North Brunswick Magazine - Spring 2020 by Carolina Marketing Company

Spring 2020

Giving a Boost A RE-ENERGIZED BOOSTER CLUB IS HELPING NORTH BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS REACH NEW HEIGHTS

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

BRITISH MOTOR CLUB OF THE CAPE FEAR

MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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Introducing Tyler Strachan, PTA, LMBT PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT & LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST Voted BEST OF BRUNSWICK #1 Chiropractor 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018

2019

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North Brunswick Magazine

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Spring 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D FEATURES

FEATURES

SPRING 2020 D VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

86 48 NEW TRICKS FOR DOG LOVERS

Manufactured in Leland, the K9000 USA self-service dog wash is revolutionizing pet care. By Rich Mina

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTOS BY JJ LONDWOOD

TRAVELING BACK IN TIME

Join the Tarheel Traveler as he hops on a plane from ILM to LAX for a surprisingly low-key Hollywood-esque adventure in Southern California. By Jason Frye

DROP IN ANYTIME

Vert veteran Brian Drake of Navassa shares his love of skateboarding with the local kids and skaters from all over the country. By Annesophia Richards

GIVING A BOOST

A re-energized Booster Club is helping North Brunswick High School athletes reach new heights. By Annesophia Richards

Guiding You Home

Founded in 1906, Coldwell Banker is the oldest and most established real estate brand in North America â&#x20AC;Ś A Guiding Light. Our commitment to excellence and integrity has made us one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the world â&#x20AC;Ś A Shining Star. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has been the #1 Real Estate company in Southeastern North Carolina for the past 20 years ... Take Advantage.

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Spring 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

22 HAPPENINGS

By Justin Williams

18 CONTRIBUTORS

Meet some of the contributors to North Brunswick Magazine

27 BUSINESS BUZZ

Keeping up with the local business scene

33 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Extras you’ll only find online

100 BUSINESS PROFILES

Bianchi Brickyard Supply, Inc. and Mulch & More, Gallery Citrine By Melissa Slaven Warren

107 FACES & PLACES

2020 ATMC Scorpion Athletic Hall of Fame Reception

109 WHAT’S HAPPENED

What’s been going on around town

112 BREATHING SPACE Our directory of advertisers

114 CAPTURE THE MOMENT 10

North Brunswick Magazine

37 SOUTHBOUND

What you’ll find in the Spring 2020 edition of our sister publication, South Brunswick Magazine.

39 SPIRITS

Rum Classic by Sandi Grigg

40 WHAT’S COOKIN’ Drunken Mussels By Sandi Grigg

43 LOCAL

British Motor Club of the Cape Fear brings like-minded car lovers together for car talk and camaraderie. By Melissa Slaven Warren

61 EDUCATION

Members of Brunswick County Beekeepers Association work together to perfect their skills and bring others into the fascinating world of keeping bees. By Kathy Blake

82 COMMUNITY

The new MLK Scholarship helps remove financial barriers for high school seniors who want to pursue a medical career. By Melissa Slaven Warren

94 ACROSS THE CAPE FEAR

Warehouse 1856 is a modern wedding and event venue in a historic building in downtown Wilmington. By Kathy Blake

105 SNIPPETS

Happenings on the local scene

55 NONPROFIT

Brunswick County Literacy Council matches volunteers with people who want to learn new skills, from English as a Second Language to financial literacy to earning their GED. By Carolyn Bowers

103

PHOTO BY JASON FRIZZELLE

113 AD INDEX

Creating food security for local kids and a new way of dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Michelle Macken and Sandi Grigg

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

D IN EVERY ISSUE D DEPARTMENTS

party packs $7.99 per person

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Prices vary based on location.

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910.371.6900

Shallotte 910.754.5522

Spring 2020

North Brunswick Magazine – Spring 2020 Volume 14, Issue 3 CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Paula Knorr Teresa Kramer Elizabeth Dale Niemann

Taste is even better.

Come in to P.T.'s today and see why we have been voted Best Burger and Fries by Encore Magazine readers consistently for 20 years.

910.399.6808

Located at Magnolia Greens in Leland 1035 Grandiflora Drive

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: George Jacob Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Megan Deitz Jason Frizzelle Laura Glantz JJ Longwood Matt McGraw Bill Ritenour Mark Steelman James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kathy Blake Carolyn Bowers Jason Frye Sandi Grigg Michelle Macken Rich Mina Annesophia Richards Melissa Slaven Warren PUBLISHED BY:

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

© 2020 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. North Brunswick Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in North Brunswick County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC and Horry County, SC.

About the cover: Spring 2020

Giving a Boost A RE-ENERGIZED BOOSTER CLUB IS HELPING NORTH BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS REACH NEW HEIGHTS

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

North Brunswick Magazine

BRITISH MOTOR CLUB OF THE CAPE FEAR

North Brunswick Magazine

MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

K9000 DOG WASH

Photographer Megan Deitz captured this photo of the North Brunswick High School football field to accompany our story on the high school’s Athletic Booster Club. The club has found new energy thanks to new president Ryan Huffman. Read Annesophia Richards’ story about the club’s many successes starting on page 86.

DID YOU KNOW?

Intracoastal Realty is voted “Best Real Estate Company” year after year.

Whether you’re buying or selling, contact an Intracoastal Realty expert to guide you along the way.

910-201-2200 | INTRACOASTALREALT Y.COM

Spring 2020

14 NORTH BRUNSWICK

NBM M A G A Z I N E Reader/Advertising Services Subscriptions Want to subscribe to NBM? Subscriptions are $15.99 per year and include 4 issues of NBM. Subscribe safely online using PayPal, credit or debit card at NorthBrunswickMagazine.com/subscribe. Call our office at (910) 207-0156 or email us at subscribe@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com to request a subscription.

Back Issues

Plan Your Future With Confidence. We believe you need the right financial plan for you. Let’s focus in on your goals and help you live your Signature Life.

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

Letters We welcome your letters and comments about NBM. Send your letters to PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 or email them to info@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com. When sending your letters, keep in mind they may or may not be published in a future issue of NBM. 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 North Brunswick Magazine, Attn: Editor, PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451. Or email us at edit@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com.

Change of Address If you move, please submit your new and old address to North Brunswick Magazine at info@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com. Jonathan Tait, CFP®

Senior Wealth Advisor, RJFS

Brock Hall, AAMS®

Wealth Advisor, RJFS

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

Marketing Services

Give us a call today: 910.371.0366 1 0 2 2 G r a n d i fl o r a D r i v e , S t e . 1 1 0 , L e l a n d , N C jon@signaturewealth.com | signaturewealth.com/leland Signature Wealth Strategies is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services,Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

14 14

North Brunswick Brunswick Magazine Magazine North

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

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

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Spring 2020

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Managing Change As I write this Publisher’s Note in the middle of March, we are all living in very uncertain times. This month has been surreal, like living out a science fiction movie. We delayed our spring issues a bit to see how COVID-19 was going to play out, and every day we have woken up to greet a strange new reality. Schools are closed, all events and activities have been canceled, restaurants can only provide to-go orders, residents are homebound — just like the rest of America and much of the world. As a small business owner and someone who works exclusively with small, locally owned businesses on the southeastern North Carolina coast, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the future. Losing weeks or months of business because of COVID-19 can wipe out a business, and I am filled with concern for everyone in these hard times. In this crucial time for small businesses, I can’t stress enough how important it is to support your local shops, restaurants and services in any way you possibly can. By the time you read this, things may have changed, but if you’re able to order take-out from a local restaurant, please do so. Get a head start on Mothers’ Day and Father’s Day, graduation and wedding season by shopping local for gifts — many local stores have online shopping and curbside pickup or delivery. Start that landscaping project with the help of a local service. A little can go a long way in times like these. Hopefully getting this magazine will help keep your mind off of the current situation. I think you will enjoy reading about the good things that are happening in North Brunswick County, like the Brunswick Literacy Council and their efforts to help people learn to read, to be financially literate and to get their GEDs. We feature some local beekeepers who are helping the environment, and three local physicians who founded a scholarship to help local high school students pursue medical careers. For fun, you can meet the local British car club and a professional skateboarder and take a virtual trip with the Tarheel Traveler. Keep in mind that by the time you get this, the events we mention may be canceled; always check in 16

North Brunswick Magazine

Publisher Justin Williams and his daughter, Ava.

advance before you go. As always, we appreciate your feedback. We thoroughly enjoy providing this magazine for you, and we know that our role of shedding light on the local people, organizations and businesses in the community is important. Please support our advertisers in any way you can, and let’s all support each other.

! Justin Williams CEO/Publisher Publisher@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com

Spring 2020

CONTRIBUTORS

Eliza Dale Niemann CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

I am an artist, writer and graphic designer who helps businesses create beautiful, functional design that sells products and turns customers into raving fans. Growing up with a professional illustrator as a mother, I have been drawing and designing since I could hold a pencil. One of my life’s most transformative experiences was a long-term mission trip to San Bartolos, Peru, where I lived and taught art classes at a safe house for children rescued from human trafficking. It was here that I saw most profoundly the power of art and its ability to transform, transcend and unite us all. I am the founder of Within Sight Design Solutions, a graphic design company in Wilmington, where I have the privilege to create connection and value for my clients by intersecting form and function to generate powerful visual communication strategies. I’m passionate about helping people find creative ways to tell the world just how awesome they really are.

Rich Mina CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a retired New Jersey high school and middle school English teacher/ supervisor of 30 years. My wife, Valerie, and I have lived in St. James for the last eight years and enjoy the friendships we have made here. In addition to freelance writing, I enjoy hobbies like golf, playing guitar and yard work. Valerie and I are serious road warriors, visiting our daughters and grandkids in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Albany, New York. Writing for South Brunswick Magazine and North Brunswick Magazine gets me out into the local areas to meet people, and I love sharing their special talents and interests with readers.

Brian Wilner SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER

Living in the Hickory, North Carolina, area since I was a kid, my parents brought us to the North Carolina coast every summer — usually to the Outer Banks — so the salt life has always been part of me. When my daughter graduated from high school and started college in Raleigh, I immediately began to realize it was the perfect opportunity for me to go coastal. This area fits perfectly with my many hobbies, which include fishing, tennis, pickleball and golf. It’s difficult to describe to others how amazing the lifestyle is in southeastern North Carolina until you experience it for yourself. I have already met a plethora of amazing people in my sales and marketing position at Carolina Marketing Company, and I can’t wait to meet you.

North Brunswick Magazine

Expanding orthopedic care right here in Brunswick Ted Parcel, DO, is welcoming 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 see our newest board-certified surgeon, Ted Parcel, DO, at Novant Health Orthopedics & Spine in Supply. He specializes in adult joint replacements and provides expert care for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions, including: • Hip and knee joint replacements

• Fracture repairs

• Knee arthroscopy

• Tendon repairs

• Treatments for hand conditions (carpal tunnel, trigger finger)

• Total hip and knee revisions

Dr. Parcel provides the specialty care you need closer to home, so you can concentrate on what counts most — getting better and staying healthy. Novant Health Orthopedics & Spine - Brunswick 6 Doctors Circle, Suite 5, Supply, NC 28462

Call 910-721-4370 or visit NovantHealth.org/orthospinebrunswick to make a same-day or next-day appointment. © Novant Health, Inc. 2020 2/20 • ECA-553374

Ted Parcel, DO

North Brunswick Magazine

Spring 2020

HAPPENINGS

Food Security in Brunswick County Local organizations offer meals for kids during the coronavirus pandemic. BY MICHELLE MACKEN

As we were going to press, the world as we know it was drastically changed by the coronavirus. Restaurants were forced to do delivery and take-out only, gatherings were limited to 10 or less people, schools were closed until the middle of May, and we became familiar with the term “social-distancing” very quickly. Around our community, people were stepping up to help out, especially with kids in need. Here are a few of the places where families can find help in this difficult time.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS FOOD DISTRIBUTION Brunswick County Schools is working nonstop to make this time as least disruptive as possible for students and families. Brunswick County Schools offers breakfast and lunch for pickup Monday through Friday from 11 am to 1 pm at the three high school campuses. All students are welcome to pick up a free meal, and there is no charge for this service. Kids will receive a bagged breakfast for the next day. Parents who cannot travel to a food distribution site at one of the high schools should contact their child’s school between 9 am and 2 pm so that Brunswick County Schools can gather information on the needs. Be sure to check out the online resources BCS has posted on the district website: bcswan.net 22

North Brunswick Magazine

HAPPENINGS

MATTHEWS MINISTRY Each week Matthews Ministry provides weekend food to 550 children at 16 Brunswick County schools, and they are continuing that practice during this time. Food is distributed on Friday at the following locations in Brunswick County. Bags of food will be available at these locations for families to drive up and pick up. Matthews Ministry asks that families pick one site each week that works best for their schedule and location. A bag of food will be given for each child in the family. In this new â&#x20AC;&#x153;temporary normal,â&#x20AC;? they ask that everyone remains patient if plans need to be altered due to unforeseen circumstances. Check out their Facebook page @matthewsministry for updates and times each week. Beach Road Baptist Church 4457 Flagship Avenue, Southport

PC3 Leland 1018 E. Grandiflora Drive, Suite E, Leland

Camp United Methodist Church 4807 Main Street, Shallotte

River of Life Church 8411 Ocean Highway, Sunset Beach

* Distribution will be in the parking lot adjacent to the Shallotte River.

Generations Church 4019 Executive Park Boulevard, Southport New Creations Worship Center 3127 George ll Highway, Southport

Seaside United Methodist 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach The Leland Church (TLC) 1107 Newpointe Boulevard, Suite 24, Leland Town Creek Baptist Church 832 Green Hill Road, Leland

MR. BAGEL MEISTER Another giving person is Phil Santomassi, owner of Mr. Bagel Meister in Leland. Starting on March 17, Mr. Bagel Meister began providing free breakfast sandwiches for children while school is out. See updates online: mrbagelmeister.com.

