Battleship Announces 75th Anniversary Commissioning Celebration

Posted on April 5, 2016 by | Leave a comment

The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA announces a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the ship.

commissioning April-9-1941

commissioning
April-9-1941

75th Anniversary of the Battleship’s Commissioning
Saturday, April 9, 2016
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
FREE with Battleship Admission

Celebrate the Battleship’s 75th anniversary on Saturday April 9, 2016, as active duty personnel from Camp LeJeune bring the ship to life from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Working with the Battleship’s Living History Crew and the US Marine Corps Historical Company, Sailors from the 2d Marine Division and Marines from the 2d Tank Battalion will interpret the Battleship for visitors. According to LCDR Jason M. Constantine, Battalion Chaplain and one of the event organizers, “This is a unique event in which Marines and Sailors from the 2d Marine Division are volunteering their own time to share their maritime services’ history and heritage with the fine people of Wilmington.” Award winning East Burke High School Jazz Ensemble will also perform patriotic music throughout the day in commemoration of the event.

Join the North Carolina Azalea Festival Official Party Entourage, which includes Queen Azalea Anna Kooiman, the Queen’s Court, and Official Invited Guests at 2:00 1:00 pm as they wish the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA a happy birthday by cutting the official Showboat cake on board. “We are proud to be a part of this very important celebration honoring the history of the Battleship North Carolina,” says 69th Azalea Festival President Robby Collins. “The Battleship and the Festival have worked closely to support each other for many years, and we are excited to be such a big part of this celebration.”

The program is FREE with admission.
On April 9, 1945 in New York Navy Yard, the U. S. Navy commissioned United States Ship NORTH CAROLINA officially into the U. S. fleet. NORTH CAROLINA was the first American battleship to be commissioned since December 1923. With war already waging in Europe and the Pacific, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox proclaimed during the commissioning ceremony, “The NORTH CAROLINA is one of a new line of ships that will give the United States unchallenged supremacy on the seas.” Orders were read, the colors (U.S. flag) and commission pennant were raised, the watch set and the battleship was placed in commission. Admiral Alfred Ward, then Commander Ward, NORTH CAROLINA’s Gunnery Officer, recalled years later: “We were in the New York Shipyard, getting the ship ready to go to war. The people in the shipyard had the same feeling that I had and that I still have about the wonderful ship NORTH CAROLINA. Every man of that crew in Brooklyn worked just as hard as he could to make it a going concern. The commissioning ceremony in New York City was a really electric and satisfying event. The ovation that ended the celebration was a tribute to a bunch of hard-working people. Our sailors were ready to go out to do whatever had to be done to win that war. And they did it. They really did it.”
At the time of her commissioning on 9 April 1941, she was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Armed with nine 16-inch/45 caliber guns in three turrets and twenty 5-inch/38 caliber guns in ten twin mounts, NORTH CAROLINA proved a formidable weapons platform. Her wartime complement consisted of 144 commissioned officers and 2,195 enlisted men, including about 100 Marines. During World War II, NORTH CAROLINA participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars.

About Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is self-supporting, not tax supported and relies primarily upon admissions to tour the Ship, sales in the Ship’s Store, donations and investments. No funds for its administration and operation come from appropriations from governmental entities at the local, state or federal levels. Located at the junction of Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. Visit www.battleshipnc.com or follow us on Facebook.com/ncbb55 and Twitter.com/battleshipnc for more information. Relive with the crew on the Battleship Bloghttp://seastories.battleshipnc.com/. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is an historic site within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (www.NCCulture.com).

About the North Carolina Azalea Festival
Since its inception in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has blossomed into an extended weekend celebration that attracts more than 300,000 people and generates more than $51 million for the local economy. The Festival showcases our community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events.

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Free Star Party on April 8 at Ingram Planetarium

Posted on April 4, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Ingram Planetarium will host a free program at 7 pm on April 8, 2016, called “Find Your Way in the Sky.” Learn about the endless wonders of the April cosmos during a live star show inside the planetarium’s dome theater, then step outside and discover these celestial sights for yourself using the planetarium’s telescopes. Trained staff will be available to show you how the telescopes work and direct you to the more interesting astronomical sights.

The indoor guided tour of the night sky, including a brief explanation of the telescopes available for observation, will begin at 7 pm inside Ingram Planetarium’s full-dome theater. After sunset, you will have the opportunity to step outside and gaze at a selection of the night sky’s offerings through a variety of telescopes. Outdoor observing is estimated to begin at approximately 8 pm.

In case of inclement weather, the free star party will be rescheduled for April 10 at 7 pm.

Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, NC. The April 8 star party is free; donations will be gladly accepted. Planetarium seated is limited so arrive early to guarantee admission. For more information, call 910-575-0033 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.

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April Programs at Ingram Planetarium

Posted on April 1, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Doors open at 11:30 at Ingram Planetarium on Friday and Saturday.  Movie trailers and complete playlists for laser light and music shows are available at www.MuseumPlanetarium.org. All feature movies in the Sky Theater are accompanied by a live star show.

Friday Shows in the Sky Theater

12:00   Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea – Explores the mysterious processes that shaped Earth’s present-day continents

1:00   Tales of the Maya Skies – half-price admission – Learn the science, art, and astrological beliefs of the ancient Mayan civilization

2:00   Undiscovered Worlds – Explores the timeless question: Do other planets like Earth exist?

3:00   Legends of the Night Sky – An imaginative look at the stories and legends of Orion, the great hunter of the winter night sky

Saturday Shows in the Sky Theater

12:00   Accidental Astronauts – NEW! – This animated movie follows the adventures of Cy and Annie and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space

1:00   Seven Wonders — half-price admission – Witness the seven wonders of the ancient world as well as some modern cosmic wonders

2:00   Dynamic Earth – Explores the inner workings of the Earth’s great support system: the global climate

3:00   Astronaut – Learn what it takes to become an astronaut

Laser Light & Music Shows

Apr. 22             Laser Beatles (6 pm); Laser Hypnotica (7 pm)

Apr. 23             Laser Mania (6 pm); Laser Metallica (7 pm)

Special Events

Apr. 1 – 7 pm – Stars at Sunset presented by Will Snyder, Planetarium Manager – Snyder takes you on a live tour of Carolina’s night sky by identifying the stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial events visible in April.

Apr. 8 – 7 pm – Find Your Way in the Sky (Star Party) presented by Will Snyder, Planetarium Manager – Take a live tour of the night sky inside the planetarium dome, then step outside and view the night sky using the planetarium’s telescopes. This event is FREE! Admission will be waived but donations will be gladly accepted. Rain date is Apr. 10 at 7 pm.

Apr. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 — All day – Explore the Paul Dennis Science Hall in association with NC SciFest. There is no admission charge to visit the Science Hall.

Apr. 16 – 7 pm – What’s Your Sign? presented by Will Snyder, Planetarium Manager – Learn about the origins of our modern day astronomical signs.

Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, NC. Admission is free for members. Non-member admission (including NC sales tax) to see a Sky Theater show is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), $7 for children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under. For more information, call 910-575-0033 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.

 

 

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April Events at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

Posted on March 31, 2016 by | Leave a comment

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is open from 10-3 on Fridays and Saturdays. The museum is closed during the day on Apr. 30.

Apr. 1 & 15 — 10:30 — Puppet Plays for Preschoolers

Apr. 8, 22, & 29 – 10:30 — Animal Adventures for Preschoolers

These interactive programs for preschoolers feature original puppet skits and animal stories. Therapy dogs from Canine Angels join the program on April 22.

Fridays – 11:00 – Touch Tank Feeding – Help museum docents feed the live animals in our touch tank.

Apr. 2 – 11:00 – What’s in the Water?—Learn about the composition of sea water and how manmade pollution affects sea life.

Apr. 9 – 11:00 – Behind the Scenes Secrets – In association with NC SciFest – See parts of the museum that the public never sees and learn more about the live animals at the museum.

Apr. 16 – 11:00 – Egg Carton Gardening Project – Kids: Start your garden early! All materials are provided.

Apr. 23 – 11:00 – Space Racers – This award-winning animated series for children ages 3-6 aims to excite kids about the wonders of the solar system and the fun of scientific inquiry.

Apr. 29 – 6 pm – Grand Opening of Ocean Isle Memories art exhibit by Texas artist John Ross Palmer – “Meet the Artist” reception at 6 pm

Apr. 30 – Museum is closed during the day

Apr. 30 – 6:30-9:30 pm – 2016 Wine Fest Fundraiser – Live & silent auctions, Tuscan-inspired food & wine, cork pull — $50 per person – reservations on sale now or at the door the night of the event

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is located at 21 East Second Street in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Admission is free for members. Non-member admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under. Questions? Call the museum at 910-579-1016 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.

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Stars at Sunset Program April 1 at Ingram Planetarium

Posted on March 30, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Ingram Planetarium Manager Will Snyder presents the April installment of the “Stars at Sunset” series. This monthly series showcases the stars, constellations, and other celestial events that will be visible in the night sky above the Carolinas each month. In addition to taking you on a live tour of the night sky, Snyder will also explore various topics ranging from the earliest history of astronomy to the latest advancements in the field. The next program in this series is scheduled for 7 pm on May 6.

