February 2024 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine

shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 1

STAFF

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

EDITOR

Chuck and Sue Cothran

Jeffrey Stites

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

jeff@liveoakmediainc.com

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny Carla Edstrom

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Patricia Langer Jan Morgan-Swegle

Lisa P. Stites

Joe Jancsurak

lisa@southportmag.com

Lisa P. Stites Jeffrey Stites

LEAD DESIGNER

PUBLISHER & SALES

Liz Brinker lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

Jeffrey Stites jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media.

The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.

Annual Subscription: $45 email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461 www.shallottemag.com email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

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W

The Love Issue

elcome to the Love issue! It’s hard to believe this is just our third issue, and yet it already seems like we’ve been publishing this magazine as long as our others. In the gray days of February, Valentine’s Day reminds us of our love of many things — our family, our friends, and especially living in a place with temperatures in the upper 60s in the end of January! This month, we have a story on a lovely seamstress who deigns even lovelier bridal gowns, right here in Brunswick County, and a feature on The Barn at Rock Creek, a picturesque, family-run event venue that’s the perfect rustic backdrop for weddings and other celebrations. There’s also a story about how the love of family history and local Gullah Geechee culture grew into the NC Rice Festival, with events being held in different parts of the County. And read all about a man whose love of photography led him to work restoring old photographs. There’s much to LOVE in this issue, and in this corner of North Carolina.

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Community Preserving Memories

Talking Photography With Ken’s Lens Designs STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

P

oint, click and capture. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, at least that’s what I tell my 7-year-old as she uses her Fujifilm INSTAX kid’s camera her MeMe gave her last Christmas. I encouraged her to snap at whatever caught her little eye and five packs of film later, I noticed the trend of selfies, peace signs and our dog are mostly what caught her eye! After sitting down with Kenneth Teore, of Ken’s Lens Designs- Photography, Graphic Design and Photo Restoration, I learned that it was a dragonfly that first caught his eye and opened the world of photography for him.

Ken, a New Jersey native, had a bit of a challenging childhood as he learned to navigate living with autism and dyslexia. As you can imagine, school wasn’t always easy but a special high school teacher named Ellen Spicer gave him a nudge into photography after he shot his first picture of the notable dragonfly with his first camera, an old Canon, which he still has to this day.

Growing up, he loved to watch the History and Discovery Channels and he quickly realized that photography was a way for him to combine his love of history and research. He could also work at his own pace despite his disabilities.

Soon after this finding, his mother gave him a Sony camera that she thought would be easier for him to use with his dyslexia. Ken worked on various projects including one with Autism Speaks, several internships, and he received a Certification in Graphic Design.

The Teore family moved from NJ to Shallotte in 2016, and Ken began taking classes at Brunswick Community College to further his education and expand his skill level. With the photography up and running he began to dabble in photo restoration. Initially using old family photos, Ken was able to restore pictures that had been damaged,

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faded, folded or torn and make them seem timeless. He was excited that these “new” images of “old” photos would be passed down for generations to come and that the antiquity that they hold would be viewed as historically accurate as possible. One special picture was from the 18th century.

For this process, Ken primarily uses Photoshop, however, in some situations, he also uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to achieve correct color and facial recognition. The first step is to scan the photo and make a digital file. He compares his work of restoring photos to the famous magicians Penn and Teller on the basis that photo restoration is an illusion because the original photo is still intact.

He then works his magic by operating digitally.

“I believe in taking the extra time to make sure the small details in the photos such as jewelry and clothing are precise for the era in which they were taken,” he said. It is also helpful if the people in the pictures have living relatives that he can contact so they can collaborate with him on skin tone, eye color, and hair color. He admits having a love/hate relationship with coloration but strives to transform the photos back to life.

An enormous amount of research goes into historical depiction and this process could be lengthy. Ken describes the low

range of work and research as around an hour or less, the mid-range as three to five hours, and the high end as 10 plus hours, although some of his work has taken up to 20 hours! Once the photo is restored he will give a thumb drive or send a file share link to his clients for them to print the final product.

After many completed projects he found that most damage is done from water, yellowing or cracking, but photos can also be damaged during the print process.

The most fascinating person he has ever met was a former Kodak engineer who worked in the chemical process.

Ken recommends storing photos away from direct sunlight and in an area of low humidity as humidity is no friend to paper. If you have any old photos in an album with the clear plastic overlay, his advice is to cut the pictures out of the album to reduce the risk of damaging them further by trying to peel the plastic back off the pictures.

It is very rare that he cannot restore a photo. In fact, the most damaged photo he has worked on he was still able to restore to at least 80 percent of its original form. “Using Photoshop is like being a magician, but even magic has its limits,” he acknowledged.

Ken describes himself as an older millennial who learned photography with

a point and shoot, not a smartphone.

With that being said, he strives to help others learn beginner photography skills with his YouTube tutorials, including one titled “Why are your photos blurry?”.

When not working from home or out in the field with his camera, Ken, along with his family, can be found at several markets and festivals around Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach talking about his craft, displaying adored prints and selling merchandise like coffee mugs and puzzles they have created using local scenery.

Ken loves working with people and

says that photography is a very Zen and relaxing activity for him. A passion for photography can be fashioned at any age whether you are 7 or 70 and he advises to “Always keep a camera with you — you never know when something interesting is about to happen!”

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Community

A Legacy Of Love The Barn At Rock Creek Events Center

STORY BY JANET MORGAN-SWEGLE PHOTOS BY TONY SWEGLE

R

enowned British poet Robert Browning said, in part, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.” It seems that most of us are familiar with the first line of that poem, but it’s the second line that illustrates the lasting love that couples dream of on their wedding day. What could be better than exploring and building your entire life with the person with whom you who shared the vows of marriage?

In this, the “love” month of February, it’s estimated that approximately 220,000 people across the country will get engaged on Valentine’s Day (second only to Christmas) — and that means 220,000 weddings.

The wedding industry in the United States has a market size of $70.3 billion (reported in 2021) and experts suggest that the average bride will spend $30,000 on her wedding. According to “The Knot,

Real Weddings Study,” in 2022, the average bride spent $1,900 on her dress alone.

After the date and the dress and the guest list, the biggest decision a couple needs to make is where to have the wedding reception, or wedding and reception.

Couples in this area are particularly lucky to have access to “The Barn at Rock Creek,” located at 5900 Rock Creek Road NE in Leland.

Lesley Padgett, co-owner of The Barn said “In the beginning of 2012, my family decided to no longer farm the land and we were planning to host our first family wedding. After seeing the cost of bringing all of the rentals in, it grew into a much bigger project and that is when the idea of making The Barn a wedding venue came about.”

