Good morning, Leland.

Wilmington-area restaurants are teaming up for pop-ups and special events that boost business and strengthen community ties.

Chef Keith Rhodes and local vendors have partnered on dinners sharing food and history while more collaborations are planned to bring creative dining experiences to the region.

Amigos International Festival returns to Ogden Park this November with food, music, dance and family activities (carnival rides, a climbing wall, and dance lessons) available with free admission.

The event runs Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon to 6 p.m.

The CineBay Film Festival will take place Sunday, Oct.

18 at the Virginia Williamson Event Center in Shallotte from 3 to 6:30 p.m., showing independent, documentary and international films. Advance reservations are required for free admission, with complimentary popcorn and drinks provided.

Local author Barbara Dullaghan will sign her two Halloween-themed books at Sandalwood Shoppes at Waterford Plaza in Leland on Saturday, Oct.

17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—she will also be featured at an author’s night at Pomegranate Books in Wilmington on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, around 9,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged from Lift Station No. 91 on Old Town Creek Road and was stopped after one and a half hours by local crews while Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer works to prevent future releases.

Local candidates hosted a forum that drew residents to learn about their policy positions ahead of early voting.

The event took place at a community center where voters got a chance to hear firsthand what the candidates plan to do.