Beach2Battleship Triathlon Traffic Advisory

posted by

PPD BEACH2BATTLESHIP EVENT ORGANIZERS URGE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW TRAFFIC AND PARKING EVENT INSTRUCTIONS

Triathlon and Ghost Ship events coordinate parking and traffic plan for major weekend

Organizers of the PPD Beach2Battleship triathlon and The USS North Carolina Ghost Ship event are working in tandem to coordinate traffic hotspots in an effort to determine the best transportation and parking availabilities during the weekend of October 28 and 29. Both organizations are making the Wilmington community and surrounding areas aware of potential traffic situations and providing transportation logistics for attending these two events.

“It’s very important for people attending the PPD Beach2Battleship and the Ghost Ship at the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial to know that there will be no parking at the Battleship Park on Saturday, October 29th,” said Jeremey Davis, PPD Beach2Battleship Race Director. “It is vital that we get the word out that Battleship Park will only be accessible by water taxi and shuttle on Saturday, October 29th.”

Event organizers have provided detailed parking and transportation information including the following:

GHOST SHIP PARKING and TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Friday, October 28, 2011

Parking for the event will take place at the USS North Carolina as scheduled.

Parking will be limited. There will be no shuttle service to the Battleship on Friday night.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

There will be no parking at the USS North Carolina on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Parking for both events will take place in downtown Wilmington. All attending the Ghost Ship will take the free water taxis from the boat dock at the Hilton Riverside to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial or the trolleys from the Hilton Riverside (Water Street) to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial. Water taxis and trolleys will return you to the same locations following the event.

Event organizers also offered the following general traffic information and advisory for motorists to be aware of during the triathlon taking place on Saturday, October 29.

TWO KEY TRAFFIC HOTSPOTS

The intersection of Hwy 17 (Market St.) and Porters Neck Road just south of the new interchange with I-140

Traffic delays are probable, Saturday the 29th from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. for northbound traffic on Market St. (Hwy 17) at Porters Neck Rd. Traffic delays are also probable for Porters Neck Rd. traffic accessing Market St. Motorists are advised to avoid this area during that time.

Hwy 421 from I-140 to the Battleship

Motorists traveling from Wilmington to Brunswick County are asked to use the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and avoid using the Isabella Holmes Bridge the entire day of Saturday, October 29, 2011. Traffic delays are probable for southbound traffic on Hwy 421 from I-140 to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial.

Complete traffic and parking information for the PPD Beach2Battleship triathlon can be found at: http://www.beach2battleship.com/traffic.cfm

The PPD Beach2Battleship takes place on October 29, 2011 and includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, and it also offers a half iron distance triathlon event. The event benefits the Wilmington Family YMCA. For more information please visit www.beach2battleship.com.

Fall Leaves – Best Tools for Yard Work

posted by

2011-10-leaves4 Leaf Removal Tools that Clear Yards of Fall Debris

Fall is a beautiful time of year, crisp temperatures, changing leaves, autumn colors, and yard work! Long story short, when it comes to taking care of fallen leaves you can’t avoid hard work. Fewer tools and more elbow grease work best to keep the leaves away.

The good news is only a few essentials are necessary to removing the autumn leaves that cover grass and make your lawn a mess in spring. Note that it’s best not to wait until the end of the season to get the leaves up. No matter how you do it, with a rake, blower, or vacuum, you should remove leaves at least twice each fall.

Here are four leaf-removal tools, priced lowest to highest, that will get you started before the cold of winter sets in

  • Rigid leaf rake. This plastic, fan-shaped rake is your go-to rake for collecting leaves. Pick one with a cushion handle and a 30- to 36-inch fan. Avoid the super-wide fans that can spread to 48 inches; they’re too big to rake between shrubs and in flower beds.
  • Leaf tarp. Instead of scooping leaves into a million plastic bags, rake or blow them into a big pile on top of a polypropylene leaf tarp. Then drag the tarp to the curb and dump. *This depends on how trash and debris are collected where you live.
  • Leaf blower. Select a two-cycle, gasoline-powered blower to collect leaves in tarps or blow them directly to the curb. If you have a large yard, buy a backpack model, which is more expensive but more comfortable than handheld blowers.
  • Yard vacuum. This tool vacuums, shreds, chips, and bags leaves and other yard debris. Once leaves are ground up, they’ll decompose quickly in your compost pile.

