South Brunswick Magazine - Fall 2023 Edition

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50 THE NEED FOR SPEED

Meet Silas Moy, a 5-year-old gocart phenom from Shallotte.

45 SPORTS

With the Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs playing home games at Brunswick Community College’s Founders Field, Alec, Lexie and Reggie Allred have reached their goal of managing a summer collegiate baseball team.

62 ON CLOUD WINE

Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Shallotte is heaven for wine lovers.

57 AROUND TOWN

The members of the Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps group come together for their love of Jeeps and are united by adventure, fellowship and fundraising.

69 BREWERY OF DREAMS

The owners of Leland Brewing Co. never gave up on their vision of bringing a brewery to Leland, and now that brewery, opened in June 2023 across from Leland Town Hall and Founders Park, is thriving.

73 PEOPLE

The Stanley brothers of Shallotte are known for community service, education, ethics and their contributions to BCC and youth basketball.

85 TEE TIME WITH LARRY

Thistle Golf Club, the Scottish-style links course in Sunset Beach, checks all the right boxes.

78 NOT JUST FOR SEA TURTLES

Sea-turtle-friendly lighting not only saves baby sea turtles, but also casts a soothing glow that humans love too.

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY ED BECKLEY

Our region’s most experienced Urological Robotic Surgeon, Dr. Roc A. McCarthy, and team, are with Advanced Urology in Leland, NC!

From utilizing the latest in urological cancer diagnostics, such as MRI fusion biopsies, to the DaVinci Xi surgical robot, patients are provided the best technology in a very caring and compassionate environment.

Services + Treatments

Minimally-Invasive Robotic Surgery

Cancer Diagnostics

Second Opinions on Cancer Diagnosis

Surgeries of the Kidney, Bladder, and Prostate Vasectomies

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Fall 2023 | Volume 15, Issue 1

OWNER/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Teresa Kramer Samantha Lowe

Eliza Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Megan Henry Brian Wilner

MARKETING INTERN: Sophie Lesanek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Ed Beckley Megan Deitz

Brent Gallant Dakota Hersey

Katie D Photography Jo Ann Mathews

Matt McGraw Palmetto Sunrise Photography

Roberta Perillo Helen Powell

Bill Ritenour Tara Roberts

James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Ed Beckley Kurt Epps

Sandi Grigg Larry Hershoff

Dennis Hetzel Jo Ann Mathews

Theresa Ravencraft Melissa Slaven Warren

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. © 2023 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:

Photographer Megan Dietz captured our cover image of 5-year-old go-cart enthusiast Silas Moy of Shallotte. You can read Melissa Slaven Warren’s story about Silas and his family starting on page 50.

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.

Change of Address

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.

“We promise to serve you in the most compassionate and dignified way possible.”

Offering on site small animal cremation services.

is a locally and family owned business.

Katie Mae and Al Parker

Owners and Operators

The Past, Present and Future

TThey say you should celebrate the little victories when you get them. I definitely do not do that as often as I should, so I am going to do something outside the norm here — embrace a few things we have done here at our company recently!

First, South Brunswick Magazine has turned 15. To me, that’s unreal. It is synonymous with my daughter’s birth date, and I always joke that they are the same age and grew up together.

Second, we made the decision this summer to separate the content for the Southport and Oak Island area from this magazine and create a whole new magazine for that area. So as of August, we now have three magazines for our county. North Brunswick Magazine for the Leland area, SPT OKI Magazine for the Southport Oak Island area and the magazine you’re reading now, South Brunswick Magazine, which covers the Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Shallotte and Calabash areas. With the growth in our county at a maximum, we had to do something to keep up with the demand

Speaking of keeping up, it’s almost impossible to cover everything and everyone we want to in each issue. There are so many fascinating stories and people this region that we have a lot of choices to make when it comes to what to cover. We love getting story ideas for our readers, so please keep them coming, and if they don’t make it into print, most often they make it our website, LifeinBrunswickCounty.com.

For this issue, I think we selected some great stories for you. You’ll meet some of the people who make this area a great place to live, like Brunswick County Community College basketball supporters Moe and Joe Stanley, the adventure-seeking members of Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps, and Brunswick

Surfin’ Turfs managers Alec, Lexie and Reggie Allred. The PubScout takes you on the road to Leland Brewing Co., and our golf writer, Larry Hershoff, takes you to The Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, which he says checks all the right boxes for a golf course. And that’s definitely not all, so I hope you read all the way through.

I am forever grateful to our readers, advertisers and contributors of all of our magazines. I appreciate your support today, tomorrow and yesterday.

Thank you for reading!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

justinw13

Publisher Justin Williams, and daughter, Ava, who is the same age as South Brunswick Magazine.

Katie Dorsett-Dye CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am an award-winning photographer based in Oak Island. Born and raised in North Carolina, I developed a passion for photography from a young age. My business, Katie D Photography, specializes in both landscape and family photography. I am deeply rooted in the Oak Island community and actively contribute my skills and services to local events, charities and fundraisers, using my art to make a positive impact. My dedication to my clients, love of my craft and deep connection to the natural beauty of Oak Island are the driving forces behind my continued success.

Dennis Hetzel CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I live in Holden Beach, where my firm, Fresh Angle Communications, provides writing, editing, marketing and government relations consulting. I am also the author of two novels, Killing the Curse and Season of Lies. My new novel, The Vanished , is set in Brunswick County. I began my career as a weekly newspaper sports editor and became an award-winning reporter, editor and newspaper publisher before retiring in 2019 as executive director of the Ohio News Media Association. I also taught journalism at Penn State and Temple universities and have a degree in political science from Western Illinois University.

Jo Ann Mathews CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I was a freelance writer and English teacher before my husband, Steve, and I moved from Flossmoor, Illinois, to Ocean Isle Beach in 2000. Our son, Steven, lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Meghan, and their three sons. Our son, Jeffrey, lives in San Francisco with his wife, Anne. I enjoy swimming, jazz, needlepoint and my Kindle, where my book Women and Adversity, Honoring 23 Black Women is available.

K www.jamathews.com

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Fall

BCC Nursing Programs Receive ACEN Accreditation

BCC Offers New Emergency and Fire Management Degree Pathway

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is offering a new degree program for firefighters or first responders interested in furthering their education or high school graduates with a passion for a career in public safety and service. Launched in the fall of 2023, the new Emergency and Fire Management pathway to earning an associate degree in Public Safety Administration is one of three public safety administration degree options, including law enforcement and corrections. These five-semester programs prepare students for careers in police departments, emergency management organizations, governmental agencies, industrial firms, correctional facilities, private industries, insurance organizations, educational organizations, security and protective organizations and self-employment opportunities.

SeaBreeze Market Boutique & Gifts and SeaBreeze RV Park Open in Holden Beach

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is pleased to announce that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing has granted initial accreditation to the BCC Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs. ACEN Accreditation recognizes high quality in nursing education by fostering program excellence through peer review, benefiting students, faculty and the community. The ACEN Accreditation process is rigorous, involving candidacy, self-study and peer review, but the benefits are many. The purpose of the ACEN is to provide specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. Recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies, accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories and internationally. Learn more about ACEN at acennursing.org.

SBI Rotary Club Grows BCC Student Scholarship Fund

The Foundation of Brunswick Community College is thrilled to announce that the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Foundation has donated $2,500 to the Dr. Joseph A. Gore Scholarship Fund. This gift was presented during a recent club meeting at the Douglas Terhune Center for Culinary Arts at Brunswick Community College (BCC). Dr. Gore was born and raised in North Carolina and served as a member of the BCC Board of Trustees and president of the South Brunswick Islands Rotary and was passionate about service and education.

A double grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for SeaBreeze Market Boutique & Gifts and SeaBreeze RV Park on May 31. Guests explored SeaBreeze Market Boutique & Gifts and SeaBreeze RV Park’s state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful scenery and enjoyed food, friends, treats and laughter. Kona Ice was on hand with delicious refreshing treats. The RV park and gallery can be found at 1801 Wild Cherry Drive in Holden Beach.

Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR Installs Officers and New Members

Brunswick Town chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) installed officers for the 2023-25 term at its May meeting. The new officers are: Regent Mary Sands, Vice Regent Harriette Bode,

Chaplain Lynn Clark, Recording/Corresponding Secretary

Mary Mears, Treasurer Keidra Koenig, Registrar Teresa McLamb, Historian Jeanne Nelson and Librarian Phyllis Edwards. The nominating committee included Chair Carol Jutte, Cindy Sellers and Jean Green. New members installed at the meeting include Christi Carpenter, Connie Bohling, Linda Franklin, Stephanie Bodmer, Angie Smith and Rita Shire. Brunswick Town chapter meets monthly January through May and September through December. Guests are welcome to attend chapter meetings.

Sunset River Gallery Holds Fundraiser for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Flanegan (oil), Diane Flanegan (stained glass), Vann Fine Art Portraits (photography); and potters Jeffcoat Pottery, Brian Evans and Betsy Sellers. Gold sponsors of the event were Victoria’s Ragpatch and Calabash Creamery, and many other local residents and businesses also sponsored.