Spring 2020

HAPPENINGS

The New Way of Dining Out BY SANDI GRIGG

I love to cook, so social distancing and making meals in my own kitchen is not a major deal for me. But I also recognize that the restaurant industry was one of the first impacted by the new social-distancing policies. Some restaurants have closed altogether, and others have stayed open but drastically adjusted their business models to offer curbside takeout, family meal plans and carry-out incentives. Many of Leland’s restaurants are locally owned and operated with staff members who rely on the business’ Applebee’s Grill Pick up and curbside delivery are available. 1113 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 371-6315 applebees.com Bridgewater Wines Kitchen open 4 to 7 pm for food take out, wine and beer. 1132 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 408-1900 bridgewaterwines.com Brodee Dogs Open 10:30 am to 2 pm for call-in and pick-up. 103 A Village Road NE, Leland (910) 523-5121 Facebook @brodeedogs Cape Fear Seafood Company Closed until further notice. 143 Poole Road, Belville (910) 399-6739 capefearseafoodcompany.com Charlie Graingers Offering curbside service for to-go orders. 1110 New Pointe Boulevard, Unit 120, Leland (910) 399-7722 charliegraingers.com Chick-fil-A Swing by the drive-thru to pick up an oven ready nugget tray and gallon of sweet tea. Check out the mobile app and place your order now for pick-up later. Open 6 am to 10 pm. 3571 Leland Town Center Drive, Leland (910) 408-1040 chick-fil-a.com

North Brunswick Magazine

success for their income. So, I’m making it a point to enjoy our local restaurants, discovering new dishes and gaining kitchen inspiration along the way. Let’s all commit to ordering several meals out this week, whether we have it delivered or pick it up and take it home. We reached out to restaurants in the Leland area to see what they’re offering during this unusual time. Please join us in supporting our local restaurant community. All information is subject to change.

Chingon Leland Free delivery for all orders over $30 within a 5-mile radius. Pick up available. 1132 New Pointe Boulevard, Unit 6, Leland (910) 408-1221 chingon-taqueria.com Christopher’s Steakhouse Open from 2 to 9 pm for takeout and delivery. 2013 Olde Regent Way, Suite 200, Leland (910) 782-8498 christophersteakhouse.com Clean Eatz Open for pick up. Next week’s meal plan is now available to order. You can also create your own custom meals and bowls. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 107, Leland (910) 769-5414 cleaneatz.com Dunkin’ Donuts Through the Dunkin’ App, you can order ahead and pick up in-store or at the drivethru for an easy grab-and-go experience. DD Perks members who order ahead on the app today earn points toward free food and drinks. 1132 New Pointe Boulevard, Unit 1, Leland (910) 660-1063 dunkindonuts.com Eternal Sunshine Café Leland location will be closed until further notice. Wilmington location will be open Saturday and Sunday morning 8 am to 1 pm for takeout and delivery. 117-G Village Road NE, Leland (910) 399-3299 theeternalsunshinecafe.com

Family Pizza and Subs Open for call-in and must pick-up through drive-thru window. Use Doordash or Grub Hub for delivery. 1735 Reed Rd NE, Unit 6, Leland (910) 371-2611 family-pizza-and-subs.square.site Farmhouse Kitchen Takeout service only. 1120 E Cutlar Crossing, Leland (910) 408-1676 farmhousekitchensnc.com Frank’s Pizza and Eatery Open for dinner only, both takeout and delivery. 2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland (910) 371-3442 frankspizzanc.com Fuzzy Peach Takeout only. 1109 New Pointe Blvd, Leland (910) 371-1238 thefuzzypeach.com Gaylyn’s Diner Takeout only from 7 am to 2 pm. 322 Village Road NE, Leland (910) 371-3533 Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 1114 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland Pick up in drive-thru line only. (910) 371-2702 1725 Reed Road NE, Leland Takeout. (910) 371-6700 hwy55.com

HAPPENINGS

Islands Fresh Mex Grill All locations are still open for any takeout order. $1 tacos after 5 pm with a purchase of a drink. 2013 Olde Regent Way #110, Leland (910) 409-9860 islandsfreshmexgrill.com Jersey Mike’s Delivery and pickup for to-go orders is available. Earn Shore Points on delivery orders placed through their app. 2029 Olde Regent Way, Suite 110, Leland (910) 523-5300 jmikes.co/app Jimmy Johns Open for pick-up and as always, freaky fast delivery. 503 Olde Waterford Way ste 104-A, Leland (910) 399-7007 jimmyjohns.com LIT Nutrition Healthy shakes and energizing teas until 5 pm. Call ahead, order to go or curbside pick-up. 511 Olde Waterford Way Suite 103, Leland (910) 408-1636 litnutrition.goherbalife.com Locals Tavern Takeout only. 1107 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 769-1289 localstavern.com Miyabi Jr Express Online ordering is up and running for pick up. 1108 New Pointe Boulevard, Suite 110, Leland (910) 769-2358 miyabijex.com Mr. Bagel Meister Open for pick-up orders. 1105 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 383-8383 mrbagelmeister.com New Day Café Delivery or takeout. 497 Olde Waterford Way, Unit 100, Leland (910) 769-9036 Facebook: @NewDayCafeV Panera Bread Drive-thru, online for Rapid Pick-Up ® or delivery. 2024 Olde Regent Way, Suite 110, Leland (910) 274-0358 panerabread.com

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria Pick up is available with a full menu — including wine and beer bottles — and, as usual, no delivery fee. Dough and sauce available so you can stock up on your favorite comfort foods. 1144 E. Cutlar Crossing, Leland (910) 371-6001 pizzettapizzanc.com Port City Java The Brunswick Forest and Waterford cafes are open. Please visit the drive-thru, as they have temporarily closed the dining room to further encourage social distancing. Adjusted hours to close at 3 pm each day in Brunswick Forest and 7 pm each day in Waterford. 1112 E. Cutlar Crossing, Leland (910) 383-1238 511 Olde Waterford Way, Ste 100, Leland (910) 383-2429 portcityjava.com PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille Taking to-go orders and offering free delivery. At the restaurant, they will take your order outside the restaurant for your convenience. 1035 Grandiflora Drive, Magnolia Greens, Leland (910) 399-6808 ptsgrille.com

Subway Remaining open for takeout and delivery orders. 1114 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 383-2808 103 Village Road, Suite D, Leland (910) 371-9933 1012 Grandiflora Drive, Leland (910) 383-0211 order.subway.com The Forest at Cape Fear National From 11 am to closing, they are offering takeout services. Look for daily emails for nightly chef’s specials. 1281 Cape Fear National, Leland (910) 202-5810 brunswickforest.com The Joyce Open from 11 am to 8 pm for takeout and curbside to-go. 117 Turlington Avenue, Leland (910) 408-1400 thejoyceirishpub.com

San Felipe Mexican Restaurant Takeout and curbside pickup and free delivery out to 10 miles. Also be offering a Family of 4 Special in addition to the regular menu. 1114 New Pointe Boulevard, Leland (910) 371-1188 sanfelipenc.com

Tropical Smoothie Café Order ahead online or with the Tropical Rewards App. They also have call-in, curbside and delivery options. 143 Poole Road, Unit B, Belville (910) 765-1144 tropicalsmoothie.com

Shirley’s Diner Closed 112 P Village Road, Leland (910) 371-2890 Facebook: Shirley’s Diner

Waffle House Open for to-go orders. 111 Village Road NE, Leland (910) 371-3600 wafflehouse.com

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Open from 4 to 8pm for takeout, curbside and delivery. Beer and wine included. Specials: $.50 Steamed Oysters, $.75 Raw Oysters, 25% off Peel n Eat Shrimp, $2 Domestic bottles, $2.75 Import Bottles, 25% Off All Wine Bottles. Bring your growlers for great fill specials. 1175 Turlington Avenue, Suite 101, Leland (910) 221-5522 theshuckinshack.com

Willoughbys Bar closed until further notice. Food truck will be open 12 pm until for to-go plates only. 8951 Ocean Highway E., Leland (910) 383-1270 Facebook: @willoughbysleland

Six Happiness Open for call-in and pick-up orders. 1114 New Pointe Blvd Suite 160, Leland (910) 371-0021 Facebook @SixHappinessLeland

All fast-food drive-thru options still available. Be sure to check apps like Door Dash, Uber Eats and Grub Hub as new restaurants are being added daily.

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-Be-Q Serving drive thru and carry-out. 2020 Olde Regent Way, Leland (910) 371-6900 scnbnc.com

Wok & Roll Open for call in and pick up. 2013 Olde Regent Way, Suite 190, Leland (910) 371-9025 woknroll.m988.com Yummi Yummi Call in and pick up available. Order online or call in for delivery. 112 Village Road, NE, Leland (910) 371-0077 yummiyummileland.com

Spring 2020

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Co-Founder | Operations Director

David Reeser Chief Advisor

One year since Wilmington, NC-based Cassian Films, Inc. was founded, they have produced and delivered more than 200 ﬁlms to businesses of all sizes -- and even to newlyweds. To help companies forge stronger relationships with customers, the founders have focused on using psychological insights to deliver personalized visual storytelling. Trained in psychology, the Cassian team leverages the power of colors, perspectives and sounds to elicit emotional responses through video. "We understand how visual cues, music and camera movements work together to illicit psychological reactions,” said Cody Milewski, co-founder of Cassian Films, Inc. “By using these tools strategically, we can create video content that consistently impacts audiences in a meaningful way.” Cassian’s rapid growth has been informed by a collaborative, personalized approach. The company focuses on connecting to their customers’ customers – understanding not only target demographics, but also their priorities and concerns. They then link this understanding with the visual cues that resonate with that unique audience. While Cassian has produced a handful of wedding videos across North Carolina, their biggest impact has been felt by the businesses they serve. From dentists to manufacturers, retirement homes to tech startups, the highly personalized approach the team takes has set them apart from traditional videography ﬁrms. For their work with businesses, it’s about connecting with the marketing and PR teams, delivering on social media needs and presenting the image that helps build the corporate reputation. “ The video produced by Cassian Films about our customer’s success was magical,” said Ross Hamilton, CEO and Founder of ConnectedInvestors. “The team’s ability to communicate his unique story was compelling and has helped us develop deeper connections with the investors that are part of our company’s success.” “Whether it’s photography or video, our approach is highly personalized in order to tell a compelling story,” said Kristina Milewski, co-founder of Cassian Films, Inc. “We build trust with our clients, so they can better build trust with theirs.”

Jacob Milewski

Production Assistant

North Brunswick Magazine

 CassianFilms.com

 CassianFilm@gmail.com

  

BUSINESS BUZZ

Second Phase of Leland Town Center Planned

Leland Police Chief Announces Retirement Leland Police Chief Mike James retired effective February 1, 2020. Town of Leland officials have appointed current Deputy Chief Brad Shirley as James’ replacement. A 37-year veteran of law enforcement, James began his career in 1983 in his hometown of Mayodan, North Carolina. He previously worked as a patrol officer and D.A.R.E. officer, as well as a field and administrative training officer, with the Madison Police Department before becoming police chief in nearby Stonesville, North Carolina. He later served as a deputy in the Brunswick County Sheriff ’s Office’s administrative training division and was hired to head up the Leland Police Department in February 2012. Shirley began his career in public service in as a firefighter in Jamestown, North Carolina, but eventually felt compelled to pursue law enforcement. Shirley worked as a patrol officer and field training officer, then as a patrol corporal and juvenile investigator, with the police department in Gibsonville, North Carolina. He later spent 14 years with the Graham Police Department. In 2013, he took over as Chief of the Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department. He was named Deputy Chief of the Leland Police Department in late 2018. Missy Rhodes, assistant town manager, said Shirley was a natural fit for the town’s top law enforcement position. After his retirement, James plans to return to his hometown to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

A major commercial development is underway at Leland Town Center. Phase One of Leland Town Center is still in process. Chik-fil-A opened in December, and construction of a 9,450-square-foot, multi-tenant commercial building continues, set to include Starbucks, Firehouse Subs, AT&T and Heartland Dental. Behind Phase One south of Gateway Boulevard, even bigger plans are in store. Site plans for Phase Two show that nearly 200,000 square feet of new projects are planned on the 67-acre parcel. An apartment complex comprised of 13 multi-family buildings totaling 312 units will be situated toward the southeast portion of the site, near the West Gate Drive and Tradeway Drive roundabout. Behind Ocean Gate Plaza, Phase Two of Leland Town Center will also include a 127,000-square-foot commercial building comprised of eight tenants. Five restaurants are planned, three of which would be free-standing. A 30,000-square-foot, freestanding commercial building is also shown on the site plans. In total, 15 multi-tenant commercial buildings are planned. Palmer Williams, developer of C&S Commercial properties, said the project is still in the early planning stages. Phase Two has not yet been submitted to the Town of Leland for review. Earlier this month, C&S Commercial Properties submitted a preconstruction notification seeking environmental approval.

Port City Events Planner is a new company in the Leland area. North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribboncutting ceremony on February 29 at 1022 Grandiflora Avenue in Leland.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ribbon Cutting for Port City Events Planner

Cape Fear Seafood Company Continues Raleigh Expansion Cape Fear Seafood Company, an awardwinning, Wilmingtonbased restaurant concept, has signed a multi-store development agreement with Raleigh-based franchisees Eddie Elliott and Matt Wivell. Elliott and Wivell opened the first Raleigh location at 832 Spring Forest Road in June of 2019. Elliott and Wivell have been very pleased with the early success of their new venture. With much excitement they have their sights set on Wake County real estate for two additional franchised locations. Cape Fear Seafood Company is known for serving high-quality fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, fried seafood and more. Spring 2020

North Brunswick Magazine

BUSINESS BUZZ

Leland’s First Brewery Planned for 2020

Ribbon Cutting for Go Store It

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In late 2020 Leland can expect the opening of its first brewery in the Village Road area. 7twenty6 Brewing Co. is planned for a 5-acre site on Old Fayetteville Road in what is known as the Gateway District. Gary Vidmar, Economic and Community Development Director for the Town of Leland, says the addition of a brewery will aid further economic development, increase property values and generate more jobs. The continued growth of the craft brew industry locally and statewide — and the absence of a brewery in Leland — is what inspired 7twenty6, said Chris LaCoe, one of the partners in the brewery. Mark Said, another partner in the project, said the 5,000-square-foot brewery will have an industrial look and will showcase the brewery’s fermentation tanks and other equipment combined with some farmhouse-style elements, such as a reclaimed wood bar. The main facility will also have indoor multi-sport simulators and a beer garden with a partially covered outdoor seating area and fire pits. Additional plans include an adjacent taco standstyle eatery with outdoor shaded seating and an outdoor event space with a raised stage to accommodate larger-scale musical performances.