The April 1 program will focus on the celestial sights and events that fill the April night sky. As the evenings get warmer, spring constellations, including Virgo the Maiden, get higher and higher in the sky each night. Did you know that Virgo carries the star Spica, Latin for “wheat,” which signifies the beginning of the planting season? Discover how to find this star and many others in the spring Carolina sky. Also, learn about the Lyrids meteor shower which will be at its peak during the end of April.

Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, NC. Admission is free for members. Non-member admission (including NC sales tax) is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), $7 for children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under. For more information, call 910-575-0033 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.

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Brookgreen Gardens Hosts Annual Spring Plantacular Sale

Posted on March 29, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Plantacular Sale April 2 & 3

The highly awaited spring Plantacular sale will be from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and provide an opportunity to purchase high-quality, hard-to-find plants grown in Brookgreen’s greenhouses and selected nurseries. Brookgreen’s horticulture staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer advice in plant selection and other gardening tips.2016 spring plant sale

“I always tell my friends to resist the temptation to plant too early in the spring,” said Sara Millar, Vice-President of Horticulture. “Often we will get a late cold snap in early spring so this is the perfect time to purchase plants that will bring beauty to your garden all year long.”

Please check the website for a list of the plants on that will be on sale and come early for the best selection. We will have butterfly-attracting annuals and perennials, tropical plants, some herbs, native plants, and some special surprises.

Brookgreen Gardens, a non-profit organization located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is open daily to the public. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org or call 843-235-6000.

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Registration Open – Future Generations Tournament at Sea Trail Golf Resort

Posted on March 28, 2016 by | Leave a comment

The First Tee of Brunswick County is proud to host the  6th Annual Future Generations Tournament at Sea Trail Golf Resort.  This year’s event will be on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 on three  courses at Sea Trail Golf Resort- Maples, Jones and Byrd.first tee

Registration is now open! Be sure to register now to ensure your spot to play one of these amazing courses and to support our kids.

As in the past, the format will be a captain’s choice, four person scramble. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: men, women, and couples. There will also be a live and silent auction and drawings. Entry fee includes golf, cart, refreshments at check-in, cocktail hour, and dinner. Each course will also host a hole-in-one contest. Three lucky drawing winners will also have a chance to make a hole-in-one good for $1,000,000.

The registration fee for this year’s tournament is $380 per foursome. Singles, twosomes, and threesomes will also be able to enter this year at a cost of $95.00 per person. Course requests are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis with final course assignments made one week prior to the event. Please note that if you are registering as anything other than a foursome, your course assignment will be solely determined by course openings. Payment must be receiving before your foursome’s slot is confirmed. Until payment is received, you will be considered pending and your slot may be filled.

Schedule of Events

8:30 AM   Coffee, Continental Breakfast & Registration
10:00AM   Shotgun Start on All Three (3) Courses
3:00 PM   Cocktail Hour $1,000,000 hole-in-one contest at the Sea Trail Convention Center
4:00 PM   Awards Dinner with Drawings, Live & Silent Auctions and Prizes

Please join us for a fun-filled day of impacting, influencing, and inspiring young people while playing golf on one of Brunswick County’s best courses! Because of your support, The First Tee of Brunswick County annually impacts the lives of over 6,000 children between the ages of 7 and 17. Through the game of golf, participants are exposed to The First Tee’s Nine Core Values and Life Skills Experience. These values and life skills will guide them throughout the rest of their lives, making them stronger citizens, more engaged scholars, and future philanthropists. The support of donors like you allows our almost 175 outstanding volunteers to change Brunswick County for the better!

If you have any questions about the 5th Annual Future Generations Tournament   at Sea Trail Golf Resort or any of our programs, please call our Executive Director, Don Hall at (910) 754-5288.

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Museum of Coastal Carolina Celebrates 25 Years

Posted on March 25, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Stuart Ingram saw his dream come true when the Museum of Coastal Carolina opened its doors to the public  May 19, 1991. Ingram had envisioned such a museum for 25 years, ever since a young boy questioned him about the fish he was catching in the surf on Ocean Isle Beach. Ingram not only kept the idea of a museum alive; he also embraced the challenge of raising funds, acquiring land, building a museum, and obtaining exhibits. Those who knew him often speak of his imagination, perseverance, enthusiasm and tenacity.MuseumExterior

In Ingram’s own  words, “The dedication of the original building was held May 19, 1991. After a few brief remarks by some of the directors of the museum the traditional ribbon tied to the entrance railing was cut by Mayor Betty Williamson and the guests entered the Museum for a first view of the interior. Without exception the guests expressed their favorable impression of the museum and its exhibits.”

