South Brunswick Magazine - Winter 2022-23 Edition

the young leaders of Brunswick County.

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FEATURES

WINTER 2022-23 D VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2 60

60 FUTURE 10

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

88 LET THE MUSIC PLAY

Melissa Greene, aka DJ Tutsie, finds solace in music while entertaining partygoers in southeastern North Carolina.

By

Jo Ann Mathews

DEPARTMENTS

31 SPIRITS

Cozy Chai Tea Sipper

By Theresa Ravencraft

W HAT’S COOKIN’ Cast-Iron Peach Cobbler

By Sandi Grigg

West Brunswick High School celebrates a half-century of Trojan pride.

By Kate M Carey

73 W HAT’S NEW

Stephanie Bodmer has revived Boiling Spring Lakes Motel with a ’70s rock and roll vibe.

By Beth A. Klahre

81 S PORTS

Senior citizens are reigniting their passion for running races thanks to Coastal Race Productions and the Comeback Kids.

By Ed Beckley

97 L OCALS

Owning an auto parts store was not what Brunswick County native Bobby Williamson had planned for his life, but after 42 years in Shallotte, it’s all turned out perfectly.

By Jo Ann Mathews

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

At Cape Fear K9, Mike Chambers teaches old and young dogs new tricks.

By Kathy Blake

Brunswick County native Brian Chism is now the chief deputy of Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

Craig

David

Joseph

South Brunswick Magazine – Winter 2022-23 Volume 14, Issue 2

OWNER/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: L aura Glantz Teresa Kramer S amantha Lowe E liza Dale Niemann ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: E d Beckley Megan Deitz Brent Gallant L aura Glantz Jo Ann Mathews M att McGraw Bill Ritenour Tara Roberts James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: E d Beckley K athy Blake K ate Carey S andi Grigg B eth A. Klahre M ichelle Macken 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. © 2022-23 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:

Our annual Future 10 edition features two covers: the one you see here with five of this year’s Future 10 and another cover with the other five. The interior content of the magazine is all the same. Photographer Megan Deitz captured the images of all the Future 10 recipients for our story about Brunswick County’s young leaders, which starts on page 60.

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Letters

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

Writing Opportunities

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

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LifeinBrunswickCounty.com

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

Living and Learning

IIt’s hard to believe we are in 2023. In 2022 I had a lot to reflect on personally. I made a ton of mistakes, learned, honed, adjusted and implemented.

Speaking of learning from mistakes, one thing that was a highlight/near-fail of this past year was a little adventure that my daughter and I had during her spring break. One day we decided that we would go drive on the beach at Fort Fisher. We drove to the very end and parked the vehicle on the beach. My daughter said, “Do you think we can walk to Bald Head Island from here?” “I think it’s possible,” I said, not thinking for one second that she would actually want to go through with it.

Well, 2 hours later, there we were sitting on the beach at Bald Head Island. I’m not going to lie, I actually felt pretty accomplished about that fact — until I realized that the tide was coming up. We jumped up and rushed back across, making it back just in time to save my vehicle from the waves. Lesson here: It is possible to walk to Bald Head Island, but if you want to walk there from Fort Fisher Recreation Park Area, make sure you park far away from the ocean!

There’s a lot to be grateful for if you live in southeastern NC, and being able to drive on the beach is definitely one of them! I am grateful every day for the life I live in Brunswick County and the opportunity to work on publishing this and other magazines and publications in this region.

I am pretty pumped about this issue of South Brunswick Magazine. This edition marks the 10th anniversary of our Future 10 segment, in which we recognize young professionals in Brunswick County. We appreciate the nominations and the cooperation of the people who were chosen for this year’s group. You can read more about all of them on page 60.

In this edition we also introduce you to some of the county’s other movers and shakers, like Brian Chism, the new chief deputy of Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and Bobby Williamson, who has been selling auto parts and contributing to the Shallotte community for more than 40 years. We tell you about a group of senior citizen runners who are making a comeback to the sport, the woman who gave new life to Boiling Spring Lakes Motel, and a whole lot more.

Reading about our area is one thing, but experiencing it and feeling its good vibes for yourself is another. I hope find a ton of fun adventures in Brunswick County in 2023.

I am truly thankful for everyone in these communities who supports South Brunswick Magazine, our advertisers and one another. Happy 2023!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Kathy Blake

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I grew up in New Jersey and Alabama and have a journalism degree from the University of Louisville. My background includes copy editing and writing for several newspapers and magazines, with a few published books thrown in. Four years ago, my family and I moved from North Carolina’s Piedmont to the coast, where we’ve settled on Oak Island. Living near the ocean always has been our goal, and when I’m not at a desk I enjoy walks along the shore, taking our little girl fishing and watching our Shih Tzu play in the waves. My husband, Dale, is an ordained preacher and Southern gospel musician/songwriter, so our weekends are busy with church and concerts. We have family in Alabama, Georgia and here at the coast, and they know the door is always open when they want time at the beach.

Megan Deitz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I turned my love of photography into a full-time career in 2003 when I began traveling up and down the East Coast as a sports photographer. Today, I specialize in portrait and commercial photography but can be found fueling my true passion for landscape and wildlife photography through my travels around the world. My work can be viewed at megandeitz.com.

Q megandeitz_photography

E megandeitzphotography

Tara Roberts

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Originally from Bedford, Virginia, I moved to Holden Beach three years ago. As a wife, mother and amateur photographer, I have always loved to take pictures of my family, friends and fun. As life has progressed and moved in so many directions, so has my love of taking photos of things that make me smile or cry. I am always inspired by sand, sea and sky. I am not sure where life as a photographer will take me, but I am excited to go!

WHAT'S HAPPENED

SeaSide Dance Grand Opening

Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at SeaSide Dance in Southport. SeaSide Dance offers a wide range of classes for ages two to adult, including seniors. The studio’s dynamic class schedule includes ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, conditioning, Leaps & Turns, ACRO, Zumba and other dance genres. The studio boasts a 3,200-square-foot facility with a multi-purpose dance floor that offers excellent absorption and resilience. There is also a welcoming lobby with CCTV so parents can observe classes while students remain focused on the instructors. With newly remodeled dressing rooms, professional ballet barres, glassless mirrors and performance sound system, SeaSide Dance will enable students to grow in professional training in a clean, safe and encouraging environment.

Calabash Elks Lodge Recognizes Sgt. Rebecca Allen as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The Calabash Elks Lodge recently recognized Brunswick County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Rebecca Allen as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Sgt. Allen began her law enforcement career with Ashville Police Department in 2001, then moved to Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 before transferring to Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in 2016. Since being with the Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Allen has been assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, Bailiff Division, Narcotics and Detective Divisions as well the IMPACT Unit until being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the School Resource Division. She is currently assigned to Jesse Mae Monroe Elementary School. She also has current responsibilities in overseeing seven additional schools and assigning School Resource Officers.

Since moving to Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Allen has been instrumental in implementing a partnership with the Special Olympics and the Sheriff’s Office. Since 2018 she has organized the law enforcement torch run each year, volunteered at the local games, participated in the Pender County Torch Run and organizes at least two fundraisers

every year in Brunswick County. This year Sgt. Allen was able to represent Brunswick County at the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Raleigh right before the start of the State Special Olympics Games. As a result of her efforts and passion, during this year’s spring games, Sgt. Allen was honored with the 2022 Special Olympics Volunteer of the year award from Brunswick County Parks and Recreation. To date, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has raised more than $36,500 for Special Olympics.

Brunswick County Realtors Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

A group of Brunswick County Realtors® recently painted the entire interior of a new home in Shallotte while volunteering for the Brunswick County Association of Realtors® (BCAR) House Party event with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers included Kathy Stamp, Keller Williams Calabash; Hannah Coe, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; Megan Brooks Reich, Keller Williams Realty; Melony Rice, Intracoastal Realty; Rich Rice, husband of Melony Rice; and Katie Simmons, Brunswick County Association of Realtors®

Elks Donate to Food Pantry

Shallotte Elks Lodge 2854 donated $1,000 from its Gratitude Grant to Ministry of South Brunswick Interchurch Council

The Lords Food Pantry, which feeds an average of 85 families per week. Pictured from left to right: John Olear, Leading Knight of Shallotte Elks Lodge; Mary Pritchard, one of the many volunteers of SBIC; and Robert Kordiak, Exalted Ruler Shallotte Elks Lodge.

Inspirations Dance Centre Celebrates 15 Years

Inspirations Dance Centre recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in business, and the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce was there to help them celebrate. This family-owned and -operated dance studio was the Small

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Business of the Year in 2017/18. It provides an inclusive, welcoming environment that caters to dancers of all skill levels and self-expression and excellence, challenging and motivating each student to be their personal best within a safe and supportive environment.

FOCUS Broadband Awards $40,000 in Grants to Local Educators

FOCUS Broadband recently awarded $40,000 in grant funds to 23 educators and organizations for programs that expand educational opportunities for Brunswick County and Columbus County students. The funds are part of the cooperative’s grant program, which has awarded $925,000 in community and education grants to more than 500 programs since its inception in 2006.

The Clubs at St. James Opens Beacon315

The long-awaited grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Beacon315 held on August 15 was a huge success. The Clubs at St. James (TROON) General Manager

Kent Silhanek welcomed special guests to the event. The remainder of the week was a controlled soft opening, and Beacon315 officially opened on August 20 for breakfast, lunch and dinner to members, non-member residents and boaters.

Calabash Elks Honors Volunteer Firefighter Jay Bertha

The Calabash Elks Lodge recently recognized and honored Jay Bertha with the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Certificate along with a service medal from the Elks Grand Lodge. Bertha was active in the fire service for 63 years until his retirement on June 30, 2022. He started his long first responder career as a young firefighter with the Port Ewen Volunteer Fire Department in New York State where he was born. He worked his way through the ranks up to chief of the department before retiring and moving to Calabash, after 40 years of volunteer service.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, Bertha, along with his brother firefighters, traveled to Ground Zero and joined in the rescue operations. Bertha is also a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He is a member of Calabash VFW 7288, where he serves as a Trustee in

addition to volunteering wherever he is needed. Until his recent retirement (at the ripe youthful age of 83), he had volunteered with the Calabash Fire Department for 23 years and held the rank of captain of the traffic squad.

Dosher Honors Volunteers

Dosher Memorial Hospital recently celebrated their dedicated volunteers with an awards and appreciation luncheon at the St. James Community Center. More than 120 members of the community volunteer at Dosher and help to manage the front entrance desk, operate the switchboard, perform plant care, escort patients to the appropriate departments and run the hospital gift shop as well as the Dosher thrift shop. Volunteers donated 23,367 hours to Dosher between 2019 and 2021 and raised nearly $293,000 from the thrift and gift shop proceeds, in which they purchased equipment for the hospital to enhance patient care. The awards presented included a posthumous recognition for the late Marjorie Clemmons for 30 years of service, 25-year service awards to Marcia Beroset, Mary Ann Van Meter and Carolyn Zarbock, the President’s Lifetime Achievement awards to Patsy Genovese, Susan Kirchner and Deborah Pettis, and the Governor’s Service Award to Ann Hollingsworth. Many other volunteers were recognized for their longevity of service and the amount of time they dedicate to their volunteer duties on an annual basis.

VFW Calabash Post #7288 Auxiliary Donates to Union Elementary School

On October 31, VFW Calabash Post #7288 Auxiliary, represented by President Wayne Waszka and Vice President Cathy Milstead, presented a check for $500 to the Union Elementary School in Shallotte to help supply students’ needs as part of the auxiliary’s community outreach. Principal Sam Jennings gratefully accepted the gift on behalf of the school and thanked the auxiliary for their continued support. The $500 check will be utilized to buy winter coats, shirts and pants for students in need at the school. The VFW Calabash Post #7288 Auxiliary actively supports veteran and community charities with ongoing charitable activities throughout the year such as BINGO

every Thursday evening at the post, located at 900 Carter Drive in Calabash.

Throw Baxe Axe House & Board Game Lounge Opens in Southport

Throw Baxe Axe House and Board Game Lounge has opened in Southport. Owners Briton Campbell Hollister and Kevin Hollister created a welcoming and fun atmosphere at the Southport-Oak Island’s newest entertainment complex. Entertainment like axe throwing (instruction available) and board games are available for all ages. They are located at 806 N. Howe Street in Southport.

