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FEBRUARY 2021
We have a critical shortage of inventory in St. James.
If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time! We have clients lined up, waiting to see newly
listed properties.
Call (910) 253-0045 to find out why St. James Properties can sell your property faster and for more
money than anyone else.
NOW IS THETIME TO SELL
www.stjamespropertiesresales.com | [email protected] St. James Drive | Southport | NC | 28461
© 2021 St. James Properties, LLC. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. This product does not constitute an offer to sell real property in any jurisdiction where prior registration or advanced qualification is required but not completed. This is not to solicit property currently listed by another broker.2
We have a critical shortage of inventory in St. James.
If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time! We have clients lined up, waiting to see newly
listed properties.
Call (910) 253-0045 to find out why St. James Properties can sell your property faster and for more
money than anyone else.
NOW IS THETIME TO SELL
www.stjamespropertiesresales.com | [email protected] St. James Drive | Southport | NC | 28461
© 2021 St. James Properties, LLC. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. This product does not constitute an offer to sell real property in any jurisdiction where prior registration or advanced qualification is required but not completed. This is not to solicit property currently listed by another broker. FEBRUARY 2021 3
STAFF editor
Marilyn Rudolphmanaging editor
Ami Brownphotographic editor
John Muuss associate editors
Bertie BelvinPat Broady
Jim CampbellBob Dziuban
Maggie Smith Roedemaassociate
photographic editor Judy Wagner
CONTRIBUTORS Laurie AdamsFred AmmannSteve Brocker
Ami BrownKelli BrownfieldAndrew Brusko
Jim CareyBill DevinsDave FiliosArthur Hill
Jerry IversonSusan Kassel
Barbara LemosBett Lewis
Gina MancinelliMeg MeyerJohn MuussBob Rudolph
Marilyn RudolphStefano Sagri
Skip ShawJean Toner
Judy Wagner
The opening line of my editor’s note last month was “2021 has arrived — hooray!” But, I’m now walking back that hooray part just a bit since January 2021 felt like the 13th month of 2020. Rising cases of COVID-19 and the attack on our nation’s capital dampened initial enthusiasm for 2021, so it’s time for a deep breath and a 2021 reset.
February 2021 has arrived — hooray! Yes, hooray. I’m an optimist and believe better days are ahead, thus hooray is part of my reset. For starters, February offers increasing daylight hours for outdoor activities like beach walks, golf, tennis or pickleball under sunshine and blue skies. Sometimes a nice, warm day shows up, too. All of that contributes to better days from my perspective.
February also brings Valentine’s Day and thoughts of love. Look for the love-love story that surfaced in time for this issue. I hope it warms your heart and makes you smile. In recognition of Valentine’s Day, the magazine’s ending article includes a few fun facts about Valentine’s Day.
February is Black History Month and Cat-Tales includes two stories focused on Black history. One pertains to the beginnings of Black History Month, and the other features the Gullah Geechee people of West African heritage and their ties to North Carolina. The Gullah Geechee story includes information about interesting daytrips and learning more about their culture. Both stories are informative.
Another interesting daytrip, especially for kayakers, focuses on a full day of activities — kayaking, biking and lazing on a beach in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The Ammanns have lots of energy and sure know how to make the most of a daytrip. Read it to see if you could keep up with them.
On a more serious note, a story in this issue centers on a prevalent societal issue, drug addiction. Far too many families, including some in St. James, are affected by this very serious problem. One courageous resident, Kelli Brownfield, shares her personal experiences concerning her daughter Meghan's downward spiral caused by drug addiction. The impact of her addiction is painful, everlasting and ongoing for Kelli, Meghan and her family.
Another significant issue is the continuing crisis caused by COVID-19 infections. Michael and Laurie Adams shared their experience with COVID-19 in the December issue of Cat-Tales. Unfortunately, Michael was readmitted to the hospital at the time of December’s publication. Part two of their ongoing battle with COVID-19 is revealed in this issue.
I do want to end on a lighter note, so hang in here with me. Flashback to the ‘60s when the television show, “Art Linkletter’s House Party,” featured a segment called “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” Now, fast-forward to the late ’90s when Bill Cosby hosted a TV show with that same familiar name, “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” Maybe you remember one or both of these entertaining shows.
Kids haven’t changed much since then, and they still say the darndest things, so Cat-Tales staff would like to publish some of the amusing things kids have said or done. Look for instructions in an upcoming issue about submitting something your kids or grandkids said or did to warm your heart, make you laugh, raise your eyebrows or shake your head in disbelief. Together, we can bring some lighthearted fun to 2021.
Editor's noteBy Marilyn Rudolph
4
firetti builders, inc.
www.firettibuilders.com | 910.477.6018
BUILDING CUSTOM HOMES FOR OVER 18 YEARSOVER 200 HOMES BUILTMULTIPLE DIAMOND AWARD WINNER INTERIOR DESIGNER PROVIDED TOUR OUR FURNISHED MODEL ON ST. JAMES DRIVE
5FEBRUARY 2021
From the POA 6 President’s column
For your information 8 Mayor’s column
9 ICYMI
11 SJFD
Inside the community 13 Firewise risk reduction ... is your home safe from wildfires?
15 Our COVID-19 battle
20 The man behind “Sports News”
20 Heads-up, sports fans
23 Photo-Tales
The givers 27 Bringing wreaths close to home
29 No veteran forgotten
29 St. James NEST – neighbors helping neighbors
Around the area 30 Ask for Brunswick Catch
33 A sporty daytrip to Murrells Inlet
35 Whitetails and cottontails
Just for now 39 Black History Month
41 Here, but not really here
45 Valentine’s Day … did you know?Cat-Tales is published
monthly by the St. James Plantation Property Owners'
Association (POA) of St. James, North Carolina to
communicate information of interest to its property owners. Reproduction in
whole or in part is prohibited without permission from
the publisher, the POA. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect that of the POA. Per the
POA communications policy, the POA does not endorse
commercial products, services, and does not
publish advertorial, partisan political or religious belief
articles.
