PUBLISHER’S NOTE

We Love Topsail

Wow! We are feeling the love right now. To all the residents, visitors and business owners in the Topsail area, thank you so much for welcoming Topsail Magazine with open arms. To be honest, I hesitated to bring the publication back after its hiatus. Even though my team at Carolina Marketing Company has 15 years of marketing and publications experience in southeastern North Carolina, I still had those little doubts about how our version of the magazine would be accepted in the community and how we would fit a new quarterly magazine into our busy annual schedule.

In the end the pros far outweighed the cons, and, buoyed by much local support, our first issue of the reignited Topsail Magazine hit the streets in the fall of 2019. One thing is definite: We are so glad we took the chance! Everyone in the Topsail area has been so supportive and positive, and to say that we are appreciative is an understatement. We look forward to producing more issues every quarter and to meeting more people, and we can’t wait to share all of your stories in the upcoming editions. I love the lineup in this Spring 2020 edition of Topsail Magazine because it reflects what a dynamic and giving community this is. One of our stories is about the Reel Housewives of Topsail Island and their annual fundraising bike ride, which raises money for local cancer victims and their

Publisher Justin Williams and his daughter, Ava.

families. As you noticed on our cover, another story is about a local woman who helps rescue French and English bulldogs that need new homes. We also feature Sneads Ferry Community Theatre, a team of volunteers who contribute their talents to entertain the people of the Topsail area, and the Pender Education Partnership, a nonprofit that helps ensure a better education for local children. You’ll also find stories about local businesses, recipes and all the things going on around town. As you’re reading, please take note of our advertisers. We could not do any of this without them, and we hope you’ll support them. And, as always, please let us know how you like the magazine. We always love hearing from our readers.

Enjoy your spring in the Topsail area, and we’ll see you on the beach! Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TopsailMag.com Note: In these uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic, please understand that some of the event information you read on the following pages may likely have changed. Just as we were going to press, everything was very up in the air.

The feedback from the inaugural issue of the re-ignited Topsail Magazine has been great!

We appreciate everyone who reached out to us after its publication in the fall of 2019. As always, we welcome your feedback, both the praise and the constructive criticism, so keep the comments coming.

 I was delighted to see that Topsail Magazine is alive and well once more! The magazine fills a much-needed void for local happenings and information in the Topsail area.

Mark Tamn

 We wanted to congratulate you on your new magazine and say thank you. The information is wonderful and interesting. The photography is outstanding. Our family has a house in Surf City. We have been coming here for years. The beauty of this area is amazing. The constant growth and changes make us want to learn of changes and additions. Your magazine was available to us at Publix in Surf City. We look forward to additional issues.

Barbara and Bob Peek Apex, NC

 Picked up a copy at Harris Teeter in Surf City. Love the magazine!

Bob Woodson Raleigh, NC and Topsail Beach

 Just wanted to let you know how excited I am to see Topsail Magazine is alive and well and as beautiful as ever! I worked with BJ and Jack (advertising sales) and my husband, David, provided many photos for the magazine. I’m so glad to see it back. First issue looks like a hit! Good read and lots of info. Keep up the good work!

Jayne Pell Hampstead, NC

 Just saw the inaugural edition and it looks great. While you sent one to our office, since that tends to disappear, I was wondering if I could have one sent to me personally as well?

Mark Kranich

 I have a home in Holly Ridge. I received your Topsail Magazine in the mail and it’s GREAT. I am a part timer here in NC. Will be here full time July 2023. We do come down for five days, we try, every month. I do not want to miss any future mailings.

Tina Rizzo Holly Ridge, NC

 Congratulations … and thank you! What a treat to see the new Topsail Magazine in print. The disappearance of the old one years ago left a hole in the ‘Topsul’ experience for us all. Judging by your first issue, we may be in store for an even better publication this time. Many articles were of personal interest. Annesophia Richards’ look at the Historical Society of Topsail Island, along with Shay Perna’s photos of its Missiles and More Museum, shone a light on a gem that more people need to know about. Kurt Epps stepped inside a couple of our favorite brewpubs – and tipped us to another to check out. And Ashley Daniels did a fine job of profiling, with Laura Glantz’s photos, Cathy Jackson of Jaxon Signs, a talented artist who created our first beach house sign a decade ago.

The cover story on the Surf City Welcome Center by Lauren Krouse (photos by Mark Steelman) was welcome, too, focusing on what has become Topsail’s most important marketing arm. The center’s first director was Allan Libby, who came over from the Greater Topsail Island Chamber of Commerce in 2008. I met Libby when he reached out to me following a Topsail column I wrote in The Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. Through his connections, I met anyone and everyone who knew the island, immeasurably helping flesh out my book on Topsail. For 11 years, Libby spread the Surf City (and Topsail) word through news media and social media, while promoting local events, lining up weddings and answering questions from thousands upon thousands of visitors. Barry Newsome assisted him ably. We’ve met Audrey Goyer, Libby’s successor whom you profiled, and she seems ready and able to build on that legacy. Again, thank you for bringing Topsail Magazine back to all of us who love Topsail. We have missed it.

Ray McAllister Richmond, VA, and Surf City, NC

 I just wanted to say nice job on your kick-off issue. Well done, looks great. I’ve heard from others as well. Our ad looks very good in it as well.

Scott Franko

 I was delighted to be featured in the recent issue of Topsail Magazine and I just wanted to say thank you.