Benchmark Physical Therapy Expands with Another Location

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribboncutting ceremony for the Southport Crossing Clinic for Benchmark Physical Therapy. Benchmark Physical Therapy offers outpatient physical therapy, specializing in joint replacement, orthopedics and chronic pain. It’s located at 5013 Southport Crossing, Suite 204 in Southport.

St. James Woodworkers Toys for Tots Handoff

While Toys for Tots is celebrating 75 years in 2023, the St. James Woodworkers hosted its third annual toy-making event for Toys for Tots. The core woodworking team was instrumental in making 400 toys this year! On November 20, Robin Sadler, coordinator of Columbus/Brunswick Counties Toys for Tots, and Madison Gough from the ROTC accepted the homemade wooden toys crafted by members of the St. James Woodworkers. A core team of more than 12 St. James Woodworkers made games, cars, trucks and vehicles of all kinds, cradles and more. New members also participated and created some different items this year

for boys and girls including chess and checkerboards, steam rollers, whirly-gigs and teardrop racers. Local artist Christine Noble donated her original clay polymer jewelry. The team worked together in creating original patterns, cutting out toys, making wheels for vehicles, sanding, finishing and final assembly. All toys are finished with child-safe finishes and paints. Toys for Tots representatives matched the toys with appropriately aged children in Brunswick County.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Superstar - The Carpenters Reimagined

Coastal Consumer Showcase February 9

Whether you are new to the area or just want to know what’s new in the area, the Coastal Consumer Showcase is a must attend event. It’s held annually on the second Thursday in February from 4 to 7 pm at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road in St. James. The Showcase is a public event organized by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. There are many giveaways provided by the participating businesses.

Information: southport-oakisland.com/article/ coastal-consumer-showcase.html

Superstar - The Carpenters Reimagined February 16

Come to Brunswick Community College’s Odell Williamson Auditorium for an original, fresh perspective of song and story that finally captures the true quality and essence of The Carpenters. This production stars Helen Welch, a native of England and a critically acclaimed vocalist and entertainer. She has performed with The BBC Big Band, Glenn Miller Europe, Opus One and others at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues. The show starts at 7 pm. Ticket prices range from $31 to $35.

Information: bccowa.com/events

Run Oak Island

February 18

Coastal Race & Run CRP are on a mission to help make Brunswick County a healthier and happier place. Take part in their annual Run Oak Island race on February 18 by registering for a marathon, half-marathon, 5K or 1-Mile distances. The event features two marathon courses (East and West), both of which feature many scenic views.

Information: bikesignup.com/Race/Donate/NC/ OakIsland/RunOakIsland

Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation Charity Ball

March 3

The annual Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation Charity Ball will be held on March 3 at the St. James Community Center. Proceeds from this event go to nonprofit organizations in the community. Proceeds from last year’s event helped fund Matthew’s Ministry, Brunswick County Computers4Kids and Power Walking Ministries.

Information: sheriffscharity.com/

Hotel California - The Original Eagles Tribute

March 7

For almost three decades now the band Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles. The band set the bar in 1986, and they’ve remained the industry leading substitute for The Eagles ever since. Playing to huge outdoor and arena audiences and sharing bills with some of rock’s legends, Hotel California has evolved into a masterful celebration of The Eagles’ music. This concert is held at Odell Williamson Auditorium.

Information: ebccowa.com/events

Badwater ® Cape Fear March

18

The Badwater® ultra running experience returns to the East Coast when the ninth Badwater Cape Fear race takes place on Bald Head Island on March 18. With 50km and 51-mile race options and a start line at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse, Badwater Cape Fear features a 12-mile warm-up on the car-free, one-lane-wide roads and maritime forest trails of Bald Head Island, followed by either 19.5 or 39 miles of running on the wild and secluded sandy beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher.

Information: badwater.com/event/ badwater-cape-fear/

Coastal Consumer Showcase

Badwater® Cape Fear

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

WOMEN OF IMPACT BRUNCH

by Theresa Ravencraft

Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee honors all the local business women who are making a difference.

The Women in Business Committee is a group of community leaders brought together by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. Five years ago, they developed the Women of Impact Brunch in an effort to champion women from diverse backgrounds and industries and to ensure that their achievements become part of the fabric of the community.

SMOOTHIES COMING TO SHALLOTTE

by Anna Beth Adcock

Brandon Korman is opening his fourth Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Shallotte this spring.

Brandon and Deena Korman will be opening their fourth Tropical Smoothie Cafe location in Shallotte’s new Coastal Walk Marketplace center in early March 2023. The new Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be situated amid a slew of shopping options such as Ulta, Marshalls, PetSmart, Hobby Lobby and Five Below.

TO TELL OR NOT TO TELL

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

The PubScout reluctantly professes his love for 59 Causeway Grill.

I am somewhat loathe to post this review. Not because the place is not worth your time or your money, either. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

My MO has always been to give good places positive publicity so more of our readers can enjoy them. If I visit a place that isn’t up to snuff, it never sees my keystrokes.

But with this one, I’m afraid. Very afraid.

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TIME TO TEE UP by SBM Contributor

First Tee Coastal Carolinas’ 2023 First Tee Player Card offers discounted rates at some of southeastern North Carolina’s favorite courses.

First Tee Coastal Carolinas, headquartered in Shallotte and serving a six-county region in North and South Carolina, has begun offering its 2023 First Tee Player Card for a $100 donation. This card is the key to significant savings at some of the area’s finest golf courses, and the material benefit to the community and its youth is the financial support to the local First Tee that it provides.

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HISTORY REVEALED

by Ed Beckley

Hurricane Ian exhumes the ribs and guts of an old shrimp boat on Bird Island.

Stumbling upon the skeleton of an unearthed shipwreck sparks excitement and wonder. So, it was just after Hurricane Ian’s October onslaught here that beach-walkers stood in awe and pondered the bones of a disinterred wreck. The revealing occurred on the strand in the far west end of Bird Island coastal reserve just east of the jetty and the South Carolina state line.

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Cozy Cocktail

Whether you serve it hot or poured over ice, this boozy chai tea cocktail is soothing on a chilly winter day.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

OOriginating from India, chai tea is a combination of warm, spicy flavors like ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. These spices make for a soothing cup of tea that is a treat to drink poured over ice in warmer months, but chai tea usually served hot with sugar and cream during the fall and winter.

I have loved chai tea for a long time. For a recent gathering with friends, I turned my favorite tea into a boozy cocktail. I added Kahlua and honey to hot mugs of chai tea and milk.

“This is so rich and delicious,” remarked a friend. “It is comforting and warms you from the inside out.”

The richness of this cocktail comes from Kahlua. Aribica coffee beans, sugar, vanilla and rum are blended together to make this coffee liqueur, a dark blend of flavors coming from Mexico since the 1930s. Kahlua is commonly used to make drinks including the White Russian and the Espresso Martini.

The spicy-warm flavors of the chai tea blend perfectly with the richness of the Kahlua, and the honey adds a bit of sweetness to balance out the slightly bitter taste of the coffee liqueur. The result is a rich blend of creamy goodness. Coffee and tea lovers alike will enjoy this hot sipper.

It is simple to make. Boil some water and milk and add your tea bags. Steep the tea for 10 minutes before adding the rest of your ingredients. If desired, pour the mixture over ice. I like it best when served steaming hot in a festive holiday mug.

Have some fun when garnishing this one. A cinnamon stick, some whipped cream and a pinch of crystallized ginger will add some extra warmth. Serve the cocktail with gingersnap cookies for an inviting after-dinner indulgence.

COZY CHAI TEA SIPPER

Makes 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup water

1 cup milk

2 cinnamon sticks 2 chai tea bags ½ teaspoon vanilla 3 ounces Kahlua 2 tablespoons honey ¼ cup heavy cream (or coffee creamer)

Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, pinch of nutmeg, crystallized ginger

METHOD

In a small saucepan, heat the water and milk to boiling.

Turn off the heat and add the cinnamon sticks and tea bags to the saucepan. Steep the tea for 10 minutes.

Add the vanilla, Kahlua, honey and heavy cream. Heat until warm.

Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Cast-Iron Cobbler

Use that skillet for an easy peach cobbler that’s perfect for dessert or even breakfast.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

NNothing says Southern soul food like a warm peach cobbler made in a cast-iron skillet. Loaded with fresh, juicy peaches and topped with a light and fluffy cinnamon sugar crust, this cobbler is ideal for your sweet and savory cravings — you may even eat it all on your own.

Generally speaking, cobblers are more rustic than a pie. A pie, with fruit between layers of crust, requires rolling, chilling, draping, cutting and creasing a pressed batter. Cobblers are easier to make because they require just a simple biscuit dough loosely dropped on top of the fruit and baked. The ingredients list may seem long, but the recipe is actually very simple to make with very few steps.

Long ago desserts used to be made over an open fire in a cast-iron pan using whatever fruit was on hand. I tried making this recipe over an open fire and I kept burning the bottom, so I would recommend using the oven. By using a cast-iron skillet, the edges are unbelievably crisp and buttery, while leaving the inside soft and tender.

When my grandmother passed away, I inherited her cast-iron pans, one of which is a really large round pan that she used to make biscuits in. I used that pan for this recipe, and all that grandmotherly love permeated through.

I love a warm peach cobbler topped with ice cream anytime, but I especially love it for breakfast. By incorporating some oatmeal into the topping and using a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream, it is a wonderful start to the morning. Paired with a dark roast coffee brew, it is heaven.

This peach cobbler will rapidly become one of your go-to dessert or breakfast comfort food recipes.

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Cast-Iron Peach Cobbler

INGR EDI ENTS

For the Peaches:

8 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges

¼ cup white sugar ¼ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup white sugar

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces ¼ cup boiling water

For the Topping:

3 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix peaches, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and pour into a large greased cast-iron pan.

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mesh in the butter with your fingertips, breaking it into pieces, until mixture is a fine crumble. Stir in the water until just combined — don’t over stir.

Remove peaches from the oven and drop dollops of batter over them. Sprinkle the entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Bake until the topping is golden, about 30 minutes.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.

NORTH BRUNSWICK MAGAZINE

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR SISTER PUBLICATION

Pick up NBM at grocery stores in the Northern Brunswick County area. Or view stories online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/nbm | E 

SEA TO AIR

Aqua Aero brings seaplane aviation and the exhilaration of flight to southeastern North Carolina like never before.

By Johanna Colburn Hamilton

After a lengthy career as an airplane pilot, certified flight instructor and FFA-designated pilot examiner David Lackey has found a way to combine his passions of aviation and outdoor adventure.

A SWEET DREAM

Sheila Hall offers up sips, sweets and s’mores with her mobile gourmet business Chocolate and S’more.

LEADING THE WAY

Athina Williams, town manager for the Town of Belville, is excited about the growth of her town.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

Athina Williams has held just about every title there is in the Town of Belville. In 2007 she began her tenure as the town’s tax collector, then the finance officer, the town administrator and, ultimately, town manager.

FOR THE LOVE OF LELAND

Barry Jethwa, the owner of Leland’s oldest familyowned restaurant, Shirley’s Diner, has been at the heart of the community for more than 40 years.

By Annesophia Richards

When medieval towns stood surrounded by protective walls and guarded gates, monarchs awarded local heroes a key to their city as a symbol of honor, respect and trust. Although the keys of today are more symbolic than functional, this centuries-old tradition continues, and in July 2022 the Town of Leland awarded its first key to Barry Jethwa, one of the community’s most beloved residents.

By Emory Rakestraw

A slightly crisp, toasted marshmallow and a slowly melting chocolate square are securely smushed between two graham crackers — add in a roaring campfire cracking in the crisp autumn air and you have the quintessential s’more experience.

West

50 Years Later

BY KATE M CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA ROBERTS

Brunswick High School celebrates a half-century of Trojan pride.

ALL THE SPECIALTIES. ALL THE SERVICES. ALL THE LOCATIONS. AND THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

EmergeOrtho provides an exceptional level of orthopedic and spine care to residents of the coastal region. Patients benefit from the expertise of 34 highly trained physicians, including fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists, performing both non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures, including robotic-assisted joint replacement.