Holmes Security Systems, a division of Holmes Electric, Inc. and founded in 1908, is a family-owned business with offices in Fayetteville and Wilmington. Stephen Wheeler, president of Holmes Security, and grandson of the founder, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., accepted the award on behalf of his family and Holmes’ 65 employees. Business North Carolina magazine is headquartered in Charlotte.

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Go Store It on December 19. Go Store It located at 9820 Blackwell Road in Leland.

New Surgeon Joins Novant Health Orthopedics and Spine – Brunswick

Cape Fearless Extreme Expands With Paintball Cape Fearless Extreme, an aerial adventure park in Riegelwood, North Carolina, is adding paintball. The park offers both traditional and low-impact paintball sessions for ages 10 and older. A $25 entry fee includes goggles, a marker, pods with a carrier, 100 paintballs, unlimited air refills and referees.

Holmes Security Systems Honored By Business North Carolina Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Holmes Security Systems was highlighted in the December edition of Business North Carolina magazine as one of four finalists for the 2019 Small Business of the Year award. All four finalists were honored with an Awards Luncheon at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. Eligible companies had to be based in the state, have fewer than 100 employees, have been in operation for at least five years and be independently owned with at least one owner active in the business. The award finalists and winner were then selected by a three judge panel.

Novant Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Ted Parcel to Novant Health Orthopedics and Spine - Brunswick. Parcel joined the clinic in January and is accepting new patients. Parcel received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Pinnacle Health Hospitals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and his adult joint reconstruction fellowship at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Florida. Parcel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult joint replacements and reconstruction. He has experience in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements and reconstructions. Spring 2020

BUSINESS BUZZ

H2GO’s Jared Glick and Tyler Wittkofsky Earn Utility Management Certification In November 2019 The Water University and North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) announced that Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO’s Jared Glick, Backup Wastewater Maintenance ORC, and Tyler Wittkofsky, Public Information Officer, earned the Utility Management Certification (UMC) credential. The UMC is the highest professional credential

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts Wilmington, NC

NNUAL

April 26th at 3 PM April 27th at 7 PM April 29th at 7 PM CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love How About Adolph Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles Fiddler on the Roof The Crossing Aulcie

THE 7TH A

May 3rd at 12 PM May 3rd at 3 PM May 4th at 7 PM May 6th at 7 PM

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.wilmingtonjff.org The Wilmington Jewish Film Fes�val is supported in part by the United Jewish Appeal of Wilmington and grants from City of Wilmington, N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources and Arts Friendly.

North Brunswick Magazine

Save the Dates!

in the utility industry. Less than 1,200 utility professionals, which is less than 1 percent of all utility professionals in the world, have earned the UMC. H2GO now has three employees with the UMC designation. Glick has served in the water and wastewater industry with H2GO since 2011. He has worked his way up to the Superintendent of the Distribution System, earning nearly 20 of the highest certifications in wastewater, water distribution, collections and backf low testing. He was part of the focus of an article in WaterWorld, a national water and wastewater trade publication, that highlighted H2GO’s Cooking Oil Recycling Effort program and the initiatives he took to grow the program. Wittkofsky has been H2GO’s Public Information Officer since 2016. In his time at H2GO, he has obtained 15 certifications, including those from FEMA and OSHA, in order to better prepare the utility and their needs. He helped lead H2GO to their Utility of the Future Today designation in 2017 due to his commitment to community engagement within the organization.

Spring 2020

North Brunswick Magazine

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

BIRDING IN BRUNSWICK Jill Peleuses knows birds, including those that inhabit Brunswick County. By Jo Ann Mathews

Jill Peleuses conducted three sessions of a Birding in Brunswick workshop through the Town of Leland Parks & Recreation Department this spring. Peleuses, owner of Wild Bird & Garden with stores in Wilmington and Southport, shared information on where and how they nest, how to find them and how to attract them to your yard. “Don’t feel overwhelmed by trying to identify the bird right away,” she says. “Just enjoy that kind of peaceful moment with the bird.” To help identify birds, Peleuses recommends The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America or Birds of the Carolinas. This latter one is good for birdwatching neophytes, especially since it has a color section. “If you see a red bird, you go to the red section,” Peleuses says. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Spring 2020

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

RECYCLE RIGHT Brunswick County residents show interest in recycling the proper way. by Jo Ann Mathews

North Carolina launched its Recycle Right NC campaign on September 9, 2019, to inform people of the proper way to recycle. Brunswick County Commissioners recognized the program at its October 7 board meeting, and the campaign continued until November 15. Micki Bozeman, solid waste & recycling coordinator with Brunswick County, explains that the county sent press releases, posted daily social media notices and reached out to residents to promote the program. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

REUSE WITH UPCYCLING Story by Jo Ann Mathews

According to eiupcycling.weebly.com more than 50 percent of those who took a survey donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what upcycling is. Dictonary.com defines upcycling to mean processing used goods or waste material to produce something often better than the original. The term was officially used in 2002 when William McDonough and Michael Braungart wrote Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things. The Department of Parks and Recreation in Leland knows the value of upcycling and wants to share the information with the public. It is offering two sessions in which participants make an item to take home and display. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 34

North Brunswick Magazine

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

BEFORE

AFTER

BODY EDGE TRANSFORMATION STORY With planning and persistence, Donna Wilson has made her health a top priority and achieved remarkable results. By Cindy Black

BRUNSWICK’S INFERNO OF FIRE ANTS Moving rent-free to a backyard near you!

Sometimes it takes someone else’s personal transformation story to get us motivated to start our own health and fitness journey. Donna Wilson is just the person to inspire hope and results for all of us.

Story and photos Ed Beckley

Whoever counts the most fire-ant mounds along the sides of the road wins! From the I-140 exit ramp in Leland to “downtown” Ocean Isle Beach, one local spotter notched almost 300 mounds along U.S. Highway 17.

In 2018 Donna decided to make herself a priority in her own life. For more than four years, she has spent much time taking her handicapped child in and out of the hospital — nearly 50 times in four years! Every time Donna had the chance to get her back on track with her diet, her child was admitted again. Finally, she got his health issues on track and focused on her own.

What do you win? Just the frightening reality that these little buggers seem to be taking over the world at warp speed. You can wake up in the morning shocked to find a nest in your yard that wasn’t there when you went to bed. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE

ATHLETE HALL OF FAME ESTABLISHED AT NORTH BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL by Justin Williams

Ten individuals associated with North Brunswick High School received the honor of being the first class in the school’s new Athlete Hall of Fame. The ceremony on February 7 brought memories and emotions to the forefront. “This whole experience from being on the committee to choosing the criteria to the event itself has been the most rewarding in my career as an educator and being involved in athletics,” says Randy Fennell, athletic director at NBHS. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

| Spring 2020

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 developments include Whiskey Branch, a gated community just outside the Wilmington city limits off of South College Road; and Hearthstone, a charming neighborhood of brick homes off of Lanvale Road in Leland. Trusst is also now building in select neighborhoods in Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe, Magnolia Greens, Palmetto Creek, Riverlights, RiverSea, St. James Plantation, Waterford and Winding River.

To Learn More Visit 36

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

North Brunswick Magazine

SOUTHBOUND

SOUTH BRUNSWICK MAGAZINE WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR SISTER PUBLICATION

Like Coming Home Spring 2020

| SouthBrunswickMag

azine.com

For Pediatrician Kaylan Edwards, M.D., taking a job Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center is very much a homecoming. Story and photos by Jo Ann Mathews

n Sue and Bill Imme humans help wild horses and Farm in at Grayce Wynds Holden Beach.

COMPLIMEN

TA RY

UP YOUR ARTS

ECOM EDWARDS ’S HOM | DR. KAYL AN

TLY ABLE ING | DIFF EREN

D STUD ENTS

Starting her practice in the first pediatric clinic at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia is like coming home to Kaylan Edwards, M.D. She explains that her mother, Debbie Fisher Edwards, was born at Dosher Hospital in 1961 and that her grandfather’s first assignment as a highway patrol officer was in Southport.

Sue and Bill Immen help wild horses and humans at Grayce Wynds Farm in Holden Beach.

“We had really started out by looking for like five acres and thought we’d have a couple of horses and that was going to be retirement,” Immen says. “We put some money down on a couple pieces of property and they would always fall through. So we had a serious talk with God about things and said, ‘You might not want us to go in this direction.’”

Story and photos by Dennis Hetzel

That’s what comes to mind as two of the group’s leaders, John Keiffer and Ken Schnedetz, walk around the old Southport City Hall, pointing to features that make the vacated structure distinctive.

By Ashley Daniels

Sue Immen, a retired health and physical education teacher and guidance counselor in Columbus County, and her husband, Bill, bought the land in 2014.

The nonprofit organization Up Your Arts dreams big with plans for the old Southport City Hall. If the folks running Up Your Arts in Southport need a motto, “Dream Big or Stay Home” might fit perfectly.

Spirit Animals

Education, connection and inspiration. This is the trifecta that lives and breathes at the core of Grayce Wynds Farm, nearly 30 acres of pines and beautiful coastal terrain where wild horses run in Holden Beach.

Save the Hall, Y’all

Dismissing the Dis in Disability Brunswick Community College’s Brunswick Interagency Program helps differently abled students develop their skills and gain employment. Story and photos by Ed Beckley

The joy of living! We all express it in different ways. As a volunteer at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Allyson Borden spontaneously breaks into song at her cafeteria job. Katie Juda beams when she dreams of working with penguins in a zoo someday. Jill Meyer is a Special Olympics bowling and bocce champion who proudly displays her golden hardware. Rachael Teeples’ smile gives away how freeing it is to live independently and have a good-paying job. Spring 2020

Does My Router Placement Matter? Written by The Computer Warriors, Inc. A large portion of our in-home service requests revolve around network connectivity. Checking your network speed is a great way to see how your network performs throughout your home. If you experience slowdowns in certain areas, a booster or MESH system may help secure a better signal. In this article, we want to discuss some strategies to get the best coverage in your home.

Wilmington \ Jacksonville \ Leland \ Camp Lejeune 38 North Brunswick Magazine

SPIRITS

A Taste of the Islands Welcome spring with this simple but impressive rum cocktail. BY SANDI GRIGG

Although our winter wasn’t too bad weather-wise, most of us have been inside enjoying a bottle of wine with takeout or having a round of pale ales at a local bar while watching football. Now that the weather here on the coast is warming up, it makes me excited for sunshine, the beach and rum! Rum is the staple liquor in my mind for coastal cocktails. I became familiar with it while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Almost every cocktail I ordered on that vacation had some type of rum in it. If you have been following my Sprits articles, you already know that vodka is my first choice in liquor, but rum is a close second. I think the smell and the feeling it provokes is just as appealing to me as the taste. This recipe uses white rum with a few common components, so you shouldn’t have to go shopping for some unheard-of ingredients. This drink presents well if you are entertaining neighbors, family or friends. It is perfect to enjoy on your deck as the spring sun beams on your skin. It is also easy to pack in a cooler and take out on the beach, poolside or even to a concert tailgate because it only takes a few simple ingredients.

Rum Classic Makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS 1 ²/ ³ ounces white rum 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon grenadine Cherries and toothpicks for garnish

METHOD Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with cherries on a toothpick across the glass.

Spring 2020

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Drunken Mussels White wine and fresh garlic liven up a lowly mollusk in this intoxicating dish.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

What makes these mussels drunk? A tasty white wine, of course. This dangerously delicious recipe is one of the easiest and quickest shellfish dishes to prepare. Simply bring the savory, wine-based broth to a boil, add mussels and cover, then cook until they open. Enjoy warm with toast for dipping. This dish is great served as an appetizer, and it will undoubtedly draw a crowd. You can certainly enjoy it as a main dish, but you might want to offer a salad alongside for a well-balanced dinner. I made this dish on a chilly Friday evening with my spouse. We were sipping wine and decided to use it in our mussels. You can use beer instead of wine if you prefer a flavor that is less sweet. I would suggest using limes instead of lemons if you take the beer route. I sautéed the onion and garlic in a flavored oil because I think it makes a dish a lot more flavorful, but you can use regular oil if you don’t have the flavored. At the time I didn’t have shallots so I used a sweet onion, but I am sure shallots would be great in this as well. Once the mussels were done, I just set the entire pan on the table and we took turns dishing out the mollusks and dipping our toast in the tasty sauce. Once we finished off the pan, we felt so good we took our dog out for a brisk walk. Mussels are a very good source of vitamin B12 and iron, so maybe that’s where our burst of energy came from. For the toast, I suggest something sturdy, like sourdough or a French baguette, which will soak up the delicious juices well. But any bread you like or have around the kitchen will do. Most fresh seafood markets carry live black mussels in 2 lb. bags. Pick up a bag, and try this quick and easy recipe to serve your family.

North Brunswick Magazine

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Drunken Mussels INGREDIENTS 6 pieces of toast 2 lbs. live black mussels, rinsed ¼ cup Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil (or your favorite olive oil) 1 cup pinot grigio ½ cup thinly sliced sweet onion 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1 cup chicken stock 1 teaspoon ground mustard 1 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon parsley 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon sliced for garnish

METHOD Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil over medium/high until the onions are opaque, about 5 minutes. Pour the chicken stock, wine and lemon juice in the pan with the onion and garlic. Add the ground mustard, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and bring to a low boil. Drop in the mussels, sprinkle with parsley and cover. Cook for about 4 minutes and stir. All the mussels should all be opened; if not, cover and let them steam another minute. Remove mussels from heat and throw out any that didn’t open. Serve warm with sliced lemons and toast for dipping.