ON THE COVER: Venus fly traps are native
to St. James. (photo by Bob Rudolph)
VOLUME 28 • ISSUE 2F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Advertising Information: Coastal Printing
& Graphics 910-754-5929 or
16 Fishing in St. James
Find out how the POA Ponds Committee stocked several of the St. James ponds and
get ready to fish. By Steve Brocker
36 The Gullah Geechee peopleDiscover the history behind
the West African people who brought a variety of traditions
and culture to this area. By Ami Brown
43 Love-love: a perfect
tennis matchLove was in the air in St. James when these two
tennis players fell in love.By Gina Mancinelli
FEATURE ARTICLES
What's inside
firetti builders, inc.
www.firettibuilders.com | 910.477.6018
BUILDING CUSTOM HOMES FOR OVER 18 YEARSOVER 200 HOMES BUILTMULTIPLE DIAMOND AWARD WINNER INTERIOR DESIGNER PROVIDED TOUR OUR FURNISHED MODEL ON ST. JAMES DRIVE
Please visit www.stjamespoanc.org to submit Photo-Tales or email [email protected] for article submissions or comments.
6
President's column
I would like to take this opportunity to once again recognize our dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours to make St. James Plantation a better place to live. One of the great things about our residents is that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well. Over the years, we have had literally hundreds of your friends and neighbors participate in one or more of our standing or ad hoc committees. The benefits to us, as residents, are lower Town of St. James taxes, lower St. James Plantation Property Owners’ Association (POA) assessments, a safer environment and a community that we can all be proud of. The Master Declaration and Bylaws established a requirement for three POA committees — Rules and Enforcement, Nominating and Architectural Control. As the community has grown, we have added another 10 committees, and today, we have more than 125 residents working on these 13 committees. A full description and membership of each committee can be found on the POA website. We continually recruit new members, so if you are interested in one of these committees, contact the POA staff to determine which committees may have openings. Over the years, we have also formed ad hoc committees to address a single, time-dependent subject. For example, a POA committee was formed about 23 years ago to do research and complete the paperwork to establish the TOSJ. Additional ad hoc committees established in the past include Woodlands Exit, Polly Gully Exit, Wastewater, Pond Health, Bicycle Safety, Nature Trails, Transition and a committee to determine POA/TOSJ roles and responsibilities. While the workload and hours for each standing committee vary month to month, all members dedicate a significant amount of personal time to committee work. All committees have established monthly meetings — some meet once a month, some meet two or more times per month. All committees develop a “bottom-up” budget annually that forms the basis of the POA annual operating budget. Today, I would like to focus on two committees — our Landscape and Ponds Committees.
Landscape Committee – The primary function of the Landscape Committee is to maintain the beauty of the POA common areas and green space within the Plantation. In addition, the committee promotes community involvement through neighborhood landscape groups and Earth Day. Craig Farland is the chair of this 16-person team that meets monthly to discuss plans, projects and issues. Team members also break into smaller teams to perform monthly “drive throughs” of eight different assigned areas to identify issues such as dead trees, excessive weeds, overgrown shrubs and ruts on POA common property. During their review of the neighborhoods, the teams also identify areas where replacement plantings are needed. Every fall, the lists of replacement plantings are consolidated, reviewed and prioritized to determine the cost and to finalize what plantings will be done. The committee interfaces with Bland Landscaping on the location and type of new plantings and also works with the Ponds Committee on POA common areas. Committee members also act as liaisons with residents by responding to homeowner concerns, questions and requests on landscape issues throughout the community.
Landscaped common areas line St. James Drive leading to the Main Gate. (photo by John Muuss)
7FEBRUARY 2021
Current members of the Landscape Committee are Ann Bobeck, Alice Breitweg, Ray DeMatteo, Bruce Emery, Jan Golem, Doug Heckler, EJ Johnson, Michael Kopunek, Louise Maravich, Pat Quinn, Holly Robinson, Linda Sheldon, Ron Squillace and Lisbeth Veghte. Ponds Committee – The primary function of the Ponds Committee is to enhance and maintain the health, beauty and recreational use of the St. James Plantation ponds for the enjoyment of our residents. This committee is chaired by Steve Brocker, has a total of 10 members and meets on a monthly basis. The committee is broken down into three teams: health and beautification, fishing and recreation and communications. The committee has been very busy this year in spite of the pandemic. In normal years, the committee holds a ponds education meeting, with excellent guest speakers, for residents who have an interest in ponds. The seminar was canceled in 2020, but the committee did hold the annual pond plant sale and over 2,500 plants were sold.
The committee established two new “showcase ponds” for a total of three such ponds. The ponds are used to identify the best type of plants to enhance the health and beauty of our ponds. The three showcase ponds are located near the Grove Gate, the Woodlands Circle and Blair Place off Wyndmere Drive. The committee publishes “Pond Views” via an email that the membership can opt in to in order to receive more information on ponds. In 2020, they also developed a new website with easier access to information about ponds. In addition, they enhanced the fishing experience by creating better access to fishing ponds, stocking fish in selected ponds and providing guidelines for fishing in the ponds. Current members of the committee are Chris Contney, Ron Gugliotti, Merry Klinefelter, Bob Leach, Bob Malanga, Bob Murphy, Roger Nelsen, Ralph O’Brien and Charlie Wood. Leadership – While all committee members put in significant hours, I want to especially recognize the committee chairs who give extra effort to keep their respective committees on track. They are the schedulers, spokespersons, recruiters and advocates for their respective committees. They do all of this and more with little recognition. I would like to take this opportunity to identify and thank these community and committee leaders. Architectural Control – Chair Elaine Waddell; Vice Chair Steve Corbett Activities – Co-chairs Liz Ventura and Barbara McGreevy Communications – Chair Arthur (Tui) Hill Community Gardens – Co-chairs Al Yoshimura and Ron Gugliotti Finance – Chair Mark Erskine Infrastructure – Chair Jay Plent Information Technology – Chair Steve Henne Investment – Chair Corolyn Foster Landscape – Chair Craig Farland Nominating – Chair Scott Colburn Ponds – Chair Steve Brocker Rules and Enforcement – Chair Bruce Johnson Safety and Security – Chair Bob Wright
Even small ponds like this one on Oceanic Drive need year-round maintenance from the Ponds Committee. (photo by Stefano Sagri)
8
Mayor's columnJean Toner / Mayor, Town of St. James
Town Councilor program and special project assignments for 2021 were announced at the Town of St. James Regular Council meeting held in January.
Mayor Jean Toner and Mayor Pro Tem Dave DeLong will continue to be responsible for emergency management actions.
Jeff Mount will continue as the liaison to the TOSJ Firewise Committee and the Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. He has also assumed responsibility for community programs. We plan to continue sponsoring the flu shot program, blood drive and computer drop-off, and we are considering a second shredding day event. The “Living on the Coast” speaker series was canceled because of pandemic restrictions after two events. We hope to continue this type of programming when restrictions are lifted.
