SBM Winter 2021-22 Edition by southbrunswickmagazine

Winter 2021-22 Winter 2021-22 || SouthBrunswickMagazine.com SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

FUTURE 10

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

HOME HEALTHCARE

PHILANTHROPIST WJ MCLAMB

RESTAURATEUR JAMES LANE

A Curated Collection of Sun-Kissed Style

XOXO The SU Crew

LADIES

KIDS

MEN

Johnny Was Bella Dahl AGolde Wooden Ships Farm Rio Oliphant Julie Vos Twine & Twig

Pink Chicken Rylee & Cru Tea Collection Freshly Picked Angel Dear Little Unicorn

Johnnie O Faherty Patagonia SouthernTide Olukai Fish Hippie Katin

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

D FEATURES

FEATURES

WINTER 2021-22 D VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2

PHOTO BY BRENT GALLANT

38 FUTURE 10 2021

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County. By Melissa Slaven Warren

64 THE INTREPID NONAGENARIAN

Brunswick County native WJ McLamb, known for his philanthropic spirit in his home county, has no plans to slow down at 90. By Jo Ann Mathews

South Brunswick Magazine

PHOTOS BY MEGAN DEITZ

78 MOVER & SHAKER

James Lane, the restaurateur behind four of southern Brunswick County’s most popular eateries, spills some of his secrets to success. By Rich Mina

Winter 2021-22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

25 SPIRITS

18 CONTRIBUTORS 22 WHAT’S HAPPENED

What’s been going on around town

28 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Extras you’ll find only online

31 UP NORTH

Finds in the Winter 2021-22 edition of North Brunswick Magazine

85 SNIPPETS

Paddle for Presents

87 BUSINESS PROFILES 93 FACES & PLACES 96 SHALLOTTE INLET TIDE CHART 97 ADVERTISERS INDEX 98 TAGGED

South Brunswick Magazine

White Chocolate Peppermint Martini By Sandi Grigg

26 WHAT’S COOKIN’

Greek Spinach Pie By Sandi Grigg

60 60 BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Offering Northern fare with Southern hospitality, Melinda Stein’s Calabash Deli has been a staple for lunches and quick dinners since 1997. By Claire Lynch

33 AROUND TOWN

69 SPORTS

51 ART & CULTURE

73 PEOPLE

A look at three different local home health/house assistance providers that make it easier for seniors to live at home longer. By Carolyn Bowers

Joseph Bardani Art Studio in Southport houses working studios for 13 artists and also serves as a gallery. By Carolyn Bowers

55 NONPROFIT

The local community steps up to support Little Pink Houses of Hope and families impacted by breast cancer. By Beth A. Klahre

Two Brunswick County women will represent North Carolina at the Special Olympics USA Games next year. By Ed Beckley

As the executive director of Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, Jim Hoffman hopes to find new ways to engage visitors at Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. By Jo Ann Mathews

PHOTO BY CLAIRE LYNCH

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

PHOTO BY BRENT GALLANT

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South Brunswick Magazine – Winter 2021-22 Volume 13, Issue 2 OWNER/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Paula Knorr Teresa Kramer Eliza Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Brian Wilner George Jacob

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ed Beckley Carolyn Bowers Megan Deitz Brent Gallant Laura Glantz Beth A. Klahre Jo Ann Mathews Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ed Beckley Carolyn Bowers Kathy Blake Sandi Grigg Beth A. Klahre Claire Lynch Jo Ann Mathews Rich Mina Melissa Slaven Warren Brian Wilner

PUBLISHED BY:

CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC. PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@southbrunswickmagazine.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited.

© 2021-22 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.

Winter 2021-22 | SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

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South Brunswick Magazine

FUTURE 10

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

HOME HEALTHCARE

PHILANTHROPIST WJ MCLAMB

RESTAURATEUR JAMES LANE

About the cover: Photographer Megan Deitz captured the images of the 2021 Future 10 leaders. For this annual issue we feature two covers, each one with five of the recipients. Turn to page 38 to Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County.

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Winter 2021-22

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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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South Brunswick Magazine

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Winter 2021-22

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome

2022

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the calendar to flip to 2022. 2021 was one heck of a year for me personally, and that’s probably the understatement of the year. I’m ready for a reboot. As I mentioned in the last edition’s publisher’s note, I spent the better part of 2021 bouncing between Florida and North Carolina, helping take care of my mom, who was ill. I finally moved her to North Carolina in October, and she passed away just before Thanksgiving. I never realized how insanely grateful for her I was until that moment. Most of my life I took my mom for granted, as we all do, I guess. She shaped me into the person I have become, and I certainly would not be writing this today without her special grace in my life. Hug your people extra tight today and tell them you love them. Meanwhile, life in South Brunswick County is moving right along, and thanks to my hardworking staff and freelance contributors, we have a great winter magazine for you. In this edition you’re going to meet a whole lot of great people. Not only is this our annual Future 10 issue, in which we introduce 10 of the young professionals who are making a difference in Brunswick County, but also we have stories about others who are contributing positively in our communities. There’s a feature on 90-year-old philanthropist WJ McLamb as well as stories on restaurateurs James Lane and Melinda Stein. You’ll meet the new director of Ocean Isle Museum Foundation and artist Joseph Bardani as well as two women who

South Brunswick Magazine

will soon compete in the Special South Brunswick Magazine Publisher Olympics on the national level. Justin Williams with his Thank you for reading South late mother, Jo Ann, Brunswick Magazine. We could not do and daughter, Ava. this without the support of our advertisers, so please visit them and tell them you saw their ads here. I have a feeling that 2022 is going to be a great year! I hope you all find plentiful time to enjoy the beauty in South Brunswick County.

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

Winter 2021-22

CONTRIBUTORS

Carolyn Bowers CONTRIBUTING WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

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

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 and @megandeitz_photography on Instagram.

Jo Ann Mathews CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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

South Brunswick Magazine

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South Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2021-22

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Calabash VFW Holds Flag Retirement Ceremony

Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island Installs New Officers CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

George Bayless of St. James was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island during the club’s October 7 meeting. Also installed were president-elect Kathleen Bradcovich, vice president Ray George, treasurer Peg McDonald and secretary John Ertlschweiger. Immediate past president Steve Corbett will continue to serve on the club’s board of directors for the next year. Also serving on the board for the 2021–22 fiscal year will be Ed Dougherty, Helenea Grace, Don Halbert, Victor Long, Tony Nuzio and Larry Trainor.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Members of the Calabash Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7288, Calabash American Legion Post 503 and the Calabash Elks Lodge 2689 gathered at the Calabash American Legion Post on the overcast Saturday morning of October 9, 2021, to perform a joint flag retirement ceremony easing to rest worn American flags. The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Calabash Elks Donate to Good Shepherd Center The Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC) of the Calabash Elks Lodge 2679 recently donated $2,500 to the SGT Eugene Ashley Memorial Center under the Good Shepherd Center located in Wilmington. SGT Ashley Center provides transitional residence and recovery programs for homeless veterans. The SGT Ashley Center will use the funds to help stock their food pantry, provide cleaning and maintenance supplies and assist the resident veterans. This brings VAC donations to the SGT Ashley Center to more than $7,500 since 2017. The mission of the Good Shepherd Center is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and foster transition to permanent housing. One of Good Shepherd’s many programs, the SGT Eugene Ashley Memorial Center, specifically provides short-term transitional Bridge Housing for up to 16 homeless veterans. Bridge housing is a short-term solution for veterans who have been offered and accepted a permanent housing intervention but are still working on access to that housing. Since its inception in 2001, the Ashley Center program has succeeded in returning 92% of participating veterans to permanent housing.

McLeod Health Welcomes Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Chad Thornhill McLeod Health and McLeod Physician Associates welcome Chad A. Thornhill, MD, to the medical staff. Dr. Thornhill cares for patients in the newly formed McLeod Pediatric Gastroenterology practice. Board Certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology, Dr. Thornhill specializes in digestive, liver and nutritional disorders in children, ranging from lactose intolerance to food allergies, severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatic insufficiency, feeding disorders and more. Dr. Thornhill received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed a Pediatrics Residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Dr. Thornhill completed Fellowship training in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School in Houston, Texas.

Smart Start Receives Spot Light Grant

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

South Brunswick Magazine

Shallotte Elks Lodge #2854 recently donated $2,000 to Smart Start. The Elks donated the money via their Spot Light Grant. Smart Start will be using the money to replace books in their 15 kiosks, which are located in Brunswick County. On hand for the donation were Family Support Specialist Johanna McLamb, Exective Director Krista Campana, Lodge Trustee Paul Salerno, Exalted Ruler Sue Berardi and Lodge Loyal Knight Sam Johnston.

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Grecco Reassigned as U.S. Naval Academy Information Officer Patricia Grecco of Southport recently moved to Southport after being a Naval Academy Information Officer for 11 years in New York as well as deputy area coordinator for four years. Grecco has been assigned to high schools in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, Robeson County and Columbus County. As one of 2,100 nationwide Blue and Gold Officers, her role is to assist young men and women interested in the academy through the extensive application process and counsel prospective Midshipmen on all aspects of the Naval Academy. In 2020 Grecco was promoted to deputy area coordinator for eastern North Carolina.

and honor loved ones, the agency felt a special need to recognize and honor the service provided by men and women who have served our country. With 12.8 percent of residents in Brunswick County being veterans, higher than the 8.6 percent for the entire state, and a majority of those being 65 and older, LCFL wanted to create a designated Veterans Memorial Garden. The garden will offer a place of solace and remembrance. Plans for a similar Veterans Memorial Garden addition are in the works for the John T. Dees, M.D. and Jenny L. Dees Heritage Garden in Wilmington.

DAR Presents Flag to Hugh Family Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) participated in the dedication of the Hugh family’s new home in Supply on October 6 with presentation of an American flag to the homeowner. Chapter Regent Martha Koletar presented the flag on behalf of the chapter and wished Nicholas, Victoria, Olivia and Lily Hugh much happiness in their new home. Following an emotional speech in which he thanked everyone involved, Nicholas and his family cut the ribbon to their home and invited all in attendance to tour it. The Hughs’ home was made possible by Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity and the many sponsors and volunteers who contribute to the effort. A blessing of the home and closing prayer were offered by Pastor Bill Negron, Faith Relations board member of Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, and by Pastor Bob Weathers of First Baptist Church of Shallotte.

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Veterans Memorial Garden Begins at Hospice House Lower Cape Fear LifeCare recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial Garden at its SECU Hospice House of Brunswick in Bolivia. Less than a week later, construction began on the garden. While the local nonprofit already offers tributes to remember

• Over 75 estate homes valued at over $2 million in value sold in the past year. • Christie’s reaches the world’s leading collectors of fine art and exclusive properties with over 900 offices and 400 annual art auctions. Serving historic Southport and the coastal communities of Brunswick County.

Winter 2021-22

South Brunswick Magazine

SPIRITS

Merry Martini

This martini with notes of white chocolate and peppermint will delight your senses and soothe your holiday stress.

