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🎄CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 7 DAYS AWAY! 🎉CAVA GRAND OPENING, NEW FELONY LAW, BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, ELEVATED BILLIARDS, AMAZON JOB OPENING, QUICKBOOKS CLEANUP SPECIAL, AND MORE! 🌟☃️🔥🎱📚📦📉🎉
🎄CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 7 DAYS AWAY! 🎉CAVA GRAND OPENING, NEW FELONY LAW, BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, ELEVATED BILLIARDS, AMAZON JOB OPENING, QUICKBOOKS CLEANUP SPECIAL, AND MORE! 🌟☃️🔥🎱📚📦📉🎉
🎄CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 7 DAYS AWAY! 🎉CAVA GRAND OPENING, NEW FELONY LAW, BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, ELEVATED BILLIARDS, AMAZON JOB OPENING, QUICKBOOKS CLEANUP SPECIAL, AND MORE! 🌟☃️🔥🎱📚📦📉🎉
Get ready for Christmas in just 7 days! Check out the latest news in Jacksonville, including the grand opening of Cava, new laws on drug exposure to children, and upcoming events like Breakfast with Santa at Beach Bums. Plus, find a job at Amazon Sortation Center with great benefits and flexible hours. Don't miss out on our free classifieds and services like remodeling, photography, and bookkeeping solutions. Stay updated with the latest weather forecast for the week ahead!
Roy Shipley
Dec 18, 2025
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Quote Of The Day |
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” — William James |
Opening Message From Roy Shipley, Publisher |
Dear Neighbors,
As our neighborhoods fill with the sights and sounds of the season, it’s easy to let the "holiday rush" take over our calendars and our headspace. In the midst of the festivities, I wanted to share a grounding thought from psychologist William James (above).
In our community, we see this "weapon" in action every day - when a neighbor chooses patience over frustration in a crowded store, or when we choose gratitude for our shared spaces over the stress of a long to-do list. This week, we invite you to take a small moment for yourself to choose a thought that brings you peace.
Thank you for being the heart of this community. Whether you are hosting family, volunteering, or simply enjoying the lights, we are so glad to have you here. |
CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 🎄 7 DAYS AWAY! 🎄 |
Want to co-host my new
YouTube and X live show with me? (Women 40–65) |
Starting January 6, I’m launching a brand-new bi-weekly live show to be simulcast on YouTube (@55HealthWealth), and X (@LifeAfter55Live) called:
“Life After 55: Health, Wealth & Headlines” (every other Tuesday night, one hour, 7 PM Eastern).
I’m looking for one sharp, warm, camera-ready woman 40–65 to co-host with me.
What we’ll cover (three short segments):
Pay & terms :
Ideal co-host:
If you (or someone you know) would light up talking about turmeric dosages one minute, and the new RMD tables the next, email at lifeafter55channel@gmail.com with:
I’ll set up a relaxed 15-minute Zoom/StreamYard chat with my top 2–3 choices.This is going to be fun, helpful, and (very soon) profitable. Hope you’ll join me! |
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OF INTEREST |
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🎉CAVA NOW OPEN IN J'VILLE!🎉 |
CAVA, a Mediterranean-style fast-casual restaurant chain, is now open in Jacksonville.
The restaurant opened its doors last Thursday at 1375 Western Blvd. and will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with everything from bowls and pitas to dips and dressings available.
“Our mission is to bring heart, health and humanity to food, and everything we do at CAVA is grounded in that spirit of generosity, to our guests, our team members and our community,” said Marc Backer, regional director for CAVA. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be in Jacksonville and continue to grow our presence in the area.”
With every new CAVA opening, we invite our neighbors to join us for a delicious meal as we celebrate our arrival in the community. At these events, we are proud to accept donations for local causes, matching every dollar raised up to $1,000.
Since 2019, CAVA has raised over $600,000 to support food security in local neighborhoods, according to Emma Vogt, our brand communications manager. For our Jacksonville opening, we are partnering with The Salvation Army of Jones and Onslow Counties to support their vital work.
Our new restaurant is also excited to grow our local team, with plans to hire 25 to 40 new employees from the area.
