Good morning Wilmington!

Big congratulations to Nathan Patel, owner of Tame The Mane, on celebrating 10 years of taming Wilmington’s manes! The Ogden location marked the milestone with a fantastic anniversary party. If you haven’t experienced Tame The Mane yet, you’re missing out on an incredible experience — and an even better haircut. Nathan’s success is a true testament to thriving small businesses in our community.

Locations:
📍 Ogden/Market St. — 7316 North Market Street, Unit 6 | (910) 319-7659
📍 Masonboro — 4037 Masonboro Loop Rd, Unit 2K | (910) 769-5557

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wilmington Music Community Rallies Around Mark Romeo

• Wilmington Police Offer Free Self-Defense Classes for Women

❤️ Wilmington Music Community Rallies Around Mark Romeo

If you’ve been around Wilmington’s live music scene, you know Mark Romeo. There isn’t a bigger supporter of local musicians — from founding the Talking Tunes in Wilmington Facebook group (now over 8,000 members) to tirelessly promoting shows and helping artists get their music heard.

Now, Mark needs our support. He’s facing serious health challenges and will undergo urgent spinal surgery in the coming days. To help with medical and living expenses, friends are organizing donations and benefit events:

• Send donations directly via Venmo: @mark-romeo-13

• Benefit show: Bowstring Bar & Music Venue is planning a fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 12, donating a portion of bar sales to Mark’s recovery. Local musicians interested in playing, reach out to the venue directly.

Mark has given so much to our music community — now it’s our turn to show up for him. 💜

Wilmington Police Offer Free Self-Defense Classes for Women

The Wilmington Police Department is hosting free self-defense classes specifically for women, led by female officers. Classes will take place at the Hayes/Lacewell Police and Fire Training Facility on September 10-11 and 17-18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants must be 18 or older and will undergo a criminal background check prior to admission. The course is limited to 14 spots per session, so early registration is encouraged. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement. The training aims to provide practical skills for personal safety and empowerment in the community.

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News Roundup

Local News

The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is seeking volunteers for its fall 2025 Tree Steward program, offering hands-on training to help plant, maintain, and protect Wilmington’s urban forest. Participants will attend Saturday sessions in October and commit to supporting tree care and planting efforts throughout the year. WECT

What You Should Know

Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine, marking the first time a NATO member has fired shots in the conflict. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incursion as a large-scale provocation and activated NATO’s Article 4 for alliance consultations. MSN

What Might Surprise You

Newly declassified military footage shows a glowing UFO reportedly splitting a U.S. Hellfire missile mid-air, with witnesses claiming no known U.S. technology could achieve this. The video, captured by an MQ-9 Reaper drone off Yemen in 2024, was revealed during a congressional UAP hearing. The Gateway Pundit

Help support local music community supporter Mark Romeo who runs Talking Tunes !

FRI SEPT 12: 7-10 PM @ Bowstring - SPD

Wilmington music community! Come on out THIS Friday, September 12, to support a dear friend of Bowstring and avid supporter of the ILM live music scene, Mark Romeo. Mark needs our help as he navigates a difficult and unexpected medical diagnosis. Oc3ans with support from Joe Copple will be playing from 7-10pm!

Entry into the show is free. There will be a QR code for suggested $10 donation @ the door, and Bowstring will be donating 10% of bar sales to support Mark's medical relief fund. Help us support Mark & get him back out to shows soon! 💙

Oc3ans features Brooke Renshaw on vocals, Josh Boyd on guitar, Joey Lamb on drums, and MC Jared Sales. Joe Copple will be performing a solo acoustic support set to kick off the night!

If you are unable to attend but would still like to support Mark's recovery, donations can be sent directly to his Venmo @Mark-Romeo-13

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