October 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: Welcome / Monthly Review / Contributions / News & Notices / Coming Events / Department Feature / Photo Review
Welcome to October
WELCOME to the OCTOBER 2022 edition of THE CURRENT. Whether it's silly, spooky, or even downright scary, one thing everyone should be able to agree on, is that October is a little bit weird. Although it has the Latin prefix of "OCTO" it's the tenth month of the year, and not the eight (thank you, Roman senate calendar change from 153 BCE). It also tends to lack consistency. "Will this week have cool, crisp, fall days great for grabbing a pumpkin spice latte ... or will it have an 85° 'Revenge of Summer' streak? The answer is BOTH, probably!
Despite the hardships of living in the coastal south, which force you to choose a Halloween costume with short sleeves and breathable mesh fabric, for many there's no other place they'd rather be. And for a considerable number of even more dedicated Fall fans, there's no time of year they enjoy more. True, the days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are getting colder, the beaches are empty, and the year is winding down towards winter; but it's undeniable there's a certain magic in the transition.
That magic isn't spooky kind you see in some cheap movie either. It's found by watching the kaleidoscope of nature's colors in the trees around you, seeing the smiles on kids' faces as the neighbor's decorations give them just enough of a scare, and knowing that this time of year sets up three count of holidays which, for many, is some of the only time they'll get to spend with family and close friends. In reality, the only thing scary about that kind of magic, is like all other seasons it doesn't last forever. It's here for now though, and there's plenty going on to enjoy! So put on your best "Halloween bat water-wings" and let's take a dip in the OCTOBER edition of THE CURRENT.
MONTHLY REVIEW
REMINDER: Information on all news items can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS.
Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery
No matter what activities took place or events occurred during the month of September, one thing that can be said is that month certainly didn't end quietly. At 2:05 PM on September 30, Hurricane Ian made landfall only 70 miles form Oak Island in Georgetown, SC. With sustained winds of 85mph, this strong category 1 storm was the second in a 1-2 punch for the east coast, having devastated the Florida peninsula just 48 hours prior as a category 4.
While North Carolina and the Cape Fear region were thankfully spared much of the same damage as felt by our neighbors to the south, the Town of Oak Island stood ready in preparation and response to any potential threats. Several days prior to impact, the Town launched the Hurricane Ian Response page of the Town website, with the custom URL of www.OakIslandNC.gov/IAN.
Prior to the storm, the page reported on the preparation efforts of Town staff from several departments, including the Public Works, Public Utilities, Police, Fire, and Administration. The dedicated staff of these departments came together to ensure adequate preparations had been made to preserve public safety and help minimize property damage. Their efforts included securing loose items, checking and cleaning storm drainage, and lowering wastewater holding systems to accommodate additional flow. During the storm itself updates were provided to the page by police, fire, and public works staff, as they still responded to calls for service even during the event.
Following the storm, this page has since transitioned to the Ian Recovery Information page. Updates on damage assessments, facility repairs, and cleanup efforts are all being provided regularly. Also posted on the page is the Post-Ian Aerial Survey of the public beach area. This video shows a contrast of the beach conditions both before and after Ian's impact.
Although the storm has passed, information may still be flowing for several days and weeks to come. Be sure to follow along with all of the updates at www.OakIslandNC.gov/IAN, or simply click the link below.
Council Recap
The Town Council's regular meeting on September 13, 2022 began with two public hearings. (1) The Proposed Text Amendment to Section 8.14 of the Unified Development Ordinance (Notes to the Zoning District Development Standards) was approved, and clarifies the distance mechanical equipment may encroach into the side yard setback. (2) The Proposed Text Amendments to Chapter 32 of the Town of Oak Island Code of Ordinances were approved.
PRESENTATIONS: (1) The Environmental Advisory Committee presentation was moved to the October 11 meeting. (2) The Oak Island Police Department promoted Kristy DeMello to the rank of Sergeant; however, Sgt. Demello was not able to be present at the meeting. (3) Officer Victor Denoble was introduced as the new Community Resource Officer. (4) The Planning Department introduced new new Planner I, Brady Golden.