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Our Take on CAVA: Last night, December 17, I visited the newly opened Cava in Jacksonville to experience their Mediterranean fast-casual concept firsthand.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by a large, easy-to-read menu and a layout that guides you through a narrow dining area toward the ordering station. The setup follows a familiar "build-your-own" model, similar to Subway, where your dish is prepared right in front of you.
My guest opted for a Greek Salad with added chicken, while I tried the Spicy Lamb & Avocado bowl. We also shared a side of Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips. While the service was friendly, they were unfortunately out of both avocado and pickled onions by the time we reached the line. While I didn't mind the lack of substitutions, it’s worth noting for those with specific cravings.
The only real point of confusion was the pricing for beverages. Both our large and small drinks were charged at a flat $3 each, which effectively encourages everyone to just grab the large. Aside from that minor quirk, the experience was excellent - well-lit, healthy, and delicious. We both agreed that Cava is a fantastic, fresh alternative to standard fast food and a great addition to the local dining scene.
Definitely worth a visit! |
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NEW LAW MAKES DRUG EXPOSURETO CHILDREN A FELONY |
A new law in North Carolina makes it a felony for anyone to expose a child under the age of 16 to a controlled substance, and Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas is in full support of the legislation.
N.C. General Statute 14-318.7, which went into effect Dec. 1, states that a “person who knowingly, intentionally or with reckless disregard for human life causes or permits a child to be exposed to a controlled substance is guilty of a Class H felony.” If the child ingests the substance, the charge becomes a Class E felony. If serious physical injury occurs, it’s a Class D felony, and if serious bodily injury occurs, it’s a Class C felony.
A Class B1 felony can be applied if the child dies as a result of the exposure, which Thomas said is equal to second-degree homicide or death by distribution.
Thomas said he supports the new law because previously, if a child was exposed to a controlled substance, the responsible party could only be charged with a misdemeanor unless serious bodily injury occurred. “It gives us more power or judicial ability to address it when we find it,” Thomas said. “We find it regularly. My drug unit does search warrants all the time, and they’ll get there and there’ll be drugs laying out in the open and small children running around.”
Fentanyl, especially, is a major concern, as it accounts for a majority of the overdoses Onslow County deputies see.Thomas said that simply touching substances, like fentanyl, can lead to . . . read more |
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Tired of Looking at Your Ugly, Nasty Bathroom Every Morning?
Or stepping onto a deck that looks like it’s one BBQ away from collapsing?
Will Be Handy, LLC fixes that. Fast.
We build:
Fully insured. Real references.
Real before/after photos (we’ll send ‘em, just ask).
And because we’re feeling generous…
Say the word “HAPPY” when you call or text → Instant $50 OFF your job.
No BS, no fine print.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED or we fix it for free.
You literally cannot lose.
Call (or text) right now: (910) 284-4272
(don't forget to mention "Happy" when you call or text)
Don’t be the guy who pays full price because you “meant to call.”
Do it now.
You’ll thank me later.– Will Be Handy, LLC
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EVENTS/HAPPENINGS |
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Breakfast with Santa at Beach Bums 2025 |
Come have breakfast with Santa at Beach Bums, where you can enjoy delicious food and meet the big man himself! DECEMBER 20TH & 21ST
Come enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Beach Bums! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21ST ‼️Choose between 12/20 at 8:30 AM, 12/20 at 10:30 AM or 12/21 at 9:30 AM breakfast seating ‼️
*Price includes: breakfast, professional photos with Santa, and your own cookie to decorate.
WHEN: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21ST (hours listed above and on ticket site) WHERE: Beach Bums Pizzeria, Bar & Grill 4021 Island Drive North Topsail Beach, NC 28460 |
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An Elevated Billiards Experience Is Coming to Jacksonville, NC |
Limelight Billiards is redefining what a night out looks like. Opening very soon in Jacksonville, NC, this premier venue blends high-end billiards with a sophisticated social atmosphere.
Enjoy play on brand new Diamond pool tables, professionally spaced to ensure comfort, focus, and an uninterrupted experience. At Limelight Billiards, you won’t be crowded or competing for space - every table is designed for true players and relaxed socializing alike.