Spring 2020

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LOCAL

It’s a British Thing British Motor Club of the Cape Fear brings like-minded car lovers together for car talk and camaraderie. BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

hen Larry Lopopolo moved to Leland three years ago, he hoped to find likeminded people: enthusiasts who shared his passion for British cars. He did. After Googling car clubs in the area, he found the website for British Motor Club of the Cape Fear, a “group of very welcoming” people who share his hobby of collecting, enjoying and showing their British cars like MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, Austins, Austin-Healeys and Jensen-Healeys. Lopopolo and his 1969 MGC fit right in. “I got involved with the activities and enjoyed it, and enjoyed the people,” he says. Last year he served as vice president and this year he was nominated for president, which he accepted. Twenty-two years ago, a dedicated group of 15 people founded the club and chose the first group of officers. Since 1998 British Motor Club of the Cape Fear (BMCCF) has grown steadily

Spring 2020

LOCAL

and currently has a roster of more than 100 members, who all together have amassed such a collection of cars that it isn’t easy to keep count. “The majority of our members have more than one car and then some don’t have any,” explains Paul Clarkson, co-coordinator of the annual car show. What is it about British cars that attracts enthusiasts and hobby collectors in the United States?

quite frequently stopped by someone who wants to talk about their cars. Maybe they grew up with one. Maybe their dad had one. British cars get credit for spurring the sports car movement here in the United States. The cars became popular during the 1920s to 1930s, when British automakers began combining affordability with sport performance. Introduced in 1923, the MG was the first

BMCCF members meet on the third Thursday of each month at Temptations Gourmet Cafe in Wilmington at 6 pm. for dinner and socializing, then car talk, reading of the minutes, greeting new members and planning their upcoming charity events and parties. “We like to define it as a social club for young and old people and young and old cars,” Williamson says. “It’s all about fun more than anything.” He also says it’s a

“Well, it’s what all the cool kids in high school had,” says John Williamson, the other co-coordinator of the annual car show. “I like to think of these cars as little pets. It’s an affliction. You get one, then you get another.” Williamson has an MG and a Triumph, and Clarkson has two MGs. The cars are also conversation starters. Whether these car owners stop for gas or make a run to the grocery store, they are

genuine sports car that set the industry standard. The market for British sports cars in America evolved after WWII, when GIs returned to the States after getting acquainted with them during the war. The technology of the Little British Cars (LBC) of the early ’50s was very close to that of the ’30s in the United Kingdom, when they resumed manufacturing of the cars after the war.

A highlight of the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear is their annual Brits at the Battleship Classic Car Show. Held annually in early May, it’s an opportunity for the car owners to show off their LBCs (Little British Cars) and for the public to admire them up close.

North Brunswick Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

LOCAL

Spring 2020

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

LOCAL

“support group” for owners of new classic Little British Cars. In addition to the monthly business meetings, the club holds a monthly coffee gathering. Members also participate in tech workshops in which they gather to learn from each other’s technical challenges and solutions. Members with complete garages with lifts host these sessions.

Want to join the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear? The club meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6 pm at Temptations Gourmet Cafe on Oleander Drive in Wilmington. The Brits at the Battleship Classic Car Show is scheduled for May 2, 2020 at Battleship Park in Wilmington. If canceled due to coronavirus restrictions, check the website for a rescheduled date or attend the show in early May in 2021. bmccf.org 46

North Brunswick Magazine

Group pleasure rides give members a way to get together, not to mention an excuse to get their cars on the road. “Several of us have gone to the Outer Banks, and others had traveled crosscountry to attend some of the British car shows,” Williamson says. BMCCF’s signature event is an annual car show. This year’s show, Brits at the Battleship, is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at the USS North Carolina Battleship Park. BMCCF members will be joined by members of British car clubs from Charleston, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh and Virginia to name a few. The community at large is welcome to come out and see the British cars. “This will be our twenty-second year,” Lopopolo says. “We’ll have food trucks, so come have lunch, enjoy the river and look at some really cool cars.” Spectators can except to see approximately 125 cars this year, ranging from Jaguars, Triumphs, Minis, Bentleys, MGs, Austins and Rolls Royces. “There will also be a hand-built Marlin that one of our members owns,” Clarkson says. “We’ll have world-class winning cars

down to cars that are in need of restoration or under construction.” The car show is free to public and is an opportunity for anyone who has ever been interested in British cars to come learn more about them. The event is kid-friendly with a contest for children to pick their favorite car. Of course, the May event is subject to cancellation in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions. Membership in the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear is open to anybody who is interested in British cars — even if they don’t own a car. That’s part of the draw of the club; it’s an opportunity for people who may not be ready to buy a British car to learn more about the makes, models and vintages and how they work and where to buy them. “However,” Williamson adds, “Join the club without a LBC, and I’m pretty sure you will get one!” Clubs like this one, along with the Internet, of course, make it easy for British car enthusiasts to keep their passion alive, even here, all the way across the pond. 

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Spring 2020

New Tricks for

Dog Lovers Manufactured in Leland, the K9000 USA self-service dog wash is revolutionizing pet care.

BY RICH MINA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK STEELMAN

American ingenuity and design are changing the ritual of bathing the family dog. For an estimated 80 million dogs in the United States, a Leland manufacturer has found a dog ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; need and filled it. Soon to be missed is the experience of watching your dog slip-sliding away in a bathroom tub before having the opportunity to clean its hair off the tiles and floor. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the final thrills of dredging the hair from the drain and then chasing your wet pooch from room to room. In better weather, you can just chase Fido around the yard with a garden hose, pail and soap. So, where has all the fun gone?

North Brunswick Magazine

The K9000 is an ergonomic, economical dog-washing station that simplifies the process for both dogs and humans.

Spring 2020

Andy Wolfe works on a K9000 machine in the Leland manufacturing plant. 50

North Brunswick Magazine

‘‘

If you’ve ever chased your dog around the house and wrestled him into a soapy tub, you’ve shared the experience of humorist Franklin Jones who quips, “Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like hasn’t washed a dog.” It can still be fun to wash your dog, but now it can be done in a self-contained washing station that offers a wash, rinse and blow dry for the dog. Buster or Missy will come out like they’ve been treated to a spa. The K9000 USA Dog Wash system, manufactured in Leland and distributed nationwide, can be a game changer for dog owners who find it easy to use and much less expensive than a groomer’s cost. In about ten minutes, the K9000 Dog Wash will get your best friend a complete warm soapy bath, an optional tick and flea rinse and a gentle blow dry for about $10 a wash. Here’s how it works: Step 1: Step into the small gated holding pen in front of the system and boost your dog into the low-walled washing platform. Close the door and tether the dog’s collar to a small chain. The dog will be standing on a nonslip textured surface with drain slots to prevent puddling and excess splashing. Bins are large enough to accommodate all sizes of dogs. Step 2: Swipe your credit card, use Apple Pay or insert $10 cash for 10 minutes. The K9000 offers timed intervals of water, shampoo, Spring 2020

MOVING AND STORAGE THE WAY YOU NEED IT DONE

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conditioner, rinse and optional flea/ tick rinse through the attached hand-held sprayer wand. When the final rinse is done, select blow dry to the finish the job. The choice of blower settings of high and low helps acclimate the dog to the blower noise and air volume during the drying time. Usually a 10-minute treatment gets the whole job done, but additional airtime for further drying may be purchased. Step 3: Have your dog hop down into the holding pen with you after his blow dry and then select the disinfect option to spray down the

Peterson and Seward show off a finished machine at a dog wash facility at 951 S. Kerr Avenue in Wilmington.

washing bin as a courtesy for the next customer. This only takes about 30 seconds. The ease, convenience and ergonomics of the K9000 help drive its popularity. The height of the washing bin platform is knee high, which is an easy lift for most dogs. Once they are tethered, the owner can use one hand with the wand and one to work in the shampoo and rinse at waist height. The supplied all-organic shampoo and conditioner are hypoallergenic, and the wash is warm to keep the dog comfortable The N.C. business interest in this product is local to Leland, where Pete Peterson, CEO of the Leland-based company Manufacturing Methods, is the exclusive manufacturer of the K9000 USA. His company provides all aspects of the machine, including its design, metal framing, machine parts, assembly and final testing.

Peterson describes the K9000 USA as a “fast, ergonomic, efficient, all-in-one machine that is quickly growing in popularity.” He adds, “our workforce is expanding as machines are being installed in pet shops, car washes and independent locations where multiple units may be housed.” K9000 USA stations are available to entrepreneurs seeking passive income. “There is limited maintenance in ownership that involves only a periodic cleaning of the machine and restocking of shampoos and liquids,” Peterson says. The cost of owning a K9000 ranges from approximately $13,000 for the mini unit to $44,000 for the twin. According to Peterson, “We have our business office in Wilmington now with our production plant in Leland. We supply all the necessary liquids for the K9000 washing unit. We are rapidly growing to the point where I have expanded the workforce to include a new customer success manager, who helps new owners.” Parties interested in learning more about this business opportunity may contact Pete Peterson at his email address pete@k9000dogwashusa.com for further information. More information on nearby locations of washing stations can be found at K9000.com. 

Spring 2020

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North Brunswick Magazine

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Knowledge is Power Brunswick County Literacy Council matches volunteers with people who want to learn new skills, from English as a Second Language to financial literacy to earning their GED. BY CAROLYN BOWERS

When some of us travel to places where we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak the language of that country, we get along just fine because we are with other Englishspeaking travelers and are being shepherded around by an English-speaking guide. The guide interprets the road signs, explains the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currency, tells us how to pay to use the restroom and translates the

dinner menu. But imagine for a moment that that was not the case. Imagine being alone in that country with no guide and no one who understands you. It would be frightening and possibly even dangerous. But that is what some people here in our country, in our state and in our county have to endure every day. They Spring 2020

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BOWERS

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Clockwise from top left: Dot Hoerr, Literacy Council executive director, works tirelessly to raise funds, find volunteers and tutors as well as promote literacy awareness. James Hogan (left) prepares for his GED exam with tutor, Tom Burke. Located off of Highway 17 in Supply, the Brunswick County Literacy Council Learning Center provides valuable resources for improving literacy in adults.

can’t read directions or a prescription or food labels or warning signs or transportation schedules. They can’t make themselves be understood by anyone because gesturing and pantomiming can go only so far. Luckily for these people, and others who need help to reach their individual goals, there is a place where they can get help and support from a welltrained, caring group of extraordinary volunteers. They can contact Brunswick County Literacy Council on Highway 17 in Supply and talk with Program Coordinator 56

North Brunswick Magazine

Sue Railing, who will schedule a visit for an assessment. Next they will be matched up with a tutor, depending on their particular needs and goals. Brunswick County Literacy Council provides individual help and support not only for reading, but also for conversational language skills, writing, financial literacy, math and basic computer skills. They will soon offer health literacy classes in partnership with New Hope Clinic. Each student’s program is designed to meet his or her specific

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needs and goals. Some are working toward getting their GED, while others want to be able to communicate more easily with their neighbors and customers and still others want to learn how to write a resume and fill out a job application. The GED program for those incarcerated in the county jail has been a huge success. To date 19 inmates have earned their GED, and not one of them has been re-arrested. Literacy Council Executive Director Dot Hoerr tells a wonderful story about a young man who finished his GED preparation and took his final test on a Friday, the day before he was released from jail. The following

Some are working toward getting their GED, while others want to be able to communicate more easily with their neighbors and customers and still others want to learn how to write a resume and fill out a job application.

Monday he found out he had passed it. That afternoon, with his GED results in hand, he interviewed for a job at a local restaurant and got it. The council plans to offer life/ employment coaching to inmates to help them get a job. This course will include how to write a resume, apply for a job and prepare for the interview. There are currently 12 volunteers who tutor at the jail. Each one meets with their

student twice a week for two hours. As one volunteer put it, “It’s easy to schedule the sessions because they are a captive audience.” The length of time it takes to prepare for the GED tests varies from 30 days to several months, but however long it takes, the tutor and student stick with it until they are successful. Other graduates of the GED program have become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), an airport baggage handler, a business owner and a Walmart associate, to name a few. One even secured the credentials to open a day care in her home. Another success story concerns a number of immigrants who studied with a tutor to pass their citizenship test, and they are now proud U.S. citizens. The council’s newest program is in support of the state’s recent mandate that all schools offer a program for financial literacy. To comply with this request, Brunswick County has chosen to adopt the FDIC program called Money Smart. This is being rolled out at West Brunswick High School first, with the other county high schools to follow next year. Fortuitously, Michael Ciemniki, a career adult trainer, retired last December and now teaches the Money Smart program in WBHS. He hopes to take it to the county’s detention center soon. According to Ciemniki, the program is about learning to budget money, set up a checking account, get a loan, manage a credit card and understand bank fees, like the price you pay for a bounced check or overdrawing your account. The program stresses paying yourself first to emphasize the importance of saving money. The module is taught in a series of five sessions during homeroom time. Ciemniki personalizes the FDIC curriculum by giving examples of banking mistakes that he, his friends or his two sons have made. This is a popular approach as it signals to students that we all make mistakes and we do recover from them. In addition to teaching and tutoring in all

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MAKE A BEELINE 31st Annual Brunswick County Literacy Council Adult Spelling Bee Get together a spelling team and compete or come to watch the fun. Either way, be sure to bid on items in the silent auction. There is a $250 entry fee for teams, and admission is free for spectators. Check the website for information about cancellation or rescheduling due to coronavirus restrictions. Tuesday, May 5, 6 pm Brunswick Community College Virginia Williamson Event Center 150 College Road NE, Bolivia (910) 754-7323 bcliteracy.org Spring 2020

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PHOTO BY CAROLYN BOWERS

The 2019 Brunswick County Literacy Council Executive Board.

of these subjects, Brunswick County Literacy Council also partners with other organizations to distribute books to qualifying children and adults. Last December they partnered with Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) for their Toys for Tots program. Each child received a bag containing toys as well as age-appropriate books for them and an adult book for qualifying senior citizens. Last year more than 1,200 children and adults received books through this program. This year the council will partner with the Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island (FOLSOI) to supply books for their Holiday Book Share. As FOLSOI President Diana Fotinatos says, “We are partnering with the Literacy Council for their Holiday Book Share for 2020 and will be one of their suppliers for that project. It’s a win-win — they get great books at incredible savings for an important literacy initiative and they support the libraries by purchasing those books from the FOLSOI bookstore.” The council has a large group of dedicated volunteers; however, they would like to have even more. Hoerr says top on her wishlist is to have a substitute pool like school teachers have. Then when a tutor is out of town or unable to keep his or her scheduled time, a substitute would be available to take over. A popular misconception is that if you are going to tutor a student in English as a Second Language (ESL), you should be bilingual. In actuality, being bilingual can be a disadvantage because there is no temptation to slip into their native tongue if you can’t speak it. Kathy Edgell tutors two students in ESL. One is from Thailand, and Edgell speaks no

North Brunswick Magazine

Thai. No problem. This student learned English well enough to get her N.C. Driver’s License and is now continuing her sessions with Edgell to improve her conversational skills. Edgell is also teaching her how to interpret what she calls our “lazy speech.” That is her name for the words we slur together, like “gonna,” and slang like “gotcha,” neither of which is likely to be found in a Thai/English dictionary. Funds to make all this possible come from grants, fundraisers and donations from community organizations and individuals. The council hosts two major fundraisers a year — a golf tournament in September at Carolina National Golf Club in Winding River and an adult spelling bee and silent auction in May at Brunswick County College’s Virginia Williamson Event Center. 

