POA Weekly Newsletter May 3, 2021

May 3, 2021

What's Up St. James?

St. James POA News

POA Offices Limited Opening

The POA office reopens today. We encourage you to continue to use the on-line tools implemented over the past year. The drop box for ACC and Amenity submissions will remain in place. As we open, these protocols will be implemented:

Masks will be required to the enter the office; maximum of two people in the office at one time.
The current RFID process remains in effect; pre-requisites must be sent in advance of scheduling an appointment.

One-on-one meetings with the POA staff and notaries will be by appointment only.

Beach Club News

The auxiliary off site parking for the Beach Club is accessible by RFID tag only. The key pad entry is deactivated.

The opening day for the swimming pool will be Saturday, May 15. There will be a keypad to access the gated pool with the same code as the bathrooms. A new code will be programmed and sent out prior to Saturday, May 15.

Spring Road Sealing

The Infrastructure Committee has scheduled the spring road sealing to begin on Tuesday, May 4. The roads scheduled for sealing include Trailwood, Loblolly, the Medinahs, Legends and Wingfoot, along with any abutting side streets. Click here for map and detailed schedule. It will be important for residents to plan ahead since the section of street they live on will be closed for a day when their sealant is applied. We also request sprinklers be turned off at least 48 hours in advance of the project.

Ponds Committee Webinar

The POA Ponds Committee is hosting a Ponds Education Webinar on Thursday, May 6 from 3-4PM. Featured speakers are Tom Woods, Extension Agent for horticulture for Brunswick County, and Amy Mead, area natural resources agent for Pender, Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. You will learn the interesting natural history of St. James, the effects of development, and how we can revitalize our ponds with native buffer zone plants. Join the webinar by clicking here a few minutes before 3PM on Thursday, May 6. Enter your name and email, select 'register' and then select 'join the meeting'. You will be placed in a waiting room and will automatically join when the meeting begins. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the POA website if you miss it.

Pond Buffer Zone Plant Sale

The Pond Buffer Zone Native Plant Sale runs Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 21. This will be the Ponds Committee’s third annual sale. There will be 15 plants on the list for sale this year. A link to the plant sale information, including an order form and instructions, will be posted on Monday, May 10 in WUSJ. All plants ordered must be picked up on Saturday, June 19 at the Community Center parking lot from 1:30-3:30PM.

Town of St. James / Brunswick County

Reminder for Recycling Sign Up with GFL Environmental

Residents who wish to continue their curbside recycling collection after Wednesday, June 30 can sign up for annual service directly through GFL at gflenv.com/stjames-sign-up. GFL is offering a special introductory rate of $153.72 for the year to those who sign up by Friday, May 14. Once sign up occurs, GFL will continue to provide every other week collection, with service remaining on the same day and week as it is currently. For residents who choose not to continue service by the Friday, May 14 deadline, GFL will begin removing recycling carts from residences in June. Residents can still sign up for service after Friday, May 14, for an annual rate of $167.64, but please note that a re-delivery fee of $35 will also be applied for carts that have been removed.

Questions? GFL at 910-253-4177

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Inside St. James

St. James Library Opens

Welcome back to our newly renovated St. James Library. The library is open 24/7. Since our building is so small, there will still be some Covid guidelines in place. Masks will be required if there are other people in the library which includes the volunteer, so have your mask handy. For safety, a maximum of 4 people is recommended, again including the volunteer. Also, we will continue to have hand sanitizer available on the desk. Enjoy, not only all the new books donated to our library over the last year, but just how breathtakingly beautiful it is. Thank you again to the St. James Woodworkers and the POA. Happy reading.

Relay For Life Silent Auction

This year’s Relay for Life Virtual Auction has more than 70 incredible items to bid on all while supporting the American Cancer Society. Enjoy checking out rounds of golf, dining out, travel opportunities and home décor all from the comfort of your home. This auction truly has something for everyone. A few featured items to look for are: Member for a Day at Bald Head Island Golf Club, weeklong stays on Oak Island, at Massanutten Resort, and in Orlando, a Wine Dinner for 8 at the Reserve Club and a Formula 1 Racetrack Experience. Bidding begins on Saturday, May 8 and runs through Sunday, May 16. All proceeds go to supporting the lifesaving research and patient service programs of the American Cancer Society. Click on this link to view the many fabulous items for auction prior to the bidding opening.

Questions? Victoria Vannello, 910-813-7984.

St. James NEST Accepting New Members

St. James NEST is a volunteer 501(c)(3) organization made up of St. James neighbors helping neighbors within St. James. Its purpose is to provide services and support to St. James residents to enhance their ability to make 'aging in place' a reality. Whether your needs are for transportation to appointments, minor home or personal assistance, or simply a daily check up call, our volunteers are available to help. Click here for a complete list of services. Annual membership fees are $120 for one person and $150 for a household with more than one person in it. Member fees cover administrative expenses such as the member services platform, website hosting and liability insurance.

