Fire Up Your Grill for the Third Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-Off

On Saturday, January 25, 2014 thirty teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped to raise a significant amount of money for Step Up For Soldiers. And your team could take home that title, grill forks raised high!

The competition will start with a level playing field: everyone will have the same meats, be in the same location and have the same time constraints. But thrown into the mix will be individual rubs, sauces
or marinades, grill temperatures and methods of cooking that will leave someone going home with braggin’ rights for the next year. Registration is now open and space is limited. Register early for the best deal - $115
per team before December 20th and $150 after that date.

The cook-off will be held at the lake in Carolina Beach at the junction of Lake Park Blvd. and Atlanta Avenue. Admission is free, and tickets can be purchased to sample the BBQs after the double-blind
judging is completed. There will be three bands; The Cut opens, next is local favorite Bibis Ellison and the headliner will be Wilmington’s own Machine Gun. In addition, there will be raffles, arts and craft vendors
plus more food and drink for purchase.

Proceeds benefit Step Up For Soldiers, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of our disabled veterans and their families. This year Step Up is proud to announce a new project, “Soldier Build”, a plan to build a transitional home for veterans - along with their families - who are attending local universities. The house will be built along the lines of a Habitat for Humanity home (i.e. with hard work, sweat and determination), and Step Up For Soldiers is starting a donation program in order to supply the materials needed for the house and the overall project. Proceeds from this event will help to fund this project. Call 910-431-8122 or visit www.stepupforsoldiers.org.

Town of Carolina Beach Hires New Police Chief

Kenneth R Hinkle has accepted the position as Police Chief for the Town of Carolina Beach with a start date of November 12, 2013.

Chief Hinkle brings 30 plus years of policing experience most recently from the Village of Obetz, Ohio, where he worked as Police Chief for over five years. He has extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of community policing and developing strong relationships with business owners, residents, and tourists.

Town officials are happy to have him as part of the Carolina Beach team. Town Manager Michael Cramer will introduce Mr. Hinkle to the Town Council on November 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm.

Spotlight on Business: Two Chins Productions

Two Chins Productions is a fully insured, full-service, award-winning video production company specializing in creative visual storytelling. Our projects range in size and scope, from thirty second commercials to full-length documentary films and everything in between.

Throughout our over 20 years of combined experience producing video and images in the Eastern Carolina market, we have helped hundreds of companies promote their businesses through commercials, webmercials and long-form vignettes. Our fundraising video and design projects with local and international non-profit organizations have brought stories of courage, sacrifice and goodwill to audiences around the world, raising both awareness and much-needed funding. Individual stories intrigue us and have led us to produce highlight videos and full-length documentary films featuring individual achievements, love stories, and family histories.

Storytelling is the foundation of all that we do, and it is what drives us to create high-quality visual products that bring the essence of each and every one of our clients to the screen. Each project is unique and so is our approach. We are a highly creative team that can adapt to create engaging, appealing videos that suit the needs of each of our clients individually. We understand marketing, social media, event presentations, advertising on television vs. advertising on the web…we get it. Let us help you make the most of it.

We want the experience to be enjoyable for you – even a little fun – so we take care of everything. We translate your notes into a cohesive script, draw up storyboards, make a plan and carry it out with expert precision. We can also help you with portrait & product photography, copywriting, web banners and graphic design.

For more information: www.TwoChinsProductions.com

2013 Island of Lights New Years Celebration - Tuesday, December 31st

The New Year's Celebration will be held on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31st near the Gazebo at the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. Don't miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration.

This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. In an Island of Lights tradition, there will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the Island of Lights 2013 official Christmas card and ornament.

Bring the family to Carolina Beach at 9 pm to join the festivities!

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2014!

Spotlight on Business: Seaside Silk Screening

Seaside Silk Screening has been around since 1998, yet came under new ownership in 2012. Maintaining the quality that customers have always expected, new owner Glenn Rosenbloom has raised the bar on meeting the needs of the small businesses that are the backbone of Pleasure Island. Always there when you call, ready to sit and help you design a new logo for your company or event, Glenn and his crew have expanded from just tshirts and hoodies to promotional give aways, mugs, coozies, business cards, etc. to help you make a difference with your clients.

In the summer everyone thinks T shirts and tank tops. What about your companies needs in the winter? Seaside Silk Screening of Wilmington is there for you with long sleeve T shirts, hoodies, and zip up sweatshirts. Trying to keep your head warm? We can also embroider wool beanies as well as baseball caps.
We have tried to make Seaside Silk Screening of Wilmington your one stop shop. Why get your silk screening done in one place, your embroidery done in another and your promotional items done in yet another place when we can do it all under one roof? Call us at 910-515-1452 or visit our website at seasidesilkscreening.com

Community Blood Drive at the Aquarium

Gift giving is top of mind for many people this time of year. You can give a gift that can save a life and won’t cost you a dime. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher hosts an American Red Cross Community Blood Drive on Thursday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eligible donors are encouraged to donate as blood supplies can become low during the holidays. Inclement weather and seasonal illnesses mean fewer donations, yet the need remains. Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds and a single blood donation can save as many as three lives, according to the American Red Cross.

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Schedule your appointment to save a life by visiting www.redcrossblood.org & search by sponsor code AQUARIUM.

Town of Carolina Beach Changes Rate Structure for Freeman Park Passes

At the November 12, 2013 Council Meeting, Town Council implemented a rate change for Freeman Park. The season pass will remain at $100. However, a discounted seasonal pass will now cost $60 from the period of December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Two and three day passes will no longer be available. A seven day pass will cost $50 and the daily pass remain at $20.

The discounted pass will not be available for purchase online, but can be purchased at Town Hall, Parks and Recreation Center, Island Tackle and Hardware, Canal Drive Scotchman, and Brew Thru.

Photo by Alicia Devereaux

Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show

Announcing the 2013 Fantasy Christmas Show, to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 13-15, at 7:00 pm. As usual, the show will be held on K Avenue, next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and it will include a pre-show at 6:30 pm to get the crowd "warmed up" for the big show.

This whimsical, annual show has become a tradition in Kure Beach and features a cast of singers, dancers and costumed characters. Your favorite Christmas songs are performed by an all-local cast, while beloved Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Santa & Mrs. Claus and their silly elves, keep the crowd in stitches.

This FREE show is fun for young and old, alike. Try to arrive early to get a seat in our bleachers, but bring a folding chair just in case. Even when the weather is balmy it always seems to snow at the show, so dress accordingly and have a merry old time!

Elves Bring Holiday Magic to the Aquarium

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher gives all of Santa’s helpers a holiday boost. Little elves are invited to the Aquarium’s Holiday Elf Camps Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers, ages 5 to 12, make and wrap gifts for loved ones, make friends with other elves and create memories. Each day features a different animal theme. Elf Camp gives Santa’s adult helpers free time to check their lists or take a little time for themselves.

Children may register for one, two or three days of camp. The program fee of $50 per day includes Aquarium admission, lunch, snacks, crafts, holiday gift-wrap and instruction. Register early to get the date you want. Pre-registration is required.

This year the Aquarium also offers limited transportation from the Monkey Junction area to and from camps. An additional fee and pre-registration is required for this service. The Aquarium will be closed on Christmas Day and will reopen at 9 AM on December 26, 2013.

For more information and reservations for Holiday Elf Camps visit www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher or call (910) 458-7468.

Christmas Trees on Pleasure Island

Ready to trim the tree? Whether you're a full time local or are spending the holidays here on Pleasure Island you don't need to go far to find that classic centerpiece of seasonal decorating. At least two island businesses are offering live trees this year.

Pleasure Island Rentals Christmas Tree Lot

2 N Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach
Premium grade North Carolina Fraser Firs. Fresh, professionally made wreaths. Free delivery on the island. Partial proceeds go to Carolina Beach Elementary School.

True Value Island Tackle & Hardware

801 N Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach
Top grade Fraser Firs from the North Carolina Mountains. Open till 9:00 pm during the week and 8:00 on Sunday. Free Delivery.

Fort Fisher Holiday Open House to Celebrate the 2013 Season

You are invited to celebrate the season as Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, NC, holds its Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the visitor’s center. This event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day, including holiday musical selections by the Murray Middle School Jazz Band under the direction of David Tyson, followed by popular musician and storyteller John Golden.
For the history lovers on your shopping list, special discounts will be offered on all museum shop merchandise for this one day only, so you can stock up on everything from Battery Buchannan Blend coffee to unique Christmas tree ornaments to great books for the history enthusiast.

Speaking of books, Civil War historian, author, and professor Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr. will debut his new book Faces of Fort Fisher: 1861-1864. At 12:30 p.m., Chris will speak about some of the memorable people associated with wartime Fort Fisher in the visitor’s center’s Gehrig Spencer Theatre. Following the presentation, Faces of Fort Fisher may be purchased from the Museum Shop and will be signed by the author. Before the program concludes, the Friends of Fort Fisher will announce the winner of the 2013 rifle raffle, at which a lucky ticket holder will win a reproduction Civil War Springfield Musket. Raffle tickets are available right up until announcement time.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, N.C. 28449. This free event is sponsored by the Fort Fisher Chapter 2325 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Friends of Fort Fisher and its sustaining members. For more information, contact Paul Laird at 910-612-7067.

Pleasure Island Gift Guide

Shop local, support the businesses on Pleasure Island, and check a few items off your holiday gift list. Here are a few ideas that are sure to please on Christmas morning:

1. Something sparkly to brighten her day from Jeanne's Jewels.

2. Surprise the angler in your life with a new rod and reel from True Value Island Tackle & Hardware.

3. Put together a gift basket of delicious goodies from The Veggie Wagon.

4. Turn your favorite family photo, action shot of the kids playing sports, or snapshot of our beautiful island scenery into a work of art with help from CanvasGicleePrinting.com.

5. Let their 2014 be a year of health, wellness, and relaxation with a class package to Salty Dog Yoga & Surf.

6. Is there a surfer you love who earned a top spot on the "nice list"? Wow them with a new board from CB Surf Shop.

7. Send them out for dinner...and adventure...aboard one of Pleasure Island's many fine charter fishing outfits. (Find them under "Fishing / Boating / Water Sports" here.)

Happy holiday shopping!