Can you help? Kathy Edgell was motivated to become a volunteer because she felt that “If you can’t read, it’s a lonely world.” If you feel as she does and would like to help someone overcome that loneliness by becoming a volunteer, contact: Brunswick County Literacy Council (910) 754-7323 bcliteracy@yahoo.com If you would like to make a donation to support their programs, visit their website at bcliteracy.org.

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Spring 2020

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EDUCATION

Busy Bees Members of Brunswick County Beekeepers Association work together to perfect their skills and bring others into the fascinating world of keeping bees. BY KATHY BLAKE

Spring 2020

EDUCATION

T The topic of bees comes with a lot of negativity. Close encounters are no picnic. Unless, enthusiasts say, the bee is the friendly, social, family-oriented, hard-working Apis mellifera, or honey bee. “Honey bees are not aggressive, like wasps or hornets can be, so a lot of that fear is unfounded,” says Mark Blevins, who’s been director of the Brunswick County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension since 2011. He’s also an experienced keeper of backyard beehives. “It’s fun,” he says. “It’s fun to take care of them, and you get honey and other products.” Beekeeping is big in Brunswick County, he says. “There’s got to be between 75 and 100 beekeepers out there.” He defines beekeeper as someone

North Brunswick Magazine

who has a few hives and keeps them alive. A lot of North Carolina residents have hives too. Statewide, honey bees are special enough to have their own agency – the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA), which lists 82 charter-member counties. In 1973 the North Carolina General Assembly designated the honey bee as the state insect. In 2009 North Carolina Zoo opened a Honey Bee Habitat exhibit worth $243,507, thanks to donations from NCSBA, N.C. Farm Bureau, agribusiness company Syngenta and Zoo Society donors. Locally, hive-owner hopefuls can study for an A in Bee School. Classes

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

are held on Saturday mornings at the Brunswick government complex in Bolivia. The Brunswick County Beekeepers Association meets there the first Thursday each month. “We teach about 12 to 20 people every year in the Bee School, about production methods and pollinating and making honey for you and your family and selling it at farmers markets,” Blevins says. “There are

EDUCATION

Instructor Deedee Willetts (previous page), President Scott Byrd (below) and students attend the Brunswick County Beekeepers Association’s Bee School.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

really 150 to 200 people who are trained in the county, and about half of those have bees on a regular basis.” Written tests are required to boast journeyman, certified or master beekeeper status. Additionally, Blevins suggests beginners find someone to be a bee buddy. “Get a mentor,” he says. “Find someone you like and can work well with.” Then you have to buy the bees. In Southern climates, there are people who will sell you a box of bees or you can get what Blevins calls a nuc box [nucleus], which contains the basic building blocks of a hive and some baby bees. “Inside it looks like about 10 picture

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

They communicate with dances in the hives; there’s no light in there. Then they fly out and look for where the clover is and the flowers.

frames, and inside is the honeycomb, so if you pull it vertically, there are two honeycombs,” Blevins says. “You can have one queen and 60,000 workers.” A bundle of bees in a box, a hive to house them and prep work to protect the hive from elements can run about $500, according to Kelley Bees book [kelleybees.com]. It’s suggested

Spring 2020

EDUCATION

that beekeepers have more than one hive. Bees are sold by the pound, with one pound of bees having about 3,000 to 4,000 baby bees per box. Back to that friendly, social part: Blevins says bees’ habits and work ethic keep them so busy that they don’t schedule visits with their keepers or their keepers’ neighbors. “They’re going to fly 2 or 3 miles to get pollen for their babies and nectar for them to produce honey,” he says. “Even if your neighbor has bees, they aren’t interested in your yard. You don’t have enough flowers to feed them.” Blevins says they fly upward and outward, not to the neighbor’s. “The first couple of days, when

they hatch into an adult, you see them clean out the cell where they were born and help take care of other baby bees, then take some test flights to get oriented and learn how to get back home,” he says. “Then they have to figure out which hive was theirs or get … dispatched.” Honey bees talk to each other too. Think Dances with Bees. In the dark. “They communicate with dances in the hives; there’s no light in there. Then they fly out and look for where the clover is and the flowers.” Potential bee enthusiasts and bee wannabees are welcome at the Saturday classes. To be an association member is about $15 annually. That’s up a little from when the state beekeepers

association formed in 1917, at $1 dues per year. For those with a serious honey-do list, the NCSBA markets merchandise – hats, polos, etc. – with the state logo of a bee inside the outline of North Carolina. There’s also a company listed for supplies: It’s called Beez Needz. NCSBA has an official theme song too – “My Gentle Honey Bees” composed by beekeeper John Rigdon, whose work was honored with a plaque at the NCSBA 1995 Spring Convention. To the tune of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” the first verse is this: “I’ve a hive of honey bees/ Nestled down among the trees/ They live in peace and at ease/ My thrifty, gentle honey bees.” See … nothing to be afraid of. 

Join the Beekeepers To learn more about the Brunswick County Beekeepers Association, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/brunswickcountybeekeeping. You can email them at brunswickcountybeekeepers@outlook.com or call the Extension Office at (910) 253-2610.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

North Brunswick Magazine

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Hop on a plane from ILM to LAX for a surprisingly low-key Hollywood-esque adventure in Southern California. BY JASON FRYE 66

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY JASON FRYE

E ALL WANT TO ROLL BACK THE CLOCK, STEP BACK IN TIME AND FEEL YOUNGER, LIVE IN THE MOMENT, SPEND TIME WITH THE PEOPLE WE LOVE. THERE'S A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN DO ALL OF THESE, AND WHILE YOU’RE THERE, IT IS A MATTER OF MOMENTS BEFORE YOUR JOY MAKES YOU FORGET THE WORLD YOU LEFT BEHIND.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

Piloting the Millennium Falcon (left) is just part of the thrill at Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Costumed outlaws (above), lawmen and townsfolk help take you back to the Old West at Knott’s Berry Farm.

That place is Southern California. But it’s not what you’re thinking. No politics (thankfully), just the right amount of Hollywood (without setting foot in Hollywood), and very little unnecessary avocado on your lunch (it comes with everything) — just fun. Anaheim and Buena Park share a border and another connection: theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm, a classic throwback theme park in Buena Park, claims to be the oldest in California, while next door, Anaheim’s Disneyland has been one of the top amusement parks in the world for decades. Now, about that time travel and touch of Hollywood I mentioned. Remember Back to the Future? Three movies about a DeLorean that’s been so souped-up it’s a time machine that carries characters into the future and the past, including the Wild West (where ZZ Top performs at a town dance; hey, it’s Hollywood). Knott’s Berry Farm serves as your stand in for the old-West version of Mill Valley, the setting for Back to

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the Future III; several of the buildings here were transplanted from an Arizona ghost town and house shops and restaurants, blacksmiths and printers while costumed outlaws roam the streets, avoiding the sheriff and looking for a gunfight. Across town, but in a galaxy far, far away, Disneyland has opened a portal into the distant past with their newest addition, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Walking in, you forget the grandeur of Main Street, U.S.A. and put the costumed cartoon characters out of your mind as soon as you enter the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu. Here, squads of Storm Troopers patrol the streets and friendly Imperial Rebels run shops and concessions in a bazaar resembling Jabba The Hutt’s palace. So, in Southern California there are two theme parks where you can lose yourself back in time and have whole new worlds to explore.

North Brunswick Magazine

AT THE GALAXY'S EDGE Entering Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there’s a subtle shift from Disneyland to the Planet Batuu. Batuu, and all of the Black Spire Outpost, sounds different from the rest of the park. The music piped in throughout the park gives way to crickets and birds that are familiar, but just odd enough to be from another world. Then the lampposts and trash cans, which look like lampposts elsewhere, get an Imperial-industrial look and the trash cans take on a distinctly droid-like silhouette. The path curves and the grasses grow taller, wilder, more like an outpost than a park, and that’s when we hear our music: an orchestral crescendo with a John Williams feel (Williams, who scored the Star Wars films, wrote music and sounds for Galaxy’s Edge). I felt a charge, a thrill, rise as the music took hold. Around me, the crowd lightened, lifted and then hushed as we saw what was walking toward us: Chewbacca. When Chewie began to speak in his growling, barking language, I cheered and everyone within earshot laughed and clapped because right here in front of us was a 7-foot walking carpet that we’d grown up

PHOTO BY JASON FRYE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

Clockwise from top left: The joy of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lies in its realism, and while you’re here, it’s more like living in the world of the films rather than stepping onto a film set. You can take home your very own R2 Astromech droid. It’s life-sized, programmable and comes with a hefty price tag. True to Disney’s form, Chewbacca, Rey, Storm Troopers and Kylo Ren roam the park, interacting with guests of all ages.

Spring 2020

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISNEY

Clockwise: Disney spared no detail in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Black Spire Outfitter, filled with toys, costumes and gifts from the films, immerses you in the world. Pose for a photo at the holochess table onboard the Millennium Falcon.

seeing on TV screens and in the movies. We owned the toys, put the stickers on our notebooks, retired our love for this weird creature and brought it back off the shelf decades later when Star Wars returned to the big screens. For some of us, the excitement was doubled as we’d shared this joy with our kids or grandkids, nieces and nephews and here we were immersed in the world. Immersed is the perfect word. Just steps away, an X-Wing Fighter sat on a maintenance pad. Beyond that, a shop-lined thoroughfare resembling like the streets of Tatooine. Jedi robes, Leia’s dress, a snowspeeder helmet, all for sale in Resistance Supply shops. On the other side of the park, where

the First Order, the remnants of the Empire, are stationed, shops sold Storm Trooper armor and face masks like Kylo Ren’s. There, Storm Troopers patrolled, blasters in hand, and “interrogated” guests, especially those wearing or carrying anything from the Resistance: a sympathetic t-shirt, a Chewbacca messenger bag, a lightsaber. Yes, you can buy a lightsaber here. You can build your own or buy a legendary saber like Luke’s or Vader’s, Obi Wan’s or even Darth Maul’s. You can also build your own droid or buy

Spring 2020

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THE WILD WEST, BUT MORE THRILLING As the name implies, Knott’s Berry Farm was once a roadside berry stand that became famous when Walter and Cordelia Knott began to grow boysenberries and serve fried chicken dinners. When the fried chicken became such a hit that the Knotts had hundreds of people waiting in line to eat, Walter decided they needed to do more, so he purchased a piece of an Arizona ghost town, the Gold Trails Hotel. This became the heart of the Old West Ghost Town, one of the park’s distinct areas and one that takes you back a 150 years or so. In the Ghost Town, costumed cowboys and nefarious outlaws walk the streets, itching for a gunfight. Can-can dancers watch from the wings and everyone from the blacksmith to the barber to the sheriff and his deputies and the town newspaper — printed fresh throughout the day

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KNOTTS BERRY FARM

a full sized R2 Unit that’s fully programmable. As jaw dropping as that was, nothing prepared me for the moment when I saw the Millennium Falcon sitting in a docking bay. She didn’t look like a movie prop, she looked like she could take flight. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is one of two rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the other is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and both feature Disney’s remarkable animatronics (as characters tell you the backstory for your ride) and the ultra-realistic surroundings that anchor you in this fantasy world. Growing up as a Star Wars fan, I was geeking out just standing in line for the ride, but once inside the Millennium Falcon — to deliver of a load of much-needed supplies to rebels — I was transported. The curved hallways, the holo-chess table, the bits and pieces and details that I’d forgotten surrounded me. I was ecstatic. When my group of four stepped into the cockpit, I got goosebumps. Strapping into my seat as a gunner on the Falcon, I was living a childhood fantasy. But when the ship went into hyperdrive and those stars elongated into a wild, sci-fi tunnel, we cheered, we whooped, we high-fived, and all of us were lost in a place a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

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At Knott’s Berry Far, the Old West blends seamlessly with a family-friendly amusement park where there are rides, games and activities for all ages.

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— has info you need to know regarding pending showdowns, times for the Wild West Stunt Show (don’t miss it) and happenings throughout the park. And if you’re thirsty, head to the Saloon for a sarsaparilla and snacks. Throughout the park are rides. And rides and more rides. Rides for little kids, water-park lovers, adrenaline junkies and coaster enthusiasts. And they’re good. Silver Bullet, an inverted roller coaster (where your feet are dangling and the track is overhead), carries the Old

West theme through to the thrill rides. So does GhostRider, a wooden coaster that’s the tallest, fastest and longest such coaster on the West Coast. Over on the Boardwalk, a throwback oceanside themed area, Hang Time delivers adrenaline in big doses thanks to a 96-degree drop from 150 feet in the air and an impressive series of loops, turns and hills on a track that’s only 2,200 feet long. Coasters aren’t for everyone, and Knott’s Berry Farm knows that. Enter Camp Snoopy, an area designed just for kids. This 6-acre spot features costumed PEANUTS characters and 15 rides and attractions, including a couple of smaller, but no less thrilling, coasters (they’re just right to give your pint-sized thrill seekers a taste of the big rides). Throughout the year, Knott’s Berry Farm has seasonal events that celebrate the park’s history and the best of each season. On weekends there’s a PEANUTS celebration. Spring sees a Boysenberry Festival, a tasty lineup of boysenberry-loaded dishes as well as concerts, shows and other live entertainment. In summer 2020 the park celebrates its 100th anniversary. For Halloween, Knott’s Scary Farms — and Knott’s Spooky Farm, a tamer version for kids — brings haunted house elements into play with some 1,000 creatures and costumed baddies throughout the park. Finally, the park gets festive with Knott’s Merry Farm and all the Christmas decor, carolers, gifts, bites and sips you can stand.