Calabash Elks Lodge Donates to Coastal Carolina Active Living Center

On June 2 Sunset River Gallery in Calabash held its inaugural Hearts + Arts fundraiser to benefit Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, a nonprofit provider of hospice, palliative and grief care covering Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, Pender, Onslow, Robeson, Bladen and Duplin counties in North Carolina and Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties in South Carolina. The evening included live entertainment by After Hours Jazz Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres by local chef Philip Laura and a silent auction featuring works by Marcus McClanahan (oil), Janet B. Sessoms (oil), Ginny Lassiter (acrylic), Chantal Tomiello (acrylic) Ruth Cox (acrylic), Rich

Calabash Elks Lodge recently donated $1,500 to Coastal Carolina Active Living Center for its Meals on Wheels program. The funds will be used to assist in purchasing food for the many homebound seniors in the Calabash area, including many veterans. The funds were a grant from the North Carolina Elks Charitable Trust. Elks Lodge members, including Dan and Cyndi Shaw, are active in volunteering at the center.

Calabash VFW Post 7288 Crowns Local Buddy Poppy Queen

At its May 8 meeting, Calabash VFW Post 7288 crowned Lacee Erickson as the 2023 Buddy Poppy Queen for the second year in a row. Erickson wrote the award-winning essay entitled “What does the Buddy Poppy represent and how does it affect you?” to win the 2023 Buddy Poppy Queen title and the award of a check for $100. Erickson helped distribute poppies at many local events like the 4th of July Celebration and the Oyster Festival. Calabash VFW Post 7288 has been sponsoring this program for two years and is honored to distribute Buddy Poppies to the community to encourage the remembrance of our honored veterans and provide financial support to important veterans programs.

Calabash VFW Post 7288 Auxiliary Announces Scholarship Winners

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.

BCC Vice President Selected for National Commission on Student Success

The Calabash VFW Post 7288 Auxiliary awarded its 2023 Theresa McMahon Scholarship to three West Brunswick High School seniors. The winners, each receiving a $500 scholarship award, were Nevin Siep, Zane Pullin and Karley Philips. Calabash VFW Post 7288 Auxiliary selects graduating seniors at West Brunswick High School who have demonstrated a history of commitment to the community through leadership activities, community service and/or work activities. Other criteria include scholastic achievement and recommendation letters. The award is directed to students pursuing a degree from a four-year university or college, community college, junior college or trade school. The endowment is sent directly to the college of the recipient’s choice at the beginning of the first semester of attendance.

New Hope Clinic Earns a NAFC 2023 Gold Rating

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Lee to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Student Success. Lee serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at BCC, uniquely qualifying him as one of only two dozen individuals selected for this role with AACC. Lee will serve a three-year term spanning July 2023 to June 2026. The commission focuses on student access, success and organizational transformation. The commission also examines degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer. In addition, it looks at cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and ways to improve student success while providing affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support students in every way possible.

Ribbon Cutting at Carolina Homes of Ocean Isle Beach

Many people came out to the ribbon-cutting celebration at Carolina Homes of Ocean Isle Beach on June 13. Attendees had the chance to check out their beautiful homes and modular homes while enjoying refreshments.

Chamber Hosts Summer Meet & Greet

New Hope Clinic earned a 2023 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 can 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

Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Summer Meet & Greet on June 21 at the chamber office. The networking event allowed attendees to meet the chamber staff and get to know the ambassadors and other chamber members while enjoying some refreshing Kona Ice lemonade on the porch.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

WIC Program Provides Assistance for Eligible Women, Infants and Children

The CommWell Health Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to healthcare and community resources for eligible participants. You can participate in WIC if you are a pregnant woman; a breastfeeding woman who has had a baby in the last 12 months; a woman who is up to 6 months postpartum; an infant; or a child up to the fifth birthday. You must live in the state of North Carolina, have a nutritional need determined by the WIC Nutritionist and meet WIC income guidelines. Your gross annual household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. All Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), and Work First Families recipients (TANF) automatically meet the WIC income eligibility criteria. To reach the CommWell Health WIC program, call (877) 935-5255 or come to one of the three locations. While WIC appointments were completed over the phone during the COVID-19 pandemic, WIC services are now being offered in person again.

CommWell Health WIC has locations in:

Sampson County:

• Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner – 1508-B Maple Grove Church Road, Dunn

• Salemburg - 500 Fayetteville Street, Salemburg

Johnston County:

• McGee’s Crossroads - 70 Crepe Myrtle Drive, Suite 104

Shallotte Elks Lodge Donates to Christian

Recovery

Center

On August Shallotte Elks Lodge #2854 presented Christian Recovery

Centers CEO Josh Torbich with a check for $2,000 to continue and expand their life-saving, life-altering programs. Torbich conducted a tour of the Christian Recovery Center’s new 5.5-acre campus at 520 Mulberry Street in Shallotte. The new campus came with a 23,000-square-foot facility that will give CRCI the ability to offer 110 additional residential treatment beds for the men’s program.

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GFWC Donates $1,500 Toward Student Scholarships

Sorella Pizza Pasta Opens in Supply

A grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Sorella Pizza Pasta on June 8. The sister restaurant of Maria’s Pizzeria in Ocean Isle Beach and Lucca in Shallotte, Sorella Pizza Past is located at 3219 Holden Beach Road SW in Supply.

ESP Coastal Realty Holds Ribbon Cutting

ESP Coastal Realty held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 22. Attendees learned more about ESP’s services. ESP can help you sell your home quickly or find your dream property. They are located at 1645 Seaside Road SW in Ocean Isle Beach.

Three members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of the South Brunswick Islands (GFWC-SBI) recently visited Brunswick Community College (BCC) to present two checks, $1,000 for nursing scholarships and $500 for the general scholarship fund The GFWC-SBI is a chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the world’s largest and oldest non-denominational, non-partisan, international volunteer service organizations for women.

BCC Joins Forty & Eight In Annual Celebration

Town of Calabash Receives Smart Rural Community Designation

Brunswick Community College (BCC) representatives were honored to be among the special guests at the Forty & Eight 8 Voiture 245 Annual Banquet. The Foundation of BCC Executive Director Teresa Nelson and Nursing student and scholarship recipient Erin Serkedakis joined Forty & Eight members to celebrate the organization’s longtime support of nursing. The Forty & Eight was formed in 1920 by American Legionnaires and got its name from the French railroad and its 40/8 boxcars. This independent, invitation-only honor society of American veterans and service members has contributed more than $10,000 in scholarships to BCC nursing students. Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding students committed to bringing quality nursing skills to their patients.

FOCUS Broadband recently presented the Town of Calabash with a sign that designates the town as a Smart Rural Community. This designation, given by The Rural Broadband Association, highlights projects across the nation that make rural communities vibrant places to live and do business through the implementation of innovative broadband-enabled solutions. The Town of Calabash received this recognition because of the recent work FOCUS Broadband has done to install a new, state-of-the-art fiber optic network in the town’s business district. More than 100 Calabash businesses now have access to FOCUS Broadband’s fiber optic network, which offers faster speeds, more bandwidth and increased reliability. The work is part of the company’s $100 million multi-year plan to upgrade its entire service territory to fiber optics. The Calabash business district, along with the Seaside business district and surrounding residential communities, are among some of the recent areas to be upgraded. FOCUS Broadband is committed to contributing to business growth and economic development in Brunswick County and over the last several years has worked to upgrade business districts in Shallotte, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island, Belville and Boiling Spring Lakes with fiber optic technology.

Laser Music Show: Fright Light

October 6 through December 3

Enjoy classic Halloween-themed music in surround sound while colorful laser images are displayed on Ingram Planetarium’s Sky Theater’s domed ceiling at 6 pm. You’ll hear spooktacular hits like “Feed My Frankenstein” by Alice Cooper, “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, “Men In Black” by Will Smith, “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and more.

Information: museumplanetarium.org/event/ laser-music-show-fright-light

Grissettown Haunted Trail

October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 31

This award-winning haunted trail is a self-guided tour filled with interactive props and actors who are firefighters and community volunteers. Open 7 to 10 pm, the trail takes about 30 minutes to complete. This fundraiser, benefitting the local fire department, is not a small child attraction, although it is family friendly. Parents should use caution when deciding what age children to bring. The trail will be open weather permitting. Admission is $15 per person.

Information: ncbrunswick.com/event/ grissettown-haunted-trail

Tailgate and BBQ

October 7

Wear your favorite team jersey and head out to Smart Start of Brunswick County in Shallotte from 10 am to 1 pm for the 1st annual BBQ plates, hot dogs, baked goods, and football/tailgate themed activities for families. Come for the food, stay for the silent auction and fun. $13 BBQ plates and $2 hot dogs benefit Smart Start of Brunswick County. Bring one or more used or new children’s books and receive a free hot dog.

Information: facebook.com/ events/587386830087448

Run Holden Beach

October 7

Part of the 10th anniversary of the BAM Race Series, (BAM is short for #BigAssMedals), the Run Holden Beach Half-Marathon, 5K and 1-Miler promise a professionally run racing event in a beautiful location with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and ocean. Registration is available online. The BAM 10th-anniversary finisher medals will not disappoint.

Information: coastalraceproductions.com/race/ run-holden-beach-2023/

Sunset at Sunset

October 7

The 16th annual Sunset at Sunset features live music, crafts and food. Held at Sunset Beach Town Park on Sunset Boulevard from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunset at Sunset features 140 vendors and activities including arts and crafts, food, local craft beer and wine and a Kids Corner with inflatables and face painting. Three shuttle buses will run all day long with accesses at Town Hall, Seaside Methodist Church and the Sea Trail Convention Center.