Now there are three convenient ways to request or self-schedule an appointment: visit EmergeOrtho.com , call 910-332-3800 , or text APPT to that same number.

Fifty years ago students and teachers from Shallotte and Waccamaw came together on a new, central campus in a lovely building complete with the smell of fresh paint and new desks and chairs. The new high school became a beacon of growth for the area and created a sense of community that has only grown in the 50 years since schools in Brunswick County desegregated.

Since West Brunswick High School opened in the fall of 1972, thousands of students have passed through the halls, eaten in the cafeteria and made new friends in the courtyard — all becoming a part of the mighty Trojan family.

This school year, West Brunswick High School is celebrating its golden anniversary. The celebrations began with class reunions at homecoming in October and will end on April 1 with a big welcome home festival on the football field featuring entertainment, food and all types of activities for all former Trojans.

F“Homecoming on October 14, 2022, kicked off the celebratory year,” says Chellie McDowell, school secretary and a member of the anniversary planning committee along with Jonathan Paschal, Jimmy Fletcher, Leslie Reeves, Casey Sellers, Anna Saunders, Rhonda Benton, Michael Stanley and Kippy Hughes.

In the last 50 years Brunswick County has grown from 28,000 people to more than 144,000, but what hasn’t changed in that time is the pride WBHS students take in their high school.

School pride is where Rhonda Benton wanted to focus the 50th anniversary celebration efforts. A graduate of WBHS and North Carolina State University, Benton went on to serve as WBHS principal for nearly 10 years.

“Building on who we were as a school and linking to former graduates and community partners seemed to be the best starting

point,” she says. “I also believed that bringing back traditions and bringing our history back to the forefront was important. Thus, the glass case at the front entrance became a reality. We also brought school colors back throughout the building and worked to display our pride for our school history as well as through current students. Everything I did, I tagged it with #TrojanPride … and the vision started becoming a reality!”

Michael Stanley, who entered the school the year it opened, remembers feeling “fear, excitement and apprehension” as a new freshman at West Brunswick High School in 1972.

“Curiosity was most of what we all felt — those coming from

Waccamaw,” he says. “I listed fear first because we were scared. Scared of leaving the Waccamaw community’s nurturing atmosphere. Scared of being the little dog in the big dogs' back yard. But there was a lot of excitement also.”

Stanley, who earned degrees from Elizabeth City State University and UNC Wilmington, was the assistant principal at WBHS for 19 years.

“We were blessed to have not a good but a great principal in Mr. Jonathan Hankins and some really talented athletes,” he says. “Mr.

Hankins was stern on the learning environment and equally as stern on athletics.”

Early on, blending the two high schools wasn’t always easy. Each had its own ways and traditions and sometimes things got touchy, but students adapted and overcame and the culture of the school and community changed. Everyone was a Trojan.

Former football coach Jimmy Marshall remembers a great group of students and an athletic program that started with football, basketball, baseball, track and field and cheerleading and grew into 14 varsity and junior varsity sports, including girls’ basketball, volleyball, tennis and softball.

In addition to athletics, Future Farmers of American and JROTC Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps drew students. The JROTC grew so fast that three small mobile trailers were set up on campus as the office and command center.

The students and teachers who had been in either Shallotte or Waccamaw schools since elementary school needed to form a united bond, Marshall writes in memories donated to the celebration. The new central Courtyard in the middle of campus was just the place for those bonds to form. It was a great “hanging-out place” before the firstclass bell rang, between classes and at lunchtime. It was the place to meet new friends and bond with former classmates. “We had six classes for 50 minutes per day, and the school buses were packed after school because most students did not have a car to drive in 1972-73,” he writes.

By the time Benton arrived in the mid-1980s, the courtyard was the most popular place to meet up before school and during lunch.

“It is where I met my husband!”

Benton says.

Current Principal Jonathan Paschal says West Brunswick High School is truly a special school and is surrounded by a community of support.

“We recognize the impact that positive, caring and meaningful relationships have on our students

and their ability to achieve,” Paschal says. “On behalf of our students, I want to say thank you to the countless alumni and to our school community for the commitment to West Brunswick High School. Let’s continue to show our Trojan Pride and move as ONE West!” 

Happy After All

Owning an auto parts store was not what Brunswick County native Bobby Williamson had planned for his life, but after 42 years in Shallotte, it’s all turned out perfectly.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA ROBERTS

BBobby Williamson had plans to be a doctor.

“I tended to gravitate toward medical research,” he says. “I applied to 13 medical schools and instantly got rejected from 11 of them.”

He stands behind the counter at Bobby’s Auto Parts on Main Street in Shallotte, his Polo shirt displaying the Carquest logo, pen anchored beneath the second

button. No one ever called him Robert, his christened name, except for his parents “in jest,” he says.

He explains that the two medical schools that invited him for interviews were Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “I was beside myself,” he says, recalling that time in December 1975. “I’m going to have a choice!”

In May 1976 he graduated from UNC-Wilmington, but disappointment came in the form of letters from both medical schools saying he was on their alternate list.

“I had no Plan B,” he says.

He was, however, a partner in his father’s real estate development business, which provided an opportunity to earn money for medical school. At the same time, he planned to marry Donna Hocutt.

Donna grew up in Eastover and met Bobby at UNCW, where they were in English and chemistry classes together freshman year. Both chose chemistry as their major. Donna says she didn’t know

Bobby was competing with her for the best grades.

“Both of us were making As,” she says. “We both had 3.9 grade point averages.”

It wasn’t until senior year that the pair began dating. Donna explains that Spock was her favorite character on the Star Trek television series, and Bobby reminded her of him. “Very sensible, smart, logical,” she says.

The couple married in August 1976, and just a couple of months later, Bobby received news that transformed his life forever. In October his father, Glen Williamson, was piloting his plane back to Ocean Isle Beach from Rockingham Speedway, and the plane crashed in Columbus County. Glen and one of the two passengers died. Bobby’s brother, Glen, Jr., was 10 years old; his mother, Mary, was a homemaker;

Bobby and Donna Williamson

PHOTOS BY JOANN MATHEWS

his father left no will.

“I went from being 22 years old to being 47 in the blink of any eye,” Bobby says. “I had done everything I could do to get into medical school. How could I get in now?”

Lawsuits followed; the real estate business dissolved. Bobby’s uncle, Odell Williamson, who was administrator of Glen’s estate, had opened Ocean Isle Beach Golf Course and asked Bobby to be greens superintendent.

“I didn’t know what it entailed, and I didn’t play golf — still don’t,” Bobby says, “but I accepted the offer.” He understood that his knowledge of chemistry was his biggest asset since he had to keep the turf and foliage healthy and use proper fertilizer.

Four years later the lawsuits were settled, and Bobby had to choose a career. “As a kid I worked on cars,” he says. “I didn’t realize I knew this [business].”

It happened that members of the Williamson family owned the 2,400-square-foot building at 4767 Main Street, the same building where Bobby’s father had a hardware store for 20 years before he pursued real estate. The family had rented out

the building but never sold it. Bobby stepped in and bought out the rest of the owners. On his 26th birthday, June 14, 1980, he opened Bobby’s Auto Parts and for the past 42 years has been its proprietor.

“I started this business as a way of making a living,” he says. “I wanted to work for myself. That was important to me.”

Bobby acknowledges that the automobile industry has changed from cars having multiple moving parts to being digitized. Corner gas stations/car repair shops disappeared. As the auto industry evolved, Bobby faced competition.

“I have averaged a new competitor every five years,” he says. But customers showed their appreciation in spring of 2022 when they voted his shop Best Auto Parts Store in Brunswick County in the Brunswick Beacon’s Spring 2022 “Best of…” contest.

“I get atypical calls here, problem-solving types of calls,” he says. “People tell me, ‘You are my last hope.’”

One customer couldn’t get his trailer lights to work. Bobby says this is a common problem with trailers, and often it’s a

Bobby Williamson, behind the computer on the bottom left, has been running Bobby’s Auto Parts in Shallotte for the past 42 years.

PHOTO BY JOANN MATHEWS

grounding issue. Another customer needed a belt for his shrimp boat. “You can’t get a belt for a shrimp boat,” he says. He took the customer’s old belt and improvised to form a usable one. Other unavailable items for older model cars are brake lines. Again, Bobby can improvise. “I make a lot of those from scratch,” he says.

He also sells automotive paints and can match colors on every vehicle, boat or motor home. Because of his background in chemistry, “I know the components of any given color,” he says. “I found a little niche I can operate in. My philosophy is that it’s easier to be a little business than a big one.”

Besides auto parts, Bobby has filled his shop with memorabilia: a picture of his father in front of the hardware store, pictures of the car he built and a drawing he made of the sailboat he

ma-and-pa store. There won’t be places like this anymore.”

Want

Bobby’s

Auto Parts — Carquest Auto Parts

made, framed photographs of ospreys he has taken (his latest hobby) and a picture of their daughter, Suzanne Kearns, with her and her husband Ben’s two sons, Kai, 8, and Dax, 6. In June 2022 Bobby accepted an appointment to fill a Board of Aldermen position for the Town of Shallotte. He also gives presentations on the history of Shallotte.

“In my unique situation, this turned out to be a good idea,” he says of his shop, but adds, “I’m a dinosaur at this point. I am the last survivor of the

Paws and Effect

At Cape Fear K9, Mike Chambers teaches old and young dogs new tricks.

BY KATHY BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

Mike Chambers knows what your dog is thinking.

As a trainer who works with pooches from little puppies to law-enforcement sleuths, his job is to get inside your four-legged friend’s head and help it overcome fears, develop good behavior or learn a specialized skill.

“You have to understand the dog

psychologically, not just the information they’re giving you,” he says. “We seem to have a shortage of understanding of what dogs think, and it’s my job to understand them.”

For example, Chambers says a dog can bark for a thousand different reasons. You may think it’s because the dog is aggressive, but it could just be a coping mechanism for the dog.

“We have to understand the root that’s causing the behavior, not just the behavior on the surface level,” he says. “It’s like a person biting their fingernails. You don’t just tell them to stop doing it; you find out what makes them do it and help them overcome that.”

Chambers is the owner and instructor at Cape Fear K9 in Southport, which he opened in June 2021. He and one additional employee train German shepherds for policing work, help puppies adjust to their humans’ homes and work with dogs who have behavior issues.

When Chambers was a child, he had a retired

You don’t just tell them to stop doing it; you find out what makes them do it and help them overcome that.

police K9 named Max.

“Growing up, we always had dogs around the house, always smaller dogs, but I’ve always liked larger dogs,” he says. “I later got a Belgian Malinois and named him Maximus.”

Today, he owns two German shepherds, Riggs and Zeke, his friendly, furry companions with alter-identities as undercover detectives. Riggs is trained in bomb detection. Zeke is being trained in bed-bug detection. “His job will be that he can work with exterminators or hotel companies to avoid unnecessary infections,” Chambers says.

Chambers says German shepherds are usually used for law enforcement because of their natural desires and drive. They have a natural desire to chase. And you can teach them, at the end of the chase, how to bite or how to fight. When German shepherds go to school to train for a job, they may have coursework in several subjects.

“Military dogs for example are trained for odor detection, tracking or apprehension work, bite work,” he says. “Your full, dual-purpose certified dog needs to understand how to do a track such as find narcotics or explosives. Or find human articles such a gun thrown out a window, which they can smell and then help apprehend the bad guy.”

At Cape Fear K9, Mike Chambers does everything from housetraining puppies to training police dogs.

Chambers says German shepherds are used for law enforcement because of their natural desires to chase, their drive to serve and their teachability.

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Cape Fear K9 can also train the nervous, jumpy little fur babies who aren’t quite used to big adults and little kids or the dogs who just need to behave better on a leash. Chambers starts with an initial consultation with the owners to try to get a deeper understanding of the dog and its behavior. Each dog is an individual, so there’s never a cookiecutter solution or guaranteed turnaround time on training.

“Humans want everything done right away, the quick fix, the 100 percent success story,” Chambers says. “But we’re talking about an animal.”

One of the most unusual cases Chambers has seen involved a blue heeler, also known as an Australian cattle dog. Blue heelers are naturally intelligent and loyal to their owners. But they also herders with inherited instincts for hunting and chasing. This dog had a problem with eye contact.