Lynn Dutney is the Town’s representative on the St. James Fire Department Board of Directors. She is also responsible for financial planning, including working with Town staff to develop long-range plans and financial policies and controls. Lynn will also assist with developing narrative financial reports that we hope will be more interesting and understandable.
Denny Barclay will continue to be responsible for the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, including developing the Plan report, and monitoring and reporting on actions related to Plan objectives. He will assume responsibility as the Town’s representative to Brunswick County regarding water quality and water pressure issues.
Dave DeLong will continue as Council liaison to the TOSJ Planning Board and as the Town’s representative to the Cape Fear Rural Transportation Advisory Committee. Dave will remain as the St. James representative to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the North Carolina Highway 211 widening project. He will also take on the role of coordinator for our median enhancement initiative.
I will continue as the representative on the Cape Fear Council of Governments and as coordinator for the Town Campus Development Project and the Natural Gas Project. We anticipate receiving all required permits for the Town Campus property development shortly and then will issue contractor requests for proposals.
In 2016, discussions began with Piedmont Natural Gas about bringing natural gas into St. James. Although progress has been slow, Piedmont has completed installation of the basic infrastructure along Highway 211. Unfortunately, the project has stalled again due to the pandemic. As soon as restrictions are lifted, the resident information meeting originally set for April 2020, will be rescheduled.
“In 2016, discussions began with Piedmont Natural Gas about bringing natural gas into St. James.”
9FEBRUARY 2021
This section of the Green Mile is near St. James Chapel. (photo by Bob Rudolph)
Notes on the Green Mile
There’s a first time for everything — first love, first day of school, first best friend or first visit to the U.S. Capitol (I don’t know what made me think of that).
I’m sure most St. James residents recall with pleasure the first time they drove through the Main Gate and along the Green Mile — the signature feature of St. James.
In addition to its magnificent natural setting, this portion of St. James Drive includes a lot of our community’s history. A sign at the intersection of St. James Drive and Ridgecrest Drive was a Homer Wright inspiration. It reads:
“If change did not exist, a flower would be just a seed, hidden in the ground. Change is a new beginning.”
As Homer admits to anyone who asks, he “borrowed” the quote from a dismissed employee who failed to meet his high standards. The sign is appropriate for the many immigrants from other places who have found a new home and lifestyle in St. James.
St. James Chapel, the first structure to be built after the Main Gate was completed, was built at the suggestion of Jim Wright, Homer’s brother. Jim spotted a similar structure during a trip to St. James and thought a chapel would help bring the community together. He was right.
Homer believes the structure struck a note with the people who settled in the community. “It gave residents a feeling of welcome and security,” he said in 2019. “It made a statement for all that we hoped St. James would become.”
The St. James Library was also an early Green Mile addition. Today, despite pandemic restrictions over the past year that have limited access to the library and its collection of fine reading, the library continues to be a popular destination for residents.
Honesty is the foundation of the library’s unstaffed purpose. A notebook that early residents used to sign for their books was eventually abandoned, because they rarely crossed their names off the list. Instead, an honor system was adopted, allowing residents to take out a book and return it at their leisure.
The headquarters for the St. James Fire Department also occupies land along the Green Mile. Residents living nearby are probably grateful the building is in a relatively isolated location, softening the sound of sirens from emergency vehicles as they leave the station.
There are, of course, no residences along the Green Mile. However, the area is home to a rafter (flock) of wild turkeys. They appear from time to time along St. James Drive, sometimes causing minor traffic backups as they leisurely cross the road, always contributing to the local color.
As impressive as the Green Mile has become, no one I asked seems to know where the name came from, or whose idea it was. That seems odd, because it’s a terrific moniker and an excellent marketing tool the development team was more than happy to adopt. With or without its distinctive name, few are likely to forget this singular stretch of road, whether seeing it for the first time or returning countless occasions later.
In case you missed itBy Arthur Hill
10
11FEBRUARY 2021
Santa arrived on a firetruck for the 2019 SJFD Christmas party.(photo by John Muuss)
The acknowledgment of love can take many forms — flowers, candy, wine, dinner, frilly gifts, manly toys and so on. Members of the SJFD express feelings for the community by being there when needed with fire protection, medical assistance and overall support.
We also get something in return for our efforts. We receive recognition through notes, food drop-offs, handmade masks, mulch purchases and financial donations. Most importantly, we enjoy getting waves, smiles and personal thanks from people when we’re training or shopping.
SJFD members also enjoy holding an annual Christmas party for kids, but we were unable to celebrate as usual in December because of social distancing requirements. Santa’s planning task force considered the feasibility of different approaches to the annual Christmas celebration and concluded they should mobilize. Instead of letting the pandemic ruin the celebration with residents and kids, department members figured out a different way to create the love and excitement generated by the annual Christmas party.
It was an impressive and joyful effort — instead of the community coming to the firehouse, the SJFD took the Christmas party to the entire community. Members traveled over 7 miles of roads as they waved, blared horns, flashed lights, smiled and visited much of St. James and Arbor Creek. Santa and his entourage, including Freckles the Clown, stopped at six locations to meet children and distribute gifts. Thank you to the firefighters, fire police, emergency medical technicians and Freckles the Clown for participating in this special event.
So, in short, love is more than valentine candy hearts, flowers and Hallmark cards. It is the expression of caring for one another, sharing skills and bringing happiness to others all year long.
If interested in joining the SJFD, contact Chief John Dahill at 910-253-9990. He’d love to talk to you about joining the team.
• From Christmas Eve, 2020, through New Year’s Day, 2021, SJFD responded to 30 emergency calls; nine were fire calls, with fire police responding to the majority, and 21 were EMS calls.
• In 2020, SJFD responded to 1,055 emergency calls; 250 were fire calls, 805 were EMS calls that included 71 transports and fire police responded to more than 700 of all calls.
SJFDBy Jim Carey
12
13FEBRUARY 2021
Despite being surrounded by water, the Town of St. James is located in an area prone to wildfires because of flammable, native vegetation. To reduce wildfire risk to residents, property and wildlife, the TOSJ became a Firewise Community in 2003. Committee members worked with the North Carolina Forest Service to develop a risk assessment, an action plan and understanding of how to maintain annual certification.
While much of the Firewise risk reduction is performed by the Town (yard waste removal and disposal program) and the St. James Plantation Property Owners’ Association (vacant lot mowing and common area landscaping), your efforts on your property are vital to our collective success and your personal safety.