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North Brunswick Magazine

TURN BACK THE CLOCK However you chose to turn back the clock — with a trip to the Old West or a journey across galaxies — there’s plenty waiting on you in Southern California. Both Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are kid-friendly, but adults looking for some time away will find everything from boysenberry beer to fine scotch to spectacular food in both parks. 

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Your adventure awaits!

Be prepared for anything at Knott’s Berry Farm, from an outlaw shoot-out to a visit from the PEANUTS gang to a thrilling ride on Hangtime, a coaster with the steepest drop in California.

Southern California’s on the other coast, so you’ll need to fly there. Fortunately, tickets to Los Angeles International Airport from Wilmington can be found for only around $300, and a flight into John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana (much closer to Buena Park and Anaheim) are around $360 (less expensive when you factor in those Uber rides across LA). Reserve your tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (and your other days in Disneyland) online. Tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm (knotts.com) start at $47; tickets for Disneyland (disneyland.disney.go.com) and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge start at $104 with discounts for multi-day passes. If you’re short on time, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open in Orlando at Walt Disney World, and flights to Florida run as low as $190 out of Wilmington.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KNOTTS BERRY FARM

Wherever you go, you’ll need a place to spend the night. Disney properties are fantastic and offer a number of perks for park guests, but price can be a barrier. If you’re looking to stay in Anaheim, check out visitanaheim.org for a list of hotels and accommodations. If you’d rather stay in Buena Park, where you can stay at the Knott’s Hotel and get a little more room for your buck, check out visitbuenapark.com for a list of hotels, restaurants and more.

Spring 2020

Drop In Anytime Vert veteran Brian Drake of Navassa shares his love of skateboarding with the local kids and skaters from all over the country. BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

North Brunswick Magazine

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JJ LONGWOOD

Although the origins of skateboarding date back to the 1940s, the sport will make its official Olympic Games debut in Tokyo. Athletes from around the world will compete in two featured skating disciplines: street and park. Absent from the games, however, will be vert (short for vertical) skateboarding, the extreme style best known for its jaw-dropping displays of aerial acrobatics using massive half-pipes. Although vert skating wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen in Tokyo, the good news for Brunswick County skateboard enthusiasts is that it can be witnessed in Navassa in the backyard of professional skater and resident Brian Drake. Drakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for skateboarding began during his childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he learned to skate with neighborhood friends. After graduating high school, Drake decided to focus on the sport full time and relocated to Daytona to be closer to top-notch Stone Edge Skate Park. He moved to

Spring 2020

Spring Returns to Bleu

North Brunswick Magazine

Wilmington in 1992, and shortly thereafter professional skateboarding led him to both Colorado and California. In 1997 Drake took a break from professional skating and returned to Wilmington to pursue a career in auto mechanics. Seven years later he bought a home in Navassa, where he started an auto shop business out of his garage. Although no longer skating competitively, Drake still missed the days where he could grab his board and drop in on a local ramp. “When I moved up here, there really wasn’t anything big to skateboard on,” Drake says. “A friend had a small vert ramp in his backyard in Wilmington, so I started skating on that and getting the tricks back I hadn’t done in 15 years, but it was just a little too small for what I really wanted to do. That’s when I decided to take it upon myself and get something built where I could really do it properly.” With the help of fellow veteran pro skater and friend Mike Mapp, Drake built a 40-foot wide by 12-foot high ramp behind his home, complete with a nearly 2-foot vertical drop on both ends. The goal was to build the ramp not only for personal use, but also for friends and any other local skateboarders who wanted to try out a vert ramp of that magnitude. “When you build a ramp that big, people aren’t busting down the door to skate this thing. It regulates itself,” he says. Upon the ramp’s completion, fellow pro skater and friend Bob Umbel approached Drake with the idea of holding a vertical ramp event in his backyard. Drake was up for the challenge, and in the summer of 2015 the two men organized what is now known as Labor Day at Drake’s (LDAD). The event saw a great turnout, with the nation’s best skaters converging in Navassa to compete in various age groups and divisions. Umbel went on to organize a summer series of vert ramp contests known as the Renegade Vert Series, each year culminating with Drake’s LDAD event. “About two to three hundred people attend, contestants from Canada, California, Texas, Florida, all over the place,” Drake says. “We have a barbecue and give out prizes and some people camp out overnight in my yard. My neighbors even love it and come out to spectate.” Drake welcomes friends and other local skateboarders to use his ramp two or three times a week, and says it’s not the kind of sport someone can truly enjoy practicing alone. “When you skate on a vert ramp, you want other people to be skating with you. It’s tough to do by yourself, because it takes a lot out of you. When you have a couple people taking turns, it’s more fun and really gets the energy level up.” The set of regulars Drake is really excited to see in his backyard is the younger skaters. When a group of 10- and

When you skate on a vert ramp, you want other people to be skating with you. It’s tough to do by yourself, because it takes a lot out of you. When you have a couple people taking turns, it’s more fun and really gets the energy level up.

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11-year-olds heard about Drake’s ramp several years ago and asked if they could try it out, the skaters immediately took to the thrill of vert skating and kept coming back for more. A few of them have since even reached sponsorship status, no small feat in the skateboarding world “Luckily, these kids have great parents who support them and keep bringing them out here to do this,” Drake says. Drake believes that the inclusion of skateboarding in the upcoming Olympics is a good sign for the entire sport. He hopes to continue hosting the summer LDAD in his backyard and sharing his vert ramp with the local skateboard community. He knows that the more places available for skateboarders of any discipline to practice their craft, the better it is for everyone. “Fayetteville just got a new skate park that should be opening any day now, which is great,” he says. “The skating community in general tends to go through ebbs and flows, but these days it really seems to be pretty strong.” 

Spring 2020

COMMUNITY

North Brunswick Magazine

COMMUNITY

Kickstarting Medical Careers The new MLK Scholarship Fund helps remove financial barriers for high school seniors who want to pursue a medical career. BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

Brunswick County recently had its Community Health Assessment, and the checkup didn’t go so well. The county is designated as a Medically Underserved Area with too few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty and a high elderly population. In fact, the county lags behind the state average in all healthcare professions (doctors, nurses, etc.) by 30 to 40 percent. Three Brunswick County physicians — Drs. Sanjay Batish, Douglas Messina and David Snow — are doing something about it. They are addressing local healthcare workforce shortages and helping underserved, first-generation college students at the same time by establishing the MLK Health Professionals Scholarship. “I came up with the idea after my son, who recently graduated from North Brunswick High School, shared with me his concerns that some of his fellow classmates were making educational decisions, or no educational decisions, because of financial obstacles,” says Dr. Batish of Batish Family Medicine. Brunswick County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, and as the largest town in the county, Leland has experienced exponential growth — more than 60 percent in the last 20 years. As the population grows, the wealth of the majority of residents does not. Unfortunately, a third of all children in Leland live in poverty and are at risk for not pursuing or completing credentialed education programs. In

I came up with the idea after my son ... shared with me his concerns that some of his fellow classmates were making educational decisions, or no educational decisions, because of financial obstacles.

Spring 2020

COMMUNITY

One of the goals of the MLK Scholarship is to help remove the financial barrier for those talented high school students in Brunswick County who want to pursue a career in medicine.

fact, only 40 percent of students in the county pursue secondary education. There is a 33 percent drop-out rate of first-generation college students versus a 14 percent drop-out rate for students whose parents earned at least a bachelor’s degree. For the past three years, Dr. Batish’s practice has been donating the income they generate on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to local organizations. The holiday is observed as “a day on, not a day off ” and is designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer 84

North Brunswick Magazine

to improve their communities. As Dr. Batish was mulling over the idea of how to help kids in the area further their education, he got the idea to use MLK Day of Service as an opportunity to kickstart a scholarship program. But he wanted it to be far larger than just his practice, and he also wanted to tie it to another need in the community — more healthcare providers. Dr. Batish enlisted the help of other community leaders in healthcare, including Dr. Messina of Carolina Sports Medicine and Dr. Snow of Cape Fear Arthritis Care, to create the MLK Scholarship, which will aid two North Brunswick High School seniors who are planning to pursue degrees in healthcare. Students who plan to return to northern Brunswick County after completing their degrees will receive priority. On Monday, January 20, 2020, MLK day, the three participating medical practices donated their receipts to the first MLK Scholarship. The inaugural MLK scholarship specifically focuses on students who want to pursue degrees in healthcare to help

COMMUNITY

combat the health professional shortage in the county. “We already know that the proportion of providers doesn’t match the growth in the region,” Dr. Batish says. Dr. Batish modeled the MLK scholarship idea around MedServe, a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the health of medically underserved communities of North Carolina while giving future physicians a career path in primary care practice that inspires them to be life-long champions of health equity. “It’s a subsection of AmeriCorps, and it helps kids who want to go to medial school work as active helpers in a medical capacity in underserved communities, and in turn they commit to do primary care in the area after they finish school,” Dr. Batish says. He was inspired by the organization’s mission after a medical student from Chapel Hill had a rotation at his office. Medical school is expensive. Over a four year period, a medical student might expect to pay anywhere from $147,000 for in-state and public schools to more than $243,000 for out-of-state public schools. It’s no wonder that many students fail to complete their education. Ninety percent of Allied

Health students require financial assistance. One of the goals of the MLK Scholarship is to help remove the financial barrier for those talented high school students in Brunswick County who want to pursue a career in medicine. For this inaugural scholarship, two students will be selected. “We are currently setting up the selection committees at each school, and the application process is being finalized,” Dr. Batish says. The application deadline will be late March, and awards will be handed out during a ceremony near the end of the school year. “We want this to be a community event,” Dr. Batish says. “I hope it grows and that all local businesses get involved, as well as individuals, whether it’s MLK day or some other day.” 

Can you contribute? Donation levels include Platinum at $2,500, Gold at $1,000 and Silver at $500. But donations of any amount are appreciated. Donors can write checks payable to Brunswick County Schools c/o MLK Scholarship Fund and mail them to: 35 Referendum Drive NE, Bolivia, NC 28422.

Spring 2020

Giving a

North Brunswick Magazine

BOOST A re-energized Booster Club is helping North Brunswick High School athletics reach new heights. BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

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Former North Brunswick High School history teacher, coach and assistant athletic director, Ryan Huffman, now a Farm Bureau Insurance agent, took on the position of Booster Club president NBHS in 2018.

here’s a sense of excitement in the air and through the halls of North Brunswick High School these days. Thanks to the school’s newly energized and modernized Athletic Booster Club, student athletes, coaches, parents and teachers are joining forces to heighten school spirit and celebrate past and present achievements. Add to that growing support from the local community, and school pride has never been stronger in the home of the Scorpions. When Farm Bureau Insurance agent Ryan Huffman accepted the role of Booster Club president in early 2018, he set out to combine his marketing skills with his knowledge of North Brunswick High to make great change. Having previously served as a history teacher, coach and the school’s former assistant athletic director, Huffman felt a strong connection to the school and athletic director Randy Fennell. So when Fennell asked if he would be interested in helping take the Booster Club in a

Spring 2020

We’re trying to give these kids the resources they need to get a good education, have a little fun doing it, hopefully learn something through athletics, and then come back as productive citizens and get back involved.

different direction, Huffman couldn’t say no. Now with a brand-new board of directors, the addition of multiple fundraising programs, a membership drive and a fresh marketing campaign, he has since helped raise the club’s account balance from less than $6,000 to more than $100,000 gross receipts in the first two years. “Schools need a lot of money to operate, and of course athletic budgets don’t get nearly enough money to help provide all that’s needed,” Huffman says. “I knew the Booster Club needed to modernize, so we got a new email address, new website, started to take credit cards and worked on a marketing campaign with the goal being to start highlighting all the positive things the Booster Club can do for the school.” Huffman takes great pride in the Booster Club’s newest initiative, a hall of fame honoring standout student-athletes from North Brunswick High’s rich athletic history. Since 1972, the school’s athletes have earned a total of 15 State Championships and more than 40 Individual State Championships, the most earned by any other high school in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties during that 90

North Brunswick Magazine

timeframe. Of those athletes, many have continued on to compete at the collegiate level, and 11 have become professional athletes. This year’s first class of Hall of Fame inductees include the likes of retired NBA players Chucky Brown, Jr. and Sam

Pellom, Sr., previous Lady Scorpions softball player and coach Brittney Lehrschall, former MLB player Stephen Mintz, international professional basketball player Ashley Pellom and Nelson Best, the first principal at North Brunswick High School and former Director of Athletics for Brunswick County Schools. “It’s my goal that this Hall of Fame serves as a monument to these past successes and helps inspire current and future students and community members to continue building the rich legacy of Scorpion Athletics,” Huffman says. Another main focus for the Booster Club has been

improving and updating the athletic facilities. After the school’s weight room suffered serious damage during Hurricane Florence, a generous donation from the Carolina Panthers coupled with funds raised by the Booster Club enabled the brand-new, 3,000-square-foot weight room to be filled with updated equipment. Other improvements include the purchase of new volleyball standards, a new pitching machine, thousands of dollars in uniforms, athletic department t-shirts for all student athletes and an increase in available scholarships. The club has also recently reorganized the school’s trophy case and initiated a poster program, in which photos of former outstanding all-state or The Booster Club has helped upgrade state champion athletes are many of the Scorpions facilities, displayed on large posters and including the weight room that was hung along the ceilings damaged in Hurricane Dorian. throughout the school. “So far we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community,” Huffman says. ”We really want to get people to feel like they’re a part of something bigger.” Huffman attributes much of the Booster Club’s recent revitalization to the support of local businesses and the community. Fundraising efforts include a membership drive, reverse raffles, a summer golf tournament, a discount card program and banner advertising. Local businesses such as Farm Bureau Insurance, Carolina Shores Carwash, College Hunks Hauling Junk, Cape Fear Custom RV, First Bank, Leland Church, Ace Hardware, Mulch and More and many others have joined the club’s efforts to provide more for North Brunswick High School student athletes. “Most people retain ties to the communities they grew up in,” Huffman says. “We’re trying to give these kids the resources they need to get a

Spring 2020

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The school’s Hall of Fame honors standout student-athletes from North Brunswick High’s rich athletic history.

good education, have a little fun doing it, hopefully learn something through athletics, and then come back as productive citizens and get back involved.” In his efforts to modernize and rebrand the Booster Club, Huffman believes community outreach has made all the difference. He hopes to keep the momentum going and continue to develop school pride in all athletic accomplishments, past and present.