“This dog, every time you’d look at her, she’d immediately pee,” he says. “She could be 30 yards away or across the room, and all you had to do was look at her. A friend of mine got this dog and was like, ‘What do I do?’ So, I asked him if the dog liked her food.”

She did.

“So, I said, ‘Print out portraits of people, big pictures of people, and put them in the room eye-level with her food. Then, every time you feed her, move the portraits two feet closer.’

Within five days, the problem was gone and the dog was eating out of his hand.”

Why did this work? “A blue heeler is a herding breed,” Chambers says. “The dogs are trained to herd cattle by nipping at their ankles. The breed isn’t used to looking into peoples’ faces. When you understand that and slowly introduce them to looking into peoples’ eyes, and reward them with a treat, it changes the outcome.”

Chambers says the most gratifying part of his job is building bridges between owners and their dogs.

“We teach them to communicate, to problem solve and to make sure all parties are on the same page,” he says.

Part of his passion always will be with law-enforcement K9 patrols. For

him, there’s just something about those German shepherds.

“My job is a blast,” he says, “And to me, there’s nothing more rewarding than training dogs in law enforcement and putting them on the street and knowing that dog has that agent’s back or that officer’s back.” 

BROKER/REALTOR®

BROKER/REALTOR®

BY MELISSA

SLAVEN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

A leader, in the simplest terms, is someone you want to follow. In this annual feature, we share the stories of those leading by example in our communities. Meet this year’s Future 10 under 40.

Ten years ago, Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and South Brunswick Magazine introduced the first Future 10 leaders under 40. Each year since, we’ve continued to recognize 10 new leaders as part of this esteemed group, all of whom live up to the chamber’s motto of “Building Community and Supporting Business.”

This isn’t a competition, but rather a nomination-based search in which we invite coworkers, supervisors, employees, business owners, friends and family to recommend

exceptional men and women under the age of 40 who not only contribute to the current and future success of our county with a proven commitment to excellence in their careers, but also provide inspiration and leadership for other young people.

In the following pages you’ll learn their personal stories, dreams and goals and come to see that they, like Future 10 nominees before them, are champions for their communities and committed to making a positive impact on Brunswick County.

STEPHEN BARGER

Public Safety Lieutenant, Village of Bald Head Island

teven Barger has achieved something rare: a first responder trifecta. A lieutenant with Bald Head Island’s public safety agency, he is a sworn police officer, registered paramedic and certified fire officer.

“A day in the life for me is very interesting,” Barger says. “One minute, I could be on the fire engine, and the next thing you know, I’m arresting someone, and after that, I could be on the ambulance.”

Barger, who grew up in Ohio, went to college right out of high school with the intention of going into law. But then something changed. He was looking for something where he could make a difference. With the encouragement of a friend who had recently become a paramedic, Barger enrolled in EMT school. Fifteen years later, he holds multiple first responder licenses and certifications.

Along with the variation of responsibilities, what Barger likes best about his job is building relationships.

“We want people to be comfortable with us when we respond to their home, regardless of what the emergency is,” he says. “Bald Head is a small community, which makes it easier to establish those relationships, and I like the intimate nature of that. I always remind everyone on my

As the shift commander, Barger challenges everyone to meet their personal goals and create even bigger ones, and he wants to be known “for helping others get farther than himself.”

What Barger would really like to be remembered for is the impact he makes on the youth in Brunswick County. As chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Education, he sees a direct correlation to his work

“When dealing with issues about children, it’s always a ‘fire’ because it’s such an emotional response,” he says. “In the end, it’s about always doing what’s going to benefit the kids.”

Of his Future 10 recognition, Barger says, “I’m very appreciative of the support of the community and my coworkers and everybody else. I think there are a lot more well-deserving people out there, but I’m very

TURNER COLEMAN

Co-Owner and Project Manager, Coleman Building Co.

Age: 38

As far back as Turner Coleman can remember, he absolutely loved going to work with his dad, Wade, on construction sites. When he was 14 and able to go on a more regular basis during summer school breaks, he helped wherever he could, from carrying lumber to cutting sod.

“I knew this is what I was going to do. I’d always wanted to work with my dad,” Coleman says.

Coleman was born and raised in Holden Beach. After high school he went to work for his dad’s company, managing multi-family residential projects. When the recession in 2008 put the brakes on new construction, he filled the time working as a property and casualty insurance broker. In 2015, as the market improved, Coleman was “feeling the itch to get back to construction.” That’s when he went back to work with his dad as co-owner and project manager.

Coleman admits that not everyone can work with family. “But my dad and I get along,” he says. “A lot of father-son duos don’t work out that way. But I love it, it’s all I’ve known for most of my working life.”

Today, Coleman and his dad are as busy as they’ve ever been. The pandemic saw more people moving into Brunswick County trying to escape crowded locations.

“Our initial thought was that our business was going to slow down, but it was the opposite,” Coleman says. “We couldn’t even take vacations it’s been so busy. But I’m definitely not complaining.”

The best part of Coleman’s job is the people.

“I handle most of the homeowner side of the process,” he says. “I get to know their vision of what they’re looking for, even down to the flooring they choose. I also enjoy dealing with the people who work for us, our subcontractors and our employees. I’m just a people person.”

When Coleman isn’t making homeowners’ dreams a reality, he spends time with Jennifer, his wife of more than 16 years, and their three children. He has also served on the board for Brunswick Community College, serves as a worship leader for his church and gives back to schools and community fundraisers.

Surprised by his nomination for the Future 10, Coleman says he was “shocked, but super proud to be recognized.”

ERIKA EVANS

Baker/Co-Owner, SweetcakesTBC Age: 37

Sometimes in tragedy, we find our life’s purpose. That’s what happened to Erika Evans.

Everything was perfect. She and her husband, Josh, were expecting their first child, and at their 19-week anatomy scan, they learned that their son had hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

“We went into it very hopeful,” Evans says. “I delivered at Duke via emergency c-section. In his first 16 days of life, he had three open-heart surgeries, but in the end, his body couldn’t take it and we lost him.”

Shortly after her son passed, Evans’ parents, Beverly and William Boynton, decided to follow their passion and open a bakery. But they intended to make Evans a part of the business as well, and they weren’t taking no for an answer.

“I honestly wasn’t in the head space for owning a business at all,” Evans says. “But I think we all realized after what we went through that life is too short to not do what you want to do.”

Six years after opening Sweetcakes TBC in Ocean Isle Beach, Evans has uncovered talents she didn’t know she had.

“I’m the one who makes all the decorated sugar cookies,” she says. “Customers will bring in pictures of cookies and ask if I can create them, and I say no problem. And then I say to myself, can I really do this? But every time I pull it off. I don’t know how. I don’t know where it comes from.”

Beyond the sugar cookies, Evans plays a big part in most aspects of the family business, including customer service. She easily establishes rapport with new visitors and regulars alike and has all the people skills that make a neighborhood bakery a special place.

“As soon as I see one of our regulars walk through the door and before they even open their mouth to order, I’m pulling out their favorite treat,” Evans says.

On working with her family, Evans says it’s her favorite part of the job.

“We’re very close,” she says. “Sure, we might get on each other’s nerves, but we let each other know, and then we just get over it. We just give each other a bit of room. It’s wonderful.”

Thirteen months after Evans’ devastating loss of their son came Sophia.

“She’s our rainbow baby,” Evans says. “After a storm comes a rainbow.” Now five years old, Sophia is a regular fixture at SweetcakesTBC.

SAMUEL JENNINGS

Principal, Union Elementary School

Age: 30

Before being promoted to principal for the 2022 school year, Samuel Jennings spent the last five years at Union Elementary School as the assistant principal, learning and growing from former principal Vickie Smith.

“She grew me as a leader and challenged me in so many ways,” Jennings says. “I hadn’t come with an elementary background, so she really helped me develop that.”

Jennings grew up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and always knew he would be in education. His mom was a teacher for 30 years before retiring, so it seems a natural fit for him. He was inspired by other teachers as well, including Ms. Beverly Thomas, his kindergarten teacher.

“I remember her to this day,” Jennings say. “And my first-grade and second-grade teacher, Ms. Davis.”

Just out of college, Jennings was hired by South Brunswick High School, where he spent more than six years teaching math until accepting the assistant principal role at Union Elementary. Whether he’s in the classroom or in administration, he says the best part of what he does “is seeing the kids learn and seeing those light bulbs go off.”

In his new role as principal, he oversees all the school operations, including daily school activities, coordinating curriculums, managing staff and providing a safe and productive learning environment for students. Though his responsibilities have changed, his goal is still the same: It’s all about the kids. “And I’m here 7 am to 5 pm each day trying to make a difference,” he says.

The impact he’d like to make as an educator and administrator is that “kids should have a lifelong passion for learning,” he says. “I tell them no matter what job or career they have, they should never stop learning. Whether kids stay here in Brunswick County and share their beacon of light or they leave and take that light with them to share elsewhere, they should always want to better themselves.”

For Jennings, “it’s an honor” to be thought of as a Future 10 leader.

“Sometimes in this job, or any job, you don’t always get to be on the positive end of things, so it’s nice to be recognized sometimes,” he says

Founder, Mett & Gladys Safe Haven, Inc.

Age: 38

05 TASHEKA KING BINES

Tasheka King Bines is a very patient person. She knows that getting transitional housing in Brunswick County for the ever-growing homeless population is a challenge, but, she says, “It’s going to happen. It will just take time.”

King Bines has made it her mission since 2020 to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness in our communities. From Shallotte to Leland there are forgotten populations including military veterans and entire families forced to live in tents and cars because they’ve lost everything, she says. King Bines knew she had to do something to help.

“When my father passed away in 2018, I wanted to honor him,” she says. “My parents were always cooking and feeding people in the community or offering them a place to stay. As I became more aware of the lack of transitional housing, I felt this was my calling. I named the organization after my parents, the Mett & Gladys Safe Haven, Inc.” Unfortunately, King Bines lost her mother to cancer just before the launch.

At Mett & Gladys Safe Haven, every day brings something new for King Bines and her volunteers. While they are busy raising support for transitional housing, they also hand out bags with personal hygiene products, gift cards for local grocery stores and gas cards for those living in their vehicles.

“We also provide a three-day temporary assistance program where we can put them up in a hotel for three days and try to help them set goals for beyond,” King Bines says. But these are just small steps toward the bigger picture.

Born and raised in Shallotte, King Bines is committed to making a difference in her home county. She has worked to motivate citizens to get more involved as well as stood up before the Brunswick County Commissioners to ask for support for transitional housing.

“We need more people speaking up,” King Bines says. “That’s how we’ll eventually be heard.”

Honored by the Future 10 recognition, King Bines says she is “very grateful, but completely surprised to be chosen as a leader.” In addition to heading Mett & Gladys, she works as a freight dispatcher, owns an event planning business, sits on the WECT Advisory Board and works with the children and youth choirs at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

DIANA KEESEE

Owner, Lil & John’s Sweetreat Ice Cream and Oak Island Sporting Goods

Age: 33

Ice cream might be a part of Diana Keesee’s DNA. She first scooped it for customers at her grandparent’s Southport ice cream shop when she was just 12 years old. Her grandparents, Lil and John, owned their shop from 1978 to 2003, when they retired. Fast forward 13 years, and Keesee opened her own ice cream shop on Oak Island.

“I acquired property and all of sudden, we’re making ice cream,” Keesee says. “I decided to make my own ice cream because there just wasn’t any out there that was awesome. I knew nothing about making ice cream.”

In addition to Lil & John’s Sweetreat, Keesee has nine corporations altogether, including Oak Island Sporting Goods, which her husband purchased in 2006 from the previous owner.

“I took it over in 2019,” Keesee says with a laugh. “I know even less about bait and tackle than I do ice cream.”

A wife and mother of two toddlers under the age of three, Keesee comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Growing up, members on both sides of her family owned their own businesses.

“I’m a big-picture thinker and I knew I couldn’t work a 9-to-5 for somebody else,” she says. “I knew early on that I wanted to be my own boss.”

A business owner since she was 27, Keesee feels a special obligation to the “hundreds of teenage employees” she’s had, giving many of them their first-ever jobs.

