Features

The summer’s sky is full of many bright stars. The reason is simple: At the start of summer, the main plane of the Milky Way Galaxy is just above the horizon, and as the calendar approaches the middle of the summer season, the Milky Way’s main plane moves to the middle of the sky.

More stars are along the main plane than below or above the plane; therefore, it is the position of the main plane that fills the sky with stars.

When she worked as director of a cancer center in Akron, Ohio, Linda Herrick met a number of people who had no idea what to do after they lost their spouses and loved ones.

“I felt so bad for the widows,” Herrick said. “Some of them didn’t even know how to write checks…I decided then that when I retired, I would give back.”

Since moving to Brunswick County in 2000, Herrick, who now lives in Shallotte’s Brierwood community, has done just that.

Since moving to Southport, the one word Larry Maisel always hears when people describe his adopted hometown is “quaint.”

People from all over Brunswick County and around the state enjoy strolling downtown, browsing antique shops and eating at seafood restaurants in the small, charming town along the Cape Fear River.

But the picturesque Southport of today is different than its early days as an industrial town, where canning plants, lumber mills, boat repair facilities and shrimp houses lined the now scenic, tourist-friendly waterfront.

ST. JAMES—The Cape Fear Repertory Theatre members waited a few more months than they originally planned, but at 8 p.m. Thursday, the company’s production of “The Sensuous Senator” will debut at the now-open-and-legal Playhouse 211 near Southport.

Playhouse 211 is Brunswick County’s newest entertainment venue and was supposed to open for the repertory company and other interested groups to rent in January, but the owners encountered some unexpected zoning issues, resulting in a change of plans.

The youngest ambassadors of peace and joy, the African Children’s Choir (ACC), performs at 7 p.m. Friday, June 4, in Odell Williamson Auditorium.

These are children from the poorest countries of the world, whose voices have been heard by world leaders and top performers in the entertainment world and, for the past 25 years, have raised millions of dollars to educate and rebuild countries devastated by famine, war and AIDS.

Up-and-coming country artist Logan Murrell will perform in concert at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, May 18, at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College.

The teen performed most recently at numerous events at the Azalea Festival in Wilmington.

The West Brunswick Theatre Arts Department will perform "Tragic Remodeling," at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 20, and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, at the West Brunswick High School theatre.

Adapted from classic dramas, "Tragic Remodeling" includes six short dramas written, produced and directed by students. The classics have been turned into contemporary works directed by students Allie Worthington, Cammy Dunn, Emily Smigiel, Hayley Young, Beth Henson and Jon Hill.

Isaac Hardy is a familiar sight around downtown Shallotte.

Just ask local real estate agent Doug Terhune, who struck up a friendship with the 71-year-old resident of Shallotte Assisted Living about four years ago.

Terhune, who regularly eats breakfast at the Purple Onion Café on Main Street, started noticing the fit, elderly man who would stop in at the Shallotte eatery during his routine walks through town.

 Gospel artists conclude international tour Saturday at Odell Williamson Auditorium

Following their successful pairing on the 30-city “Come Alive” Tour last fall, platinum-selling and Dove award-winning artists Mark Schultz and Point of Grace hit the road together again this spring for an additional 25 cities.