Makes 1 drink

BY SANDI GRIGG

I love the holidays, but after a long day of shopping, wrapping and baking I look forward to a white chocolate peppermint martini. It is the perfect end to a hectic holiday. I prefer to shop local and typically find more unique and quality gifts at small family-owned businesses that I can stroll in on my own time. However, my family has a tradition of meeting at the outlets to shop together. I usually buy those last-minute generic gifts like lotion or blankets from the outlets, but a full day of shopping with the family amidst the crowds can suck the fun of the holiday out of you. When I get home, I quickly wrap those gifts and stick them under the tree before they are seen. Then, my spouse and our son have our own tradition of baking and decorating cookies that we give to the teachers, co-workers and neighbors. It can all be so exhausting. What better way to get back into the holiday spirit than to sit back in my comfy chair with a fluffy blanket, prop my fuzzy-socked feet up on the coffee table in front of the fire and enjoy a treat made just for me? The creamypepperminty deliciousness in this martini always relieves some of that holiday tension. It takes a bit of extra effort to rim the glass and mix all the ingredients, but after giving so much of myself around the season, I deserve this moment of serenity while I sip my martini ... and so do you.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MARTINI INGREDIENTS 1½ ounces white chocolate liqueur 2 ounces vanilla vodka ½ ounce peppermint schnapps 1 ounce creme de cacao white liqueur 1 ounce half and half Candy canes (whole and crushed) White chocolate syrup

METHOD Start by rimming the martini glass. Dip the edge of the glass in the white chocolate syrup and then dip it into the crushed candy canes. Set aside. Add white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao and half and half to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for at least 15 seconds. Strain into your rimmed martini glass and enjoy! Winter 2021-22

WHAT’S COOKIN’

A Taste of

Greece

Based on spanakopita, the classic Greek spinach and feta pie, this savory dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

I once visited the Mediterranean and was lucky enough to try a Greek dish called spanakopita. I had traveled to the edges of the Mediterranean Sea to visit a friend who was in school abroad. It was her holiday, and we spent our days on the beach, experiencing the culture and soaking up the architecture around us. One night we decided to go to a fancy restaurant that was located around the corner. It was an open-air-concept building, and instead of walls it consisted of archways with a peak in the middle and nothing but views around us. There were large potted plants sitting everywhere, and you could smell the ocean as the breeze blew through, catching the white table cloths. We ordered wine while we munched on an assortment of olives with hummus. I noticed an item on the menu called spanakopita. I am notorious for ordering items that I have never heard of or can’t pronounce — I didn’t even ask what it was, I just ordered it. It was served with lamb and a chickpea salad. Sounded good to me. It was my first It was brought to our table, and I don’t know what I expected but it looked like a green veggie taste of the savory pie square. It was my first taste of the savory pie pie made of perfectly made of perfectly flaky phyllo, creamy spinach and cheese, and it was delectable. I knew I would flaky phyllo, creamy try to recreate it when I got home. spinach and cheese, This recipe is not that; instead, it is my humble rendition not worthy of being called spanakopita and it was because my roots are far from Greece. However, delectable. it is about as close in flavor as this Southern girl could get. I made this in a large casserole dish, but it is also known to be served in hand pies shaped in triangles or even rolls. This dish is composed of very simple and clean ingredients. The key fillings are spinach and feta cheese. The other flavor makers are fresh herbs and aromatics. With just one bite I am transferred back to that table on the Mediterranean, sitting across from my friend while we laughed and discussed what our futures might look like. Sometimes it is just the simple things in life that make us most happy.

South Brunswick Magazine

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Greek Spinach Pie INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 2 cups ricotta cheese 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese 8 ounces grated Monterey Jack cheese 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 6 sheets 17 x 13-inch phyllo pastry (defrosted if frozen) 4 tablespoons butter, melted

METHOD Note: Brushing melted butter between the phyllo layers helps it puff, so don’t skip this step. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the onions and cook until clear (about 5 minutes). Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked onions, spinach, ricotta, feta, jack cheese, eggs, dill, parsley, salt and pepper. Spread half the spinach mixture in the greased baking dish. Cover with two pieces of the phyllo pastry and brush pastry lightly with melted butter, then lay one more piece of phyllo on top. Spread the remaining spinach mixture over the phyllo. Then place two pieces of phyllo on top and lightly brush with butter. Place the final piece of phyllo on top and brush with butter. Tuck the phyllo in around the edges if it is hanging over the dish. Use a sharp knife to mark 12 squares by cutting through the top layers of pastry. Bake until the phyllo topping is golden and the filling is bubbling gently, about 45 minutes. Cut in squares and serve warm.

Winter 2021-22

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL FIND ONLY ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

APPLES ON THE TABLE by Joan Leotta

Since apples are not just for snacking, here are a couple of sweet and savory apple recipes to add to your fall meals. When I was growing up, not many supermarkets carried more than one or two types of apples, in addition to the Granny Smith, touted for baking. Now, most stores have at least six types that vary in their crunch and tartness, and many people, like me, use a variety of apples in baking. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

FEAST ON THIS

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

Feast OIB, once just a catering business, now has a full-service restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, entrees and more. When business partners Doug Mace and Eric Stanek first opened their catering business, Feast OIB, in March of 2021, their business model was unique to this shore town and others nearby. They’d freshly prepare great take-andbake meals for two to 20 people or more, and all you’d have to do is go pick it up and pop it in the oven. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 28

South Brunswick Magazine

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL FIND ONLY ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

PHARMACY BY THE SEA by Beth Klahre

Coming soon to St. James Marina is The Apothecary at St. James, a full-service pharmacy. A new family-owned pharmacy will be the first independent business inside St. James, other than Troon-owned facilities, when it opens late fall at the St. James Marina. In addition to filling prescriptions, the pharmacy and gift shop will carry overthe-counter products, quality nutrition and vitamin lines and boutique gifts. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

A CAPPELLA BELLAS by Jo Ann Mathews

South Brunswick High School’s Brunswick Bellas are rising to the challenge of barbershop-style singing. A love of singing and an aim to challenge chorus students and feature them in concerts led to the 2019 formation of the Brunswick Bellas, a group of eight teens from the school who sing a cappella barbershop style. That is, voices only — no musical instruments, no accompaniment. They are the women’s equivalent to Brunswick County’s Coastal Harmonizers chorus, the all-male barbershop group. Women’s voices are soprano 1, a barbershop tenor; soprano 2, a barbershop lead; alto 1, a barbershop baritone; and alto 2, a barbershop bass. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

DOCK INNOVATIONS by John Cardillo

TOP SPELLERS

by Jo Ann Mathews

Kerry Cantwell and Paul Mills win the 31st Annual Brunswick County Literacy Council Adult Spelling Bee. The Brunswick Community College team of Kerry Cantwell and Paul Mills won the 31st Annual Brunswick County Literacy Council Adult Spelling Bee on October 19. Cantwell and Mills won when they correctly spelled floriferous, which means flower bearing. It was Cantwell’s first appearance in the bee, but Mills has represented BCC twice before. “The third time is a charm,” he says. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Dock Blocks floating boat docks, an alternative to wooden docks, are engineered to withstand the punishing conditions of storms and hurricanes. Navigating the waters of maritime entrepreneurship can be treacherous, particularly when trying to improve upon a tried-andtrue approach. But a small Charleston, S.C., company thinks it will sail to success with unique docking and boat lift systems that can withstand the worst Mother Nature has to offer Brunswick County. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Winter 2021-22

A T R U S S T- W O R T H Y B U I L D E R

of Fine Homes

Trusst Builder Group is a locally owned and operated builder and developer of quality homes and neighborhoods throughout New Hanover and Brunswick counties. Since 1992, we have built more than 3,000 homes in the Cape Fear region. Trusst is unique in our ability to build value-priced, custom-quality homes where premier finishes are standard. Our development, Whiskey Branch, is a gated community just outside the Wilmington city limits off of South College Road. Trusst is also now building in select neighborhoods in Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe, Magnolia Greens, Palmetto Creek, Riverlights, RiverSea, St. James Plantation, The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, Waterford and Winding River.

To Learn More Visit T R U S S T B U I L D E R G R O U P. C O M or Call 9 1 0 . 3 7 1 . 0 3 0 4

UP NORTH

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 

EDUCATION THROUGH CELEBRATION Honoring Gullah Geechee culture is central to the North Carolina Rice Festival, which is slated to occur in northern Brunswick County on March 4 and 5, 2022. By Teresa A. McLamb

At its apex, Brunswick County rice production accounted for 90% of that grown in North Carolina. It was the same superior strand grown in the Low County of South Carolina and Georgia — Carolina Gold. Its cultivation and export to Europe, especially England, accounted for much of the wealth of the agricultural antebellum south. Rice plantations existed all along the Cape Fear River, with several being in the area that would become Leland.

WINTER WARMER Whether you make it with lamb, beef or venison, this recipe for cottage pie, aka shepherd’s pie, is a comfortfood classic. By Sandi Grigg

DRIVE-BY RECYCLING A new service called Recyclops offers a recycling solution for Leland residents. By Kathy Blake

Specially marked vehicles are winding through Leland, their drivers taking things from peoples’ yards in broad daylight. The vehicles, with decals of a teal, alien-looking critter – little yellow horns, pointy fingers, one big circular eyeball – appeared in early November. The stuff they’re snatching is packed in teal, logo-stamped bags. And homeowners don’t mind.

Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie? Regardless of what you call it, these are both basically a meat casserole with a layer of mashed potatoes on top. The main difference is the type of meat used. Traditional Irish shepherd’s pie calls for ground lamb, while cottage pie is made with ground beef.

YOUNG GRUNGE Audiomelt, the region’s youngest rock and metal band, is a rising star on the local music scene. By Annesophia Richards

Many music lovers can remember a time growing up when all they wanted to be was a rock star. For the members of the local band Audiomelt, that dream is on the verge of becoming a reality. Students by day and rock stars by night, these four young men are making a name for themselves in the Cape Fear region and beyond. Winter 2021-22

Expanding orthopedic care right here in Brunswick Ted Parcel, DO, and Benjamin Browning, MD, are accepting new patients Joint, bone and muscle pain can interrupt your life. Are you ready to get back to doing what you love? Like walking, tennis or golf? Then it’s time to meet our experts at Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Supply. Board-certified surgeon Ted Parcel, DO, is fellowship-trained in adult joint replacements. Benjamin Browning, MD, is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy. Both are experienced in providing high-level care for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions.

Ted Parcel, DO, FAAOS

Services include: • Hip and knee joint replacements

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Our experts provide the specialty care you need, closer to home, so you can concentrate on what counts most — getting better and staying healthy. Benjamin Browning, MD

We are taking extra steps in our clinics to keep you healthy, including masking, social distancing, screenings and increased disinfecting of surfaces.

Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Brunswick 6 Doctors Circle, Suite 5, Supply, NC 28462

Call 910-721-4370 or visit NovantHealth.org/orthosportsmedbrunswick to make a same-day or next-day appointment. 32 Health,South © Novant Inc. 2020 9/20 • ECA-627232

Brunswick Magazine

AROUND TOWN

Help at Home A look at three different local home health/house assistance providers that make it easier for seniors to live at home longer. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN BOWERS

It all happens so quickly. You work. You retire. You play some golf, do a little fishing, trim the hedges and go out to dinner. It’s called living the good life. And then, all of a sudden, one morning you wake up with a few muscles in rebellion mode. Your spouse sells your 12-foot ladder, and you can’t find your glasses. That is when you start to think about your options for the future. Do you want to stay in your home and hire in every service you can find? Or move to a continuing-care facility? Or downsize and move to a condo or townhouse where the HOA takes care of most of what you can no longer do? According to an AARP survey, nearly 90% of Americans over the age of 75 would like to stay in their current home. If you are in that category, you will be happy to learn that there are several organizations and businesses in this area that can help you do that. They offer some of the same services, but each has its own unique advantages. Here are three that represent the different kinds of services available.

A volunteer from St. James NEST changes a light bulb for a member.

