Features

Free health screenings, massages and seminars are part of Health Expo 2014, slated for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Shallotte Middle School.

Sponsored by The Brunswick Beacon, the eighth annual expo will feature more than 40 vendors and sponsors converging at the school at 225 Village Road.

Free screenings this year will include A1C diabetes, cholesterol, blood sugar, oxygen saturation, BMI, video otoscopy, bone density, computerized nervous system, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, oral screenings, pulse, glaucoma and vision.

The Southport Chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is sponsoring its 11th annual antique appraisal fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. in Southport.

There will be 11 certified appraisers, both specialists and generalists, to examine the treasures, and provide an estimate of their worth. Bring in up to three hand-carried items. The cost for a ticket is $7 per item or three tickets for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the door starting at 12:30 p.m. The appraisals will begin promptly at 1 p.m.

By John Nelson

Plant Columnist

Ferns, ferns, wonderful plants. Such an ancient group. They were around a long time before there were any dinosaurs. Their and their relatives’ remains, fossilized, make up significant parts of the coal deposits around the world, and of course a good bit of the carbon in their plant bodies — too much, no doubt — is now floating around in the air, after being burned.

The Intracoastal Model Railroad Club (IMRRC) is holding a series of workshops and seminars at the new Calabash Marketplace, 10050 Beach Drive in Calabash.

The first one, “An Introduction to Model Railroading,” is Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The series is designed to increase public awareness of the club, educate young and old about the benefits of model railroading, and explain how to create layouts in their own homes for personal enjoyment, IMRRC administrator Don Woodwell says.

 Singer/musician Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired “The Sound of Music,” will perform in concert at 7 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 14, in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, 410 Sixth Ave. S. in North Myrtle Beach.

This is an unticketed event. A love offering will be taken. The church opens at 6 p.m.

The concert was rescheduled from Jan. 31 because of recent severe weather.

Southport Oak Island Animal Rescue (SOAR) is excited about its new shirts.

SOAR’s staff and supporters are hoping this will be an awesome way to raise money as well as get more exposure out there for SOAR.

Three designs are available in T-shirts, tank tops, fleece sweats and hoodies and a variety of colors.

For anyone interested in purchasing one (or two or three), the costs are $15 for tanks, $17 for ladies T’s, $18 for men’s T’s, $25 for fleece and $30 for hoodies.

GRISSETTOWN — For lifelong lovebirds Bill and Joan Hoyle, every day is Valentine’s Day.

That’s saying a lot for the Brunswick County couple, who have been married for nearly 60 years and have known each other since childhood.

“We met when I was 7 and he was 10,” Joan Hoyle said as the couple, wearing matching red shirts in celebration of the upcoming 2014 edition of Valentine’s Day, relaxed at their home.

“Driving Miss Daisy” first debuted on Broadway in April 1987, followed two years later by the movie starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykroyd.

A quarter-century later, the award-winning production about the unfolding friendship between a wealthy Jewish widow and her chauffeur during the changing decades of the 20th century in the Deep South is still an audience favorite and classic.

The term “Venus and Mars” has inspired book titles, art and music. Why is the term so popular, and what does it mean?

Find out at Ingram Planetarium at 6 p.m. Feb. 7.

One week before Valentine’s Day is when planetarium manager Edward Ovsenik will present a spirited discussion on how our nearest planetary neighbors — Venus and Mars — got their names.

Ingram Planetarium is at 7625 High Market St. in Sunset Beach.