“When they first start, they don’t know much about interacting with people or the idea of customer service,” Keesee says. “I like being around them and helping them realize their full potential. I hope they all go on to do bigger and better things, and I hope they look back and think this was the best job they’ve ever had and that they had a good time.”

For Keesee, her Future 10 recognition has her feeling very humbled.

“There are obviously a ton of young professionals in our community who deserve it,” she says. “I see it as motivation to really innovate and exceed my own expectations.”

She also encourages other young women to be business owners.

“Join groups and associations and spend time around people who inspire and support you,” Keesee advises. “And no matter what industry you are in, remind yourself that there is room for you there. Be confident in your ability and why you are in the room in the first place. That’s the best advice I have ever received.”

Owner and Pitmaster, Simply Barbeque

Age: 31

Part of a talented but small group of women pitmasters, Aimee Mestad is making her mark on Southern barbecue culture.

07 AIMEE MESTAD

The thought of owning a restaurant, let alone becoming a pitmaster, wasn’t on Mestad’s radar when she first started working at Simply Barbeque as a cashier in 2017.

“Dennis Sansone, the original owner, wanted to retire and was looking for a successor to keep it going,” she says. “People in the community really enjoyed it, and Dennis wanted to make sure that somebody would carry it on.”

Mestad decided to take on the challenge.

She admits the learning process was more difficult than she initially imagined.

“Every smoke is different, and the meat always comes in all different shapes and sizes,” she says. “It was a bit intimidating at first because I was the only one who was cooking. This is the second year that I’ve been doing it without Dennis, so now I feel very comfortable.”

Simply Barbeque is a family affair. Mestad is currently training her husband, who just recently came out of the army after 10 years, how to help with pitmaster duties.

“My daughter, who is only nine, is already wanting to cook and handle the cash register,” Mestad says. “My mom also works with me sometimes. It’s fun to have my family involved.”

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Mestad is at the restaurant from 6:30 am to 7 pm six days a week. Through the offseason, she cuts back the number of days they stay open. Additionally, Mestad prepares barbecue for weddings, rehearsal dinners and birthday and anniversary parties. “I love being a part of people’s celebrations,” she says.

The hospitality industry is something that Mestad returned to often after trying other things. She is especially passionate about supporting local mom-and-pop businesses.

“It’s important to me that we have locally owned businesses, and I’m proud that I can be part of that,” she says.

Being recognized by the community as one of Brunswick County’s Future 10 “means the world” to Mestad. But her favorite type of recognition is when someone calls her up after they’ve picked up an order and says, “Hey, I just wanted to let you know that that was awesome and we really enjoyed it,” she says. “The fact that someone took time out of their day to call me — it’s those personal relationships that mean the most to me.”

NICHOLAS NEWELL

Owner/Broker-In-Charge, The Capstone Group

Age: 29

Like many, Nicholas Newell found himself in a job after college that wasn’t really where he had planned on landing. He considered switching to a career in law enforcement, going so far as graduating from Basic Law Enforcement Training. But he had always been interested in real estate too. So, he took the classes and got licensed, thinking it might supplement his income as a first responder. He soon realized that he “was good at real estate, and it could really be my main source of income.”

In 2018 Newell began his real estate journey with a Wilmington firm, where he earned multiple agent production awards. In January 2022 he opened his own company, The Capstone Group, LLC, a full-service real estate brokerage firm.

The best part of his job is helping people.

“It’s very rewarding,” he says. “You get to be involved in a crucial part of someone’s life. I’m selling what is to most people one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make financially. But also on a personal level, it’s the place that they’re going to call home.”

Newell likes the challenge and the competitiveness of real estate. But he’s also an entrepreneur, so by his very nature he’s passionate about turning the impossible into possible. Newell is a partner in an electric vehicle charging company, Shark Charge, which is manufacturing a Level 3 DC charger that can charge your car in less than 30 minutes.

“This will be the first fast charger in our region,” Newell says. “The bare minimum for fast charging is 50 kilowatts. Ours will be 120 kilowatts. It’s exciting to be bringing that technology here.”

When you ask Newell what impact he’d like to make on Brunswick County, it has very little to do with real estate or charging stations. What he’s most proud of is his nonprofit, St. Nicholas Christmas Foundation. Newell was born on Christmas Day, and with a name like Nicholas, creating a Christmas-themed nonprofit was a given.

Now in its ninth year, St. Nicholas Christmas Foundation collects donations and raises funds to give kids in need stuffed animals and residents in assisted living facilities gifts for Christmas.

When it comes to his Future 10 recognition, Newell is honored.

“Out of all the amazing potential candidates out there, that I would be even considered, let alone chosen, is, for lack of a better word, cool.”

Co-Owners, Sunset Slush

09 DEVIN AND DREW SELLERS

evin Sellers was in high school when he started pushing a Sunset Slush cart on Ocean Isle Beach during the summers. It’s a job he continued when he first went off to college at East Carolina University. Meanwhile, his big brother, Drew, had graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2008 — right in the middle of a recession — and wasn’t too optimistic about the job

“Devin would come home on school breaks and work at Sunset in the summer season, and we started talking about operating a Sunset Slush location,” Drew says. “So, we went to our parents, brought them the idea and they were like, let’s try it.”

That was 13 years ago. The pair, along with their parents, Donald and Susie Sellers, opened their first Sunset Slush location in Holden Beach as independent operators. Devin worked during the summer, and when he graduated in 2013, he came back home to help with the business.

Unfortunately, Donald passed away just days after Devin graduated.

“It was in May, the middle of the busy season when he passed away, but staying busy with the business helped us grieve,” Drew says.

By the end of 2021, they had purchased the Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island and Sunset Beach locations and opened a Calabash store. But they didn’t stop there.

In January 2022 the Sellers purchased the entire Sunset Slush brand from the original founders and owners, Stephen and Catherine Saia. Today, they operate six brick-and-mortar locations (including a candy shop in Holden Beach) and 15 beach carts that operate on three beach strands during the tourist season.

In addition to managing their own stores and carts, the Sellers oversee distribution to Sunset Slush independent operators all over the country.

“It gives people a chance to have their own business,” Devin says. “They buy the rights to use our name and logo and sell our product.”

They also employ 70 to 80 people, including their manager, Chris Bland.

Born and raised in Brunswick County, the Sellers brothers thought they’d end up somewhere else after graduating from college, but The Slush kept pulling them back. They’re excited to be acknowledged in this year’s Future 10, “but it’s just cool to be part of the community,” Drew says.

SHEENA VAUGHT

Filmmaker, Tower 5 Media / A R I M U S E Productions

Age: 36

Sheena Vaught recalls that some of her happiest childhood memories were going to the movies and that film was always an important part of her life.

“We used to go to the 99-cent theater in Myrtle Beach,” she says. “We’d watch the movie and then on the drive back home to Calabash, we’d talk about the movie and consider everybody’s thoughts on the film.”

When Vaught headed off to University of North Carolina Wilmington, she picked math as her major. But her mother, an art teacher at West Brunswick High School, said, “You know UNCW has a film program.”

“She just knew me,” Vaught says.

In 2011 Vaught graduated from UNCW with a degree in film studies. She worked on several professional sets as a script supervisor, but that wasn’t why she went to school.

“Script supervisors are crucial on a film set, but you’re not the creative person, you’re the technical person,” she says.

In 2015, when the N.C. film industry lost its tax incentives and production left Wilmington, Vaught found herself without a script supervisor job. She took the opportunity to begin making her own films.

She pulled out an unfinished script that she began writing in college, re-read it, finished it and found two actors and a location. That film, The Fervent, is one of Vaught’s proudest accomplishments to date.

“I went from asking myself how am I going to do this to

telling myself, I’m going to do

Vaught’s work has been featured in several film festivals including Cucalorus Film Festival, Cultural Spirit Online Film Festival and N.C. Black Film Festival. In the summer of 2022, while serving on the Brunswick Arts Council Board of Directors, she coordinated the Solstice Film Festival, the county’s first film

Vaught is doing her part to break down barriers to filmmaking in Brunswick County, particularly when it comes to the difference between video and film.

“A videographer films what’s happening at an event and puts it all together,” she explains. “A filmmaker from start to finish controls the whole story, connecting the words and images.” Using her experience in the film industry, she hopes to pave the way for other creatives in Brunswick County.

“For me, being recognized as a Future 10 leader means that I’m doing things right and setting an example,” she says.

Vaught would like to see Tower 5 Media become a studio and create jobs for others working in filmmaking. 

Dream On

BY BETH A. KLAHRE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

t first glance, Boiling Spring Lakes Motel appears to be just a quaint, unassuming roadside inn. But there is much more to this motel than first meets the eye.

Without doubt, Boiling Spring Lakes

Motel is a very special place, and that starts with making a reservation. Sole owner and proprietor Stephanie Bodmer says, “I am the only one who answers the phone. It’s

just me! You can’t book online, so I personally speak to every guest. It’s my way of making sure my motel is a good fit.”

Bodmer moved to Boiling Spring Lakes in 2015 from Maryland, where she worked in nursing administration for more than 20 years. While she enjoyed nursing work and made many friends, the area’s congestion got to be too much. For Bodmer, who was born in peaceful suburban Sanford, North

Stephanie Bodmer has revived Boiling Spring Lakes Motel with a ’70s rock and roll vibe.

After two years of renovations, Boiling Spring Lakes Motel owner Stephanie Bodmer personally welcomes each guest.

After two of renovations, Boiling Spring Lakes Motel owner Stephanie Bodmer personally welcomes guest.

Carolina, moving to Boiling Spring Lakes was coming back to her roots.

Bodmer’s father, Darrell Gunter, often visited her in Boiling Spring Lakes. He always talked about buying the motel.

“I would ask him what he would do with a motel in Boiling Spring Lakes when he lived in Sanford! And he always replied that it would be very lucrative,” says Bodmer.

Bodmer never got the thought of buying the motel out of her mind, especially after her father passed. In December 2018, she purchased the motel despite significant damage caused by Hurricane Florence in September. It took her two years to renovate the motel.

“I basically tore it down and rebuilt everything,” she says. “I

The spacious backyard contains many surprises that kids love.

All of the rooms in the motel have been upgraded with a blend of modern and retro touches.

discovered that it was very well made, the framing was excellent and it was a very sturdy building. Besides the framing, the only thing that remains from the original building is some brick veneer and little copper lamps that are in the back of the motel.”

The motel reopened in November 2020.

Some of the allure of the motel is its history. According to Bodmer, it was built to provide housing for people who were building new homes in Boiling Spring Lakes when the town was being developed, and it was one of the first businesses in town.

“I have newsletters under glass on the front desk from Reeves Communications, who owned the land,” Bodmer says. “The newsletters were marketed to people in New York and New Jersey, enticing them to come to the sunny South, away from the snow and close to the beach. Reeves Communications sold hundreds of lots and developed Boiling Spring Lakes.”

The first owners of the motel, which was built in 1962, were Doc and Velma Stevenson, who to this day are a bit of a mystery. “They just disappeared,” Bodmer says.

Bill Stevenson, no relation to Doc and Velma, was the second owner from 1980 until the early 1990s, when his daughter, Dale Siegfreid, inherited it at his death. Back then, most guests were weekly renters. Siegfried almost sold the

hotel prior to Hurricane Florence, but when the lake drained due to breached dams during the hurricane, the buyer who was planning to make the motel into offices pulled out of the contract. The motel also had a damaged roof and other problems from flooding. Siegfreid sold it to Bodmer, saying she liked Bodmer’s vision to bring the motel back to life.

And Bodmer did just that.

Bodmer describes the ambiance in her six-room motel as “kind of a cool, groovy, retro ’60s and ’70s vibe with a splash of rock and roll.” She researched millennials’ preferences as inspiration for the decor.

“This generation likes different, not corporate, not cookie cutter,” she says.

Each rock and roll-themed room has a lava lamp and phones replicating those from the ’70s. One room has posters

of John Fogerty. Cream is on the wall in another, and Aerosmith in another. Bodmer’s research paid off.

“Millennials love it,” she says. “They think it’s the coolest place because they hear their parents talk about the era.”