Information: sunsetatsunset.com

Odell Williamson Auditorium 30th Season

October 19

Odell Williamson Auditorium’s 30th season kicks off on October 19 with Don’t Stop Believin’ - The Journey Tribute. The 1,500seat auditorium is offering a full season of shows. Other performances on the calendar include tributes to Michael Jackson, John Denver, Bob Seger, Queen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Diana Ross and The Supremes, and Johnny and June Carter Cash. OWA offers four- and eight-show ticket packages for those who want to experience the entire season as well as individual show tickets.

Information: (910) 755-8513 or bccowa.com

NC Oyster Festival

Sunset at Sunset PHOTO BY GALLANT PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

42nd Annual NC Oyster Festival

October 21 & 22

Celebrate everything oyster as the Town of Ocean Isle Beach transforms Town Center Park into a walking district offering a variety of foods, arts and crafts, contests and live musical performances. With the support of a dedicated committee of volunteers, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, local businesses and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, the NC Oyster Festival is your destination for fun.

Information: ncoysterfestival.com

NC Festival by the Sea

October 28 & 29

NC Festival by the Sea is Holden Beach’s annual coastal arts & crafts festival. The event features art by local craftsmen across a variety of media, live entertainment, contests, food vendors and children’s activities. The two-day event kicks off with a parade over the Holden Beach Causeway — the only time of year that the picturesque Holden Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is open to pedestrian traffic. Sign up for the annual horseshoe tournament and sandcastle building contest. There is plenty of fun for the whole family.

Information: ghb-ma.org

Southport Wooden Boat Show

November 4

Wooden boats of all shapes and sizes will be on display in and around the historic Old Yacht Basin in Southport from 10 am to 4 pm. Chat with the wooden boat makers and owners and vote for your favorite boat. The free event also features nautical and maritime arts and crafts vendors, nautical and maritime demonstrations, children’s activities and exhibits along the waterfront, and a model boat exhibit.

Information: ncbrunswick.com/event/ southport-wooden-boat-show

Calabash Turkey Trot

November 23

Registration is open for the 5th annual Calabash Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. You can sign up for the 10K, 5K or the Mashed Potato Miler or run all three, which is the Ultimate Feast Challenge. New this year is a special medal for those runners who complete all three distances. Prize categories include the top three overall female/male, top three masters female/male, the winners of several age groups and the best costume. Pumpkin pie will be served at the finish line. The 10K will start at 7 am, the 5K at 8:30 am and the 1 mile at 9:15 am. Awards will begin at 9:30 am.

Information: coastalraceproductions.com

OIB Black Friday Market

November 24

Walk off that turkey dinner while shopping OIB Black Friday Market Event hosted by Pure Markets. Vendors include more than 90 talented artisans and crafters of many different mediums with unique things to see and buy for those on your Christmas list. The market will be held from 10 am to 3 pm at 5 West 3rd Street, Ocean Isle Beach.

Information: thepuremarkets.com

Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla

November 25

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla, which is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This event is held to benefit Brunswick Family Assistance. Last year’s event raised $45,620 through contributions and sales of t-shirts, hats and raffle tickets. Tickets for the raffle are available at Sharky’s Restaurant from lunchtime on Friday, November 24, through Saturday. The flotilla begins at 5 pm at Bowen Point near Inlet View Bar and Grill and heads down the Intracoastal Waterway to Sharky’s Restaurant. To enter your boat email OceanIsleflotilla@gmail.com.

Information: facebook.com/Oceanisleflotilla

Calabash

Turkey Trot

Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla

NC Festival by the Sea

PHOTO BY CITY 2 SEA

PHOTO BY LAURA GLANTZ

PHOTO BY JOE JANSURAK

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

DRUMS ALONG THE ICW

By Kurt Epps, The PubScout

Blue Drum Waterfront

Restaurant in Little River focuses on fresh seafood with a spectacular water view and the perfect combination of indooroutdoor seating.

Most fisherfolk have heard of a Red Drum and a Black Drum, but I suspect few have heard of the rare Blue Drum.

And the reason is, there’s no such thing. If we’re talking fish, anyway.

But if we’re talking restaurants, well, that’s another story,

EYES ON THE SKIES

By Anna Beth Adcock

Brunswick County local Michelle Rush hopes to join the very small circle of Black female airline pilots — but she needs help to get there.

“Flying is very humbling. It makes me realize how small I am on this big Earth, and it’s very freeing,” says Brunswick County local and future pilot Michelle Rush of her love of soaring through the sky.

The aspiring aviator’s career began during her undergraduate years at Wingate University. Rush was pursuing a degree in pharmacy but she had a feeling that her true passions were elsewhere. After hearing a guest speaker share about falling in love with aviation after graduating college, Rush made the pivotal decision to spread her wings and take her first discovery flight. She has not looked back since.

PHOTO BY KURT EPPS

COMMUNITY CLEANUP

More than 50 members of Brunswick County Association of REALTORS volunteer to clean up beaches, parks and roadsides in Brunswick County. More than 50 members of the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS (BCAR) recently participated in a Community Clean-Up Week held in conjunction with the National Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Week. Participating REALTORS and community partners split up into teams to clean beaches, local parks and roadsides from Southport to Sunset Beach and elsewhere in Brunswick County.

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ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

By Claire Lynch

Saltwater Shanty’s homemade ice cream is a cool treat for the Holden Beach area. When fifth-grade sweethearts Jeff and Leigh Whitfield opened Saltwater Shanty Ice Cream in the Holden Beach area in 2018, their vision was for Leigh to open a unique and fun seaside gift shop. And as a side thought Jeff said, “Why don’t we do homemade ice cream as well, and we can use my Uncle Gene’s fresh homemade ice cream recipes?” And they started simply with just a few recipes and a couple of picnic tables.

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QUILTS FOR HEALING

By Frederick Walton

Quilts of Valor Foundation held an awards ceremony at the VFW Calabash Post 7288 in July to honor local veterans.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation held an award presentation ceremony at the VFW Calabash Post 7288 on July 22. Group Coordinator Kirsta Meadows, proprietor of All About Quilting in Jacksonville and N.C. co-coordinator Master Gunnery Sergeant Marty Kaminski USMC (retired) represented the foundation and presented the awards to honor local veterans.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY CLAIRE LYNCH

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Surprising Slush

This

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

SNEAKY PETE FROZEN COCKTAIL

Makes: 16 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

16 ounces cranberry juice

4 cups of water

½ cup powdered sugar

1 bottle of whiskey (25.4 ounces)

2-liter bottle of 7-UP

Orange slices for garnish

METHOD

Mix the first six ingredients in a deep 13x9-inch plastic container. Freeze for 24 hours until solid.

The term Sneaky Pete originally referred to a person who did something unexpected. Like the time when my grandmother’s neighbor arrived at her home on Christmas Eve dressed as Santa. To our surprise, he began passing out gifts to the whole family. “Isn’t he a Sneaky Pete?” said my grandmother with a smile.

In the same vein, this Sneaky Pete Frozen Cocktail is named for the unexpected kick you get from the whiskey. The fruity flavors of cranberry juice, lemonade and orange juice along with the fizz of 7-UP can easily disguise the presence of the whiskey. This drink goes down easy, and before you know it, you will feel the effects.

It is traditionally made in a large batch and comes together easily. Simply pour the juices and whiskey

Tinto a deep 13x9-inch plastic container and stir. Cover the container and place the mixture in the freezer for at least 24 hours.

When you are ready to serve, remove it from the freezer and use a metal spoon to scrape the mixture. Put the slush in an 8-ounce glass and pour some bubbly 7-UP or ginger ale over the top. Garnish the glass with an orange slice or maraschino cherries. This recipe makes 16 cocktails, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

Sweet, bubbly and refreshing, it is a surprisingly delicious blend. My family likes making Sneaky Pete Frozen Cocktails to serve to guests who arrive unexpectedly at the lake house for a visit. It is a treat to sit on the dock and watch the boats go by while drinking a tasty whiskey slush — and to see the effects sneak up on everyone!

Remove the whiskey slush from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Using an ice cream scoop or a metal spoon, scrape the frozen whiskey mixture to make slush. Fill an 8-ounce glass 2/3 full with slush, then fill the glass with 7-UP and top it all with an orange slice for garnish. (Sprite, ginger ale or Fresca can also be used in place of the 7-UP.)

This recipe can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer until ready to serve.

whiskey-based frozen cocktail might just sneak up on you.

A Southern Staple

Whether you call them sweet potatoes or “swee’taters” (as we do in these parts), Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have recipe for Thanksgiving and beyond.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

North Carolina is the primary producer of sweet potatoes in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Carolina harvests on average 1.6 billion pounds of sweet potatoes a year and has seen a rise in domestic demand as Americans are taking on healthier habits.

There are many types of sweet potatoes in varied sizes, shapes and colors. I was surprised to learn that sweet potato varieties can be white, pale yellow, deep purple, violet-tinged and pink-red in addition to the traditional shades of orange. Aside from the overall sweet deliciousness of the potato all by itself, this root vegetable has a lot of versatility. Sweet potatoes are great for making chips, fries, breads, pies, souffles, puddings, spreads, mashes and much more. In this recipe, I am supplying the quintessential Southern candied sweet potato casserole.

