🌱 New Hanover Arboretum Plant Sale + New Business Opening In May

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Wilmington.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunshine, breezy and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 51.
• Tuesday: Sunshine all day. High: 79 Low: 56.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Wilmington:

1. Wilmington residents with a green thumb won't want to miss the 35th annual New Hanover Arboretum plant sale. The plant sale will have a section dedicated to native plants, ones that are acclimated to the typical sandy and acidic soil that characterizes the coastal Carolinas. The arboretum will be open on Apr. 20-22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Apr. 23 from 12:oo p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be over 9,000 plants to choose from. (StarNewsOnline.com)
2. By The Beach Brewing will open in Wilmington by the end of May and serve craft beers and coffee. Owners Guy Gulutz and Kim Findley are currently renovating the 4,000-square-foot space near Buffalo Wild Wings. They plan to complete the bar half of the renovations first and later, add in the coffee shop. Gulutz is most excited about brewing a blonde stout and an apricot wheat beer. Be sure to keep an eye out for opening day. (Port City Daily)
3. The oldest synagogue in North Carolina is finally being renovated after its closing in 2020. The Temple of Israel was built in Wilmington in 1876 and since then, has faced many challenges from damage done during Hurricane Florence and its closure during COVID-19. The temple received $500,000 in funding from fundraisers and generous donations, and its renovations will finally be underway this year. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)

Today and Tomorrow in Wilmington:

Monday, April 17:

• Open Mic Mondays At Barzarre (7:30 PM)

Tuesday, April 18:

• Teen Anime Club At New Hanover County Public Library (5:45 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you've always dreamed of seeing a dog on a skateboard, you'll have your chance on Apr. 29. A dog skateboarding event is coming to Carolina Beach at the skate park at Mike Chappell Park. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is free and food trucks will be on hand. (WECT)
• The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking applicants to fill vacancies on government boards and committees. Interested citizens must reside in New Hanover County to be considered. Commissioners will accept applications for positions listed on the county's website here. The forms must be submitted by Apr. 28 to be considered by the board at the meeting on May 15.
• Attention residents: there will be a temporary closure of trails end boat launch from Apr. 17-28 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be a dredge operating in the fairway used by Trails End boat launch making the channel impassable. Motorboats will risk damaging their props if attempting to cross the pipeline that transports dredged sediment. It is recommended that boaters use other launch ramps during this period. Kayaks should be able to safely cross the pipe. The dredge will not be operating on Sunday, Apr. 23, and boats will be able to pass with caution. (New Hanover County Parks & Gardens via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.