The venue features a stylish indoor bar alongside a spacious outdoor patio bar, offering expertly poured drinks in an inviting, modern setting. Guests can also enjoy dart league play and classic arcade games, adding variety without taking away from the refined atmosphere. A new, full-service kitchen is coming soon, completing the experience with quality dining to match the setting, while waiting Spanky’s Sports Bar and Grill Food Truck will be on site serving up hot food all night….
With surround sound throughout the building, a large, well-lit paved parking lot, and thoughtful design from entry to patio, Limelight Billiards delivers comfort, quality, and convenience at every turn.
Whether you’re meeting friends for a crafted cocktail, hosting a night out, or enjoying a focused game of pool, Limelight Billiards is where upscale entertainment meets relaxed sophistication.
Limelight Billiards - a refined space for exceptional drinks and premier billiards. Coming soon to 165 Blue Creek School Rd, Jacksonville, NC
New tables arriving daily.
Be the 1st to play on the best with the best.
🔥Opening Soon🔥
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CLASSIFIEDS |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Classifieds are FREE through Dec 31, 2025
Looking for Co-Host - see announcement at top of this newsletter and reply to: lifeafter55channel@gmail.com |
OPEN HOUSE: |
FOR SALE: |
FOR RENT: |
JOBS:
Immediate Opening in Jacksonville for Amazon Sortation Center Warehouse
BenefitsCompensation: $17-$22/Hour (approx. $23.3k/Year) Benefits: Eligible team members receive standard benefits We provide paid, on-the-job training covering safety, scanning technology, and sorting procedures specific to the Sortation Center environment. Amazon offers competitive hourly pay, estimated between $17 - $22 per hour for this part-time role, often with a shift differential for 'night shift' work. Even part-time roles may offer benefits like health care options, paid time off accrual, 401(k), and employee discounts. This role offers flexibility and can be a stepping stone to other Amazon opportunities.
Responsibilities:These roles are often 'part-time', offering flexibility. In this active role, you will be sorting, scanning, and stacking packages onto pallets. You'll use technology like scanners and handheld printers to ensure packages get to the right place. This role is key to getting customer orders ready for their final delivery leg. This role is typically focused on evening and overnight hours ('night shift'). As a 'part-time' associate, you might work 4-5 hour shifts, often including 'weekend' availability. You will be constantly moving, lifting, and sorting packages in a fast-paced environment.
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SERVICES:
Will Be Handy LLC - Remodels (kitchens, baths, flooring, drywall), custom decks, fence installs/repairs, interior/exterior painting. Local & reliable. Free, no-pressure estimate. Call/Text 910-284-4272. Will Be Handy, LLC
LuxeBabe Boudoir & Portrait Studio Luxury photography studio offers luxury boudoir sessions with hair and makeup included, along with maternity, branding, birthday portraits, family sessions, and outdoor portrait experiences. Website: Veronica Contreras Photography
Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions - QuickBooks a mess? Get it fixed before tax season. 🔥 $147 QuickBooks Cleanup Special for local contractors. 👉 Start here: https://2f76-office.systeme.io/7ea861e6 ✔ Local ✔ Secure ✔Confidential |
YARD SALES: |
MISCELLANEOUS: |
WEEK IN WEATHER |
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Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions |
Question for every contractor reading this:
What’s cheaper?
$147 to clean 3 months of QuickBooks
or
$3,000 - $5,000 in extra taxes because your books are a mess?
Here’s my no-brainer offer:
For $147, I’ll:
Fix up to 3 months of your QuickBooks
Clean up to 750 transactions
Reconcile up to 2 accounts
Repair your categories
Get your books tax-ready
And here’s the kicker:
If I don’t deliver in 3 days, you pay NOTHING.
I ONLY work with:
Contractors
Roofers
Plumbers
Landscapers
Painters
Electricians
Concrete guys
Handymen
This is built for YOU.
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💛 Thank You for Reading 💛The Onslow Insider |
We’re proud to bring you stories, news, and resources that matter right here in Onslow County - every week, for free. And we're proud to have you as a member of our community.
If you enjoyed this edition, please share it with your friends, family, and co-workers. Every share helps more neighbors stay informed and keeps local voices strong.
📢 Classifieds are FREE through December 31 - perfect for promoting your holiday sale, side hustle, or community event.
🧭 Stay connected. Stay local. Stay In the Know with the Insider. |
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