Newspapers / The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, … / Feb. 17, 1994, edition 1 / Page 75
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Opening Of Their Bookstore Brought New Life To The Lowells (Continued From Page 38) "Every time we crossed that bridge to go home, there would be tears in my eyes," Barbara recalled. "1 didn't want to go back; 1 kept thinking there had to be a way we could stay." They began actively figuring a way to do it. "We were going to do a photo processing job," recalled Jim, and decided to add a few books as a sideline?to give people something to do while they waited for film to be processed and to help even out business in the off-season. It dawned upon them there was no local bookstore; a little research uncovered there was no bookstore within 30 miles. Thai was it; their key to a permanent move. The timing seemed right. Their four children were scattered: a son and daughter in Denver, one daugh ter in Hawaii and another in Scotland. In 19SS Barbara came. She didn't retire from her job at the hos pital. she says, "I quit." L Bookworm opened on Memorial Day weekend, with the Lowells' own sizeable library the foundation of its used book section, and Barbara, "a frustrated librarian" who was president of her high school library club, at its helm. After a year-and-a-half of taking long weekends whenever possible, Jim became a permanent resident. He didn't retire either, he says, tak ing disability leave after 10 years on the job and two hip replacement operations. One of the last articles he wrote for his community reinvestment program newsletter, he says, de scribed how to open a bookstore at the beach?from the dream stage on. Today the Lxiwells still may not be "retired," but they love the new life they've fashioned?where they are and what they're doing. Over the past nine years they have become an integral part of the community, always eager to pitch in, making friends by being friends to others, sharing their shop and themselves. Barbara was elected secretary/ treasurer of the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Assocition at the first meeting she attended in 1989. When Jim moved down permanent ly he began helping with the secre tarial work, and sure enough, the jobs were split between them at a subsequent election. They've re mained in leadership positions ever since. These days the association is get ting more organized and has more volunteers to help with projects that range from the N.C. Festival By The Sea to beautification of the causeway and entry to the beach. In the process of collecting 1994 dues, Barbara says that in 1993 the association had 67 members, grow ing from an average membership of Beginning February 7 Seniors Offered Prizes For Memories Of Trains For many of the Tarheel State's senior citizens, memories of train travel are part of their personal his \rt t *. The N.C. Department of Trans portation wants seniors to relive those memories and share their sto ries about trains. The NCDOT is sponsoring the "Getting There is Half the Fun" essay contest for se nior adults ()2 and older. I he con test began Feb. 7. "Many of our older citizens have wonderful memories of the roles trains played in their lives. We want to hear those stories," said N.C. Transportation Secretary Sam Hunt. To enter the contest. North Caro lina seniors 62 and older should submit a short essay (300 words or less) about a memorable experience involving a train. It could be about coming home from the war, work ing at a local rail yard, a first train ride or meeting a loved one at the station?anything that makes a good story. Prizes will be awarded for the best three entries. The grand prize winner will receive a special week end for two including two tickets lor the Carolinian, two tickets for a North Carolina Sympony concert, dinner and hotel accommodations for two in Raleiuh. Second- and third-place winners will receive passes for the Carolinian. Hunt said while many remember the romance ol (lie old trains, he wants people to know that rail trav el m North Carolina today is much better than "the good old days." "Today our trains have air condi tioning, electrical outlets tor com puters and phone service," said Hunt. "It's a great way to travel for families and seniors who don't want to worry about driv ing or bus iness people who want to work or I 1*1.1 . I M ii id A winie iidvci. Entries are due March 31 to the Carolinian Essay Contest, c/o NC DOT Rail Division, P.O. Box 25201, Raleigh NC 26711. Em ployees of Amtrak, the NCDOT and their families are not eligible for prizes. County Population Projections 1995 66,171 2000 79,866 2010 92,623 SOURCE NC OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET & MANAGEMENT, 1992 about 20 to 25. "It's a good location for that," a great experience." The association answering ma- said Barbara. "It's convenient for While customers have some chine is based at L Bookworm, and people." times urged them to relocate the the shop sometimes resembles "We've enjoyed it very much." bookstore to Shallotte. the Lowells "communications central," espe- she reflected. "So many of the peo- are adamant. cially as the N.C. Festival By The pie who live here have expertise to Holden Beach is home and, says Sea approaches at the end of each share with the community, and we Barbara, "We're not commuting October. have that opportunity too. It's been any more." DOES IT L Y > fir U U R E E W A 3 .U==^^V' W Y "^4 A Custom Sunroom Enclosures ? Free Estimates (910)579-1574 or 1-800-382-7327 Also specializing in Vinyl Siding and Vinyl Replacement Windows LEE WAY CONSTRUCTION JI9?? THE BRUNSWICK BCACON #1 ERA TOP PRODUCER IN '93 ? Broker, Realtor ? Full-time, Residential Real Estate Specialist ? 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The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 17, 1994, edition 1
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