But The Barn is more than just a nice place to have a wedding/wedding reception. “The Barn is 13 acres right smack

dab in the middle of the country. “There is no noise, and no neighbors,” Lesley explained. The wooded setting, mostly of natural Cypress trees, offers a rustic but elegant feel for weddings or any type of celebration. The Barn facility and the open-air Pavilion, which has a large stone fireplace, overlook a pond, which is great for pictures, and they have 2,400 square feet of indoor space with 13 crystal chandeliers.

“We are a family-owned business, a very tight-knit one at that,” Lesley said. “We truly believe that each couple and their families become a part of our family throughout the planning process. I grew up surrounded by Southern hospitality and I want every couple to feel at home when they choose The Barn as the place where they want to

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shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 6

start their lives together.”

Being constantly around happy couples has to be a rewarding job, but hosting multiple weddings every year has to be taxing.

Lesley and her team don’t see it that way.

“I enjoy what I do,” she said. “For the first seven years of being in business, I still had a full-time career as well as running The Barn.

I had to make the difficult decision between a career that I absolutely loved and starting a new career that I was beginning to love just as much. I made that decision solely based on the location and atmosphere of the Barn. The Barn is peaceful, and I get to meet the most incredible people that have since become my family.”

Lesley describes herself as a “Winnabowian” born and raised in Brunswick County.

“I was never one to want to go to college and move away,” she said. “I love the legacy that my family started here many years ago. Both of my parents met in Brunswick County, in high school. It is a special place to grow up and I am so fortunate to be able to call this area home.”

Like many businesses, The Barn wasn’t supposed to become the successful venture that it has become.

Laughing, Lesley said, “The Barn was never the plan. The original thought was after the family wedding, we would use it for our family events.

But that’s not how it played out. I was getting phone calls every week from people asking about renting our property for their parties and celebra-

tions. I could not even keep up with the demand.

We quickly realized that The Barn was a new family business opportunity right in front of us — literally, in our own backyard. Since then, we have hosted hundreds of weddings and special events. The Barn is the best family business that we did not know we had or needed.”

It takes a lot of support to build and maintain a successful business. “For me, it is about family and community. The support our community has shown us has been unwavering. It really is a beautiful thing,” Lesley said. “This property is so much more to me than just a piece of land that was purchased for a business venture. This land, this barn and this business, have history. I think it is important to remember where you came from. My grandfather, Robert “Bob” Ward, was the original owner of this land.

He started our legacy in this county, and when he is mentioned, people know exactly who you are talking about. My family and I strive to continue his legacy.”

The Barn also provides career opportunities in the Leland area. “We like to host around 50 weddings a year, but we have done as many as 75. There are several of us that are full-time employees. We run the day-to-day operations and respond to inquiries via email and phone,” Lesley said.

“My family is also very involved in helping

us maintain The Barn. During our busy season, we hire seasonal employees that help ensure all of our events run smoothly. On an average wedding day, there can be anywhere from four to eight employees who help out with the event and the venue. It takes a village.”

Anyone who has planned a wedding knows that there are many moving parts that have to be arranged to ensure a beautiful and successful event. “Communication is key,” Lesley said. “We spend most of our time during the week leading up to a wedding in the office going over every little detail. This includes meetings with our staff, vendors, and those involved in each event.”

Any wedding day is a special day, but a Valentine’s Day wedding is even more so.

Lesley told us, “In the past, Valentine’s Day weddings have been small and intimate; and they are some of our favorite styles of wedding. They are just so personable. This year, we do not have a Valentine’s Day wedding booked, but we are hosting an open house on Saturday, Feb. 17 for all of the couples that just got engaged over the holidays.”

If you are planning a special event or a wedding, give serious consideration to hosting

it at The Barn. Visit The Barn’s website, http://www.thebarnatrockcreek.com/calendarofevents/open-house-at-the-barn.

Or, give Lesley and her team a call at 910253-4012.

Remember, when you find that special person to grow old with, one of the most romantic memories you will both share is your wedding day. Make it a day to remember at The Barn.

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Fairy Godmother

Community

Sinderellas Rockefellas Spins Fairy Tales Into Reality For Brunswick County Brides STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

I

n the classic Disney movie “Cinderella,” an ordinary young woman is transformed into a beautiful princess with just the flick of a wand by her fairy godmother. In reality, there might be a bit more involved in that sort of transformation. Measurements, pattern making, fittings, and many hours of tedious sewing, for starters. But still, it is possible, and a real-life fairy godmother lives in our midst, giving brides-to-be their very own Cinderella moment by creating the wedding gown of their dreams. Samantha Redfern, brilliant designer and seamstress, is the owner of Sinderellas Rockefellas bridal boutique in Southport, and she wants every bride to “feel as beautiful as you are!”

Samantha Redfern has been creating unique, custom fit, bridal gowns for all types of brides since she began her home-based business in the spring of 2020. Her setup is similar to any other bridal boutique. A room in the front of the house is designed for brides to model gowns. Standing on a pedestal, surrounded by tall mirrors, they can see all the beautiful dress details from every angle. There’s plenty of comfy seating for friends and family, who are encouraged to come. The bright space is great for photos, complete with the ubiquitous “I said YES to the dress” sign for Instagram and Facebook posts.

A room in the back of the house serves as a spacious dressing room, all four walls lined with racks of gorgeous sample gowns.

(I felt like I was in a fairy tale during this interview, surrounded by so many beautiful,

flowy dresses!) Sinderellas carries samples to fit all body shapes and sizes. Brides don’t have to struggle holding up a dress that’s way to big, or worse yet, feel embarrassed trying on a gown several sizes too small.

Gowns range from trendy to classic, glitzy to understated, casual to elegant. Many of the dresses have linings in hues of gray, blush, or champagne that highlight the exquisite lace and beadwork. All of the gowns are made with high quality materials. Prices range from $1,500 to just less than $4,700.

Samantha’s two-car garage has been converted into the “engine room” were she works her magic with commercial sewing machines, cutting tables, and mannequins. She designs all the gowns herself, then sends the materials out to be sewn at a garment factory in California. Samantha assigns a reference number to each gown she designs and when a particular style is purchased for the first time, she names the gown after the bride who bought it.

Talk about a fairy tale!

From Fashion Executive to Hollywood Costumes and Reality TV

Samantha Redfern is cheerful, chatty and utterly unpretentious. But don’t let her kind nature or her cozy home-based business fool you. This designer has more credentials than most!

Before moving to the United shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 8

States from England in 2009, Samantha had an amazing career in the fashion industry.

After graduating from fashion college, she began her career path working in a sewing factory as a garment technologist. Although some in the fashion industry snub their noses at factory sewers, Samantha says that experience was invaluable and she credits it for her design and sewing expertise.

