Features

LELAND—Leland will host its first 5K race on Saturday, Feb. 2.

That’s Groundhog Day, so Leland Parks and Recreation organizers are calling it the “Whistle Pig 5K”—a different way of saying groundhog.

And the race itself is a different way of introducing the public to the new Westgate Nature Park.

“It’s not a fundraiser, but we will do it at-cost. We want to raise awareness of the new park and promote health,” Neal Brooks, Leland Parks and Recreation director, said.

TinaMarie Sifford had been looking for a good dog, one that could be her service dog.

She finally found Whimsey, a Labrador retriever provided by NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans. Whimsey has become her ears and at times even her eyes.

Sifford has been deaf all her life.

“I was born with rubella,” the Shallotte resident said.

When she was born, she had only 3 percent of her hearing ability.

He’s renowned as a “Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible,” and he’s coming to Brunswick County.

Tomas Kubinek’s one-man show has been described in many ways, from “physical poet, verbal acrobat” and “needless risk-taker” to “professor of fantastically useless inventions” and “arduous advocate of the commonplace miracle.”

But probably the best way to take in the Kubinek experience is to see him for yourself.

Andy Thompson, Shallotte

“To learn something new.”

Sandy Strickland, Little River, S.C.

“To get healthier, to donate more time and effort for volunteering and spoil my nephew Zane.”

Anna Woodard, Ash

“To enjoy every second with my new baby boy Gray and with my family and friends.”

Cheryl Lewis, Whiteville:

“To continue to raise two beautiful and healthy kids, Gavin and Riley. My kids are my No. 1 priority.”

Just in time for the new year, Leland has an updated website at www.townofleland.com.

“We changed the format and hope it is a little easier to manage,” town manager David Hollis told the town council at a Dec. 20 meeting. That was the first day the updated site went live.

Hollis said Sabrena Reinhardt, the town staff’s executive assistant who was hired in May, was instrumental in the redesign.

“Sabrena has worked on this since the summer. It was a lot of work,” Hollis said.

LELAND—Leland officials are talking about creating a new downtown.

Officials talked about development in a planning workshop Dec. 9-12.

Town manager David Hollis said the town approved the Flexcode zoning in 2011 to promote the mixed-use development they want to encourage in downtown Leland.

However, Flexcode zoning is optional. Developers have been able to consider traditional zoning for the area.

Hollis said the town intends to make Flexcode standard zoning beginning in 2013.

LELAND—Leland police provided Grannies Raising Grandkids with a day to shop with a cop Sunday.

And the department’s Christmas cheer continues when they play Santa Cop Dec. 23-24.

“We had four grandmas with 10 grandkids between them,” Leland community resource and crime prevention officer Ernie Mejia said.

Police chief Mike James spearheaded the department’s participation with Grannies Raising Grandkids.

Wilbur Rabon was one of more than two dozen Rabon-family members at the Dec. 3 Brunswick County commissioners meeting for the swearing in of his niece, Register of Deeds Brenda Mercer Clemmons.

As he stood at the front of the room to hold the Bible for Clemmons, he did not realize he was set up to be the center of attention.

Brunswick Concert Band is teaming with Brunswick Little Theatre Singers to present “Holiday Melodies” this yuletide season.

Two performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Hatch Auditorium at Baptist Assembly in Caswell Beach and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, in Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

Selections performed range from traditional carols to old favorites with a new twist.

The concerts are directed by Debbie Skillman (singers) and Tom Smicklas (band).