Features

 By John Nelson

“You can’t step into the same river twice.” (attributed to Heraclitus)

It’s Kentucky Derby time, which means the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-South Brunswick Islands Woman’s Club is getting ready to serve its Juleps & Jazz Derby-style Fund Racer.

The third annual event is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at 101 Stone Chimney Place in Supply.

Tickets are $25 each, which includes hors d’oeuvres, a raffle and silent auction, and a cash bar serving beer, wine, and a signature drink called the “Jazzy Julep.”

Live jazz will be performed by The Nick Michaels Trio.

We all do it. We do it every time we change the litter or hear the call of compacted clay being clawed. I’m talking about inspecting our cat’s stools. We humans are inexplicably interested in monitoring our companion animal’s eliminations. And that’s a good thing. Identifying a bathroom problem early can prevent more serious complications and restore health to an ailing kitty.

By John Nelson

This is a plant to dye for.

Now, the process of dyeing, or otherwise coloring fabrics and textiles, has long been an important economic preoccupation, and of course, many different, and unrelated plant (and animal) species have been used around the world as sources of various dyes.

Local law enforcement will be on hand to meet with the public during Public Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the site of the old Piggly Wiggly store at 925 Seaside Road.

Highlights include fire trucks and hoses, a fire safety house, hands-on CPR, fire extinguisher training, child care seat checks, smoke alarm installations, fire safety materials and more.

The public is invited to come out and meet local firefighters, participate in interactive displays and ask questions of Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and fire department staff.

Two area events are serving up wine and an array of accompanying accoutrements and festivities in coming days.

The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation has scheduled its annual biggest Wine Fest fundraiser from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the museum at 21 E. Second St. in Ocean Isle Beach.

This year’s Wine Fest theme is inspired by Tuscany.

It’s the season to celebrate spring and have a fling in the process.

The new Gathering Place Farm Tables and Furniture shop at 9501 Ocean Highway (U.S. 17) in Carolina Shores is having its first Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

The public is invited to gather to greet neighbors, make new friends and visit the new store featuring handmade furnishings and décor as well as items from around the world and furnishings shows in Atlanta.

 By Linda Arnold

So, you’re looking at that “to do” list and wondering how — and when — you’ll ever get it done.

Well, you’re not alone. My informal survey of magazine covers at newsstands shows that articles on organization and energy are quickly overtaking those on losing 10 pounds and getting washboard abs.

In our world of 24/7 communications, things move quickly. So, there can be more pressure on getting those items crossed off our lists.

 Recently, a pet owner asked me a somewhat sensitive question. Lately, her middle-aged Labradoodle had been taking longer to “go” than normal. Because this was over the Internet and I can’t diagnose on my smartphone, I told her to seek veterinary help quickly. For everyone else, I thought I’d share some of the common reasons that may cause your pooch to experience prolonged pooping.

Intestinal parasites