In September of 1992, construction on a 2,100-foot addition to the museum began; it was completed in the early summer of 1993. Construction of a second addition to the museum began in the summer of 1995; it was completed in the spring of 1996. The third addition was begun in August of 1997; it was completed in early 1998. Ingram then turned his attention to the stars. Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach opened its doors to the public in May of 2002. Sadly, Ingram passed away just prior to opening day. His wife, Louise, stayed active in both the museum and the planetarium until her death in 2013.

Since its beginning, the Museum of Coastal Carolina has been involved in entertaining and educational activities, programs, and lectures for visitors of all ages. Thousands of school children visit the museum every year, as do summer visitors to the area. During the quiet winter months, the museum remains open to the public two days a week and also hosts a popular monthly Tuesday night lecture series.

Both the museum and the planetarium rely heavily on volunteers. This dedicated group of volunteers helps with administrative tasks, building and grounds maintenance, educational activities, fund raising, and much more. They are the public “face” of the museum and planetarium.

New volunteers are always welcome, especially during this time as the facilities gear up for the busy summer season. Both facilities are open six days a week during the summer. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities should call Joyce Houle, volunteer coordinator, at 910-579-1014 or email her at vol.cord@museumplanetarium.org.

If you are a Brunswick County resident and have never visited the Museum of Coastal Carolina, consider joining the fun on March 26 when the museum hosts its annual Family Day from 10-2.  The museum is located at 21 East Second Street in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

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Call for Entries: 2017 Beaufort International Film Festival

Posted on March 24, 2016 by | Leave a comment

The Beaufort Film Society  is accepting entries for the 11th annual Beaufort International  International Film Festival (BIFF) held in Beaufort, SC.  Categories for competition are: Features , Documentaries, Short Films, Student Films, Animation, and Screenplays.  The festival will be February 15 – 19, 2017. The Early Bird deadline for submissions is June 30, 2016 with the final deadline being October 31, 2016.
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Considered one of the fastest growing film festivals in the country, BIFF has seen an increase in attendance each year since its inception in 2007, when it’s estimated that 500 people were in attendance.  BIFF 2016 was record breaking with over 12,000 people from 37 states and 5 countries enjoying some part of the five day festival.  Named one of the Top 25 Coolest General Film Festivals in the World, 2013, by MovieMaker Magazine, the festival continues to grow in popularity and attendance.

For more information about the festival or Beaufort, SC or to submit a film or screenplay please visit beaufortfilmfestival.com.

The Beaufort Film Society (BFS) is a nonprofit, 501(c) 3, member-supported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.

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Thirty-One High School Golf Teams Prepared to Compete in 18th Annual Palmetto High School Golf Championship

Posted on March 23, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Teams From 7 States, Including Texas and California, are Traveling to Myrtle Beach To ParticipateDurham-Academy_TEAM

Thirty-one teams from seven states are poised to begin play in the 18th annual Palmetto High School Golf Championship, which will be played March 24-26 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The 54-hole, college style event begins on Thursday with a qualifying round at True Blue Golf Club. Based on qualifying scores, teams will then be flighted for 36 holes of stroke play competition.

“The Palmetto High School Golf Championship is a wonderful event, “ Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday’s tournament director, Jeff Monday, said. “The tournament attracts some of the nation’s best young players, and just as importantly, it will introduce the next generation of golfers to Myrtle Beach and two of America’s premier courses.”

The Friday and Saturday rounds will be played at True Blue and its sister course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, both of which are ranked among America’s top 100 public courses.

Caledonia is ranked 24th on Golf Magazine’s list of the Top 100 You Can Play, a ranking of America’s best public courses, and True Blue is 77th on the prestigious list. Both layouts are Mike Strantz designs that offer distinct, yet equally dramatic and memorable experiences.

Caledonia, which is equal parts art and architecture, plays through a stunning piece of lowcountry land that was once home to a thriving rice plantation. A round at True Blue, while completely different from a design perspective, is no less captivating. Strantz used waste bunkers, which frame many of the course’s fairways, to craft a layout that is among the area’s most visually stunning.

Defending champion Durham Academy is returning to defend its title against teams from South Carolina, California, Louisiana, North Carolina, Maryland and Texas.

Current PGA Tour players Rickie Fowler, the 2006 champion, and Harris English are among the Palmetto’s distinguished alums.

 

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