She moved up the ranks quickly as a lingerie and nightwear designer. “I always loved lace,” she explained. And she travelled around the globe visiting offshore factories and attending fashion shows. Eventually, she became a design executive with a major manufacturer for the British retailer Marks

& Spencer, enjoying a posh office on Baker Street in London. But when Samantha moved to the United States, she was discouraged with her attempts to break into the American fashion industry. She settled with a job as a seamstress, mainly doing alterations, while raising her children.

Clearly, however, she was not an ordinary seamstress, but one whose talents garnered notice in the fashion world, both locally and beyond.

When I asked Samantha about the autographed pictures of movie stars that line her hallway, she told me that she worked on costume production for the 2014 movie Safe Haven. She designed several out-

Community

fits for Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough’s characters.

“I made the red bikini Julianne Hough wore in that movie! She was lovely to work with,” Samantha recalled.

Samantha said she had her good friend, Betsy Blee, the first female to pilot the Bald Head Ferry, to thank for that job. Betsy was hired by producers of “Safe Haven” to provide water shuttle service for the cast and crew during filming. When she overheard a conversation about the need for garment makers, she introduced them to Samantha Redfern.

That same year, Samantha was selected to appear as an industry professional on the Lifetime Channel’s reality television show “The 24-Hour Catwalk.” The show, which ran 10 episodes in 2012, featured four contestants who competed to design three outfits in just 24 hours, working with a team of sewers.

Smantha’s skills as a sewer were highlighted frequently on the show, and by the end of filming, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, one of the judges, offered her a job in New Your City As life would have it, however, the timing was all wrong. Samantha and her family were living in Ohio and her three children had active lives that she did not want to disrupt. Looking back, she has no regrets and says she fully enjoyed her 15 minutes of tv fame.

“It was terrific! I loved it!”

Samantha also worked on costumes

for the 2016 movie “Providence,” after being approached by film scouts who noticed her unique sportswear at a spring market in Franklin Park. In addition to her bridal business, Samantha has her own line of sportswear called Immi Activewear USA. She designs flattering yet practical clothing for running, golfing, yoga, pickleball, and more. Her colorful skorts have hidden pockets to hold keys, credit cards and water bottles, eliminating the need for fanny packs (thank goodness!) Immi

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COMMUNITY

Activewear is sold locally at Crossroads, a Gathering Place in Oak Island and on Facebook.

Creating a Dream The seed money for Sinderellas came from an unexpected inheritance when

Samantha’s sister died suddenly in 2019, the same year she lost her mother to cancer. After overcoming her shock and grief, Samantha vowed to make something good come from the tragedy.

“I wanted to do something with the money that would make people happy. Giving brides their dream gown is a wonderful way to honor my mum and my sister.”

Listening to Samantha tell me how she approaches each bride, I can only imagine how happy she makes them feel. With her charming British accent and equally charming personality, I suggest that she really could be a fairy godmother.

“My brides call me Mary Poppins!” she responds with pleasure.

Buying a gown from Sinderellas is personalized experience, very different from the fancy boutiques. There are no intimidating sales ladies showing you gowns way over your budget or dresses that look nothing like your style. An appointment at Sinderellas lasts about 2-3 hours and goes something like this: Samantha sits down with the bride to dis-

cuss what type of wedding she is planning and what style gown she thinks she wants.

Samantha asks about the venue, the theme, the season and the color scheme. Then she considers what style and fit the bride is looking for. Does she want lots of glitz and sparkle, or something more serene and elegant? A full skirt or a mermaid tail? Samantha takes her time until she thinks she

knows how each bride envisions herself on her wedding day. Then she asks about budget to avoid any awkwardness or unnecessary heartbreak. Once she’s got it, she selects five to six sample gowns for the future bride to try on.

“Most brides pick one of the first three gowns I select and never get to the rest,” Samantha told me proudly.

At Sinderellas, brides can make tweaks to a sample gown if they want something slightly different.

“Sometimes a bride loves a particular gown, but wishes it had sleeves or more lace or a different neckline. I can do all that.”

Samantha reminds each bride that comfort and fit is equally as important as appearance when considering gowns.

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they feel in a gown, since they won’t be standing still at their wedding. They’ll be talking to guests, taking pictures, eating and dancing.”

Once the dress is chosen, Samantha takes careful measurements to create a custom fit dress pattern, which she then sends to a sewing shop in California. When the gown comes in, it usually doesn’t require

any alterations, saving brides a big expense. The only thing left for Samantha to do at that point is creates the bustle in the back.

Growth Leads to Expansion Sinderella’s has grown considerably over the last few years, from the sale of four gowns in its first year to 16 in 2023. This year is off to a robust start, with 10 gowns commissioned for spring.

The success has propelled Samantha to secure a retail shop on Long Beach Road, which she hopes to open in a few months.

The larger space will allow her to carry more dress samples and will increase business visibility. Sinderellas Rockefellas will also have a satellite location on Southport-Supply Road that will carry tuxedo rentals, as well as discontinued bridal gowns at sale prices. Samantha hopes to hire some much-needed help as her business expands, but she has no intention of changing the way she operates. Sinderellas Rockefellas will continue to offer a uniquely personal experience, creating custom-fit gowns and giving each bride her very own Cinderella story.

For more information, call Samantha Redfern at 910-363-4403 or visit Sinderellas Rockefellas on Facebook.

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2024 Rice Festival

COMMUNITY

Celebrate History With Four Days of Events STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

D

id you know that long before tourism took hold in Brunswick County, our economy centered around rice cultivation? The 2024 North Carolina Rice Festival is a great chance to learn all about the history of rice agriculture and to celebrate the culture of the people that made it all happen with lectures, a gala dinner, public movie screenings and a big festival at the Brunswick Town-Fort Andersen State Historic Site.

According to the Rice Festival website, “The Carolinas - North and South - were the hub of rice production in the 1700s and 1800s, and rice was the largest export to other countries, such as England. The crop was called “Carolina Gold” because of the wealth that it produced for the colonies, which grew the Southern Plantation economy. This “gold” originated in West Africa, as did the slaves who were brought to

the Carolina region and beyond because many had the skill and knowledge to plant, grow, harvest and process rice. The Gullah Geechee are descendants of these West Africans, and Brunswick County is the home of many descendants of rice planters as well.”

Join the fun at these four events, in four locations over four days:

Wednesday, Feb. 28: Introducing the North Carolina Rice Festival—An Evening of Films and Discussion For those few and new who haven’t heard about or attended previous years’ Rice Festival events, or who are unfamiliar with the significant role rice—or “Carolina Gold”—played in Brunswick County’s agricultural and cultural history, two outstanding video-documentaries locally produced by the Festival organizers will be screened. Free and open to the public.

6-7 pm at WWAYTV3, 1224 Magnolia Village Way in Leland. shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 12

Thursday, Feb. 29: Ancestry Reveal Event Join local residents as they explore the ancestral connections between their families and the people of West Africa’s Rice Coast with help from African Ancestry’s president/CEO Dr. Gina Paige. Free and open to the public. 6-8 pm at the Navassa Community Center, 338 Main St., Navassa.

