Features

Patriotic Americans are once again expected to turn out en masse to celebrate Independence Day with annual events planned this week.

Ocean Isle Beach

The Ocean Isle Beach Property Owners Association is kicking off its Fourth of July Freedom Celebration with fireworks at 9 Tuesday night at the OIB Pier (rain date 9 p.m. July 6).

The annual Fourth of July Parade is at 10 a.m. Wednesday with decorated floats, golf carts, bicycles and walkers that will be judged and prizes awarded.

By Linda Arnold

With this past Sunday, another Father’s Day is in the books.

Since this holiday is in the immediate rear-view mirror, it’s a perfect time to evaluate its impact not only from the standpoint of last Sunday, but for the entire year.

A family affair

If you happen to fall into the idyllic “Norman Rockwell” definition of a healthy family, this was likely a pleasant day for you. Continue to celebrate those special connections.

Our society seems to be seriously polarized these days. People on both sides have strongly-held opinions that aren’t easily swayed by facts or logic. But, even those with a casual knowledge of history know it has always been that way. We don’t have duels with pistols anymore; we just trash those we disagree with on social media. 

You didn’t come here to get philosophical comments about the ills of our society, but there are parallels in the gardening world. A recent experience helping a friend with a centipede lawn bears this out.

2017-18 officers

Jeri Robinson, president

Ann Hollingsworth, vice president

Donna Jenny, secretary

Lois Galligan, treasurer

Verda Darrell, chaplain

Information

Apply online at Dosher.org/Volunteers. Scroll down to the link under “how to begin” to print volunteer application and background check forms to fill out and mail to: Volunteer Office, Dosher Memorial Hospital, 924 N. Howe St., Southport, NC 28461.

By John Nelson

I’m a botanist, of course, and I’ve always got my eyes open for good botanical art. One of my favorite plant paintings is by Albrecht Dürer, “Das grosse Rasenstück.”

Modern veterinary medicine is adept at recognizing and treating many forms of diseases that were once deadly. As a practicing veterinarian, I certainly value and appreciate these life-saving advances.

What really excites me, however, is the idea that we can avoid many diseases and illnesses through simple lifestyle changes. My goal is to take preventive veterinary medicine beyond vaccines and dewormers and into the realm of nutrition, exercise, relaxation and complementary treatments.

North Brunswick Parkinson’s Support Group meets 1 to 3 p.m. second Mondays at the Fitness Center at Compass Pointe, 8178 E. Wynd Road in Leland (no meetings in July and August)

Contact John Ferry at (908) 406-1410 or john.ferry17@gmail.com

Beat Parkinson’s Disease Today exercise program meets 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through summer at The Brunswick Center at Leland, 121 Town Hall Drive

Email Laurel Gerhat at lcgerhat@gmail.com

Blending funk, soul, blues and Carolina beach music, The Holiday Band provides a festive audio backdrop year-round.

The band is slated to funk it up at the next Calabash Summer Concert from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, in Calabash Community Park.

The band’s been playing since 1991 when it launched in Burlington, playing 175-plus dates annually.

Brunswick Little Theater presents “Hot Mikado,” based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, “The Mikado,” with eight performances starting Thursday, June 14.

“Hot Mikado,” a high-energy musical comedy adapted by Richard Bell and Rob Bowen, is set in a Japanese garden and costumed in a combination of traditional and contemporary Japanese design.