Launch. The theme this year is “Oh How We Grow” and focuses on the Promotion of Healthy Families in Brunswick County.

Join the BCCCPT in celebrating individuals who help children flourish by launching a flower into the Cape Fear River. Each flower represents an individual or agency that protects children and promotes healthy families. These champions include parents, educators, social workers, counselors, health care professionals, child care providers, the legal profession, law enforcement, churches, and neighbors.

Healthy kids and communities are the building blocks to a better future. Come join us in celebrating everyone working to keep our children safe. You may bring a flower from your garden for this event or BCCCPT will provide one. The Flower Launch will take place Wednesday, April 8 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at Waterfront Park in Southport. For more information call Linda Perry, CIS Parenting Education Director, at 253-8221.

Pictured: Cindy and Mathew Skeens at the last year's event tossing flowers from the Southport City Pier.

Brunswick County Summer Camp Announced

2009-03-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Four Locations: Southport, Belville, Union, and Supply Elementary Schools

Summer will be here in no time – do you know what your child will be doing? Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS) are teaming up to offer a summer full of fun and educational activities at an affordable cost.

This ten week summer camp called “Brunswick County Summer Camp 2009” will operate on and off site from four locations: Union, Belville, Southport and Supply Elementary Schools. Activities will be action packed and will include two field trips per week to area attractions. On-site activities include sportacular fun, tennis adventure, art from the heart, popcorn toss, fast-crafts, geo-caching, trivia, and yes… quiet reading.

Research indicates that students experience the “Summer Slide” in the months when school is not in session. “This means that students lose approximately 28% of the knowledge they have gained during the school year while they are out during the summer months,” explains Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director. “By engaging in a program which encourages learning through activities, the students are more likely to retain and build upon knowledge acquired in the school year.”

Program information will be available at 5:00 PM the following dates and locations: March 30 at Belville, March 31 at Southport, April 2 at Union and April 6 at Supply. Registration begins April 7 at each of the CIS After School elementary school locations throughout Brunswick County. Students from pre-K through grade 5 can register for one week of fun for $100 or a day for $60. Call CIS at 371-3182 or visit http://www.cisbrunswick.org/sbrunswick.org/ for more information.

Pictured:
Communities In Schools has been providing summer fun for over ten years. Past Summer Camp participants learned to swim and went crabbing.

Cape Fear Bank Corporation and Cape Fear Bank Enter into Regulatory Orders to Enhance the Strength and Stability of the Bank

2009-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Cape Fear Bank Corporation (the “Company) (Nasdaq: CAPE) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Cape Fear Bank (the “Bank”) has entered into an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks to adopt certain measures designed to enhance the strength and stability of the Bank’s operations.
“We have been working closely with the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks to aggressively address the challenges the Bank has been facing in the current regional and national financial climate and are pleased to address the regulators’ concerns,” said Ralph Strayhorn, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. “Our customers can rest rest assured that the Bank will continue to serve its customers with its full range of lending and retail banking services,” added Mr. Strayhorn. “And all customer deposits remain fully insured to the highest limits set by the FDIC.”

As part of the FDIC and Commissioner agreement, the Bank consented to the issuance of an order to “cease and desist” (the “Order”), which formally outlines specific areas the Bank agrees to address through the adoption and implementation of policies that further enhance the stability of the Bank. The Order, which was entered into without admitting any fault and without imposition of any fines or penalties, stems from a regulatory exam conducted by the FDIC in October 2008 for the period ending September 30, 2008. The Order will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and the Commissioner.

The Order requires, among other things, that the Bank maintain certain capital levels. The Order also requires the Bank to submit written plans and/or reports to the regulators to address, among other things, how the Bank will improve its capital levels.

In addition to enhancing its capital, the Order requires the Bank to submit a written management plan for the analysis and assessment of its management and staffing needs. Under the Order, the Bank’s Board of Directors must also increase its participation in the affairs of the Bank, assuming full responsibility for the approval of sound policies and objectives for the supervision of all of the Bank’s activities. As previously disclosed, the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank now includes five new directors, four of whom were appointed in August 2008 and Mr. Strayhorn, who joined the Board at the end of November 2008.

The new Board of Directors and the new Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank have been actively engaged in responding to the concerns raised in the Order. Mr. Strayhorn continued, “Cape Fear has been working with the regulators to address the challenges we are currently facing and we have begun to address a number of the regulators’ concerns.

As previously announced, Chief Executive Officer Ralph N. Strayhorn replaced outgoing CEO Cameron Coburn in November 2008, following the completion of the examination by the FDIC that led to Order. Mr. Strayhorn has over 25 years experience in North Carolina’s banking industry and prior to joining the Company, he successfully led SterlingSouth Bank & Trust Company, a community bank in Greensboro, N.C. During his tenure at SterlingSouth, he restructured the bank from a marginally profitable, $87 million concern to a profitable $163 million bank with three locations. Mr. Strayhorn also executed a successful sale of the bank in 2006 to BNC Bancorp, the holding company for Bank of North Carolina, and served as BNC Bancorp’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer and a member of its Board of Directors.Also on February 24, 2009, Company entered into a written agreement (the “Reserve Bank Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Reserve Bank”). The Reserve Bank Agreement is designed to enhance the Company’s ability to act as a source of strength to the Bank, and requires, among other things, that the Company obtain the Reserve Bank’s approval prior to taking certain actions, such as paying dividends, taking dividends from the Bank, incurring or increasing any debt or purchasing or redeeming Company stock.

