Cape Fear Literacy Council will host a video competition at the "Lights, Camera … LITERACY" Gala on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. This is the Council’s 25th Anniversary, and this celebratory Gala will be held at Screen Gems EUE Studios at 1223 N. 23rd Street in Wilmington, NC. Anyone interested in learning more about this event or volunteering at Cape Fear Literacy Council can call 910.251.0911 or visit www.cfliteracy.org

Although it is one of the 10 most populous counties in the state, New Hanover County does not have an arts council. The arts council that served the area was the Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear, which closed its doors in 2002. This fall the North Carolina Arts Council began conducting a research phase to discover and document the diverse cultural assets of the area. As part of the research phase, dozens of artists, arts and community leaders, public officials and other key stakeholders have been interviewed. This survey was developed to gather the thoughts and opinions of citizens of Wilmington and New Hanover County on the role of the arts in community life and the importance of an arts council to the region. Please take a few minutes to participate in the survey. Your input will help shape the recommendations of the North Carolina Arts Council. Logon at www.surveymonkey.com/s/TDFBR73

4th and Dock was formed in late 2003 as an acoustic rock act in Wilmington. In 2008 original member Mikal Crist joined by Alex Seller moved to LA. With the addition of guitar player Brent Oliver, drummer Alex Sivers and bassist Michael Luebke the band is currently working on the first full-length CD.

Cape Fear Jazz Society is having its free monthly educational series on Sunday, Feb. 21 at UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building from 3 to 5 p.m. The UNCW Saxtet will perform.