In-room amenities include a mini fridge with freezer, microwave and coffee pot with complimentary coffee.

The furnishings in the rooms, including the floating dressers and nightstands, were custom made by local craftsman Eric Helton. All the beds have Beautyrest mattresses.

“No hard mattresses in my motel,” Bodmer says. “Even though hard mattresses last longer, I chose comfortable beds for my guests.”

She also notes that one room has a wheelchair-accessible shower and a handicap-compliant sink.

Bodmer wants everyone to feel like they are at home when staying in her motel for a night or a week or even longer.

The metal glider out front is where Bodmer likes to sit and talk with the new friends she makes at the motel.

“I wanted the rooms to feel as homey as possible, not corporate,” she says. “There are no signs anywhere. I don’t want to bog down a vacation with rules.”

Other than a note about how to use the TV and Internet passwords, the only written rule is to respect fellow guests.

“I have a nice, quiet little place,” she adds.

The motel sits on one and one-half acres. There is wicker furniture out back for lounging nestled among fun, kid-friendly statues of Bigfoot and a dinosaur, soon to be painted lime green with pink polka dots, and an alligator. There are grills and a picnic table and a fire pit.

Bodmer said that the most fun day at the motel is every day.

“The most fun is meeting awesome people,” she says. “I have this bench and red and white metal gliders from the ‘60s out front. Guests come and sit and chit chat. Or we visit on the back porch. We just sit and talk.”

For one person running all facets of the motel, there are some challenges. “Keeping up with laundry,” Bodmer says, laughing. She sends out linens to be laundered and has some housekeeping help.

“I wash each and every blanket between every guest myself,” she says. “It’s one thing that sets my motel apart.” And it’s noticed. Most frequent guest comments include “spacious and very clean.”

In the fall of 2020 Bodmer had planned to host a grand-opening celebration for the motel. But COVID-19 changed those plans. Instead, Bodmer used the money earmarked for the event to purchase toys for disadvantaged kids in Boiling Spring Lakes.

“It’s now a tradition and I do it every year at Christmas,” she says. She makes connections through local churches and school guidance counselors. “The community of Boiling Spring Lakes is the nicest little community. It’s been so good to me and my business, so now I give back.”

Bodmer dreams big about the future of her motel. In fact, she will soon be offering golf stay-and-play packages with the Lakes Country Club in Boiling Spring Lakes. She would eventually like to build a couple of cabins with a few bedrooms and little porches. “I’m not into bigger or better. And it’s not even so much about money,” she says. “It’s really about treating every guest like family.”

For now, Bodmer’s hope for her guests is that they leave the motel with an experience that makes them want to return.

“I just want my guests to have remarkable, happy memories of their vacation,” she says. 

Want to go?

Boiling Spring Lakes Motel

2 N. Shore Drive, Southport (910) 845-2893

Facebook: Boiling Spring Lakes Motel

On the Road Again

Senior citizens are reigniting their passion for running races thanks to Coastal Race Productions and the Comeback Kids.

BY ED BECKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA ROBERTS

“Wait a minute, Goomba is 72 years old,” laughs little Itchy Jones. “How far is a 5K, a hundred yards?”

“It’s 3.1 miles,” PopPop tells Itchy. “Do you think you can run that far?”

“I’m ready to leave right now. I gotta see Goomba in gym shorts,” beams little Itchy.

This isn’t a fictional story. Senior citizens all over the southern Brunswick beaches, who used to love running but had to give it up – are back. They are back, bigtime. And their club is named The Comeback Kids. They’re in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and there are 14 of them, with an average age of 64, and they’re running again like they used to do when they really were kids.

GCoastal Race Productions (CRP) and their resident running coach are the culprits bringing together these old folk, who quit or slowed way down for the obvious reasons. The knees gave out. Or the hips. Somebody told them they were way past the age a respectable senior would be running for exercise or competition, right? And some of them got sick with COVID or became bored with all those running miles. For one reason or another, they had had enough. But now they are back.

CRP stages most of the competitive 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons in Brunswick County, and one day, one of their 70+-year-old race participants came to them with an idea. The man

had taken a year and lost 40 pounds, mostly by walking and deep-water running in a swimming pool. He completed the 125th virtual Boston Marathon in 2021, after more than six hours pounding the aqua in an Ocean Isle residential pool – in October! He is a certified and accredited scholastic, organizational and personal training running coach, and he learned something important over that year. Older people can get back into shape, and they can overcome injuries and illness, and they can become like kids again, when it comes to running and racing. Would CRP be interested in sponsoring a team of seniors who felt like coming back?

“Get ready kids, we’re going to Holden Beach to watch great grandpa race the 5K this morning.”

CRP Race

Director Johnna Terragna was all in at the first hearing. She’s in her 50s, and she, too, wanted to come back. After some weeks of advertising, the team of Comeback Kids came together, with members hailing from Ocean Isle Beach, Little River, Calabash, Southport, Bolivia, Supply, Sunset Beach and Holden Beach. Their Saturday group runs alternated between Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Holden Beach. Everybody paid a

entered 5K races and won top-three medals in their age groups. Two of them are in their 50s, nine are in their 60s, and three are in their 70s. Johnna (nicknamed JoJo), came back, and she is one of the youngest kids, at age 56.

COVID was the primary de-motivator for her, with footraces across the nation being canceled.

“My motivation and drive waned during the pandemic, and I’m building

nominal fee to cover the expenses of a team training shirt, a weekly training plan specifically tailored to their age, fitness level and running goals, and entry into the October 1 Holden Beach 5K Race.

They’ve been training together since June, and a couple of them have already

back slowly to avoid injury,” she says. She also echoes what several other seniors say: “I think it is hard at times to push yourself out the door at any age. The reward comes after you do the hard thing. Not before.”

Wendy Li grew up in China and was mainly a sprinter. She competed at the

state-level in high school. She moved to the United States in 1983 to work on her Ph.D. in chemical engineering. She started long-distance running around age 40 and is 61 now. As a smallbusiness owner of Coastal Wine & Brew in Ocean Isle Beach, she works long, hard hours to keep her business going and growing. And she is on her feet all the time running a wine bar. The business is the main reason her running suffered neglect. But the torrid summers and windy winters also wore her down. The idea of The Comeback Kids awakened her desire to come back.

“I want to get back to complete at least one half-marathon, and a couple of 5Ks/10Ks per year,” Wendy says. “I also want to be able to complete those races in decent paces.”

Randy Bookout is one of the three septuagenarians. He also has had a stellar running history. Randy ran the

I think it is hard at times to push yourself out the door at any age. The reward comes after you do the hard thing. Not before.

“

PHOTOS BY ED BECKLEY

Wendy Li

Randy Bookout

JFK 50-miler in Maryland, the Boston Marathon, the Iceman Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska, and came in second in his age group of 60 to 64 in the Iron Man Beach to Battleship Triathlon in Wilmington. He was an Army Ranger and is very realistic about being a Comeback Kid. He has no dreams of

getting back into that kind of shape again. “No, I just want to continue to be able to run to the best of my ability for my physical and mental health,” he says.

These three Comeback Kids have been running a total of 113 years, and they are planning to add a few more to

the tally. Some of them just want to finish the 5K. Some want to win their age group. But being mature seniors, they won’t be crestfallen if they don’t bring home the gold. They could potentially run as fast or faster than they ever have in the past, and there may be somebody out there who is just faster. It happens! It especially happens when so many out of towners and out of staters show up for South Brunswick races. We are an attractive tourist location, after all.

The Comeback Kids are already noticing physical and mental changes, which are a very good thing. Wendy has a sense of “can do.” She said it just feels good to have new goals and the drive to get back to being a good runner again (like the good old days). JoJo said it’s “FUN” in capital letters, being a part of a team again. Randy says, “I love for someone to refer to me as a ‘kid’ again.” And as far as having access to an experienced coach, he says, “It’s a person I don’t want to let down.

“After our Saturday morning runs, I’m happy with myself that I did it,” Randy adds. And is the program working? For Randy, Wendy and JoJo, it’s “Yes, Yes, Yes.” 

Want to get back into running?

Anyone wishing to join the Comeback Kids for the 2023 summer season can call (252) 256-1084.

Bringing Remarkable Care to Wilmington

NOVANT HEALTH UROLOGY 1814 New Hanover Medical Park Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403

Ibardo Zambrano MD, MS

LET THE Music

Play

BY JO ANN MATHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

Growing up in Little River, South Carolina, as one of eight children, Melissa Greene wanted to be a police officer.

“Every time I saw a police car, I wanted to follow it and see what was going on,” she says.

Greene’s career arc took a different turn, though. She had positions in restaurants and hotels for a time but chose to have children and be a stay-at-home mom.

Melissa Greene, aka DJ Tutsie, finds solace in music while entertaining partygoers in southeastern North Carolina.

As she saw her two daughters, Tybrasia, now 21, and Taniya, now 20, enter high school, her plans began to develop toward a career. Fate again took control when Greene, 44, suffered two strokes in 2016 and developed a skin condition that caused thick callouses to form on her feet and hands. The doctors told her she could no long hold a full-time job, which required that she file for disability.

More tragedy hit in May 2018 when her life partner of 21 years and the father of her daughters, George Lee Collins, Jr., died in an auto accident only a half mile from their home. Two weeks later George’s mother passed away.

“She died of a broken heart,” Greene says.

Melissa Greene plays music of all genres to entertain all ages.

As Greene groped for consolation and support at the loss of her partner, she realized music brought her comfort. “It helped me cope with the pain,” she says.

It occurred to her that she could be a DJ and put her love of music to an advantage. “I like music, so why not try?” she says.

In the fall of 2018 Greene contacted her long-time friend Marvin Wells of Loris, South Carolina, aka DJ Cube, and confided her idea for her new endeavor. Wells has been a DJ since 1981, has a host of CDs available and is a DJ at a wide variety of events including weddings and special parties. He was pleased to hear about Greene’s plan and wanted to help her get started.

“When I went to ask DJ Cube for help, he said, ‘Oh, wow! You’re serious,’” Greene recalls. “He was shocked. Many people ask for his help but don’t follow through.”

Wells told Greene what special equipment she needed to buy, assisted in selecting songs for her playlist and explained how to conduct a performance.

“She’s a fast learner,” Wells says.

Then Greene turned to her cousin, Gwen Frink of Shallotte, for advice and for additional help with her playlist.

“I encouraged her,” Frink says. “I told her to do things she wanted to do.”

Greene chose DJ Tutsie as her handle because Tutsie is the term of endearment Collins called her.

When Greene revealed her plan to her friends, they began to hire her for retirement, birthday and anniversary parties and weddings. The nonprofit With

PHOTO BY JO ANN MATHEWS

DJ Tutsie recently spun the tunes for the 87th birthday party of Eldee Marlow in Ash. Guests enjoyed everything from gospel to Southern soul to Willie Nelson.

My Sisters, Inc. hired her for its end-ofsummer event.

Greene admits she was nervous starting a new career, but she says people are very supportive.

“I get to meet the people [who hire me], and I’m not getting nervous anymore,” Greene says. “I get to know each and every person I come in contact with, and it helps me cope with everything I’ve been through.”

DJ Tutsie plays a wide range of songs — country, gospel, rap, rhythm and blues, Southern soul (including Ann Peebles and O.V. Wright) and hits from the ’70s and ’80s.

“Young people want rap while seniors want oldies, but I do whatever the people want,” she says. “I do it to please them.”

“She makes sure the songs fit the needs of the event,” Frink says. “She’s thorough, and she’s prompt. She is very good at what she does.”

Green’s daughter Tybrasia Collins helped set up the sound board, speakers and backdrop picture at Ruth and Roosevelt Park in Ash recently as entertainment for the 200 to 300 people attending Eldee Marlow’s 87th birthday party, an annual event his children began when he turned 80. Greene played gospel songs, Willie Nelson, Debra Snipes, The Consolers, then Southern soul.

“Being a DJ is great for her,” Collins says.

“I love everything she plays,” adds Eldee’s daughter, Deloris Marlow. “She knows how to cater to the crowd.”

Greene says she is open to being a DJ at any event and meets with hosts to learn which genres and songs they prefer.

Despite the painful situations she has faced throughout her life, Greene says, “I don’t let them stop me.” 