The description of the Order and Reserve Bank Agreement set forth herein are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Order and Reserve Bank Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.About the Company Cape Fear Bank (the “Bank”), formerly known as Bank of Wilmington, was established in 1998 as a community bank, developed and managed by local residents of the communities it serves, who are committed to improving the quality of their local banking experience. Cape Fear Bank Corporation, the parent company, was formed in June 2005. The Bank serves the southeastern North Carolina market area with eight full-service banking offices, including three in New Hanover County, two in Pender County, and three in Brunswick County. The Company’s stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol ‘CAPE’.

Town of Leland’s 3rd Annual Bicycle Festival, Free Tree Giveaway set for March 14

2009-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Town of Leland’s 3rd Annual Free Tree Giveaway and Bicycle Festival are set for Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Leland Municipal Complex Park & Recreation Building, located at 102 Town Hall Drive in Leland. The event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.; there is no cost to participate.

The Bicycle Fest is intended to give citizens the opportunity to learn more about Leland’s bicycle routes and educate them on bicycle safety. Attendees should bring their own bicycles to the event, which will feature stations for bike tune-ups and helmet fittings, as well as stations at which children can learn bicycle safety tips. Prizes will also be awarded during the event. The 3rd annual “Leland Cruise”, a ten mile bike route through Leland, will begin at 10 a.m. and will be escorted by the Leland Police Department. Participants must bring their own bicycles, wear a helmet and be at least 12 years of age to ride. For more information on the Bicycle Fest, please contact Niel Brooks at 910-332-4818 or nbrooks@townofleland.com.

Last year’s Free Tree Giveaway was a tremendous success. The tree giveaway, at which thousands of trees representing a variety of species will be given away to citizens, is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to do their part to beautify the Town of Leland and protect the environment. Trees will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. The Tree Giveaway is sponsored by the Town of Leland’s Stormwater Management Division. For more information on the Tree Giveaway, please contact Steven Spruill at 910-332-4652 or sspruill@townofleland.com.

7th Annual Brunswick Island’s Home & Garden Show

2009-03-06T09:23:00.001-08:00

The 7th Annual Brunswick Island’s Home & Garden Show will be held March 21-22, 2009 at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, NC. The show is on Saturday from 9:00am until 5:00pm and Sunday 10:00am until 4:00pm. Admission is $5.00 per person and children 8 and under are free.

The 2009 Brunswick Island’s Home and Garden Show will include nearly 90 exhibitors, a kid’s learning area, green vendors, classes, Sunset Slush & great food. The classes are free and will be pertaining to the home and/or garden, some classes include: Hidden Clutter that Saps your Energy, Hurricane Protection, How to Renew your Exterior Deck, and many more. The newly added green section is specifically for those vendors which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient windows, solar panels, plant nurseries, etc.

The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce is admitting exhibitors on a first-come, first-serve basis; please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 910-754-6644 if you are interested in becoming an exhibitor.

West Brunswick High School is located at 550 Whiteville Road NW, Shallotte, NC 28470. Directions: From Myrtle Beach take 17 North, Take the “Whiteville Road/130” Exit, Turn Right onto Whiteville Road NW, WBHS will be on the right. From Wilmington take 17 South, Exit on Whiteville Road/130, Turn Left onto White Road NW/130, WBHS will be on the right.
No Pets, No outside food/drinks, No refunds, Shirt & Shoes required. For more information contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 910-754-6644 or visit the website at www.brunswickcountychamber.org.

2009 Sponsors: ATMC, BEMC, Supersod, WECT, KAB, Home Depot

Brunswick County Solid Waste Department Spring Events

2009-02-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

April 13th - 18th
Free Dump Week at the Brunswick County Landfill
Brunswick County Residents may bring items, except for household trash and land clearing debris, to the Landfill in Bolivia free of charge. Commercial vehicles will be charged normal tipping fees.

Saturday, April 18th
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The Brunswick County Solid Waste Department will be at Shallotte Middle School from 9 am to 2 pm to collect household hazardous waste. Items will be taken free of charge to Brunswick County Residents.

Saturday, April 18th
Electronic Recycling
The Brunswick County Solid Waste Department will be at Shallotte Middle School from 9 am to 2 pm collecting electronics for recycling. Items will be taken free of charge to Brunswick County Residents.

Saturday, April 18th
Clothing Drive
The Brunswick County Solid Waste Department will be at the Shallotte Middle School from 9 am to 2 pm collecting clothing. Items will be donated to a local non-profit agency.

For more information on any of our upcoming events, please contact the Brunswick County Solid Waste Department at 910-253-2520 or jwhitley@brunsco.net.

Keep Brunswick County Beautiful Declares March Litter Sweep Month

2009-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Keep Brunswick County Beautiful wants you to join us in our efforts to beautify Brunswick County. Therefore, we have declared March as Litter Sweep Month. During the month of March, Keep Brunswick County Beautiful, with the assistance of the Brunswick County Solid Waste Department will assist any group or individual wanting to conduct a litter cleanup in Brunswick County. Trash bags, gloves, vests and safety information will be provided to any and all who choose to get involved in this worthy project. Municipalities, businesses, churches, school groups, civic groups and all organizations are encouraged to participate. All groups who participate will receive special recognition.