St. James residents are not strangers to risk reduction. When the pandemic hit, people retrofitted their homes for comfort and safety. They stockpiled food and cleaning supplies, minimized shopping trips, kept distance from loved ones, wore masks and washed hands to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Firewise risk reduction focuses on protecting homes by removing potential wildfire fuel sources through simple homeowner actions. These actions include selecting and maintaining fire-resistant building materials, mulch and plants; keeping trees, overhanging branches and shrubs pruned; and clearing dead vegetation from roofs, gutters and yards.
A Firewise self-assessment is a good starting point to guide efforts. A self-assessment form can be found on the Town website. Start by assessing the Firewise immediate zone — zero to 5 feet around the perimeter of your house. Replacing pine straw with bark or stone mulch in this zone can safeguard your home from wildfire encroachment.
Identify and limit flammable materials such as plants, window boxes, barbecue propane tanks, firewood, leaves and pine needles that are close to your house. Moving outward,
determine where pruning could create firebreak separations among trees, shrubs and your home.
If planning exterior renovations, factor in Firewise considerations. A Firewise property looks better, is easier to maintain and is probably more attractive to an eventual buyer. Risk reduction provides an excellent return on your investment of time and effort.
Looking for ideas? Walk around your neighborhood. See how others have integrated safety and aesthetics by using a variety of mulch and landscaping options. Firewise resources can be found on the Firewise and TOSJ websites.
Firewise risk reduction … is your home safe from wildfires?By Barbara Lemos
HOW TO
WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION STEPS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER DURING A WILDFIRE
PREPAREYOUR HOME
FOR WILDFIRES
BE PREPARED
FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
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2
1
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Order a Reducing Wildfire Risks in the Home Ignition Zone checklist/poster at Firewise.org
TALK TO YOUR LOCAL FORESTRY AGENCY OR FIRE DEPARTMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPECIFIC WILDFIRE RISK WHERE YOU LIVE.
VISIT FIREWISE.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS
1. HOME IGNITION ZONES To increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire, choose fire-resistant building materials and limit the amount
of flammable vegetation in the three home ignition zones. The zones include the Immediate Zone: (0 to 5 feet around
the house), the Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet), and the Extended Zone (30 to 100 feet). 2. LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE To reduce ember ignitions and fire spread, trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck and prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet (depending on their height) from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes. Use crushed stone or gravel instead
of flammable mulches in the Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house). Keep your landscape in good condition.
3. ROOFING AND VENTS Class A fire-rated roofing products, such as composite shingles, metal, concrete, and clay tiles, offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent
condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry. 4. DECKS AND PORCHES Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks and porches and between deck board joints. 5. SIDING AND WINDOWS Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite
combustible materials; radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding such as brick, fiber-cement, plaster, or stucco, and use dual-pane tempered glass windows.
6. EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACCESS Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access. n Develop, discuss, and practice an emergency action plan
with everyone in your home. Include details for handling pets, large animals, and livestock. n Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a predesignated meeting place. n Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay—don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from the fire. n Conduct an annual insurance policy checkup to adjust for local building costs, codes, and new renovations.
n Create or update a home inventory to help settle claims faster.
Firewise® is a program of the National Fire Protection Association. This publication was produced in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, US Department
of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. NFPA is an equal opportunity
provider. Firewise® and Firewise USA® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA 02169.
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15FEBRUARY 2021
Our COVID-19 battle — round twoBy Laurie Adams
The coronavirus is relentless. Just when one thinks the fight against this awful disease is almost over, it can attack again with more virulence and potentially deadly consequences than before. This happened to my husband, Michael, one week after 15 days in a COVID-19 intensive care unit.
His week at home was spent working with physical and occupational therapists, taking short walks, and even though he slept a lot, Michael began to sense a slow recovery. But then, he tired more quickly, stopped taking short walks, began feeling miserable and experienced a sudden and rapid decline. On a Monday morning over coffee, he had trouble catching his breath. I increased his oxygen flow and called our doctor, who advised going to the hospital.
My husband was panting, gray in the face and asked me to call 911. The paramedics arrived quickly, performed an assessment and prepared to transport Michael, who resisted returning to the hospital but realized he was failing.
After a full day in the emergency room, where his lungs, erratic heartbeat and lab tests were assessed and stabilized, he was moved to a critical care unit. The compassionate nurses in the emergency room were kind enough to call me each time Michael’s condition changed. One nurse told me to prepare for the worst and pray for the best. They were doing everything possible to save him.
The next day he was diagnosed, once again, with viral and bacterial pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism related to COVID-19. The next few days brought sepsis and other assorted problems. He was not a candidate for remdesivir or antibody therapy, but respiratory therapists tried proning, a position where Michael was turned on his stomach to relieve pressure on his lungs, and that seemed to help.
I asked his doctors about transfer to a larger hospital and was assured treatment would be the same elsewhere. Michael was wait-listed at Duke University Hospital as a low-priority patient because he was not ventilated, and Duke’s critical care unit was at 100% capacity.
Fortunately, Michael began to improve and his need for supplemental oxygen lessened. He remained on antibiotics, a blood thinner for the clot and many other medications. After 18 very long and agonizing days, his doctors determined that he was strong enough to recover at home.
Michael came home in mid-December. It was wonderful to have him home for his birthday, and of course, Christmas, even with the fear that he could "crash" again. He is still on oxygen and probably will be for months. His doctor also prescribed a 30-day heart monitor to ascertain the cause of Michael’s erratic pulse, which is most likely related to COVID-19.
Life is beginning to normalize. Michael remains fairly isolated from people and public places, not because he is contagious, but because he is now very vulnerable to germs. We rejoice at small steps in his recovery, such as driving around St. James, short walks with our dogs and cooking together. He coughs often, especially when fatigued, but that's improving.
Our "village" of neighbors and friends have sustained us with their help and support. I could not have managed our dogs, household and my anxiety without their ongoing emotional support.
What a journey this has been, and it is not over yet, but we're getting there. Remain vigilant for your self-preservation, the health of your loved ones and the public. Michael and I wish everyone a most healthy and happy 2021.
Editor’s note: Michael and Laurie shared their initial experience with COVID-19 in an article published in the December 2020 issue of Cat-Tales.
16
The pond at Woodlands Park is just one of the many ponds in St. James that was recently stocked with fish. (Google Earth image)
Bob Malanga acclimates the blue gills before they are released into the ponds.