COUNCIL REPORTS began with remarks from the Mayor on the Council's code of ethics and consideration of time moving forward. Mayor Pro-Tem John Bach gave comments on the Town's Rules of Procedure. Councilmember Sheila Bell remarked on the passion displayed by those who commented during the previous meeting. Councilmember Bill Craft commended the Beach Services Unit, first responders, and Town staff for their service during the Summer Season. Councilmember Mark Martin also commended staff for their efforts during summer, and reported on his participation in the recent faith-leadership meeting, noting how faith-based organizations can assist in public efforts.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (1) Council appointed Gay Borchert to the Par 3 Advisory Committee. (2) Council appointed David Bradley to the Planning Board (one vacancy for an unexpired term ending August 2024).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS began with a report from Finance Director, David Hatten on the comparison between FY 2021 and FY 2022. Recreation Director Heather O'Brien provided an update on the Kevin Bell Skatepark Rebuild project, noting that a tentative start date for construction was scheduled for late October. O'Brien also announced the launch of a two-week Recreation Survey, to help with planning future renovation or expansion of the Recreation Center. NOTE: Monthly Department Reports are available to view any time on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/DEPT.
OLD BUSINESS: (1) A concept drawing on a potential new floorplan for the Recreation Center was presented and discussed by the Council. (2) Council awarded a bid for repairs to the Cabana at SE 46th St. to Keystone. (3) Council reviewed aspects of paid parking, with the discussion to continue at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: (1) Council adopted a resolution awarding the Badge and Service Weapon to retiring Sgt. Paul Harris. (2) Council adopted the Resolution concerning Digging Dangerous Holes on the Beach. (3) Council adopted a resolution declaring September 2022 as "Preparedness Month" in Oak Island. (4) Council approved the contract with Edmunds GovTech for Financial Software.
Council then moved into CLOSED SESSION, during which no action was taken in Closed Session. Afterwards, the Council moved back into open session, and the meeting was adjourned.
To view the video, agenda, and minutes from this or any other Town Council meeting, just visit the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS, or click the link below.
Special Meetings: Parking Information & Beach Management
On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Town Council held a Special Meeting, for the purpose of discussing and receiving public input on the Contours of Paid Parking. This special meeting started with a brief presentation from Council Pro-Tem John Bach, followed by a public hearing in which 10 different residents addressed the Council. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Mayor and Council to review the provided checklist on program requirements moving forward. the meeting lasted exactly one hour.
On Tuesday, September 27, council held another Special Meeting, for the purpose of considering a Beach Management Plan to be Submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission. On August 1, 2022 the Coastal Resources commission (CRC) eliminated the Development Line, which establishes exactly where structures can be built (or re-built) along the beachfront areas. The current Development Line has been in place since 2016. the August 1 change by the CRC reverted the Development Line to a "static vegetation line" that was previously established in 1998. This change significantly affected the number of properties which would be allowed to rebuild, following destruction from a natural disaster or other needed replacement.
Communities which apply to the CRC for a Beach Management Plan (Static Vegetation Exception), could be allowed to establish a new "first line" of stable vegetation, again allowing properties to be constructed in their current locations. This would not allow for any new development further towards the ocean than is currently allowed.
Technical Director of Dredging Services, Sam Morrison and Environmental Permit Specialist, Doug Huggett with the engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol were on hand to present various options for the Town Council to consider. No action was taken during the special meeting, but a Public Hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, to receive public input on the plan.
Both of the Special Meetings, along with the October 4 Public Hearing that followed, can be viewed on the Meetings Information page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS, or by clicking the link below.
Dinghy Dash Recap
On the warm, late summer morning of Saturday, September 17, several of the finest amateur cardboard boat builders assembled, along with a couple hundred onlookers, to embark on what would become an instant nautical classic; the inaugural Dutchman Dinghy Dash.
The Dutchman Dinghy Dash ("D3" for short) is one of the first events organized by the Police Department's recently named Community Resource Officer, Victor Denoble. Held on the banks of the events namesake Dutchman Creek, it was partnered by the Brunswick County Recreation Parks and Department, who lent the use of the Dutchman Creek Park.
Organized with the dual goals of bringing the community together and raising donations for future food drives, the D3 had a simple premise: to see who could go the furthest in a boat made entirely of cardboard ... before sinking.