All residents of Brunswick County are encouraged to gather their friends and family together and wipe out the litter on the roads and beaches of Brunswick County. These cleanups are important, because litter can last hundreds of years in our environment. Before it decomposes, litter can hurt our economy, when businesses refuse to locate to an area if it is too trashy. Tourists won’t linger in trashy areas, they won’t spend money, and they won’t return with their friends. Litter is a human health hazard, when it contaminates our water supply as it decomposes. It’s also deadly to wildlife that eat or become entangled in litter, and once entangled, wildlife often attract other wildlife to the same hazard.

The month long cleanup will be kicked off on Saturday, February 28th, when the employees of Brunswick County Government will gather at various locations throughout the county to tackle our heavily littered roads. At the conclusion of our month long cleanup, the results including number of volunteers, pounds of litter retrieved and the names of groups or organizations that participated in the clean ups will be announced.

If you would like to organize a cleanup or join in on an existing cleanup, please contact Jennifer Whitley, Executive Director of Keep Brunswick County Beautiful at (910) 253-2524 or jwhitley@brunsco.net.

"Faith," oil on canvas, 96'' x 96''

2009-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

On Sunday March 8th between 4-7 pm Caffe Phoenix (9 South Front Street) will host an opening reception of a Xris Kessler Retrospective consisting of new original works and select limited signed prints spanning the local artist's career.

Building upon his two previous Wilmington shows in two years, the first a collection of skyscapes titled 'You were there with Me' followed by STAUNCH, a tribute to 70s documentary Grey Gardens, Kessler's new work resonates with a knowingness of a man who has reached a fulcrum in his career and is ready to take a step back to publicly acknowledge his progress. And as any attendee of either shows should know that Kessler openings always come with a surprise punch, this time in the guest appearance of New Orleans drag queen Abita Bitchdaughn, The Refugee from New Orleans, fresh off the plane from Mardi Gras.

This is the second pivotal point in Kessler's career. The first came about while he was studying at the esteemed Academy of Art in San Francisco. Upon seeing the body of work he was producing, two of the school's most renowned art professors suggested he leave. Kessler had risen so far above his contemporaries, that additional instruction wasn't going to enhance his art. Instead he was told to travel to Rome and find a mentor.

This was a fortuitous plea, as Kessler admits that his inspiration comes from reading Divinci's notebooks while simultaneously admiring Warhol's brilliance. As a contemporary artist, Kessler also finds his muses in the "pop art" of modern culture, film and music. Whether it is a series of songs by The Cure, the work of David Lynch or
John Cameron Mitchell, Kessler finds an inner movement that makes its way onto his canvas, the unformed bronze or a blank piece of paper.

Comfortable and accomplished in all mediums, Kessler's brilliance shines in allowing the viewer a glimpse into his world, one that is simultaneously uncommon and awe-inspiring.

Kessler's work is gaining international attention and recognition for its exquisite color, composition and the sensation it gives the viewer. Back home in Wilmington after completing commissions in New York and San Francisco, Kessler works out of his Forest Hills studio, where he lives with his partner, renowned audiologist Johnnie Sexton.

"Often I will work on a piece for months, fine-tuning something that visitors to my studio often think is already complete until the next time they come around and the image may be completely different, yet still resonating with the same layers of underlying energy," Kessler explains, "While other works may be completed quickly, in a few hours.
Producing work is as unpredictable as children."

Information on attached image: "Faith," oil on canvas, 96'' x 96''

For more information, visit http://www.xriskessler.com/ or contact joelfinsel@gmail.com.

Little Princess Ball

2009-02-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

Snow White, Cinderella, and a procession of princesses from across the county attended the Little Princess Ball with the special men in their lives. A joint venture by Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and Communities In Schools (CIS), the Ball attracted over one hundred girls from kindergarten to fifth grade escorted by fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other male role models.

“In these economic times, it’s important to have affordable activities which bring families together,” says CIS Executive Director Cynthia Tart. “It’s critical we look for partners to merge activities and blend resources to meet the needs of the community. I’m thrilled we had such a tremendous turnout and thankful for the support of local venders and volunteers.”

Balloons and streamers transformed the Progress Energy Media Center into a ballroom fit for royalty. Guests were greeted by Gina and Doug Fritchey of Southport who appeared as Queen and King of the Ball. Giavanna Jenkins, a second grader at Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School, won a basket of toys from Bullfrog Corner in Southport. Glittery gifts were bestowed on each girl courtesy of Monique Stenquist of St. James and Island Breeze of Sunset Beach. Volunteers from Brunswick Community College’s Early Childhood Education Department and the CIS Family Resource Center in Leland showed off their talents in the art of face painting and jewelry making. Charisma Salon in Southport made each girl feel like a pampered princess by providing manicures for that finishing touch of glamour. Guest dined like royalty on cupcakes and cookies provided by Sugar Confections of Calabash and The Confectionary of Oak Island.

“It was great to see so many girls having a good time! This was the first event of its kind and it was great working with Communities In Schools on this project. We hope everyone that attended the 1st Annual Little Princess Ball came away with memories that will last a lifetime” says Melinda Johnson, Special Events Coordinator for Brunswick County Parks and Recreation. Net proceeds from the event went to support the programs and services of Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and CIS.

Pictured Above: Gina and Doug Fritchey of Southport as Queen and King of the Ball. Giavanna Jenkins, a second grader at Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School, won a basket of toys from Bullfrog Corner in Southport and attended the Ball with her brother.