St. James NEST St. James launched its NEST program in January 2021 and, at least for now, it is only available to St. James residents. Their program is modeled after the Village concept that began in Boston in 1999 with the formation of Beacon Hill Village, which was founded on the idea that seniors could “take care of each other, rather than being taken care of.” In the 20 plus years since its founding, nearly 300 Villages have been created in 45 states and five countries, and St. James NEST is one of them. Each Village offers the elderly an alternative to moving away from friends and familiar places. NEST is basically a home assistance service for people who need help with everything from changing a light bulb or cleaning their HVAC filters to picking up preordered groceries or prescriptions, mailing packages, etc. They offer help in troubleshooting problems with the Internet, smart TVs, phones and tablets and using these devices to fill out forms, use online shopping sites and connect to Zoom meetings. They can also provide transportation to local

medical facilities, banks, personal care businesses, churches, etc. NEST is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Currently they have 60 volunteers and 73 clients (whom they call members). They require 72 hours’ lead time for a house call, so don’t call them at 7 pm when you want to watch your favorite Netflix show and you can’t get it. An appointment with a NEST volunteer can be requested by filling out the form on their website. Go to sjnest.helpfulvillage.com and access the Members tab or you can call the Help Desk at (910) 250-8388 between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm Monday through Friday. Winter 2021-22

CRYSTAL BABSON

Commercial and Residential Realtor

910.393.9957 I CBabson@Century21Sweyer.com CarolinaCoastLiving.com I Featured on HGTV Each office is independently owned and operated.

AROUND TOWN

Coastal Companion Care Coastal Companion Care’s emphasis is on healthcare services. They provide the option of 24/7 live-in assistance as well as long-term hourly or daily support. However, their website stresses that they are a “non-medical homecare provider.” They offer companionship and assistance with personal activities such as bathing, grooming and dressing, and they give the primary caregiver a brief respite. They will help with preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, transporting clients to doctor and therapy appointments or personal errands, shopping or just getting out of the house for a little while. Coastal Companion Care has been serving the residents of Brunswick County for more than 14 years and recently opened a second office in Wilmington. According to their published literature, they accept payment from long-term care insurance where home care is part of the client’s policy. For help in evaluating your needs and learning more about how they can help you, visit them at 5101 Southport-Supply Road #4, in Southport, call them at (910) 457-5300 or visit their website: coastalcompanioncare.com

Quality Concierge Service Quality Concierge Service has a different approach. This is a one-man operation. Tim Patton started this business four years ago as an outgrowth from the kinds of services he had been providing for free over the last eight years as a volunteer with churches and other organizations.

Tim Patton entertains a client.

“I have always liked helping people,” he says. And, according to his clients, he is very good at it. Patton is a general handyman who will do the chores we all did once upon a time in our younger years. Like the other two options described above for staying in your home, Patton’s primary service is providing companionship and caregiver respite. And like the others, he will drive people to doctor visits, take them shopping, etc., and do pretty much whatever people ask him to do around the house. And, if asked, he will even play his guitar for people. What differentiates Patton from the other two services (other than the guitar playing) is that he is usually available on short notice. Contact Quality Concierge Service at (910) 470-8004.

All three of these entities emphasize that they offer personalized care for individuals needing assistance, and each one has an extensive list of references that they will gladly provide upon request. They also each have a different fee schedule. St. James NEST has a flat annual rate, which is the same no matter how many times you call on them. Coastal Companion Care’s rates are determined on a case-by-case basis. And Tim Patton’s Concierge Service charges an hourly rate. Bottom line, if remaining in your current home seems like the right choice for you, there are different kinds of home healthcare/house assistance providers in the area that will make doing that a very real possibility.  Winter 2021-22

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South Brunswick Magazine

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FUTURE 10

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County John Fitzgerald has a passion to help people live pain-free lives. Cherell Frink offers victims of domestic abuse hope and advocates for financial independence. Da’meshol Grissett is driven to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Dr. Cecilia Liu is on a mission to prove to kids that dentists aren’t scary. Rev. Lavar Marlow reminds us that investing in our youth changes all of our futures. First Sgt. TK Nowell wants women in the county to feel safe, secure and empowered. Karmen

South Brunswick Magazine

Smith has found a way to help herself heal by helping others heal. Tyler Smith went from a resident in a recovery center to its chief operating officer. Rebecca Whiteside makes it her goal every day to see how she can help increase access to healthcare in the county. Treanna Wilson helps women and children come to terms with the trauma of domestic abuse. Nine years ago, Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and South Brunswick Magazine introduced the

There is no shortage of definitions for what a great leader is. But in the simplest terms, it’s 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. BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

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 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. Meet the 2021 future leaders of Brunswick County. Winter 2021-22

FUTURE 10

Da’meshol Grissett

WORK-BASED LEARNING SPECIALIST BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGE: 28

a’meshol Grissett is the epitome of a hometown success story. She is a product of Brunswick County’s K-12 system and a Brunswick Community College (BCC) graduate. Like many others trying to figure out what they want to do with their life, as a student Grissett found herself at the same crossroads. That’s when she went through the NCWorks Career Center and found her calling. “I thought I was going to be a nurse,” Grissett says. Then she took the career assessment and scored high for a career coach. “I didn’t find my career. My career found me.” Today, she encourages job seekers and students alike who want to make a life change or get training assistance or who need help just “figuring it out” to utilize the great resources in the county. “That’s why I’m here,” Grissett says. “I truly love helping and supporting community members and also the employers in our area.” Over the past two years at BCC, she has built a strong employer network, created work-based learning placements and established internships, all of which help bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Her career journey began at NCWorks, and then after a year she accepted a newly created position at BCC as a career navigator. Through her forward-thinking initiatives and motivation, she worked tirelessly to ensure that families in our communities had the resources they needed to earn sustaining wages.

South Brunswick Magazine

In her new role as the work-based learning specialist, her mission continues. She works directly with students and job seekers to access their skills, recommend additional training they might need and connect them with employers. What makes Grissett uniquely perfect in her role is her natural ability to connect. If someone comes in feeling defeated or lost, “I just give them a pep talk and remind them that we’re here to help, so you don’t have to feel like you’re doing this by yourself,” she says. Grissett’s Future 10 nomination has “lit a bigger fire for my passion to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “I really want to help people get out of poverty, whether it’s through training, assistance finding a meaningful career or individual counseling.” There are two contributions that Grissett would like to make during her tenure at BCC. First, encourage the integration of agencies and organizations within the county. When mutual goals are shared across all stakeholders, it improves the knowledge of and access to the resources that are available to her clients and all residents. Second, offer financial wellness programs. Grissett is currently working toward her financial literacy certification so she can provide practical financial literacy classes to the various communities in the county. When Grissett is not at work, this wife and mother of two children partners with Victory Baptist Church to distribute food to communities in need and is always looking for opportunities to partner with different organizations to assist the undeserved in the area.

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

Karmen Smith

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOPE HARBOR HOME, INC. AGE: 31

s executive director, Karmen Smith is the face of Hope Harbor Home — Brunswick County’s only domestic abuse shelter. A big-picture thinker, Smith is credited with expanding the organization’s outreach to victims of domestic violence in the area and bringing more awareness to the community at large. Her compassion and sincerity for the Hope Harbor message comes from an honest place. “I know what it feels like to be in a relationship that is not full of respect and love,” she says. Smith didn’t seek the help of Hope Harbor’s services when she was being abused by her now ex-partner, but she decided to volunteer with the organization as a way of “helping myself heal, while helping others heal.” After a few months of volunteering, a position for an advocate within the organization became available, and Smith knew she had found her purpose. For four years, she worked selflessly to help address the needs of women and children from violent homes through emotional, safety, medical and court support. Her contributions earned her a promotion to community resource director, and, since 2019, as executive director. She now oversees all the operations and funding. Additionally, she created a new thrift store in Supply that financially benefits the organization. Smith relies on all of her experiences to move Hope Harbor forward. “I’m incredibly blessed to have started out here as a volunteer and moved my way up,” Smith says. “I have the ability to just be everything I’m needed to be, from a volunteer to an advocate to a community

resource to a grant writer and everything in between. I’m not limited to one way of helping people.” Smith says there has been a 25 to 30 percent increase in those seeking help from domestic violence over the past year, but she considers it a silver lining. “Domestic violence didn’t just start happening,” she says. “It’s more about the fact that our name and services are getting out there, and that people are more comfortable reaching out for help.” Humbled by the Future 10 recognition, Smith says it’s a team effort. “I feel like this nomination means that I’ve tried to be the difference to those in my community,” she says. One of the ways she has helped is by proving there is no specific “type” of person that experiences abuse. By sharing her own past, she’s made others feel more comfortable in doing the same. And she has some words of advice for the community. “Victims of domestic violence don’t want sympathy,” she says. “They want direction and guidance. They want someone to tell them it’s not their fault and that they are not all the things their abuser tells them they are. I’m here to give them what, back then, I didn’t know was even available.” When Smith isn’t busy at work, she spends time on the beach with her two dogs, Lambeau and Jordy. She’s also newly engaged, so she’s in the early stages of planning a wedding.

Winter 2021-22

FUTURE 10

Becky Whiteside REGIONAL MANAGER OF SPECIALTY CLINICS NOVANT HEALTH AGE: 37

ecky Whiteside decided she wanted to join the medical field during her sophomore year at East Carolina University. She applied to nursing school, earned her BSN degree and in 2007 jumped right into the fire and became an ER nurse at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Every minute in the ER is different, she says: “One minute you might see a severe trauma patient and the next, someone who is having a heart attack. I just never knew what was coming through the door.” ER nurses are uniquely able to adapt and respond at a moment’s notice. It’s a place where they learn invaluable communication, critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills, all of which provided the foundation for her next role. “In 2009 someone suggested that I would be a really good fit for a clinical analyst position at Novant,” Whiteside says. “I would be reviewing charts and guidelines and looking at quality metrics. I fell in love with the work and the mission of always trying to find new and better ways to provide high-quality healthcare.” A new career path was born. Whiteside also went on to earn her master’s degree in healthcare administration. Now a regional manager, Whiteside oversees all the specialty clinics including urology, general surgery, obstetrics, plastic surgery and

South Brunswick Magazine

orthopedics, to name a few, and also recruits physicians, analyzes operational strategies and partners with hospital leadership to ensure continual process improvements. She was even instrumental in the combined community effort of the 2021 mass vaccination site. A native of Brunswick County, Whiteside has witnessed the progress in increasing access to healthcare in the area and wants to continue to be a part of that. “As we think about what healthcare looks like here in five and even 10 years down the road, I hope I’m a part of that,” she says. “I don’t want our residents in this county to have to drive somewhere else for care.” COVID-19 has made healthcare even more challenging for residents, but Whiteside urges the community “not to stop getting their regular care or putting off important healthcare decisions because they are afraid to go into the hospital or clinics. It is safe to be here.” For her recognition as a member of this year’s Future 10, Whiteside says she is proud to be included among the other great leaders from this year and years past. She also gives credit to all the other individuals and organizations she has worked with to prove “we can all do this when we work together for the greater good.” When she’s not at work, Whiteside enjoys the hustle and bustle of family life with her husband, Justin, their two children, eight-year-old Walker and six-year-old Maddox, and their golden retriever.