In all, 10 boats more than 30 participants and crew entered, with the only entry fee being $10 worth of donations to be used in future drives. With in-water assistance provided by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, Oak Island Water Rescue, and even the US Coast Guard, each team took their boast to the water in timed trials, all while being cheered on from approximately 200 spectators in attendance,
Plaques, gift cards, and prize baskets were presented to winners in multiple adult and youth categories. In the end however, everyone came away feeling like a winner based on the high amount of laughter and good times experienced by all.
With such a amazing turnout and positive feedback, planning is already underway for next year's D3. If you missed the event, and would like to see photos of this year (or get inspiration for your own entry next year), just check out the photo album on the Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OakIslandPD or click the link below.
Recreation Survey Update
During the regular meeting of the Oak Island Town Council on September 13, Recreation Director Heather O’Brien announced the launch of a new Recreation Facility Use, Demographics, & Satisfaction Survey. The survey was active for from Friday, September 16 through Friday, September 30, and was posted on a dedicated page of the the Town Website.
During the two weeks the survey was live, it received nearly 300 submissions, providing the Recreation Department with valuable data and public feedback. The information gathered from the survey will be used in the future development of recreation programs and services offered. It will also assist in the planning of any expansion and / or renovation efforts to the Oak Island Recreation Center; which after having served the residents and visitors of Oak Island faithfully for several decades, is long overdue for an overhaul.
Preliminary drawings were presented during the September 13 Town Council meeting on a possible expansion plans for the Recreation Center. While this was an early draft showing potential uses of the space, the input provided from the Survey will greatly aid in further discussion of the expansion plan. The survey results are expected to be presented and discussed by the Council at the next regular meeting on October 11.
To learn more about the Oak Island Recreation Department or the Recreation Center, as well as any of the programs offered or facilities they manage, just visit the Department’s page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/REC.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Each month, between the MONTHLY REVIEW and upcoming NEWS & NOTICES sections, you'll find CONTRIBUTIONS. This section features content contributed from various Town Departments and staff, as well as the Town's municipal and non-profit partner organizations. Regular contributing partner organizations include the Oak Island Fire Department, the Beach Preservation Society, the Friends of Parks Foundation, the Sea Turtle Protection Program, the Friends of the Library, and Oak Island Water Rescue, among others. For more information on the content presented in this section, please reach out to the contributing department or organization directly.
Fire Department Safety Brief: Hydrant Testing Now Underway
Throughout the months of October and November, the Oak Island Fire Department will be conducting its annual Fire Hydrant Testing & Maintenance program, with testing scheduled for Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Once all testing is completed, notice will be provided on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS.
Why test? This program is required North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) in order to maintain the current Fire Protection Classification rating. This testing is very important as it also allows the Town to identify the quantity of water available for firefighting purposes, and serves to rid the Town’s water distribution system of accumulations and sediment deposits. The health of the hydrants are evaluated with a full test, which usually takes around 15 minutes to complete.
What about water discoloration? Nearby homes should not see a noticeable drop in water pressure, however there is a chance testing could stir up sediment in the immediate area; which could appear as discolored water. If this occurs, it’s recommended to flush the home's water system and refrain from laundry until your water runs clear. To flush the water system, simply turn on a cold-water faucet outside of the house and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes.
Which hydrants are tested? The Town of Oak Island maintains over 800 fire hydrants. Every year, all 800 must be inspected, with full testing on 20% of the hydrants per year. This ensures that every hydrant is inspected yearly, and goes no more than 5 years without full testing. Hydrant testing is an important aspect of maintaining readiness in response to emergency calls for assistance.
Have additional questions? To allow firefighters to complete the testing safely and quickly, please do not approach fire engines or try to talk with firefighters while they are testing. If there is an emergency while firefighters are in your area, call 9-1-1 FIRST.
To learn more about the Fire Hydrant Testing & Maintenance program, or the many other services provided by the Oak Island fire Department, just use the Contact Form on the Department's page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/FD or click the link below.
Environmental Advisory Committee: How a “Smart Yard” Began…and Then Became a Star!
(Contributed by “Smart Yard” volunteer coordinator, David Merkle) It begins with a property situated on a higher elevation on Oak Island with 2 property boundaries facing streets with slopes to the street could have resulted in excessive flow of storm water and silt from its yard to the roads and the Town’s “Right-of-Way”. Some mulched bedding surrounded the house perimeter and other mulched beds assisted in limiting storm run-off but not sufficient enough to retain most storm water on their lot-a key to achieving the environmental goal of a “Smart Yard” when it was evaluated in 2017.