New signs are now posted to let residents know which ponds are stocked with fish.
Tristan, from Southeast Pond Stocking, Charlie Wood and Bob Malanga stocked POA ponds with a variety of fish.
17FEBRUARY 2021
Have you noticed the surge of outdoor activities in St. James since indoor gatherings have been severely curtailed? I bet you have. More people are walking, running, biking and playing golf, pickleball and tennis. Here is another outdoor option — fishing right here in St. James.
The St. James Plantation Property Owners’ Association (POA) Ponds Committee recently made some enhancements to the stocked fishing ponds. The enhancements were organized by Charlie Wood, Fishing and Recreation Subcommittee chair. Over the past six years, 14 ponds in St. James have been stocked with fish. In the last few weeks, some areas around these ponds have been cleaned up to provide better access to the ponds for residents.
New signs have been installed near most POA fishing ponds to let residents know the ponds have been stocked for fishing. A few basic guidelines are listed on the signs. The important message is that you are at one of the fishing ponds, so sink a line and have some fun.
Fishing is usually a quiet, healthy outdoor activity and is good for the soul. And there is nothing like fishing with children or grandchildren to create memories. Fishing in POA ponds is catch-and-release only, and a North Carolina fishing license is required for fishers age 16 and older.
Additional bluegills and minnows were added to many POA fishing ponds in December. Two-inch bluegills can grow to a size of 7 to 8 inches in two years, and this new generation will add to the adult fish already in the ponds. The minnows are needed as forage fish for the hungry bass population.
Goals and plans of the Ponds Committee include having healthy, balanced fish populations in all POA fishing ponds, and more importantly, improving the fishing experience for St. James residents and their guests.
Editor’s note: Pond fishing guidelines that include directions to St. James fishing ponds can be found on the POA website under the amenities/ponds tabs.
Fishing in St. JamesStory and photos by Steve Brocker
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19FEBRUARY 2021
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My wife, Patty, and I retired in early 2019 and moved from Pennsylvania to St. James on July 2, 2019. We have two grown sons, and
our two grandkids are in college, so we decided it was time to move on to the next phase of life — retirement by the beach.
I spent the past 20 years working for Crayola LLC, located in Easton, Pennsylvania. I like boating and fishing, and since my knees are pretty beaten up from previous athletic endeavors, I'm quite content with fishing and boating as my new interests and hobbies. I bought my first-ever boat in September 2019 and
have expanded fishing from creeks and streams in Pennsylvania to saltwater fishing in North Carolina. Occasionally, I'll tag along with my wife when she goes to the beach.
I saw an email request for volunteers to help with editing the St. James Plantation Property Owners’ Association “Sports News” publication. I inquired about it and was added as one of the editors in early May 2020. I now work on the “Sports News” publication weekly with an occasional week off. I’ve never done this kind of thing before, but I’m glad to help out. It's a good behind-the-scenes role and I can work from home.
The man behind “Sports News”By Andrew Brusko
Heads-up, sports fans By Marilyn Rudolph
“Sports News” currently has 786 subscribers, indicating interest in sports and the popularity of sports activities among St. James residents. Each issue of “Sports News” covers the wide world of sports, well, at least as wide as it gets in St. James. Here’s a thought. Wouldn’t it be fun if ABC came to St. James looking for senior athletes to resurrect “Wide World of Sports,” the popular show that many of us watched for almost 40 years?
No such luck but get ready for something special — a sports-themed issue of Cat-Tales. The March issue will cover many sports activities that occur in and around St. James, as well as a few former professional sports figures who now live in St. James.
Here's a heads-up for football fans and especially Ohio State Buckeyes. Look for the story featuring Kurt Schumacher, a star offensive lineman who played for Ohio State University in the 1970s and then went on to a professional career in the NFL.
Be sure to read about Kurt’s accomplishments, other featured athletes and sports-oriented action in the next issue of Cat-Tales. The St. James world of sports may not span the globe, and ABC may not be here, but Cat-Tales has it covered.
21FEBRUARY 2021
St. James resident, Kurt Schumacher, played for the NFL in the 1970s. (contributed photo)
22
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The dark band in the center of this tree is where a poison ivy vine was attached and ran to the ground. The correct and safest way to remove poison ivy from a tree is to cut the vine and remove the root so the leafy vine will die on its own. Look carefully at the picture to see the cut vine and dark band. (photo by Susan Kassel)
23FEBRUARY 2021
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St. James Service Club awarded “Cindy’s Angels” gift cards in December to the Boys & Girls Home of North Carolina, located in Lake Waccamaw. Cindy Kirwan, now deceased, was the long-standing chair of the “Angel Tree Project” that has been renamed “Cindy’s Angels.”
Pictured are Betty Devins, SJSC project co-chair, Rob Kirwan, Cindy’s husband, and Mason Smith, B&GH representative. (photo by Bill Devins)
The St. James Service Club “Celebrating the Holidays in St. James” festival raised over $14,000 for Brunswick County nonprofits in 2020.
SJSC festival committee co-chairs, Donna Godbout and Stacey Saveth, on the left, are pictured above with several committee volunteers. (photo by John Muuss)
25FEBRUARY 2021
26
The honor guard placed 90 wreaths this year to honor fallen veterans during the holidays. (photos by John Muuss)
27FEBRUARY 2021
On an overcast day in December, members of American Legion Post 543 gathered at Cape Fear Memorial Park to honor fallen soldiers. Every year, members lay wreaths and place flags at the graves of veterans during the holiday season.
Kirk Davis, ceremony planner, led the honor guard through the ceremony. Davis said: “We started a local wreath-laying ceremony during the Christmas holiday season in 2017. The Post conducts this ceremony as a way to honor our fallen veterans of every service.” This year, the honor guard placed a wreath and service flag on the graves of all 90 veterans in the cemetery.
Bringing wreaths close to home By Ami Brown
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Paul Aksew delivers groceries to a NEST member in need. (photo by Skip Shaw)
29FEBRUARY 2021
Just over a year ago, Cat-Tales featured a story about a new 501(c)(3) organization being formed called St. James NEST. The organization is comprised of St. James residents who want to help their St. James neighbors age in place in their homes for as long as possible.
St. James NEST — neighbors helping neighbors By Meg Meyer
In 2020, Christmas was a little brighter for military service veterans who are residents of the retirement home, Elmcroft of Southport, thanks to members of American Legion Post 543. Each year, in partnership with Operation North State, Post 543 members deliver gift boxes to veterans, focusing on those who may be alone during the holiday season.