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

Cherell Frink

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HOPE HARBOR HOME AGE: 31

herell Frink has always been that bright spot in someone’s day, boosting people’s spirits and helping whenever and wherever she can. “I know it sounds cliché, but I really just enjoy helping people in general,” she says. That’s one of the reasons she initially went into healthcare. She worked at Novant as a registered medical assistant for nearly six years and also worked in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This background would prove beneficial when she started working with the clients and victims of domestic violence at Hope Harbor. Nurses share an ethos for compassion and an appreciation that domestic violence is a legitimate healthcare issue — an issue that lands close to home for Frink. “Someone very near and dear to me suffered abuse for a long time, and it was heartbreaking to see,” Frink says. “It was even more heartbreaking to see people choose to judge and make accusations instead of trying to understand and help out with the situation.” In 2019, with a passion to help victims and survivors of domestic violence, Frink left her job in healthcare to work as an advocate at Hope Harbor Home. As an advocate, she went to court with clients, helped victims find housing, transportation or a lawyer, and provided emotional support. In February of 2021 she was promoted to administrative assistant, a position in which she manages much of the day-to-day finances for the organization and the thrift store

including budgeting, donations and overseeing financial assistance for clients. The Future 10 recognition confirms for Frink that her “efforts to help and just be the best I can be for everyone around me means a lot. This is where I grew up, and to know that I have the opportunity to make it an even better place to live inspires me.” Frink isn’t just content at making an impact on her community through Hope Harbor Home. She is currently on track to complete her accounting degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro by the spring of 2024 and has plans to be a CPA — even opening her own firm. She wants to use her talents to help address the financial needs of others in the community. “I have a passion to help people be more financially aware, whether it’s with tax assistance, financial planning or budgeting. I want to help facilitate that.” Outside of the office, Frink enjoys spending time with her significant other and her 12-yearold son, Zaccai, who recently attended the NYLF Explore STEM Envision Program. She also loves traveling with her family and planning for the future. She feels it is important to dream and plan with your family and that without a solid support system, there isn’t much any one person can accomplish on their own.

Winter 2021-22

FUTURE 10

Dr . Cecilia Liu PEDIATRIC DENTIST COASTAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AGE: 37

r. Cecilia Liu is on a mission to make going to the dentist fun. As a pediatric dentist, she is passionate about helping kids get started on a good oral health routine early and overcome the stigma that “going to the dentist is scary.” “I’ve always heard people say they hate going to the dentist, and that feeling always seemed to stem from a bad childhood experience,” Liu says. “So, when I was in dental school, I realized that it didn’t have to be like that, and that’s what really steered me into pediatrics.” Liu grew up in Winston-Salem and was a competitive gymnast all the way through college at UNC Chapel Hill, where she earned her BA in exercise sports science. Her intention was to go into sports medicine, but after graduating, she moved to Wilmington and began working for a dentist — first as an administrative assistant and then a dental assistant for three years. That’s when she decided to go to dental school at the University of Southern California (USC). After completing her Pediatric Dentistry residency, Liu relocated to Brunswick County and began practicing at Coastal Pediatric Dentistry. Her favorite part of the job is the kids. “They’re amazing to work with,” she says. “They’ll give you that high-five at the end of the procedure. And we get to watch movies all day long like Frozen, Minions, Trolls, so I get to relive my childhood memories every day!” It’s not just about making the dental experience fun that drives Liu. “A lot of what we do is educating kids and their parents on the importance of excellent oral healthcare that goes beyond teeth — dental care relates to overall health,” she says. Liu can see the impact it’s starting to make. “We get patients from all over the county who sometimes drive an hour plus to see us.” Additionally, if Liu can inspire a few of her young patients to become pediatric dentists themselves, that’s an added bonus. She is particularly passionate about women choosing a career path in dentistry. At USC she served as an ambassador and presenter for their Dental Explorers program to promote careers in dentistry to high school and college students and recent graduates. When she is not seeing patients, Liu is an active member of the Junior League of Wilmington, where she has co-chaired committees for events to bring awareness to human trafficking in our area. She is also an outdoor enthusiast who loves to spend time with her boyfriend, Ryan, and two rescue dogs, Lamia and Nalo, exploring Brunswick County. On being selected as one of this year’s Future 10, Liu says, “I just feel so honored and privileged. And it’s such an amazing experience to help serve the kids in this area and to be recognized for it.”

South Brunswick Magazine

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

John Fitzgerald

CLINIC DIRECTOR AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST BENCHMARK PHYSICAL THERAPY AGE: 38

ohn Fitzgerald, who grew up playing sports, was no stranger to the injuries that come along with being an athlete. As a patient, he was drawn to the physiology and biology of the treatment and healing process. Inspired by his own experience, he planned to become an orthopedic surgeon. But after working in a physical therapy clinic at the beginning of his college career, he “saw the power of physical therapy, and how it allowed people to live active and healthy lifestyles.” So, Fitzgerald began an accelerated undergraduate program at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he completed his degree in three years, then started graduate school in their physical therapy program and eventually earned a doctorate in physical therapy. After working in New Jersey as a physical therapist, Fitzgerald moved to Ocean Isle Beach in 2009. He had vacationed in Ocean Isle Beach in the past, and his parents moved to the area after retirement. He partnered with BenchMark Physical Therapy in opening an outpatient practice there in 2017 and has opened a second location in Shallotte this year. He’s made an impact on his patients’ lives, and that comes from his passion for them to live pain-free lives.

“I see patients who are recently retired, and they want to play golf three times a week, pickleball, hike or play with their grandkids, and their body starts to hurt, and they find out they have osteoarthritis or other degenerative issues that come with aging,” Fitzgerald says. “And that just discourages them. The last thing I want is to see people not able to enjoy their retirement.” Fitzgerald says “by expanding our services in several locations in the county, patients don’t have to travel far to reach us. That’s especially important for patients who come more than once a week.” As part of the BenchMark Physical Therapy family, Fitzgerald and his clinicians have excellent resources at their disposal, including cuttingedge services and advanced continuing education opportunities. “It feels great to provide life-changing services with convenient access,” Fitzgerald says. “And it’s an honor to be recognized as one of the Future 10 this year. I’ve made this place my home, and this acknowledgement makes me feel like I’m part of the community.” When Fitzgerald isn’t helping improve the lives of his clients, he loves golf and “daddy time.” He and his wife, Ariana, have two daughters, four-year-old Mackenzie and eight-month-old Madison.

Winter 2021-22

FUTURE 10

Treanna Wilson CHILDREN AND FAMILY ADVOCATE HOPE HARBOR HOME AGE: 26

wanted to be a medical doctor,” says Treanna Wilson. “That’s what I was going to school for. Until I hit organic chemistry!” Wilson realized medicine wasn’t for her. She had already taken several human development courses and become infatuated with learning about people’s lives from conception to death. “Studying the biological, social and cognitive development of humans was just so inspiring to me,” she says. So, she turned in her medical textbooks and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). In 2018, on the cusp of graduation from UNCG, Wilson was hired by Hope Harbor Home, Brunswick County’s only domestic abuse shelter, as a children and family advocate. In this position, she works directly with the families as a unit to help them come to terms with the feelings and emotions of the children and adults, connecting them with the right resources and creating safety plans. “In a nutshell, crisis intervention,” she says. Her job is to ensure that their clients are not only fully supported in the moment, but also to guide them to a violence-free future. Eager to increase her 46

South Brunswick Magazine

commitment and role within the organization, Wilson is in her second year as a clinical Master of Social Work Student at Boston University. Upon graduation, she plans to come on board as Hope Harbor Home’s first on-staff therapist, providing crisis counseling to their residents. Crisis counseling is critical to help victims of domestic abuse sort through their thoughts, and the counselor can listen, ease fears and help provide next steps. “Whether I’m talking to victims on the phone or meeting with them face-to-face, what’s most rewarding for me is to help them make those mental connections between where they used to be, what’s happening now and where they want to be,” Wilson says. “When they can make that psychoeducation connection, that’s where the healing process can really begin.” Wilson says she is extremely humbled to be part of this year’s Future 10 “by my home county.” On the impact she would like to make above and beyond Hope Harbor Home, Wilson envisions being able to provide low-cost therapy to anyone in the county who is in need. When she isn’t working to make the lives of Brunswick County residents better, Wilson is a self-described “homebody who enjoys being at home, sitting on the porch getting fresh air, watching TV, reading or hanging out with my baby nephew.”

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

Reverend Lavar Marlow STUDENT LEARNING AND INNOVATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST AND YOUTH MINISTER SOUTHEASTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND PLEASANT VIEW MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AGE: 37

everend Lavar Marlow lives by the same vision of the late Dr. Dallas W. Herring, the philosophical “godfather” of North Carolina’s Community College System, who said, “We must take people where they are and carry them as far as they can go.” Marlow applies that advice to the young people he works with in every capacity of his life. In academic affairs at Southeastern Community College (SCC), he collaborates with faculty and staff, but he sees his most important job as “making sure that our students are successful.” As a youth minister, “I preach, but I am most eager to just spend time with them. Working with our youth simply changes all of our futures,” Marlow says. A native of Brunswick County, Marlow thought his career would be in law enforcement. His father, John, worked for the sheriff ’s department for 24 years. “He loved public service,” Marlow says. “I thought I’d carry on his legacy. I saw myself as a judge or attorney one day.” Marlow enrolled at Campbell University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Science. In 2009 Marlow answered a call from God and went to

Campbell University’s Divinity School, where he received his master’s in Christian education. But, with the notion of being an attorney still at the back of his mind, he decided to go to law school. At the same time, both of his parents were battling serious health conditions, so in 2012 without completing his degree, he came back home to take care of them. He worked at Brunswick Community College as a part-time instructor and part-time youth minister. Sadly, both of his parents passed away in 2020. That’s when Marlow began his full time career with SCC. For his Future 10 recognition, Marlow says he is honored and will continue to give back to the community whether it is through policy making, the community college system or just giving his time to help others “change their trajectory from going one place to the other.” Even in Marlow’s downtime, he still contributes to his community. He’s a member of the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Council of Brunswick County, a member of the Rotary Club of Shallotte and vice moderator of Ocean View Missionary Baptist Association. In his personal time, he spends much of it with the love of his life, his wife, Erica.

Winter 2021-22

FUTURE 10

Tabitha “TK” Nowell FIRST SERGEANT BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AGE: 38

hat keeps First Sergeant Tabitha “TK” Nowell excited about going to work every day is knowing that her contributions make a positive impact on the wellbeing of Brunswick County citizens. “I love the fact that I’m able to help empower and educate women, children, seniors and all citizens about how to protect themselves from harm, giving them tools and wisdom to respond to things that they see that may be off or that will keep them from getting into a situation that may cause them injury or some trauma,” she says. When Nowell was just 21 and without a clear career path, a good friend suggested she apply for a 911 dispatch position with the Pender County Sheriff ’s office. And that’s how it all started. “When someone up above knocks and says, hey, I need you to go through this door instead of the door that you want to go through, you need to listen,” Nowell says. In 2007 she graduated from Brunswick Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program, and 14 years later, she holds the rank of First Sergeant and is a dedicated member of the I.M.P.A.C.T. Unit, a community services team that works to educate citizens about current laws and ways to deter and prevent criminal activities. An especially meaningful part

South Brunswick Magazine

of Nowell’s job is the work she does with her “tribe of women.” She is instrumental in the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program that gives women and seniors the self-confidence and tools to be able to defend themselves against threats. Nowell, who is also a personal trainer, and a close friend launched a free women’s workout group FIA (Females in Action) Brunswick during COVID to help stay connected to citizens and encourage them to stay active and healthy. As if she couldn’t love her job more, every day Nowell gets to work alongside her canine partner, seven-yearold Boulder. The golden retriever is the Brunswick County Sheriff Office’s crisis response dog and even accompanies Nowell to self-defense classes “to be there to pet as a calming force when women work through their memories of trauma and fear. He’s an amazing asset,” she says. Nowell, who was born and raised in Brunswick County, is honored and surprised by her Future 10 nomination. She hopes it inspires other women to consider a career in law enforcement. Whenever she has free time, Nowell spends most of it with her husband and nine-year-old daughter — who is into horses — traveling to shows or trail rides. Otherwise, you’ll find her outdoors hunting and fishing.

Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County

Tyler Smith CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CHRISTIAN RECOVERY CENTERS, INC. AGE: 31

ike most successful professionals, Tyler Smith is a problem solver. To say he is motivated by a challenge is an understatement. As a former addict, Smith learned the necessary skills that were crucial in helping him in his own recovery journey. Today, those same skills are a big part of his job description as the chief operating officer at the same rehabilitation center where he got sober. “Every day is so different, which is one of the things I like about the job,” Smith says. “The other day we had a crisis intervention where we needed solutions fast. But today my job is fixing problems with the internet and printer,” he says with a laugh. It was just six years ago when Smith was a resident at Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. (CRCI). After successfully completing the program, he says, “I had my own plan for how my life was going to go. And then, a position opened up for the admissions coordinator and something was telling me I should stick around here.” At the time, the position didn’t pay. There were no days off. And the job was intense. But Smith trusted that something good was going to come from it. The center began to grow. A year later he was promoted to assistant director.

“I remember my first paycheck was $300. It was like the world to me,” he says. Smith then became director of operations and eventually COO. Smith is often credited as one of the key drivers behind the growth of CRCI, in large part for his innovative and forward-thinking ideas and, of course, problemsolving skills. He is responsible for all the organization’s residential substance abuse treatment programs with four direct reports. He also trains new hires and makes sure they have the tools they need to do their jobs successfully. He’s also gone on to earn two college degrees and several certifications. His Future 10 nomination leaves him feeling “humbled and honored” and in good company. His boss, Josh Torbich, the executive director of CRCI, is a Future 10 alum from 2019. “We all see how hard he works every day; he’s just pulled us in his wake,” Smith says. “To see how we’ve all developed into professionals is inspiring.” Away from work, Smith gives his time to several nonprofits and organizations including Beach Assembly of God, Oceanside Family Counseling and Celebrate Recovery, where he is an addiction sponsor to many. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, who is a photographer and a teacher, and he is nationally ranked in rifle drill and has won many state competitions. 

Winter 2021-22

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ART & CULTURE

For Art’s Sake Joseph Bardani Art Studio in Southport houses working studios for 13 artists and also serves as a gallery. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN BOWERS

Artist Anne McElroy at work in the Joseph Bardani Art Studio.

Joseph Bardani is the owner of Joseph Bardani Art Studio in Southport.

Once in a while the stars align, and life gives us a very improbable coincidence. That is what happened to Joseph Bardani and how his new artists’ studio and gallery in Southport came into being. Bardani has been an art instructor at Brunswick Community College (BCC) in Southport for the last four years, and he also has several private students in the area. Until recently he lived in Little River and had his studio in his home. Each day he would commute about an hour to Southport, and that became tiresome, not to mention expensive. So, one cold January morning he began thinking about moving to Southport and relocating his studio. But where? And how? The perfectly timed answer came the following day when he stopped into Southport Gallery at 701 #3 N. Howe Street Winter 2021-22

ART & CULTURE

to visit his friend, Steven Sagri, the owner of the gallery. Sagri told Bardani he would be vacating that location in August. It took Bardani a nanosecond to realize that this space would be perfect for his new studio. The lighting was just right, the room space was just right, and the location was perfect. But how was he going to afford it? That is when it struck him that he could turn this building into a studio and gallery for resident artists. There would be enough space to accommodate eight artists. What he couldn’t have anticipated is how quickly and enthusiastically eight of his students at BCC signed on. On August 15, 2021, just seven months after that serendipitous encounter between Bardani and Sagri, Joseph Bardani Art Studio became a reality. As of now, 12 artists plus Bardani have their own space. Since there is only room for eight, four of the spaces are shared, and those artists split the time they work there. There is still room for their resident dog and mascot, Rubble. Each artist has his or her own key and can come in whenever they so desire. As an additional bonus, they get their name painted on the front window in large white letters. The artists come often because they all love it. They love the camaraderie, the interaction, the chance to learn from each other and the inspiration they get from one another. And there is more. In addition to paying a monthly rent, for a few dollars more, the artists get two private lessons each month, or one lesson each if they are sharing the space. Bardani is primarily an impressionist and abstract painter and works in oils; however, he is qualified to teach whatever the students are interested in learning. Or, more appropriately, whatever next steps he feels they should take in their journey to become a better artist. His goal is to see his students improve their work by trying new approaches and applying new techniques. With the newer students, he often demonstrates his point by painting on their canvas. With the more advanced students, he simply offers suggestions about composition, coloring and how using a different technique, like glazing, would enhance the painting. Bardani’s concept is that this is a working studio. His only requirement is that the artists are serious about their work. They have to want to get better, understand the complexities of art and appreciate its history. That has to be what drives them. They hang their finished work on the walls above their designated space with the title of the piece and the price, and their paintings are for sale, but selling their work is secondary. The primary goal is to simply improve and develop new skills. Bardani also helps his students finish off a painting and 52

South Brunswick Magazine

suggests how to frame it to make it show the best. He encourages all of his students to recognize the value of their work and price their paintings accordingly. Several of them are thrilled to have sold their work for the first time. Others have been selling for a long time, but under his tutelage are now getting more money for their work. The resident artists share in the decision making. They have monthly business meetings. At a recent one, they decided to put up a website, and two of them have volunteered to take on the task of constructing and maintaining it. As Bardani told them, “I have my website; this one will be yours.” So why do the artists pay for this space when they have all been painting for years and have a place to paint at home?

Top: Donna Ferrandino. Bottom: Nancy Adelis

ART & CULTURE

Barbara White, foreground, and Donna Kanich, background, at work in the studio.

Donna Ferrandino says, “There are always advantages to painting in a group. Inspiration, knowledge, critiques and good conversation from other artists. I love doing abstract expressionism and impressionism, and Joseph is the master of both. He’s shown me how to use cold wax medium with my oils and how to combine abstract and impressionist techniques in a single painting. He usually helps me when I am pretty far along with a painting and it needs a pop of color, or some oomph or something is obviously not working.” She took his suggestion to add circles and introduce some black in one of her abstracts, both of which greatly enhanced her finished painting. “His suggestions are always on target,” she says. Nancy Adelis says, “It is really nice to have some camaraderie. I am learning techniques that would be considered very basic, like value differentiation, perspective, shading, blending, glazing, etc.” Adelis had never used a palette knife before, and she has found that to be a wonderful technique to give her paintings a very eye-catching, threedimensional look. “Oh, and I get my name on the door,” she jokingly adds. Donna Kanich says she likes to have other people be there because “you can learn from them. And also my husband is at home.” She admits that her painting of five pelicans was definitely better after she followed Bardani’s suggestion to

put in part of a sixth one and have it walking out of the scene. Christie Jacks says this is a new experience for her. She is enjoying it because “Joseph has a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of art medium and techniques.” She credits him for helping her get better prices for her work. Barbara White sometimes uses a photograph to copy from. Bardani is trying to ween her off of that practice and learn to paint from within, from the heart. He explains, “Painting is best when you don’t think about what you are painting; you simply let it flow until the shape begins to form.” Whatever way he describes the painting process, it certainly works for him. He sells eight to 10 paintings a year, all in the $2,000 to $9,000 range. And he has exclusive rights to exhibit his work at Landmark Sotheby’s in both Southport and Ocean Isle Beach. Bardani emphasizes that Joseph Bardani Art Studio is a working studio first and foremost, but also a gallery. His intent is to have passersby stop in and chat with whomever is there. He tells his artists, “If you don’t want to talk with visitors, this isn’t the right place for you.” The next time you are in Southport, you might want to wander into Joseph Bardani Art Studio at 701 #3 N. Howe Street to meet the local resident artists and watch them at work. And you just might find a painting you would like to buy as well.  Winter 2021-22

South Brunswick Magazine

NONPROFIT

Little Pink Returns to Oak Island

The local community steps up to support Little Pink Houses of Hope and families impacted by breast cancer. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH A. KLAHRE

Little Pink Houses of Hope returned to Oak Island this September. Seven families impacted by breast cancer visited the island for a week of relaxation, rejuvenation and escape from reality. Little Pink Houses of Hope, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, has sponsored retreats since 2011 at various locations across the country including Emerald Isle, North Carolina; Key West,

Marianne Lawruk, Nancy Newcom and Connie Kelly are local volunteers referred to as Team Pink.

Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and our own charming Oak Island. Local businesses and churches provided housing and all activities, services and meals free of charge so that the families could focus on spending quality time together. Little Pink Houses promotes breast cancer recovery through opportunities for survivors to celebrate life through the belief Winter 2021-22

NONPROFIT

Jody Carroll from Kansas City, Missouri, directed the retreat.

that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. Jeanine Patten-Coble, a ten-year breast cancer survivor, started Little Pink Houses after noticing the gap in services for families of survivors. In 2021 the organization was named National Breast Cancer Nonprofit of the Year. The retreat would not have been possible without the incredible support of the community. Marianne Lawruk, Nancy Newcom and Connie Kelly, local volunteers referred to as Team Pink, made preparations for the families’ arrivals. Lawruk, who has been involved with the organization for five years, says, “In 2012, my sister-in-law lost her battle with breast cancer. Her daughter, my niece, who lived in North Carolina at that time, was involved with Little Pink. When I relocated to this area from

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Pennsylvania, she asked me to team up with her to work with Little Pink for Oak Island.” As an experienced Team Pink leader, Lawruk coached Newcom and Kelly, who joined the team this year. “When Marianne asked me if I wanted to help with Little Pink, I didn’t hesitate to jump right in,” Kelly says. “I immediately thought of my lifelong friend, Joy, who passed away from breast cancer in early 2020. She would have loved a chance to spend precious time with her family in this way. I do this in her honor.” Newcom had a different reason to volunteer. “Both my parents were devoted volunteers all their lives and I always wanted to follow in their footsteps,” she says. “Last year when I heard Marianne and Connie talking about Little Pink, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Little Pink Houses of Hope secured housing for each family donated by clients of Oak Island Accommodations and private owners. Team Pink garnered meals from Shagger Jacks, Southport Smoke House, Gourmet to Go & Catered Affairs LLC and Kate’s Pancake House. Domino’s Pizza donated a complete meal for the families, and Intracoastal Realty donated Jersey Mike’s subs for lunch on the beach. Local volunteer Lori Boyer made desserts, and

Barb Sauter decorated the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Oak Island with a beach theme for the opening and closing dinners. Activities were sponsored by Ocean Cure, Oak Island Parks & Recreation and the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and included kayaking, standup paddleboarding and a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For some of the 19 adults and 12 children who hailed from New York, Virginia, Minnesota and North Carolina, the retreat was the first time experiencing the thrill of paddleboarding and kayaking. Team Pink organized neighborhood supply drives for paper products, cleaning supplies, beach towels and gift cards. Each family’s home was gifted a tote filled with memorabilia donated by individual local businesses including Boo & Roo’s, Cat on a Whisk and the Christmas House, while Uncorked by the Sea hosted a wine-tasting fundraiser donating proceeds to the retreat. “Even though the businesses and restaurants were so hard hit these past two years, they have been as generous as possible, and even a little apologetic that they couldn’t do more,” Kelly says. “I am humbled by the open hearts of others.”

“ Working with Team Pink and meeting the families to share the generosity of all of our local donors who made the retreat possible has been both rewarding and an honor.

Winter 2021-22

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The retreat was directed by Jody Carroll from Kansas City, Missouri. “I truly believe as human beings we are called to love each other,” Carroll says. “I’m grateful to volunteer for Little Pink because of the unique and remarkable ways that Little Pink cares for the retreat participants and families as well as the volunteers and communities who support them.” Assisting Carroll were four VolunStars who catered to each family’s personal needs throughout the week on a one-on-one basis. Lawruk concludes, “Our local team was very committed and made the planning and organizing easy and fun!” Newcom adds, “Working with Team Pink and meeting the families to share the generosity of all of our local donors who made the retreat possible has been both rewarding and an honor.” 

