June Spotlight
Calling all future Aquanauts
UNCW launches a new week-long program for girls ages 12 to 14 interested in marine science from July 15-20. Conduct research on the water, meet fellow female marine scientists and discover SCUBA during the Sea GEMS full-day residential program. Up to 20 participants will stay in dorms and eat on campus for five days. UNCW’s Dr. Elina Schmatz will be the keynote scientist.
Port City filmmaker nabs regional Emmy
Local documentary producer and writer BRENDA HUGHES took home her second regional Emmy. This time it was for “Marching Once More,” the story of World War II veterans returning to Belgium and Luxembourg for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
“It’s important to me to do things that help us understand who we are. History is a part of us. All the documentaries help us to understand where we come from,” she said. Previously, she earned a regional Emmy for another World War II documentary, “Thank You, Eddie Hart.”
– by Samantha Freda
Water magic
Local 14-year-old LYDIA KING loves the water. However, being submerged always meant one thing to King: not being able to hear. At 12-months-old she was diagnosed with a hearing impairment and could communicate only with the use of a device worn in her ear. But when Lydia was in the water and unable to wear the device, she was completely cut off.
Then, last year her audiologist Dr. Mary Maddock of Wilmington Hearing Specialists got a new model of hearing aids, a waterproof device called the Aquaris by Siemens. Earlier iterations of waterproof hearing aids over the past decade gradually would become water-logged and ineffective. But, this new design consists of a seamless case that is dust proof, shock proof and can fully function under three feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
“When we got it from her office I went home and jumped straight in the pool,” King said. Then, for the first time in her life she heard the sound of bubbles. “It was amazing,” she said.
-by Samantha Freda
Local designer creates new license plate
Carolina Beach graphic designer CATHY MALIZIO created the new NC Coastal Land Trust license plate. Her design includes pelican silhouettes, sea oats and a water bird. Proceeds from the license plate will support coastal conservation.
“A big thing here is the pelicans. The pelican silhouette was simple and could be seen from a distance,” she said. Reservations for 300 plates must be received before the state will begin printing the plates.
-by Teresa A. McLamb
BOOK SPOT
The Going Green Environmental Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Old Books on Front Street located at 249 N. Front Street. Come early for a cup of coffee from Sugar, the in-house bakery. July’s book is Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William A. McDonough and Michael Braugart. It is printed on a synthetic blend of plastic resins and inorganic fillers that are waterproof, durable and recyclable.
-by Teresa A. McLamb