25th Annual Lobster Fest - Saturday, June 6, 2009

2009-02-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Church of the Servant presents the 25th Annual Lobster Fest on Saturday, June 6, 2009, noon to 5 p.m. at Church of the Servant, 4925 Oriole Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Averaging 1.25 pounds, the fresh Maine lobsters are available live ($18), cooked ($20), or as a lobster pack ($23) dinner: a lobster, cole slaw, corn on the cob and a roll. Extra sides and fresh baked goods will be available. Early bird orders received by Friday, May 15, receive $1 off per lobster.

Orders and payments must be received by Thursday, May 28. Information and order form available at the web site: www.cosepiscopal.com. Orders may also be placed by phone over the lobster line 910-2624210; by fax at 910-395-1600; mailed to the church; emailed to cos@eastnc.twcbc.com; or delivered to the church by Thursday, May 28 at 4 p.m. Visa, Master Card, checks and cash are accepted. No refunds. Live lobsters must be picked up by 4 p.m. day of the event. Delivery available for orders of 15 or more within New Hanover County. Lobsters may be eaten at the church, bring your own tools.

Festival of Flowers Benefits Hospice

2009-02-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation and Fiore Fine Flowers present Festival of Flowers, from 10 a.m. to noon. February 26 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, 301 N. Water St.

Fiore Fine Flowers Lead Designer Lonnie Taylor will demonstrate how to create romantic, European-inspired floral arrangements. He will discuss the latest design trends in flower-arranging and help participants create a floral arrangement to take home. Mimosas and amuse-bouche will be served.

Taylor has studied floral design since 1986 with world-acclaimed floral designers. Combining eighteen years of Ikebana training and European studies, Taylor provides a refreshingly new perspective in floral design for all occasions. He is accredited by the American Institute of Floral Design and is verified by the North Carolina State Professional Florist School.

Individual tickets are available for $50. Hostess reserved tables of ten are available for $600. Proceeds benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter. For more information or to reserve your ticket, visit the Events page at hospiceandlifecarecenter.org or call 796-8099 ext. 443.

Sponsors for this event include Fiore Fine Flowers, Alliance Credit Union, Wilmington Health Associates and the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.

United Way Seeks “United Men” Nominations - First Annual UW Calendar to Honor Local Men Who Make a Difference

2009-02-16T18:24:00.001-08:00

United Way of the Cape Fear Area is looking for a few good men! Nominations are now being accepted for men who make a difference in our community to be featured in the 2010 United Men of the Cape Fear Area Calendar.

The first annual United Way calendar will honor area men who exemplify the United Way call to LIVE UNITED and make a difference in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties.

“United Way invites people to LIVE UNITED—to make an impact by rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in a good cause, by speaking out in support of change, or by giving financial support to the important work of local non-profits. Our first annual calendar will feature local men who demonstrate what it means to LIVE UNITED,” said Jennifer Adams, United Way board member and chair of the United Men of the Cape Fear Area Committee.

Local men who LIVE UNITED can be nominated in one of 12 categories: business, education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, law enforcement and emergency responders, legal, media/communications, non-profit, real estate, and other.

Nominations are $20 per entry and will be accepted from Feb. 2 through March 31, 2009. To honor and nominate a man who has made a difference in our community, visit www.cfauw.org and click on the homepage link for the 2010 United Men of the Cape Fear Area Calendar. Paper nomination forms may be obtained by calling (910) 798-3900.

Supporters of those nominated can vote as many times as they wish. Each vote is $10, and voting will continue until the United Men Calendar Showcase Event on May 14. The three men with the most votes in each category will be highlighted at the Showcase Event. Voting will continue at the event—and by the end of the evening, the 12 finalists will be announced!

Money raised from the calendar and Showcase Event will benefit the community through the United Way of the Cape Fear Area, which strives to create lasting change right here in the tri-county area.

“This year, the calendar will focus on United Men. However, the overall theme is ‘LIVE UNITED,’ and each year our calendar will have a new focus that highlights people from all walks of life who LIVE UNITED,” said Adams. For more information about nominations, voting or the Showcase Event on May 14, please visit www.cfauw.org.

YWCA Awards Recognize Women in the Community for Accomplishments

2009-02-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

They said it couldn’t be done, but you know an amazing woman who did it.
Nominate her!

Cape Fear Area Women of Achievement Awards
Nomination Deadline: March 2, 2009 5:00 pm

The Women of Achievement Awards serve as the premiere event to recognize and celebrate women and youth in southeastern North Carolina.

For nomination forms click on the following link http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=drLSK0PFLuF&b=2185757, call 799.6820 or stop by the main office at 2815 South College Road.

Upcoming Events at Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market

2009-02-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 21st @ 1:00 pm
Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market – 5329 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
910-799-2667 www.tidalcreek.coop
Sow Your Seeds: Getting Your Garden Started
A FREE Tidal Creek Co-op class: Join Evan Folds of Progressive Gardens as he demonstrates how easy it can be to grow your own food. From seedlings to soil, this is a class for everyone! This is a free class; please register at Tidal Creek Customer Service or by calling 799-2667.

Saturday, February 28th @ 1:00pm
Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market – 5329 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
910-799-2667 www.tidalcreek.coop
DIY: How to Make Your Own Organic Baby Food
A FREE Tidal Creek Co-op class: Join moms Christina Robins and Bettina Masschaele as they demonstrate how easy it is to make your own Organic Baby food. This is a free class; please register at Tidal Creek Customer Service or by calling 799-2667

BASHO CREATIVE EXPANDS FEATURES TO RESTAURANT RANKING WEBSITE

2009-02-16T18:16:00.001-08:00

Local design firm Basho Creative has added enhancements to WeekSauce.net for restaurant owners to promote their daily specials. The site, which competes successfully with nationally-recognized websites Yelp.com and GoodRec.com, provides daily dining and drinking specials to visitors and allows those visitors to rank both the establishment and the specific special. Restaurant and bar owners are able to log into a secure area of the site customized to their establishment and update daily specials, add photographs, create event announcements and purchase advertising within the site.