Want to learn more? To volunteer or find out more about this nonprofit organization, visit littlepink.org.

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

New York Style

Offering Northern fare with Southern hospitality, Melinda Stein’s Calabash Deli has been staple for lunches and quick dinners since 1997. BY CLAIRE LYNCH

South Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Melinda Stein comes from a long line of service-industry professionals and her father owned two delis, but a career as a restaurant owner in the South was not in her original plans. Growing up in Lloyd Harbor, New York, a Suffolk County town on the Long Island Sound where on clear days she could easily see the shoreline of Stamford, Connecticut, Stein graduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School in 1990. She went on to study architecture at Tulane University in

New Orleans for two years before deciding that she preferred working with teams of people rather than doing the solitary work an architect typically would do. Moving back to Long Island, she received a B.S. in product management textiles in 1996 from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Moving to the Carolinas in 1996 after her New York boyfriend received a job offer in Horry County, Stein liked the area so much that she stayed. Searching for a job that she

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

“

PHOTO BY CLAIRE LYNCH

would enjoy wasn’t producing persevering so whenever an any results, so when the obstacle came along, they delicatessen owner at 9929 found a way to overcome it. Beach Drive in Calabash was As a fifth-generation service retiring and selling the store, industry worker, I’d like to Stein jumped at the chance to think that I’m a hard worker, buy it. dedicated to doing my best “I think that when and able to persevere when opportunity knocks it’s up to the going gets tough. The us to take advantage of that,” fact is, adapting to change is Stein says. “It’s not often in important for a business to life that the perfect thrive and grow.” opportunity comes along, and At the beginning of the for me that happened when I COVID-19 pandemic, Stein opened the Calabash Deli in and her staff brainstormed 1997.” about what their customers With her deli open 68 hours might need. “We started a week, Stein depends on selling to-go dinners for longtime employees Jennifer customers who wanted a meal Kirkley-He and Daniel Barone that was tasty and to help her manage the nutritious,” Stein says. “With business when she’s not a protein, vegetable and around. She has 20 full-time starch, the dinners were employees that are on handy for many customers different shifts and overlap at who are older and often lunchtime, which is the busiest single. These to-go dinners Melinda Stein time, from 11 am to 2 pm. also ensured hours for my A hands-on person, Stein employees.” assists with making Individually wrapped and sandwiches, packing to-go priced at less than $10 a meal, dinners or doing the dishes. these dinners simply need to be It’s not often in life that the perfect “I call myself the chief cook opportunity comes along, and for me warmed up to put a good meal and bottle washer for a reason; on the table. Calabash Deli still that happened when I opened the I’ll do whatever it takes for all offers them every day, with of us as a team to get the job offerings like meatloaf, Calabash Deli in 1997. done,” Stein says. “Adding eggplant Parmesan, lasagna some levity at work helps also, and stromboli. so we keep the mood light and Twelve years ago they started great-great-grandfather, who opened a on holidays we’re known for dressing selling Thanksgiving dinners. Each bar in Jamaica, New York, in the 1800s up in costumes.” year people place their orders in and her great-great-grandmother, who Stein’s father, Arthur Stein, Jr., advance for a turkey dinner with the ran a confectionary store two blocks opened a deli in Hicksville, New York, meat plus mashed potatoes, stuffing, away. in 1967 and in Locust Valley in 1973. green beans and gravy, and the day “Their hard work and dedication to “I remember him often dressing up as before Thanksgiving they are available their customers impressed me and Elvis Presley to amuse his customers,” for pick up. Thanksgiving 2020 was growing up I saw the same traits in my she says. “Customers liked that.” very busy at the Calabash Deli, and father when he ran his delis,” Stein Stein learned about the service they sold 550 dinners. says. “My relatives had a way of industry from hearing about her A large part of Stein’s business is Winter 2021-22

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

catering. Platters of sandwiches with side dishes are delivered for golf tournament parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, celebration of life events and more, and Stein credits her team of employees with making this happen. The homemade pastries, gourmet cookies and bagels, which taste like New York bagels, are a hit. The Hungry Man and Jersey breakfast specials are a staple of the morning menu, and lunchtime sandwiches feature such catchy names as The Godfather, The Calabash Club and The All-American. New York potato salad, German potato salad, homestyle potato salad, macaroni salad and other options are available at lunchtime. “With our homemade salads, we use recipes that have been passed down from generations in my family and many of my employees’ families,” Stein says. “They are secret recipes, and I’ll never reveal them.” Stein focuses on employees’ needs as well as her customers’ needs. “We used to open daily then I realized that many of the deli’s employees have children and families and being off every Sunday was important,” Stein says. “Listening to what employees want and need is key in running a happy business.

MIKE MAHONEY

So is positive motivation. I recognize people and give good feedback when employees do a great job. I reward them, too, monetarily and sometimes even with gold stars. People appreciate it when the owner is willing to go the extra mile and able to stand in the employee’s shoes.” Giving back to the community is a priority for Stein. Calabash Deli contributes to the summertime Calabash Concert Series and to other fundraisers. “Residents support small businesses, and we small businesses are committed to giving back to the community,” Stein says. “It’s a win-win any way you look at it.” The Town of Calabash has been welcoming to Stein for the past 24 years and she’s looking forward to many more. 

Want to go? Calabash Deli 9929 Beach Drive SW, Calabash (910) 579-9801 • calabashdeli.com Facebook: Calabash Deli Hours are: Monday from 7 am to 3 pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm.

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Winter 2021-22

90 THE INTREPID

Nonagenarian Brunswick County native WJ McLamb, known for his philanthropic spirit in his home county, has no plans to slow down at 90. BY JO ANN MATHEWS

In 2020, when COVID-19 ravaged the United States and stay-at-home mandates were enforced, Michael McLamb went to speak to his mother, Sibyl. He told her he was worried about his father, WJ, because he was “going everywhere.”

“I told him, ‘Son, you get a rope and you come help me tie him up. I can’t stop him.’” 64

South Brunswick Magazine

Sibyl understands William Joseph “WJ” McLamb, the man she married 69 years ago. “He has never stopped,” she says. “He just works, works, works.” “My father’s still going strong,” Michael adds. On October 21, 2021, WJ doesn’t hesitate when urged to blow out the 9 and 0 representing his age on the cake in the clubhouse at Meadowlands Golf Course. After the clapping subsides, McLamb asks, “Is there something special about being 90?” McLamb waits for the yesses and murmurs to quiet then credits others for helping him achieve his successes through the years. He never mentions that he has contributed to Brunswick County’s financial and educational development and is one of the county’s foremost philanthropists supporting fraternal, social, religious, animal and educational causes. Instead, he says, “I haven’t quite gotten everything done yet,

but I’m working on it. I’ve been working on projects since 1952. It’s been up and down a lot of times, but it’s been good.” He accepts the knife to cut the first piece of cake then sits next to Sibyl while family members gather around the couple. At an earlier meeting, this visitor notes McLamb is trim and has few facial wrinkles although his gray hair is sparse and he uses a cane for support. “I have a bad hip and hurt my back, which made it worse, but other than that I’m in good shape,” he says. “If I could just walk without a problem, I’d be all right. I have really never slowed down.” He sits with back straight and arms resting on the pads of his chair in his office at the Meadowlands, the golf course he owns, ready to explain how he has a trail of successes through his 90 years. Several rows of papers form a line across his polished mahogany desk, which doesn’t allow space for a computer. He faces away from the

WJ McLamb at his 90th birthday party in October 2021.

CONTRIB UTED PHOTO

scenic view of the water that separates Hole 1 from Hole 18. “I have never used a computer myself,” he says, whipping his glasses off and leaning forward. “I never really wanted to do computers. All I needed to know is if the financial statement was correct.” That attribute has earned McLamb multiple dividends, which leads to another attribute: generosity. And Brunswick Community College (BCC) has been a major beneficiary. The first permanent building on the BCC campus was named WJ and Sibyl McLamb Building in 2013 and after renovations, it was rededicated in 2017.

A few weeks after Dr. Gene Smith became president of BCC in January 2019, McLamb called him. Smith explains that McLamb wanted to talk about ways to improve education in the trades. “I was impressed by his passion for Brunswick County,” Smith says. “I had a five-year plan for equipment I needed, and he helped us reach that five-year plan in about five months.” McLamb’s donations allowed the college to purchase not only equipment that helps students receive industryrecognized certifications, but also the vehicle it uses to recruit students. McLamb says he hired hundreds of

carpenters, plumbers and other tradesmen for his various companies throughout his career and knew the importance of having qualified workers. His own father, Willie Joe, finished seventh grade but cultivated a knack for running a business. He owned a general store, selling everything from groceries to fertilizer. He started a construction business and invested in heavy equipment to clear land and build roads. McLamb learned to use that equipment but says he knew he “had to learn more.” After graduating from Shallotte High School, he enrolled at Wake Forest before it became Wake Forest Winter 2021-22

CO NTRI BU OS TED PH OT

From top left: WJ McLamb with his parents; Sybil and WJ on their wedding day; Sybil and WJ at WJ’s 90th birthday party; WJ with his children, Michael, Teresa and Sheila.

University in Winston-Salem. Without a major field of study in mind, he came back home after two years. His father had bought the Dodge/Plymouth dealership in Shallotte, and WJ took over its management. Sibyl recalls at 14 admiring the handsome 17-year-old WJ in his National Guard uniform when he arrived at a birthday party. Three years later at another birthday party, the two met again. After that encounter, WJ McLamb pursued the woman he loved, and Sibyl abandoned her intention of studying to be a dietitian at Wofford College. The couple married on August

30, 1952. He was 20, and Sibyl was 17. Three children followed in quick succession. McLamb read a great deal and realized the future was expanding and Brunswick County would, too. He wanted to be in on that expansion so he began buying land. “I felt there was a good opportunity for prices to increase,” he says. “I saw we were very rural, but we had the opportunity to change things.” In the ’60s he developed Bonaparte’s Retreat, the first subdivision in Brunswick County and advertised in a New York real estate magazine. He convinced BEMC

and ATMC to put lines underground instead of overhead. Bonaparte’s Retreat II followed, and he included paved roads and pressed the county to improve the water and sewer systems. He continued to build roads across both North Carolina and South Carolina and drove about 1,000 miles a week. “He is resilient,” says daughter Sheila. “That has served him well.” “He was actually one of the few people who travelled outside of the county,” adds his daughter Teresa. McLamb says he had one regret. He was away from his family too much. “My family always comes first,” he

“I’ve never wanted to take advantage of anybody. I’ve always wanted to be honest and straightforward and be considerate and honest with them.” 66

South Brunswick Magazine

says. “I figured learning to fly was a necessity.” “He had never been in an airplane,” Sibyl says. “He got books and studied them.” After months of instruction, McLamb felt confident flying solo. By 1970 he had his own Cessna and built the airport at Ocean Isle Beach so he could keep his plane there. His vision expanded, and in the ’90s he decided to build Meadowlands Golf Club in Calabash, although he didn’t play golf. It opened in September 1997. “He’s a hard worker,” says Mary Nigro, manager of Meadowlands snack bar. “The man still has his finger on the pulse,” says Chuck Bench, mechanic at Meadowlands. “The man is amazing,” adds Ranger Tom Schou. McLamb then saw more possibilities. He sold his investment in Brunswick Plantation and bought land to expand the 200 acres his father bought in 1939 and built Farmstead Golf Links, straddling both Carolinas. He added a special attraction and made the 18th hole par 6. “Most people never heard of [par 6] at that time,” he says. “I thought it was a novel idea.” The course opened in 2001. After 20 years, McLamb sold the course to a developer, and it closed October 31, 2021. “Now my grandchildren have come along, and I felt I had to look out for their future,” he says. The McLambs have five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Grandson Jakob McLamb is Meadowlands pro shop manager and co-owner of the course. His wife, Jessica, says she admires McLamb’s determination and kind nature. “He’s a rock in our family, like a foundation,” she says. “He’s there for all of us.” “He’s given a house to many

members of the family,” Teresa says. “I’ve helped a lot of people,” McLamb says. “I’ve never wanted to take advantage of anybody. I’ve always wanted to be honest and straightforward and be considerate and honest with them.” Sibyl accepts McLamb’s penchant for being organized and neat “although it doesn’t bother him to be 10 or 15 minutes late,” she says. He likes to

surprise her, and she tells of the weekend he flew them in his plane to The Greenbrier, the luxury resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. “He didn’t tell me where we were going,” she says. Their life is quieter now, although McLamb goes to his office every day and enjoys spending time with his family. “He’s a wonderful man,” Sibyl says. “I’m really proud he’s mine.” 