As the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to fall, pumpkin and pumpkin spice is generally the dominant flavor and is mostly associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving. But in my home, sweet potato is the prevailing orange food of the season. My family prefers sweet potato pie to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, and candied sweet potato casserole is always on the menu at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sweet potatoes are healthier

than pumpkins because they contain more magnesium, potassium, fiber, copper and vitamins A and B6. They also provide antioxidants like beta-carotene, which helps support the immune system.

There are many ways to make sweet potato casserole, and most recipes call for pureed or canned sweet potatoes, but I much prefer the fresh-sliced option. The ease of peeling and slicing the potatoes then layering them in the dish allows me to know exactly what is in my casserole as opposed to a can full of preservatives and chemicals. This recipe, with the aromatics of orange juice and orange zest combined with maple syrup, is divine. Many Southerners like to put marshmallows on top, but the naturally sweet flavor of the potatoes gets overpowered by marshmallows, in my opinion. I have offered a simple topping made of pecans, cinnamon and sugar. When placed under the broiler, this creates a hard crust that adds to the textures of the dish.

When you start to pull out your flannel from the back of your closet and the leaves turn into burnt colors, it’s time give the ol’ sweet tater a chance. I do not expect you to start taking your fall photo sessions in fields of sweet potatoes, but utilizing this root vegetable more might surprise you and your tastebuds. Plus, it will keep boosting North Carolina’s sweet potato supply and demand.

Pro Tip

For the last few minutes, turn the oven up to broil to caramelize the topping.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

1 cup orange juice

3 teaspoons orange zest

½ cup maple syrup

6 Tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped pecans

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 Tablespoons brown sugar

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large baking dish, arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in overlapping layers.

Combine the orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, butter and salt in a bowl and pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure all slices are coated.

Cover with foil (or a lid) and bake for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the pecans, cinnamon and sugar.

Turn the oven temperature up to 375 degrees F, uncover the dish and sprinkle the pecan/sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes. Bake for another 30 minutes.

Q Southern.Sandi

Where Farming is a Family Thing.

MAKE IT FRESH with Heritage Fresh Market.

Fall squash are plentiful now at Heritage Fresh Market and can be used in a variety of tasty recipes. One of our favorite ways to eat them is oven fried.

CRISPY ROASTED FALL SQUASH

MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

BAKE TIME: 15 MINUTES

BROIL TIME: 2 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 yellow squash, washed and sliced, ends removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Livia’s Salt, Pepper, Garlic

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1/3 cup regular bread crumbs

• ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

• Slice the squash into ¼-inch rounds. Drizzle with olive oil.

• Add the remaining ingredients to a gallon-size plastic bag and mix gently.

• Add the sliced squash, a few pieces at a time, to the bag and shake to coat with the bread crumb mixture.

• Place the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake the squash at 375 degrees for 14-15 minutes.

• Reset the oven to broil. Broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes to make the squash tops crispy, if desired. Serve these crunchy bites as an easy side dish to fish, chicken or beef.

About Us...

Heritage Fresh Market is a fourth-generation, family-owned farm and fresh market. At Heritage, our time-honored commitment is to provide the community with the very best in fresh, seasonal produce because our produce represents our family name.

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FALL & WINTER HOURS: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Closed Sunday

Let There Be Lights

Liz and Burke Shuford, owners of Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast, illuminate special events from Oriental to Calabash.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

Have you ever imagined seeing your name in lights? That is just what Liz and Burke Shuford are doing for their customers.

“We take our marquee letters to weddings, birthday parties, graduation celebrations and baby showers,” Burke says. “We spell out whatever you want. When guests arrive and see our letters all lit up, it really creates that WOW factor.”

The Shufords are originally from Raleigh. Burke worked as a home inspector, and Liz had her own event business, creating balloon bouquets for family and friends. The couple also co-owned Alpha-Lit in Raleigh.

Their goal was to someday live by the beach.

“We knew we wanted to move to the coast, we just love this area,” Liz says. “The market in Sunset Beach was open, so we were excited to make the move.”

In 2021 the Shufords bought a franchise from Alpha-Lit Marquee Letters. Their company, Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast, provides the highest quality marquee letters to customize special events along the coast from Oriental to Calabash. It is their goal to make their customers’ celebrations memorable and unique.

Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast’s marquee-style letters provide wow-factor for events, parties, celebrations and more.

HPHOTO BY HELEN POWELL CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Alpha-Lit Marquee Letters was founded in 2019 by Makenzie and Dan Skipper in Dallas, Texas. Dan is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions. During the off-season, he works with Mackenzie to run their company and deliver letters to events. The Skippers have now expanded their business to more than 120 locations nationwide.

Mackenzie Skipper has years of experience in the event industry. It was her dream to own her own event business and to help others become successful business owners.

“She’s so amazing to work with,” Liz says. “She recognizes the importance of being there for all the special life moments and the significance of making sure the person feels special.”

Whether it is a wedding proposal or a corporate event, Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast can make any occasion feel special.

“We took letters to a car dealership that was celebrating an anniversary,” Liz says. “They displayed ‘50 YEARS’ all lit up for 24 hours each day for a month. It was really impactful to their customers and the community!”

You will find Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast at several events along the coast, including the King Mackerel Tournament, Dogwood Festival and Ocean Isle Beach Oyster Festival.

“You walk into the event and it’s a statement piece,” Burke says. “Everyone’s reaction is great!”

The Shufords also partner with many large events, including the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament in Morehead City. This one-day tournament is one of the largest ladies-only fishing events in the world.

Many of their clientele are returning customers.

“We get to be part of their wedding day,” Liz says. “Then they call us again when they have children. There are birthdays and graduation parties. We have a lot of customers that we do several events for each year.”

And there are occasionally things that do not go quite as planned.

“We set up once for an event at a university and we went back to pick up the letters the next day and found that there was one letter missing,” Liz says with a laugh. “We have also set up letters stacked several feet high and the wind has knocked them over.”

The Shufords’ business requires a lot of traveling and attention to detail. They keep duplicate sets of letters in stock and deliver to anyone in their service area. But some requests require them to reach out for support. “Different franchises can lean on each other. If we need to borrow a letter, we can work hand-in-hand with them to get what we need,” Burke says.

Plans for the future include expansion to the north. “We plan to grow the business and add some staff who can help us in the Wilmington area,” Burke says. “We will have another set of letters and have them kept farther north to serve those customers.”

The Shufords are excited to spread the word about Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast and the work they do.

“We would love to get more business in Southport and Oak Island. We want to get the word out that we are here and we are lighting it up with Alpha-Lit.” 

Alpha-Lit Carolina Coast owners Burke and Liz Shuford CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY DAKOTA HERSEY

PHOTO BY PALMETTO SUNRISE PHOTOGRAPHY

Field of Dreams

With the Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs playing home games at Brunswick Community College’s Founders Field, Alec, Lexie and Reggie Allred have reached their goal of managing a summer collegiate baseball team.

BY DENNIS HETZEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA ROBERTS

IIt’s a perfect late-spring day for baseball at Brunswick Community College’s Founders Field, even as afternoon warmth turns into evening chill. Daylight declines to its fringes, threatening to bring the game to a halt with the score tied.

The players certainly don’t want that, perhaps recalling the old sports cliche that “a tie is like kissing your sister.” For three hours, momentum has seesawed between the visiting Sandhills Bogeys from Pinehurst and the home Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs in a match between aspiring college ballplayers in The Old North State League.

The BCC Surfin’ Turfs playing the Sandhill Bogeys from Pinehurst in the Old North State League of summer collegiate baseball.

Lexie and Alec Allred

The setting feels like a timeless moment carved right out of Field of Dreams as baseball fans, lovers and lifers gather. And it is a place that is a big part of a Southport couple’s dream to provide a great experience for college players and maybe make the county a hotbed for summer collegiate baseball.

So far, Alec and Lexie Allred’s dreams appear on track.

him for five scoreless innings. In the meantime, the Turfs go hitless for three innings, but they rally for five runs in the fifth inning thanks to four sharp hits.

Then things fall apart for the Turfs. In the seventh, relief pitchers can’t find the plate, and another baseball cliche – “walks will kill you” – comes true. The Bogeys score four runs thanks to four walks, a hit batsman and only one hit. It’s a tie at 5-5.

In the bottom of the eighth, the intensity change is palpable – and vocal. At one point, the umpire warns the Bogeys’ bench to stop heckling. The Turfs put runners on first and second with one out. The Bogeys change pitchers, and a walk loads the bases, but the Turfs fail to score.

The Bogeys, who won the league championship in 2022, get three hits and a walk in the first inning. They load the bases with one out but it yields only one run. Will this missed opportunity bring regret later?

After a rocky start, “Fredo” Wooten, the Turfs’ starting pitcher, a wiry sophomore from Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, settles down. The Bogeys barely touch

Then, in the top of the ninth, the Bogeys convert a walk, a throwing error and a two-out double into the eventual winning run. The Turfs put runners on first and third in the bottom of the ninth with one out, but two flyouts end the game. Bogeys 6, Turfs 5.

“We’ll be okay,” says Steve Prokop, a lifelong baseball guy who is also one of the team’s most dedicated supporters, a sponsor and the public address announcer. “This is the time of year when you find out what you’ve got.”

Prokop and the Allreds say they are optimistic that this group can go places. And that will turn out to be true. At

Scenes from a Surfin’ Turfs summer game at Brunswick Community College’s Founders Field.