Mystery Agent

posted by

Intracoastal Realty Mystery Agent

Each week at our sales meeting we have a “Mystery Agent.” This gives us a chance to learn more about one of our colleagues that we may not have known otherwise.

  • This agent was born in North Carolina.
  • Has been in real estate in coastal North Carolina for 28 years.
  • Was the 2008 Cambridge Professional of the year representing North Carolina real estate.
  • Wrote the coastal fishing news for the North Carolina Outdoorsman magazine for 5 years.
  • Co-founded the Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman’s Tournament.
  • Has game fished Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina.
  • Has big game hunted in Ohio, Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina.
  • Favorite camouflage pattern is “Mossy Oak Break Up”.
  • Has had a few different last names in the last 40 years.
  • Was the first “Miss Southern Pines” in 1968.

Can you guess who this is? Here is the link that unveils our mystery agent.

Intracoastal Agent Wins Award

posted by

2011-10-Hays,-Deb-wIntracoastal Realty agent Deb Hays won a statewide award for her dedication to community service at the N.C. Association of Realtors annual convention last month. The Ben Ball Community Service Award recognizes one Realtor in the state each year for their contributions to the betterment of their communities through outstanding public service. Hays is the first member of the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors to win the award, which was launched in 1983 and is named after a past president of the N.C. Association of Realtors.

Deb Hays received the award for her community service work Hays has served as a commissioner on the Wilmington Housing Authority for the past five years, including serving as chairman for the past two years. She currently serves on the Azalea Festival Board of Directors leading two committees. She recently participated in a mission trip to Guatemala through First Baptist Church. She served as the president of the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors in 2006, was a member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Advisors and is a graduate of Leadership Wilmington.

“No one is more deserving of this award than Deb Hays,” said Jim Wallace, CEO of Intracoastal Realty in a news release. “Deb works tirelessly and enthusiastically for both her community and for her industry, and inspires others to do the same.

See the full article from Greater Wilmington Business Journal

Mystery Agent

posted by

Intracoastal Realty Mystery Agent

 

Each week at our sales meeting we have a “Mystery Agent.” This gives us a chance to learn more about one of our colleagues that we may not have known otherwise.

  • Born in Charlotte and grew up in Wilmington.
  • Played football and enjoyed Boy Scouts in school (his Scout Master was Eva Elmore’s Dad).
  • Played the trombone in the UNCW band and graduated with a degree in Psychology.
  • Was President of the Optimists Club.
  • Help start the Crisis Line as a member of the steering committee, and was involved with the Organization for 10 years.
  • Knows Morse Code.
  • Started water skiing at an early age.
  • Traveled to Turkey, Greece, Italy and Mexico in the past 18 months, and will travel to France, Greece, and Spain in the next 12 months.
  • Went to the State championships in roller skating and competed in the Speed, Dance and Freestyle categories. Continues to enjoy skating today.
  • He met his lovely wife through emails to a University in Mexico City while trying to coordinate a trip for his church youth group.

Can you guess who this is? Here is the link that unveils our mystery agent.

Halloween – It’s getting SPOOKY!

posted by

What a SPOOKY time of year!  If you love Halloween or haunted activities,historic Wilmington is the place to be! There are lots of events happening over the next few weeks for both adults and children.

BOO!

Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises

Each Tuesday in October

Solve an exciting who-dunnit during a 2 hour dinner cruise along the Cape Fear River with audience participation.

