Features

CALABASH — It’s that time once again to savor the flavors of the Seafood Capital.

The third annual A Taste of Calabash is the biggest yet, organizer Helen Kapalka says.

This year’s event, headquartered in Calabash Community Park at 868 Persimmon Road, serves up 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with participating restaurants offering samples of their finest dishes throughout the town.

By Linda Arnold

Pop quiz: The most important factor in living a healthy life for most of us is:

·      Good nutrition

·      Regular exercise

·      Smoking cessation

·      Limited alcohol consumption

By John Nelson

A swamp is sort of like Rodney Dangerfield: not much respect, at least from most people. Most folks tend to think a swamp is nothing but scary wet place, dark and gloomy, a den of nothing but danger and the stuff of bad dreams. All those critters and mosquitoes. And quicksand. Don’t forget the quicksand!

Skin allergies are some of the most common causes for veterinary visits. Itching and scratching all day and night; dry, flaky or oily skin; red, swollen, smelly and painful ears top the list of complaints. Most cases of chronic ear “infections” are often related to an underlying allergy.

The top three causes of pet allergies are seasonal allergies (atopy), food and fleas. While allergic skin and ear conditions can have many causes, proper food and nutrition can often help lessen a suffering pet’s symptoms.

The Brunswick Concert Band marches out “Bandtastic!,” its annual spring concert, in two performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Hatch Auditorium in Caswell Beach.

Under the direction of Tom Smicklas and Michael Stringer, the concert will feature favorites including "A Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein” and “Frank Sinatra in Concert” along with several Sousa marches.

The End of America is upon us.

In just a few more days, it’s coming to Brunswick County.

At least, that’s the name of the Philadelphia-based trio performing in the latest Listen Up Brunswick County show at 7:30 p.m. next Sunday in the Virginia Williamson Events Center in Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

Doors open at 7 p.m.

The End of America, their name a tribute to Jack Kerouac, consists of Brendon Thomas, James Downes and Trevor Leonard blending three-part vocals ala rock and Americana.

Bloody and discolored urine is a common reason cat owners seek veterinary help. It’s incredibly upsetting to see drops of blood in a litter box, on bedding nor on the floor. Sometimes you can’t see the blood until it is examined with a microscope or detected on urinalysis.
Fortunately, most cats experiencing blood in their urine have straightforward causes that have relatively simple treatments. The two major causes of blood in a cat’s urine are cystitis and feline lower urinary tract disorder, or FLUTD.

Spring brings many things, including the Museum of Coastal Carolina’s annual Family Day in Ocean Isle Beach, Ocean Isle Beach Kite Flying Day and the Southport Spring Festival this weekend.

Family Day lauds the season from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31, rain or shine.

In addition to games, crafts and kids’ activities, highlights include hot dogs, a bake sale, soda, Kettle Korn and Sunset Slush.

Brunswick Little Theatre’s first and second Open Mic Poetry Readings have been so successful organizers have decided to host poetry readings every month this year.

The next reading is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, April 6.  Allare invited to bring their original poetry to read to other poets and poetry lovers.

Sign-up begins at 7 p.m. The readings begin at 7:30 p.m. in room 1B, the first building behind the main auditorium at the BLT Theatre at 8068 River Road (N.C. 87) in Southport.