Supporting

Supporting

We’ve been providing Community Grants to organizations that make a difference in the lives of our members since 2003. Eligible groups can apply for grants up to $2,500 each year for projects that fall into these areas:

We’ve been providing Community Grants to organizations that make a difference in the lives of our members since 2003. Eligible groups can apply for grants up to $2,500 each year for projects that fall into these areas:

• Family services

• Family services

• Civic and community programs

difference.

Over $700K in grant funds awarded

Over $700K in grant funds awarded

• Cultural and arts programs

• Civic and community programs

• Emergency services

• Cultural and arts programs

• Economic Development

• Emergency services

• Economic Development

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit online December 1 through February 15.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit online December 1 through February 15.

387 local projects and initiatives funded

387 local projects and initiatives funded

For more information and to apply, visit bemc.org/community-grants.

For more information and to apply, visit bemc.org/community-grants.

At Cape Fear K9, we pride ourselves in using a variety of proactive training methods that are focused on positive reinforcement and reward to ensure your pup or dog learn in the most effective and enjoyable manner. From private lessons to Board & Train, our pet training programs are designed to accommodate your schedule, budget and needs.

season’s end in late July, the Turfs win their division and advance to the second round of the Old North State League championship round, losing in a 15-inning thriller.

The team has a 10-year agreement to use Founders Field and is part of a league that has 15 teams across North Carolina giving collegiate ballplayers two months of summer baseball while living with host families and improving their game.

Alec Allred played professionally in the Atlantic League. He was a utility player, a handy cog who could fill many holes, but he realized he didn’t have the right stuff to join the tiny percentage of players who make the major leagues. Three wrist surgeries did not help, he adds, rolling his hand over to show the scars on his wrist.

“I played with some who had been in the Majors and you know,

you look at them and go, ‘What am I even doing here?’” he says.

So he channeled his efforts into the off-the-field part of the game he loves.

The league itself is now owned and operated by a larger umbrella organization, the Players League, sort of a league of leagues for collegiate baseball players in seasons that run from late May through July. It is a long way from the conversation between Alec Allred and his dad, Reggie Allred, during a 2018 car ride from Michigan that led to the creation of the league. Alec is CEO of the new league, while Reggie serves as chief operating officer.

“The whole concept is to be player focused,” Alec says.

ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM

Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs

“Not all leagues are.”

Meanwhile, Lexie Allred is general manager of the Surfin’ Turfs, making some history herself as a female executive in the traditionally male-dominated world of baseball.

When she looks at Founders Field, she sees what it could become.

For the 2023 season, the team changed home fields and stepped up promotion. The Turfs are providing site upgrades with exterior fencing and a beer garden. Next up are a press box, concession stand and bathrooms. They’re exploring possible fundraising strategies to put lights on the field, which would allow both BCC and the Turfs to play at better times to attract fans and could lead to Founders Field as a site for regional tournaments.

Being general manager of such a team means you do a little bit of everything, Lexie notes. Sometimes that includes ordering postgame pizzas and handing out uniforms, with returnees from last season getting first dibs on numbers.

“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work,” she says, but it’s obviously a lot easier when you’re doing something you love. For the Allreds, that’s baseball. 

SPEED THE NEED FOR

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

Meet Silas Moy, a 5-year-old go-cart phenom from Shallotte.

Whether he is steering go-karts around a twisting track at 30 to 40 miles an hour or zooming on his electric power wheels motorcycle, if it has a steering mechanism and an engine or battery, 5-year-old Silas Moy is in his element.

Silas, a Shallotte preschooler, started racing go-carts competitively in 2023 at Southern Kartway in Loris, South Carolina. He races in the 5 to 8 age group and already has some wins under his belt. His first official race was on May 1, 2023.

“Sometimes he’s the only one in his age group, so it might just be him on the track by himself, which he doesn’t care, he just loves to ride,” says Sonny Moy, Silas’s dad. “Everyone else that he’s raced against has been 7, a first or second grader, which is a big difference compared to a 5 year old.”

Silas’ fascination for cars came early in the form of Hot Wheels diecast toy cars. His parents would reward him with a new car for good behavior. And his love for riding began when he was a baby.

Sonny has a go-cart and a dirt bike, and he would ride with Silas in the backyard. At the young age of 2, Silas started driving himself in a soupedup Power Wheels jeep. It was when he turned 4 that he got his first go-cart as a Christmas present.

Not only does riding provide an opportunity for Silas

The Moy family of Shallotte – Sonny and Sarah, holding daughter, Sadie, with Silas in the foreground.

and his dad to bond — they try to ride every evening when it is not raining — but it has also given Silas a boost of confidence.

Since his parents began filming Silas riding and posting the videos online, the young rider has become somewhat of a viral sensation, amassing quite the following from around the globe: 91,000 Instagram followers and 46,000 TikTok followers.

“Silas is very competitive, but he is really shy,” Sonny says. “When he first meets you, he won’t talk to you for the first 15 minutes, but put him behind a go-cart and he comes to life. Racing helps build his confidence. When people come up to him and talk to him about his videos, it helps him break out of his shell. He makes him feel like he is special and it helps build his confidence. That makes all this worth it.”

Going viral has led to some major perks for Silas. He received an electric Power Wheels motorcycle

from Power Wheels Kids, a new go kart from Coleman Powersports, a racing clutch for his racing go-cart from OMB Warehouse, a new tool box full of tools from BoxoTools and an apparel from Go Fast Don’t Die.

“When he promotes the things that he gets on Instagram or TikTok, it can help these manufacturers sell products,” Sonny says. “And the more followers he gets, the easier it is for him to get sponsorships. This can help further fund his interest in racing if that’s something that he wants to continue to do as he gets older. The types of go-carts you need to race can cost as much as 10 to 20 thousand dollars. Sponsorships would definitely help cut costs down.”

Whether or not Silas has a future in racing, especially on the national circuit, is completely up to him. Both Sonny and his wife, Sarah, are completely supportive of their son’s interest in driving and racing but say there has never been a moment when they have told him it is something he needs to do. “It’s all him pushing us to let him do these things,” Sonny says.

A single race day is approximately a 12-hour commitment. The family gets to the track early and gets Silas geared up with his helmet, suit, rib protectors, gloves, neck braces and shoes. They do some practice laps, then they get their starting positions for the race.

“Even if he does just one race a month, that’s a long commitment on race days,” Sonny says. “We don’t want him to burn out at just 5 years old.”

That is something that Sarah maybe worried about early on — that, and getting hurt. But she saw that Silas had talent and that it was something he enjoyed, so she is a very supportive mom. “But she still has a hard time watching him race,” Sonny says.

Sarah and Sonny may also have another young thrill seeker on their hands. Little sister Sadie can also be seen riding with her brother on the back of his Power Wheels motorcycle in some of the videos posted on Silas’s social media pages.

“Sadie is the confident, fearless one,” Sonny says. “She’ll ride along with anything Silas is on. Right now, she is not driving; she just likes tagging along for the ride ... at least for now.” 

FOLLOW ALONG

If you want to check out Silas as he shreds his backyard track or races at Southern Kartway, you can follow him on Instagram and TikTok at the username @tyrannosilas_rex.

one.

Just Jeeps

The members of the Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps group come together for their love of Jeeps and are united by adventure, fellowship and fundraising.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

Jason Bennett founded Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps when he moved to the area in 2019.

Jason Bennett Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps when moved to the area in 2019.

You may have heard this saying before: “A Jeep isn’t just a vehicle, it’s a lifestyle.” Sure, you get all the power, functionality and reliability, but with a Jeep, you get much more, namely community. Being part of a group of likeminded individuals united by adventure, fellowship and fundraising might just be the best part of owning a Jeep. At least it is for the members of Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps (CBCJ).

There are hundreds if not thousands of Jeep clubs across the United States. But CBCJ “isn’t a club, but a group” explains CBCJ Founder Jason Bennett, and there is a distinction between the two. “We don’t have officers, and there are no stipulations on the number of events you have to make or participate in, and we don’t have restrictions on the types of Jeeps you drive.” Though they operate differently

than a Jeep Club, they partner with several area clubs for different events.

Bennett organized CBCJ in June 2019. When he moved to Brunswick County, he owned a truck and quickly realized a Jeep would be more practical for the weather. But he also wanted to be able to work on it himself and find other like-minded Jeepers. He searched for local clubs and forums but didn’t find any, so he started his own. “In the last five years, our group has just exploded, and other clubs as well,” Bennett says.

CBCJ has 998 online members to date.

“We have about 50 to 60 very active members and another 60 who are semi-active,” says Cory Brietzke, a group member.

The group gets together for off-road events, camping retreats and trail rides throughout Brunswick County and

CBCJ members get together for off-roading, camping, trail riding, fundraising and just for fun.

other out-of-state destinations like Tennessee and South Carolina. They also just enjoy each other’s company, often meeting at local establishments like Makai Brewing Company or impromptu pop-up dinners at area restaurants.

What is it about Jeeps that attract adventurists and enthusiasts? For starters, Jeep is an American icon. It was primarily made for the United States military in 1941 and would be used by American troops during World War II in

1943 to clear land for Army camps in England. Its history, reliability and ruggedness are part of its allure and popularity today. There is even a Jeep wave that you’re supposed to use when you pass a fellow Jeep on the road: You extend two fingers up from the steering wheel and give a nod.