But property owners Kevin and Debra McGinty were not finished. Enthused by suggestions of an assessor of the “Smart Yards” program, the McGinty’s upped their game-adding extensively to their mulched bedding areas, created a buffer area, and finally installed 2 rain barrels. The rain barrels collected water from the roof’s gutter/downspouts and distributed it to 2 separate garden areas easing their watering chores, keeping most all the storm run-off in their yard, and using nature’s free water (not paying for the Town’s water) to keep their gardens flourishing. Of course, all these efforts brought other benefits to the McGinty’s as well ie. less lawn mowing area, less lawn fertilizing, less weed controlling, and less pest controlling.
In horse racing, if you pick the first 3 winners in order, they call it a ‘tri-fecta’. So it appears that the McGintys must have won the ‘sept-fecta’ for their 7 winners. But wait!…they also did everyone a good deed by not allowing stormwater run-off from their yard to contribute to street water pollution and ultimately pollution in our coastal waterways-that counts 8. Lastly; their efforts resulted in a citation of a “Smart Yard”-that counts 9. It must be a ‘non-fecta’.
The “Smart Yard” program was developed by the North Carolina Coastal Federation and designed for everyday citizens to ‘pitch in’ and do their part to reduce pollution in our coastal waterways. Did know that shell fishing is prohibited in our nearby waters due to pollution??? To apply for a “Smart Yard” citation or request that an inspection with recommendations to achieve one be performed: please contact the Oak Island Public Works Department by calling 910-201-8083.
Beach Preservation Society: Meet & Greet Scheduled
(Contributed by BPSI Board Member, Cindy Horrell Ramsey) Current and prospective members of the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society, Inc. (BPSI) are invited to attend a Meet & Greet on Thursday, October 13, at 7:00 PM at the 801 Ocean Event Center in Oak Island.
The gathering will serve as the annual membership meeting. It is also an outreach opportunity to anyone who is curious about what BPSI does to educate and engage the community. Volunteers are needed and encouraged to help BPSI enhance the beach experience for residents and visitors.
Members and guests will have the opportunity to browse displays, meet current BPSI members, talk to board members, ask questions, and enjoy free wine.
Attendees are asked to register for this free event at https://beachoki.org/meetgreet so organizers can plan accordingly.
In other BPSI news, the next free guest lecture will be held November 15, 2022, at 801 Ocean Event Center at 7:00 PM. Mary Ellen Rogers of Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter will be the speaker. She will be accompanied by her education ambassador pelicans Tim and Tessa. More information about this event will be forthcoming.
Dosher Drug Drop-Off Event
(Contributed by Dosher Memorial Hospital Director of Community Relations, Ilene Evans) The 23rd “Operation Medicine Cabinet” drug take back event at Dosher Memorial Hospital is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Local residents are invited to drop off unwanted and expired prescription medications at the hospital front entrance, where law enforcement then takes what is collected for safe incineration. One of the conveniences of this event is that it is designed so that you can “drive through and drop off,” without having to leave your car.
At Dosher’s last drug drop in April 2021, nearly 700 local households discarded more than 30,000 expired or unwanted narcotic pills and nearly 3,700 milliliters of narcotic liquids.
Dosher welcomes the opportunity to provide this service to local residents. For questions about Operation Medicine Cabinet, call the Dosher office of Marketing and Community Relations at 910-457-3900.
NEWS & NOTICES of the MONTH
Council & Board Meetings
REMINDER: All televised public meetings listed below will be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable channel 8 / 122), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website. Meeting agendas, minutes, and any livestreamed or recorded videos are available at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS.
TOWN COUNCIL (televised) will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E Oak Island Drive.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (non-televised) will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 8:30 AM in the Police Department Training Room, located on the second floor of the Police Department adjoining Town Hall at 4621 E Oak Island Drive.
PLANNING BOARD (televised) will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:30 AM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E Oak Island Drive.
CLOSURES & HOLIDAYS
VETERANS DAY: Administrative Offices for the Town of Oak Island will be CLOSED on Friday, November 11, 2022 in observance of Veterans Day.
THANKSGIVING: Administrative Offices for the Town of Oak Island will be CLOSED on Thursday & Friday, November 24-25, 2022 in observance of Thanksgiving.