“WeekSauce.net takes dining decision making to another level by promoting specific eating and drinking specials. It is a robust and feature-rich website for restaurant patrons and goes far beyond the generic reviews found elsewhere on the web”, said company spokesman and Director of Special Projects, Chip Hunnicutt. WeekSauce.net was launched in November 2008 and has an intuitive search process for users looking for specific food categories or locations.

The site is free for restaurant owners and advertising opportunities are available within the site. Owners may obtain a free account by contact Mr. Hunnicutt at chip@bashocreative.com.
Basho Creative LLC is based in Wilmington, NC and provides creative design services to clients across the country and in every industry. Established in 2008, the principals have a combined 20 years of experience in marketing and design. To learn more about Basho Creative, go to bashocreative.com.

Sea Dawgs and Cape Fear Volunteer Center Team Up for the 2009 Big Buddy Shoot Out

2009-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

Buy one ticket, get into two exciting games!

That is the thought behind the 16th Annual Big Buddy Shoot Out that will take place on Sunday, February 22nd at the CFCC Schwartz Center in downtown Wilmington.

The excitement starts at 1:00 p.m. with the Big Buddy Shoot Out. This basketball game brings out the rivalry between the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department. Ticket sales from the game will benefit the Cape Fear Volunteer Center Big Buddy Program. The money will be used to recruit, train, screen and manage new volunteers that work with little buddies as well as execute programming for those little buddies enrolled in the program.

To add even greater value to the event, those that purchase a ticket to the Big Buddy Shoot Out can use his/her ticket to receive FREE admission to the Wilmington Sea Dawgs game against the top-ranked Battle Creek Knights. This game is set to start at 5:00 p.m.

“We are excited to be apart of this year’s Big Buddy Event,” says Billy Whittington, General Manager of the Wilmington Sea Dawgs. “The organization looks forward to a great day of fun and basketball”.

The Big Buddy Program helps children that come from single family homes and are in need of a mentor in their lives to be shown opportunities that they may not already know of, so that they may thrive and prosper.

This is the first year the event will be held in conjunction with the Wilmington Sea Dawg's and we look forward to honoring our communities’ civil servants in the most supportive way possible with an exciting day on the court! Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased from any Cape Fear Volunteer Center Board Member, at the Cape Fear Volunteer Center Office or at the door. Please call 392-8180 for more information. Those interested in helping to sponsoring or volunteering for the event please contact Chad at 910-465-1314.The Wilmington Sea Dawgs' next home game is this Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 p.m. against the Montreal Sasquatch. All area educators and staff (with valid ID) receive FREE admission.For more information please contact the Wilmington Sea Dawgs at 910-791-6523, email us at info@wilmingtonseadawgs.com, or visit www.wilmingtonseadawgs.com.

7th Annual Brunswick Island’s Home & Garden Show

2009-02-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

The 7th Annual Brunswick Island’s Home & Garden Show will be held March 21-22, 2009 at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, NC. The show is on Saturday from 9:00am until 5:00pm and Sunday 10:00am until 4:00pm. Admission is $5.00 per person and children 8 and under are free.

The 2009 Brunswick Island’s Home and Garden Show will include over 100 exhibitors, a kid’s learning area, green vendors, classes, food and music. The classes are free to join and pertain to the home and/or garden, some classes include: Hidden Clutter that Saps your Energy, Hurricane Protection, How to Renew your Exterior Deck, and many more. The newly added green section is specifically for those vendors which are eco-friendly, from energy-efficient windows to plant nurseries.

The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce is admitting exhibitors on a first-come, first-serve basis; please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 910-754-6644 if you are interested in becoming an exhibitor.

West Brunswick High School is located at 550 Whiteville Road NW, Shallotte, NC 28470. Directions: From Myrtle Beach take 17 North, Take the “Whiteville Road/130” Exit, Turn Right onto Whiteville Road NW, WBHS will be on the right. From Wilmington take 17 South, Exit on Whiteville Road/130, Turn Left onto White Road NW/130, WBHS will be on the right.
No Pets, No outside food/drinks, No refunds, Shirt & Shoes required. For more information contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 910-754-6644 or visit the website at www.brunswickcountychamber.org.

Town of Leland Stormwater Management Division

2009-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Town of Leland Stormwater Management Division will hold a public workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 in the Leland Town Hall Conference Room. This will be a floating meeting and citizens can stop by anytime between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of this workshop is to allow citizens the opportunity to review and comment on the Town's Stormwater Management Plan. This plan specifically relates to the public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and post-construction stormwater management portions of the Town's NPDES permit.

For more information, please contact Steven Spruill, Stormwater Manager for the Town of Leland, at 910-332-4652 sspruill@townofleland.com.

Town of Leland's Parks & Recreation Department

2009-02-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Town of Leland's Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with volunteer teacher Carla Jacobs to offer free line dancing for residents. All levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, are welcome to attend.

Lessons are held at 1 p.m. every Tuesday in the Leland Recreation Building, located at 102 Town Hall Drive. There is no charge to participate.