Jeeps are also conversation starters, and they often reflect the personalities of their drivers. Owners also like to give their Jeeps names. Group members Jennifer and Adam Burton have seven dachshunds, so they named their two Jeeps Ring Master and Weinger Wagon. Stacey Brietzke named hers Stomper after her favorite childhood toy, and Corey Brietzke’s Jeep is named Dirt Dawg because he “likes to play in the mud like any dog.”

Bennett’s Jeep, bright red, is named Christine, after the Stephen King horror novel. “One day my Jeep decided to eject me out of the seat, I got bounced into a tree, and then it sucked me back in,” he says. “The seat belt got locked. I guess she didn’t want me to leave her.”

If you see a lineup of Jeeps at a local restaurant, it’s probably a CBCJ group event.

Inclusivity is at the heart of Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps. Member Jessi Viox can attest to that. She owns a Jeep Compass, an SUV, named Pip Squeak that she

has had a little more than a year.

“A family member of mine had a Jeep, and they would always talk about their adventures and that’s what got me interested in Jeeps,” she says. “I could not quite afford a Wrangler, but I wanted a four-by-four so I could take it out on the beach. So that’s what I went with, and then I found this group. And they have been so welcoming. I’ve had my little Jeep on top of mountains, on the beach and buried in mud.”

The group offers an inclusive, non-judgmental place to learn about proper off-roading, mechanical support, safety, buying suggestions and overall inspiration. It is a great place to meet other Jeep devotees who can help make owning a Jeep more fun and rewarding.

Giving back to the community is important to the members of CBCJ. They spend a lot of time setting up fundraisers throughout the county. The group recently put on a Jeep Ride

and raised nearly $4,000 for the family of a young boy who needed a kidney transplant. In August they hosted a school supply drive for Cedar Grove Middle School, raising funds for supplies that kids can take home on the weekends. The group also raises funds for local food banks and hopes to increase awareness of food insecurity that plagues an estimated 15 percent of residents in Brunswick County.

Besides all the community activities and planned events, CBCJ is here to help fellow Jeepers or soon-to-be Jeepers learn about their vehicles from driving tips to modifications to safety practices to off-roading instruction. Members are readily available to assist one another during breakdowns.

“We’ve been known to drive six hours to put a Jeep on the trailer if it’s something that can’t be fixed on the trail,” Bennett says. 

JOIN THE JEEPS

If you drive a Jeep or are interested in learning more about Jeeps and want to be part of Coastal Brunswick County Jeeps, you can join the CBCJ Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/ cbcountyjeeps

CBCJ’s Jeep lovers enjoy getting together and giving back.

VVinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Shallotte is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. With a commitment to bringing customers fantastic, smallproduction wines from around the world, this boutique wine shop offers a unique selection of wines, gifts and gourmet foods.

Julia Steffen (left) and Jenna Knutsen, owners of Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room.

Whether you are looking to explore new flavors, stock up for a special occasion or simply enjoy a glass of wine, Vinofiore has you covered.

Co-owners Julia Steffen and Jenna Knutsen passionately believe that wine is more than just a beverage; it is an experience. They offer bottles that are not commonly found in other local wine retail outlets or shops, making Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room a go-to place for both adventurous and new wine lovers.

Vinofiore’s story began in April of 2022 when Steffen started an e-commerce wine shop focused on clubs and intrastate shipping.

Knutsen, who managed the day-to-day operations, became co-owner in 2023 before opening their brick-and-mortar location.

“We were located in this tiny office off Holden Beach Road,” Steffen explains. “It was designed to ship wine, not really a place that was open to the public. But we quickly realized that people wanted a place to come in and taste the wine. So we started looking for a space, and on March 11, 2023, we opened Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room.”

The shop’s ever-expanding collection includes a wide range of varietals, from elegant reds to crisp whites and everything in between, representing nearly

In addition to great wines, Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room offers unique gifts like these washable, sustainable paper wine totes and coolers from Uashmama.

every major wine region. It also features gourmet foods from DiBruno, Nicoletto’s, and Jocelyn & Company, as well as unique gifts, wine clubs, and custom gift baskets.

“We’re very picky about what we offer in the store because we need to love it first,” Knutsen says. “We are very focused on wines from small producers and family-owned farms or estate-grown wines, and they are all wines that you can’t find in the grocery store because the producer simply doesn’t produce enough for it to be interesting to a large chain. Most of the things we carry are unique or very hard to find.”

Their wine club offers a handcurated selection of wines that are perfect for exploring new regions and

expanding your palate. Wine club members receive six club releases per year and endless opportunities for discounts, special pricing, gifting options and events.

While Vinofiore is primarily a bottle shop, Steffen and Knutsen also offer daily wine tastings and wines by the glass. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, their daily tastings offer a chance to explore new flavors. With a rotating selection of featured wines, each tasting experience is unique and exciting. Their friendly and passionate

staff provide insights into each wine as you taste, helping you appreciate all the complexities of the different varietals. Each week, Vinofiore features six different wines that patrons can taste or purchase by the glass, allowing customers to delve deeper into specific wine regions or styles. They typically

select two reds, two whites, a sweet wine and a sparkling or rosé. They carefully select wines with different flavor profiles from a variety of regions, so that customers can try something they have may not tried before, often leaving the shop with a new favorite.

Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room is not just a place to purchase and taste wines; it’s also a hub for events and entertainment, like DIY crafts and tastings with winemakers and importers. Additionally, Vinofiore occasionally hosts free live music events, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere where you can enjoy your wine and unwind.

When you visit this women-owned business, you can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere. The shop is elegantly designed, but not too fussy, with a vibe that enhances the overall experience. Their friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you, offering personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

Vinofiore’s commitment to sustainability also sets their shop apart. They are not only passionate about providing exceptional wines, but also about promoting wines that are responsibly produced. Many of their wines are organic or sustainable or are produced with minimal intervention, making them better choices for the environment than most mass-produced wines. By supporting Vinofiore, you can indulge in your love for wine while also making choices that align with your values.

With so much to offer and such an amazing response from the wine-loving community, it’s no surprise Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room is already planning for future expansion.

Wine enthusiasts, curious beginners and sustainable wine shoppers: Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Shallotte is the place to be. Visit them to embark on a journey of flavors and discover the world of exceptional wines. Cheers! 

PHOTO BY ROBERTA PERILLO

PHOTO BY JULIA STEFFEN

PHOTO BY JULIA STEFFEN

PHOTO BY JULIA STEFFEN

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

Clockwise from top left: Owners Steffen and Knutsen in the tasting area; gourmet foods in the shop; live music with Dave Nelms Jazz; the storefront on Main Street in Shallotte.

Brewery of Dreams

The owners of Leland Brewing Co. never gave up on their vision of bringing a brewery to Leland, and now that brewery, opened in June 2023 across from Leland Town Hall and Founders Park, is thriving.

BY KURT EPPS, THE PUBSCOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

The PubScout, left, enjoys a beer with the founders/ owners of Leland Brewing Co., left to right: Mark Said, Chris LaCoe, Nick Floyd and Ethan Hall.

JJiminy Cricket was right, the little sonofagun. When you wish upon a star — and bust your butt (while worrying every day if what needs to happen will) — your dreams really do come true.

A year ago, I chatted with Chris LaCoe to get an idea of where — and when — he and his partners Nick Floyd, Mark Said and Ethan Hall would see their dream of opening a real, honest-togoodness brewery in Leland come to fruition.

Well, check off that big box.

Because Leland Brewing Co. (LBC) opened the first week of June 2023, and it’s kicking butt and taking names.

“We’re slammed in the evenings, especially on the weekend,” LaCoe says. “We now have six or seven of our own brews that Ethan is turning out with more to come every day. And the customers seem to love them.”

What’s not to love? On my visit I found LBC’s 5% Liberty Ship Lager to be quite good, as was the Leland Golden Sunset, a 5.3% golden ale that serves as a transitional beer for those inured to mainstream stuff. The Leland Brunswick Brown at 5.5% ABV — and very

interesting indeed — is perhaps the biggest seller, according to LaCoe. The Leland Maco Light Stout (named for one of the best ghost stories in N.C. lore), at just 4.3% qualifies as a Breakfast Stout, and the Leland Riverside Rocker Red (5.1%) has a pleasant sweetness on the middle palate. The Shay-Day IPA is

extremely solid and the highest in ABV at 6.9%. Look for a Blood Orange Wit and other seasonal varieties on your visit, of course.

In addition to their own offerings, Leland Brewing Co. has a wide variety of beers from many local sources. This summer they had Bill’s, Brunswick Beer and Cider, Wrightsville Beach and Broomtail, along with drafts from New Belgium, Mother Earth, Stone and Deschutes. With all those offerings, any beer nut should be able to find a favorite.

It is good to see the brewery thriving, considering the hurdles Leland Brewing Co. had to surmount to get to this place. There were serious, hobbling delays that cost money — big money. LBC’s project costs doubled in one year. Fortunately, their bank believed in their business model and told them as much. If they would just have the patience to let things take their course, they would see their project move.

The facility is impressive — airy, spacious, double-floored and with plenty of room for outside imbibing and relaxing. It is currently a 15-BBL operation, but that will probably increase soon — very soon.

Originally intended to be 7twenty6 Brewing, the name underwent a change, as there was an issue with the trademark of 7twenty6 Brewing. The idea for that name came originally from a friendly argument between LaCoe and Floyd about which was harder to hit — a baseball or a golf ball. It turns out the distance between a pitcher’s mound and home plate is 726 inches. And the name — they thought — was born.