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SPORTS

Brave in the Attempt

Two Brunswick County women will represent North Carolina at the Special Olympics USA Games next year. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BECKLEY

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BRUNSWICK COUNTY IS IN DIRE NEED OF YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEERS

Special Olympics North Carolina State Games bocce gold medalists Katie Juda, 30, of Southport and Jill Meyer, 32, of Ocean Isle Beach are bringing their winning ways to Orlando, Florida, next spring, in an attempt to become national champions. They’re going first class on a donated private jet and will compete at the ESPN Center as TV cameras follow their action. The two had no idea the organizers were going to choose them. Special Olympics North Carolina tipped off their parents and asked them to record their daughters’ reactions as they sat home watching the selection committee’s livestream event on Facebook in August. It was a happy shock, of course — excitement followed by clapping, cheering family members and, in the case of Meyer, a rainfall of tears. There are a hundred counties in the state and only four bocce Top: Katie Juda (left) and Jill Meyer. Bottom: Juda and Meyer on Special Olympics winning podium in Charlotte in 2019.

Local Special Olympics coordinator Alyssa Coln explains that there are hundreds of people in our county who have a variety of intellectual abilities, and Special Olympics has a long way to go to meet the needs of the population. The program can provide as many as 25 sports in a community, but currently only offers bocce, tennis, volleyball, bowling and pickleball (as an exhibition sport). Special Olympics Brunswick County desperately needs adults older than age 18 to take on roles as coaches and sports assistants. Training is free, and even if you have never coached or assisted before, you can learn. “We are always looking for more athletes, coaches, assistants and volunteers,” Coln says. “And we want to expand the number of sports here, so there is something everybody can participate in and enjoy.” To learn more about Special Olympics sports competitions and how to be involved, go to sonc.net. Then reach out to Coln at brunswick@sonc.net or (910) 253-2679. Winter 2021-22

SPORTS

players made it to nationals from North Carolina. Meyer couldn’t help giving up even more tears when recollecting the moment. “I’ve never been selected for anything before. I wasn’t expecting to be because I didn’t even know I was in the running for it. Somebody kept it a really big

secret,” she says with an affectionately accusing smile pointed directly at her mother, Tracey Beltz. Special Olympics is a year-round program supporting children and adults who have varied intellectual abilities. Eunice Kennedy Shriver started it as a day camp in her back

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yard on Cape Cod in the 1960s, and it has bloomed into an international organization of renown. Athletes can choose from many different sports, which give them opportunities to grow physically and socially, improve their overall quality of life and celebrate the joy of competition and inclusion, says Alyssa Coln, Brunswick County’s local coordinator for Special Olympics. “I am so excited to see Jill and Katie in Orlando next June 5 to 12 competing for our state and county,” Coln says. “They have both worked so hard to earn their spots on the state bocce team. Making it to the Special Olympics USA Games is a huge accomplishment, and I cannot wait to see what both athletes achieve there.” The USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. It will take 20,000 volunteers to make it happen, and organizers expect 125,000 spectators. Juda has been playing bocce for many years and learned at family get-togethers. She’s only been playing one year competitively. Meyer, who is the captain of the Brunswick bocce team, started three years ago when friends at Brunswick Community College asked her to give it a try. Juda’s mother, Diane Juda, is their bocce coach, and the women attribute their prowess to her. While they are confident in their abilities, they know they need to up their game to win in Orlando. Coach Diane will receive a training schedule from the state head coach, and they’ll probably practice in person once a week. The athlete’s credo in Special Olympics is, “Let me win, but if I

SPORTS

cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This is not cut-throat competition. It truly is loving, caring, competitive sportsmanship, Meyer’s mother, Beltz explains. “It’s fun. I like that we are able to go up against each other, and an opportunity to meet each other and getting to meet more friends,” Meyer adds. Special Olympics is not only about sports, however. Sports are the leverage for the development of the human spirit, the parents note, and their daughters concur. They bring up the sense of teamwork, which is so important in life. Tracey says it is also about leveling the playing field and enabling what it feels like to succeed. Success breeds confidence, which makes one braver to try new things. Special Olympics also fosters compassion. Meyer, for instance, has learned some sign language to help people who are hearing-impaired. A “signer” who was scheduled to assist one such bocce competitor at state games did not arrive in time. The athlete kept faulting, and nobody could tell her what she was doing wrong. Meyer was upset about it but knew enough sign language to calm her and cheer her, and it made a difference. Special Olympics athletes also learn the value of hard work, “stick-to-itiveness,” the importance of practice and experience, pride in a job well done and how to properly interact with others. Juda says, “I’ve learned to be nice and patient to people and make new friends. Getting along with others gives me joy.” Her attitude and temperament have benefited her in real time. She now has a paid food service worker job in one of the Brunswick Community College cafeterias. While the athletes are excited

about the USA Games, they know they’re many months away, and they have much training to do. But the two explain they are inseparable best friends and teammates, and they will help each other to get there in the best of shape. And the thought of most of their family members traveling to

Florida to watch them compete, the private jet, top accommodations and all those thousands of persons competing is keeping their heart rates up. Meyer gets more tears in her eyes and uses her hands to display international sign language — a sign for happy and a sign for cheering. 

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South Brunswick Magazine

PEOPLE

Continuing the Story As the executive director of Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, Jim Hoffman hopes to find new ways to engage visitors at Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Why does Jim Hoffman want to be executive director of the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, Inc.? “Why would I NOT want this job?” he asks. Hoffman’s amiable manner indicates he’s comfortable with his new surroundings and refers to the exhibits and programs at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach and Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach with knowledge of their functions. He also understands Draw Alive! and the augmented reality sandbox are popular interactive exhibits at the museum, while the ViewSpace, Nano Technology and the Hurricane Simulator fascinate visitors at the planetarium. “This job is right for me because we are telling a story, the story Stuart Ingram began,” Hoffman says.

Ingram founded Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, and Hoffman praises him for his vision to preserve what the Carolina coast offers. “I want to tell that story to children and adults,” Hoffman says. “Through my entire career I’ve been a storyteller.” His plans at the museum and planetarium are to “stay true to the initial story,” he says, and to add more interactive exhibits and to keep abreast with advancing technology. Hoffman, the youngest of six children, earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and upon graduation returned to his native Gastonia to be a reporter for the Gaston Gazette. “I dreamed of being Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein,” Winter 2021-22

South Brunswick Magazine

PEOPLE

BRENT GALLANT

he says. “I can remember reading All the President’s Men. I wanted to be an investigative journalist and change the world.” To achieve that goal Hoffman understood he would have to write for a high-profile newspaper or move to a big city. After much consideration, he decided that goal was not in the best interests of his wife and children. Instead, he took the job of director of marketing and public relations at Discovery Place, the acclaimed museum in Charlotte. At the same time, he wanted to continue writing so he enrolled in a feature writing course at UNC-Charlotte. His teacher was noted author Sara Pitzer. Hoffman’s assignments impressed Pitzer so much she asked him to write a travel book she had considered writing. He readily accepted and wrote Family Adventures in North Carolina, published in 1996 and reissued in 2001 as Fun with the Family in North Carolina. “That started a 25-year association with the publisher,” he says. Four more travel books followed. “It allowed my family to travel, and we’d go to different places in North Carolina and South Carolina.” The most challenging project he undertook, he says, was writing the book about day trips in the Carolinas. He was expected to visit attractions in North Carolina and South Carolina and determine which ones are the best to see and what activities to include a day trip. After 10 years, Hoffman left his position at Discovery Place and became chief operating officer at

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, where he later was named interim executive director. With COVID-19 and its aftermath, Hoffman says he was having difficulty hiring people at the garden, and while surfing the internet he spotted the job opening in Ocean Isle Beach. He was well aware of the museum and planetarium through his work at Discovery Place and had brought his family to visit them when they came to Brunswick County. One thing he says he didn’t realize was how the Brunswick County population has expanded. “That presents a tremendous amount of opportunity,” he says. “The role of museums is changing. We have to look for other ways to engage various audiences and figure out why

Winter 2021-22

PEOPLE

people come to the museum [and planetarium].” When he and his wife, Bonnie, get settled in Ocean Isle Beach, they will become involved with activities in the community, he says. It’s possible Bonnie will continue her business of buying and selling vintiques, that is, vintage and

antique articles. The couple look forward to having their blended family of five children and their 11-year-old grandchild visit and continue to expand their knowledge of Brunswick County. Part of the appeal in this part of North Carolina, Hoffman says, is to explore more historical attractions.

Since he recently revised Off the Beaten Path and has new responsibilities as executive director at Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, a writing project is not in his near future. Will his books be available in the gift shop? “I will leave that up to Karen, our store manager,” he says and laughs. “I would not insist she do that. I would let her use her judgment.” For now, his focus is on his new job. “I am very excited about being here,” he says. 

Want to go? Museum of Coastal Carolina 21 E. Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach (910) 579-1016 10 am to 3 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday Ingram Planetarium 7625 High Market Street, Sunset Beach (910) 575-0033 10:30 am Thursday, Friday and Saturday (flexible closing time) For more information, admission fees and special events, visit museumplanetarium.org. 76

South Brunswick Magazine

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shaker James Lane, the restaurateur behind four of southern Brunswick County’s most popular eateries, spills some of his secrets to success. BY RICH MINA

South Brunswick Magazine

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENT GALLANT

wning and operating two Italian restaurants in southern Brunswick County — Angelo’s and Maria’s — qualifies James Lane as a successful restaurateur. Opening two additional eateries in the summer of 2021 elevates him to extraordinary businessman in extraordinary times. Lane would deny that there’s anything special about his business smarts because his approach is so basic. The secret,

golf professional in Myrtle Beach and took shifts in restaurants at night to supplement his income. He became intrigued by the restaurant business and gave notice to his head pro, Brian Floyd, in 2003 that he was leaving golf to partner in a restaurant. He still recalls Floyd’s caution: “Prepare to be at work holidays and weekends.” Lane already had prepared himself for that sacrifice and more while learning about restaurant operations. When the 2010 economic downturn hit, he was able to emerge from the

James Lane is at the center of it all. Clockwise from above: Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Bistro, Maria’s Pizzeria, Macie and Ethel’s Kitchen and Spilt Milk Ice Cream & Donut Shop.

he reveals, is “daily organization, staff accountability and finding the best in the people I employ.” Lane identifies three of his basic beliefs in management: “Prepare a daily task list, organize your day’s work and hold your staff accountable to their assigned jobs.” He firmly believes that most workers want to do well, and managers must see to that. He asks them to hold their workers accountable while showing them the dignity and respect they deserve. After completing high school, Lane worked as an assistant

partnership and gain independent ownership at Angelo’s Pizza and Bistro in Shallotte. Although Lane did not attend a culinary school, he earned an associate’s degree in food/beverage management locally. His real-life education about the industry for hiring staff, developing menus and the day-to-day running of a restaurant was learned through many channels. He carefully observed everything that took place in restaurants while working long shifts from server to cook to front manager. He read and still Winter 2021-22