PLEASE NOTE: Any potential changes to the Garbage & Recycling Collection services will be posted in the News & Notices section of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS.
Police, fire, and other emergency services are not affected during any holiday closure, and are always available by calling 9-1-1. The Oak Island Pier will be open during their seasonal hours. All currently available Parks and public Beach & Water Access Locations and facilities will be open as well. All 2022 closure dates can be viewed in the Holiday Calendar on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.gov/HOLIDAY.
NOTICE: Full Volume Siren Test Scheduled for Wednesday, October 12
The outdoor warning sirens around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will be tested between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
The 38 sirens within 10 miles of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will sound at full-volume for three minutes. To ensure they are functioning properly, it may be necessary to test some sirens more than once. Testing is performed in cooperation with emergency officials in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, who are responsible for sounding the sirens.
Because this is a test, local broadcasting stations will not interrupt regular programming to broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. If there were ever a real emergency at the plant requiring the sirens to be sounded, local radio and television stations would broadcast information and instructions to the public.
NOTE: This information is being shared from a third-party partner organization. For more information about the outdoor warning sirens, refer to information available at duke-energy.com/NuclearEP, or click the link below.
Kevin Bell Skatepark Rebuild Project Update
During the September 13, 2022 regular meeting of the Oak Island Town Council, Recreation Director Heather O’Brien announced an updated timeline for the construction of the new Kevin Bell Skatepark. The current plan has a tentative construction start for late this month (October 2022), with a conservative estimate of construction time at four (4) months.
Allowing for some additional time to plan and coordinate ceremonies, that would call for a tentative opening of the new Skatepark in March 2023. This timeline is subject to change, pending multiple factors such as weather, materials availability, and contractor scheduling. However, any revisions to this construction timeline will be posted on the Skatepark Rebuild Project page of the Town Website as they become available.
Regular updates on the progress will be made available on the Project page as well, which already features current design renderings of what the new park will look. As a reminder, the Kevin Bell Skatepark Rebuild Project page of the Town Website can viewed at www.OakIslandNC.gov/SKATE, or by clicking the link below.
Recycling Collection in Winter Schedule
During the last week of September, the Town officially switched to the Fall / WINTER Garbage & Recycling collection schedule. This change affects all residents and property owners who receive twice weekly service during the summer months. The seasonal schedule provides garbage pickup every Wednesday and recycling service every other Wednesday.
This includes the areas of East Beach Drive, East Dolphin Drive, East Pelican Drive, Ocean Drive, West Beach Drive, West Dolphin Drive, West Pelican Drive, and Kings Lynn Drive. All other Collection Zones throughout Oak Island will remain on their year-round regular schedule.
To confirm pickup dates and collection zone, just visit the Garbage & Recycling Collection page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/COLLECTION. or click the link below.
Invitation to Bid: 801 Ocean Event Center Flooding Improvements
NOTICE: Sealed bids will be received by WK Dickson & Co., Inc. on behalf of the Town of Oak Island, on November 3, 2022 until 11:00 AM, EST for construction of Oak Island Building 801 Flooding Improvements at 801 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465.
Bids must be submitted on the complete project and must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, addressed to Marc Horstman, Project Manager, WK Dickson & Co., Inc., 720 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, on behalf of Town of Oak Island. Outside of the envelope must be marked “Bid for Oak Island Building 801 Flooding Improvements”. Envelope must also bear, on the outside, the name of the bidder, bidder’s address, and bidder’s license number. All bids must be made on blank forms provided and included in the bound document or as provided by Addendum prior to bid.
The work will consist of installing 470 square yards of permeable pavement, 1,165 square feet of stormwater management underground infiltration system, stormwater pump station with electrical control panel, associated storm drainage system, ABC stone and concrete pavement replacement, and dune vegetation replacement within Town right-of-way and Town parcels located near the Building 801.
Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents may be examined at: W.K. Dickson & Co., Inc., 720 Corporate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607. Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents are available for purchase by going to Plan Room at www.wkdickson.com. Please note that only registered plan holders may bid as a General Contractor. Any questions related to this bid may be addressed during the pre-bid meeting or directed in writing to the attention of Marc Horstman at mhorstman@wkdickson.com.