We’re doing a lot for these kids, and that’s really what it’s all about.

“In a little over a year and a half, we’ve raised more than $100,000 and spent quite a bit of it updating the facilities and resources for student-athletes and celebrating the past,” Huffman says. “North Brunswick High School has been such an important hub and huge source of pride for the community for so many decades that people are eager and excited to help further the Scorpion legacy. We’re doing a lot for these kids, and that’s really what it’s all about.” 

Spring 2020

ACROSS THE CAPE FEAR

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Something Old, Something New Warehouse 1856 is a modern wedding and event venue in a historic building in downtown Wilmington. BY KATHY BLAKE

North Brunswick Magazine

ACROSS THE CAPE FEAR

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Warehouse 1856 in downtown Wilmington offers 5,200 square feet of rustic-modern space for weddings, parties and events. Opposite page: Ray Baca, Kathryn Jeffreys and Chris Maher are business partners in Warehouse 1856.

The old Jacobi warehouse on Water Street in downtown Wilmington has weathered several identities — office building, hardware store, billiards hall, accounting firm and woodworking studio for kids. Built in 1856, it’s beguilingly rustic on the outside, with a white paint patina over the red bricks of the upper floors. Inside, the well-aged charm of its rooms shows exposed brick walls, timber-beamed ceilings, deck views of the Cape Fear River and 5,200 square feet of possibilities. Which is why current tenant Ray Baca, who has rented the place since September 2019 as a venue for weddings, corporate parties and events, wants people to know the structure — called Warehouse 1856 — can be whatever they envision. “I like taking prominent buildings and giving them a breath of fresh air and rebuilding them,” Baca says. “We wanted to leave as much of the old bones, the old wood, and add in little elements of modernizing to keep it as neutral as possible, so anyone’s color palate could use it.” Its appeal mainly is ambience for weddings. Baca describes it as “a historic and modern contrast that will leave you feeling nostalgic.” Baca says he’s hosted 35 to 40 events as of mid-February, several of them booked before he finished interior

construction modifications. “A lot of people came in and booked on the belief of what I was telling them; they could envision the finished product without the finished product being there,” he says. Baca has been a wedding photographer since 2000. Warehouse 1856, which he runs with business partners Chris Maher and Kathryn Jeffreys, is his fourth event venue, so he understands the necessity of accommodating individual tastes. “You can use any vendor, any florist, any caterer and any musicians — literally anything you want in order to make this your dream weekend,” he says. “You get about 12 hours, and we can fit about 150 people.” Baca’s team also offers clean up. “They say how they want it set up, they bring in their decor and have the celebration of a lifetime, and we clean it up.” The interior’s adaptability can include Warehouse-provided tables, natural-wood, crossback chairs; bar stools, couches and leather chairs; a sound system; refrigerators and freezers; and a large, open room for catering. The Warehouse’s prime location in Wilmington’s downtown Historic District and its proximity to hotels, restaurants and attractions is a magnet for corporate parties as well as weddings that draw couples from in-state and

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The exposed brick walls, concrete floors and rough-hewn ceiling beams add rustic charm to any event while paying tribute to the building’s past. Warehouse 1856 can accommodate weddings and parties of up to 250 people.

beyond. “We are in the middle of everything here. There are so many things to do within walking distance.” Baca says Warehouse 1856 is an affordable option because you can do the ceremony and reception the same location. Wilmington and New Hanover County host about 2,200 weddings a year. “We get Raleigh and Charlotte brides and a lot from Ohio who have come here for vacation and want to

come back,” Baca says, Tourists and out-of-town guests can benefit from the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, which provides maps, visitors guides, explanations of guidelines for oceanfront ceremonies and a list of attractions to experience in the area. “The money trickles down to hotels, restaurants, even to the North Carolina Education Lottery, because people want Spring 2020

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

to buy a lottery ticket,” Baca says. “Everybody benefits, and we’re glad to be a part of it.” The most important detail, he says, is for wedding parties to create a personalized, memorable experience. Even if the experience is a bit unusual: A wedding here last fall included a four-legged “ring barker” named Bodie, whose people dressed his doggie self in a shirt-style white collar and blue tie. “I’ve seen a ton of everything, and maybe that’s why I’m not surprised by anything,” he says. Baca owns two dogs and emphasizes that Warehouse 1856 is pet-friendly. Wedding parties usually spend between

$3,500 and $4,000 to rent his space, Baca says, noting that within a four-block radius, guests will find about any other to-do item — shopping, nightlife, dining, attractions — to add to their weekend. “My advice to give to couples is to do the research and compare all the options,” Baca says. “Find a venue that fits your needs and allows you to have the wedding you want without all the rules and restrictions. “Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting, and we are here to help every step along the way. We’re always trying to improve service and anticipate our guests’ needs so they will have a flawless and beautiful celebration.” 

Look into it! Warehouse 1856 15 S. Water Street, Wilmington (910) 297-6526 thewarehouse1856@gmail.com warehouse1856.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Spring 2020

Business Profile BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

PHOTOS BY MATT MCGRAW

Bianchi Brickyard Supply, Inc. & Mulch & More Merger

hen two distinct and successful companies occupy similar market spaces and share the same mission to over-deliver the highest quality and variety of products and services to their customers, merging seems like a natural evolution. And that’s just what the owners of Mulch & More and Bianchi Brickyard Supply, Inc. decided to do. Mulch & More in Winnabow is a one-stop landscape supply company for both homeowners and professionals, offering a full range of products from mulch and pine straw to aggregates and decorative stone to topsoil, sand and irrigations supplies. The business was established more than 15 years ago, and when Jason Graver purchased it two years ago, he doubled Mulch & More’s footprint and grew the business by 100 percent year over year by increasing the products carried, adding an on-site plant nursery and expanding the decorative stone selection. In its current capacity, Graver says “I felt like I had taken the business as far as I can take it,” so he approached Mark Bianchi about purchasing Mulch & More. For nearly 50 years, David and Julie Bianchi turned D.L. Bianchi’s Construction Co. into a well-respected business focusing on general masonry and brick construction, first operating in 1971 in Buffalo, New York, and then moving to North Carolina in 1996. It was in 2001, with the help of their son, Mark, that the family decided to open up a masonry retail store — Bianchi Brickyard Supply, Inc. — in Southport. Nineteen years later, the successful business saw an opportunity to expand outside of the Southport and Oak Island area by buying Mulch & More as a turnkey business that would complement their existing landscape products and construction and outdoor materials. “Jason and I have been working together for a couple of years, helping each other with different products,” says Bianchi. “I’ve 100

North Brunswick Magazine

always seen an opportunity in that area.” The acquisition will allow Bianchi Brickyard Supply to compete more effectively in the northern end of Brunswick County and add more value to customers by offering a wider variety of conveniently located construction products in the area. Mulch & More will remain as it is — Graver will continue to manage the business, and his team will stay in place. “I see a great amount of value with him running it,” Bianchi says. Graver spent the last two years building solid brand awareness for Mulch & More as a reliable, consistent, individualized customer experience. “From the customer’s standpoint, they’ll still experience the same outstanding level of customer services from both businesses,” Graver says. “We’ll be able to offer new products that we don’t carry now — a more robust shape, size and color availability of loose stones as well as building products.” Bianchi Brickyard Supply strives to offer the highest quality products and services and build strong relationships with all of their customers, just like Graver’s approach to Mulch & More. About the merger, Bianchi says, “I’m super excited, and Jason is super excited. I love the opportunity to reach more people in this county through mulch and stone and construction supplies, and I love meeting new people.” Bianchi’s Brickyard Supply 7995 River Road, Southport; (910) 454-4445; bianchibrickyard.com Mulch & More 39 Edgewood Lane NC, Winnabow; (910) 253-7663; mulchandmorenc.com

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Business Profile

Gallery Citrine

PHOTOS BY LAURA GLANTZ

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

ome ownership comes with all kinds of new challenges, but interior decorating doesn’t have to be one of them. Wilmington has a thriving art scene and offers access to many local artists and artisans who can help make one’s home truly shine. According to Realtor Liz McKinley of Nest Realty, “Homeowners can team up with local artists to create custom spaces that are unique and truly special.” Gallery Citrine, located in downtown Wilmington, is one place where homeowners can go to purchase works by local artists like Donna Launey, who also owns Gallery Citrine. Launey spent her career as a physician before she and her husband, Patrick Tester, retired and moved from Portland, Oregon, to Wilmington in 2015. But within a year of retiring, Launey quickly immersed herself into acrylic painting classes, focusing on still lifes and landscapes in an expressionism style, which led to a second career: art gallery owner. Launey and Tester purchased the building at 17 S. 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington and got busy creating a unique addition to the Wilmington arts scene. Called Gallery Citrine, the artists’ co-op opened on August 4, 2019. Much more than an art gallery, Gallery Citrine is a trifecta for the art community. “I saw a need for a place that combined studios for working artists but was open to the public for workshops and classes, and a gallery where people could appreciate, learn about and buy art,” Launey says. The co-op is home to 11 local talented and established resident artists, including Launey, who focuses on a variety of mediums, including acrylics, oils and mixed media. Besides the resident artists, the gallery showcases works from six to 15 additional

exhibiting artists. The space also boasts a separate pottery studio and retail shop for local potters to work and sell their products. Many of the pieces on display at Gallery Citrine are one-ofa-kind and homeowners can also commission artists to create custom work. McKinley recommends homeowners “integrate local art to create an interior design that is not only beautiful but also tells a story.” Gallery Citrine is meant to appeal to a wide range of patrons, including those who might not be familiar with art or specific mediums but would like to learn. “Some people don’t visit art galleries because they feel intimidated if they don’t know a lot about art,” Launey says. “As a working gallery, the general public can come in, watch our artists at work and ask them questions in the process.” Above all, it’s a relaxing, friendly and inviting experience that Gallery Citrine strives to create for both its artists and the public. Launey created a space that is bright and colorful and embodies “a vibe that is joy, light and creativity.” Gallery Citrine is open to the public Friday through Sunday or by appointment and is part of the 4th Friday Gallery Walk. Liz McKinley, Nest Realty 990 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington nestrealty.com/wilmington Gallery Citrine 17 S. 2nd Street, Wilmington gallerycitrine.com

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 7135 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28411  1113 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401

N E T W O R K

Ameritas • BCBS • Federal Employee Plan • State Employee Plan • Cigna Dental • Delta Dental • Military Retiree Plan • Guardian

Mark E. Bufalini, DMD, MD Michael S. Booth, DDS

218153 cofsc insurance ad-nbm/sbm.indd 1

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D E N TA L

P L A N S :

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Medicaid

•

Medicare

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MetLife

•

TriCare (active duty)

•

United Concordia Participating Dental Networks:

•

DenteMax

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Connection Dental

Wilmington, Jacksonville & Whiteville www.carolina-surgery.com

910.762.2618

6/5/18 4:51 PM

Enhancing Enhancing Enhancing the the the quality quality quality ofoflife oflife lifefor forfor all all all residents residents residents Enhancing the quality life for all residents by leading and advancing the economic development of our area and promoting business activity

. . . that's our mission! Business Expo Leland Under the Lights Car Show Bikes, Boots & BBQ Veteran’s Day Breakfast Quarterly Mail Out to All Members Monthly Business After Hours

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTOS BY JASON FRIZZELLE

SNIPPETS

Wilmington Symphony Beethoven 15K & 5K ď&#x20AC;ŻThe seventh annual Beethoven Run took place on January 12 in Brunswick Forest. Participants ran through picturesque areas on paved running trails, over small wooden bridges and through a nature area within the Brunswick Forest community. This race consisted of a 15K, a 5K and a Doggy Dash 1-mile Fun Run. The after party and awards ceremony took place inside the fitness center and featured snacks, adult beverages, sports drinks and water. Beethoventhemed awards and prize drawings also occurred at the after party. This annual event was presented by Josh London of State Farm Insurance and proceeds benefited Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and its youth education programs.

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Healthy, confident smiles make

a difference

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT...MAKE YOUR SMILE MEMORABLE.

BRACES FOR ALL FACES

AND INVISALIGN CASES

PLATINUM INVISALIGN PROVIDER

WWW.CHERUBSMILES.COM NOW OPEN IN LELAND! (910) 371-2323 BRACES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS INVISALIGN® PREMIER PROVIDER GUIDED FACIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT TREATMENT OF TMJ DISORDERS COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION, NO CONSULTATION, PREFERRED PROVIDER FOR MOST REFERRAL MAJOR INSURANCE NECESSARY COMPANIES

Offing Dance Claes for ages 18 months through adults!

Me & My Shadow, Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Pointe, Lyrical/Contemporary & Acro for children. Barre Fusion, Tap, Latin & Ballroom classes for Adults

Registration for Homeschool Age children, Me and My Shadow and Adult class sessions happening now!

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North Brunswick Magazine

FACES & PLACES

2020 ATMC Scorpion Athletic Hall of Fame Reception

Andrew Jenkins, Jr., Randy Fennel, Dalphaine Jenkins and Jacqueline Jenkins

Alexis Jenkins and Randy Fennel

Clarence Brown and Randy Fennel

Dr. Steve Sullivan

Brittney Lehrschall

North Brunswick High School Students

Wes Kidd, Lynne Baldwin, Braeden Baldwin and Brandon Tholen

Ryan Huffman, Randy Fennel and Mark Ellenberg

Gary Baldwin and Randy Fennel

Nelson Best and Randy Fennel

Ashley Pellom

Samuel Pellom, Sr. and Randy Fennel

PHOTOGRAPHY: BILL RITENOUR

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Take Your Falls and More to Today’s Care–Leland! Wilmington Health Today’s Care is here for non-emergency issues like allergies and infections, abrasions and bruises, colds and flu, and even sprains and pains. Our team treats patients of all ages, and walk-ins are welcome!

Today’s Care is open 8 am-8 pm daily! Plus, our Leland office is home to primary and specialty care: Family Medicine Internal Medicine Pediatrics

Endocrinology Foot & Ankle Gastroenterology

Orthopaedics Urology Vascular Surgery

Today's Care–Leland 9101 Ocean Highway East, Leland wilmingtonhealth.com

910.371.7695

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1/21/20 10:32 AM

Longer Days Outside are Right Around the Corner Get your landscape ready for moments they’ll always remember

TurfMedicNC.com 910.769.2818

Lawn Care 108

Horticulture

North Brunswick Magazine

Landscape Management

Turf Medic Lawn & Landscape, Inc. Email: info@turfmedicnc.com

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Annual MLK Celebration in Southport

mid-October at Belville Elementary School contained the highest total amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) out of 44 metropolitan areas tested. To put the result in context, a sample collected by a state partnership in May 2019 contained more than twice as many total PFAS measured compared to the October 2019 sample in this study. The EWG study puts PFAS levels in Brunswick County in perspective on a national level. Brunswick County Schools announced it would provide bottled water to students at Belville Elementary School as well as all other schools in the county’s district that request it.

Southport’s two-day Martin Luther King Celebration took place on January 19 and 20. The committee worked hard to enhance the presence and involvement of youth throughout the area. The committee amplified this effort by creating an entertaining atmosphere that was interesting, informative and inspiring for youths and adults. A Memorial March began at 3 pm at the front entrance of the Southport Fire Department. Following the march, a program was held at the Fire Station. The Master of Ceremony for the program was Jaxon Francis, an honor student and an athlete at South Brunswick High School. Music was provided by the Save Our Community Choir. The keynote speaker for the program was Sheriff John W. Ingram V of Brunswick Count. The highlight of the two-day celebration was the 26th Annual Round Table Breakfast. Held on Monday in Murrow Hall of Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Southport, the keynote speaker was Sheriff James “Clem” Clemmons, Jr. of Richmond County. He too is a native of Brunswick County.

SBHS Athletic Director Headed to the N.C. Hall of Fame

The nonprofit Lower Cape Fear Hospice has a new name and logo, reflecting its growth and additional care options offered to individuals and families in the community. The agency will now be known as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Incorporating elements of previous logos, the new logo has a more modern look and additional colors representative of the diverse communities the organization serves.

Brunswick County Schools Exceptional Children Receive $8,000 Southeast Brunswick Civitan Club presented the Brunswick County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department with a check for $8,000. The money will be used to provide support for assistive and adaptive technologies to meet the needs of students across the county. The check presentation took place at the Civitan Club meeting at Bella Cucina in Southport. In October of last year, the Southeast Brunswick Civitans donated $5,000 to the EC Department. So this school year, they’ve donated a total of $13,000 to support our Exceptional Children’s Department.

National Study Ranks Brunswick County’s Total PFAS Highest According to a new environmental study from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), one sample collected

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Lower Cape Fear Hospice Announces New Name and Logo

The athletic director of South Brunswick High School (SBHS) will be inducted into the North Carolina Athletic Director’s Association Hall of Fame in April 2020. Coach Chris Roehner at SBHS will be one of two inducted this year. He has spent 23 years at SBHS, with 20 of those years as the athletic director, and has 38 years total in education. He was also president of the N.C. Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) in 2016. The award presentation takes place on April 6 at the NCADA Conference at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.

JROTC Cadets are Headed to Regionals The North Brunswick High School JROTC Rifle Team competed in the U.S. Army JROTC 4th Brigade Best of the Best Air Rifle Championship in Lexington, North Carolina, and placed first against 17 other teams. They finished with a score of 2,097. The winning Scorpion team members are Karina Betancourt, Delaney Larson, Heidi Navarro, Nallely Miranda and Makayla Grevin. The team will now travel to Anniston, Alabama, for the Regional JROTC Championships. The Scorps have won this event six times out of the last eight years and placed second and third the two years they didn’t come in first.

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

During the Special Called Meeting on January 14, 2020, Brunswick County Schools Board of Education Members selected Draft Map Option 1 for Phase 1 of the Redistricting Process in the district. The next step is putting together the implementation plan. Details will be shared as soon as they are available. Option 1 involves the following highlights: •G ood balance of ES Utilization, with space left in Bolivia, Lincoln and Town Creek to account for future enrollment growth. •B elville ES is still near max capacity at 97.2% estimated utilization, but it gets substantial capacity relief. • I mpacts the least number of ES students of all the Options (185), but the second most MS students (331). •A ll elementary schools feed 100% into a middle school. •T own Creek MS at 60.2% estimated utilization, which gives room to grow with anticipated future students. •B us travel times shortened on average, with more students having a ride time less than 20 minutes and few students with ride times longer than 21 minutes, according to transportation consultants (Education Logistics, Inc. consultants who have worked with the state for more than 20 years for transportation matters).

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Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation Donates to Brunswick Christian Recovery Center Brunswick Sheriff ’s Charitable Foundation, Inc. selected Brunswick Christian Recovery Center to be the recipient of proceeds from their 9th Annual Charity Ball that was held on March 6, 2020. The proceeds will help this nonprofit organization with funding for their new Rose House, a recovery center for women in Brunswick County. The foundation is proud to endorse and support such a vital program. The prestigious Diamonds and Denim charity ball featured hors d’ oeuvres, a buffet dinner, wine, beer, music by the Cat 5 Band, dancing and a silent and live auction.

Little Princess Ball a Hit Yet Again The annual Little Princess Ball for girls in kindergarten through fifth grade, accompanied by an adult male role model (dad, stepdad, grandfather, uncle, guardian, or other significant male), took place on Saturday, February 15. The Little Princess Ball was hosted at two locations: the Brunswick Center at 1513 N. Howe Street in Southport and the Brunswick Center at 101 Stone Chimney Road in Supply. It was a special afternoon filled with dancing, face painting, games and much more. Little Princesses were encouraged to wear their prettiest dress, ball gown or favorite princess costume. Refreshments were provided during the event, and each girl took home her very own tiara. The Little Princess Ball was sponsored by CIS of

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brunswick County School Phase 1 Redistricting Vote

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Leland Police and Fire Team up with Walmart to Collect Food Donations

Brunswick County and Brunswick County Parks and Recreation with support from Brunswick Senior Resources and other community donors.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Roger Bacon Academy Cheerleaders Bring Home National Titles

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Leland Police and Fire departments joined forces with Walmart for Pack the Patrol Car, an outreach initiative to collect donations for residents in need during the holiday season. Officers opened the doors to a patrol car at the Leland Walmart on December 6 to allow shoppers, residents and visitors to stock the vehicle with non-perishable food items for Brunswick Family Assistance. The Leland Fire Department encouraged residents to “Stuff a Truck” with canned and dry goods as well. Monetary donations were also accepted by an onsite Brunswick Family Assistance representative. Pack the Patrol Car was launched in Leland in 2017, when Walmart management and local public safety officials decided to work together to achieve a common goal — helping out neighbors in need. Roger Bacon Academy (RBA) Viking Cheerleaders returned victorious once again from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, after dominating the 2019 Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships. Five teams of students in eight categories ranging in age from 7 to 16 spent the week of December 9 in practice and competition. This culminated in their final competition performances of the season, broadcast live on ESPN3. This marks the team’s sixth National Champion title in seven years and their fourth consecutive win.

North Carolina Treasurer Visits Charter Day School Charter Day School was thrilled to host North Carolina Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA1. Treasurer Folwell spoke to Charter Day School’s fourth grade about resilience, ethics and persistence. He was keen to point out that every student can succeed no matter their background.

Coupon may be redeemed at any Brunswick County Habitat. Coupon cannot be combined with any other coupon, sale, or offer. Excludes mattresses and other exclusions may apply

Volunteers are always welcomed at our ReStores! Helping hands are needed in retail sales or receiving.

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VARIEGATED FRITILLARY BUTTERFLIES PUT ON A SPECTACULAR DISPLAY AS THEY FEED ON NATIVE BUTTERFLY WEED.

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North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY TERESA KRAMER

BREATHING SPACE

ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser

Phone# Page#

Advertiser

Phone# Page#

4ever24fit..........................................................................................910-399-4760 96

Katie’s Art & Frame....................................................................... 910-408-1757 54

AA Self Storage............................................................................ 910-408-1600 60

Kinderstop..........................................................................................910-408-1888 98

Aesthetic Dentistry........................................................................910-371-5965 17

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark.......................................................910-363-1682 106

Art Catering & Events.................................................................910-755-6642 30

Leland Ace Hardware..................................................................910-383-6688 80

ATMC.......................................................................................................844-755-1814 65

Leland Christian Academy.......................................................910-371-0688 47

Austin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery....................................910-769-1605 59

Leland Veterinary Hospital...................................................... 910-371-3440 14

Bianchi Brickyard Supply...........................................................910-454-4445

Livingston Creek Farms.............................................................910-655-4333 65

42, 100

Bill Clark Homes...............................................................................910-550-1167 72

Local’s Tavern...................................................................................910-769-1289 52

Bleu.........................................................................................................910-579-5628 78

Lockwood Folly Country Club................................................ 910-842-5666 78

BlueWave Dentistry.......................................................................910-383-2615 BC

Luxe Home Interiors Waterford...........................................910-371-0464 85

Brodee Dogs.......................................................................................910-523-5121 65

McNeil & Co. Interior Design.................................................. 910-799-7994 IBC

Brunswick County Dept. of Social Services......................910-253-2112 110

McPherson’s Acme General..................................................910-655-4006 59

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity.........................910-338-3648 111

Mulch & More...................................................................................910-253-7663

Brunswick Forest........................................................................... 855-983-9581 15

New Hanover Regional Medical Center.......................... 910-342-3400 IFC

Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital...............................910-777-2107 33

Niche. Décor & Gifts.....................................................................910-769-8839 88

Cassian Films....................................................................................919-267-0242 26

Nicole Bray Interiors.......................................................................919-221-3441 98

Capeside Animal Hospital.........................................................910-383-2100 47

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce..................... 910-383-0553 104

42, 100

CapTel.................................................................................................. 866-545-4012 101 North Brunswick Chiropractic ................................................910-371-1200 70 Carolinas Oral and Facial Surgery.........................................910-762-2618 104

Novant Health.......................................................................................910-721-437 19

Cherubini Orthodontics............................................................... 910-371-2323 106

Paul Whitehead - Allstate..........................................................910-338-5686 98

Clean Eatz Express.........................................................................910-769-5414 52

PC Solutions.......................................................................................910-371-5999 54

Coastal Dance.................................................................................. 910-833-8308 106

Pinnacle Storage ...........................................................................910-408-1394 31

Coastal Insurance...........................................................................910-754-4326 81

PODS....................................................................................................910-452-0322

Coastal Integrative Health....................................................... 910-755-5400 5

Port City Events Planner...........................................................910-599-9595 88

Coastal Spine Institute............................................................... 910-356-6100 47 P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille.....................................................910-399-6808 12 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage................................. 910-371-1181 9

Purple Onion Cafe..........................................................................910-755-6071 30

CommWell Health..........................................................................877-935-5255 54

Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC....................................................... 910-383-3610 74

Complete Dental Leland..............................................................910-663-1223

RJB Tax Associates, LLC...........................................................910-338-3001 80

Computer Warriors.......................................................................910-216-9399

Robert G. Merz, CPA, P.C...........................................................910-383-6644 12

Curley Implants & General Dentistry.................................910-463-2267 4

Sandpiper Pediatrics...................................................................910-207-0777 102

Dead Crow Comedy......................................................................910-399-1492 102

Sean Skutnik, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage....910-279-1016 70

Dwelling Place Interiors...............................................................910-859-1165 101

Seidokan Karate..............................................................................910-616-7470 101

Elevate...................................................................................................910-434-6815 92

Signature Wealth Strategies................................................... 910-371-0366 14

EmergeOrtho..................................................................................910-332-3800 6

Smithfield’s Chicken N Bar-B-Q............................................ 910-371-6900 11

Farm Bureau Insurance.................................................................. 910-371-2111 102

Swell Vision Center......................................................................... 910-408-1116 78

First Bank............................................................................................910-383-3955 32

Thalian Association Community Theatre..........................910-251-1788 96

Four Seasons Dry Cleaners......................................................910-859-8394 96

The Bluffs.......................................................................................... 910-383-2820 28

Franklin Rouse - State Farm Insurance..............................910-371-5446 60

Tina Lee Massage Therapist & Health Coach.................910-233-5615 98

Gallery Citrine............................................................................................................... 103

Tropical Smoothie Café...............................................................910-765-1144 92

Go Store It............................................................................................ 910-371-2331 104

Troy Williamson - On Q Financial..........................................910-262-2613 92

Holmes Security Systems..........................................................910-793-4181 72

Trusst Builder Group..................................................................910-371-0304 36

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries.............................................910-371-2707 70

Turf Medic...........................................................................................910-769-2818 108

Infinity Custom Cabinets.......................................................... 910-859-8299 7

UPS Store............................................................................................ 910-383-1401 72

Intracoastal Realty Corporation............................................910-201-2200 13

Wilmington Health..........................................................................910-371-7695 108

J & K Home Furnishings............................................................ 843-249-1882

20 & 21

Wilmington Jewish Film Festival...................................................................... 30

Jason Krause - Allstate...............................................................910-338-5686 98

Wine & Design.................................................................................910-399-7874 59

Josh London – State Farm Insurance.................................910-383-1303 60

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

PIER AT RIVER RUN PLANTATION PHOTO CAPTURED BY LINDA BONSKOWSKI BAKE ME A CAKE AS FAST AS YOU CAN PHOTO CAPTURED BY SUSAN HAZZARD

Have you captured the moment? If so, email your photos to capture@northbrunswickmagazine.com. 114

North Brunswick Magazine

We design your home to tell your story.

INTERIORS

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Life is better with a healthy

Life-changing. Patient-centered. Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry.

David Vurnakes, DMD Chad Biggerstaff, DDS, PharmD

1300 S. Dickinson Drive

In the Villages at Brunswick Forest Call and schedule your appointment today

910.383.2615

BlueWaveDentistry.com

"BlueWave is an amazing dental office for the whole family! I’m the world’s worst patient because I’m so nervous to even just get my teeth cleaned but they are the most gentle and caring team. When I first started going, I would schedule every appointment so my husband could go with me but now I can even get my teeth cleaned all by myself! I recommend anyone especially in the Leland and Brunswick county area to visit this office. You will not be disappointed!” - Julie Ashcraft Actual BlueWave Dentistry Patient