For more information, please contact the Town of Leland's Parks & Recreation Department at 910-332-4818.

Are you a local mom who just had a baby? Do you have parenting questions?

2009-02-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

Now local mothers have a resource to connect them to other local moms,parenting experts and fun at CoastalCarolinaMoms.com, a free mommynetworking web site for the Cape Fear region.The Star-News sponsored site connects mothers through nearly 30 forumtopics, four local mommy blogs, local parenting resources and photo andvideo galleries.

Elizabeth Humphrey, local freelancer and mother of three, is the site's mom moderator. But CoastalCarolinaMoms.com isn't just on the internet. We will plan community events throughout the year to connect moms in realtime and build lasting friendships. And each month, we plan to organize aMommy's Night Out. We're also a co-sponsor of the monthly family fleamarket Trunk-N-Trade every second and fourth Saturday through April.Registration is easy at CoastalCarolinaMoms.com.

Talk, have fun and let us know what we can do to help.Moms need moms! Contact either Elizabeth Humphrey at 343-2365, eliz.humphrey@gmail.com orAmanda Greene 343-2365, amanda.greene@starnewsonline.com.

N.C. ad agency announces “Talkies” awards: Top 10 Super Bowl ads of 2009

2009-02-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Talk, Inc., a Wilmington, N.C.-based firm has announced its top 10 winners for its second annual Talkies Awards, honoring Super Bowl commercials most likely to get everyone talking around the water Monday morning. Talk created the Talkies in 2008 to judge the creativity, innovation and effectiveness of the industry’s most expensive-and most watched-ads.

Talk’s top 10 Talkies go to:
1. Teleflora's rude flowers
2. Coke's insect picnic heist
3. Bridgestone's Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head
4. Doritos' crystal ball
5.Pedigree's adopt a dog drive
6. Cars.com's David Abernathy
7. Monster.com's "Time to get a new job"
8. Hulu.com's Alec Baldwin TV factory
9. GE's scarecrow10. Budweiser's Clydesdale immigrants

The Super Bowl experts at Talk judged the ads as they aired and posted comments on SuperBowlTalkies.com. Super Bowl ad fans can visit the website to watch this year’s ads on demand, read recent reports about the Super Bowl ad trends from TalkIncBlog.com, weigh in on their favorite ads in reader polls and chat live with Talk staff about the best and worst ads of the night.

“The Super Bowl is the Oscars of advertising,” said Debbie Elliott, President and Creative Director of Talk. “Companies have an opportunity to reach the largest TV audience of the year and get significant added value with all of the pre- and post-game buzz the commercials generate. In today’s economy, companies are looking for the biggest bang for their buck and the Super Bowl definitely provides that opportunity.”

Established in 1990, Talk, Inc., is a branding and communications agency that helps companies grow and navigate change. Headquartered in Wilmington, N.C., the agency operates a satellite office in Camden, S.C., and develops award-winning regional and national advertising campaigns for companies and organizations throughout the Carolinas. For more information, visit www.talkinc.com.

Wilmington Health Associates announces the 2008 Physicians of the year

2009-02-01T15:57:00.001-08:00

Wilmington Health Associates’ the areas largest multi-specialty group recognizes Dr. Damian Brezinski and Dr. Joseph Payne as their 2008 Physicians of the year.

Dr. Damian Brezinski is a board certified Cardiologist at the 1202 Medical Center Drive location. Dr. Brezinski is recognized as an activist in our local Heart Association, a strategic visionary, a team builder and a physician personally committed to providing quality care for the patients of our area. “He is a supportive partner who actively works behind the scenes in many areas throughout the clinic. He has wonderful strategic vision for the group and contributed significantly to our Strategic Planning Retreat” Dr. Jonathan Hines, Board President.

Dr. Joe Payne is a board certified Surgeon at our 1202 Medical Center Drive location. Dr Payne is recognized for his leadership, commitment to medical excellence and compassion as well as dedication to his patients. Dr. Payne is a civic leader in the community with a keen interest in classical music, playing the oboe himself. Dr. Payne’s compassion is exceptional, he is known for his warm personality and gentle approach with the patients and staff. Dr. Payne is a supportive partner to Wilmington Health Associates and all that know him.” Dr. Jonathan Hines, Board President.

To learn more about Wilmington Health log on to our website at www.wilmingtonhealth.com

CIS Scholarships Available

2009-02-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) will award a $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors at each of the county's three high schools and the Brunswick County Academy.

Applicants will be interviewed and scored based on financial need, academics, school activities, community involvement, and interview presentation.“

Academic scholarships are desperately needed in order for students to afford the rising costs of higher education opportunities,” said Cynthia Tart, CIS executive director. “Tuition for a four-year college averages $40,000 per year. Providing our seniors with a little extra financial support reflects the community's value for higher education.”

Students receiving awards last year were: Megan Phelps and Johnnie Mobley, Jr. from Brunswick County Academy; Megan Wheeler, Stephen Canady, Erin Dingess, Blair Lane, Gail Murray, and Blythe Butler from West Brunswick High School; Sarah Edison, T. Scott Moore, Saphyr Amrol-Davis, Sarah McCarley, and Yolanda Ray from South Brunswick High School; and Stephanie Johnson, GleAna Stackhouse, Kaitlyn Shank, and Kelly Bryant from North Brunswick High School. Additionally, Ashley Williams, who was homeschooled, received a scholarship for her involvement with Teen Court.