No veteran forgottenBy Ami Brown
St. James NEST had planned to begin services in May 2020 but the pandemic slowed the launch. The organization’s leadership is pleased to announce that St. James NEST is now operating with appropriate pandemic protocols in place.
St. James NEST consists of members who receive services and volunteers who provide services to members. Services include respite care for caregivers, transportation to and from appointments, or help with minor maintenance in a member's home, such as changing the batteries on a smoke detector. A complete list of member benefits is on the organization’s website.
Member fees cover administrative expenses such as the member services platform, website hosting and liability insurance. If interested in becoming a member or volunteer, or if you know a friend or neighbor who could use St. James NEST services, visit the St. James NEST website or call 910-250-8388 for more information.
Post 543 Commander George Freeman and fellow officer Dan Bennett delivered holiday gifts to local veterans at Elmcroft of Southport. (photo by John Muuss)
30
(photo by Judy Wagner)
Shrimp boats can often be seen docked in the Yacht Basin in Southport. (photo by John Muuss)
31FEBRUARY 2021
Paul Greenberg, author of “American Catch: The Fight for Our Local Seafood,” writes: “A full 91% of seafood in America comes from abroad. In order for our seafood supply to remain sustainable here, Americans need to eat many different kinds of fish and shellfish, spreading out demand over more species.”
Having lived near the Atlantic Ocean twice, and as a Midwestern gal, I thought local fish would be less expensive and sold everywhere. But that’s not necessarily true, according to Jon Haag, owner of Haag & Sons Seafood, because “State and federal laws have many restrictions due to overfishing, ocean fishing boundaries and control of trade.”
In 2017, fishing brought $97 million into the North Carolina economy. North Carolina has approximately 2,500 commercial fishers comprised of men and women who have a family history of fishing in Brunswick County as far back as five generations.
In 2012, the Brunswick Catch program was created so that all boxes containing fish caught by local fishers could be stamped as Brunswick Catch, verifying that the fish were caught locally. Look for the Brunswick Catch emblem or flag at markets and restaurants to determine if local fish are available.
The program’s governing board includes fishers, seafood dealers, restaurateurs and representatives from businesses, local government agencies and organizations with interest in sustainable, economically vibrant fisheries in North Carolina.
In order to learn more about the full economic impact of the North Carolina commercial fishing industry, a survey of North Carolina-licensed commercial fishers is being supported by the North Carolina Commercial Fishing Resource Fund. The survey committee will follow seafood from coastal and ocean waters to the consumer, collecting and analyzing data from harvest to processing to distribution. This is the first comprehensive, statewide study of the North Carolina commercial fishing and seafood industry.
Additionally, consumers will be surveyed to determine willingness to pay for North Carolina seafood products, as compared to imports, since buying fish from foreign markets is driving down prices. Unfortunately, the
pandemic has also adversely impacted sales of local catch and has created a perfect storm for the local fishing industry.
NC Catch, established in 2011, partners with North Carolina’s local Catch groups to help strengthen the state seafood economy through promotion and education. NC Catch and local Catch groups represent over 400 supporters, including 172 independent fishers, 40 seafood markets and dealers, 67 restaurants and cafes, 65 community partners and sponsors and 50 friend and associate members.
A variety of seafood, including shrimp, blue crabs, grouper, flounder, oysters, clams and over 50 types of other fresh fish, are landed by North Carolina fishers. Brunswick Catch fishers supply fish to local and Piedmont area restaurants. Interestingly, some locally caught fish and blue crabs also go to New York, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
The coastal waters and rivers of Brunswick County have always been an economic engine for many citizens of this county. The next time you go to a fish market or restaurant, consider asking for Brunswick Catch to support local businesses. Vote with your wallet and fork, knowing that quality, taste, variety and seasonality matter when selecting fish.
The ultimate goal of Brunswick Catch is to educate consumers. To learn more about local and North Carolina fishing industries, visit the Brunswick Catch and NC Catch websites.
Ask for Brunswick Catch By Bett Lewis
32
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Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. a registered investment adviser.Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with flame design) in the U.S.Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Sound advice in uncertain times: call us.At Lohff and Nelson, we have over 30 years combined experience helping our clients accumulate, distribute and transfer wealth to make the world better for the people they love and the causes they care about. Now as always, we are here to inform and support you with ongoing market updates, investment recommendations and personalized advice to help keep your plans on track and your goals clear. Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to your financial life.
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A kayak trip on the Waccamaw River offers plenty of nature and scenic beauty.
33FEBRUARY 2021
My wife, Janice, and I packed our car the night before with toys needed for our sporty adventure; bikes on the back, kayaks on top. Our destination was Murrells Inlet, the southern hideout of legendary pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. After breakfast, we headed out for the 90-minute drive.
The first stop was the Wacca Wache Marina on the banks of the Waccamaw River. Once away from the dock, kayaking became a trip back into nature as it might have been before settlers came to the area. We made a meandering loop of 5 miles that took us into Vaux and White Creeks before depositing us back into the river for the upstream, return paddle to the launch.
A shorter 2-mile loop goes into Cow House Creek around Richmond Island. If feeling energetic, kayakers can paddle to the backside of Brookgreen Gardens and circle Springfield, Brookgreen and Oaks Islands in this 8-mile round trip. Be sure to preview Google satellite maps to get the lay of the land and water before exploring.
If you don’t have a kayak, no problem. Book a sightseeing tour at the marina. Whether you’re using your own horsepower in a kayak, or on a tour, you’ll have a great morning.
A five-minute drive took us to Morse Park Landing, with its spectacular view of the inlet and marsh, where we had lunch. There were plenty of fine
eateries nearby, but we decided to brown-bag it and save our funds for dinner. While eating, we checked out the cool Lost at Sea Memorial and discovered there was another place to launch our kayaks right into the coastal creeks coming off the inlet. But for us, now it was time to bike.
Janice and I rode south for about a mile right out of the park. Eventually, we hooked into a section of the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, an easy, paved path that twists and turns through the woods, parallel to Ocean Highway. When we intersected with Trace Drive, we turned left to Parker Drive and biked beside magnificent, oceanfront homes.
At the far end was Magnolia Beach. We brought towels in our backpacks, and because this was a weekday in the offseason, we had a near-deserted beach on the Atlantic to ourselves. After an hour or so, we returned the same way we came, completing the 12-mile out and back. For a fee, we could have ridden into Huntington Beach State Park, adding another 4 miles. Again, check Google Maps.