Want more information?

DJ Tutsie (910) 512-6617 melissadidthatgreene37@gmail.com facebook.com/melissa. greene.1804109

PHOTO BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Second in Command

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Brunswick County native Brian Chism is now the chief deputy of Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has a new

Bchief deputy

.

The recently promoted Chief Deputy Brian Chism admits he’s “definitely not one of those people who said, I’ve always known I wanted to be in law enforcement.” In fact, he was really unsure what he wanted to do after graduating from South Brunswick High School.

After he graduated, Chism spent seven years working for John’s Plumbing Company in Southport. But his life changed when he visited his cousin, Andrew Arredondo, a police officer in the Washington, D.C., area.

“I went on ride-alongs with him,” Chism says. “From the first ride, I realized that’s what I wanted to do. I came back home, and my best friend’s older brother was working at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. I asked him what I needed to do to be in law enforcement. Everything just fell into place.”

During the span of Chism’s 18-year-career with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, he’s served in numerous leadership roles.

In May of 2005, after only seven months with the agency, Chism expressed a desire to work with canines. This quickly became a passion for him.

“I asked if I could go to training on my own time,” he says. “So, for seven months, I was getting the equipment I needed and setting up obstacle courses. I was even a bite dummy. Several other people applied for the canine unit, they all had experience, but I feel that the initiative I took, training on my own time, helped push me to the head of the line.”

In 2008 Sheriff John W. Ingram formed a new unit, the Special Operations unit. Chism was fortunate

enough to be assigned to the unit, along with his canine partner, in an effort to combat the drug issues in the county. This began his journey in leadership, which pushed him to learn more about the training aspect of working with canines. Chism became a certified trainer, training his last dog, Ajk from start to finish, all on his own.

After more than 10 years as a K9 handler, in 2014, Chism gave up his canine as a lieutenant and accepted a promotion to First Sergeant, which brought him back to where he started — the Patrol Division. Chism was able to continue as a canine handler and trainer along with his added duties of overseeing a patrol shift. After working three patrol canines and training many others, he was promoted to lieutenant of the patrol division.

While still overseeing the training of canines, as difficult as it was, he knew his time as a handler was coming to an end and that he had to find his replacement. In 2016 he was promoted to captain of Uniform Services. This allowed him to enhance his knowledge of other divisions. “Working with the dogs was great fun, but I really do enjoy passing on that knowledge to other people. You always should be looking to train your replacement. That’s a sign of a good leader,” Chism says.

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brian Chism says, “My heart is here in this county and with the citizens. I plan on starting and finishing my career with this agency.”

You always should be looking to train your replacement. That’s a sign of a good leader.

“

In October of 2018 Chism attended the 274th session of the FBI National Academy and graduated in December 2018.

“It’s a very prestigious program,” Chism says. “I was at the FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, for two-and-a-half months. I lived there on campus, going to classes every day. The classes I took were all about leadership.”

In January of 2020 Sheriff Ingram promoted Chism to major, and he was later assigned to Investigations and the Vice Narcotics Divisions.

Once again, proving that Chism is an asset to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Ingram promoted him to chief deputy in August of 2022. The position of chief deputy had been held by Charlie Miller, who retired as a deputy in June and now serves as a representative in the N.C. House of Representative.

Chism counts being selected as the new chief deputy as the accomplishment he’s most proud of.

“It’s hard not to be,” he says. “I’ve only been here for 18 years. A lot of people, myself included, would say that’s unusual for someone my age. But I think what I brought to the table — my work ethic, my production and my leadership — is why they sought to move me up so quickly.”

Sheriff Ingram agrees.

“The chief deputy position is a vital part of the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Ingram says. “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of that role for me as sheriff. Chief Deputy Charlie Miller served as chief deputy since I became sheriff. It was very much a partnership, and I relied on him heavily for many things. When it came time to select a new Chief Deputy following his well-deserved retirement, I knew what characteristics I was looking for. Chief Deputy Chism comes into the position with a great deal of experience and knowledge. I have watched him grow and excel in various leadership positions throughout his career. He has served the citizens of Brunswick County for 18 years with dedication and professionalism. He is a man of integrity and strong moral character. Chief Deputy Chism grew up in Brunswick

County and has a vested interest in protecting and serving its citizens. I have every confidence he will do an excellent job as chief deputy and I am excited to watch him continue to grow as a leader.”

With his new role comes bigger responsibilities. As chief deputy, Chism fills in for the sheriff when he’s not in. His direct reports include the Human Resources Administrator, Captain of Internal Affairs, Comptroller, Lieutenant of Equipment and Governor’s Highway Safety Program and Captain of Selective Enforcement units.

Since Chism’s promotion, one thing hasn’t changed when it

comes to his favorite part about being in law enforcement.

“It’s helping people. Service has been in my blood,” he says. “And we have the support of our citizens. Sheriff Ingram has done an amazing job laying the groundwork and continues to do so. My heart is here in this county and with the citizens. I plan on starting and finishing my career with this agency.”

When Chism isn’t working, he can be found working out and spending time with his wife, Serena. They’ve been together for 20 years and married for 17.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without her love and support,” Chism says. They also just adopted a pit bull/feist mix from Animal Protective Services. “We named her Amara, which means survivor.” 

Retired Chief Deputy Charlie Miller collected challenge coins — unique gifts that recognize the hard work, dedication and honor of service members — and placed them under the glass on a table at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in Bolivia.

TrinityPoint Wealth Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Whetheryou are a working professional, nearing retirement or already there, it’s important to have clear financial goals. In an uncertain world, it’s more important than ever to have a financial future entrusted to people with competence, integrity, and respect for one’s unique life portfolio. It’s critical to work with those who have a vested understanding of what we want our future to look like, and with so many investment options out there, consulting a financial advisor should be a priority.

Michael Mahoney is an Investment Consultant with TrinityPoint Wealth, an independent wealth management and investment advisory firm. Mahoney has been helping individuals, families and business owners set and reach their financial goals for more than three decades. According to Mahoney, “At TrinityPoint Wealth, we are fiduciaries, first and foremost. When it comes to choosing a financial advisor, finding one that is a fiduciary is important. That means we always act in our client’s best interest. As fiduciaries, we are objective and unbiased. Our solutions are customized based on the needs of each individual client.”

Mahoney understands that finding successful financial strategies starts with listening. “Every person or entity has different goals and unique situations,” Mahoney says. “We listen to them, we determine where they are in their lives, and get to know their concerns, the level of risk they’re comfortable taking, and the time frame allowed to reach their goals. We build a customized plan to help them reach those goals.”.

That plan comes from a comprehensive review. It’s not just investment strategies, but a review of legal documents including wills, power of attorney, medical directives and life insurance. “While we don’t offer these products, we can recommend other professionals who do,” Mahoney says, as

they help paint a full picture of a person’s goals. “We advise on retirement, investments, stock options, estate planning, social security planning, charitable giving, tax strategy, insurance and more.”

For Mahoney, the best part of being an investment consultant is “meeting so many great people from all walks of life. Everyone has different goals and different resources. Once I help create a plan and put it into play, it is exciting to watch as my clients get closer and closer to reaching their goals.”

Typically, Mahoney’s clients first come to him because of a new life event. They may be nearing retirement and their income is going away, or they’re changing jobs, or they’re new parents thinking about college tuition. Additionally, Mahoney works with businesses and organizations to help employees save for retirement.

Mahoney, who got his start on Wall Street, made the move from the corporate side of wealth management to individuals. “I took the years of experience and knowledge from working with businesses and applied it to individuals,” he says. “In this sector, I get to see firsthand where I’m helping people.”

His passion for helping others and his community shows up outside of work as well. Mahoney lives in Sunset Beach with his wife, Pat, of 30 years, and volunteers with the American Legion in Calabash and the Committee to Honor America’s Veterans in Sunset Beach and is a board member and treasurer for the Boys and Girls Club in Myrtle Beach. He can be reached at mmahoney@trinitypointwealth.com.

Michael Mahoney

MMahoney@trinitypointwealth.com

(203) 258-3474

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries Business Profile

BY MICHELLE MACKEN

When it comes to making a living, Kachina Robertson has a simple philosophy: “Life is too short to not enjoy what you do for work. Find something that gives you purpose.”

As the hands-on owner/operator of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries in Shallotte, Robertson brings purpose and joy to her work with her company philosophy of “love your neighbor.” Her company logo — a heart with a hand in the middle — keeps this principle top of mind.

“This reminds us throughout the day of what we are here for,” Robertson says. “To serve our neighbors with a heart of gratitude and love.”

Robertson and her staff are focused on a providing a safe, clean, positive and friendly atmosphere for both employees and customers.

“Our focus on people first is what sets us apart,” Robertson says. “From how we treat our employees to how we serve our guests, people matter most.”

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries offers a retro Americana atmosphere, and

they’re focused on serving the best burgers, cheesesteaks and frozen custard in town. They cook their burgers and cheesesteaks on a flat-top grill, and it makes a difference, especially to those who remember a diner burger from the old days.

The Hwy 55 franchise began as Andy’s in 1991 with its first location in the Goldsboro. The Hwy 55 in Shallotte first opened in 2003.

“This year makes 20 years that we have served this community, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 20 years than our move to a brand-new location,” Robertson says.

The restaurant will move from 4501 Main Street to a new, sleek building at 4421 Main Street in mid-January 2023 with a February opening. The new restaurant will change the concept a bit to include a full-service drive through window, full-service indoor dining as well as some outdoor dining options. This new

concept is the first in southeastern North Carolina and more are likely to come.

Robertson says they are scouting land for the Whiteville, Leland, Wilmington, Hampstead and Topsail Beach areas.

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries

4501 Main Street, Shallotte

(Moving to 4421 Main Street in early 2023) (910) 754-7571 hwy55.com Facebook/hwy55burgersshalotte

NC Jazz Festival Business Profile

BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Jazz lovers can celebrate because the NC Jazz Festival is scheduled for February 2,3 and 4 in 2023.

“I want people to realize they will hear 19 different musicians at the festival,” says Sandy Evans, president of the NC Jazz Festival since 2005. “It won’t all be Dixieland.”

Evans’ own taste leans toward bebop musicians such as Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk.

The venue for the Jazz Festival is the ballroom at Hotel Ballast in Wilmington.

“People have to be given a chance to hear things in a setting where they are comfortable and having a good time,” Evans says.

Special Event Night opens the festival on February 2 and features three celebrated artists. Evans explains that singer Steve Washington comes from Washington, D.C., to open the festival at 7:30 pm.

“His voice is a cross between Billy Epstein and Nat King Cole, real smooth,” she says.

Besides performing with the Drifters, Supremes and the Village People, he sang in a tribute to Nat “King” Cole at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in April 2022.

The next performer is world-renowned pianist Lenore Raphael with accompanist Steve Hobbs on vibraphone. Raphael, who has her own radio show on purejazzradio.com, is considered one of the best jazz pianists in the world today. Guitarist Nate Najar, considered one of the finest modern jazz acoustic guitarists in this decade, closes the Thursday night show along with saxophonist Jeff Rupert. The two will give a tribute to Charlie Bird and Stan Getz.

The festival continues Friday night at 7:30 pm with five or six musicians playing together in seven free flow sessions. As longtime attendees know, one person is the leader and sets the pace for that session.

“I encourage the musicians to play what they want when they are the leader, so they can exhibit their special qualities,” Evans says.

Featured musicians this year are pianists Ehud Asherie and Rossano Sportiello; bassists Herman Burney and Neal Miner; trombonists Emily Asher and Dion Tucker; trumpetists Bruce Harris and Shaye Cohn; percussionist Kevin Dorn and Chick Redd; reed performers Adrian Cunningham and Houston Person; violinist Jonathan Russell; guitarist Nate Najar; and vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan.

“People will have a good time because it’s good music,” Evans says. “This is one time they will listen to different styles and realize that they can’t say, ‘I don’t like jazz.’”

Patrons have the added benefit of enjoying a musical brunch from 10:30 am to 1 pm on February 3, the second day of the festival.

Flyers announcing the festival are available at The AudioLab, 5732 Oleander Drive; Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th Street; and Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water Street, all in Wilmington.

