Independent film hangs out in the shadows of big name movies, but it's so important to the film industry. Our Extraordinary People of the Week are a independent film making family. It's "Lights, camera, LANDAU!"
We all know the story line of the 'dead beat dad'. It's unfortunate. One option is to lock the person up for not paying child support. Another option is what Sylvester Ballard and Larry Mays are doing. They are father's father figures, and our Extraordinary People of the Week.
Perspective is a giant. What one person loves another may hate. Case in point, Cam Newton. A lot of people disagree with Cam Newton's response to losing the Super Bowl. Heck, people hated him all year for celebrating wins. But we've seen countless family photos of those family dabbing on game day and when a kid gets a game ball, their smile lights up the stadium.
There is a lady in Oak Island who is making beary-tale endings. It all started when someone helped her in a time of need. Now Sally Winey is helping others in a time of need. We call her the 'Memory Mender'.
Poplar Grove Plantation's Animal Sanctuary, cared for in part by one of our Extraordinary People of the Week, now has two new donkeys.
There is a young woman in the Port City who is on a mission to help the homeless and youth. She wants to do so with the help of other young entrepreneurs in the area who each bring their own expertise to the table. Tavia Spencer is our Extraordinary Person of the Week!
Last year we introduced you to a Wilmington couple that is working to expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, they reached a major milestone in their efforts, as Beau's Coffee opened its doors in Wilmington for its first batch of customers.
A child without direction can lead to a life of trouble. Our Extraordinary Person of the Week has a unique way of connecting with troubled youth in our area.
You're about to meet a woman who moved here years ago from the farms of the Midwest. She started volunteering at the Poplar Grove Plantation. Folks there liked her and now she's a full time employee and bringing the past to the present. Sherry Brink is our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
You'll soon have another option when it comes to getting your coffee in the Port City and there is nothing like it around!
There is a Brunswick County teacher who focuses on physical health. Sometimes the class is in a gym, sometimes a room, and sometimes out on the street. Nick Westfall knows how to make a memory. And when it comes to teaching kids that being a bully just isn't acceptable, that memory becomes Extraordinary.
Recycling plastics and paper is a no-brainer because we know that down the road it turns into something else. Our Extraordinary Person of the Week does something along the same lines, but with wood. Wood that isn't perfect until Daniel Butler gets busy with his urban salvage style...
Friendly competition between your coworkers is good stuff! It builds bonds. But there's a lady in the Port City who is rolling over her competition. Marcelina Ramirez rises like a made-from-scratch biscuit. She showed us her flour power that makes her our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
In light of the season, this week's Extraordinary Person of the Week is none other than Santa Claus. WWAY's Daniel Seamans wrote a little song for the occasion. It's called 'The Santa Wrap Song' and features Mr. and Mrs. Claus who can be found right now in Wilmington.
Volunteers are a lifeline to many organizations and businesses. Simply put, they fill a void and they do it for free, so it takes a special person to volunteer. In an environment like a hospital, it also takes a caring soul like Jill Weiss, our Extraordinary Person of the Week!
A first ever is about to happen December 11th and 12th in the Port City. It's a couple years in the making and our Extraordinary Person of the Week is part of the reason this 'first ever'....ever happened.
When it comes to life's curve balls, some you swing at and get a base hit, others are a swing and a miss, and then some curve balls you knock out of the park. Marcus Lacewell is the definition of determination. The Wilmington man has been on quite the journey since going from "anything's possible" to a disabling "you gotta make it happen yourself." He's our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
Imagination, creativity and vision are qualities that lead to greatness. Dylan Craig is on that path. "The Cardboard Creator" is our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
One of our recent Extraordinary People of the Week just finished one of the biggest challenges of his life....a 24 hour race called the World's Toughest Mudder competition.
There's a place that gives kids opportunity and that's where you'll find people like Jorge Flores that do an extraordinary job of showing our youth they can do anything they put their mind to.
Harold Garrish is not only one of Wilmington's WWII vets, he's got the moves and is about to take to the air!
How do you train for a 24-hour straight mud race? If you ask our Extraordinary Person of the Week, Steven Shade, he'll tell you it takes a support system. His got one heckuva journey to tell and it involves teaching his kids lessons of life while overcoming obstacles.
Being a good parent is extraordinary in itself, there is no debating that. But this week we're highlighting a Wilmington man who is parent and also a role model to countless kids in the Cape Fear. He's also President of the Wilmington Sea Dawgs. Demetrius Brown is a hero on the hardwood and that makes him our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
Cancer is one of the ugliest things on this planet. It affects so many, many people we love. But, out of the dark you can find light, beauty, and survivors. LaVonda Howard knows all about it. Her story of survival makes her our Extraordinary Person of the Week.
Tatum Lanier, who has warmed our hearts since we first met her last month, is wowing the audiologist at Chapel Hill.