For dinner, head to the MarshWalk, where a half-dozen restaurants offer outside waterfront dining. Make sure to first stroll the boardwalk to look at menus. We chose a restaurant with live entertainment, but you can’t go wrong with fresh seafood, whatever you decide.
The drive home was not too bad after a fulfilling day.
A sporty daytrip to Murrells Inlet Story and photo by Fred Ammann
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Young deer keep their spots to help camouflage them until they are about four months old. (internet photo)
Wild rabbits feed on mostly green plants and can eat up to 3 to 4 cups per day. (internet photo)
35FEBRUARY 2021
Two of the most common animals in St. James are the white-tailed deer and the cottontail rabbit. Although some residents may be unhappy that these species eat their plants, the deer and rabbits are benign and fun to see.
The white-tailed deer is graceful and beautiful, and few can resist the charm of seeing a doe with her newborn fawns. They are also the most plentiful large mammal in the United States and can be found almost everywhere except southwestern desert areas.
The cottontail rabbit also is found in most of the country and is one of many different species of rabbit. Both the white-tailed deer and the cottontail rabbit derive their names from the white underside of their tails that is seen when they flee.
Neither species has an easy life. The average life span of a deer is about five years, even less in heavily hunted areas. They are not only the most popular game species, but hundreds of thousands are also killed every year on the highways. Historically, the wolf was the deer’s worst enemy, but humans have long since taken over that role.
The cottontail only manages to live about two years in the wild. They are a prime food source for many animals including hawks, foxes, coyotes, snakes, bobcats, etc. While rabbits may breed three times a year with three to eight babies per litter, few live to adulthood. A rabbit’s territorial range is around an acre and a half, or an area covering about three lots in St. James.
Both species are herbivores, but while the rabbits eat grasses, dandelions and a variety of small plants, the deer eat a much larger variety of vegetation, including branches, twigs and even prickly holly leaves. It is estimated that deer eat as many as 600 varieties of plants. In colder climes, when winters bring snow cover, deer will eat almost anything they can find.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission estimates that approximately 143,000 deer were harvested by hunters in North Carolina last year. More than 15,000 are believed to be killed by cars every year in our state.
As St. James continues to develop, there is less natural habitat for the deer, which is why they show up in your yard to eat your plants. So, next time you see a deer or a rabbit, give a little thought to how hard their lives are.
Whitetails and cottontailsBy Dave Filios
Heather Hodges, executive director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, exhibited a variety of handmade baskets at the Southport Community Building.
36
I was lucky enough to attend a Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage program held last year at the Southport Community Building. Even though I grew up nearby, surprisingly, I had never heard of this group of people with deep roots, history and rich culture in coastal North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission was developed to educate the public and promote the heritage of this significant part of American history.
The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of West Africans who were enslaved and brought to farm the rice, cotton, tobacco and peanut plantations in the lower Atlantic coastal regions of the United States. These inhabitants of isolated islands and coastal plantations created a culture that is still visible in their distinctive arts, crafts, food, music and unique Creole-based language.
The ancestors of the Gullah Geechee people brought a variety of arts and craft traditions to America, most designed out of necessity, such as fishing nets, baskets and textiles for clothing. Today, you can find their intricate handmade baskets, made from local seagrass, throughout the historic corridor at local markets and fairs.
There are two places nearby that are great daytrips for those interested in learning more about the Gullah Geechee people and their culture.
Poplar Grove Plantation – This site, with its historic house and museum, is located on Highway 17 just north of Wilmington in Scotts Hill, Pender County, North Carolina. The 15-plus acre museum complex is a nonprofit, public charity dedicated to education, conservation and preservation and is under the stewardship of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust.
This historic site is also part of the GGCHCC and was formerly a sweet potato and peanut plantation that grew peanuts using the agricultural skills of the Gullah Geechee people. These crops were sold locally and the protein-packed food crossed racial lines during the Civil War to nourish both Union and Confederate
The Gullah Geechee peopleStory and photo by Ami Brown
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soldiers. Wilmington peanuts were shipped as far as New York City and became a popular snack, thanks to P.T. Barnum’s traveling circus.
To celebrate Black History Month, Poplar Grove Plantation is offering private tours in February (advance bookings required) that adhere to pandemic-related restrictions. To discover more about the history of the Gullah Geechee culture, including the roles, skills and talents in the production of peanuts at Poplar Grove, contact Caroline Lewis, executive director, or visit the Poplar Grove Plantation website for more information.
Brookgreen Gardens – If you are looking for a full day of adventure, another daytrip option for your 2021 calendar is Brookgreen Gardens, located just off Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet. The grounds include over 9,000 acres of gardens, pavilions and galleries. While there, discover over 2,000 sculptures by 400-plus artists, paintings, and, for animal enthusiasts, a zoo. Throughout the year, special events and exhibits celebrate culture and regional history.
Beginning in January, and continuing each Wednesday through spring, Ron Daise, singer, songwriter and Gullah culture preservationist, will present “The Musicology of the Gullah Geechee Culture.” This interactive presentation reveals how the Gullah Geechee influenced today’s popular music.
Many exhibits at Brookgreen Gardens are outdoors, so choose a nice, sunny day for a visit. According to their website, all events and interactions follow strict pandemic protocols and social distancing rules.
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Carter G. Woodson is considered the Father of Black History Month. (internet photo)
Abraham Galloway help lead the anti-slavery movement. He was born in Smithville (now Southport) in 1837. (internet photo)
39FEBRUARY 2021
Known as the Father of Black History, Carter G. Woodson was a Harvard graduate and historian who believed that truth would prevail over prejudice. For that reason, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to raise awareness of cultural contributions made to society by African Americans.
“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” Woodson said of the need for such study. When he announced Negro History
Week back in 1925, it was the beginning of the current celebration of Black History Month that we know today.
Negro History Week was first celebrated in February 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February because it encompassed the birthdays of two significant figures in Black history — Frederick Douglass, born on February 14, and Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12.
Response to that one-time event was overwhelming and spread quickly throughout the United States. Black history clubs were formed, and educators began to demand updated textbooks and materials to educate students.
The celebration was expanded to a full month in 1976 during America’s bicentennial celebration. President Gerald Ford said, “In celebrating Black History Month, we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History continues to promote the study of Black history all year, not just during the month of February.