The NC Jazz Festival is a nonprofit organization comprised of a board of 10 members who volunteer their time and talents to organize the festival each year. Evans’ interest in jazz started when she was a teen and went to a jazz club every week in Lake George, New York.

“My husband was into big bands, and that broadened my jazz knowledge,” she says.

She denies she has any musical talent but says, “I love to listen, and I clap like crazy. I really, really enjoy hiring musicians and getting them gigs. It’s a lot of fun.”

NC Jazz Festival

February 2, 3, 4, 7:30 pm to midnight Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St., Wilmington Tickets and information: ncjazzfestival.org

February 2, $45; February 3 & 4, $65 each night Active military, $25; students, $15 Reservations for 10 only

Patron tickets: February 3 & 4, including musical brunch, $215 or February 2,3 & 4, $240

Tickets by mail: NC Jazz Festival, P.O. Box 7681, Wilmington, NC 28406 (910) 793-1111 ncjazzfest@yahoo.com facebook.com/NorthCarolinaJazzFestival

FACES & PLACES

Tri-Chamber After Hours

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

On November 16 three local chambers of commerce — North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce — came together for the annual Tri-Chamber After Hours and Networking Event. All three chambers were well-represented at the event, which took place at Brunswick Community College.

DANA FISHER, HEATHER KING, JUNE BAKER, KAREN SPHAR

APRIL SCOTT

DAVID HUTNIK

STEVE HARRISON AND RICK KLINE

RONELL THOMPSON, JOHN AND AMBER BUCHHOLZ

JEFFREY STITES, SYLVIA AND RICK OGNAN, LISA STITES

KELLI PRATT, ALSTON PRINCE, RYAN HILL, EMILY MILLER

New Community Sneak Peek

The Home Place of Southport, Brunswick County’s newest gated development, welcomed the community to come experience coastal Carolina living at its finest at its VIP Preview event. On November 11 and 12, guests had the opportunity to explore the new homesites and enjoy a weekend of activities highlighting what makes this neighborhood so special.

Other event highlights included enjoying cuisine from a local food truck, learning about the advantages of living near Southport, learning about the town’s history from local historians and taking the opportunity to chat with onsite financing and insurance partners. The Home Place also hosted a food donation drop off to aid Brunswick Family Assistance, giving guests the chance to support the local community while enjoying their sneak peak of this exciting development.



Januar y Febr uar y Ma r ch

D a t e

1 3:42 4.6 4:02 4.0 10:35 0.5 10:25 0.0 2 4:36 4.6 4:56 3.9 11:31 0.4 11:15 0.0 3 5:27 4.7 5:47 3.8 12:19 0.4 4 6:14 4.7 6:34 3.9 12:00 0.0 1:02 0.3 5 6:56 4.8 7:17 3.9 12:44 -0.1 1:42 0.3 6 7:35 4.8 7:57 3.9 1:25 -0.1 2:20 0.2 7 8:12 4.8 8:34 3.8 2:06 -0.2 2:57 0.2 8 8:48 4.7 9:12 3.8 2:45 -0.1 3:34 0.3 9 9:24 4.6 9:50 3.7 3:25 -0.1 4:09 0.3 10 10:01 4.5 10:30 3.6 4:04 0.1 4:44 0.4 11 10:39 4.3 11:14 3.6 4:44 0.2 5:18 0.4 12 11:21 4.1 5:26 0.4 5:54 0.4 13 12:01 3.7 12:06 3.9 6:11 0.5 6:33 0.4 14 12:51 3.8 12:55 3.8 7:02 0.6 7:18 0.4 15 1:43 4.0 1:48 3.7 8:01 0.7 8:12 0.3 16 2:37 4.3 2:45 3.7 9:08 0.6 9:13 0.2 17 3:34 4.6 3:45 3.8 10:15 0.4 10:17 -0.1 18 4:33 4.9 4:46 3.9 11:17 0.1 11:19 -0.4 19 5:32 5.2 5:47 4.1 12:14 -0.3 20 6:29 5.6 6:44 4.4 12:17 -0.7 1:09 -0.6 21 7:24 5.8 7:39 4.6 1:13 -1.0 2:02 -0.8 22 8:16 5.9 8:32 4.8 2:09 -1.2 2:53 -1.0

9:07 5.8 9:26 4.8 3:03 -1.3 3:43 -1.1

10:00 5.6 10:21 4.8 3:57 -1.2 4:31 -1.0

10:54 5.2 11:19 4.7 4:51 -0.9 5:19 -0.8 26 11:49 4.8 5:46 -0.5 6:07 -0.6

12:18 4.6 12:45 4.4 6:44 -0.1 6:57 -0.3 28 1:17 4.5 1:41 4.0 7:48 0.3 7:52 0.0 29 2:14 4.4 2:37 3.7 8:59 0.6 8:50 0.2 30 3:10 4.3 3:33 3.6 10:08 0.7 9:50 0.3

4:05 4.2 4:29 3.5 11:07 0.6 10:47 0.3

High Tide Low Tide

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

1 5:00 4.2 5:23 3.5 11:56 0.6 11:37 0.2

2 5:50 4.3 6:12 3.6 12:40 0.5

3 6:35 4.4 6:56 3.8 12:23 0.0 1:19 0.3

4 7:14 4.6 7:35 3.9 1:05 -0.1 1:56 0.2

5 7:51 4.6 8:12 3.9 1:46 -0.2 2:32 0.1

6 8:25 4.7 8:47 4.0 2:25 -0.3 3:06 0.1

7 8:58 4.6 9:22 4.0 3:04 -0.2 3:39 0.1

8 9:32 4.5 9:58 4.0 3:43 -0.2 4:11 0.1

9 10:07 4.3 10:37 4.0 4:21 0.0 4:43 0.1

10 10:45 4.1 11:21 4.1 5:01 0.1 5:16 0.2

11 11:29 3.9 5:44 0.3 5:53 0.2

12 12:10 4.1 12:19 3.8 6:32 0.4 6:37 0.2 13 1:05 4.2 1:16 3.6 7:29 0.5 7:32 0.3 14 2:04 4.4 2:17 3.6 8:36 0.6 8:40 0.2

15 3:06 4.6 3:22 3.7 9:49 0.4 9:54 0.0 16 4:11 4.8 4:28 3.9 10:57 0.2 11:03 -0.3 17 5:15 5.1 5:32 4.2 11:57 -0.2 18 6:14 5.5 6:31 4.6 12:05 -0.7 12:52 -0.6 19 7:09 5.7 7:26 4.9 1:03 -1.0 1:43 -0.9 20 8:00 5.8 8:17 5.1 1:58 -1.2 2:32 -1.1 21 8:49 5.7 9:08 5.2 2:51 -1.3 3:18 -1.1 22 9:38 5.4 9:58 5.2 3:43 -1.2 4:03 -1.0 23 10:28 5.0 10:51 5.1 4:34 -0.9 4:48 -0.8 24 11:20 4.6 11:45 4.8 5:24 -0.5 5:32 -0.5 25 12:14 4.2 6:17 0.0 6:19 -0.1 26 12:40 4.6 1:10 3.8 7:13 0.4 7:09 0.2 27 1:36 4.3 2:06 3.6 8:18 0.8 8:07 0.5 28 2:32 4.1 3:03 3.5 9:29 1.0 9:12 0.7

4.4 10:06 4.6 4:00 -0.1 4:09 0.0 11 10:17 4.2 10:49 4.6 4:40 0.0 4:44 0.1 12 12:02 4.0 6:23 0.2 6:24 0.2

7:11 0.3

8:09 0.4

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Advertiser Phone# Page# Advertiser Phone# Page#

Ace Hardware of Southport 910-477-6444 82

Advanced Orthopedics 910-641-8670 11

All in Bloom ............................................................................... 910-477-6024 9

Allstate - R&R Insurance Services, Inc 910-754-6536 43

Bald Head Coffee 800-484-8399 93

Bell & Bell Buick GMC 843-399-8300 55

BEMC 800-842-5871 30

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Crystal Babson 910-393-9957 72

Bianchi Brickyard Supply 910-454-4445 49

Bill Clark Homes 910-350-1744 102

BlueWave Dentistry 910-383-2615 4

Body Edge Fitness Solutions 910-575-0975 95

Boundary House 910-579-8888 26

Braddock Built Renovations 910-754-9635 14

Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce 910-754-6644 108

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity 910-454-0007 111

Brunswick Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 910-269-2420 86

Callahan’s of Calabash 800-344-3816 22

Camouflage Aesthetic Injection Boutique ................... 910-565-6810 82

Cary Cart Company 910-457-7333 111

Clark’s Seafood and Chop House 843-399-8888 92

Coastal Insurance 910-754-4326 49

Coastal Integrative Health 910-755-5400 74

Coastal Primary Care and Wellness 910-795-1700 111

Coastal Wine Room 910-393-2125 41

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage 910-754-6782 15

Coldwell Banker Sloane Realty 910-579-1144 80

CommWell Health 877-935-5225 85

Custom Home Furniture Outlet 910-399-4229 77

Doctor Cahn 910-363-4949 3

Dosher Memorial Hospital 910-457-3800 13

EmergeOrtho 910-332-3800 38

Farm Bureau Insurance - Shallotte 910-754-8175 93, 102

Floor Coverings International Shallotte 910-575-5248 7

Free Spirit Conservatory of the Arts............................. 910-579-5673 52

Habitat for Humanity Restore 111

Heartsease at Shallotte 910-256-3366 44

Hello Garage 910-543-8458 96

Heritage Fresh Market 910-253-1330 51

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries 910-754-7571 105

Intracoastal Realty Corporation 910-579-3050 19

Island Classic Interiors 910-579-8477 52

Ivester Jackson Coastal Properties 910-300-5140 106

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

Keller Williams - Angie Wilkie 910-777-7945 85

Kimball’s Furniture & Design Center 910-754-8422 56

Kingz Custom Concrete Coatings 910-620-8979 100

Klinton’s Flooring 910-575-2838 56

Kristin Dowdy, State Farm Agent 910-754-9923 79

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark 910-550-1167 100

Lindsey Jenkins, Century 21 Collective 910-368-9626 34

Living Coastal TeamIntracoastal Realty Corporation 910-712-3515 59

Lucca Italian Chophouse 910-754-2334 36

Maria’s Pizzeria 910-579-3233 36

McLeod Health 910-575-8488 5

NC Jazz Festival 910-793-1111 107

Niche Décor & Gifts 910-769-8839 77

Novant Health 910-579-8363 87, BC

Oyster Rock 910-579-6875 6

Paula Ogden, Metro to Coast Real Estate 910-918-6557 96

Pink Flamingo Consignments............................................ 910-734-7280 56

Porch Swing Sunset Permanent Hair Removal 910-946-7223 96

Prestige Outdoor Lighting 910-754-5483 104

River Hotel of Southport 910-294-6070 41

Sarah Harris Team –Intracoastal Realty Corporation 910-579-3050 52

Sea Island Trading Co. 843-273-0248 17

Seacoast Building Company, Inc. 910-880-3639 91

SeaStar Concrete Coatings 910-664-0470 80

Sharky’s Restaurant 910-579-9177 91

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

Southern Concepts Design Build 984-299-7626 104

Southern Realty Advantage 910-933-6223 94

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber 910-457-6964 106

Spilt Milk Ice Cream and Donut shop 910-579-9339 36

Stump Hill Farms 910-231-0044 82

Thalian Association Community Theatre 910-251-1788 106

The Kitchen Man ...................................................................... 910-408-1322 55

The Links at Brick Landing 910-754-7600 IFC

Triad Power Wash LLC 910-599-7798 14

TrinityPoint Wealth 203-258-3474 25, 103

Trusst Builder Group 910-371-0304 47

Wades Jewelers 910-457-5800 12

Leading Cancer Treatments. Remarkable

Personalized Care.

Find the leading cancer experts and compassionate care you deserve at Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute.

Highly specialized experts. Advanced technology and therapies. And an unwavering focus on your health and healing — all close to home. Novant Health’s integrated team of nurses, nurse navigators, oncologists, surgeons, social workers and more work together for an integrated, collaborative approach to your care. We’ll guide and support you through treatment and recovery.

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NHRMC.org/Zimmer-Cancer-Institute