If you are interested in being a member or have a friend or neighbor who could use St. James NEST services, email MembershipManager@sjnest.org or call 910-250-8388.

Support Group Resumes In Person Meetings

The Autoimmune and Chronic Pain Support Group will begin meeting in person at the St. James Community Center (SJCC) for the first time since March of 2020. A lot has happened in our lives since then and most of it was discussed at our virtual monthly meetings. Many of us have been fully vaccinated by now and restrictions are being quickly lifted. However, face masks are required to enter the building. At the meeting we shall decide whether they stay on and a future agenda. Our next support meeting at SJCC is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 beginning at 6:30PM. Hope to see you there.

Sheep Island/Lockwood Folly Loop Paddle

Wednesday, May 12 will be the Sheep Island/Lockwood Folly Loop Paddle. Timing is everything and we just might have the tide working in our favor throughout the paddle. The 4-5 mile loop should take under 2 hours and will include parts of the Eastern Channel of the Montgomery Slough, Intracoastal Waterway, and Lower Lockwood Folly River. Prepare to be on the water by 8:40AM after launching from the sandy beach in the Kings Lynn section at the west end of Oak Island. Use The Point Parking, Kings Lynn Drive, Oak Island in the GPS. There could be limited prime parking.

St. James Bikers Ride at Lake Waccamaw

Next stop for St. James Bikers is a 14 mile adventure at Lake Waccamaw on Saturday, May 15. We’ll gather at the LW State Park located at 1866 State Park Drive, Lake Waccamaw. We’ll begin there and bike ¾ around the lake. Then, we’ll return to our cars and head to the picnic area for a BYO lunch. Helmets are required and name tags are recommended. Please register for the ride on the St. James Bikers POA website (Click on the ride then ‘Register’). For SJB shirts, contact Gary Johnson, gjohns4318@msn.com.

When: Saturday, May 15, 10:30AM.

Where: Lake Waccamaw State Park.

Website: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lawa/main.php.

Degree of difficulty: Easy to Moderate–14 miles, minimum pace is 10 mph.

Questions? John Lynch 253-4457; john.lynch45@gmail.com.

Wine Dinner for Eight Raffle

The St. James Service Club is holding a raffle for a chef prepared dinner for eight in the Wine Room at the Reserve Club. This culinary experience will include four unique courses, each paired with wine. Please click here for more information.

Tickets are on sale now through Thursday, May 27. The drawing will be held on Friday, May 28. Click here for current information on ticket prices and locations. Additional sale dates and locations will be listed on the above link as they become available. Thank you for supporting the St. James Service Club. All monies raised will go towards grants for Brunswick County nonprofits.

Relay for Life Run/Walk Presented by Harbormaster Neighborhood

The St. James Relay for Life 5K returns this year on Saturday, June 12 at Woodlands Pavilion. The Harbormaster Neighborhood is the Presenting Sponsor. If you are out of town or have friends and family who want to participate, we have added a virtual component to this year’s 5K. You can walk 3.1 miles whenever and wherever you would like between Friday, June 11 and Sunday, June 13. Register online at www.stjamesnc5K.com. Registration forms are also at the Signature Wellness Center or the Members Athletic Club. Drop off form and payment at the front desk, 3007 Aston Lane, or 3637 Pepperbush Drive. The fee is $30 for either option. Registered participants receive a tee shirt and recognition award. Register prior to Monday, May 24 to be guaranteed a tee shirt. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Questions? Liz Knapp, lizknapp63@gmail.com.

Fishing Club's 2021 Youth Fishing Derby

The St. James Fishing Club is pleased to announce that it will resume its annual Youth Fishing Derby in 2021. The date is Saturday, July 3. More details on this always popular event will be provided soon regarding the registration and sign-up process for families. The event will be held at Woodlands Park & Pavilion on the morning of Saturday, July 3.

A number of details and activities to conduct this event are currently being organized. The purpose of this communication is to provide a 'save the date' notification. More details will follow. Questions? Craig Thompson, craig.thompson@outlook,com.

Outside the Gates

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

On April 9, 1865, the Civil War was officially over. Everyone returned to civilian life. Former opponents began to work together to rebuild their reunited nation. This is the fascinating account award-winning author Stephen M. 'Sam' Hood will share during his online presentation at the Round Table’s 11th anniversary meeting on Tuesday, May 4. The meeting begins at 7PM. All St. James residents are invited. Membership is required. However, the member application and processing are easy. The annual fee is only $25, and can include a spouse. To apply, simply email to Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com. Sam is an avid historian and distant relative of Confederate General John Bell Hood. For additional information, visit their website.