Black History MonthBy Ami Brown
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41FEBRUARY 2021
I just spent my 16th Christmas without my daughter. No phone call. No text. No email. No visit. Just painful reminders that she wasn’t here, again.
Without insulting the many people who have lost a child to an inexplicable and devastatingly early death, I no longer have my first-born child for a different reason. I "lost" her to drug addiction. She left home on July 18, 2005 to escape rules, curfew and household chores that were unreasonable to her. She left in the car we gave her for her high school graduation, she left behind the first semester paid tuition to college, and she left my heart shattered.
She drifted in and out of my life for those first few years — when my father-in-law died, when her grandmother died and when her stepsister got married. But each occasion was just a reminder that the beautiful, blonde-haired, hazel-eyed girl I gave birth to in 1987 was lost in the grip of mental illness and addiction. She was a stranger with an opioid addiction that controlled her every action far more than the control she thought I had on her in her teens.
She began smoking marijuana soon after she left home. Next came pills, speedballing, meth, fentanyl — anything and everything to experience that next high. Drug dealers became family to her. She trusted them more than her father, her mother, her stepfather and her siblings. She insisted that her dealers would never lace her drugs to change the course and severity of her addiction.
There was no amount of reasoning, crying or pleading with her that worked to get the help that she desperately needed. She began having frequent emergency room visits for overdoses and Narcan administrations, court appearances and too-numerous-to-count stints in court-ordered rehab, jail and prison.
Yet, I'm fortunate. She is still alive. She is in a prison in Ohio, serving her second nine-month sentence in three years. I hang on to the hope and faith that some miracle will bring her back. I am always aware that she has now spent more than half of her adult life in institutions that are the stuff my nightmares are made of. She has survived all of this by the grace of God. I pray there is a plan for her that isn't evident just yet.
My husband, my family in Ohio and my friends in St. James are my sanity. They ask. They listen. They reassure me in my darkest moments that this could happen to anyone. It is not my fault. It is not my fault. Yet, I ask for forgiveness every day of my life for an unperceived mistake on my part.
Hold your loved ones close. And please say a quick prayer for my Meghan and all the other Meghans who are here, but not here.
Here, but not really here By Kelli Brownfield
This is Meghan in 2004, the year before she left home. (contributed photo)
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43FEBRUARY 2021
If you aren’t a tennis player or haven’t had a personal trainer at The Clubs at St. James Signature Wellness Center, you probably haven’t met Channon or Jason, so allow me to introduce them. Both grew up in North Carolina; Channon in Fairmont, Jason in Bladenboro, and neither had met until they moved to the Wilmington area, although Channon’s uncle worked for Jason’s dad.
After living in Germany, Jason returned to the United States in December 2019, temporarily moved in with his dad and began looking for a job as a tennis pro. Jason’s dad had played in a St. James tennis tournament in 2011 and suggested Jason call The Clubs about a position in St. James.
Jason’s back-and-forth conversations with Brian Preston, director of tennis for The Clubs, led to a job interview. The interview process included giving tennis lessons. Jason’s first lesson happened to be with my friend, Joanie Proctor, followed by a group lesson for six men. Jason received great reviews, and Brian hired him.
Channon received a degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and began her career as a kindergarten teacher, living and working in Leland. In 2008, she took a break from teaching and worked as a personal trainer at the Players Club Sports Center. Channon eventually returned to teaching, but during her summer break in 2019, she was asked to return to the Signature Wellness Center as a trainer. This stint ultimately turned into a permanent position.
One of Channon’s gym mates, Rudolf Heck, aka Klaus, suggested she take up a sport, any sport. She chose tennis and began taking lessons in Wilmington. Klaus was taking tennis lessons with Jason and suggested he meet Channon, a new tennis player. Klaus seems like a matchmaker to me.
Channon and Jason finally met while clocking out at the Signature Wellness Center in January 2020. After a day of tennis, lunch, more tennis and lots of talking — now known as the first date — they were just new friends. Since then, they’ve spent every day together, except one, walking, talking and listening to music on the back porch.
They fondly remember Easter 2020 since that was the date of their first kiss. Jason promised to bring Channon some Cadbury eggs but had left them in his truck. He did a quick turnaround, a gesture Channon found very romantic, and so love began.
On that “except one” day, while Channon was with her mom and aunt, Jason took the opportunity to search for an engagement ring. Smart guy. With Jason sporting his new truck and Channon riding shotgun, they stopped for Wendy’s takeout and then went to the Southport waterfront to eat and watch the world go by. That’s when Jason popped the question. Channon and Jason were married on October 10, 2020, at the Woodlands Park in St. James.
And as if this story couldn’t get any better, Jason told me he knew Channon was the one after hearing the song, “Beyond,” by Leon Bridges and Luke Combs, as he sat with Channon on the back porch. I checked out that song and totally see how this whole love-love thing happened.
Editor’s note: Jason Hester is an assistant tennis pro for The Clubs, and Channon has returned to teaching.
Love-love: a perfect tennis match Story by Gina Mancinelli
Jason and Channon are pictured here on their wedding day at Woodlands Park. (photos by Bill Devins)
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44
45FEBRUARY 2021
Cherubs, chocolate and date night ... we all associate these things with the romantic holiday celebrated on February 14 in the U.S. and around the world. Of course, it’s Valentine’s Day — a day for couples to renew their love for each other, shower each other with gifts and the day children make cards to give to their favorite teachers and school crushes. After a bit of research, it seems the exact history of Valentine’s Day is not quite agreed upon by historians. Many references date back to the feast for the patron saint named Valentine by the Roman Catholic Church in 496 A.D. This feast was created to replace the brutal pagan festival of Lupercalia. Looking further back to Greek mythology, Eros, the God of Love, evolved throughout time into the symbolic arrow-shooting cherub we now associate with the holiday. Scouring the internet, I found a few fun facts about Valentine’s Day.
• Americans spend about $27 billion each year on valentine-related gifts. Men spend three times more than women. The average man spends $130 and women only spend about $70. • Nine million people buy their pets a Valentine’s Day gift. • Historically, the first valentine card was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans. He wrote a love letter to his wife at the age of 21, while he was in prison, and she never replied. • Nine million marriage proposals will be made on Valentine’s Day. • Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentine’s Day themed heart-shaped candy box in the late 1800s. So eat candy, smell the roses and write love notes this month on the 14th. But remember, always celebrate and cherish your loved ones while you can, even if it’s not Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day ... did you know?By Ami Brown
46
47FEBRUARY 2021(910) 208-0028(910) 208-0028
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