Friday, March 1: Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Gala Dinner and VIP Reception Featuring “edu-tainment” by renowned Gullah Geechee performing artists and a mouth-watering, Low country-inspired menu from award-winning Chef and Festival Culinarian Keith Rhodes of Wilmington’s Catch Restaurant, along with a Silent Auction. This is the Rice Festival’s premier fundraising event; tickets are $120/person and are available online at northcarolinaricefestival.org or by mail to: NCRFI, POB 674, Leland NC 28451 5-9 pm at The Brunswick Center of Supply, 101 Stone Chimney Road SE

Saturday, March 2: North Carolina Rice Festival Visit Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site on Saturday, March 2

for the North Carolina Rice Festival! Activities will be located indoors and outdoors. Activities will include: history/ cultural presentations, tours, demonstrations, live entertainment, family fun, children’s stage, Gullah Geechee food vendors, and arts/crafts.

shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 13

Community

Help For New Moms Samara’s Village Pop-Up Shop Event STORY CONTRIBUTED

S

amara’s Village will host a “Pop-Up Shop” Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 1 to 4 pm at the Port City Community Church, 187 Old Fayetteville Road in Leland.

Families with children younger than 3 and all expectant mothers are welcome to participate. All items are free and include diapers in all sizes, toys, books, clothing, and more!

These Pop-Up Shops not only provide an opportunity to help young families in Brunswick County, but they also provide a chance for our volun-

shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 14

teers to share the vision and mission of Samaras Village with the hope that the information will be passed on to mothers aged 21 and younger who may need support.

In addition to representatives from Samara’s Village, community partners from organizations providing information about education, career development, child development, medical and mental health, and family services will be available.

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Email redferns@srinc.pro or visit our website at www.sinderellasrockefellasbb.com shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 16

Chamber of Commerce Events

Ozzy’s Oyster Roast Premier Event Kicks Off Oyster Festival

G

On The Horizon BrunsCo Biz Forum and Expo

et ready to shuck and jive at Ozzy’s Oyster Roast! y’sLimited There are two parts to this networking event.

The Forum kicks off the event and includes breakfast and lunch, tickets are up for grabs, so get yours soon to be be part of this along with two Keynote speakers and with a morning and afternoon shellebration! The Oyster Roast is Feb. 17, from 3 to 7 pm at the breakout sessions. The Forum will conclude with an after-hours social, a Calabash Marina, 1207 Riverview Drive.

Tickets are just $75, and kids 5 and younger join the party for free.

Tickets include: a feast of oysters and low country boil, two drink tickets, a s’mores experience, and live music from Salty Dawgs — all in a family-friendly environment. Visit https://bit.ly/OzzysOysterRoast to find out how to be an event sponsor or to purchase tickets.

And mark your calendars for the Oyster Festival, scheduled for Oct. 19-20 in Ocean Isle Beach.

great opportunity to network with other attendees and businesses. You can attend the Forum and also enjoy the Expo throughout the day!

The Biz Expo will have all of your business, home and service needs in one place! See what these showcased Brunswick County businesses have to offer! The Expo will be ongoing throughout the entire day.

shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 17

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OPEN DAILY 7AM-9PM shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 18

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Mardi Gras Party

Community

Books, Brews and Beads At Makai Brewing CONTRIBUTED

P

ut together your finest New Orleans outfit and get ready to laissez le bon temps rouler. Brunswick County Literacy Council’s annual Books, Brews & Beads Mardi Gras celebration — the group’s most festive fundraising event of the year — will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Makai Brewing Company in Ocean Isle Beach.

From colorful beads, festive decorations, and scrumptious king cake cupcakes, BCLC is preparing to bring a little of the Big Easy to Brunswick County once again with this New Orleans inspired event.

Guests will be treated to an evening of exceptional fun with live entertainment from DJ Jason Jackson, delicious food from Bad Eatz, a cash bar, raffles, door prizes, and exciting games. Upon arrival, guests will be treated with a goody bag stuffed with beads and other favors. As they make their way in, guests can also take time to look over the Bourbon Street raffle baskets; raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

Melissa Warren, BCLC’s executive director, said excitement is building for this year’s event. It’s the third year that BCLC has partnered with Makai Brewing Company to host the Mardi Gras celebration and help increase awareness of the organization’s work to improve illiteracy in the county.

“The community support we’ve received from this event over the last two years has allowed us to continue to provide learning materials, internet access, and other tutoring essentials, free of charge, for our adult students,” said Warren. “We have some exciting new things to look forward to for this year’s event, and we have been fortunate to sell out for the previous two years, so for anyone wanting to attend, get your tickets fast!”

The event kicks off at 5 pm at 5850 Ocean Hwy. W. in Ocean Isle Beach. Individual tickets are $40. Online registration for the event ends on Feb. 1, but tickets will be available at the door for $45.

Visit the “Events” tab at bcliteracy.org or call call (910) 754-7323 for more information about becming a sponsor, making a donation, or purchasing tickets.

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Art Beat

Caroline Brizzolara Celebrating The Magic Of Light STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

T

he magical collaboration between living by the coast and being an artist is genuine. We are all drawn here to the beauty of nature, and many of us are caught in the net and move here permanently. There is so much in nature on the coast that quickly returns us to a child-like place of awe and wonder. We are easily influenced by the ocean’s ever-changing beauty and immense forceful presence. “The biggest influence on my work right now is the light here near the coast,” said Caroline Brizzolara, a local fine artist. “The sky seems huge here. The way the light hits the water, the sand, the marsh, the woods, the horizon — even the way it operates in still life and figurative studies — it’s all visually compelling to me,” said Brizzolara.

As a lifelong artist originally from Manhattan and the New Jersey suburbs, she always resided close to the city until she moved to St. James six years ago. She and her husband relocated here for a better quality of life after retiring, and they found it. Brizzolara spends a lot of her time these days being very observant and attuned to nature and what is happening all around her. Her keen observations are often the subject of her fine art paintings. “I’ve been painting and drawing since I was a child. I remember seeing Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ in a movie theater when I was about 5 years old and drawing colorful little fairy creatures for weeks afterward.

Drawing was something that always came naturally to me, but in college and graduate school, I really learned how to see. Close observation of the natural world still informs what I paint, even when the final image veers toward abstraction,” she said. “Paying visual attention and seeing the world around me has al-

ways been how I get moved to paint. I always try to have my camera with me because I often spy ideas for painting while I’m outside, walking, riding in a car, doing yard work, and being out and about. While picking up pine cones after the last storm, for instance, I discovered

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that pine cones start out as tiny, perfect, bluish little conical things clustered in the crook of a pine branch. They may pop up in an image soon,” she said.