Coastal Home and Lifestyle Showcase

The Inaugural Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase is Saturday, May 8 from 10AM-3PM in Middleton Park Extension, 4610 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. This free event will offer residents and second homeowners an opportunity to find the local businesses who specialize in maintaining your home, outdoor living, and supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.

If Yacht Rock is your favorite music station, then you will love the Perfect Blend Trio with Mike Russell, Rene Russell, and Tommy Robbins on stage from 10:15AM-3PM. At 11AM you can keep moving as Southport Jazzercise holds an introductory demonstration. At 1PM Carol Magnani, The State Port Pilot, demonstrates how to make seedling pots out of newspaper. This is a Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce event.

Southport and Oak Island Libraries Upcoming Events

Join the Friends of the Library at one of May’s online events at your libraries. Barbee Library on Oak Island is running their next Great Course: ‘Unlocking the Hidden History of DNA,’ virtually on Thursday mornings. Harper Library in Southport is offering many Southport history events in conjunction with the Southport Historical Society. See our website at folsoi.org for details. We’re excited about the children’s Summer Reading Program which begins Tuesday, June 1. All programs will be virtual and held on Tuesdays at 11AM. Register at your libraries or online at brunswickcountync.gov/library. And don’t forget the FOLSOI Used Book and Vinyl sales on Saturday, May 8 at the Middleton Extension in Oak Island from 10AM-3PM and Saturday, May 22 from 1:30-4PM at Southport Realty.

Kiwanis Virtual Golf Event Begins Soon

Play where you want, when you want and with whom you want now through Sunday, May 16. You are supporting kids of Brunswick County through Kiwanis Programs. You can play your round at any regulation course. Then drop off or submit your scorecard electronically. Pick your foursome: Men’s, Ladies, and Mixed (must be at least 2 women). Pay separately for each registration and play in as many foursomes as you want. Format is Captain’s Choice scramble. Rules provided when you register. All registrations are on-line. Use the link on the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis homepage southport-oakisland-kiwanis.org or so-kiwanisgolf.com. Entry is $25 per player. You can also buy a Mulligan Package for $20 per player. Questions? Don Halbert, 224-475-5744; s.o.kiwanis@gmail.com.

Southport Sail and Power Squadron's 'America’s Boating Course'

Southport Sail and Power Squadron (SSPS) will offer its premier basic boating safety course on Saturday, May 15. It is for all boaters – sail, power, and personal watercraft.

The course is approved by the USCG and by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators). Successful completion meets N.C. requirements to operate a powerboat for anyone born after 1988 and may provide a discount on insurance. Topics include terminology, boat handling, knots, VHF radio, navigation aids / rules, adverse conditions and emergencies, PWC operation, North Carolina regulations, charts, navigation, and course plotting.

Classes are at the Southport Presbyterian Church, 1025 East Moore St., from 8:30AM-5PM. The cost is $55 and includes lunch and a textbook. Couples sharing a book will pay $30 for the second person. Reservations required by contacting Max Sykes, hmsykes@atmc.net.

Artisans Gallery Looking for New Members

The St. James Artisans are recruiting 3D artists (potters, sculptors, woodcarvers, woodturners, decorative painters, etc.) for membership to the Artisans Gallery on Howe at 114 S. Howe Street, Southport. Members would be able to participate in all Gallery activities, as well as, other retail events in and around the community with the Artisans. The process is rather simple:

Contact the Membership Chair: Carol Szot, 910-448-0412; cszot417@gmail.com.
Fill out the application and submit your membership fee and your artwork for jurying on Monday, May 10. When approved, you will be trained and given instructions on bringing in your artwork for display and sale.

We would love to talk with you about your art and have you join us.

Rose House Opening and Charity Golf Tournament

The Rose House, part of the Christian Recovery Centers Inc., is opening soon. It will offer a 24 week, on-site, live-in residential Christ based rehabilitation program. The program is designed specifically to help women suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol at no cost to the residents or their families. The costs of running this program and refurbishing the future property are immense. The biggest fund raiser of the year is coming up - The 2021 Charity Golf Classic Championship on Saturday, June 5, at the beautiful Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach. More information and sign up forms here. If you cannot join the golf tournament, please consider a donation. Makes checks out to - BCRC, PO Box 3091, Shallotte, NC 28469

May Events at Ingram Planetarium

Ingram Planetarium kicks off its summer season with a brand new laser music lineup including never-before-seen sets featuring the music of the late Tom Petty and the laser artistry of Jack Dunn plus other favorites. Join us on Saturdays, May 8, and 15 at 7PM and on Sunday, May 9, at 3PM for a pre-summer launch. Beginning on Tuesday, May 25, Laser Classic Rock will play on Tuesdays at 4PM and 7PM through Tuesday, August 31. Full details here.

Also, on Friday, May 14 at 7PM the Planetarium presents a virtual program called 'River in Heaven: An Exploration of Asian Astronomy' in conjunction with Seminole State College in Florida. Full details here.