South Brunswick Magazine

Clockwise from top left: Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Bistro, Spilt Milk Ice Cream & Donut Shop, Macie and Ethel’s Kitchen and Maria’s Pizzeria.

reads self-help books and management techniques. Most importantly, he notes, he followed the valuable work ethic set by his parents, Eddie and Donna Lane. His father was an employee in the textile industry, while his mother worked with United Way. They were and still are his role models to success. Aware of the competition in the Calabash area, Lane sought unique ways to make the food at Angelo’s special. He traveled extensively to many regions of Italy, meeting chefs, learning cooking secrets and bringing authentic Italian recipes back to his kitchens and chefs. He educated himself in wine pairings and specialty dishes and won awards as Brunswick’s Best Italian Restaurant in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Angelo’s and his later restaurant, Maria’s Pizzeria in Ocean Isle Beach, were both doing well, and then the sudden closures of 2020’s pandemic ground businesses to a halt. Admittedly stunned by the ordered closing of his restaurants in 2020, Lane took time to review his options and reboot. After a two-week period of personal healing, he renewed his confidence in the community and his optimism that the pandemic would be short lived. Lane knew that his customers were still out there and sought ways to meet their needs. He reviewed staff positions and retained as many as possible. Cooks remained, and most of the staff were kept on payroll. Managers and staff were told to clean tables daily,

sweep floors as usual and follow the safety rules for curbside service as their survival tool. Although the pandemic brought about many business closures, Lane’s restaurants stayed open. As business restrictions relaxed in 2021, Lane looked first to recover and then to expand by continuing his plans to open two new businesses with completely different themes. Macie and Ethel’s Country Kitchen explores the area’s appetite for down-home, Southern-style cooking with homemade recipes. The other venue, Spilt Milk, features the ultimate comfort foods of homemade signature donuts, gelato and ice cream. Keeping it authentic, the donuts are crafted behind a brightly lit glass partition in the back of the store. Moving ahead with two new businesses during a pandemic is heady stuff, but Lane takes it all in stride. “Failures and mistakes are learning opportunities,” Lane says. “Failures are blessings in life because they set us free to run our business as learning experiences. They are mental not physical obstacles.” Lane’s advice for entrepreneurs looking to find their way into business is to prepare for some difficult times the first few years. He says that having passion for the business, being willing to do the hard work and keeping a solid work ethic are critical components of success. Winter 2021-22

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He adds that a major piece of his management style is keeping the communication ladder going in both directions. “As an owner or manager, understand that workers may have bad days, but don’t use that one instance against them,” he advises. “Grade the worker on a good day and catch him succeeding.” His managers are trained to keep him informed throughout the day, knowing that ultimate decisions rest with him. And the management style seems to be working; workers in his restaurants say Lane is “great to work for,” “easy to talk to,” and “understanding and compassionate if you have a family issue.” As a successful entrepreneur, Lane recognizes his role in giving back to the community. He honors that belief by participating in local fundraisers for deserving organizations. “In the culture of restaurants, giving back is part of our DNA,” he says. “We try to help whether it is a benefit dinner for local schools, Harbor House, Novant Health, First Tee or others.” Success for James Lane may not have come immediately or easily, but the self-discipline and positive attitude he brings to his daily work were always there.

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South Brunswick Magazine

Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Bistro 110 Shallotte Crossing Parkway, Unit 3, Shallotte, angelosbistro.net Maria’s Pizzeria 120 Causeway Drive, Unit 7, Ocean Isle Beach, mariaspizzeriaoib.net Macie and Ethel’s Kitchen 3219 Holden Beach Road SW, Holden Beach, macieandethels.com Spilt Milk Ice Cream & Donut Shop 120 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach

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SNIPPETS

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 On the beautiful, unseasonably warm morning of December 3, 22 kayakers joined Emma Thomas and The Adventure Kayak Company on their 21st annual Paddle for Presents kayak trip down Rice Creek. Each participant was asked to bring a toy for the Brunswick County Child Welfare Services’ Angel Tree program, and they brought everything from dolls to dump trucks and balls to battery-operated games for all ages. Brandi Rosenberg, from the Department of Social Services and chair of the Angel Tree program, told the group the gifts would be distributed to their clients, either directly to the child or to the parents to be wrapped and given to their child.

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South Brunswick Magazine

Angie Wilkie

Business Profile

Keller Williams Realty

BY BRIAN WILNER

ave you been thinking about buying a dream home on the southeastern North Carolina coast? Are you looking for the perfect place to start a business in the fastest-growing area in the state? Angie Wilkie with Keller Williams Realty in Wilmington has just what you need to make your dreams come true. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, and a graduate of Appalachian State University, Wilkie started her real estate career in the Triad in 2001. Recently she has expanded her business to include serving Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties. The proud mother of two (and soon to be a grandmother) says it has been the perfect career path. “I realized many years ago that selling homes is my passion,” she says. “I knew that I could make it an amazing life experience for potential buyers because I loved helping people find the house they love.” Her passion for real estate has shown in her results. She has won numerous awards through the years, from Rookie of the Year when she started to achieving the Chairman’s Circle for the last seven straight years. Her career sales total is more than $250 million. Whether you are looking to buy a home on the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway or inland, Wilkie has a choice of many listings, and making her clients happy is her top priority. “Client satisfaction and customer service are crucial,” she says. “It’s my responsibility to make the transaction as seamless as possible and the experience exciting.” In her free time, Wilkie likes enjoying this area as much as her customers, hanging out on the beach with friends and boating on the Intracoastal Waterway. She also loves to travel, and in the fall, it’s football on Saturdays and Sundays. Go Mountaineers!

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Amelia’s Backstreet Grille

Business Profile BY JO ANN MATHEWS

to have something for everyone and is proud ocated across from Odell Williamson to say it is the only local restaurant that offers Airport in Ocean Isle Beach, Amelia’s quiches. “Sunday Brunch is a winner,” he says. Backstreet Grille bills itself as an “All-American Cuozzo understands the restaurant business, bistro specializing in homemade dishes.” having been involved in it for 30 years. He Who is Amelia and why is she this began his career as a delicatessen clerk in New restaurant’s namesake? Owner Steve Cuozzo York and credits others he worked with in busy says the name is a tribute to Amelia Earhart, establishments for his business acumen. After the famed American aviator, because of the moving to Brunswick County in 2010, he bought proximity of the restaurant to the airport. a café in Sunset Beach and named it Backstreet Amelia’s Backstreet Grille opened its doors Grille. That restaurant didn’t serve dinner, and in 2019 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner he thought he could offer the area more. When six days a week. Cuozzo developed the unique the space at Ocean Isle Beach Market Place menu, which includes Charleston Benedict or Steve Cuozzo became available, he took it. Mediterranean Omelet for breakfast, Cranberry Amelia’s is open for breakfast and lunch from Walnut Chicken Salad or Black Bean Veggie 8 am to 2 pm. The dinner menu is available from 2 to 9 pm. The Burger for lunch and Eggplant Rollatini or Shrimp Creole for restaurant is open every day except Tuesday. Online menus are dinner. One of the house specialties is the 16-ounce ribeye steak posted on the restaurant’s Facebook pages and at zmenu.com. aged for 28-days. Amelia’s Favorite Omelet, Amelia’s Burger and Diners can eat indoors at tables or the full-service bar or enjoy Skinny Girl Shrimp are other favorite dishes, and homemade their meal outdoors. They can also order online or have menu soups, gluten-free and vegan choices, traditional burgers and items catered. fresh local seafood are also on the menu. Specials are available daily, and all meals are made from scratch. The restaurant Amelia’s Backstreet Grille satisfies every palate from the traditional to the adventurous. 1564 Market Place Boulevard, Ocean Isle Beach “We strive to put out high-quality food,” Cuozzo says. “We (910) 579-9200 have a lot of talented people and do a lot of research. We are ameliasoib.com always searching for the best quality.” zmenu.com/amelias-grille-ocean-isle-beach-online-menu Cuozzo says Amelia’s offers three meals a day because he wants

Winter 2021-22

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South Brunswick Magazine

All in Bloom Garden Center and Landscapes

ll in Bloom Garden Center and Landscapes, the colorful 1-acre plot at Howe and Stuart streets in Southport, will mark five years of plant sales and yard-design services in April 2022, but the most intriguing item co-owners Kim Everhart and Tina York ever sold never bloomed. It was an 8-foot-long, 6-foot-tall metal dragon, and it went to live in Wilmington. The center also has re-homed a 6-foot, multicolored metal chicken. “And an 8-foot flamingo,” adds Everhart, who runs the garden center’s landscape division. “He went home in a convertible. We’ve sold everything from the chicken to a Cinderella carriage. Maybe not everyone needs a tall flamingo or a 6-foot chicken, but I like those folks. They’re cool.” Everhart and York opened All in Bloom in 2017. Their space is filled with a multitude of plants — from little flower pots to annuals to seasonal shrubs and trees — as well as vases, decorative containers and offbeat lawn ornaments. A 1,600-square-foot building filled with uncommon, knickknack merchandise sits in the middle. “The most popular thing is wind spinners” Everhart says, “We try to keep a huge selection of those. Because we have wind here, and lots of it. Pottery is another big seller for us. We try to get a better product than the big-box stores, and give you a variety, too. We try not to sell the same thing over and over. We want to be unique.” The pair visits a trade-show market in Atlanta twice a year, looking for new, out-of-the-ordinary items. “We want something very different each time,” Everhart says. Knowing what plants will and won’t thrive in a coastal environment takes work. Both owners have lived in the dirtand-clay soil areas of the N.C. Piedmont and have worked

Business Profile BY KATHY BLAKE

for landscape companies. Everhart says she’s been in the agriculture industry “about 15 or 16 years.” “The coast is a whole different ballgame, and you learn it by being involved,” she says. “It takes some time. There are a lot of plants that will do well here, but there also are a lot of harsh elements we have with the wind, and the sun can be brutal.” When a customer asks about landscaping, Everhart visits the property. She says she takes time to plan a design, not just state what will grow. “We talk about what they like and don’t like, and I’ll do a rough sketch of plants that will work in that area, with an estimate of the work. That costs $125,” she says. “If they say, ‘Hey, we’ll try this on our own,’ then we’re compensated for our time. If they hire us, that’s $125 off the invoice. The majority of folks want us to do the work.” Everhart has about 12 co-workers in her landscape division of All in Bloom. York, who runs the retail side, has three. During peak seasons, those numbers go up. Everhart and York both live in Southport, and All in Bloom has developed a following of regular customers. “We’ve been blessed,” Everhart says. “Never in a million years, when we opened in 2017, did we think the business would grow like this. It’s because of the locals. The tourists stop, and they do business with us, but the locals have gotten us to where we are, and it’s phenomenal, and we appreciate it. It’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears — and thorns. But we’re glad it is what it is.” All in Bloom Garden Center & Landscapes 1200 North Howe Street, Southport, (910) 477-6024 Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

Winter 2021-22

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South Brunswick Magazine

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FACES & PLACES

Donor & Scholar Luncheon

Presented by The Foundation of Brunswick Community College October 29, 2021 at Odell Williamson Auditorium

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

2021-22 BCC Foundation Ambassadors: Cameron Pronebarger, Alonna Dunlap, Lex Green, Lena Devin, Andrew Jackson, Beecham Hartsell, Braden Smith, Samuel Cahenzi

Elizabeth Wassum

Lena Devin

Andrew Jackson

Cameron Pronebarger

Teresa Carroll

Winter 2021-22

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South Brunswick Magazine

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Winter 2021-22

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