The problem was that a brewery in Texas has a beer named 726, and despite the fact that one was a company in North Carolina and the other was a relatively minor beer in Texas, the trademark wonks said “no go.” The name Leland Brewing Co. solved the problem.

And, if you’re a beer lover, it will likely solve your problems as well. There is no shortage of places in Leland to enjoy quality beer, of course, but LBC has upped the game. The massive, multi-million dollar

venture was supposed to kick off in January of 2023, but you know how that “red tape” business works.

CHOOSE YOUR BREWS

Leland Brewing Co. Open daily, 12 to 9 pm 2115 Ale Avenue, Leland m (919) 609-1226

K lelandbrewing.com

WANT MORE?

Head online to read “The Siege of the Barbarian Horde,” The PubScout’s adventure of bringing his OIB crew up to Leland Brewing Co. K lifeinbrunswickcounty.com/ the-siege-of-the-barbarianhorde

No matter. LBC is here — and here to stay. Leland Brewing Co. has plans to make bourbon-infused beers on a regular basis, though that style is not being considered for the immediate future. They will also eventually distribute in South Carolina and Tennessee.

Regular visits by varied food trucks satisfy hungry patrons, while Hall’s beers slake the thirsts of the most discerning beer nuts. The bar area, with a beautiful white bar, packs out on a regular basis, but that’s what happens when you produce a quality product and a quality place in which to enjoy it.

It’s also what happens when you don’t give up on your dream and stick to the vision, even when things seem to be working against you.

Methinks Jiminy Cricket was on to something.

Dreams do start with a wish upon a star. 

Left, The PubScout samples the beer at LBC. Right, the owners of LBC: CEO Mark Said, Brewer Ethan Hall, Sales Manager Nick Floyd and COO Chris LaCoe.

Here’s to Joe & Moe

The Stanley brothers of Shallotte are known for community service, education, ethics and their contributions to BCC and youth basketball.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JO ANN MATHEWS

AA former student from West Brunswick High School told Moe Stanley that he was successful because Moe cared about him. Yet, “There wasn’t a man on the face of the earth I hated more than I hated you,” the former student added.

Moe remembered the teen who smoked pot, sassed teachers and skipped school, but says as assistant principal he vowed to help every student succeed. When he resigned after 10 years at the post, his replacement said, “I want to be just like you. Tell me what you did.”

“The greatest achievement for me is helping shape people’s lives,” Moe says.

Moe’s brother Joe Stanley says his wife, Lynda, told him he was always volunteering, and he responded, “That’s what I’ve always done.” Receiving the StarNews Media Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 astonished Joe. “I didn’t do things for the recognition,” he says. “I did things because we were raised like that.”

“I don’t think we’ve done anything special,” Moe adds. “We’ve done what we should be doing.”

The brothers relax in their modest office at Joe & Moe’s Automotive in Shallotte wearing their signature white polo shirts and dark pants. The walls display dozens of awards, newspaper

clippings and academic certificates. Soft-spoken Moe considers his words before speaking. Joe, on the other hand, has ready answers. The conversation includes serious reflections and generous

amounts of laughter.

The brothers admit they were the first Black men on boards in Brunswick County — Brunswick County Literacy Council, Brunswick County Chamber of

I didn’t do things for the recognition. I did things because we were raised like that.

“

Commerce, Brunswick County Cooperative Extension, First Tee of Brunswick County, North Carolina Rural Committee, among others.

They were the impetus for projects such as Youth Basketball League, which has grown to include more than 600 students. They have focused on the basketball program at Brunswick Community College for the past two years and raised $99,000.

“We are so thankful to have Moe and Joe,” says BCC Head Basketball Coach Walter Shaw. He explains the funds go toward scholarships, equipment, officials at games and travel. The squad can now attend camps where coaches recruit players. The brothers also offer mentoring. “Everyone [on the teams] since 2020 has gone on to the university level,” Shaw says.

The Stanley brothers say while growing up in segregated Shallotte, their parents emphasized to them, their older sister, Dianne, and younger brother, Elton, generosity and love of the community.

Their parents did not go to high school because transportation was not available to take them to the Black high school in Southport. Their father served in World War II but had to sit at the back of the bus when he came home.

“He legitimately could have been very angry, but we never saw that anger,” Moe says. “He and my mom never instilled anger in us.”

“My father never taught us retribution,” Joe says. “We were taught to be good people first and treat human beings as human beings.”

Moe and Joe’s parents owned land in Shallotte and grew tobacco and corn and raised hogs. “But they wouldn’t keep us out of school to

work the land,” Joe says.

The brothers went to Black Union High School until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 gave them the choice to go to all-White Shallotte High School. Moe chose to stay at Union while Joe transferred to Shallotte his sophomore year. “Kids called me the N word and wouldn’t let me sit next to them on the bus,” Joe says.

“The push for Blacks was church, school and home,” Moe

which has remained his nickname since.

By the time he earned his degree, three high schools were built in Brunswick County, all integrated. Moe was hired as a health and physical education teacher at Shallotte Middle School. Within two years, “I was drafted into the administration,” he says, and he became assistant principal. After three years, he was asked to be assistant principal at West Brunswick High School. He then earned a master’s degree in administration from University of South Carolina.

After Southeastern, Joe played basketball at UNC-Charlotte, majoring in business administration. Upon graduation, he was hired at what is now Truist Bank. “I was the first Black male branch manager in Brunswick County,” Joe says.

“Our dad never said he wanted us to go to college,” Moe adds “He said, ‘You’ve got to do something to have a better life and better opportunity than I had.’ Our sister set the pace.”

All four siblings completed college and got full-time jobs, as did Joe’s son and daughter. Moe never married. However, Moe, 73, and Joe, 72, had other interests as well.

says. “That’s where you got accepted. It created a drive, a passion, a competitiveness. You wanted to succeed.”

Brunswick Community College did not exist when the Stanley brothers entered college. Southeastern Community College in Whiteville offered Moe, a year older than Joe, a basketball scholarship, the first Black ever to receive one. A year later Joe received an academic scholarship there.

Moe transferred to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and majored in education. His teammates decided to abbreviate his birthname — Vonice Maliston — to Moe,

“We built Joe & Moe’s Automotive, and it was doing well,” Moe says. He explains as preteens, he and Joe spent time at a cousin’s garage, and he taught them to fix cars. In 1978 they erected their garage on land they bought next to the family homestead, and after their full-time jobs, they would work late at night at the garage or get up early to complete work.

Karen Ernst of Ocean Isle Beach says the Stanleys service is always good. “They are honest and very friendly and helpful,” she says.

Joe also opened a photography business and takes pictures at weddings and school sports games. They give students a discount at their shop.

“The greatest achievement is giving back to the community,” Moe says. “When you give back, you also help yourself.” 

Sea Turtles Not Just for

Sea-turtle-friendly lighting not only saves baby sea turtles, but also casts a soothing glow that humans love too.

BY ED BECKLEY

Dozens of baby sea turtles

the size

of Oreo

cookies scramble from their subterranean broken eggs and rush to the surface eyeing the phosphorescent ocean. Their goal is a long swim to seaweed grounds, where they can eat, hide from predators, grow strong and hopefully live a long time.

But too frequently the baby sea turtles mistake the electric lights of beach homes and businesses behind their nests for the shimmering surf. They head in the wrong direction, becoming instant prey for sea birds, foxes and ghost crabs.

Sea turtle patrols, including the one at Ocean Isle Beach, have been encouraging oceanfront

property owners to replace traditional light fixtures with less brilliant alternatives and soft amber glow bulbs. The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization (OIBSTPO) now provides sea-turtle safe fixtures and bulbs free of charge from a grant it has obtained. The group is having some success and learning something

PHOTO BY ED BECKLEY

more along the way: People like the lighting alternatives, not just for the sea turtles – but for their own quality of life.

The first large organization to adopt complete outdoor sea turtle lighting on Ocean Isle Beach is The Winds Hotel on E. First Street. The Winds is a private hotel, owned by R&L Carriers. R&L rewards its truck drivers and other employees with a free vacation annually, at three different locations, including one at Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Winds General Manager Kathy McLaurin says her corporate office had been considering replacing the local hotel’s lighting, and their sister hotel in Daytona Beach was required by ordinance to use sea-turtle-safe lighting. The company made a business decision to do the same in Ocean Isle

Beach, anticipating that a similar ordinance might go into effect in the county or state in the future. The company paid the entire cost, negating the need for OIBSTPO to incur the expense.

McLaurin says there was some concern there would not be enough light for the guests to move about safely on the hotel grounds. But she countered that thought by saying guests were constantly unscrewing the light bulbs on their room porches at night because they were so bright. Suddenly, guests are commenting how nice the ambience of the grounds is.

Joe Rugani and his wife visited from Ohio, and Joe chats about it in the hotel lobby.

“I like it especially on my balcony at night,” he says. “It’s a low light. Not overly bright. Another thing is the lights are distinctive. When we’re walking on the beach at night, we can

Kathy McLaurin, general manager of The Winds Hotel in Ocean Isle Beach, says her guests appreciate the soothing ambiance created by the sea turtle-friendly lighting.

Suddenly, guests are commenting how nice the ambience of the grounds is.

PHOTO BY ED BECKLEY

easily spot the hotel, or we might become lost and not know where it is.”