No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids for a period of 90 days. Bidders must comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, which prohibits discrimination in employment regarding race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
The Contractor shall comply with the Department of Labor Safety and Health Regulations for construction promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (PL91-596) and under Section 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (PL91-54), or latest revisions.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities and technicalities.
COMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
REMINDER: Information on all special events, recreation programs, and educational activities can be found on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/EVENTS.
Parents Night Out (Rescheduled Due to Hurricane Ian)
WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022 • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Ocean Education Center • 4700 E. Oak Island Drive
REGISTRATION: www.OakIslandNC.gov/RecDesk
COST: $13 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $18 Island Visitors & Non Residents (Space permitting - Fees increase $5 beginning 1 week prior to program)
AGES: 6-12 years old
ABOUT: While you're spending a night out on the town, let the kiddos get crafty at Oak Island Ocean Education Center! Participants will love the holiday themed crafts, movie, and games followed by a celebratory pizza party! Children must be 6-12 years old. For questions contact Recreation Center Supervisor, Carrie Winkler, at cwinkler@oakislandnc.gov or by calling 910-278-5518.
Live & Local: Market + Music
WHEN: Saturdays • 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Market) • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Concert)
WHERE: Middleton Park Complex (4610 E Dolphin Dr.)
COST: Free!
ABOUT: Are you missing the end of summer's Farmer's Market and Summer Concert Series? Then FALL in love with the Town of Oak Island this autumn as OKI Recreation Department Island continues the best of summer living all season long. Connect with your coastal community in Middleton Park each week Department for an evening of live music, local food and craft vendors as residents and visitors embrace active island living. To learn more, visit the series page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/LIVE or just click the link below.
Spooktacular 'Live & Local' Halloween
WHEN: Saturday, October 29 • 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
WHERE: Middleton Park Complex • 4610 E Dolphin Dr.
COST: FREE
Ages: Activities for Ages 13 & Under
ABOUT: Fall is just around the corner, and Oak Island would like to invite your family to the 2022 Halloween Spooktacular! Come dressed in your Halloween best as we spend the evening celebrating the fall season with contests, live music, games, and more! Held in conjunction with Live & Local at Middleton Park; this FREE family friendly Halloween event offers a multitude of booths with carnival type activities and will be distributing candy to children ages 13 and under.
"Swing for Hope" Charity Golf Tournament
WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2022 • 9:00 AM
WHERE: Oak Island Par 3 Golf • 4188 Vanessa Drive
COST: $40 per-person (half of all proceeds benefit Little Pink Houses of Hope)
ABOUT: Oak Island Par 3 Golf is excited to once again be hosting the 2022 "Swing for Hope Challenge" golf tournament! Proceeds from this event will go to benefit Little Pink Houses of Hope, an organization focused on providing assistance for the recovery of breast cancer patients and their families in the Carolinas. The event will include a "Best Ball" tournament featuring two-person teams, with winners selected in both Men's and Women's divisions.
for more information on the 2022 "Swing for Hope Challenge" contact the Par 3 Golf Clubhouse at 910-454-0905.
PLEASE NOTE: There are MANY fun, educational, and exciting events and programs planned for the month ahead (way too many to list here)! For a complete list of upcoming activities, contact the Recreation Department at 910-278-5518, or visit the EVENTS & PROGRAMS page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/EVENTS, or just click the link below.
FACILITY FEATURE: COMMUNITY CENTER
EUONYM (noun) eu·o·nym | \ ˈyüəˌnim \ : a name well suited to the person, place, or thing named.
When it comes to naming government facilities, it doesn't get any more "spot on" than the Oak Island Community Center. Much like a "hammer," a "roundabout" or a "grilled cheese sandwich," the description is, quite literally, in the name. Not only is it located near the geographic center of Town at 4701 E. Oak Island Dr. (beside the Town Hall), the Oak Island Community Center also serves its namesake by being a central gathering spot for the community within Oak Island.
Starting out decades ago as the "Teen Center" the Community Center has been through several transitions in throughout the years. While most of the crowd who visit each day are probably not in their teen years, they're close-knit comradery is certainly best described by the "Community" in the the facility's name. Every week day, you'll find a lively group of Town residents who come together for socializing, group activities, learning events, lunch ... and even field trips. It's the classic description of "food, fun, and fellowship" put into real time action.
