Lobster lovers unite
Our juiciest, literally, fundraiser is almost here - our Annual Lobster Dinner and Auction. This always sold-out event will be held Saturday, October 24th at the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. Start the evening by catching up with old friends during our complimentary wine and cheese hour, beginning at 6 PM. You’ll have until 7 PM to peruse the silent auction items and place your bids. We’re getting a wide range of items and services donated by local craftspeople and business so there really will be something for everyone. You can also spend some of the time getting a close-up look at our live auction items, including one very special firearm that was named a "Field & Stream" best new rifle of 2009; an E.R Shaw Mark VII.

Dinner will be served at 7 PM: a 1-1/2 pound lobster, steamed clams, potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, Jean’s world-famous tomato-cucumber salad, rolls & butter, choice of beverage and our home-made desserts.

The live and always lively auction begins immediately following dinner and of course the theme for the night will be sea turtles, sea turtles and more sea turtles. Jewelry, artwork, hand crafted quilts and wall hangings and lots of surprises. Think holiday, birthday and other gift-giving occasions, or just pick up a few baubles for your home, or yourself!

Tickets are available now at: Topsail Chamber of Commerce, Surf City Welcome Center and the QuarterMoon Bookstore. You can also reserve a ticket by calling Jean @: 910-470-2800. See you there!

Yes, "Virginians" - we are OPEN!
Good news for all fall visitors to Topsail, especially the slew of people from Virginia we’ve had dropping by lately: the hospital will be open for tours October 17th and October 18th during "Autumn with Topsail." Plan on stopping by anytime between noon and 4 PM to get one last peek at our patients before we lock the doors for 2009. Our gift shop will be open and stocked with all kinds of "turtle clothing," including long-sleeved T’s, hoodies and head-warmers for those of you headed back north, or who have family living in the colder climes, or just want some new winter togs. Donations are a minimum of $2/adult and $1/child, and anything over and above that goes to our capital building fund for the new hospital. With your help maybe the next time you visit us we’ll all be inside, and open all year!

A hop, skip, and another skip…
…and "Kugar" has left the building. People often ask us how long our turtles are under our care. Little Green Kugar is a perfect example of a short-timer. He came in just before the September release when a very observant Marine noticed that he just wasn’t acting right. After a short course of antibiotics to make sure he didn’t develop pneumonia and a final check of his blood-work Kugar got his release papers. On October 1st he was taken to the beach, where he literally skipped his way through the waves in his haste to leave us far behind. We always said he was more like one of our "crazy Kemp’s" than a docile little Green. Bon voyage, little guy.

Bits & Pieces

Hatching: still a few nests left on the island, but we’re quickly drawing to a close. Report any hatchings or other sea turtle activity to Terry @ 910-470-2880. Remember, it’s a federal offense to interfere in any way with sea turtles.

Adopt a Sea Turtle: Want to participate in the care and rehabilitation of one of our turtles without getting your hands all "pruny?" You’ll get a certificate of adoption for each turtle you sponsor, and what a unique and special gift for any occasion! Stay tuned for details on our adoption program.

Newsletter: Sign up for our monthly e-letter by contacting me at: flippers@embarqmail.com.