Her art took the back seat to her busy career for many years, and she is thrilled to be able to make art a priority once again in retirement.

“I took art classes all through grammar and high school. In college, I majored in art and minored in art history, eventually earning a master’s degree in painting, with forays into photography, lithography, and pottery. I then taught studio art and advanced placement art history at the high school level in New Jersey for almost two decades,” she said. “Teaching was rewarding but draining, and it wasn’t fi-

nancially sound for me. By the time I reached my 30s, I knew I needed a career change and found it in the legal profession. For the next 20-plus years, I studied and practiced law at a midsized law firm in New Jersey. I loved it. But working as an attorney permits

little time for avocation, and my love for art-making fell by the wayside.”

Working primarily with pastels and acrylics these days, Brizzolara has a straightforward method and process in her painting approach. “If I’m working from life, I don’t do much preliminary drawing. I just put color down because I’ve learned to trust myself that way.

But if I’m painting abstractly, it’s a different way of working and a challenge. I force myself to start by letting accidents happen. Then I work to ‘make good’ on those accidents, developing color, line, composition, value, texture, and marks to create the image, bit by bit and layer by layer,” said Brizzolara. “My ‘favorite’ piece is the last thing I did that I’m happy with, so it changes all the time. Right now, I’m loving a little abstract painting that I did on a lark, which turned out to be an exciting little explosion of light and color. But I also love my marsh paintings, seascapes, and pet portraits.”

Brizzolara is a member of The Associated Artists of Southport and shows her work at Franklin Square Gallery in downtown Southport. “I will be exhibiting in the Spring Show at Franklin Square Gallery and other shows there throughout the year,” she said. “I’ve also shown work at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

and the Wilmington Art Association’s North Carolina Azalea Festival art show and hope to do so again this year. A small group of local fine artists and I will also be hosting our second annual Art-Full Home show at the St. James Community Center, planned for later this year, where people can come meet me and my colleagues and view our work in a smaller, more personal setting.”

are always available, or take a look at my Instagram page, @carolinenc77. And I can always be reached by email at caroline@carolinebrizzolara.com.”

“Anyone interested in seeing my work or in commissioning a piece can visit my website at www.carolinebrizzolarafineart.com, where my paintings and prints

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Community

Calling All Birders

Help With The 2024 National Bird Count STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

T

he 2024 Bird Count is Feb. 16-19, and volunteers are needed to help. Individuals and groups can participate, and it is as easy as finding a spot to watch birds, making a list of what you see and providing the info you collect online.

Find a spot where birds are likely to be, or even just watch a bird feeder in your yard.

Watch birds for at least 15 minutes. Make a checklist recording the total number of every bird that you see or hear that you know how to identify.

were not yet available at press time.

There are also additional resources available for educators who want to get their students involved.

According to www.birdcount.org, people from 202 countries participated in the 2023 count and recorded 2/3 of the world’s known species.

Visit https://scienceacrossnc.org/ events/birds/ for more information.

The Merlin phone app can help you identify birds by song or with pictures.

Fill out your checklists and submit them to the eBird website at ebird.org, or download the bird app.

There may also be in person or virtual events, though details on any such programs

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Secret Suffragist

History Carolyn: I became aware of Annie Clemmons when Liz told me the story of a Black woman in Southport who had wanted so much to vote. Liz thought Annie might be someone that I would want to portray.

Annie Clemmons Honored At Symposium STORY BY JEFFREY STITES AND LIZ FULLER, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

S

outhport will celebrate a historic hometown hero on Friday, Feb. 9 at 6 PM (doors open 5:30 pm) on the opening night of the 12th Annual Brunswick County Black History Symposium. Acclaimed actor/storyteller Ms. Carolyn Evans will be premiering her one-woman show portraying Miss Annie Clemmons (1890-1956), a Black Southport woman who worked for the right to vote. At the same event, Liz Fuller, President of the Southport Historical Society, will be launching her new book on Annie Clemmons, entitled “Southport’s Secret Suffragist.”

Annie Clemmons was born and raised on E. Brown Street in Southport. She turned 30 the year that the 19th Amendment was passed, guaranteeing women the right to vote. Annie tried to register to vote at the Brunswick County Courthouse on Moore Street but was refused because of the color of her skin. Undaunted, she wrote to the National Woman’s Party in Washington, D.C. asking for help. Annie kept the contents of these letters a secret for the rest of her life.

The following interview is with actor, Carolyn Evans, and author, Liz Fuller.

Liz, how did you get Carolyn Evans to

portray Annie Clemmons?

We are very fortunate to have a relationship with actor and storyteller, Carolyn Evans. Carolyn has been working with Southport historian Donnie Joyner and the Brunswick Black History Symposium for at least the past six years. It’s become a tradition for Carolyn to open the three-day event with the dramatic portrayal of a strong Black woman from U.S. history. In previous years she has portrayed Harriet Tubman, Stagecoach Mary, Mary Ann Cord, Mrs. Mamie Till Mobley, and Sojourner Truth.

When Donnie and I approached Carolyn about Miss Annie’s story, she immediately saw the importance of her history and the creative potential in dramatizing her story. This will be the first time the life story of a Black woman from Southport has been professionally dramatized.

When did you, personally, become aware of Annie Clemmons’ story? What drew you to her story?

Carolyn Evans

Liz: The year 2020 was the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. The Southport Historical Society put together a celebration of that event. In anticipation, I researched Southport’s history in 1920. I came across Annie’s letters which are stored in the archives of the Na-

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I was drawn to Annie’s story because I have family from North Carolina, and knowing that my people came from there and learning that neither the men nor the women were able to vote was a surprise. I always thought of North Carolina as a progressive state. My father’s family was from Mississippi so I knew they couldn’t vote but I didn’t think the same was true in my mother’s state. I realized my grandmother probably never voted. It gave me a look into my ancestors’ history, and that was good for me.

Liz Fuller

tional Woman’s Party in the Library of Congress.

The more I learned about Annie the more I admired her initiative and self-confidence.

She was a young, unmarried, Black woman living in a small Southern town during the Jim Crow era. When she was rejected at the courthouse, she could easily have given up.

Instead, she believed in herself enough and valued her voting rights enough to write to Washington, D.C. to ask for help.

I assumed that everyone in Southport was already familiar with her story. But as I asked around, I learned that Annie had kept her letters secret and that her story wasn’t known. So I started sharing her story in presentations and videos.

Freedom was the most important thing and to keep your freedom, you needed citizenship, and to keep your citizenship you needed to vote. Not having the vote means there’s a possibility of your freedom being taken away at any time. My mother and grandmother left North Carolina not just for economic reasons but because they didn’t have a voice and didn’t have rights.

