Features

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).

Do you have a secret longing to showcase your hidden talent?

You and your musical or literary showmanship need be secret no more.

Every month, Jumpin’ Java Espresso Co., 4635 Main St. in Shallotte, showcases singers, musicians and poetry readers alike at its open-mic night.

The next open-mic night is slated to begin at 5 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 6, at the coffee shop. It will continue until 7:30 p.m. or shortly before 8 p.m., Jumpin Java employee Edith Garcia said.

SHALLOTTE—Recently the Shallotte Police Department received a gift from the daughters of a former police chief.

Ida Ruth Galloway Smith of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Marion Galloway Snipes of Fort Worth, Texas, discovered a portrait of their father, Marion Leon Galloway, that had fallen into disrepair.

According to the sisters, the portrait had been given to the town in the 1970s. They Galloway sisters decided to have it repaired and reframed and to re-present it to the police department.

The Swing Sisters are performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

The performance is described as a 1940s USO holiday show.

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for students and seniors ages 65 and older, and $10 for children ages 12 and younger.

For more information, log onto www.bccowa.com or call the box office at 755-7416.

Grissettown-Longwood Fire & Rescue is getting stoked about its seventh annual Christmas Train Show.

The holiday event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. next Friday, Dec. 7, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, at the fire station at 758 Longwood Road (N.C. 904).

Admission is free.

The show is a fundraiser for the combination department consisting of volunteer and paid firefighters.

Ballet Opera Alliance is presenting its second annual performance of “The Nutcracker” Ballet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

Ballet Opera Alliance is the first and only Brunswick County group to offer the traditional and complete “Nutcracker,” a full evening of entertainment for the entire family.

New this year is a custom-designed Christmas tree that will grow onstage, plus the Kingdom of Sweets drops, both painted by regional artist Rusty Hughes.