To learn more about CIS and the CIS Scholarships, visit the CIS website at www.cisbrunswick.org. Scholarship applications are available through the guidance office at each school and on the web. Completed applications should be submitted to the school's guidance counselor by March 25.

CIS is a community-based public/private partnership with a mission to help kids stay in school, graduate and become productive members of the community. Partners in this endeavor are local businesses, industries, civic clubs, agencies, communities of faith and individuals.

Precious Gems ‘Adopts’ Local School

2009-02-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Precious Gems of Wilmington adopted Bolivia Elementary recently through the Communities In Schools of Brunswick County Adopt A School and Volunteer program. The program pairs local businesses, civic groups, churches, agencies and individuals with the 18 public schools to provide resources, tutors and mentors to the schools. For information about becoming an adopting partner or volunteering your time, call Linda Rumsey at 754-9536 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.

Pictured are Deanne Karns of Precious Gems and Kelly Tippett, Parent Facilitator at Bolivia Elementary.

Auditions for Princess Tea Party hosted by On My Toes Dance Studio

2009-02-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

On My Toes Dance Studio announces auditions for local dancers to participate in a princess themed tea party and ballet.

• WHO: Dancers 3rd through 12th grades
• WHEN: Sunday, February 22, 2009
2:00-2:45: 7th-12th graders
2:45-3:30: 3rd-6th graders
• WHERE: On My Toes Dance Studio
4672 Long Beach Road
Southport, NC 28461

The Princess Tea Party will take place on Saturday, May 2nd at On My Toes Dance Studio. Performances will begin at noon and at 2:00pm. Guests will be treated to a day of fun including tea, treats, and a princess makeover. Following the party, selected dancers will perform the grand finale, a fairy princess ballet! The rehearsal and performance experience is so delightful
and rewarding to all who participate, giving dancers skills and memories to last a lifetime.

For more information, please visit www.onmytoes.net or call (910) 523-2310.

The Wilmington Senior Softball Association is looking for Men ages 53 to 70+

2009-01-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

-Part time and full time players needed
-We play two mornings a week (Tues & Thurs at 9am)
-Season is April-October (with 2 week break in July)
-10 teams divided into 2 divisions based on age and skill
-Standard slow pitch rules, senior safety rules
-ASA and North Carolina Senior Games Sanctioned

Spring training starts in March so sign up now!!!
Visit our website at www.wilmingtonseniorsoftball.com for more details.

The 5th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s LoTide Run - March 14, 2009

2009-01-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

In 2004, a fine young man named Steve Haydu, resident of Carolina Beach, was diagnosed with cancer. He and his young wife Cori were expecting their first child and had no medical insurance. As the residents of Carolina Beach so often do, the community came together to plan fundraisers to help this young couple through the difficult time ahead of them. Several events were held and were very successful. The last event was planned for the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day 2005…..a 10K/5K/ and a Fun Run on the beach for children. The run was successful and we were able to assist Steve and Cori….the plan was to relieve them of the financial stress that would burden them. That was the only way we knew to help. There were 157 runners and we thought that was a big run. The Run began on the beach near Ocean Grill and ended on the beach.

Steve was able to see the runners pass by his home. Jack, about 2 months old at this time, did the race in a stroller. Steve passed away in May of that year and in his memory the race has continued each year with the proceeds going to a recipient in or near Carolina Beach with a similar situation……diagnosed with cancer and no medical insurance. “Baby Jack” has participated in the race every year. Picture attached of Jack getting prepared to do the 5k in March of 2008 with his mother Cori.

In March of 2006, 356 runners participated in the race. In 2007, there were approximately 850 runners…..it grew over night and the old Center Pier was packed with people. I knew that day that we would have to move to another location. We had outgrown the location and what a blessing to know that we would be able to help more people each year as we grew. The race route was changed and certified for the 2008 run and now begins near the Gazebo at the end of Cape Fear Boulevard at Carolina Beach, runs through residential areas and ends on the beach. There were 1011 runners/walkers/shufflers registered for the 2008 run. This is a Flat PR course with USTAF certification. Detail about date, time, costs, teams, etc. are on attached application. Packets for runners can be picked up at Omega Sports on March 13th between the hours of 3 and 7 or at Cabana Suites on Carolina Beach Avenue North between 7 and 8:30 the morning of the race. Cabana Suites is near the start of the race.

A non-profit organization was formed and a board named. We are licensed to solicit through the North Carolina Secretary of State. The race is supported by businesses and individuals through our sponsorship program….brochure attached. Runners receive a tee shirt and information, coupons, etc. and 136 awards are given for times scored. In addition, awards are given to the largest team and the team with the most spirit.

After the race, bands will play and vendors will have displays. Massages will be available for a small donation. We will have face painting for the children and young at heart. Light food is provided for the runners.

There will be a raffle for gift certificates, art work, and an electric Mustang convertible (sorry, it is kid size). It is a fun time for the runners, their followers, the community and the 100 volunteers that are involved with making the race a success. Our goal this year is 1500 runners and we can do it…..regardless of the economy.
Parking will be free throughout the town of Carolina Beach, but carpooling is recommended. You can use meter parking (free) or some large parking lots including: the Municipal lot (Behind McDonald’s on Canal), the Old Astor Parking lot, or behind Sea Witch Restaurant.

If anyone would like to sponsor the race, make a donation or register to participate in the race, go to our website which is http://www.lotiderun.org/ or contact me, Louise May 910.620.8428 or email louisebmay@charter.net. Individuals wanting to volunteer should contact Cori Haydu at corihaydu@hotmail.com.