Was she active in advocating for the vote for women as well as for what would become the Civil Rights Act? Or was it always all tied together, as in “Hey, everyone should be able to vote” Liz: In her letters, Annie used her own experiences and the experiences of her seven brothers to illustrate the plight of all Black men and women in Brunswick County at that time. Her situation highlights a significant difference between Black and White women who were seeking the vote. White suffragists were seeking their personal right to vote, which was certainly important and just. But White suffragists at least had some semblance of representation through their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons who were all able to vote. At that time in North Carolina, Black citizens had no representation from either gender. This made the passage of the 19th Amendment and the possibility of Black women gaining the right to vote even more significant. It was 45 more years before the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965.

How long have you been working on your book and the performance?

History Liz: In the beginning, I was just doing research and looking for ways to share Annie’s story. That’s when we came up with the idea of having Carolyn turn Annie’s life into a historical dramatization. I provided my initial research to Carolyn as a basis for her creative work. Along the way, I realized that there was much more history that needed to be shared and that it was enough to make a book.

Researching Annie made me think about my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother as a formerly enslaved woman, not having the right to vote or to have control over the laws that affected their lives. That was very heavy for me. History teaches us.

What would you like modern people, I was going to say women, but no, really everyone, to get out of Annie Clemmons’ story?

Liz: Annie’s story underscores the point that everyone can work for social justice.

Success doesn’t come from one big dramatic moment. Instead, it’s a lot of small actions undertaken by a lot of nameless individuals contributing in their own small way.

Carolyn: To be passionate about voting rights and the importance of continuing to vote.

Any future plans for sharing her story?

Could it somehow become a part of the history curriculum at least locally?

Liz: I would love to see Annie’s story told

Books will be available for purchase and for signing. Proceeds from the book sales support the Southport Historical Society.

How can people get tickets for Carolyn Evans’ performance?

Brunswick County Black History Symposium

Carolyn Evans’ performance of Annie Clemmons, Southport’s Secret Suffragist is free but due to limited space, reservations are required. Free tickets can be reserved at www.southporthistoricalsociety.org. When the tickets are all gone, people can register for a waitlist. If there’s enough interest, we can bring Carolyn back for additional performances.

The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with Carolyn and Liz.

In addition to Annie’s story, I uncovered an active community of Black voters in Southport as far back as 1867. These men continued to be influential in Brunswick County politics up until 1901, when all Black voters in North Carolina were disenfranchised. Annie’s story, which happened 20 years later, carried on the struggle for Black voting rights.

Carolyn: I’ve been working on it for several years ever since Liz first shared her research. What helped me was Liz’s passion for Annie Clemmons. That passion is what allows me to think about Annie as a person and feel what she was like. Then I learned more about her and the history of what was going on around her at that time and the people who were in her orbit.

Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center and online at www.southporthistoricalsociety.org.

Southport Community Building Friday, Feb. 9 6 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Free. Reservations required.

“Southport’s Secret Suffragist” — $20 cash or check. www.southporthistoricalsociety.org for more information

in local schools. I’m continuing to look for opportunities to share Annie’s story and the story of the struggle for Black voting rights in Brunswick County. I’m scheduled to give presentations of her story to several local non-profits and history groups in their upcoming meetings. The book includes a Readers’ Discussion Guide, and it lends itself well to book club discussions. If any groups or book clubs are interested in having me meet with them, I can be reached through the Southport Historical Society info@southporthistoricallsociety.org or 910477-3461.

Carolyn: This story is a national story. It’s not just a story that’s important to Southport. Annie is a treasure. Her story speaks to today. I hope to present her story at more venues and share her story with a wider audience. My goal is to portray Annie Clemmons at the Site of the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention Site and colleges and universities because no one knows about her, and they should.

When will the book, “Southport’s Secret Suffragist,” be available and how can people get a copy?

The book will be launching Feb. 9, the same night as Carolyn’s premiere performance. We will have it available for purchase before and after her show. Following that, it will be available in person at Ft. shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 25

History

March to Fayetteville

Board.

Registration for this meeting begins at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. The guest fee is $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information about the Tuesday, February 6 meeting, contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him at 404-229-9425. Or, visit the website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com to learn more, become a member, renew your membership, and learn about member benefits. The group’s Facebook page also has additional information, news, and updates.

Brunswick Civil War Round Table Meeting STORY CONTRIBUTED

A

bout a hundred miles north of here lies Fayetteville, North Carolina. In early 1865, this town played a significant role near the close of the Civil War following Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s well-known March to the Sea. This rarely discussed phase of the war is the topic of popular returning guest speaker, Colonel Wade Sokolosky (Ret.), entitled, “A Great Race Between Two Rivers: Sherman’s March Toward Fayetteville.” This meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Hatch Auditorium in Caswell Beach. Everyone is welcome.

Sherman’s March to the Sea was a significant component of the overall Union strategy to defeat the Confederacy by targeting its economic and logistical infrastructure. While Sherman’s march route was primarily Atlanta to Savannah between Nov. 15 and Dec. 21, 1864, he turned northward through the Carolinas in early 1865 as part of his broader campaign.

His aim was to disrupt the Confederate supply lines, destroy military infrastructure, and break the morale of the Southern population. Fayetteville became a significant target in his campaign.

In mid-March, 1865, his army of 60,000 marched between the Great Pee Dee and Cape Fear rivers. During

a four-day siege, they destroyed the Fayetteville Arsenal, foraged for food and supplies, burned private homes, and captured this key transportation hub with its strategic position on the Cape Fear River.

The occupation of Fayetteville allowed the Union army to resupply and continue the march northward. Sherman’s forces continued their advance through North Carolina, participating in the Battle of Bentonville in late March, 1865, one of the last major engagements of the Civil War. Sherman’s March to the Sea and the subsequent Carolinas Campaign played a crucial role in hastening the end of the Civil War.

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Wade Sokolosky is a native of Beaufort, NC, a graduate of East Carolina University, and a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He is a renowned Civil War historian, and one of North Carolina’s leading experts of the 1865 Carolinas Campaign. In addition, Wade is a prolific author and co-author, popular lecturer throughout the country speaking at roundtables, various societies and organizations, and at historical sites. He is also a tour guide with the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, and is a member of the Brunswick Civil War Advisory

Chefs of Brunswick

Community

Sample Food From Local Restaurants

STORY BY MCKENZIE BARWICK, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

A

fter a long four-year hiatus, the second annual Chefs of Brunswick event will have area restauranteurs firing up the kitchens again on Feb. 24, offering tasty dishes and beverages from 5-9 pm.

The event is organized by the Southport Rotary Club as a fundraiser for local charities, and was first held in 2019 right before the pandemic changed the world. Former club president Shawn Braswell creative side with a dish of their choice. said there are a few changes in store for everyone this year.

