• S H O R T S H O R T S
COAST GUARD CONSIDERS MOVING LARGER BOAT
TTO WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH HE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD operates by
the motto semper paratus — always ready. To
help fulfill that mission off the southern coast
of North Carolina, the USCG is in the process of
moving an 87-foot Island-class coastal patrol boat (WPB) to
its base at Wrightsville Beach.
The Coast Guard decided to move a larger patrol boat
from Virginia to North Carolina after an assessment of opera-tional
needs for the Eastern Seaboard.
“The purpose and need of this project is to ensure opti-mum
readiness and enable the USCG to effectively meet
operational and mission execution requirements in support
of maritime safety and security operations,” states the Coast
Guard report outlining the need.
Station Wrightsville Beach’s existing facilities are suitable
for an 87-foot WPB. The report states “no other locations
were identified as having the required depth and available
site area (land and/or waterfront) necessary to construct new
moorings without a substantial reconfiguration of the exist-ing
facilities or the relocation of existing boats.”
The 87-foot WPB would be the largest cutter stationed at
Wrightsville Beach for many decades. The station currently
hosts two 45-foot and two 29-foot small response boats.
An environmental study concluded moving the boat
would not have a negative impact. A public comment
period closed in November. The next step is a formal
announcement. — Simon Gonzalez
U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTOGRAPH BY PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS ADAM EGGERS VIA DVIDS
The California-based Narwhal is an 87-foot patrol boat. The
Coast Guard is in the process of moving a boat that size to
Station Wrightsville Beach.
THE ART OF FLOWERS
Ricky Kornegay of Mount Olive, North Carolina, won an
Honorable Mention award at the first Art & the Bloom
competition for his floral interpretation of Steffen Thomas’
“Untitled (Head of a Woman).”
A
RT & THE BLOOM, an exhibition and competition
featuring floral arrangements inspired by
fine art, is scheduled for January 11-14 at the
Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach.
This is the second year for the event, sponsored by New
Hanover Garden Club. In 2017, arrangers interpreted art from
the Cameron Art Museum’s collection. This year, the artwork
comes from private collections and the Wilmington Art
Association.
Arrangers received their work of art to interpret through a
blind draw. The 28 pieces will be judged and awards presented.
The four-day event begins with a preview party on Jan.
11, and includes courses in floral design, botanical illustration
and art, building terrariums, millinery fashion shows, and
afternoon teas.
Proceeds will support New Hanover Garden Club pro-jects
including restoring gardens at Davis Community and
Sherwood Manor Rest Home assisted living centers, plant-ing
a pink garden for Lower Cape Fear Hospice in honor of
breast cancer awareness, and providing mini-flower arrange-ments
for Meals on Wheels. — Simon Gonzalez
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ALLISON POTTER
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM