South Brunswick Magazine - Fall 2022 Edition

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FEATURES

By Ed Beckley

64 WAVERIDING FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

The women of Girls Gone Boogie Boarding in Sunset Beach bond over their love of the ocean waves.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

78 THE SMALL FARM WHISPERER

Roxanne Reed’s Farm School on Wheels fits together the pieces of the puzzle for agricultural entrepreneurs.

By Theresa Ravencraft

42 RISING COUNTRY STAR South Columbus High School student Ryleigh Madison, who made it all the way to Showstopper round of American Idol before heading back to Whiteville, has no plans to stop the music.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN IDOL

PHOTO BY KELLY BROOKSHIRE

DEPARTMENTS SPIRITS

Bourbon Cream Two Ways

By Theresa Ravencraft W HAT’S COOKIN’

Southern Chili Beans with Jalapeno Cheese Bites

By Sandi Grigg SPORTS

Joe’s Indoor Golf Simulator is a personal game improvement center.

By Carolyn Bowers BEHIND THE BUSINESS

At YardBird Emporium in Calabash, Mary Keefe makes her hobby her business.

By Claire Lynch EOPLE

Nine musicians, all of whom live in Ocean Ridge Plantation, form a band that helps nonprofit organizations raise fun and funds.

With the addition of the Rose House for women’s recovery, Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. will help even more people who are struggling with addiction.

By Theresa Ravencraft

71 NONPROFIT

St. James Woodworkers build replica Ukrainian benches for G. V. Barbee Library on Oak Island.

By Beth A. Klahre

85 COMMUNITY

By Jo Ann Mathews WHAT’S NEW

Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue department’s new custom heavy rescue truck serves a multitude of vital rescue operations.

By Jo Ann Mathews

South Brunswick Magazine – Fall 2022 Volume 14, Issue 1

OWNER/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS:

L aura Glantz Teresa Kramer

S amantha Lowe E liza Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

A lan Morris Photography K elly Brookshire

Brent Gallant K ristin Gettlemen

L aura Glantz C laire Lynch

Jo Ann Mathews John Matter

B arbara Matter M att McGraw

Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

E d Beckley C arolyn Bowers

A shley Daniels S andi Grigg

B eth A. Klahre C laire Lynch

Jo Ann Mathews Theresa Ravencraft

Melissa Slaven Warren Brian Wilner

PUBLISHED BY:

CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC. PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@southbrunswickmagazine.com

Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited.

© 2022 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.

Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. South Brunswick Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in South Brunswick County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC and Horry County, SC.

About the cover:

In every issue, Food Editor Sandi Grigg ensures that our readers have well-tested recipes to try for the upcoming season. What could be better for fall days than a bowl of Southern chili beans? Add her Jalapeno Cheese Bites, and you have perfection. Photographer James Stefiuk captured this cover shot and the photos for the recipe on page 32.

Reader/Advertising Services

Subscriptions

Want to subscribe to SBM? Subscriptions are $15.99 per year and include 4 issues of SBM. Subscribe safely online using PayPal, credit or debit card at www. SouthBrunswickMagazine.com/subscribe. Call our office at (910) 207-0156 or email us at subscribe@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com to request a subscription.

Back Issues

When available, back issues of SBM can be purchased for $5. Call or email us for information.

Letters

We welcome your letters and comments about SBM. Send your letters to PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 or email them to info@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com. When sending your letters, keep in mind they may or may not be published in a future issue of SBM. The publisher reserves the right to make the final decision.

Writing Opportunities

We are always willing to consider freelance writers and article ideas. Please send suggestions or inquiries to South Brunswick Magazine, Attn: Editor, PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451. Or email us at edit@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com.

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If you move, please submit your new and old address to South Brunswick Magazine at info@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com.

Advertising

Interested in advertising in SBM? Please contact us to set up a meeting with an Account Executive. Our main office number is (910) 207-0156, or you can email us at advertise@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com.

Marketing Services

Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. provides a wide range of marketing services. This includes advertising design services, custom publications, mailing services and more. Contact our office for additional information or to set up a meeting with a Marketing Consultant.

LifeinBrunswickCounty.com

Visit us online at the above website. With any additional questions, call us at (910) 207-0156.

Here for Life

Family Medicine & Internal Medicine

McLeod Primary Care Sunset Beach Sunset Beach 910-575-8488

McLeod Primary Care Seacoast Little River 843-390-8320

McLeod Primary Care Little River Little River 843-366-3030

McLeod Primary Care Partners North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach 843-366-2900

McLeod Loris Primary Care Loris 843-756-9292

Southern Medical Associates Loris 843-756-7885

Specialized Care

McLeod Cardiology Associates Little River 843-390-0877 Sunset Beach 843-390-0877 Loris 843-756-7029

McLeod Digestive Health Center Seacoast Little River 843-366-3715

McLeod Nephrology Associates Loris 843-716-7163

McLeod Neurology Seacoast Little River 843-646-8040

McLeod OB/GYN Seacoast Little River 843-399-3100 Loris 843-756-7090

McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates at Seacoast Little River 843-366-3891

McLeod Orthopaedics Seacoast Little River 843-390-0100 Sunset Beach 843-390-0100

McLeod Interventional Pain Management Seacoast Little River 843-366-2980

McLeod Pulmonary and Critical Care Seacoast Little River 843-390-8302

McLeod Rheumatology Seacoast North Myrtle Beach 843-366-3060

McLeod Vascular Care Little River 843-366-3755 Sunset Beach 843-366-3755

Dialysis Access Center Loris 843-716-8940

General Surgery

McLeod Breast Surgery Seacoast Little River 843-366-2940

McLeod Loris Seacoast Surgery Little River 843-399-9774 Loris 843-756-3150

So Much Gratitude

WWell, another summer has come to a close. I love summer here at the coast, but I have to admit that being able to walk from my front door to my car without sweating makes me a happy camper.

It was a busy summer season here in southeastern North Carolina, by which I mean we had a ton of visitors. Who can blame people from all over the country for wanting to spend a part of their summer on the beaches of South Brunswick County?

The beautiful shorelines, charming communities, friendly people, amazing restaurants and shops, great fishing, boating and watersports – it all adds up to a world-class vacation destination. Hopefully all this summer tourism was lucrative and full of positivity for all the South Brunswick-area businesses. Speaking of the local business community, we here at South Brunswick Magazine are grateful every day for the longtime support from so many local businesses. Without them, this magazine would not exist. As you read through the articles, please make note of our advertisers. And if you patronize any of our wonderful customers, please be sure to let them know you saw them here. It’s a win-win for all of us.

Our fall issue is another great one. A community is all about its people, and in this issue you’ll meet some of them: South Brunswick High School student Ryleigh Madison, who made it all the way to the showstopper round of American Idol ; a group of women who bond over their love of boogie boarding; nine musicians

from Ocean Ridge Plantation who play music for good causes; and many more people who are doing interesting things in Brunswick County. You’ll learn ways to improve your golf game, feed your backyard birds and make tasty drinks and dinners to impress your friends and family.

We love producing this magazine for the South Brunswick area, and we appreciate our readers as much as we do our advertisers. Thank you, everyone, for helping to make South Brunswick Magazine a success.

Happy fall!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

PHOTO BY MATTMCGRAW

Ed Beckley

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Ed Beckley is an award-winning writer and photographer formerly of the Outer Banks and now residing in Ocean Isle Beach. After serving as a reporter, then city editor, of the Winsted Evening Citizen in Connecticut, he spent 26 years as a manager of public relations and marketing for Verizon Communications and former Bell System companies. He has worked as a freelance writer for several Outer Banks news services, including the Outer Banks Voice. He’s a lifetime accredited member of the International Association of Business Communicators. His photography has been displayed in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Carolyn Bowers

CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

After we both graduated from Duke University, my husband talked me into moving to New Jersey. I spent the next nearly 30 years working for Hoechst Celanese, and then we both retired and moved to Southport to enjoy golf and tennis — and never shovel snow again. I have been writing for South Brunswick Magazine since its first edition, when one of my photos was accepted for the Capture the Moment page.

Sandi Grigg

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / FOOD EDITOR

Growing up in a small town in the foothills of North Carolina and attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I always dreamed of working on the coast. I earned my degree in Marketing/Branding and started to build a life with my spouse and son. Together, we enjoy fishing, going to hear live music and spending time with family. At home I love to cook and write recipes, take on DIY home improvement endeavors and grill out with friends. Being a part of the Carolina Marketing Company team has showed me that you really can enjoy your job, and we feel like a family. I am truly grateful to have a career I love.

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Go Jump in the Lake 5K

Many runners and walkers added exercise and fun to their Labor Day weekend for the 13th running of the Go Jump in the Lake 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk, held in Boiling Spring Lakes. Southport Rotary invited participants to run, walk or roll — and to make a splash into the lake at the finish line.

Celebrate Calabash Festival

The Celebrate Calabash Festival in Calabash Town Park offered shopping from local vendors, food trucks, music, activities for children and the opportunity to learn history about the town that is called the Seafood Capital of the World. Sponsored by the Town of Calabash and organized by its Community Services Committee, the free event will return in 2023.

McLeod Nurse Seacoast Receives DAISY Award

McLeod Seacoast recently awarded a Daisy Award for outstanding service and care to Shannon Hartman, RN in McLeod Seacoast Intensive Care Unit. She was nominated by a patient for her extraordinary care and compassion. To recognize those nurses at McLeod Health who are true examples of nursing excellence, patients, family members and co-workers may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Dosher Community Cookout and Birthday Party

Dosher Memorial Hospital held its community cookout and 92nd birthday party on June 11 at the hospital’s back entrance. More than 300 guests enjoyed a cookout lunch,

music, games and the camaraderie of friends, neighbors, Dosher staff, members of the Dosher Trustees, Dosher volunteers, Dosher Foundation Board members and hospital leaders. Speakers included Mayor of Southport and Director of Dosher’s Department of Emergency Medicine Dr. Joseph Hatem, Chairman of the Dosher Board of Trustees Robert Howard, Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley, Former Dosher CEO Edger Haywood III and Randy Jones, Dosher Trustee and great grandson of hospital founder Dr. J. Arthur Dosher. The speaker program included a formal dedication of an academic scholarship named for Haywood, who served as the CEO and Administrator of Dosher Hospital from 1992 to 2012. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student at Brunswick Community College pursuing a healthcare degree. Community support for the hospital was an overarching theme in the speakers’ remarks and reflective in the enthusiasm of the attendees.

McLeod Air Reach Celebrates 10 Years

It has been ten years since McLeod Health launched McLeod Air Reach, the Air Ambulance Service as part of the McLeod Critical Care Transport Team. In the time McLeod Air Reach has served the hospitals of McLeod Health, they have transported and cared for more than 3,600 patients throughout the region. The primary purpose of McLeod Air Reach is to provide rapid access to medical care for critically ill or injured patients throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas. Med Trans Corporation, which has been in the air ambulance business for 30 years, is the service provider.

The air medical team operates in a specially configured Bell 407 medical helicopter, one of the most advanced medical helicopters available. Advanced safety features include satellite navigation and tracking, on-board weather radar, helicopter terrain alert warning systems (HTAWS) and night-vision goggle technology. All flights are monitored by the Med Trans Communications Center in Lewisville, Texas.

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTO

WHAT'S HAPPENED

The McLeod Air Reach helicopter is painted in recognizable McLeod teal and white with required air ambulance markings. The crew and the helicopter are stationed at the Marion County Airport providing the best circle of coverage within a 150-mile radius of its central location. Services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week for both pediatric and adult patients.

Annual Firefighter’s Freedom Competition

Southport Fire Department presented the 37th annual Firefighter’s Freedom Competition on July 2 at the Southport Fire Substation on Nash Street. This event has drawn firefighters from area fire departments to compete since 1984. What looks like fun games to the spectators is really an event to test the teamwork of a department, as it pays homage to the training and firefighting methods of the past. One competition was the Bucket Brigade, a method of extinguishing fires until the invention of the hand-pumped fire engine, which requires a tremendous amount of teamwork and physical endurance. Other competitive events include Tanker Tug, Command Post, Pie Eating, Donut Bowling and Barrel Push. Fire engines, ladder trucks and equipment were on display, and firefighters were available to answer any questions. The public came out to view the competition, see fire apparatus displays, take tours, visit with fire vendors and enjoy water sprinklers and activities for children.

Dosher Foundation Welcomes New Board Members and Executive Officers

Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation welcomes new Board of Directors Dr. Linda Sharkey, PhD and Josh Winslow. They join current Foundation board members Joe Agovino, Beckie Armstrong, Barbara Boland, John Erwin, Libby Featherston, Jwantana Gardner-Frink, Tish Hatem, Trisha Howarth, Randy Jones, Adam Powell, Susan Rabon, Ed Rau, Jeri Robinson, Melody Ryan, Maurice Smith and Russ Thompson. Boland is the newly elected chair, and Thompson, the newly elected vice chair. Howarth is the newly elected secretary, and Featherston will serve another year as treasurer. Also serving on the Foundation Board is Lynda Stanley, CEO/President of Dosher Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sharkey is a transformation expert, author, speaker and global leadership development coach who holds a PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University, an MBA from Russel Sage College and a BA in History from Nazareth College. She has held senior human resource executive positions at Hewlett-Packard and GE Capital. Dr. Sharkey has been a resident of Brunswick County for eight years. Josh Winslow is the CEO and general manager of Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) since 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from N.C. State University, and he is a licensed

professional engineer. In his more than 17 years with the co-op, he has served as a staff electrical engineer, manager of operations, and as COO. The Dosher Foundation volunteer Board of Directors is made up of a broad spectrum of community members and is charged with the responsibility of managing donations and allocating Foundation funds either as directed by the donor, or to maximize the effectiveness of the contribution. Board members work alongside Antonette (Toni) McAndrews, development specialist, to further the mission of the Foundation.

#GiveHealthy Drive-Through Food Collection Event

Dosher Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC), hosted a #GiveHealthy drive through food donation event to benefit identified high-need areas within Brunswick County. Donors drove up to the hospital front entrance on the morning of July 20 and dropped off more than 200 pounds of food and $60 in cash donations. BWC staff distributed the donations to local food pantries and other nonprofit organizations that promote access to nutritious foods.

New Hope Clinic Earns Gold Rating from the NAFC Quality Standards Program

New Hope Clinic has earned a 2022 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. By self-attesting that the organization has certain policies and procedures in place, it is able to highlight its commitment to providing quality care to patients. The NAFC’s mission is to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable healthcare, and its members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive quality healthcare. NAFC Quality Standards elements include policies and procedures related to the following areas: Administrative, Clinic/Pharmacy Responsibilities, Credentialing and Privileging Systems, Patient Care and Risk Management Systems.

CONTRIBUTED

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WHAT'S HAPPENED

Shallotte Elks #2854 Donates to Kiwanis Summer Reading Program

Shallotte Elks #2854 donated $2,000 from their Spotlight Grant to the Shallotte South Brunswick Islands Kiwanis Club to assist with food, books and backpacks for the new Summer Reading Program at Cardinal Pointe.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation Opens

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. Fairway’s office is at 8509 E. Oak Island Drive, Unit 2, Suites C & D on Oak Island. If you are in the market for a home loan or a refinance, give Jackie a call at (919) 265-5075. Their goal is to help everyone achieve their dream of owning a home.

Calabash Elks Ladies Auxiliary Provides School Supplies for Kids in Need

Every year for the past 10 years, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge in Calabash have collected and purchased school supplies for students in need who attend the Waccamaw School in Ash. Thanks to Elks members, friends and volunteers, the ladies delivered a huge quantity of varied supplies to the school, so much at it took three vehicles filled to the brim to transport them. The school administrators and the guidance counselors determine which students are in need and distribute the supplies accordingly. The Waccamaw School is just one of the many local charities to which the Ladies Auxiliary donates throughout the year.

Calabash Elks Donate to Camp Carefree

The Calabash Elks Lodge recently held a Community Day in the Park with proceeds going to Camp Carefree. The event featured music, games and food vendors and raised $2,000. Camp Carefree, located in Stokesdale, North

Carolina, provides free, one-week camping experiences for kids with chronic illnesses. Camp Carefree provides them with needed freedom to play, learn and have fun with others who encounter similar difficulties. The psychological, recreational and physical benefits of camping with their peers can help make their personal battle easier to bear. Sharing their feelings with others who really know what it’s like to live with someone with a chronic health problem or disability helps these children know they are not alone in their plight.

Ingram Planetarium’s Fall Sky Theater Schedule

Through October 29

Ingram Planetarium has a new Fall 2022 Sky Theater Schedule. Through Saturday, October 29, the planetarium will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The doors open at 10:30 am, shows start on the hour, and doors to the theater are closed until the end of the show. Sky Theater Shows include:

11 am Accidental Astronaut

12 pm Big Astronomy (NEW!)

1 pm Tales of the Mayan Sky

2 pm Planet Nine

3 pm The Sky Tonight!

All Sky Theater shows are family friendly and include a brief star show after the main presentation. The Planetarium’s new offering, Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries, takes you on a journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert — remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians and support staff who keep these mega-machines running. For more information go to museumplanetarium.org

Sunset at Sunset

October 1

The 15th annual Sunset at Sunset will feature live music, crafts and food all day. Held at the Sunset Beach Town Park on Sunset Boulevard, Sunset at Sunset features more than 130 vendors and activities of all types including arts and crafts, food, local craft beer and wine, and a Kids Corner with inflatables and face painting. For more information go to sunsetatsunset.com.

13th Annual Dosher Golf Classic

October 14

Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation has set the date for the 13th Annual Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation Golf Classic for Friday, October 14. This year’s event will be held at the Oak Island Golf Course and will feature 4-person teams Captain’s Choice, with a shotgun start. Cost per golfer is $125 and includes a light breakfast, beverages, raffle, silent auction and catered awards luncheon. The foundation is looking for sponsors, golfers and raffle and auction items. Online registration is available at dosher.org/foundation. The number of players is limited to the first 132 paid registrations. The Dosher Foundation’s primary responsibility is to encourage a steady flow of funds to the hospital from individuals and organization within the hospitals’ service area. These funds enable

Dosher Hospital to continue providing its patients with the finest healthcare equipment, programs and services possible as well as provide the resources necessary for construction expansion and remodeling projects.

North Carolina Oyster Festival

October 14 to 16

Come to the 41st North Carolina Oyster Festival to celebrate everything oyster with a variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities and musical performances. Held at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach, the festival kicks off Friday evening with a concert by The Entertainers at 6 pm. The Oyster Shucking Contest will be held on Saturday and there will be plenty of oyster dishes as well as food of all types. Bring a chair to sit back and enjoy the live music. For more information go to ncoysterfestival.com.

Saturday Entertainment:

Slip Shot at 9:30 am

Terry Douglas at 12 pm

Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot at 3 pm

Sunday Entertainment: Sea & Sand Band at 10 am

The Embers at 1:30 pm

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Big Toy Day

CONTRIBUTED

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Operation North State Peer Fishin’ Festival on Ocean Crest Pier

October 17 to 21

Operation North State (ONS) invites everyone to support the upcoming 7th Annual Peer Fishin’ Festival, to be held Monday, October 17 through Friday, October 21 (rain or shine) on Ocean Crest Pier at Oak Island. Operation North State, Ocean Crest Pier and the community will host 500 to 550 folks (wounded warriors, DVets, their respective guests, sponsors, pier mates and volunteers) over the five days of fun fishing and fellowship. The 7th Annual Peer Fishin’ Festival is free to wounded warriors / DVets and their

respective guests. Each wounded warrior and one guest will receive free daily fishing passes. For more information go to operationnorthstate.com.

Big Toy Day October 22

Big Toy Day, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island, will take place Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport. Big Toy Day is an opportunity for children to get firsthand, up-close looks at a variety of motorized vehicles, including planes, helicopters, fire trucks, 18-wheelers, a water rescue boat, an ambulance, a UPS truck and a race car. Children will have the opportunity to climb aboard the vehicles and learn more about each from the people who operate them. For more information visit southport-oakisland-kiwanis.org.

Eggstra-Spooky Flashlight Egg Hunt October 28

Don’t miss the Eggstra-Spooky Flashlight Egg Hunt on Friday, October 28 at Middleton Park in Oak Island. Children are encouraged to come in costumes ready to hunt down the treat-filled orange and black eggs scattered around the park. For ages 1 to 3 the hunt begins at 6:30 pm. The hunt for ages 4 to 6 hunt begins at 6:45 pm, and the ages 7 to 10 hunt begins at 7 pm. For more information go to ncbrunswick. com/event/eggstra-spooky-flashlight-egghunt/1206/

Oak Island Spooktacular

October 29

The Oak Island Spooktacular will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 6 to 8 pm at Middleton Park. Spooktacular sponsors will be featured at a table, tent or trunk (depending on your organization’s needs), and are encouraged to decorate their areas in celebration of the season. For more information call (910) 278-4747.

Southport Wooden Boat Show

November 5

Wooden boats of all shapes and sizes will be displayed in and around the historic Old Yacht Basin in Southport. Visitors will be able to meet and talk with the wooden boat makers and owners and vote for their favorite boat. The event will also feature nautical and maritime arts and crafts vendors, nautical and maritime demonstrations, children’s activities and exhibits along the waterfront and a model boat exhibit. For more information southportwoodenboatshow.com.

Christmas by the Sea Parade

December 3

The parade begins at 2 pm on E. Oak Island Drive in front of Town Hall and makes its way eastward, ending at McGlamery Street. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on the final float at the end of the parade. For info go to christmasbytheseaparade.com.

Southport Wooden Boat Show

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HOW CHIC IT IS

by Claire Lynch

Whether you’re selling or shopping, Consigning Chic Boutique is a favorite shop in Calabash. When Consigning Chic Boutique came available for sale in 2016, Alisa and Linley Dew jumped at the chance to purchase the established, 2,500-squarefoot business. Specializing in women’s clothing and jewelry, Consigning Chic Boutique also offers furniture, home decor and a variety of household items.

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LET’S DANCE!

By Frederick Walton

Ocean Islanders Shag Club promotes the Carolina shag, the official dance of the Carolinas, with monthly dances in Calabash.

Longtime local residents know that the Carolina shag has a deep-rooted history in North Carolina. In fact, it was proclaimed the official N.C. state popular dance in 2005. With many people from out of state visiting or relocating here, the Ocean Islanders Shag Cub has made it a priority to introduce this fun and easy-to-learn dance to newcomers and share the fun with experienced shaggers.

GO LOCAL IN MIDDLETON PARK by SBM Contributor

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s Coastal Home and Lifestyle Showcase and Oak Island Sunset Run came to Oak Island on August 25.

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase was held Thursday, August 25 on Oak Island. This outdoor show was originally scheduled for May 1, but weather postponed the event to August 25.

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SYMBIOSIS IN OIB

by Kurt Epps, a.k.a. The PubScout

The PubScout discovers Chunky Salsa restaurant and its neighboring bar, The Chubby Buddha, in Ocean Isle Beach.

The scientific definition of symbiosis is when two separate and distinct organisms live off of — and complement — each other. The street definition is a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups).

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PHOTO BY KURT EPPS,

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PHOTO

PHOTO BY CLAIRE

LYNCH,

Bourbon Cream Two Ways

Creamy bourbon makes delicious Southern-style drinks that can also count as dessert.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

IIt is no surprise that bourbon is the spirit of choice in the South. It is an American whiskey, as 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced by distilleries in Kentucky. Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam are a few of the top-selling brands in the United States. Kentucky is reported to have more barrels of whiskey than there are people in the state.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been making bourbon for more than 200 years. While the tradition of making high-quality bourbon and whiskey is at the forefront of their mission, Buffalo Trace Distillery has also crafted newer products, like Bourbon Cream.

My introduction to Bourbon Cream came last summer when friends came to visit. The doorbell rang, and they presented us with a bottle of this delightful blend. Our guests suggested we sip it poured over ice or add it to coffee as an after-dinner drink. I was immediately a fan.

As the name indicates, Bourbon Cream is velvety and delicious, with undertones of caramel and vanilla flavors. It is the perfect blend of smooth Kentucky bourbon and rich cream. We like to drink it cold, so we keep a bottle in the refrigerator.

BC AND COKE

When my son came to town last summer, he suggested we make a Bourbon Cream and Coke. Why didn’t I think of this? It is the perfect combination of creamy bourbon and bubbly, sweet Coca-Cola. I think we stumbled onto a new classic. We call it a BC and Coke.

Makes 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

½ cup ice ½ can Coke (6 ounces)

1½ ounces Bourbon Cream

METHOD

Place ice cubes in a (short) bourbon glass.

Pour ½ can of Coke over the ice. Pour one and a half ounces of Bourbon Cream into the glass. Sip and enjoy!

ROOT BEER AND BOURBON CREAM FLOAT

I still crave the root beer floats of my youth once in a while, but now we can make the boozy version — root beer, vanilla ice cream and Bourbon Cream. The root beer pairs with the rich Bourbon Cream perfectly. I’m not sure if you’d call this a drink or a dessert, but I’d definitely call it a delicious treat.

Makes 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 can root beer (12 ounces)

4 scoops of ice cream of your choice

3 ounces Bourbon Cream

METHOD

Pour 6 ounces of root beer into each of two tall glasses.

Add two scoops of ice cream to each glass.

Pour one and a half ounces of Bourbon Cream over the ice cream. Serve with a straw for sipping and a long spoon for eating the ice cream.

Chili with Surprises

CSouthern chili beans gets a tasty boost from crunchy fried jalapeno cheese bites.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

Chili beans is a quick way to get your chili fix, and it is very simple to make. It is ready in just a few hours and makes for an easy weeknight meal. This version uses ground beef, kidney beans, pinto beans and fresh garden tomatoes.

Every year my father plants a big garden and supplies me with fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the

summer. It never fails: I am overrun with an abundance of tomatoes, and I use them up by preparing and freezing salsa, tomato soup, spaghetti sauce and stewed tomatoes to be used later in the year. I used the stewed tomatoes during the cooler months to make one of my most favorite recipes — chili.

This year my father also planted

jalapenos, so I decided to create jalapeno cheese bites to go with my chili. I don’t typically make my chili spicy, so I thought the heat from the jalapenos in gooey cheese bites would go perfectly with a heaping bowl of chili beans. There is nothing better than using fresh ingredients from a garden grown with love — you can taste the love in the food.

One crisp autumn evening after work, I threw all of the chili ingredients, including one of the containers of stewed tomatoes I had made earlier in the year, in a large pot and set it to simmer while I got my son ready for bed. He’s only 2, so he goes to bed early. When I returned to the kitchen, I pondered

on what to pair with the chili. I didn’t want the usual saltine crackers or grilled cheese, so after seeing the jalapenos that my dad brought by I decided to create a version of a jalapeno popper, just disassembled and rolled into a ball. It was a match made in heaven.

This steaming, chunky chili is sweet and savory, while the cheese bites are spicy and gooey with a bit a crunch. My spouse was pleasantly surprised with the combination and requests it often. If you are looking for a twist on the normal soup and sandwich and also have fresh vegetables from this year’s harvest, try this recipe for Southern Chili Beans with Jalapeno Cheese Bites.

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Southern Chili Beans with Jalapeno Cheese Bites

Serves 6 to 8

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

2 minced garlic cloves

16 ounces red kidney beans

16 ounces pinto beans

14 ounces diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

6 ounces tomato paste

1½ tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon sugar

Sour cream and parsley to garnish

METHOD

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, pepper and garlic over medium-high heat. Stir until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain mixture.

Pour the meat mixture into a large deep pot along with the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer on low for 1 to 2 hours.

Serve in a bowl topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped parsley.

Jalapeno Cheese Bites

Makes 15 bites

1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, freshly shredded

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

3 medium jalapenos, seeded and finely diced

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 eggs

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil for frying

METHOD

In a large bowl combine the shredded cheese, cream cheese, jalapenos, bacon and garlic.

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a ball. (You should have about 15 balls.)

Place the balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Pour the breadcrumbs out on a plate and beat the eggs in a bowl.

Remove the bites from the freezer and roll the balls in the beaten eggs and then roll in the bread crumbs to coat them evenly.

Pour the vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet that is deep enough to cover the balls once submerged.

Fry 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown and drain on a paper towellined plate.

Serve alongside the bowls of chili.

NORTH BRUNSWICK MAGAZINE

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MUSHROOMS ARE HAVING THEIR MOMENT

The mushroom cultivators at The Lite Work Farm grow and sell a variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms at their home-based urban farm in Leland.

By Christine R. Gonzalez

Emerging from a dark time in his life, then the existential COVID crisis, Cory Burdick found his purpose in cultivating gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.

“I’ve always wanted to grow things, and the mushrooms kind of found me,” he says.

MORE THAN A TRAIL

The North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway

Heritage Trail is being created to preserve, protect and celebrate vital African-American history in Brunswick County.

By Emory Rakestraw

Along the coast of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, the nationally recognized Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor pays tribute to the Gullah Geechee people and their culture. As descendants of Africans who were isolated and enslaved on the rice, indigo and cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast, the Gullah Geechee are known for their distinctive language, music, arts and crafts.

APPLES TO THE RESCUE

FITNESS, FELLOWSHIP AND FAITH

Part of a national network inspiring male community leadership, F3BruCo men’s workout groups build outer and inner strength.

By Kathy Blake

It’s 5 am at the Southport waterfront, an hour before sunrise. The gray stillness is broken only by water lapping a rocky shore and the flapping wings of early gulls.

Who needs pumpkin spice when you have the flavor of fall apples?

By Sandi Grigg

Apple season is here, and I plan on taking full advantage of this quintessential fall flavor.

I stumbled upon this recipe after about three days of cooking up all things apple, and it was time for a drink. My spouse and I wanted to use some of my apple concoctions, so we mixed some of the apple butter with bourbon and a bit of orange bitters and topped it off with ginger beer.

Swing Study

Joe’s Indoor Golf Simulator is a personal game improvement center.

STORY & PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BOWERS

TThere are many reasons to visit Joe’s Indoor Golf Simulator in Southport. Some want to improve their golf game. Others want to enjoy the challenge of playing the famous Belfry Course in Warwickshire, England, if only virtually. And then there are the golfing diehards who like having a place to play when it is raining or too hot or too cold to play outside. Here’s how and why this business began.

Retired Verizon Wireless executive Joe Biernat

moved to Southport four years ago with the goal of playing much more golf than he had time for during his career days. Realizing that there were no doubt others like him who would enjoy having access to an indoor facility, he started a business to provide one. First, he bought a house on River Road and turned the downstairs into an oversized man cave, and then he bought the equipment. He opened Joe’s Golf Simulator three years ago, suspended it during the height of the

pandemic and then reopened it in April of 2021. And it is off to a very good second start.

Biernat thinks of his place as the “instructional game improvement center.” His simulation technology is Foresight Sports launch monitor, which is equipped to provide you, the golfer, with a set of detailed statistics to analyze your game and help you correct your swing. You simply swing each club about 10 feet from the 10x12-foot screen, and Foresight’s camera system will record the details. If you have ever wanted to know your club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin, carry distance, total distance, peak height and deviation from center, Foresight will tell you. It will record all of this information for every ball you hit from the driving range, and Biernat will email these stats to you in a CSV file, which is readable as an Excel spreadsheet.

Scott Newell, PGA professional and golf director of instruction at St. James, is very impressed with Foresight.

“Foresight is more similar to TrackMan and FlightScope, which provide a wealth of data points including swing metrics as well,” Newell says. “Foresight uses cameras to track the golf club through impact and has become in my opinion, the gold standard for launch monitors. The other manufacturers are great as well, but Foresight seems to be leading the way.”

The Foresight package offers two choices. You can either hit balls on the simulated golf range or play all 18 holes of the Belfry Golf Course and watch the

Top left, Al hits a ball on the simulated range and then checks the resulting statistics on the Foresight system. Above: Ryan plays 18 holes of the Belfry Golf Course.

tracker trace your ball’s flight, just like the PGA tours on TV. Stats provided are the same for both, however only the ones from the range are recorded and will be sent to you. If you play the course, you have to look at your stats on the monitor after each hole.

As a tool to help you hone your game, the range option is best because you can hit the same club several times and get a good read on how you hit it repeatedly. But for sheer entertainment, playing the course is very popular. Even the best golfers can find themselves in a bunker or in the water. But it is a little less painful on a screen than

when that happens on your home course.

In talking with several of Biernat’s customers, the statistic they find most helpful is distance for each club, both carry and total distance. Some of the teaching pros I spoke with said they use the detailed information for two purposes. First, it is helpful in diagnosing their student’s swing pattern and consequently helping them improve their technique. And secondly, it is a useful tool for designing individualized clubs.

But Biernat’s golf business doesn’t stop there. He also regrips clubs and sells used equipment. He has several nearly new golf bags for sale and a large selection of used clubs. He even has a pull cart for sale.

Several spouses have found that a gift certificate to Joe Indoor Golf Swing Simulator for an hour’s worth of swing analysis makes a nice birthday or Christmas present. And if your spouse doesn’t play the game but wants to come along and watch you, there is a lovely sitting area with a couple of comfortable sofas and chairs and even a small putting strip. I found that an hour or two at Joe’s was also a great way to entertain our out-of-town guests. You will find Biernat to be a very gracious and accommodating host as well as ever so knowledgeable about all things golf. 

Want to go?

Joe’s Indoor Golf Simulator

8073 River Road SE, Southport (directly across from Brunswick Little Theatre)

All appointments are scheduled online by going to: joesgolfsimulator.com/.

RISING COUNTRY

South Columbus High School student Ryleigh Madison, who made it all the way to Showstopper round of American Idol before heading back to Whiteville, has no plans to stop the music.

South Columbus High student Ryleigh Madison, made it the way to Showstopper round of American Idol before heading back to Whiteville, has no plans to stop the music.

BY ED BECKLEY

BY ED BECKLEY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN IDOL PHOTOS

TV show American Idol candidate Ryleigh Madison was born and raised in Whiteville, just over the line in Columbus County, but we love her just as much in Brunswick County and throughout North Carolina. The 16-year-old country songstress is the epitome of “God and family” and is about as level-headed a high school student as one will ever meet.

Madison is so “Carolina,” even pop star Idol judge Katy Perry said she “caught the country” when Madison wowed her, Lionel Ritchie and Luke Bryan during her Nashville audition for the show’s 20th anniversary season.

Madison speaks (and sings) with an authentic country

Southern accent, and it was humorous watching the judges trying to decipher just what town she said she was from. She said “Whiteville,” of course, but they went round and round trying to determine if she meant Whiteville or Wyattville, or just Whatville. They finally figured it out with laughs all around.

At last, Madison sang and twanged and gave it her all on former American Idol top three finisher Gabby Barrett’s great song, “The Good Ones.” The judges smiled and shook their heads “yes” throughout the performance. Perry told Madison, “You’re super country and you’ve got a great voice.” And while she loved the performance, her coaching point was to dial down the accent a bit because she missed

some of the lyrics. Madison was nervous, as most anyone would be, so Ritchie asked her to just slow down (he wasn’t worried about it for her, though), and Bryan implored her to just relax.

For the vote, Perry declared she “caught the country,” and Bryan declared he could not “un-catch the country,” to laughs all around. There were three “yes” votes, and Bryan asked Madison if she had ever been past the

Mississippi River. “You know where you’re going?” And all three judges proclaimed, “You’re going to Hollywood.”

Madison went to the rack and picked out her Golden Ticket.

“I was super overwhelmed with so many emotions and was so grateful and happy,” she says.

During her Hollywood stay, Madison performed single and duet performances under the coaching of Lauren Alaina, whose singing inspired her so much when she was a child. It was a great surprise for Madison, and she broke into tears when meeting Alaina, saying it felt like a dream. Alaina told Madison she was here because she deserved to be, and she encouraged her to put her emotion into her performances because she was very special. Madison pledged to pour her heart out and give it everything she had. Her rendition of “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, whom Madison regards as the greatest all-time country singer, kept

her in the hunt for the title of American Idol .

She made it all the way to the ninth week, and the “final judgment.” It was after the showstopper round, before Americans got a chance to vote for their favorites, that Madison

learned her rendition of LeAnn Rimes’ song, “Blue,” would not put her through to the next round. According to Perry, it seemed to be too fast an arrangement. With Madison sitting before the judges for the last time, Perry predicted that Madison would create a career and in the next few years would get exactly what she dreamed of.

The experience cemented a foundation for a musical career for which Madison says she is most grateful.

In the past few months, Madison and Dustin Chapman as the duo Kindred wrote a number one song on the Positive Country/Southern Gospel Radio. It’s called “Family Thing,” and Chapman says it’s about all the lessons your family has taught you as you grow and continue to chase whatever life is calling you toward.

Madison credits God and her family for her life successes so far. “Family Thing” sounds like her life in a nutshell and portends well for Perry’s prediction — and Madison’s lifelong dreams. She’s one of the good ones.

Q&A with Ryleigh Madison

Madison’s so busy writing songs and performing them with her uncle and best friend, Dustin Chapman, I had to settle for a Zoom video conference with her for this interview. The two comprise the duo named Kindred, and they’ve been performing across the state and even in Nashville.

I was impressed with her poise, respectful good manners and sense of direction for her life. Some people who experience success are in your face about it, but Madison isn’t like that. I couldn’t help but tell her mother, Kayla Bunch, how special Madison is, and what a great job she and Madison’s father did raising her. Here is some of what we talked about.

SBM: Tell me about growing up in Whiteville and your early love of music?

Even as a little girl I always wanted to be a singer. I started singing in church at age 3. I would just go up and do a contemporary Christian song by myself, and it helped me on shaking my nerves. I learned guitar a couple years ago. I started singing with my uncle when I was around 13. I remember being very young and watching Scotty McCreery (American Idol 10th season winner from North Carolina) and Lauren Alaina (runner up to McCreery) inspiring me.

How did you get picked for the show?

My uncle Dustin had set it up where I could audition online,

and he accompanied me. That’s how it worked for the first round, because of concern with the pandemic. If they approve, the staff sets up an audition in front of the judges and invites you. Me and my momma flew out from Myrtle Beach Airport to the second round in Nashville. I definitely was nervous, but Momma was very encouraging and supportive and helped me work through that.

Was it a crazy madhouse in Nashville?

It really wasn’t a madhouse. It was very organized. You sign up and sign in. They do interviews and take video footage about your life background and who you are as an artist. I auditioned the second day, and I met Ryan Seacrest for the first time when I auditioned. I was very excited. He was so nice and

“THE DAYS ARE VERY LONG AND HARD, BUT THE EXCITEMENT AND ADRENALIN KEEP YOU GOING, AND YOU PUSH THROUGH”.

helped me calm my nerves. He was amazing. And Momma was there, and she calmed me. We were in Nashville a week.

Describe what it was like meeting the judges. I walked into the judges’ room in bell-bottom jeans, and Lionel Ritchie commented they were the best elephant bells he had seen in quite a while. He was my favorite. He was so sweet and complimented me on my professionalism and strength after my duet. They all were super nice and engaging in conversation. Their energy was super fun. They were so excited to do their jobs.

How exhausting was it, and how did your nerves, confidence and strength hold up?

I was in Hollywood two weeks. It was a lot of work and exhausting. Maybe five hours of sleep. The days are very long and hard, but the excitement and adrenalin keep you going, and you push through. I draw my strength and confidence from the Lord, who gave me my gift and He helped me through. My parents raised me to believe I can do what I put my mind to, and they love me a lot.

If you could do it all over again, what things would you do differently and will you try American Idol again?

“Blue” is one of my favorites, and I don’t regret the choice. I really wouldn’t do anything different. Age may have been a factor. I am young and have a lot to learn, but I am happy with everything. I probably won’t do it again because the experience has helped me as an artist. Now, I just want to be the best friend and family member I can be and just grow as an artist and in every area of my life. I want to continue music as a lifelong career and find out who I am as an artist and be one who spreads a positive message and connects and encourages others. My biggest dream is to play at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. 

LISTEN TO

RYLEIGH MADISON AND KINDRED

You can find Ryleigh Madison’s American Idol performances on YouTube.

Learn more about Kindred and future performances at facebook.com/kindred.musicofficial and at briolive.com/kindred

The Beauty of Birds

At YardBird Emporium in Calabash, Mary Keefe makes her hobby her business.

STORY & PHOTOS BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Mary Cummings Keefe has moved from state to state in her lifetime but when she and her husband, Marty Keefe, landed in Calabash, she went to work for a real estate broker in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Marty was a full-time salesperson for S&D Coffee.

It was in 1997 that the Keefes moved to Brunswick County. Mary promised herself that if a store in her town became available for rent, she would open her dream business. A fter retiring she wanted to stay active, so when this chance in the Low Country Stores in Calabash opened up, she knew that she had to grab it. Naming her store The YardBird Emporium, Keefe opened her door for business on March 17, 2002.

The store sells bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths and bird seed plus yard art and wind chimes, nature-themed puzzles, books, note cards and more. People stop by the 1,200-square-foot shop to ask for recommendations about which bird seed or nectar is right for what type of bird, and she draws on her decades of experience feeding back yard birds to steer them to the right food and feeders.

Keefe spends her days talking with like-minded people who like birds, with people who want to decorate their yards with bird feeders and other accessories to attract them so they can watch and admire them.

“The basics of backyard bird supplies — suet, nectar and different bird seeds — are in demand year-round,” she says.

Keefe closed her shop for only three weeks during COVID-19 in March 2020, but that was the only time she has had to close.

“Customers have always enjoyed all things birds but during the pandemic they turned their interests to all things at home and that of course included birds,” Keefe says. “ I’ve seen an

increase in sales of bird baths and bird feeders. People purchase them, and then in the following months they stop by the shop to ask me to help identify the types of birds that are visiting. I’m happy to help.”

Most of Keefe’s customers are retirees who are backyard bird enthusiasts and have the time to enjoy their hobby or vacationers to the Calabash area who want to get gifts for

Mary Cummings Keefe

friends and relatives or enhance their backyard bird watching. “They put the items in their cars or mail them back home,” Keefe says. “My customers certainly keep it interesting. We chat back and forth, we compare notes, and this dialogue about the birds inspires me to want to learn even more.”

For Keefe, watching birds, feeding birds and learning all about them has been her passion all her life. Born in Emporia, Kansas, Keefe’s family moved to Amsterdam, New York, when she was one year old. After high school graduation Keefe moved to Albany, New York, and put in 20 years of service with the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. Keefe

then worked full-time for three different Realtors, but her dream of becoming a small business owner was always percolating in the back of her mind.

Marty’s job changes prompted moves to Massachusetts, back to upstate New York and to Garner, North Carolina. The Keefes heard about Calabash when Marty’s employer set up a beach territory. Keefe asked a Realtor she knew to work with them on choosing their future home in Brunswick County.

The Keefes have been married for more than 47 years. Marty, now retired, spends his days reading, doing yardwork and golfing 18 holes with his buddies, but Keefe is happiest at The YardBird Emporium chatting with customers about their favorite birds and what they enjoy eating or what the birds need for the nesting season and beyond.

Many years ago, Keefe used to shop at a bird store in upstate New York, and she would get talking with the owner, Diane, about birds. “She had set up a small shop and then she expanded it as her business grew,” Keefe says. “She was enamored with all things birds so talking about birds and about being a small business owner piqued my interest. Instinctively I knew that I wanted to learn more about both subjects — about birds and about how she went about starting her own small business.”

Linda Fogle is Keefe’s part-time worker at The YardBird Emporium. “Linda was a customer and friend before she started

Linda Fogle and Mary Cummings Keefe

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

working in the shop,” Keefe says. “It’s been almost 16 years, and she is my right hand. She helps make everything happen. So does my friend and fellow bird watcher, Deborah Winter, who created my Facebook page and writes the dialogue and posts her pictures for our monthly theme.”

Keefe says having a hobby business was a dream come true. “It makes all the difference when you enjoy what you do for a living,” she says. “For me, going to my shop isn’t really work — it’s a passion and that’s what makes it so enjoyable, for me and for my customers.”

Any chance Keefe gets she talks with people about birds. Prepandemic she addressed audiences at local Garden Clubs, senior centers, Paws-Ability, Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash and the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library in Carolina Shores. She is also a long-time member of the Calabash Merchants Association.

Keefe says that she likes many different types of birds — cardinals, robins, blue jays, bluebirds, hummingbirds, finches, etc. — because each one is unique with their coloring, personality and antics. And she can listen all day long to the songs they sing.

“These days I’m in love with the Carolina wren because every spring they have their babies in my backyard and from the comfort of my living room I get to watch,” Keefe says. “As the weeks go by, I see the parent birds feeding their young and that sight is so precious to me. It’s one of those marvels of nature that can’t be beat. When you get to see nature at work — there’s nothing else like it.”

She says as hobbies go, bird

watching is a fun one to have.

“It’s so peaceful. It’s a quiet joy and it’s very calming. Looking at the world all around me, I see the beauty in all types of birds. Just look at the shapes and colors in the different species of the birds. They’re magnificent, simply magnificent!” 

Want to go?

The YardBird Emporium 10138 Beach Drive SW #10, Calabash (910) 575-5455

Facebook: The YardBird Emporium Open Tuesday to Saturday noon to 5 pm

Opportunity Rocks

Nine musicians, all of whom live in Ocean Ridge Plantation, form a band that helps nonprofit organizations raise fun and funds.

STORY & PHOTOS BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Combine a lawyer, an engineer and three business leaders. Add a retail manager, a senior government manager, a finance director and a self-described computer nerd. Mix in a trumpet, guitars, a keyboard and a healthy amount of percussion. Blend in an alto and then a tenor. The result is Opportunity Rocks, a band of nine members, all of whom live at Ocean Ridge Plantation in Ocean Isle Beach. They only play at nonprofit events and do not accept any payment.

“We’re all retired,” says Dennis Covelli, who denies he’s the official leader of the band even though the other members look to him for arranging the musical sets and performance schedule. “We just like to go out and make sure people have fun.”

Covelli played the accordion as a child growing up in New

York and after joining the Marines he played the bugle in the Marine Band. “I taught myself how to play it,” he says. He played the keyboard in the band at the New York Stock Exchange, where he worked, and says it also only played for charity. He plays the keyboard in Opportunity Rocks.

Laurie Schrull White sings the tunes, while her husband, Dave White, plays the trumpet. When she takes a break, White sings. Schrull White sang in her church choir growing up in New York and received the National School Choral

Above: The Opportunity Rocks band: Laurie Schrull White, Dave White, Karen Nelson, Mike Lebkicher, Dennis Covelli, Hugh Carano, Pat Robison, Dale Hackmann and Rob Edwards.

award, the highest award for high school choral singers, and has performed ever since.

White grew up in New Orleans. When he was 10 played the trumpet in “the world’s youngest Dixieland band” and stayed with it until he was in his 20s. “We played a lot of charity gigs, and I received a key to the city,” he says. He

Left: Dennis Covelli and Mike Lebkicher.

managed the sound board for Opportunity Rocks until the saxophone player moved. Now he’s the trumpeter and assists with percussion. Both he and Laurie had careers in the business world.

Rob Edwards recalls how he played the trumpet in his New Jersey high school orchestra and his friend played the oboe. The two bought guitars and taught themselves how to play them.

“We were going to be the next Ventures [rock band],” he says. “‘Walk Don’t Run’ was the first song we learned.”

It turned out Edwards went on to law school and his buddy, Joe Walsh, became a rock star and a member of The Eagles. Edwards plays lead guitar in Opportunity Rocks and says, “The charity aspect is big, and I’ve always been a frustrated rock and roll star.”

Bass guitarist Hugh Carano chose mechanical engineering for his career, but says he played the piano as a child then played tuba, bass and violin at his New Jersey high school. With Opportunity Rocks he especially likes playing for the Shriners. “They were helpful when our daughter was severely burned in an accident when she was [a toddler],” he says. “She went through a lot of operations. We were dirt poor, and I had just gotten out of the service.” She went on to be an interventional radiologist.

Above: Dave White and Laurie Schrull White.

Karen Nelson says she played violin in her Connecticut high school and bought a guitar she “strummed” at church. She now plays rhythm guitar in Opportunity Rocks. She has a degree in psychology and art but followed a career in merchandising and retail management. When Museum of Coastal Carolina needed assistance in its gift shop, she stepped in.

“It was a natural thing for me to do and a great opportunity to use my work background and make a difference for that organization,” she says. “I think we call ourselves Opportunity Rocks because it’s an opportunity to make a difference and help organizations raise money and do all the great things they do.” Besides, it has the same initials as Ocean Ridge.

Dale Hackmann played the accordion as a child in Maryland, but in his teens joined his cousin’s band as a drummer, even though he never took lessons. Columbia Records offered the four-member band a contract, which they declined when they learned it earned one penny per record sold. Columbia countered by saying personal appearances earned big money. The group won Battle of the

Left: Karen Nelson, Hugh Carano and Rob Edwards.

Bands in Annapolis and made an acquaintance with a singer, who told them transportation, lodging and food came out of personal appearances.

“We decided it wasn’t in our best interests to continue, so we broke up and went to college,” Hackmann says. “The singer turned out to be Neil Diamond.” Hackmann had a successful career as a senior government manager.

Mike Lebkicher, who plays rhythm guitar, calls himself the “computer nerd” who worked for Wells Fargo in San Francisco. He played in a few groups in high school, but now, “We’re playing for fun and for people to have fun,” he says.

“That’s a big deal for us. When we started, we said there will be no financial gain and we will be a dance band.”

Percussionist Pat Robison is the newest member of Opportunity Rocks. He played drums as a child in New Jersey but went on to major in accounting then joined Hewlett Packard. Besides Opportunity Rocks, he plays in the band at Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church.

“This is a fun group,” Robinson says. “The fact we do this entirely for charity was one of my motivations to join the band.”

Museum of Coastal Carolina, Brunswick Family Assistance, Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw and several other charities have received the band’s rewards.

“We have fun playing, and people will have fun listening to us,” Carano says. 

To inquire about the band, contact Covelli at denniscovelli@gmail.com.

...we call ourselves Opportunity Rocks because it’s an opportunity to make a difference and help organizations raise money and do all the great things they do. “

Building Hope

With the addition of the Rose House for women’s recovery, Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. will help even more people who are struggling with addiction.

PPeople suffering from addiction often feel defeated and hopeless.

“I felt like I had hit rock bottom,” Karli Wagner says. “I was homeless and I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life using drugs. Coming to Christian Recovery Centers gave me hope.”

Postpartum depression and mental health issues throughout her childhood led Wagner to drug abuse. She came to the center for help in 2020.

“It took me four months to give up drugs,” she says. “I spent a lot of time thinking about my son and knew I had to do this in order to have a future with him.”

Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. (CRCI) operates the Brunswick Christian Recovery Center and the soon-to-open Rose House, a recovery center for women. Their mission is to provide the spiritual and educational tools necessary for a long-term recovery from the illness of addiction and the beginning of a successful life.

Joshua Torbich, executive director of CRCI, walked through the doors as an addict in 2013. He knows first-hand

how important it is to have access to resources and support when you are struggling with addiction. He has helped to shape and grow the programs currently offered.

“When I entered the program, there was a retired Baptist pastor who ran the facility,” Torbich says. “I completed the program and ended up staying to help. I told myself I’d stay

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN GETTLEMEN

Karli Wagner will be the resident manager at Rose House, a center for women’s recovery.

for a year, but I knew I was gaining so much headway in believing there was a new future for me.”

In 2015 the program started to gain momentum and became a certified substance abuse program. And there was a clear need to expand services.

“Until late in 2019, CRCI only offered services for men, yet women had continuously showed up on our waiting list and were requesting access to the program,” Torbich says. “So, I started looking for a place to open a center for female services.”

Rose House, a large home previously used as a bed-and-breakfast in Brunswick County, was acquired and is being transformed into a new 28-bed

Above

residential facility for women struggling with addiction.

“We are all very excited about the opening of the Rose House, one of the most beautiful gifts we could give our community,” Torbich says. “We provide everything at no cost to residents or their families. We have never charged a penny for services.”

Funding comes from a variety of sources. Businesses and churches make donations, and CRCI also receives grant from community and state foundations.

“Much of the furniture being used to furnish the Rose House was donated by the community,” says Kristin Gettlemen, engagement manager with CRCI. “We are also selling bricks that will be used to create the outdoor patio at the Rose House. Contributors will have their name placed on a brick, and all of the proceeds will go toward supporting programs at the center.”

After residents complete the faith-based 12-Step program and participate in professional therapy sessions, they are introduced to work opportunities through a Leadership Development Initiative.

Through this program, Wagner developed the skills needed to become part of the staff at CRCI. She has been

Need help fighting an addiction?

I knew I was gaining so much headway in believing there was a new future for me. “

WHAT’S NEW

hired to be the resident manager at the Rose House, which is slated to open in late fall of 2022.

“They invested a lot of time in me and they knew I could be a leader,” Wagner says. “Now I’ll be an advocate for other residents and can pour what I’ve learned back into them.”

The success for residents is measured day by day.

“Residents of the program don’t have a graduation date, they are in a process,” Torbich says. “If they think every single day that they are a percentage better than yesterday, they are being successful. They are living a life that can multiply.”

Christian Recovery Centers,

Inc. has grown significantly. Two years ago, they had only three employees. Now, they have 17 full-time and three part-time employees.

When asked what he would say to a family that has lost hope and is struggling to find help with addiction, Torbich has an answer at the ready.

“A new life isn’t as far out of reach as you might suspect,” he says. “There is always somebody right around the corner to lock arms with who is willing to help you succeed and overcome addiction.”

To that Wagner adds, “I want others to think ‘I can do it too!’ and be inspired and hopeful for a better future.” 

Want to make a donation or buy a fundraising brick at Rose House?

Contact: Kristin Gettlemen at (910) 890-9459 For more information visit crcirecover.org

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Current District Court Judge for Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus Counties (2020 - Present)

Eight-year career as a Prosecutor for Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus Counties (2012 - 2020)

Attorney in Private Practice (2010 - 2012)

WA V E R I D I N GF O R T H E Y O U N G A T H E A R T

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

The women of Girls Gone Boogie Boarding in Sunset Beach bond over their love of the ocean waves.

Just like anyone looking to ride the waves, Pam Parisian and Rae Matthews spend time every day analyzing surf and tide charts to get a feel for the ocean’s mood before gathering their gear and the rest of their girls and heading for Sunset Beach.

The Girls Gone Boogie Boarding Club (GGBB), as they call themselves, is a group of young-at-heart women living in Ocean Ridge ranging in ages from 50 to 70-plus. They get together several times a week when the conditions are right for some boogie boarding.

They meet at the Third Street access from April through November (and even December for a couple of the diehard boogies).

It all started in 2019 when Parisians’s granddaughter, Elena Cook, who was seven at the time, was visiting and urged her grandmother to come out and boogieboard with her. Elena has been boarding since she was four.

“For years, she would say come out with me Grandma, and I was like nah,” Parisian says. “But this time, I went out and I loved it. After she went home, I kept boarding.”

Parisian knew Matthews had a mutual passion for boogie boarding, so they would go out together. And then one day, the two decided to see if anyone else in their community was interested. They found their tribe. The group grew from two members to more than 20. On average, depending on schedules, there will be anywhere from four to 12 boogie boarding at a time.

Boogie boarding, also called body boarding, compared to surfing is much more accessible to people of all ages and levels of athleticism.

Members of the Girls Gone Boogie Boarding club range in age from the 50s to the 70s and board together in Ocean Isle Beach from April through November.

Unlike surfing where the rider stands on the board, boogie boarding is done lying on the board. Boogie boards also offer more stability than a surfboard. But don’t discount boogie boarding for a lesser sport. It offers thrilling speeds, opportunities for riding tricky waves, and it’s a great way to stay active. For Amy Brozena, it keeps her out of the gym.

“This is the best workout you can get without going to the gym,” she says. “I liken it to sleigh riding as a kid. You get that big rush going down, and then you have to drag it back up the hill. That’s like fighting the waves to get back out.”

Janet Getz dittos Brozena’s sentiment about staying active. “I love the ocean, but I don’t like to sit still. In fact, I’m ready to go out now!”

Boogie boarding also requires some important gear to make it safe and a more rewarding experience.

Obviously, there is the board. The group doesn’t favor one board over another. Sue Guarino rides her inexpensive but optimal Walmart board, and Diane Miles is still using her board from 1986. What does matter is the height. According to Matthews, “Typically what I’ve read and gone with is that you should use your belly button as the height (for the board).”

GGBB members never leave home without some other essential gear like fins, goggles, shark-repellent bracelets, wet suits for cold weather and stinger suits to protect against jellyfish and man-o-war, something member Pamela Mayer knows all about.

“I got stung by a man-o-war out there,” she says. “It had to have had 15’ tentacles. My entire body was covered in hives for two weeks. Don’t go without a stinger suit.”

The ladies have a couple of other rules too. One, no one ever boards alone.

“We have great respect for Mother Atlantic,” Matthews says. “Even as shallow as it is at Sunset Beach, things can happen.”

The second rule is don’t bother going out if the wave intervals are less than seven seconds.

“If they’re less than that, you don’t have a chance to catch them, and you

end up just getting pushed around,” Parisian says.

For the women of GGBB, their group is about much more than just riding waves.

Jeanine Blumenfeld, who grew up body surfing at the Jersey Shore, has been a lifelong boogie boarder, riding with her children, nieces and nephews. “When these ladies invited me to be part of GGBB, it just brought me back to my childhood. There’s such great energy in this group.”

Nancy Godbey grew up boogie boarding in California, and says, “These gals are the greatest.”

Corrine Eisenstein, a member who had shoulder surgery,

hasn’t been able to boogie board, but she still enjoys hanging out with the group and is “hoping she can get back to it soon.”

For Wendy Carney, joining GGBB helped her overcome her fear of the

ocean. “I got caught in an undertow once, and I said would never go back out there. But when I was invited to join, I challenged myself to get over that fear.”

Ellen Jones was recovering from a broken ankle when she was invited to join the GGBB. “I was scared to death to go in the ocean, but I was also scared of falling again,” she says “Once I got out there, it was so much fun, and these ladies have really welcomed me into this group.”

Between waves, you’ll find the ladies sitting on their boards, floating and talking, waiting for the next wave. This brings up a third rule: It is perfectly ok to leave in mid-conversation to ride a wave.

So, what do other beachgoers think when they see this group of mature women riding waves like they mean it?

“I was showing my seven-year-old grandson how to boogie board last summer,” Eisenstein says. “I rode in a really good wave and stopped right in

front of a group of 20 -to-30somethings who were tossing a volleyball. They looked impressed and asked me if I wanted to play volleyball. I told them, ‘No thanks, we have a bunch of old ladies who boogie board here.’ One of the young men said, ‘I wouldn’t call you old ladies. I’d call you badasses.’”

The women of Girls Gone Boogie Boarding have embraced that title and have it stenciled on the bottoms of their boards. 

“I got caught in an undertow once, and I said would never go back out there. But when I was invited to join, I challenged myself to get over that fear.”

NONPROFIT

A Gift for Readers

BY BETH A. KLAHRE

hen Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island (FOLSOI) heard that the St. James Woodworkers were looking to partner with local nonprofits, they wasted no time in connecting. Three members of the FOLSOI board of directors, president Carol Brolley, vice president Cindy Phillips and past president ex-officio and publicity chair Diana Fotinatos, met with woodworkers Fred Walters and Dave Campbell to talk about what kind of

St. James Woodworkers build replica Ukrainian benches for G. V. Barbee Library on Oak Island.

Members of St. James Woodworkers and library leaders show off the unique new benches at G. V. Barbee Library in Southport.

PHOTO BY BETH A. KLAHRE

project would make sense for the libraries in Southport and Oak Island. When Walters found a photo of some outdoor benches at the library in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, he shared it with everyone. The photo was taken before the benches were sadly destroyed by the war.

Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, is the site of the largest nuclear power station in Europe. There has been heavy shelling in the area and concern about a potential nuclear meltdown the powerplant. Seventy percent of the wider Zaporizhzhia region is under Russian military control, and the villages are no longer safe according to the regional military administration.

The photos of the benches, which look like open books, sealed the deal for the woodworkers. Everyone was immediately on board to replicate the benches for G. V. Barbee Sr. Library on Oak Island.

“At first we thought Fred was kidding when he proposed building replica benches,” Campbell says. “The benches are nontraditional, but they are very appealing.”

The St. James Woodworkers, a group of hobbyist woodworkers, meet monthly to discuss and prioritize projects. The group likes to have one or two outreach projects at any one time.

“Friends of the Library is a good cause, so it was easy to say yes to the project,” Campbell says.

NONPROFIT

Woodworker John Matter volunteered to take on the role of lead craftsman. As a retired commercial construction company owner and carpenter who relocated to St. James from Philadelphia and a Philadelphia Union carpenter for 58 years, there isn’t anything he can’t fix or build. And that turns out to be a good thing. There were no plans commercially available to construct the benches that everyone had already fallen in love with, and that was not the only challenge. Brunswick County required that the benches be ADAcompliant in order to be placed outside the library on Oak Island.

With expert design ideas and tweaks along the way from Campbell, Matter first constructed mock-ups of the bench angles. It was the beginning of an 80-hour effort over three months in Matter’s home workshop. The 5-footlong 46-inch-high benches were made of BearBoard, a type of plastic lumber that was funded through a donation from FOLSOI. The benches, which weigh an estimated 250 pounds each, have reinforced internal bulkhead support made of plywood.

Campbell says that Matter was the exact right person to take the lead on the benches: “The work was challenging.

John has the skills and he is persistent.”

Matter says he just loves building things.

PHOTOS BY JOHN AND BARBARA MATTER

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“Designing the benches was fun,” he says. “Making the framework was the hard part.”

Using a bandsaw and a sabre saw, Matter cut 28 12-foot pieces of plastic lumber into 75 pieces used for the bench seats and backs.

The size of the benches dictated that much of the assembly as well as finishing touches be done in Matter’s driveway, forcing early morning and late-evening work sessions to avoid the summer’s searing temperatures. Woodworkers Dick Meyer and Joe Zukowski helped plug 350 screw holes in the benches as part of the

Below: Woodworker and lead craftsman John Matter and Barbee Library Manager Erica Dosher. Right: Kurt Simmons and his daughter, Bella, were the first library patrons to enjoy the new benches.

We wanted a place where they would be noticed in front of the library, away from noise so patrons can enjoy and appreciate them when they visit the library.

“

PHOTOS BY BETH A. KLAHRE

finishing work.

It took several men to load the benches into volunteer Phil Slack’s truck to transport them to Barbee Library.

“I am so appreciative!” Barbee Library Manager Erika Dosher says. “The benches are probably the kindest thing anyone has ever done for our library.”

Dosher helped determine where the benches would be permanently located.

“We wanted a place where they would be noticed in front of the library, away from noise so patrons can enjoy and appreciate them when they visit the library,” she says.

It didn’t take long for the library patrons to notice the benches.

Patron Sarah Campbell says, “The benches are so darn cute. They are clever and attractive! And in the perfect spot.”

Kurt Simmons and his threeyear-old daughter, Bella, from Oak Island were the first to try out the benches. “I like them a lot,” Simmons says. Bella was all smiles!

The replica benches are truly beautiful, meaningful works of art.

Fotinatos says, “Recreating the Ukrainian benches sends a message of how reading brings people together. If the St. James Woodworkers had not stepped up to build the benches, we would have never been able to bring such a beautiful, meaningful work of art to the patrons of Barbee Library.”

If only these books could talk. Imagine the stories they would tell years from now about their Ukrainian design and all the people who sat on them over the years. 

Roxanne Reed’s FARM SCHOOL ON WHEELS together the pieces of the puzzle for agricultural entrepreneurs.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

PHOTO BY JANICE

Have you ever dreamt about starting your own agribusiness?

Maybe you’ve thought about growing produce to sell at a farmer’s market, growing wildflowers for a u-pick farm or cultivating a pumpkin patch to sell pumpkins and offer hayrides?

For Kelly Brookshire, owner of Second Chance Farm in Supply, the dream was about building a sustainable farm.

“Agritourism was our plan,” Brookshire says. “We wanted a place where people could come and have a farm experience, look through the

After recovering from the aftermath of two hurricanes, she and her partner bought 12 acres in Supply. Their vision included a farm with goats, a garden and a pond. But turning her dream into a profitable agribusiness was not easy. Farm School was the answer.

Above: Kelly Brookshire, owner of Second Chance Farm in Supply, makes her farm work with beehives, chickens, goats, a garden, a fishing pond and the ever-popular Goat Yoga.

Below: Roxanne Reed of Farm School on Wheels helps farmers like Brookshire succeed at the business of farming.

“You have a big vision, and there are so many roads to get you there,” Brookshire says. “Farm School was instrumental in getting me to figure out what we could do. It made me focus on how many revenue streams I could pull from our farm.”

Farm School classes are hosted by a number of Small Business Centers throughout the state, including at Brunswick Community College. The classes connect entrepreneurs with the tools they need to develop an agribusiness plan. Roxanne Reed, an experienced

PHOTO BY ROXANNE

PHOTO BY ROXANNE REED

PHOTO BY KELLY BROOKSHIRE

COURTESY OF SECOND CHANCE FARM

business developer, problem solving facilitator and principal at Granit Training Group, is the driving force behind Farm School.

“Providing connections to resources, teaching business fundamentals and giving entrepreneurs access to capital, that’s our focus,” Reed says. “I’ve been a teacher of entrepreneurs and business owners for over 20 years. We really handhold them through the process — here are the people you need to talk to and this is how they can help you grow your business.”

In 2015 Reed was a business counselor at James Sprunt Community College in Duplin County and was asked to develop classes for students who were agri-curious. This is a term that refers to someone who is leaning toward a career in the agricultural business beyond it being a hobby.

“We offer classes to everyone from porch farmers to those who have 20 to 65 acres,” Reed says.

Her curriculum spread to other community colleges throughout the state. Teaching in many little pockets of the state, she found that there was a need for this information and wanted to share it with a growing community of agribusiness entrepreneurs.

“We are funded by grants and typically tied to community colleges, and there is no cost to students,” Reed says. “Granit Training Group is a family-owned company. How dare I have all this information and not share it? I don’t charge our [Farm School] clients and students. That’s not who I am.”

During the pandemic it was necessary to take Farm School on the road to meet the needs of her students.

“The mobile unit, Farm School on Wheels, came about because my students couldn’t come to me,” Reed says. “I would go to them and set up shop where it was safe for them. We have helped with more than 320 grants to keep people and their businesses going.”

Brookshire says Farm School provided her

with a network of friends who she still interacts with and can call to share ideas.

“We also support each other by offering products and helping each other out,” Brookshire says.

With Reed’s ongoing support, Second Chance Farm has grown and includes a pond stocked with catfish and bass, a large

“We offer classes to everyone from porch farmers to those who have 20 to 65 acres.” “

Scenes from a Farm School on Wheels class and the goats and gardens at Second Chance Farm.

PHOTO BY JANICE WRIGHT

COURTESY OF SECOND CHANCE FARM

COURTESY OF SECOND CHANCE FARM

COURTESY OF SE COND CHANCE FARM

garden, 11 active beehives and a meadow with 10 miniature goats.

Brookshire has always been drawn to goats. “Goats are like potato chips, you can’t have just two,” she says with a laugh.

Brookshire’s goats are a big part of the experience at Second Chance Farm. She recently began offering goat yoga at the farm.

“Our yoga is more of an interaction,” Brookshire says. “I partner with Kathryn Stutey at Holden Beach Yoga. She teaches the class and I provide the goats. Participants come to the farm and put their mats in the grass and the goats interact with everyone. It is so much fun.”

Brookshire says Reed has great ideas and has been a continued resource.

“When you buy land, you are a visionary, and you need the nuts and bolts,” Brookshire says. “She gives you the nuts and bolts and helps you to continue to grow your business.”

Reed made her own dreams of owning a large farm become a reality.

“My husband and I decided to look to the future,” Reed says. “It was a perfect time for me to transition. We ended up selling everything on the coast and our small farm. We found a 100-acre farm north of Winston-Salem.”

Their Farm at Buzzard Rock in North Hamptonville is home to Reed’s new Airbnb and numerous hiking trails. It is also home base for a digital learning lab, launched in September, where Reed teaches and offers agribusiness classes on-site and online.

Reed has also gotten back on the road with Farm School on Wheels, offering another tour of cities throughout the state. The classes

focus on lessons in access to capital for small businesses.

Farm School on Wheels has held a group class at Second Chance Farm.

“It’s a great in-person experience and a way for us to meet and get our questions answered,” Brookshire says.

Reed and her team have helped many entrepreneurs across the state make their dreams come.

“I really divulge all the secret ingredients of getting you to resources and access to capital,” Reed says. “I’m a puzzle solver. I make it all fit together and help you pay for it.” 

Have questions about an agribusiness idea?

Contact: Roxanne Reed, founder and CEO of Farm School on Wheels via farmschoolonwheels.com

Want to visit Second Chance Farm for Goat Yoga?

Contact: Kathryn Stutey at Holden Beach Yoga, (910) 713-9686

Contact: Kelly Brookshire on Facebook at Second Chance Farm or (910) 232-3335

PHOTO BY KELLY BROOKSHIRE

A Mean Green Machine

Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue department’s new custom heavy rescue truck serves a multitude of vital rescue operations.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Studies show that the color green can inspire creativity, and the Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue department proves that concept with its new green heavy rescue truck.

“The guys built the truck and decided what they wanted on it,” says Talbot “Tal” Grissett, fire chief at the station since 2003. “It blows you away how much equipment we carry.”

He nods to his Assistant Fire Chief Richard Teague, Jr. “Rich was the lead person in designing the truck. He’s the mastermind behind it.”

“Everybody had a part in it,” Teague hastens to say.

All five full-time and eight part-time members of the department

Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Richard Teague and Chief Tal Grissett show off their new heavy rescue truck.

PHOTOS BY JO ANN MATHEWS

and its half-dozen volunteers contributed to the design of the 37-foot-long, 54,000-pound heavy rescue truck they acquired in April 2021, he says. Heavy rescue as defined by the North Carolina Association of Rescue & E.M.S., Inc. includes advanced levels of all rescue, advanced extrication and basic life support functions as an initial responder with minimum advanced equipment.

This department has gone beyond the minimum. The truck is equipped with hydraulic jacks, axes, innumerable saws, chains, drills and hundreds of other pieces of equipment.

“It’s like a big toolbox,” Grissett says. “You know from experience what you need.”

Teague calculated dimensions for every situation, such as where the steps should go on the truck, their length and the space between them. He designed the pull-out drawers and included hooks where equipment could hang.

"Rich got the scrap aluminum, cut it, fabricated brackets and welded them in the truck where he wanted them,” Grissett says.

A firefighter with the department since 2001 and the first paid employee of the department, Teague was encouraged to explain his part despite wanting to stay in the background.

“After 20 years of playing with fire trucks, you kind of figure out how to make things more efficient,” he says and emphasizes, “All the guys had some say in that vehicle, and we take pride in that. Everybody here had input on the color, stickers, how many people sit in the cab, where things should be, everything.”

Which brings up the question of the color. Why green?

“Green fits the Halloween Haunted Trail,” Teague says.

The Haunted Trail began in 2008 to raise money for equipment. The department designed the trail, which has the reputation of being the scariest Halloween attraction throughout several counties. Firefighters have witnessed grown men cringe and become physically sick on the spot. Its

signature hearse with HAUNTED TRAIL painted in bright green letters down the length of both sides sits in a prominent position at the station.

The department also realizes that studies indicate lime green is a better color for fire trucks than red because it grabs more attention, especially at

night. The U.S. Fire Administration confirmed in 2009 that yellow/lime green and orange are better colors than red for fire trucks. However, the public recognizes red for fire trucks and may not realize that fire trucks can be green.

Grissett adds another meaning. “We’re going green,” he says with a cheerful laugh. “This truck has battery operated tools and only one gas powered back-up pump for extrication.”

Besides being certified to do heavy rescue, the new truck is also certified for agricultural, high angle, confined space, medical rescues and wilderness rescues. It recently held large animal rescue training to earn that certification.

“We’ve always been big on rescues,” Grissett says. “About 90 percent of the county rescuers have gotten their training here. We’re classified as a training facility.”

Malcolm Smith, fire administrator for Brunswick County, says of the 21 fire departments in Brunswick County, five others besides Grissettown Longwood have a heavy rescue truck. The majority of the rescues are due to vehicle accidents, which result in extractions or use of the various tools and equipment on the truck, he says. “I’m glad we have it at [Grissettown Longwood],” he says. “It’s a newer rescue truck. They are doing a great job there.”

John Pollock, a member of the department board, says people are in awe of the rescue truck. “People from other fire departments say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that.’”

Grissett says Pollock started the Christmas train show, another popular fundraiser.

Carolyn Gnam, secretary-treasurer of the board, says the department uses discretion when spending. “It’s the best

$750,000 we’ve ever spent! It’s an amazing piece of equipment,” she says of the rescue truck.

“We’re proud of what we’ve done,” Grissett says. “We are at the point where we can operate and purchase what we need.” 

More information

Grissettown Longwood Fire & Rescue 758 Longwood Road, Ocean Isle Beach (910) 287-3030 grissettownfire.com

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Based locally in Brunswick County

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A Fresh Thinking, Forward Looking Approach to Managing

Jennifer Gambino Woloshin Coastal Integrative Health Business Profile

Jennifer Gambino Woloshin, a new chiropractor at Coastal Integrative Health in Shallotte, always knew she wanted to work in the medical field but couldn’t quite pinpoint the exact path of medicine she wanted to concentrate on.

Originally from New Jersey, Woloshin earned a BS in biology from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, but took a two-year pause to figure things out.

“I thought at first my focus in the medical field would be something in sports medicine, but I couldn’t really put my finger on it,” Woloshin says. “So, I kind of slowed it down and gave myself some time to think it over.”

That break pulled her in the direction of chiropractic medicine and National University at St. Petersburg College, Florida, where she received her doctorate in chiropractic medicine.

“When I looked into chiropractic medicine, it made more sense for me because you get to spend more time with your patients, not just see them once a year for a physical,” Woloshin says. “You get to get to know the patients a lot more personally.”

Woloshin, who joined Coastal Integrative Health in January of 2022, says she sees patients from as young as two weeks old into those in their twenties up into their seventies in the Shallotte area. As part of the staff’s annual continuing education requirements, she would like to learn more about pediatrics in chiropractic therapy.

In addition to chiropractic therapy, the team of doctors, therapists and staff at Coastal Integrative Health offer physical and massage therapy services in their two locations in Shallotte and Leland. They also provide their patients alternative, natural healthcare through nutritional counseling and enhanced lifestyle education. It’s their belief to openly work with the traditional medical community as well to seek the best possible health and results for their clients.

“I love not only the one-on-one work that we do, but also that the same issue or same diagnosis for each patient isn’t necessarily treated the same way,” Woloshin says. “It’s more based upon each person’s unique profile. And I think it’s a nice thing in our field that it’s not really monotonous. It always has you changing it up, and I get to work with many different people and just keep learning.”

BY ASHLEY DANIELS

When Woloshin is not giving the best quality care to her patients in her new role, she loves taking advantage of coastal Carolina living.

“I love anything that’s water related,” she says. “You can take me to the ocean, a pool, a pond … anything with water, and I’m happy.”

Coastal Integrative Health coastalhealthnc.com

728 Village Road SW, Shallotte (910) 755-5400

1175 Turlington Avenue, #103, Leland (910) 408-1778

PHOTOS BY LAURA

GLANTZ

SERVING BUYERS & SELLERS ON THE NC & SC COASTS

Coastal Carolina Lighting Company Business Profile

BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Service and satisfaction are signature qualities of Coastal Carolina Lighting Company in Ocean Isle Beach. Owners Jacob “Jake” Wilson and Melissa Wilson provide permanent outdoor lighting systems for residential and commercial properties in Brunswick, New Hanover and Horry counties and guarantee their work.

“We believe there is a right way to install lights, and we install them properly,” Jake says. “We design a system customized for your house or business that is built to last. Our customers come first, and we take pride in being reliable.”

The company holds both a corporate license and an individual license with the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board and the necessary insurance and warranties.

When a client requests a presentation, Coastal Carolina Lighting brings its portable equipment and offers a nighttime demonstration of its products to give the customer an idea of how the lighting accentuates their home or business.

An added feature the company offers is the ability for customers to change the color of the lights. Customers download the app on their cell phones and control the colors they wish to display. “We are one of the few lighting companies that is experienced installing this system,” Jake says.

Jake explains that although the company’s focus is installing permanent outdoor lighting, it also offers holiday decorations through the franchise Christmas Décor.

“We design your house based on what your holiday decorating needs are,” he says.

Outlining a roof, stringing lights on shrubbery and trees and adding accent lights on the ground are part of their expertise. Wreaths, garlands and special touches can be added.

“We interview clients on the theme they want,” Jake says. “Anything you want Christmas-wise, we can get done. We can take on any project as long as it’s a safe endeavor.”

The company can also provide indoor decorations for those wishing a special Christmas tree or other accents.

“We do have the ability to make custom pieces,” Jake says.

The company leases all decorations to their customers, who can observe a team installing them. The staff repairs or resolves any issue that arises and caters to its clients’ concerns.

“We have a very fast response time,” Jake says.

When the holiday season is over, the team removes the decorations. No need to have a place to store what was leased because Coastal Carolina Lighting does that for their clients until the decorations are needed the following year.

Christmas isn’t the only holiday in which Coastal Carolina Lighting offers service. Its permanent lighting systems have color-changing options that accommodate decorating for Halloween, Fourth of July and other special days. Orange and purple may be preferred colors for Halloween while red, white and blue can feature the Fourth of July.

The Wilsons brought Coastal Carolina Lighting to Ocean Isle Beach in 2021 with their 13 years of business experience.

“We’re a local, family-owned business,” Jake says. “We specialize in luxury outdoor lighting. Every house is a lighted canvas. We take a lot of pride in that.”

Coastal Carolina Lighting

1564 Market Place Boulevard, Suite 400-360, Ocean Isle Beach (910) 712-1695, coastalcarolinalighting.com facebook.com/coastalcarolinalighting

Sarah Harris Intracoastal Realty Corporation Business Profile

Meeting the needs of clients is a top priority for Sarah Harris at Intracoastal Realty Corporation in Ocean Isle Beach.

Intracoastal Realty Corporation (IRC) is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in residential real estate, management of vacation and longterm rental properties, and project development. Referrals from current and former clients and their close contacts account for more than half of IRC’s annual business.

Harris is a top-producing broker/ Realtor with Intracoastal. Her success comes from her strong people skills, her ability to build lasting relationships and her desire to take care of her clients. She is a Strategic Pricing Specialist and a Certified Negotiations Expert as well.

“I understand the market trends and can put together a strategy to sell your home,” Harris says.

Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Harris moved to Ocean Isle Beach in 1995 to begin her career in real estate. Today she has more than 25 years of experience along the coast and has sold more than $200 million worth of properties on the mainland from Calabash to Wilmington and on the islands from Sunset Beach to Topsail.

In her first year with the company,

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

she won numerous awards including Top Listing Agent. She and her team are working to expand business in the Wilmington area and she remains a Top Producer today.

Harris’s mission is to provide the best care for her clients.

“I enjoy meeting people and working together to find their dream home,” she says. “Our motto is ‘Home is not a place, it is a feeling.’”

Harris’s team has more than 75 years of combined experience and has been number one in the South Brunswick County office for seven years running, since they moved to Intracoastal Realty in 2015. The team, including agents Chris Morgan, Caroline Harrison, Joelle Hardcastle, Millie Keener and Sales Coordinator/Agent Manager Whitney Carrington, covers the coast from Topsail Island to Pawleys Island, thanks in part to Hardcastle, who is now licensed in South Carolina. They have a second office at Lumina Station in Wilmington for covering the Topsail area.

“We work on demand 24/7 and are committed to expanding and growing our business,” Harris says. “The current market hasn’t slowed for our team and we are as busy listing and selling as we have been on the NC coast since 1995.”

Harris’s passion for the people and towns throughout Brunswick County is evident.

“We live and work in the area because we absolutely love the North Carolina coast up and down,” she says.

Intracoastal Realty Corporation has a history of giving back to the communities in which their agents live and work. They have partnered with Brunswick Community College, University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College to offer scholarship opportunities to students in need.

Harris and her husband, Ray, have three children, ages 27, 19 and 18. The family also owns Sharky’s Restaurant on the island of Ocean Isle Beach. It is a popular eatery for locals and visitors alike. The menu features classic American food such as salads and sandwiches as well as seafood and fish dishes. With a tranquil view of the Intracoastal Waterway, Sharky’s has been a family-owned business for more than 30 years.

Sarah Harris Intracoastal Realty Corporation 119 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach (910) 209-2535 sarahharristeam.intracoastalrealty.com

SNIPPET

41st Annual NC Oyster Festival

 The ever-popular NC Oyster Festival will be held on October 15 and 16 rain or shine at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach. Come for the oysters – participate in the oyster shucking contest, watch a cooking contest or just eat them fried or steamed. But there’s more than oysters, and that includes a variety of other tasty food and live music from rock-n-roll, R&B, country and classic beach music bands. You can also do a little shopping from arts and crafts vendors selling handmade jewelry, holiday decor, natural beauty products, handcrafted clothing items, woodcrafts, unique cuisines and much more. Volunteers are still needed and appreciated.

NC OYSTER FESTIVAL

October 15 and 16 Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach ncoysterfestival.com

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held its 47th Annual Meeting at Brunswick Senior Resource Southport Center. The Annual Meeting is a chance for members to gather, celebrate and recognize those who have gone beyond for the organization and local business community.

Keynote speakers were Chad Kimes, PE, Division Engineer for North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division 3, and Anthony Law, PE, Division Construction Engineer, with a focus on local bridge and highway projects.

Former president of the chamber Board of Directors Ervin Etheridge (BEMC) passed leadership to new president Jeffrey Stites (Southport Magazine). Etheridge also made eight recognitions:

 PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Martin Register, past chair and current member of the U.S. Open King Mackerel



AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: Felicia Sexton, Independent Associate of LegalShield/IDShield and Carolina Crab Brewing Company

 Executive Vice President Karen Sphar was recognized for her 34TH ANNIVERSARY at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce



RETIRING DIRECTORS RECOGNITION: Ben Frazier, The State Port Pilot; Jessica Fuller, Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS; Kristin Goode, Oak Island Accommodations; Andrew Laing, Southport Coffee Co & Kitchen and Southport Coffee Co; and Jackie Pappas, Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry & Coastal Pediatric Dentistry.



THOSE ELECTED TO FILL THOSE RETIRING POSITIONS: Jackie Del Prete, Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars; Hugh Fosbury, iTrip Vacations of Oak Island & Captain Newton’s Inn; Bradley Narron, BEMC; Brooke Rudd-Gaglie, Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., Realtors; and Felicia Sexton, Independent Associate of LegalShield/IDShield and Carolina Crab Brewing Company.



THOSE CONTINUING THEIR TERMS ON THE BOARD: Lisa Benna, Salty Chick Design; Cindy Capps, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill; Teresa Carroll, Financial Consultant for Edward Jones; Zach Clouser, Clouser Law; Ilene Evans, Dosher Memorial Hospital; Randy Moffitt, Moffitt Builders; Brina Neeley, Coastline Insurance Associates of NC; Ashley Park Atlantic Bay Mortgage and Pamela Sexton, Cattail Cottage.

Ervin Etheridge and Jackie Pappas

 The Annual Artisans Holiday Boutique at St. James Community Center is scheduled for Friday, November 4, and Saturday, November 5.

This year’s Holiday Boutique will be the biggest yet. Beautifully handcrafted artwork and paintings will be on display, including unique handwoven baskets, painted glassware, ornaments, pottery, fabric art, table linens, original paintings and prints, cards, books, coastal decor, handturned wood pieces, tile trays and tables, coasters, children’s sweaters,

2022 Artisans Holiday Boutique 910.664.0470

ARTISANS HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

November 4 and 5, 9 am to 4 pm St. James Community Center, 4136 SouthportSupply Road SE (across the road from the entrance to the St. James community)

This free is event is open to the public and there is plenty of parking. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Bella Italia

 Brunswick Community College Foundation (BCCF) hosted the sixth annual Bella Italia event on Saturday, June 25. Presented by Diamanté Sponsors, Dinah E. Gore and Myong & Paul Jensen and supported by a host of other sponsoring partners from the community, the event raised funds to provide critical support to the foundation in support of BCC students. Donna Gregory, of WWAY’s “Good Morning, Carolina,” served as emcee for the event and the program included performances by Cape Fear A Cappella, an invocation by Joe Stanley and remarks from Kent Wood and Teresa Carroll of the Foundation Board. Guests also heard from Dr. Gene Smith, president of Brunswick Community College (BCC). Over a delicious five-course dinner with food and wine pairings provided by Coastal Catering and Events, guests heard heartfelt stories from three BCCF Student Ambassadors who are working hard to achieve their educational goals. To get involved with BCCF, contact Executive Director Elizabeth Wassum at wassume@brunswickcc.edu.

PHOTOS BY ALAN MORRIS

Octobe r Novembe r Decembe r

D a t e High Tide Low Tide

AM PM AM PM Time (EST) Height (ft) Time (EST) Height (ft) Time (EST) Height (ft) Time (EST) Height (ft)

1 2:18 4.4 2:58 5.4 8:36 0.7 9:35 0.8

2 3:25 4.5 4:00 5.4 9:53 0.8 10:41 0.6 4:29 4.7 4:59 5.3 11:06 0.6 11:39 0.4 5:29 5.0 5:55 5.3 12:09 0.4 6:25 5.3 6:48 5.2 12:28 0.2 1:04 0.3 6:15 5.5 6:36 5.2 1:13 0.0 12:54 0.2 7:00 5.7 7:20 5.0 12:55 -0.1 1:40 0.2 7:41 5.7 8:02 4.9 1:36 -0.1 2:23 0.2 8:20 5.6 8:43 4.7 2:15 0.0 3:05 0.4 8:59 5.5 9:24 4.4 2:54 0.2 3:45 0.6 9:38 5.2 10:07 4.2 3:34 0.4 4:24 0.8 10:20 5.0 10:54 4.0 4:14 0.6 5:05 1.0 4.7 11:46 3.8 4:56 0.8 5:48 1.2 5:41 1.0 6:35 1.4 12:51 4.5 6:30 1.2 7:27 1.4 1:42 4.4 7:25 1.3 8:23 1.4 3.9 2:31 4.4 8:27 1.3 9:17 1.2 9:29 1.1 10:05 0.9 10:26 0.9 10:50 0.6 0.6 11:32 0.3 12:08 0.3 12:15 0.0 12:56 0.0 7:19 12:59 -0.3 1:44 -0.2 1:46 -0.4 2:34 -0.3 2:34 -0.5 3:24 -0.3 9:51 -0.4 4:16 -0.2 10:52 4:18 -0.3 5:10 0.0 5:15 -0.1 6:07 0.1 6:17 0.2 7:08 0.3 7:26 0.4 8:12 0.3 10:11 0.1 0.4 11:01 0.0 5:24 4.5 11:51 0.3 11:46 -0.1 5.2 6:13 4.5 12:39 0.2 5.3 6:58 4.4 12:29 -0.1 1:23 0.2 5.3 7:40 4.3 1:09 -0.1 2:04 0.2 5.2 8:20 4.2 1:49 -0.1 2:43 0.3 8:34 5.1 8:59 4.1 2:29 0.0 3:21 0.4 9:12 5.0 9:39 3.9 3:09 0.1 3:59 0.5 9:51 4.8 10:21 3.7 3:49 0.3 4:38 0.7 10:32 4.6 11:08 3.6 4:29 0.4 5:17 0.8 11:18 4.4 11:58 3.5 5:11 0.6 5:57 0.9 12:05 4.3 5:56 0.8 6:40 0.9 12:49 3.6 12:53 4.2 6:46 0.9 7:25 0.9 1:39 3.7 1:42 4.1 7:42 0.9 8:15 0.8 2:29 4.0 2:32 4.1 8:44 0.9 9:08 0.6 3:19 4.3 3:23 4.1 9:46 0.7 10:00 0.3 4:10 4.7 4:17 4.2 10:45 0.4 10:52 0.0 5:02 5.1 5:12 4.3 11:40 0.1 11:43 -0.3 5:54 5.4 6:06 4.4 12:33 -0.2 6:46 5.8 6:59 4.6 12:34 -0.6 1:25 -0.5 7:37 6.0 7:51 4.6 1:26 -0.8 2:17 -0.6 8:28 6.0 8:44 4.6 2:19 -0.9 3:10 -0.7 9:22 5.9 9:39 4.6 3:13 -0.9 4:02 -0.7 10:18 5.7 10:39 4.5 4:08 -0.8 4:54 -0.6 11:17 5.4 11:43 4.4 5:05 -0.6 5:47 -0.4 12:17 5.1 6:04 -0.3 6:42 -0.3 12:48 4.4 1:17 4.7 7:09 0.1 7:39 -0.1 1:50 4.5 2:14 4.4 8:21 0.3 8:38 0.0 2:49 4.5 3:10 4.2 9:33 0.4 9:31 0.0

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Ace Hardware of Southport 910-477-6444 12

Advanced Orthopedics 910-641-8670 11

All in Bloom 910-477-6024 9

Allstate - R&R Insurance Services, Inc 910-754-6596 87

Angelo’s Pizzeria and Bistro 910-754-2334 58

Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle 910-754-8080 88

Bald Head Coffee 800-484-8399 80 Bell & Bell Buick GMC 843-399-8300 75

BEMC ........................................................................................... 800-842-5871 77

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Crystal Babson 910-393-9957 22

Bianchi Brickyard Supply 910-454-4445 94

Bill Clark Homes 910-550-1157 73

Bleu 910-579-5628 88

BlueWave Dentistry 910-383-2615 36

Body Edge Fitness Solutions 910-575-0975 25

Boundary House 910-579-8888 4

Braddock Built Renovations 910-754-9635 76

Brunswick Community College 76

Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce 910-754-6644 IFC Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity ................... 910-454-0007 88

Brunswick Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 910-269-2420 47

Callahan’s of Calabash 800-344-3816 55

Camouflage Aesthetic Injection Boutique 910-565-6810 94 Clark’s Seafood and Chop House 843-399-8888 6

Coastal Carolina Lighting Company 910-712-1695 93

Coastal Insurance 910-754-4326 96

Coastal Integrative Health 910-755-5400 48, 91

Coastal Primary Care and Wellness 910-795-1700 84

Coastal Wine Room 910-393-2125 96

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage 910-371-1181 13

Coldwell Banker Sloane Realty ........................................... 910-579-1144 29

Comfort Keepers 910-575-5700 14

CommWell Health 877-935-5225 92

Cucalorus Film Festival 97

Custom Home Furniture Outlet 910-399-4229 63

Dosher Memorial Hospital 910-454-4671 19

EmergeOrtho 910-332-3800 5

Farm Bureau Insurance - Shallotte 910-754-8175 14, 90

Floor Coverings International Shallotte 910-575-5248 7

Free Spirit Conservatory of the Arts............................. 910-579-5673 82

Hankins for Board of Education 103

Heartsease at Shallotte 910-256-3366 70

Hello Garage 910-543-8458 12

Heritage Fresh Market 910-253-1330 52

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries 910-754-7571 60

Intracoastal Realty Corporation 910-579-3050 30

Island Classic Interiors 910-579-8477 84

Ivester Jackson Coastal Properties 910-456-6077 52

J&K Home Furnishings 843-249-1882 20 & 21

Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille........................................... 910-579-9997 29

Keller Williams - Angie Wilkie 336-451-9519 92

Ken Kiser Homes 984-299-7626 51

Kingz Custom Concrete Coatings................................... 910-620-8979 98

Klinton’s Flooring 910-575-2838 90

Kristin Dowdy, State Farm Agent 910-754-9923 44

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark 910-550-1167 75

Lindsey Jenkins, Century 21 Collective 910-368-9626 57

Lynda Haraway Group 910-250-1916 3

Living Coastal Team Intracoastal Realty Corporation 910-712-3515 67

Macie & Ethel’s 910-842-2177 58

Maria’s Pizzeria 910-579-3233 58

McLeod Health 843-366-3891 15

Niche Décor & Gifts 910-769-8839 63

Novant Health 910-579-8363 BC

One Love Market 99

Oyster Rock 910-579-6875 39

Paula Ogden, Metro to Coast Real Estate 910-918-6557 73

Pink Flamingo Consignments 910-734-7280 27

Prestige Outdoor Lighting 910-754-5483 98

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry 910-408-4436 41

River Hotel of Southport 910-294-6070 101 Sarah Harris Team Intracoastal Realty Corporation 910-579-3050 60, 95

Sea Island Trading Co. 843-273-0248 17 Seacoast Building Company, Inc. 910-880-3639 69

SeaStar Concrete Coatings 910-664-0470 100

Sharky’s Restaurant 910-579-9177 84

Shoreline Flooring & Tile .................................................... 910-754-2582 IBC

Southport Club of South Brunswick Islands 101 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber 910-457-6964 101

Spilt Milk Ice Cream and Donut Shop ............................. 910-579-9339 58

Stump Hill Farms 910-231-0044 103

Thalian Association Community Theatre 910-251-1788 82

The Committee to Elect Quintin McGee 62 The Kitchen Man 910-408-1322 67

Triad Power Wash LLC 910-599-7798 80

TrinityPoint Wealth 203-258-3474 89

Trinity Wellness Center 910-769-5004 82

Trusst Builder Group 910-371-0304 34

Wades Jewelers 910-457-5800 103

Expect world-class joint care experts. Expect a treatment plan designed for you. Talk to us about the care that’s right for you. NovantHealth.org/JointWellness or call 833-751-6027. Expect Remarkable.

This perfect day made possible by his knee surgery and her hip replacement.