Verdict is in – Teen Court a Success. District Attorney’s Office and CIS celebrate 10 years of alternative justice for teens

2009-01-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Brunswick County, NC (January 8, 2009) – Ten years ago, Brunswick County had a problem – too many young people entering the juvenile justice system for demonstrating poor judgment and having that mistake follow them forever. Thanks to Teen Court, first time offenders are now given a second chance at a clean slate.

Teen Court is an alternative justice system which encourages youth to take responsibility for their actions and correct their mistakes. The youth is defended and prosecuted by peers. A jury of peers then imposes constructive sentencing which may include restitution, community service, or counseling. Since 1999 over 700 first time offenders have participated in the program, saving the county over a million dollars. Working with Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS), former Representative David Redwine, Representative Dewey Hill, and Senator R.C. Soles were instrumental in providing funding for and implementing this program.

Brunswick County District Attorney Rex Gore credits Teen Court with turning a problem into a passion for the adult and student volunteers, as well as judges who preside over the cases. At the recent anniversary celebration, Mr. Gore recognized Judge Napoleon Barefoot for chairing the task force which started the program. Volunteers Pete Erbe, John Kelso, Fred Amman and Ed Kay were honored for their years of dedication to the program, acting as mentors and instructing the student volunteers in courtroom etiquette. A special award was presented to Glenda Ansley, Teen Court Director for the past nine years.

Teen Court is a partnership program between the District Attorney’s Office and CIS. For more information contact Glenda Ansley at 253-8220 or visit http://www.cisbrunswick.org/.

Pictured Above: Fred Amman, Glenda Ansley, Pete Erbe, John Kelso, and Judge Napoleon Barefoot received recognition for their work with Teen Court.

Wilmington Health Associates Brings Convenient Care to Area

2009-01-16T20:20:00.000-08:00

WILMINGTON, NC—Wilmington Health Associates is pleased to announce that it is expanding its services to include Convenient Care at Porters Neck.

“At Wilmington Health, we understand that it’s impossible to schedule an illness. That's why we’re opening Convenient Care at Porters Neck,” said Jeff James, CEO of Wilmington Health Associates.

Opening on January 19, Convenient Care at Porters Neck will accept Wilmington Health and non-Wilmington Health patients, and the co-pay for a Convenient Care visit is the same as the co-pay for a doctor’s office visit. It’s open from noon-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No appointment will be necessary.

Like providers at all Wilmington Health locations, providers at Convenient Care at Porters Neck will use electronic medical records. Starting with the first visit to a Wilmington Health facility, each patient’s medical records will be electronically accessible to all Wilmington Health providers—at any location.

ATMC HOLDS SUCCESSFUL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

2009-01-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

Shallotte, NC – Allen Russ, ATMC CEO/General Manager announced that the cooperative recently completed a successful United Way Campaign which raised almost $24,000.

Fund-raising activities included an employee giving campaign, a silent auction and a reserved parking space raffle. Approximately 75% of ATMC and its subsidiary company employees contributed to the campaign. Various local merchants were also generous in contributing merchandise and gift certificates for the silent auction.

“We are facing challenging economic times in our community, and the services provided through the Cape Fear Area United Way are needed now more than ever before,” commented Allen Russ. He added, “The ATMC family knows the importance of giving back and helping our neighbors in need. We know that this money will go a long way in helping to provide much needed services to the people of Brunswick County.”

Money raised during the 2008 campaign will be used for funds dispersed in 2009 for a wide scope of community, health, human services and educational needs in our region. ATMC and its employees have contributed close to $150,000 to United Way in the last eight years.

LM RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

2009-01-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

LM Restaurants, Inc. is pleased to announce Wendel Horrell will return to Eddie Romanelli's on Oleander Drive as General Manager, and Sharlan Toole has been promoted to General Manager of the Eddie Romanelli's Leland location.

Horrell started with the company in 1995 as a prep cook at the Oceanic. In 1998, he transferred to Henry's and in 2006 opened the company's second Eddie Romanelli's location in Leland, NC as their General Manager.

Toole started his career as a server with Eddie Romanelli's in Wilmington in September 1999. His talent and hard work led to his promotion to Assistant Manager of Henry's and now to GM of Eddie Romanelli's.

According to spokesperson Deborah Goodman, "LM Restaurants is fortunate to have such a talented team of managers. The ability to recruit within our company creates a cohesive employee culture and offers many opportunities for career advancement. It is very exciting to have these two managers with our organization and community."

LM Restaurants is the parent company of several award-winning restaurants on the East coast (http://www.lmrest.com/). Oceanic (on Wrightsville Beach) offers fresh seafood and panoramic beachfront dining; Eddie Romanelli's (Wilmington and Leland) offers American Italian cuisine. Henry's (Wilmington) is a casual American restaurant and Bluewater (Wrightsville Beach) is a picturesque waterfront grill situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. Carolina Ale House is a family-friendly sports-themed concept with eleven locations (six locations in the Triangle, a location in Terminal 2 of RDU International Airport, two locations South Carolina and two in South Florida.) Additional North Carolina locations are in the works, including one in Wilmington and a rooftop concept in downtown Raleigh. Taverna Agora (Raleigh) is an authentic Greek restaurant and bar; Bentley's at Crossroads (Cary) is a casually elegant steak and seafood concept located in Crossroads Plaza. In addition to its restaurants, LM Restaurants also manages Atlantic Quest Catering (Wilmington, NC.)