Beach Bites

Dazzling Designs: Bellamys Artful Tables

by  Shannon Rae Gentry

The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts has cultivated its antebellum appeal for more than 150 years. Known for its seasonal and truly Southern parties filled with high teas and impressive finery the Bellamy Mansion is staging its signature Art of the Table March 15-17. The weekend of unique dcor and designs inspired by this years theme A History Built on Common Grounds includes a formal tea on Friday March 15 for the first 100 guests.

Following an evening preview Thursday March 14 from 8-10 p.m. for $50 the museum will again showcase unique tabletops centerpieces and mantel displays assembled by local professionals Friday through Sunday.

Reaching out to new audiences the weekends events include Saturday workshops for do-it-yourself designers starting with Making a Quilt Table Runner presented by the First Culture African American Quilting Circle. Flower Arranging Small and Medium will follow with Ann Parker of St. James Episcopal Church. The third and final workshop How to Blend Antiques and Modern Works of Art will be presented by Charles Adams interior designer and owner of Charles Adams Antiques.

Art of the Table exhibits will extend to 12 period rooms throughout three floors of the historic mansion.

For prices or reservations for each event call 910-251-3700 or visit www.bellamymansion.org

Classically Creative: Roya

by  Shannon Rae Gentry

Noted composer and pianist Roya Weyerhaeuser was born in Iran and made her solo recital debut at nine years old performing Griegs Sonata in E. Minor Op. 7. After she moved to America in 1979 she enrolled in the Juilliard School where she studied with great musicians like American pianist Adele Marcus. 

After she married Henry Weyerhaeuser and relocated to North Carolina she has provided major gifts to Thalian Hall renovations was the first pianist to be awarded the Albert Schweitzer Medal for Artistry in Music and given the Keys to the City for her dedication and contribution to artistic life in Wilmington.

Weyerhaeuser is nationally and internationally known as a limitless and creative classical musician winning the spotlight on stages all around the world. She will once again take to Thalian Halls Main Stage this time to benefit Welcome Home Angel on March 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person for the concert and $75 per person for the concert and champagne reception. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to southeastern North Carolina children with debilitating illnesses and injuries.

For event updates or to purchase tickets call 910-632-2285 or visit www.thalianhall.org

On your mark: Marathon Madness

by  Daniel Bowden

The Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon presented by Landfall Realty is the culminating event in a two-day weekend that ends on St. Patricks Day March 17.

On Saturday March 16 Elis 1-mile Family Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. and the 5k begins at 5 p.m. (For more information visit www.wrightsvillebeachmarathon.com)

Sundays marathon course is flat with its highest elevation being only 32 feet making it ideal for repeat runners looking to set new personal records. Now in its fourth year the full marathon is 26.2 miles long. The race begins on Wrightsville Beach and winds for much of its duration through the gated Landfall community before coming to a conclusion in Mayfaire Town Center. A half marathon will be held the same day. All races are part of Marathon Madness weekend. The races are capped at 3 000 runners allowing 800 runners into the full marathon and 2 200 into the half.

Due to its rise as a spectator sport cheering onlookers in addition to the number of runners can cause congested traffic from the crack-of-dawn starts on Salisbury Street between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. until all runners clear the Heide Trask Drawbridge by approximately 7 a.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in a variety of categories for the male and female divisions of both marathons.

Marathon proceeds benefit The Landfall Foundation and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

New Hanover County EMS Support

The New Hanover County Regional Medical Center staff provides medical support for the marathons. Teams of paramedics will ride bikes alongside the runners patrol throughout the course in vehicles stand stationed in tents and an ambulance will be parked at the finish line for anyone in distress.

New this year will be a NHRMC airlink helicopter stationed on Wrightsville Beach in the event of a serious emergency. Members of these teams will be fully prepared to help runners get back in the race or transport them for the care they need.