Diane Parker

The Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition basketball team combining comedy and athleticism will be performing at Trask Coliseum , on the campus of University of North Carolina at Wilmington, March 20th, at 7 pm. Ticket prices range between $24-$64 each.

Below is a link to a You Tube video displaying their skills/humor. For more Wilmington area information, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ctwe-dV-Tk&feature=related

What a beautiful February day we had today! Temperatures were in the mid-60's, and it was a great day to be outdoors. Many enjoyed walking or jogging "The Loop" This is a 2.45 mile sidewalk circling the heart of Wrightsville Beach. There is usually activity on the Loop regardless of the weather. Those that drive over the bridge to walk the Loop generally begin at Wrightsville Beach Park, where there is ample parking. There are several stopping points along the way, pet waste disposals, and water fountains. The walk takes you over two bridges, both crossing Banks Channel, which offers awesome views. Be sure to check out the botanical garden maintained by the Harbor Island Garden Club. There you will see metal artwork, flowers, and birdhouses. It's quite relaxing to walk the Loop. If you're in the area, give it a try.

Part of the $787 billion stimulus bill that President Obama signed into law on Tuesday includes the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit. I am pointing out a few of the highlights.

Photo provided by www.freefoto.com

• $8000 to First Time Buyers: Equivalent to 10% of the purchase price and capped at $8000. This applies to first-time home buyers and principal residences. This tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the earlier $7500 tax credit.
• Definition of First Time Buyer: Someone who hasn't owned a principal residence for three years before buying a house. If you have owned a vacation home, but not a principal residence with the past 3 years, you would qualify.
• Income Limits: Single buyers need a modified adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less to qualify for full credit, or $150,000 for married couples. Reduced credits may be available for income beyond these caps.
• Must Buy in 2009: Only those who purchase after January 1 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible.
• Refundable: Buyers can take advantage even if they have little tax liability.
• Ownership: Buyers must own the home at least three years. If they sell before 3 years, the credit has to be returned to the government (some exceptions such as divorce, death)

Should you have legal or tax questions, we ask that you consult your attorney or accountant. To view homes available in Wilmington, NC, click Here

You won't want to miss Kelly Pickler in concert at the 62nd Annual Azalea Festival in Wilmington. Kelly finished 6th in the 2005 "American Idol" season.

When: April 1, 2009 @ 8 pm

Where: Trask Coliseum on the campus of UNCW

Tickets: $40

For more Info, visit www.ncAzaleaFestival.org

Other festival celebrities were announced on Thursday, including actress, Beth Grant, who has performed in lots of movies and TV shows, including "Little Miss Sunshine" and "No Country for Old Men". Her daughter, Mary Chieffo, will also be a celbebrity and is a rising young actress.

Marshal of the Azalea Festival Parage - Gov. Henry H. Shelton, a Tarboro NC native

Christain music artists announced as part of the Azalea Festival Street Fair are High Flight Society from Cedartown, GA, Ehringhaus, and Wilmington's own Matt Blair.

For Wilmington area information, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Friday, February 13th is the start of the 12th Annual Backyard Bird Count.

This event is FREE. IT is sponsored by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The purpose is to get citizens involved to assist scientists in keeping tabs on local bird populations. The only requirement is time and patience. Participants count birds, anywhere, for a minimum of 15 minutes or as long as they have the time during the four-day period. Then they report the largest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time.

To report the numbers, bird watchers complete an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count Web site (www.birdsource.org/gbbc) or drop off the info sheets at Wild Birds Unlimited in Ogden or Audubon North Carolina's local office near Porters Neck.

In 2008, more than 9.8 million birds of 635 species were reported. They submitted more than 85,000 checklists. North Carolina submitted the second-most checklists, trailing only New York.

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For information on other Wilmington events, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com