Approximately 20 local food vendors participate, as well as six beverage vendors, including beer, wine, and coffee. Tickets cost $25 and in exchange you get five blue tokens that can be used at any of the vendors to get a sample of the delicious food or drinks they bring. Everyone also has the option to purchase more blue tokens if they want to. The last event sold 1,000 tickets and was held in a the much smaller Stone Chimney events center. This time the Club is selling 800 tickets, and it will be held at the St. James Community Center, offering a lot more room for vendors and attendees alike.

“In 2019, all 1,000 ticket holders showed up and it was awesome to see the community get together in such

a way. The restaurants ended up running out of food, not expecting the amazing outcome that we had,” Shawn said.

The Stone Chimney event space hosted the last Chefs of Brunswick which according to Shawn was a great place, but given the popularity of the event, it was beneficial to change locations. The St. James Community Center has a large room that will hold all the vendors and another three rooms in the center that will be mixed with sit down tables as well as high top tables giving everyone a chance to either sit or stand around and mingle.

Kai Joe’s, Oliver’s, Moore Street Oyster Bar, and Petrea Imports are just a few of the amazing participants this year. I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Austin Alfonso (also known as Big Chef Tuna) and Alexis Oxendine, owners of Kai-Joe’s about what they plan to do this year and what they loved about the previous event.

“We are excited to be able to partake in Chefs of Brunswick this year after being fortunate enough to attend and participate in the first one,” Alexis said.

“In the past, the Chefs of Brunswick was a great way for chefs and restaurants to connect with the community and show their

It was an event that was fun and enjoyable for all.”

Austin and Alexis will be preparing an Asian inspired shrimp and rice bowl as well as a spin on a tuna tostada. “The flavors and ingredients will allow the guests to experience Pacific Rim Cuisine and allow the chefs to showcase their passion for food,” Austin said.

Kai-Joe’s was created in 2016 and has prospered as a takeout stand on Oak Island with menu items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.

Austin and Alexis spent time living in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. During that experience, Chef Austin picked up various culinary skills and flavor profiles while working at a very well-known restaurant located on the North Shore.

Their goal as restaurant owners and locals to North Carolina has always been

to bring these flavors to the east coast while still embracing their southern roots and love for southern cuisine.

“The Chefs of Brunswick is such a great opportunity for local chefs to showcase their love for food while engaging with people in the community and with each other,” Austin and Alexis said. “We are so thrilled to be a part of this year’s event and to express our passion for food to the community. We hope this event continues in years to come as it is a great way to acknowledge local chefs and the food scene in Brunswick County.”

Chefs of Brunswick will serve up good food and give restaurants exposure to potential new customers, but is also serves as a fundraiser for community charities, and some of those charities will have displays at the event. Chefs of Brunswick is a drop-in event from 5-9 pm. There will be limited parking at the community center. Additional parking will be available at Novant’s Pine Forest facility, and Cape Fear Jetport is supplying two vans and drivers to shuttle people from the other parking lot if needed. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Southport Rotary Club website at www.southportrotary.com.

You don’t want to miss out on this amazing night!

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CALENDAR

February

We’ve included events here that were scheduled at press time, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/ townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

FEB 3

Souper Saturday

The Museum of Coastal Carolina hosts Souper Saturday, featuring soup from multiple home cooks. The cost is $10, and the event is 5-7 pm at the Museum, 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach. Everyone can vote for their favorite soup. The winning cook will receive a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant and be declared Potager Extraordinaire.

Soup samples and dessert are included with tickets, while drinks, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase separately.

FEB 3

Frog Watch USA Training

Day One of this free training includes fun and educational lessons in identifying local frog and toad species by their calls, understanding the conservation issues that amphibians face, and practicing the FrogWatch USA protocols for collecting data for citizen science. This training is for adults, though youth ages 10 and up are welcome with an adult who will also complete the training. No previous scientific background or knowledge of amphibians is required. The second session is Feb 10, and upon completion of both sessions, participants will be recognized as FrogWatch USA volunteers. The sessions are 10 am to 4 pm at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 Saint Philips Rd SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

FEB 6

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

“A Great Race between Two Rivers: Sherman’s March toward Fayetteville.”

As part of the Carolinas Campaign, Sherman’s army took control of Fayetteville, destroying the Fayetteville Arsenal, foraged for food and supplies, burned

Let The Good Times Roll while supporting literacy in Brunswick County at the Brunswick Literacy Council’s MArdi Gras event at Makai Brewing on Feb 6

private homes and businesses which demoralized Confederate forces and the civilian population. This was a strategic effort toward ending the war. Guest speaker: Colonel Wade Sokolowsky (Ret.) is a 25-year U.S. army veteran, author, frequent lecturer, and one of North Carolina’s leading experts of the 1865 Carolinas Campaign. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell; doors open at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Anyone can attend; the cost is $10 but can be applied to $25 annual membership dues.

FEB 6

Books, Brews & Beads - A Mardi Gras Celebration This fundraiser for the Brunswick Literacy Council features a Madi Gras theme, with food DJ, door prizes, and raffles at Makai Brewing Company, 5850 U.S. 17, Ocean Isle Beach. Tickets are $40 in advance for the celebration, which is 5-7 pm.

FEB 17

Ozzy’s Oyster Roast Don’t miss the 2024 Rice Festival on March 2 at Brunswick Town State Historic Site

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Enjoy oysters and a low country boil at this kickoff event for the 43rd Annual

NC Oyster Festival. The event features good food, s’mores, and music from Salty Dawgs and Dy PaPa Hunk.

A limited number of tickets are available for $75 each. Visit http://brunswickcountychamber.chambermaster. com/events for more details.

FEB 17

Living History: The 159th Anniversary of the Fall of Fort Anderson Step back in time and experience artillery firings and infantry demonstrations throughout the day. This free event runs from 10 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 St Phillips Rd SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

FEB 20

Mobile Mammograms — Ocean Isle Beach Novant Health’s mobile mammogram unit will be on site at the Ocean Isle Beach Town Hall, 111 Causeway Drive, from 9 am to 3 pm; appointments are recommended. Call 910721-1485.

FEB 29

Shag Lessons — Holden Beach

Get ready for the summer beach

season by learning to shag, the popular dance for beach music. Lessons are on Thursday nights at the Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild St. Beginners lessons are 5:30-6:15 pm and intermediate lessons are 6:15-7 pm. Classes are $60/$70 for residents/non-residents, and you must have a partner to sign up.

Email christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com to pre-register. Classes go through April 4.

MARCH 1

Diamonds and Denim Charity Ball

The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation holds its annual ball, with proceeds to benefit selected local charities. The Ball is 6-10 pm at the St. James Community Center, 4140 Southport-Supply Road (N.C. 211), and will feature dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, music by Tru Sol and more.

Tickets will be available in January; visit https://www.sheriffscharity.com/.

MARCH 1

Pelican Bookstore Author Event featuring Meagan Church $35 ticket includes glass of wine, light hors d’oeuvres paperback copy of “The Girls we Sent Away,” and abook signing event with the author.