As part of the Middleton Park Complex, the Community Center sits at the heart of public activity in the Town. Surrounded by playgrounds, sports fields, ball courts, and a concert stage, the simple tan and red metal building might even be easily overlooked among all of the other attractions. Step inside on any given weekday however, and you'll a buzz of activity that rivals any group of preschoolers on the monkey bars just outside.
PROFILE: Center Coordinator, Stephanie Stiller views herself more as a "team leader" than anything else. Whether it's her fellow Recreation Department staff, or the residents she interacts with daily, Stiller treats everyone like they are all on the same team.
Of course, being a "team player" just comes natural for the native local. While she's been with the Community Center for over three (3) years now, Stiller has actually worked for the town of Oak island for over 15 years, starting in the early days of the Kevin Bell Skatepark.
"I still see the kids I used to see when I first started working here" Stiller reflected on her legacy of service. "Of course, many of them are now grown and have kids of their own who come out to play; so in some ways I've got to watch the Town grow up."
These days, she's still just as busy as she ever was. The Community Center keeps a busy schedule. Everyday it sees anywhere from 25 - 40 individuals who come themselves or are brought in on the recreation Department shuttle bus. And every day, Stephanie Stiller is right there to greet them, providing the vital social interaction many have come to rely on her for.
PROFILE: Center Attendee, Eleanor Whitworth is a self-described "regular customer" who has been coming to the Community Center since it first become known as such. Having owned a home in Oak Island since 1991, and retiring shortly after in 1995, Whitworth has spent her entire retirement in this community.
Having reached a point in life where it's not as easy to get out in the community by herself, the fact this building brings the community to her is vital for maintaining the relationships and social connections needed for a healthy life.
Eleanor noted "When you're by yourself, and then you come in here you're with everybody and you can socialize with them ... it keeps your mind going. and that's important."
A fully-staffed division of the Town's Recreation Department, the Community Center provides 2 full time and 2 part time employees, who help direct daily activities in the over 3,000sq.ft of space provided. Card games, a pool table, puzzles, and multiple other activities are all made available to keep visitors to the Center active and engaged with fellow participants. Each Monday - Thursday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, visitors engage in group activities, games, learning activities and social interaction, along with a hot lunch provided by Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Fridays are usually reserved for special activities such as field trips, or are just lunch-only days with smaller social events and food provided by the Town.
It's a theme thing. One of the highlights of any close group is doing things together as a group. The regular visitors to the Community Center take this to heart, as they are always planning and hosting simple, yet creative ways to share in an experience together. Whether it's hosting a Hat Day, Flag Day, Wacky-Tacky Day, or even a HIPPIE DAY, almost every day at the Community Center feels like a part of middle school spirit week ... without all the tween-ager drama, of course!
Focused mind, fit body. As entertaining as the group themes can be, the Community Center is more than just fun and games. It also provides users with valuable resources for staying healthy, both mentally and physically. Physical programs like Chair Aerobics help users combat a sedentary lifestyle, while interactive programs like Crafting Day help keep mental focus strong and dexterity sharp. Various guest speakers often drop by as well, to provide important information and tips for living a best life.
In this day and age, there's just not many places where you can go to play a game of pool, hang out with your best friends, learn how to avoid scams, and get a hot lunch all for the low, low price of "FREE." The Community Center provides that though, and so much more. Given that many of the people you'll find there are the ones who helped to build this community, it just makes sense that is serves as the Center of the Community. To learn more about the Oak Island Community Center or keep up with their latest activities, you can contact them directly at 910-278-6552, or visit their page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/CC, or click the link below.
PHOTO REVIEW
PLEASE NOTE: The Photo Review section contains reader-submitted photos, and allows for greater exposure of the artistic contributions made by members of the Oak Island community. Submissions are donated and not compensated by any means other than the courtesy credit below. Please view the captions for information on this month's contributors. To contribute a submission, please email the photo along with a description of the date, location, and photographer or business name to: photos@oakislandnc.gov.
Thank you for reading this edition of THE CURRENT. This information is produced by the Town of Oak Island Communications Office and is intended for information and educational purposes only. Any perceived endorsements or promotion of any third-party products, services, or organizations is unintentional. For more information on any of the departments or services provided by the Town of Oak Island, visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/CONTACT, call 910-278-5011, or email info@oakislandnc.gov.
©2022 Town of Oak Island, NC. All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Created with images by Michael Scott Emory, Shawn Barry