Rugani did not know about the lights’ original intention of saving endangered or threatened sea turtles. He was surprised and delighted.

It is a similar story for the Kalemi family of Boston, Massachusetts.

Florenca Kalemi says, “It’s kind of a red light. Not strong. And it’s all very calm and soothing.”

She says she couldn’t wait to see the entire campus aglow in that warm light at night. She notes that it gave the hotel grounds and room porches a sense of romance and a feeling of happiness. Neither she nor members of her family had any idea of the connection to baby sea turtles, either.

FEELING THE GLOW?

photos of The Winds’ new arrangement to Brunswick Electric, OIBSTPO Coordinator

Deb Allen says the company decided to swap out some bright white oceanfront streetlights as well. The electric company had previously agreed to turn off individual streetlights during the emergence stage of nearby nests.

OIBSTPO has the support of the town’s board of commissioners, who last winter amended the town’s public lighting regulations. Now, all new oceanfront construction must meet sea-turtle-safety requirements. Although the changes are for new buildings only, Mayor Debbie Smith says the town strongly encourages all property owners along the shoreline to consider making the changes.

Allen says it is her hope that existing property owners will also see the value of saving sea turtles by installing sea-turtle-safe lighting. And now she is also touting the comments of the visitors at The Winds.

“This is not only helping save an entire species on the planet, but you are probably going to love the look of it in your own life, as well,” she says.

“That’s so cool,” she says. “I wish I could be here to see them being born.”

One of the front desk clerks says the lights are so impressive, “We probably should have put them in years ago.”

Aside from The Winds, OIBSTPO has provided fixtures and lights for five more single-family homes and one six-unit condominium complex. After showing the

After The Winds installed the new lighting, it received a sweet and unexpected reward. A mother loggerhead sea turtle laid her eggs in the dunes right in front of the hotel. R&L Carrier employees who are vacationing at the right time will be able to watch the hatchlings pop from their nest – and not be turned around by the overtly bright lights behind them. Because those lights no longer exist. Instead, The Winds now sports a warming low glow, which visitors say calms the soul, and saves the lives of baby sea turtles. 

The Winds Hotel on E. First Street in Ocean Isle Beach installed sea turtle-friendly lighting and found the guests love it as much as the turtles.

PHOTO BY ED BECKLEY

Golf As It Should Be

Thistle Golf Club, the Scottish-style links course in Sunset Beach, checks all the right boxes.

BY LARRY HERSHOFF

TThistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach is nearing its 25th anniversary, and the rave reviews of this Tim Cate gem are continuing. Among its many awards is a Golf Week 2023 Best Places You Can Play citation.

From the moment you turn off Georgetown Road and drive through the gated entrance, you know you are in for a memorable golf experience. I met with General Manager Kevan Moore on a steamy August afternoon, and Thistle was alive with play.

With three separate nine-hole layouts, and six sets of tees, plus a combo tee for white/gold players, Thistle delivers a private golf club experience to the public for a very reasonable price. There is no question you can play elsewhere for less, but do not let your golf visit to Brunswick County end without playing 18 or 27 at Thistle. Whether you seek the 7000 yard Thistle

Thistle Golf Club offers a private-club experience to the public for a very reasonable price.

tees or the 4000 yard Teals, you will thoroughly enjoy the excellence, pride and tradition of this golf course experience.

Moore is justifiably proud of the spacious, inviting old world–style clubhouse and the friendly staff that greets you and treats you there. The fully stocked pro shop is another clue that you are in a special place. Do not be surprised if the parking lot is packed and the bag drop is abuzz because the place runs like a Swiss watch. Once you settle in to the bucket seat golf cart, replete with state-of-the-art GPS and graphics, the ride is just beginning.

Thistle’s history goes back to its 1815

Scottish namesake, and the local Thistle’s nines are named Cameron, Stewart and Mackay, after three Scottish clans whose mottoes are respectively Unite, Courage and Strong Hand. Each track has holes that look inviting but will still challenge you, and a few of the go-no-go decisions will test your mettle.

You will find the TifEagle Bermuda greens are neatly manicured by Superintendent John Pridgen and typically Stimp 9 to 11 — so spend some time on the practice green to get ready. Pridgen has been at the course since it was under construction and takes great pride in its consistent quality. Thistle

Bring some courage and your thinking cap to shoot well at The Thistle, but no matter how your day goes, you can enjoy a rewarding stop at the Pot Bunker Pub in the old world–style clubhouse at the end.

received inclusion in the Golfers Choice: Top 25 Best-Conditioned Courses in the United States list for 2023. The overall practice facility is top-notch, so come early to warm up.

Thistle Golf Club and Estates initially was conceived as a luxury private club with only 147 homes behind the gates, but the 2008 recession did it in, and the current owners bought it out of bankruptcy in 2013. The bank’s loss is your gain, as you get to enjoy it all, since the new owners are committed to maintaining the private course aspects at a public course price. Thistle does sell a limited number of Hickory Stick loyalty card packages that get you a

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

bargain rate after paying an upfront fee. And note that Thistle also supports the local First Tee of Brunswick County. A First Tee card affords players a one-time, post-1 pm round for only $49.

Speaking of the homes, many are spectacular with amazing views, and the balance is being built out by Classic Homes of Myrtle Beach and other select custom home builders. About 70 homes are completed now, but Thistle will never be overwhelmed by the housing — it is all about GOLF!

After your 18 holes — or after 9, if you choose — Pot Bunker Pub serves delicious snacks and meals at reasonable prices. They also have monthly Thursday theme dinners, a Nine and Dine program and assorted Tuesday night competitions. They host many a charity tournament and outside catered event as well. I know this is a golf article, but please do not

HIT THE LINKS

Thistle Golf Club

1815 Old Thistle Downs Drive SW, Sunset Beach m (910) 444-2500

E ThistleGolfClub

K thistlegolf.com

forget the restaurant is open to the public, and even the breakfast fare gets public acclaim! But back to the golf. I toured the layout with Head Golf Professional Brian Eckley PGA and reminisced over some of my historic — and occasionally hysterical — shots. The fairways are generous and well-manicured; traps abound and feature revetted facing (“stacked sod”) that does not wash out like so many other courses. This is an expensive process, but I think you will feel like you are in Scotland when you play them.

My personal favorite is Cameron, where you start with a straightforward par 4, and then must figure out on number 2 how much of the water hazard you want to risk going over. On number 4 it is a beautiful island green with two Tim Cate signature bunkers into the water’s edge! And the seventh hole requires a carefully calibrated drive to avoid the water

Thistle’s Pot Bunker Pub is open to the public.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

off the tee, followed by a deft shot over it to the green. You end on a narrow par 5 with an enormous green, ready to face even greater challenges.

Stewart epitomizes risk/reward, starting with a short par 4 where you just cannot believe how far left

The Key to Stayin’ Alive

Rich Burns, Brunswick County’s EMS training officer, teaches the new method of Bystander CPR.

BY ED BECKLEY

 There is a whole new CPR in town, and it is not your grandfather’s CPR. Rich Burns has been Brunswick County’s EMS training officer for the past 26 years. In his class you learn how to perform Bystander CPR: lean over the person and position your heart over theirs. Using your body weight for leverage, you push downward on the lower half of their chest bone. Push as far as you think a couple of inches is. The objective is to keep pumping those chest compressions without stopping, to keep the oxygen flowing through the body and heart. Burns instructs that high-quality compressions to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive,” at about 100 to 120 chest pumps per minute, are the key to keeping someone alive. The song “Stayin’ Alive” will stay with you thereafter as much more than an old song. It will become your mantra for saving, perhaps, somebody you love very much.

WANT TO LEARN BYSTANDER CPR?

If you have a group of interested people who want to learn, contact Rich Burns at rich.burns@brunswickcountync.gov.

Above: Rich Burns and Amy Inhof teach area residents how to perform Bystander CPR at a community event sponsored by the Brunswick County Republican Party Headquarters in August.

Stuff the Backpacks Event

As part of the Brunswick Family Assistance Christmas in July Program, Kiwanis Club of Shallotte-South Brunswick Islands held a Stuff the Backpacks Event. They were able to fill 48 backpacks for students and deliver extra supplies to local schools. The Kiwanis Club thanks Elks Club #2854 for its generous donation, Jumpin’ Java Shallotte for hosting the supply drive, Coastal Carolina Outreach for its fundraising efforts and, of course, all the volunteers who made this event possible.

More remarkable care, closer to home

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Plaza is now welcoming patients in Bolivia.

At Novant Health, we provide quality care in convenient locations to ensure you and your family get the world-class care you deserve. Our newest medical plaza, on the campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, is now open with expanded access to a range of outpatient medical services and clinics, including:

• Family medicine

• Heart and vascular care

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Urology

• Surgical care

• Infusion services

We are proud to provide remarkable care to the growing communities in Brunswick County.

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Plaza

257 Hospital Drive NE

Bolivia, NC 28422

Find the location most convenient for you at NovantHealth.org/Locations

Brunswick Medical Plaza Ribbon Cutting

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center opened a 34,000-square-foot medical office building at 257 Hospital Drive in Bolivia on June 14

Jon Tait & Heather King

Chris Thorn, Nick Slobozien, Harrison Wales, Ivan Batts

Kerry Matthews, Debby Worth, Pat Sykes

Mark Jones & Tim Daniels Rona Watson & Joanne Henley

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