5:30 pm at Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach Call (910) 287-2800 for tickets

MARCH 2

NC Rice Festival

Indoor and outdoor activities are planned this year, including history/ cultural presentations, tours, demonstrations, live entertainment, family fun, children’s stage, Gullah Geechee food vendors, and arts/crafts. The festival is free to attend, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 St Phillips Rd SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Odell Williamson Auditorium at

Brunswick Community College 150 College Road NW, Bolivia

Feb 15 — Credence Revelation

Feb 29 — Supreme Reflections Tribute for Diana Ross and The Supremes March 14 — Cashback — Johnny and June Carter Cash Tribute

DQ Banana Split

ONGOING EVENTS

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Touch tank feedings on Feb 2, 9 and 16, from 11 am to noon.

Ingram Planetarium 7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

Doors open at 10:30 am Thursdays through Saturdays; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule

NC Maritime Southport

Museums

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204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@ southportmag.com before the 20th of each month!

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At the following Dairy Queen locations: SHALLOTTE: 20 Naber Drive LONG BEACH: 5701 E. Oak Island Dr. SUPPLY: 106 Southport-Supply Rd., SE WILMINGTON: 5901 Oleander Drive shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 29

Looking for something to do besides going to the beach? Here you’ll find lots of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check before you go as hours may change and some attractions may be seasonal

Attractions INGRAM PLANETARIUM

7625 High Market Street Sunset Beach (mainland) https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ Enjoy musical laser shows and learn more about the night sky; check website for schedule and tickets. Hands-on activities and interactive displays are available in the Paul Dennis Science Center, and admission to the Center is free.

MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA 21 E. 2nd St. Ocean Isle Beach https://museumplanetarium.org/

Learn more about our coastal environment, with a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs. The Mu-

Attractions Guide

seum is open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday for sandbar lectures.

SHALLOTTE RIVER SWAMP PARK

5550 Watts Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.shallotteriverswamppark. com/ This adventure park features zip line tours, an aerial park, guided ATV tours and eco-tours on a swamp boat.

PLANET FUN/STARZ GRILL 349 Whiteville Road Shallotte https://planetfuncenter.com/

This family entertainment center offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling (including cosmic bowling on weekends), many TVs for watching all the games, and a restaurant.

SHALLOTTE RIVERWALK

Gazebos at 159 Cheers St. and 146 Wall St.

The Riverwalk is open from dawn to dusk, and features a quarter mile boardwalk, gazebos at each end and beautiful views of the Shallotte River.

OLD BRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 109 Shoreline Drive West Sunset Beach (mainland) http://www.theoldbridge.org/

The old swing bridge that used to connect Sunset Beach to the mainland has been preserved as a museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, with stories about the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge tender house, local history, and more.

STUMP HILL FARMS

2030 Ash-Little River Road NW Ash https://www.stumphillfarms.com/

The farm is open on Saturdays in April and October, and by appointment or for special events other times of year, with hay rides, games for children, and educational opportunities covering bee pollination and local crops.

GRAYCE WYNDS FARM AND THE WILD HORSE RESERVE AT GRAYCE WYNDS 2450 Grayce Wynds Drive Supply, NC 28462

Visit the farm, take a guided tour, or participate in special events. Check https://www.graycewyndsfarm.com/ for tours available and events.

TREASURE ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF 3445 Holden Beach Rd. Holden Beach (910) 842-4878

Parks

There are so many great spots to get out and enjoy this beautiful county. We’ve listed a few of the main parks here, but keep an eye out for smaller pocket parks and water access areas.

HOLDEN BEACH PAVILION AND BRIDGEVIEW PARK

The Pavilion is tucked in next to the west side of the bridge on the island, and Bridgeview Park is a couple blocks down the Intracoastal Waterway, at Davis Street.

TOWN CENTER PARK 11 E. Second St. Ocean Isle Beach

This town park has an amphitheater, interactive fountain, bocce ball court, playground, and plenty of bike parking.

SHALLOTTE PARK 5550 Main St.

Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground, picnic shelters and a dog park.

MULBERRY STREET PARK SILVERY COAST WINERY

6680 Barbeque Road Ocean Isle Beach https://silvercoastwinery.com/

Winery tours, tastings, and shop for wine accessories and gifts; event rental space also available.

OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF Go Under The Sea at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach

shallottemag.com /February /February 2024/ 2024/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 30

6391 Beach Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach http://oceanisleminigolf.com

123 Mulberry Street Shallotte

Picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and home to Shallotte’s outdoor markets

SUNSET BEACH TOWN PARK

Sunset Boulevard North (mainland)

Stroll through five acres of live oaks along the Intracoastal Waterway, sit a spell on a bench, do some fishing or visit the Veterans Memorial.

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK 6483 Old Georgetown Road

The Park features 2 playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelter and a multipurpose field for soccer/football with walking trail and fitness stations.

WACCAMAW PARK

5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash This park features ball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, bocce ball and a nine-hole disc golf course.

Fishing Piers SUNSET BEACH FISHING PIER 101 W. Main St. Sunset Beach http://sunsetbeachpier.com/

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER 1 W. First St. Ocean Isle Beach https://oibpier.com/

2000 Sommerset Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.ccattours.com/

SALT FEVER GUIDE SERVICE

21 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.saltfeverguideservice. com/

HURRICANE FLEET - LEAVES FROM THE CALABASH WATERFRONT https://hurricanefleet.com/

CALABASH FISHING FLEET

9945 Nance St. Calabash https://calabashfishingfleet.com/

Available at: THE PAINTED MERMAID Handcrafted Pottery

HOLDEN BEACH FISHING

https://www.holdenbeachfishing.com/

817 N Howe Street, Southport

w w w. B l u e E a r t h Wo r k s . c o m

SOUTHPORT, NC • BREVARD, NC • FLETCHER, NC • NORTHEAST, MD • BLUEEARTHWORKS.ETSY.COM

HOLDEN BEACH WATERSPORTS

3325 Old Ferry Road SW Holden Beach https://www.holdenbeachwatersports. com/index.html

BLUE PLANET WATERSPORTS

Fishing Charters Boat Tours Boat Rentals OCEAN ISLE FISHING CENTER 65 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.oifc.com/

TOUR H2O

Locations in Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Southport https://tourh2o.com/

CAROLINAS COASTAL ADVENTURE TOURS

7156 Beach Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://blueplanetwatersports.com/

HOLDEN BEACH JET SKI RENTALS 1305 Cedar Landing Road SW Supply https://www.holdenbeachjetski.com

SORTA SALTY FISHING CHARTERS Holden Beach https://sortasalty.com

OLLIE RAJA CHARTERS

3238 Pompano St. SW Holden Beach/Oak Island https://holdenbeachfishingcharters. com/

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