Pirate Treasure Hunt

Each Monday through Saturday in October; Sun. 30th & Mon. 31st

Arrrr! Join a costumed pirate storyteller on an exploration of Masonboro Island’s natural treasures from 4-6pm.  Kids will learn about the history of famous North Carolina pirates, such as Captain Kidd and Black Beard.  Advance reservations required: 910-200-4002.

Panic Attack Haunted Attraction

October 7-31 (Thurs.-Sat. night & Oct. 30-31)

Over 30,000 square feet of Hollywood-quality special effects, elaborate sets, and terrifying live actors evoke one’s deepest fears. Intensity warning: This haunted attraction is not for children under the age of 13.

“Murder in the Library” Dinner Theatre

October 20; 27

Porch Theatre Company presents this murder-mystery dinner theatre whereby characters in books come to life at night and folic ‘til the sun rises.  Advance reservations: 910-232-6611.

Ghost Ship Tour

October 21-22; 28-29

Come and experience Ghost Ship, a haunted house with ghouls, ghosts, and zombies set on the Battleship for some great and scary Halloween fun. Note: Not recommended for young children. Battleship North Carolina.

Halloween Festival at Poplar Grove Plantation

October 21-23

“Haunted” hayrides, carnival rides and games, “haunted” barn, non-scary Fun House with fortune tellers, games, stories, pony rides, food, costume contests, and more. Fun for all ages, including children. Costume contest (all ages) is Saturday 6pm. Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington, 910-686-9518.

Ghost Hike

October 20-22

Join a park ranger down the trails of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to explore the unexplained phenomena that surrounds Fort Fisher. Bring a flashlight and meet at 7:30pm at the visitor center to explore trails that are normally closed at night. Space is limited; reservations are required. 910-458-5798.  

“The Mizrabell Kids Another Gothic Tale of Epic Woe & Sorrow in Monster Mash Mansion”

October 20-23 & 26-30

Journey Productions presents this dark, daring, dismal, dastardly, yet mostly funny musical for all ages. Admission charged. Thalian Hall Studio Theatre, Wilmington. 910-632-2285.

“Carnival of Carnage” Haunted House

October 20-23; 27-31

NHS Lyceum Academy fundraiser. Rated PG-13. Hanover Center, across from Independence Mall, behind Steinmart, Oleander & Independence Drive, Wilmington. 910-251-6100 ext. 222

Halloween Ghost Trolley

October 21-22 & 28-31

30-minute horse-drawn trolley ride through historic district and a visit to the “haunted barn.” Horses and tour guides are dressed in costume. Halloween-theme stories, songs & treats. 910-251-8889.

Fort Fisher Fall/Halloween Festival

October 22

Begin your day at Fort Fisher State Historic Site at 10am with cannon firings, guided tours, Civil War exhibits, and hayrides. Then at 2pm, meet at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area parking lot for an afternoon of Fall/Halloween themed programs and games, candy for Trick-or-Treaters, and ghost hikes. A hayride shuttle will transport visitors between Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Advance reservations required for nighttime ghost hikes; space is limited.

Halloween Pirate Adventure

October 22

Hop aboard the M/V Shamrock along with Capt. Don Juan Cortez, local pirate storyteller, on an adventure out to Masonboro Island, a land teeming with pirates and their booty! Learn about the rich nautical history of our waterways as you search for buried treasure! Blockade Runner dock (sound side), Wrightsville Beach. 910-200-4002.

Carnage International Film Festival

October 23 1-3pm & 3:45-5:45pm. A day of movie short & feature films from the genres Horror, Sic-Fi, Thriller, Suspense, Gore. Thalian Hall, Wilmington; 910-632-2285. 

Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash

October 25

5:30pm-8pm. Batty Battleship is a fun, family-oriented trick-or-treating event for little ghouls and goblins with games, activities, food, and storytelling. Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington. 910-251-5797.

Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea

October 26 & 27

Families can enjoy thrills & gills in the same day. Indoor trick-or-treating, face painting, story-telling, magic shows, spooky divers and haunted gardens are highlights at this family Halloween party. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 910-458-8257

Kooky Spooky Jam-Boo-Read!

October 28

A kids’ street festival with scary stories and non-scary fall-theme games and activities. Kids are invited to arrive in costume or as a favorite book character for the zombie dance party. Children’s Museum, Wilmington. 910-254-3534

Spooktacular

October 28

Carnival Games, Entertainment, food vendors, costume contest and lots of fun for the entire family!

Middleton Park Soccer Field 46th SE Street, Oak Island, 910-278-5518

 “Carnival of Carnage” Haunted House

October 20-23; 27-31

NHS Lyceum Academy fundraiser. Rated PG-13. Hanover Center, across from Independence Mall, behind Steinmart, Oleander & Independence Dr., Wilmington. 910-251-6100 ext. 222

AquaCamp: Spooky Critters

October 31

Halloween day camp (ages 5-12) features slippery, slimy animal programs and crafts. Pre-registration required. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach; 910-458-8257.

Trick-or-Treat at the Mall

October 31

5-7pm. Kids arrive in costume and retailers provide candy. Independence Mall. 910-392-1776.

And stay spooked year with these activities:

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington. 6:30pm & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Meets at Water & Market streets. Reservations required: 910-794-1866.

Haunted Pub Crawl. 7:30pm. Guided tour to 5 haunted pubs. Ages 21 and up; admission charge. Meets Wed.-Sat. in October & Monday, Oct. 31. Meet at Fat Tony’s (131 N. Front St., Wilmington). Reservations required: 910-794-1866;

Haunted Cotton Exchange Tours. By appointment- 409-4300.

Pleasure Island Events

posted by

Fri. Sat. & Sun., October 14th – 16th – 5th Annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge (910) 264-5487

Saturday, October 15th – 3rd Annual Salty Paws Festival (910) 458-7233

Friday, November 25th – Island of Lights Light Up the Lake Celebration
(910) 458-5507

Nov 25th – Dec 17th – 3rd Annual Christmas by the Sea at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk (910) 470-8666

Friday, December 2nd – Island of Lights Christmas Parade (910) 458-5507

Saturday, December 3rd – Island of Lights Flotilla (910) 458-0211

Saturday, December 10th – Island of Lights Tour of Homes (910) 458-7116

Saturday, December 31st – Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown held in Carolina Beach

Real Estate – there were 15 new listings last week, 8 under contract and 5 closed sales.

Weather – The upcoming weekend and week will have mild temperatures in the upper seventies and mostly sunny.

For more information on events or activities on Pleasure Island go to www.pleasureislandnc.org

Mystery Agent

posted by

Intracoastal Realty Mystery Agent
Each week at our sales meeting we have a “Mystery Agent.” This gives us a chance to learn more about one of our colleagues that we may not have known otherwise.
·   Born in St. Louis, the first of five girls, and attended 17 years of Catholic School, Graduating from the University of Dayton with a degree in Communications.
·   Sang and acted in school productions, including a part in Oliver, but lost one of the “gang” leads because I could not “street whistle”
·   Played intramural basketball and field hockey in school.
·   Lived on Cape Cod for 10 years.
·   Worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as a senior fund raising officer at the time Bob Ballard and his team found the Titanic in 1985.
·  Organized a tour of Woods Hole for Jackie Onassis who came over from Martha’s Vineyard.
·  Helped organize and assist with a group of 56 that went to Perth, Australia for the America’s Cup Race.
·  Ran the New York City marathon finishing 127th woman, with a time of 3 hours, 16 mins, 2 sec = pace of 7 ½ min miles.
·   Moved to Wilmington 20 years ago and bought a lot in Landfall from Vance Young.
·  Married for 35 years. Parent of two wonderful daughters, one who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, the other attends the University of Notre Dame.Can you guess who this is? Here is the link that unveils our mystery agent.